The Iola register., 1891-04-17

her awful loss. The hideous curse
the burning disgrace of her life-sht
must hold the red hot brand to he
heart without tear, and strove t,
smile while covering up the ashes.
DIED.-on the 10th instant at her residenc
on Chapman Common, OF brain fever, Mrs
Harriet Allen Burton, widow of George Bur
ton. Esq, in the 40 year of her age.
SO said the London papers, weeb
after Frank Danes departure. The
public read. and believed, and com
miserated the lonely orphan, and only
the grim physician, who had shared
Jessie's struggle during that terrible
week, knew that family tragedy haC
been hushed up in that seemingly opeu
announcement. Jessie nad been Iorceu
TO trust DR.. Elton almost against her
will. He had loved her once and had
sued for her hand, with all the elo.
quence of which he was capable; but
Jessie shrank from the fire of his steel.
gray eyes and the hard lines about his
mouth. She feared him, and, fearing
him. she had to trust him, because she
dared not send for a stranger, and
have the story of her mothers weak
ness noised over the town.
DR.. Elton was very grim and very
quiet. His grasp upon the delirious
woman was as firm and rs cold as iron;
his directions to Jessie brief and to the
| point. But human skill was poWerless
! to save Jessics mother; and so she died,
| and was buried and the world wonder
ed and went its way, and she was for
! gotten.
A month went by. Jessie took a
/ housekeeper, and lived lonely life.
| For in her dreams she saw aud heard
! nothing of Frank Dane, and even DIR.
Elton stayed away for a time. But
one day he came to her, aud taking
the chair she indicated, sat down.
II came to present my bill, Miss
Jessie; you are of age. of course and
see no obstacle in the way of pay
, mentP"
None" said Jessie, quietly; II can
pay you for your time all you choose
to ask; but money could never pay you
for that which keeps the world from
knowing all you know"
He bowed.
Jessie" he said, II will take no
payment from you. BY one act you
can cancel all you owe me, and make
my silence yours of right and not of
courtesy"
She looked at him; his steel-gray
eyes pierced her thoughts, and she
shrank away. covering her burning
face with her hands.
You want'-she began, huskily;
and he finished.
Il want you. Once before l sued
for your love vainly. This time | sue
for your hand. without your love.
That, | know, has been thrown away
upon one who does not value it; but
after you are my wife | can easily
chain your wandering fancy. What
say you, Jessie9 viii you be my wife?n
Il can not, DIR. Elton-I can not"
"You can. Jessie-you will. Let
me put this engagement ring on your
finger. Once it is there respect for
your mothers memory will make it
light"
IF you please. Miss Jessie, here is
gentleman to see yOu," and the house.
keeper ushered in Frank Dane.
DR.. Elton seized her hand, pressed
the ring upon her finger and whisper
ed, You are the price of my silence
remember"
Jessie flushed scarlet as Frank Danes
eyes met hers; then she drew the ring
from her finger and laid it on the table.
Il have told you," she said, in clear, |
cold tones "that will not wear it,"
DO you dare to refuse me, Jessie?
Know what know"
"Pitiful coward" she said scorn-
fully, ITO threaten a woman! Mr.. Dane,
may / ask YOU to show that man to the
dOor?n
DR.. Elton caught up his hat. Jessie
paled before the flash of his eye as he
turned to Frank Dane.
Before | 20, Mr.. Dane. permit NE
to inform you that the mother of the
fair lady who loves you was an habit
ual tippler, and that she died of de-
lirium tremens while under my care.
Should your pity tempt you to console
the fair one, remember that the old
saying: Like father. like som is easily
made Like mother, like daughter and
tremble for her future
.
Il have long loved Miss Burton, and
respect her all the more for her devo-
tion to her mother. l have travelled
night and day since | heard of her
sorrow to reach her side. have known
her mothers malady longer than you,
and am not all afraid to trust my
happiness in the keeping of so faithful
a daughter. | wish you good EVENING"
and Frank Dane opened the door
and stood aside to let the discomfted
snitor pass out.
When he came back he said: Jessie,
will you wear my ring?" and when he
put it on it was not removed.
"Oh, Frank she whispered, Il
have suffered BITTERLY
Il know it, dearest, for | saw You
suffer once when it almost broke my
heart to 20 off and leave you; but /
hoped that you would suffer less if !
we're gone. especially as l feared you
did not love me. Now it is all past
Tou will never suffer more"
What did DIR. Elton do? He had the
yood sense to hold his tongue, and
made up for his silence by sending
tIrs. Frank Dane bill at which even
liberal Frank opened his eyes very
wide. 1t was paid without a murmur,
and soon after the doctor married
rich widow. None, however, was ever
heard to envy Mrs. Elton; but plenty
Of people quote Mr.. and Mrs. Frank
Dane as a model couple, and her
mothers name is never mentioned in
her presence save with tenderness aud
Y. World.
Hen and Kittens.