Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1889-05-03
NEARLY A TRAGEDY.
Suffering from the Misdeeds Of a
Twin Brother.

"Just one more errand, ana then home y
II was a careless speech enough, anC
Sophie Wiltbank's voice was indifferent IN
tone, but her eyes, large dark eyes full OF
expression, scanned her companions face
closely.
She knew we'll that this one last errand
was the only aim and object of that drive,
though they had visited many stores and
purchased quantities Of goods.
She hoped Grace would ask her where
they were going, help her to draw down a
blow upon her COUSINS heart, that she must
give, and which she would yet have given
her own life almost to avert. But Grace
was day-dreaming apparently, looking
out upon the village streets, as the carriage
drove toward the suburbs. So Sophie tried
again.
"Are you very tired" she asked.
mo, indeed l was thinking Of Ernest"
Here was an opening, with vengeance.
"Of Mr. Copeland He will be back
soonIn
II do not know. HIS brother is dying.
Who can tell how soon or how late he may
come. Father heard in the city that Mr..
Gerard Copeland is very rich. Perhaps
Ernest may have business to arrange for
HIM. For" with shy, pretty blush,
you know Mr.. Ernest Copeland is not very
rich"
$50 have heard Oracle" and Sophie's
voice trembled, ''do you love him very
muchl"
"Why, Of course do" the blue eyes now
very wide open. "Are we not TO be mar
ried in Septemberi"
"But-if-any thing should prevent"
"What can happenl 1t is August now"
Then the carriage stopped.
ain moment, john" Miss Sophie said, |
and John stood aside. But Sophie, laying |
one little gloved hand upon Grace's, said,
earnestly:
"Grace, you know that love you, don't
youF
"Yes, know it, Why, Sophie, what als
you'll"
"You know would rather hurt myself
than hurt youl"
IL believe you would. What is it1"
She was trembling then, and all the pret-
ty pink flush faded from her lovely face,
for Spohes eyes were misty, her lips Quiv-
aring.
&c Come and see," Sophie said. "And,
darling, forgive me that must show
'oup ;,,,...,
She sprang out OF the carriage and Grace
ollowed her. Two pretty maidens they
we're, the daughter and the niece of the
'reat mill-owner, Joseph Wiltbank Grace
vas his only child, Sophie, the orphaned,
enniless child of his brother. ;
Grace's lover lived in the great city, where
ne cousins often spent some of the winter
lonths with their aunt, in a fashionable
oardlnghouse In one of the in formal social
atherings, to which they were invited,
trace had met Ernest
And Sophie, heart-whole, loving Grace n, v
ct above any one else on earth, thought of
I'LL as she led the way across tiny gar
EN- TO mean little cottage, where a woman
TODD In the doorway, holding some sewing l.
her hand. Two boys, of three and five.
ere playing in the garden. 5
"Good afternoon, Mrs Copeland" Sophie h
nd, very quietly, but watching Grace brace
erself as she heard the name. "Is the
'wing donel" ii
"Well, no, miss, not all OF it, have two a
tirts done" II
II promised to bring my cousin to see IL
10 had any work you could do.n
'Walkin," Mrs, Copeland said el
Ana Grace, following Sophie, entered the h
tie parlor' A cry rose to her lips, but Ii
10 sa 9, hastily; ="
81 sprained my foot" and sat down. just
SOPHIE prepared to catch her If she fell u
10 could still seooyer the mantel-nisce a -
avon head OF Ernest Copelandl T Tp'
She saw that Sophie meant TO draw tho %!
oman's attention from herself. III
Il think you told me you were not a wild. u
- Sophie said. pc
NO miss. My husband deserted me. l III III
IS poor girl. without education, and he ~
u gentleman. But believed in his love
we were very happy till last winter
en- he changed, and one day he gave me Is
nc money to keep for him, quite sum, sti
i Went away. He never came back, but M
wrote TO me never To expect to see him ''
hn' The money lasted till now, but il is
ie, hoped could get work at the mill. l.,
t.s cheaper living in the country; so sia Ia,
NO nere nut IN nots strong enough for or -.
mill work, and It does not bring enongh or
lay Tor some ono to watch the children: Is
1 put Out that sign" pointing to neat Dr
fuon which was painted the legend: $40
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