The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1888-09-01
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him with smiling lips and tender glances
and, well, beautiful women is beautifr
woman, and'one evening in the cleaning
conquered him.
Her eyes were smiling into his, her cury
ing lips were near his own, and withou
much thought he bent his head and kisse
her.
He knew he had made fool of bimsel
The moment it was done-knew it from IN
flush that spread from brow to chin.
God knows up TO that moment n,
thought OF such ending had entered hi
mind, but standing there in the gloamina
he kne' he had committed himself I,
Maud Branksome.
Either that kiss was declaration of low,
or an insult, and so he had asked her to n,
his wife, and cursed his folly the moment
after.
suddenly from round the side of the
building came the ring of childish laughter.
as TWO little ones in sailor suits dashed
round the graveled path.
He had heard remarks about the beauty
OF the governess of the Malvern children.
and as they flew past him now, he raised
his eyes and looked at her.
A gray pallor swept over his handsome
face; he made step forward and then
drew back, the life-blood throbbing in his
veins, for Evelyn Mannering was before
him. A little paler, little thinner, but
the same fair, proud face, and clear, pure
eyes he had loved so we'll
AS her eyes met his he saw her pale-saw
the look of pain that swept over the dainty
face. She bent her head slightly, then
turned calmly away.
For moment he stood incapable of
emotion.
WAS it not bitter enough before" he
said, "without this being added?"
Even while he spoke a telegram was
laid in his hand.
Come home. Maud was thrown from
the saddle. 1t is feared she's fatally in
iured. She is calling for you. There is
she must tell you before she
dies.''
''ELLA DENVER"
Three hours later, he stood beside Maud
Denver's couch, and listened to the story
she told him.
Il knew all along that the man was
EVelyn's brother, but that she would be
silent for your sake and the sake of little
Denver Masterson. Your sister Anna was
Reginald Mannering's wife, when she
married William Masterson, or, rather, she
'elieyed herself such, though she parted
rom him at the altar, and never saw him
gain till the day she was found uncon-
cious by her husband.
but. Leigh, she meyer was fer one
moment Reggie Mannering's wife, for he
vas scamp of the first water, knew the
Whole story, for Anna told me it the even
ng before she died-told me part at last.
OF she died believing her marriage with
William Masterson illegal. 1 believed so as
veil up to three months after you and
evelyn parted, for | saw Reginald Manner
ng on his deathbed, and he gave me proofs
hat he had wife living when he went
through the ceremony with Anna.
Leigh spoke no word till she had finish
d.
my God!' he said, show have wrong
d her! For my sake she was silent. Oh,
ny darling! my darlingP
A faint smile curved Maud's lips. Even
t that moment, his first thought was
lYelyn
"Can you forgive me, Leigh? The,
hink Twill die. If lived would bc
etter woman"
u forgive you, Maud" he said, slowly
1 believe you repentant. God may spare
our life. While there is life there is
Iope."
Her eyes were looking pleadingly into
is.
"Will you kiss me once, Leigh, as a
roof am forgiven9" she whispered.
He bent his head and kissed her on the
row.
Il forgive You fully and freely. If you
I've you will be my sister as of old, Maud"
The next day he sought Evelyn, and be-
ore she realized it, his arms were around
er, his passionate kisses falling on her lips
nd brow.
"You forgive me and love me still? My
arling my daIlingW he whispered.
81 have always loved you, Leigh. My
ove could know no change"
'Our love could know no change Oh,
D oTel sweet love! my own for evermorev'
Maud Branksom did not die, but lived to
Ged man who made her queen in society.
{ brilliant life brings happiness, then
most certainly she is happy, bat certainly
ot with the great peace that crowns
lVelyn Denver's life-Evelyn, who knew
What true love meant, who could sacrifice
er own happiness for loves sweet sake!