Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1888-01-12
CHAPTER Xxx.

The guests were stricken dumb with con-
sternaton by the scene they had just witness
ed Nat was the first TO recover his equanim-
ity.
$50 and call and officer at once" he said,
turning toward Sampson, "or he will escape.h
Sampson was moving hastily toward the
door, when the sharp report of a pistol was
heard in the hallway, and the next instant
Polly rushed excitedly into the apartment, ex-
claiming;
Gle has shot himself through the head
lie has fallen just outside the door. He is
dying. doctor! doctor!"
Then she tottered, and fell fainting into
SIMPSONS arms. The widest excitement
followed this announcement. Several of the
ladies swooned while some Of the gentlemen,
among whom were Nat Garyin and Judge
Lawlor FASTENED from the room. They found
Norton lying unconscious upon the floor in
the hallway, with CHASTITY wound in his right
temple, from which the blood slowly oozed.
A physician was sent for but before he arriy-
cd the wretched man had passed into eternity.
Poor Mrs Norton was completely Frustrated
with grief and humiliation. She was at once
conveyed TO her mothers house, and the next
day the remains of the man, who, prompted
by avarce and selfish ambition, had STEPPED
his soul in crime were conveyed to the grave,
unattended by single mourner. Thus ended
ANONYMOUSLY Frederick Norton's career
Ella Thorndyke sat at the open window of
Polly's unpretentious but cheerful little par
lor two DAYS subsequently to the events above
related, evidently watching eagerly for the
approach of some one along the shaded road.
The soft, balmy spring air stroked her deli
cately-tinged cheeks, and played lightly
among the tresses of her rich brown hair
| The light Of expectancy shone from her eyes,
and every trace of anxiety and sorrow had
vanished from her lovely face Presently the
sound of an approaching footstep fell upon
her ear, and few moments later Nat Garvln
walked brlskly up the garden path. Ella has
tened to the door to meet him.
81 have been watching for you for the past
hour" she said, smiling, and extending her
hand toward him.
He took it between both OF his, saying,
"Yet am here much earlier than promls-
ed TO be-"
at was kind of you to come" she respond
| ed, raising her eyes to his face.
Then may feel assured am welcomed"
| 'You are always welcome"
"And you aye not becoming weary OF meW
"Weary of you! How can you let such a
! thought enter your mind for one brief in
J stant!" she responded. ''Are you not my
best, my truest friendr
"And would you miss me very much II I
should go awayl" he inquired.
"NIiss your she exclaimed, with slight
tremor in her voice. II should be very UNI
happy 1t would make me sad to part with
Won now"
ii s eyes frightened.
ELLA" he exclaimed, drawing her closer to
! him, you call me your truest friend, yet l
crave something more than friendship.
/ want your love. new life is opening before
you Can you enjoy that life alonel Let me
be your protector I ask priceless Gift of
you-your heart. Speak--your answerl"
Placing both her hands in his, she looked
up into his noble face, and said
~ cannot give that which is no longer
mine. You possess my heart already"
lie folded her IN his arms and imprinted
warm kiss upon her brow,
"Thank Heavcnl" hc said; "thc dark night
is past, dearest, and the sun shines brightly
for us both again"
81 am very, very happyp she said, resting
her head upon his breast with n sense of
peace aud security. GLOW thankful should