The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-01-11

"MY DEAR LITTLE WIFE-Forgive me
for going away without my good-by kiss.
I'll be home early to dinner. Got some
good news for you. You nay write Violet
that We will join the party. Will explain
more fully when l see you. Your loving
ROYCE"
Calling the Office boy, he sent him OF
with the note, just as the door opened to
admit a gentleman, who grasped Royce
outstretched hand as though he would
never let it 60.
Royce, old friend. how can / 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 chair
and rested his head on his hand. What
of Mile? 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?"
"Yes, Arthur, your wife has forgiven
you, and is, even now, on her way here. l
received 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
hNmuih hOiOt %AehuAt yOo e~NNsA>
see her alone"
Saying this, Royce left the room, and
met lady and gentleman just entering
the building.
Mile Gwendon put aside her veil as
she entered the hall and held out both her
hands. "Royce, kind friend" was all
she could say
Kent Hallett, rs he opened the outside
door leading into the big hall, saw Royce
coming forward to meet them, SO he did not
enter with Mile, but 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
AS she passed by him Kent caught a
glimpse of pair of big brown eyes, and
the sweetest ut the same time the saddest,
face he had ever seen.
1t was Elsie Lonsdale, and she entered
just as Mile Gwendon had given both her
hands to Royce. And she heard Royce
say: From now on, Millie, l hope your
life will be a 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 Halett and nearly caused him to lose
his balance and 60 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
ont. 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 a minute, Kent, he said,
hurriedly; there goes my wife, and l 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 desperate haste.
Royce waited to hear no more, but
walked rapidly down the street in the direc-
ton Elsi had taken. As he came in sight
of his home he caught glimpse of Elsies
dress as the door closed behind her.
Hurrying forward he entered and soon
stood at the door of their room. He hest
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 rs though her heart would break. "Oh,
Royce, my husband, low could you deceive
me, when l 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. l have never deceived you"
1t was soon explained. Royce told Elsie
the whole truth concerning Arthur Gwen
don and his wife. / shall not so into de-
tails here, because, for both their sakes, it
is best forgotten; and we have every reason
TO believe that their future life will be
happier one.
Esies tears were soon turned to happy
smiles, and with little exclamation of Joy
she nestled against her husband and hide
her bur ing face.
"1ly 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."