The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1890-01-31

the clouds of black disgrace falls
suddenly and Unexpectedly upon
him and obscure his good name.
lie is accused of d CRIME, and only
the lack of reliable evidence
against him prevents his punish
ment--impusonment Tor years IN
felon's cell-for the crime is for
gerry. What would yor do in such
ii case9 You, who surely ought to
know that the man you love is in
noccnt, but wrongfnlly accused by
some secret enemy. Would you
give him up, and when the world
turned its back upon him turn
away from him loo?o
The woman's earnest grey eyes
meet his without liiuching.
Il would love hlm just The
samew she answers, bravely. |
would stand by him, and comfort
him, and cling to him for 'hetter or
worse'-you know! On! how could
a woman who truly loved a man
turn from him in his hourof trouble
and sOrrowE
Mark Cameron's hand closed
down Ipon The trembling white
one which grasped a bunch of
water lilies.
"God bless you." he murmured
brokenly. 81 shall think of your
words, Alma, in The iuture--in all
the dark, dreary future that | must
pass alone!"
The boats keel CRATES he sand.
Doctor Cameron springs cut and
assists Miss Dane ashore, and to-
gethcr the TWO 60 down The long,
green road which follows the pretty
river in Its intricate winding. A
lovely quiet country, yet only
bali a mile away a buslIing town,
with a staring new hotel and the
usual influx of summer visitors.
Doctor Cameron had come to
Grandon a few months before, and
had opened an Office and com
menced the practice of his proies-
sion. He had made few friends
outside of his profession, and hadr
led a reserved and quiet life. Just
three months ago Alma Dane the
popular young auihoress, had come
down TO Grandon from her city
home for few weeks rest from
her literary labors, She had met
DR.. Mark Cameron, and the mis-
chief was done.
For the first time in her life Miss
Dane had learned To love with all
her heart--a love that surprised
even herself by IFS intensity. Yet
he had never spoken word OF
love to her. They walked along
down the road which led 10 the
roomy white house where Miss
Dane had secured board and, as
they moved slowly onward, speak
ing upon Indifferent topics
for something held them apart.
All ut once they came in sight of
the hotel turn-Out-an open hack !
which was coming down the road !
from the opposite direction Inside !
sat woman, lovely blonde beau
ty, in a stylish travelling suit. AT |
sight OF Doctor Cameron she smil- |
ed and bowed mockingly.
Alma glanced into his face. 1t |
was pale as death, and his lips were |
compressed. Not word |
did he utter until they reached her |
gate, then declining her invitation |
to enter, he bade her adieu and |
took his departure.
Alma went straight TO her own |
room aud sat down TO think it all |
over.
She loved hm She loved him
What was it that stood between |
them like a shadow2 For surely |
if ever a man eyes looked love in |
to a womau's face his had spoken
that night.
As she sat alone in the pale gray |
twilight there was a rap at her |
door. Ii opened, and she found |
herself face to face with a woman.
A stranger-the same woman
whom she had seen that evening |
III the hotel carriage. She bowed |
coldiy.
"You have made a mistake !"
Alma began. d
The other woman checked her
with a slight gesture.
Il have made no mistaken she
repeated, IN a firm voice. You
are Alma Dane, the writer, are you
not Z"
Alma bowed.
IL am Alma Danew she respon-
ded.
"Just so. l saw you this evening
with Mark Cameron. l thought
perhaps you might like 10 know all.
His past history should be known
by the woman who cares Tor him.
did once--I was his belrOlhed
wife -
Alma fell back a little, erasping
the back Oi a chair lbat stood near
otherwise she was calm-quile
calm.
"You see, il was in New York;
The slow languid voice OF the
woman resumed-"he was in pO-
sition of trust while he prepared
for his profession. One day some
thing went wrOnE-a check was
forged and the crime was laid al
Mark Cameron 5 door"
He never did itln painted Alma,
madly. ~He never did Itl'
The other woman smiled exas-
peraiInely.
Il did not have your blind faith