Wichita eagle., 1888-03-03

Lucas Gannithorne at Gamble Manor for
govt. had counted upon this; though,
had he been at home, my friend and col
league, | make no doubt, would have
caught a peculiar twinkle in his wife's
eyes-or have practiced the art Of divina.
ton for himself-and have remembered
neglected call.
am not going to enter into details. Let
it suffice that l offered my hand to Mrs.
Bristowe-my heart was hers already
and was refused. But she admitted that
to some extent she reciprocated ny feel
ings of regard and affection; whereupon /
plucked up courage to inquire into the
reasons of her decision.
During the course of the conversation
that ensued between US, it was borne in
upon me more and more that Margaret
was the girl who had suffered so crushing
a discontinue in the jewelers. shop at
Renford. was determined in some way
to have this question resolved before wish
ing her farewell But she forestalled my
purpose.
''Our acquaintance has been agreeable
to me also, l confess" she said. Have
you any idea, Mr.. Bruton, that it was not
in this room that we met-or rather were
thrown into accidental proximity for the
first or the second time?"
/ started at these last words. Was
Margaret the yelled lady of the railway
platform? Il must acknowledge that |
am prepared to hear it, I answered.
Our eyes met, and there was the bond
henceforth of mutual understanding be-
tween US. But how full of hopeless pain
was Margaret's glance! And then, bit by
bit, she confided to me the story, which,
in her view, constituted an fnsurmount-
able obstacle in the path Of my happiness.
She had prodigl brother, who had only
escaped condign punishment for his mis-
demeanors by opporsune disappearance.
The burden Of vicarious shame lay heavy
on her soul, and she most resolutely pur-
posed to bear the load alone.
1--WE know nothing of Jacks where
abouts or mode of life now" she said:
land it is my daily dread that some new
disgrace may yet come upon Us. l will
not expose another TO this irksome risk
Ny temerity surely transgressed the
bounds of courtesy. But you married
Mr.. Bristowe?' said.
The delicate oval features were mantled
with vivid blush, and l construed the
sign as chiefly one Of anger. 1t had
very different and, for me, less awkward
explanation.
Poor Dick! / will not say one harsh
word of him. she murmured. But
did not-girl as l was-care for Dick as
woman ought to care for the man she
marres. He was my fathers choice for
me, and he had knowledge of my
brothers escapades, which we wished
buried in silence"
''And you were the sacrifice
There was no denial. IF Jack would
come home and reform, father would for
give him even the affair of the jewels
You saw me try TO sell the sham ones.
wickedly and cleverly put in the place of
the real gems, Margaret murmured. sit
was a cruel trick, for money was wanted
then. Father was i'll, and there were
Jacks other defalcations to make up.
thought saw my brother once in uniform,
as common soldier, but probably was
mistaken. 1t was at a railway station"
And l was there, toO:'
Yes
1t was the opportunity for giving an &C
count Of Private Eastleigh and of his re-
quest; and in a voice consciously vibrating
with excitement, | unburdened myself Of
the recollection.
''Dick the guilty one! And we both
were blindedr'
But, Mrs. Bristowe, can you be certain
of this soldiers IDENTIFY
Il think 500 Margaret answered
"Eastleigh was my mothers maiden
name; it was natural for Jack 10 assume
that. But, oh, tell me--what became OF
him?''
Suspense approaching agony was in the
tones. Jack Raine was loved still in
spite of his faults. l fastened to relieve
the tension.
He was much better the next morn
ing, and l believe recovered" | said.
But he was not properly in my charge.
| had duties elsewhere; and / have not
seen him since. But it is nearly GER
tainty that you saw him on the occasion
you have mentioned. If l find him for
you, and there is a reconciliation, and
Jack makes good his statement of limo
cence, of which l have no doubt-wil
you then grant me my desire, Margaret"
Sweetest of monosyllables was my girls
low Yes"
Postscript, a year after, by Mrs. Mar
garet Brutol: Amongst some old pa
pers that Frank has brought from his den
in Great Gamble, High street, TO our nest,
SO prettily named Woodbine villa, there
was the above. Frank says that as far
as he is concerned it is a complete and
veracious history, ending, as ne had Sug-
gested it might, with my reply to GER
tain question. Neracious it may be, but
complete it certainly is rot. But he is
obstinate, and refuses TO add single line
of sequel There is a spare half page,
however, and | am toiling to make good
Frank indolent neglect.
Private Eastleigh was indeed my long
lost brother. Frank had very little diff
Guilty in finding him, knowing SO well in
what quarter TO apply. Jack was ignorant
of my first marriage and Of his cousin
Dicks death. 1t seemed that pride
and mistaken notion that my
fathers resentment was implacable
kept him from communicating with
US He has now made it very
clear that he was rather siuned against
than SHINING, though he was too noble to
accuse Dick at the time. 1t was unneces-
sary TO purchase his discharge, as his time
of service was nearly expired, and he has
now settled down IL mercantile appoint
melt, sobered and Tepeltaut of his past
follies And this, and more, much more,
we owe to my self willed, provoking, no
bic hearted husband Chambers Jour
mai.