The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-04-28


about or mode of life now" she said,
Tand it is my daily dread that some new
disgrace may yet come upon us. I will
not expose another to this irksome risk
My temerity surely transgressed the
bounds OF courtesy. "But you married
Mr.. Bristowe ?" said.
The delicate, oval features were man
tied with vivid blush, and construed
the sign as chiefly one Of anger. 1t had
very difficult and, to me, less awk-
ward explanation.
"Poor Dick will not say one harsh
word to him." she murmured. "But ]
did not-girl as I was-care for Dick as
woman ought to care for the man she
marries. He was my fathers choice ior
me, and he had knowledge of my broth.
er's escapades, which we wished buried
in silence.
Sand you were the sacrifice"
There was no denial. "It Jack would
come and reform, father would forgive
him even the affair of the jewels. You
saw me try to sell the sham ones, wick.
eddy and cleverly put in the place of the
real gems" Margaret murmured. "Ii
was a cruel trick, for money was wanted
then. Father was ill and there were
Jacks other defalcations to make up.
thought saw my brother once in uni
form as common soldier, but probably
I was mistaken. 1t was at railroad sta.
tion."
"And I was there, too p
"Yes."
It was the opportunity for giving an
account of Private Eastleigh and of his
request and, in voice consciously vi
brating with excitement, unburdened
myself of the recollection.
"Dick, che guilty one +! And we both
were blinded"
"But, Mr.. Bruton, can you be GER
tain of this soldiers identity?"
ST think So" Margaret answered. "East-
leigh was my mothers maiden name; il
was natural for Jack to assume that
But, Oil tell me-what became Of him?'
Suspense approaching agony was in
the tones. Jack Raine was loved still in
spite of his faults. fastened to relieve
the tension.
"He was much better the next morning
and I believe recovered" said. "Bui
he was not properly in my charge. I had
duties elsewhere, and have not seen him
since. But it is certainly that you saw
him on the occasion you have mentioned
II I find him for you and there is rec
onciliation, and Jack makes good his
statement of innocence, Of which have
10 doubt-will you then grant me my de-
sire, Margaret ?"
Sweetest of monosyllables was my
girls low eyes,"
Postscript, year after, by Mrs. Mar
garet Bruton
amongst some of the old papers that
Frank has brought from his den in Great
Gamble, High street, to our nest, so pref
tily named Woodbine villa, there was the
above. Frank says SO far as he is con-
cerned it is q complete and veracious
history, ending, as he had suggested it
might, with my reply to certain ques-
ton. Veracious it may be, but complete
it certainly is not. But he is obstinate,
and refuses to add single line of sequel.
There is square half page, however,
and am toiling to make good Franks
INDECENT neglect.
"Private Eastleigh was indeed my long
lost brother. Frank had very little diff
ficulty in finding him, knowing SO well
in what quarter to apply. Jack was ig-
norant of my first marriage and of his
cousin Dicks death. It seems 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 rath-
or sinned against than SHINING, though
he was too noble to accuse Dick at the
time. It was unnecessary to purchase
his discharge, as bis time of service was
nearly expired; since he has now settled
down in mercantile appointment, sob
cred and repentsnt of the past follies.
And this, and more, much more, we owe
to my self. willed, provoking, noble
hearted husband. "-English Magazine.