The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-05-01

already in this matter. I'm done with her.
My aflianced wife forgives my foolishness, and
henceforth | devote myself TO her and her
alone" So saying he attempted to take Miss
MortOns hand; but she withdrew it and
motioned him TO be seated at some distance
from her.
1T is necessary" said Abigail still in calm,
judicial tone of voice, that / should explain
to you who this girl, Clara Romaine, is"
Il can't see the necessity" he exclaimed.
"1m not interested in her birth, parentage,
and education"
you ought to be-since you have taken so
keen an interest in her"
Only temporarily" he replied cnrtly.
That's what father and / have been trying
all along to sh ield her from-some mans TAX
ing temporary interest in her. We have long
known that that sad accident happened to her
mother, who was quite as pretty rs Clara IS
and il was that first temporary interest which
ruined the poor creatures whole life, aud made
her die drunken vagrant before she was 26
years old"
MY gracious !" exclaimed Clara, with n GER
tain amount Of grief discerniblo in her voice
and on her features. These terrible details
were new to her.
"Clara no doubt has thought us strict. but
we have been so only in her own interest"
"Of course-of course" acquesced Chapman
I've nothing against Clara-in fact | rather
ilht ftE.-nuI an yOut Cau bGb bliab ouO hNSbo :"
tight rein"
" The present runaway is due, in part to my
own lack of care or so ] greatly fear, re-
turned Abigail. In sending this giddy girl
to young man with letter, l did wrong-l
looscnGd the rein" Once more she drew pit
iful sigh. But, then" sho went on" thought
/ could trust the man"
=" You can, you can." he cried, rising from his
chair and again approaching her; again
swear to you. Abigail-but where is your faith
er? can talk 10 him, rs man TO mani can
convince him-ho will understand
Father, like myself, has no desire TO go be-
yond the circumstances which appear upon tho
surface in this matter" she interrupted. You
and Clara have been seen at various places to-
gether by people who live nj Thebcs. They
told father of il, and that's what brought him
to Stockton to day-to make inquiries.
"AN AFFAIR OF THIS KIND"
however innoccntly conducted, would scarcely
be overlooked in the richest. best known and
most respectable young lady in the village;
while with sort of bound girl Of bad parent
age, like Clara, il would, If not rectifcd cast q
stigma that would blight her whole life. Lit
tie as Clara appreciates our care other, we look
upon her as legacy from my precious mother,
and will shield her from harm in every way
that is in our power-let the personal sacrifice
he what il may"
I've done her no harm," said Chapman,
doEgedly.
q I'm glad OF it." returned Abigail. Z" have
made such arrangements as will, trust, cause
| you 10 feel that she does you none
"All this is talking in riddles TO me-" he
! interposcd. "What is the meaning of your
! remarks?"
| Their meaning is," answered the noble
| girl, trying her uttermost 10 suppress tho tears
! that again came thronging to her soulful eyes
! 8 that after deep consideration. after conquer
! ing the demands of self after fervent prayer e
our blessed Father in Heaven, / have been
/ given the strength aud the courage 10 make
/ great resolve"
The door 10 the parlor was thrown open and
! Andrew Morton, accompanied by an aged gen
/ tlemau of digniGed aspect, entered the room.