Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1888-01-12

for going away without my good-by kiss.
I'll be home early to dinner. Got some
good news for you. You may write Violet
that we will join the party. Will explain
more fully when see you. Your loving
"RoYCE."
Calling the ofice-boy, he sent him of
with the note, just as the door opened to
admit gentleman, who grasped Royce's
outstretched hand as though he would
never let it 60.
Royce, old friend, how can 1 thank you
for all you have done for me?"
"By being true to yourself in the future,
Arthur, replied Royce, earnestly.
Arthur Gwendon sank down into a chair
and rested his head on his hand. what
of Millie? Tell me about my wife, Royce.
Do you really think it possible she can for
give me, and that once more l shall clasp
her to my heart, and we begin new life
together?"
ayes, Arthur, your wife has forgiven
you, and is, even now, on her way here. i
received a letter from an old friend of
mine. Kent Hallett. this morning. She is
in his care, and will soon be here. Hark!"
as the sound of carriage wheels sounded
on the hard pavement, then stopped sud-
denly. "Remain here, Arthur; you shall
see her alone"
Saying this, Royce left the room, and
met lady and gentleman just entering
the building.
Millie Gwendon put aside her veil as
she entered tie hall and held ont both her
hands. "Royce, kind friend" was all
she could say.
Kent Hallett, as he opened the outside
door leading into the big hall, saw Royce
coming forward to meet them, so he did rot
enter with Millie, lut let her meet Royce
alone, while he remained standing on the
marble steps just at the entrance.
Almost instantly his attention was at
tracted by lady hurrying toward him
from the opposite side of the street. She
did not glance at him, however, but
pushed the heavy door open and entered.
As she passed by him Kent caught
glimpse of pair of big brown eyes, and
the sweetest, at Il e same time the saddest,
face he had ever seen.
1t was Elsie Lonsdale, and she entered
lust as Mile Gyendon had given both t!,hsl her
say: "From now on, Millie, hope your
life will be happier one."
Elsie waited to hear no more. She turned
and almost flew out of the building; with so
much haste, in fact, that she ran against
Kent Hallett and nearly caused him to lose
his balance and 90 down the steps too
quickly for comfort.
Recovering himself, he was not little
surprised to see the lady who had entered
minute before leaving in such desperate
haste and evident confusion.
Again the door opened and Royce came
out. Shaking hands with Kent, he hap
pened to glance down the street. There,
not block away, walking very rapidly. was
the familiar figure of his wife.
Excuse me n minute, Kent, he said,
hurriedly; there eo.s my wife, and want
to speak to her..
"Your wife," exclaimed Kent Hallett in
surprise; then he told Royce how the lady
now fast disappearing in the distance had
entered the door and came out again in
such daspe ate haste.
Roycc waited 70 hear no more, but
ton Elsi had taken. AS he came in sight
of his home he caught glimpse of Elsie's
dress rs the door closed behind her.
Hurrying forward he entered and soon
stood at the door Of their room. He hesi-
tated only an instant, then softly opened
the door. Elsie's hat lay on the floor, and
Elsie herself face down upon the bed cry
ing as though her heart would break. "Oh,
Royce, my husband, how could you deceive
Inc, when loved you so dearly?"
In an instant Royce had her in his arms
and was raining kisses on her neck and
tangled brown hair. Her face was turned
away from him.
ELSIE, my darling little wife, do not cry
so. have never deceived you"
1t was soon explained. Royce told Elsie
the whole truth concerning Arthur Gwen
don and his wife. shall not 60 into de-
tails here, because, for both their sakes, il
is best forgotten; and we have every reason
,O heliava that their fntura life will he n
happier one.
Elsie's tears were soon turned to happy
smiles, and with little exclamation of Joy
she nestled against her husband and hide
her burriny face.
any darling" he murmured, and his
hand caressed her wavy brown hair with
the most tender Of lingering touches, while
Elsie whispered II will never doubt you
again, my husband; never again."