Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-05-24
then shall love. and not until then."

But l should be unworthy, II l as
summed to be what l am not. II
should be merciful toward Miss FL
bridge. not from the promptngs of
my own conscience. but with tho mo-
tive instead. of gaining favor in his
sight, l should be hypocrito. And l.
suppose there is no possibility Of the
girl being innocent" Ruth thought.
The later idea had not occurred to
her before.
And after all there was a possibility
of the girl having been wrongfully &C
cused; it might all have been some ter
rble mistake! Or, it might have been
the one temptation. the one sin
of lifetime, a moments weakness.
which had been sincerely repented and
which might yet BIO redeemed and out
lived If man were merciful.
Il will give her the benefit of the
doubt. the chance to redeem herself.
as the case may be. | will keep her
secret" Ruth decided finally
But Ruth little imagined the trial she
was yet to undergo. the fierce struggle
she would yet be compelled to wage
against the inclinatiops of her tortured
and rebellious heart.
She little guessed how, as tho days
rolled by, Theo. Darleigh's little cour-
tesies toward the beautiful young gov
erness were to arouse madness of
jealousy within her.
"He has learned to love her! and he
would have cared for me some time if
he had never met her! She has fascin-
ated him rs she fascinates every one!
Even my staid brother Is infatuated
with her. There is nothing but misery
for us all, and it would never have hap
pened had | revealed what / knew OF
her past and sent her away" Ruth
murmured bitterly to herself one even
ing as she again sat by the ivy-fra med
window. watching the rising moon
swinging like great white jewel be-
tween the bands of golden clouds.
At the moment there were hestating
steps near her. and she lifted her trou.
bled e cs to look upon the colorless
face of Miss Eldridgc.
II have something to say to you.
something to tell you Miss Avery" the
goyerness began. timidly.
81 know have forsccn it for some
time; he has asked you TO be his wife,
Ruth returned. coldly and YEARLY.
Yes; but it is not that of which
wished so much TO speak-it is OF my
pvst,' the other responded. chokinglv.
Ruth was silent
81 can not be his wife. and l am go
ing away" the governess continued.
in slow, piteous tones. And you will
tell him why-after shall be gone
after you have heard the story of my
past?"
Il know the story already" Ruth
replied, less coldly.
She was touched TO woman's quick
sympathy by the anguish of the color
less face, the entreaty Of the midnight
eyes.
You know my past and yet you
have kept silence-you have allowed
me to remain" the governess OK
claimed in wonder
Il have tried to be your friend. !"
Ruth said, family. But you are ask
ing of me now more than | can do.
You must tell him your story your
self"
There was a sound of some one ap-
preaching. and Miss Eldridge, weep
ing piteously. glided hurriediy from
the room.
The person approaching was SER
want. bringing Ruth letter.
She started as she glanced at the
poslmark and recognized the peuman-
ship. The letter was from the acquaint-
ancc who had made the terrible charge
of theft against the beautiful COVER
ness.
1t was n frivolous. chatty epistle, and
Ruth perused it indiflerentIy enough
until she reached the concluding sem
fences.
Then her face whitened and her ewes
filled with tears.
OF course you remember the lovely
fan thought was stolen" was what
Ruth read. We'll, my DEAR only the
other morning l actually found it slip
ped between the silk and lining OF the
dress | wore that day. remember
now putting it there myself. although
at the time | was sure left it on the
garden seat. hear that poor little
Miss Eldridge is with you, and if You
like you can tell her l am awfully
sorry for my stupid forgetfulness and
the unpleasantncss | caused her."
Ruth could never define her para
mount emotion OF the moment; it
might have been Indignation against
the frivolous woman who could so I'M
feelingly discuss a terrible injustice
toward an innocent girl. it might have
been gratitude that she had herself
spoken no evil Of the accused COVER
ness, and it might be mournful salts
faction that Theo. Darleigh was to be
spared pang of grief.
just then Mr.. Darleigh himself step
ped across the threshold Of the parlor.
With her sweet face flushed with
agitation and her lovely eyes dewy
with tears. she advanced to meet him.
miss Eldridge has told you? We
must prevent her going! Here is her
vindication; and oh. Theodore am so
glad for your sake" she exclaimed
TREMENDOUSLY. almost incohcrently, as
she extended the opportune letter
toward him.
Mr.. Darleigh looked myst,iieL.
IF ii is any thing concerning Miss
Eldridge which will keep her here as
your brothers wife | shall lie very
pleased" he said; "Chester is half dis.
tracted with his fear of losing her.
But do not know why you should be
particularly glad for my sake. Ruth"
"But 1 thought-oh, Theodore!
thought it was you who cared for her.