Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-03-30
CHAPTER XIII.
FOR THE OLD MANS SAKE.

Undoubtedly it was the most bitter mo
ment which had ever come into Nancy
Earles life, when she stood tightly
clasped in the arms Of the man who loved
her the man she loved, and learned the
true story Of the terrible murder which
had taken place in Walmsbury barracks;
when she learned with shame and anguish
that it was no other than the last of her
proud race who had done this damnable
and cowardly deed
She was so ashamed That was the key
note of her thong shame. only shame
Although she had not known it, she had
been proud of her faith and trust in the
man she loved-she had unconsciousy
been thrilled with delightful sense OF
pleasure in her own brave faithfuness
which could stand up. though all the
world should be against him and all the
evidence of circumstances might consplre
to do him to death. and yet say Il love
this mani believe in him-he is incapa
bic of this vile thing that is laid to his
charge
Yes, there had been something grand
and noble in her love. and she had felt
that, come what might in the after years
he could and would always feel that the
woman he loved had never wavered in her
trust of him And then. after all to find
ont that he had kept silence for her sake
and for that of the old father who had
borne his good name as a bright jewel to
be guarded and treasured, that he had
kept silence in the face of charge which
could. and most probably would, cling to
him all the rest of his life Oh it was a
bitter. bitter blow to ths girl who had been
reared in pride. and whose training had
been one of honor.
In those few minutes Of reflection she
went back over the years of the past. the
years during which she had willingly
stood on one side for her younger brother,
because he was the last of the Earles be
cause he was boy and she was only a
girl-a girl-a thing of no particular i'm
portance, and though she was an Earle
like him. yet she was an Earle who did
not count There was no thought, or
room for such in her mind of pity for
any temptation which might have led him
to do this horrible thing-she had no feel.
ing of mercy toward him OH no, only
wild. indignant sort of rage possessed her
that he should have stained and sullied
the fair name he bore. and have put upon
his living relatives q shame which they
must carry with them to the grave
She broke from the clasp of Jim's arms
and turned to the window, where she
stood looking out upon the square. speech
less from anger, and whirl of hot indig
nant thoughts chasing one another
through her mind. and at last she turned
back to where he was still standing
You must tell my father. she said.
decidedly "Yes-yes-I know all that
you would say. But | an doing what
know he would like best if he knew 1t
will be an awful blow to him, but he
would never forgive me If he found out
that had kept such thing from him.
Beautiful jim shook his head
y will not tell him." he said, firmly.
In the face Of suspicion he has trusted
me. and will not reward him in that
way. could not. my darling. even for
you"
But II he were to find out" she began
Then he never must find it out. re-
Joined Jim, firmly. Who is to tell him.
Il will. said Nancy
1t will be his death blow-it will kill
him lie has always been the best Of
fathers to you, and for the sake Of that
young" broke al ugly word of here
and substituted q milder one for IT.
THAT Young idiot would you reward him
thusf No, my child, am sure you will
sec that it cannot bel Besides, he is SO old
and VIC are young. We can wait little
for each other"
And he is to go on in his wickedness
unpunished, holding his bead as high -
be willr' she exclaimed.
jim could not help smiling Is be re-
Numbered T0mmy's piteously abiect air