The Press., 1891-02-19

strS1gers spreSent, ladies ana gentlemeH. The former did not impress her favorably, and the latter seemed rather demonstratlve in their devotions to the fairer sex. MT. Wilyerton made her uncomfortable, more over, with his persistent attentions, and altogether she was not sorry when Mrs. Leighton proposed returning home. They went early, and most of their particular set followed in their wake-those, at least, who had not gone before.
 Very little conversation passed between MT. and Mrs. Alison that night-very llt- tie for some days thereafter. He consld- cred himself justly agrieved, and was 1n- dignant accordingly She felt herself in the wrong, was too proud to own 1t, and was miserable in consequence.
 Meanwhile the whispers against the Wilvertons increased in number and inn portance It began to be generally con ceded that there was something wrong about them; and people who had taken them up on trust were gradually drop ping their acquaintance. Mrs. Alison, however, prided herself on being no sum- mer friend, and her intimacy with the Wilvertons seemed in no wise diminished; seemed, say, for she was growing to dis like them both, as she saw more and more of them. Mrs. Wilverton's dashing ways seemed coarse now. and no words could tell now SflC was SAo"ihS oO AoeScAO oAAS man who grew more bold and outspoken in his admiration of her each day.
 But the end was very near.
 MT. Alison came up to dinner one even ing in a half subdued tremor of excite ment.
 Maud, dear,' have news for you," he said, striving to speak calmly, but failing signally in the attempt.
 Mrs. Alison looked up 8 little surprised at the ''dear'' which had fallen from his lips but rarely since that unfortunate bal, but, truth to tell, rather glad to hear it again.
 'It's about the Wilvertons. You see.' he went on hurriedly, "there's been, as you know, 8 great deal of talk about them lately-more, perhaps, than you are aware of-and people haven't scrupled to call them adventurers, if not swindlers. It seems that they are even worse than that. '
 ..What9" cried Mrs. Alison sharply. ssCriminalsl At least the man is. He was arrested this morning by detective from London, who has been on his track for some time. His very boldness in coming here and launching out in the style he has under an assumed name, and d.with all the appearance of great wealth, had thrown the police off the scent for little while but they have got him now, and he's safe for & twenty years term at Portland island at least"
 "What has he done?" asked Mrs. Alison "Perhaps you will recognize his rea name-it is Willis"-
 'The notorious bank robber?" ''The same"
 Mrs. Alison did not speak for many min utes. Then she remembered that she had been, or had tried to be- a friend to Mrs Wilverton. She could not desert her now that so terrible sorrow had fallen upor | her.
 twill you ring the bell for Lucy?" sht said to her husband very quietly. II want my bonnet and shawl. l am going to set Mrs. Wilverton. She ought not to be Jeff to bear this trouble alone, and know O. no one who will go to her now" l Mr. Alison stared, amazed. Even he ha( never realized half the real nobility tha' | despite her faults was inherent in hi. 1 wife's nature. She had risen now, ant was standing very pale and still by th' table. He went to her and put his arm! | around her and drew her head down to hi breast.
 "My noble Maud, i" was all he said.
 She chung to him sobbing.
 nOh. Fred, you do forgive me for treat ing you so badly the other night?" sh pleaded. ''I m so sorry now.
 q need forgiveness, too, darling, for hay ing been sullen. .n} he answered earnestly "and we will 10th forget and forgive Shall it not be sds''
 She lifted her face and kissed him softly And poor Mrs. Wilverton, Fredi Will you not go with me to see herr I do no like her really, though I have tried to but cannot leave her to bear this alone. :" MT. Alison held his wife in a close clasp II had not told you all, dear," he said "There is no Mrs. Wilverton, or Willis, a her name would be if she had any right t. | bear the name of the man she has ivet with all these months, and who, if report say true, ruined himself and committed the robbery to gratify her extravagant de mapds," "Fredp' and Mrs, Alison face grew yer. pale, "you don't mean that she'--
 "Was not his wife" he answered sternly l It was 8 severe lesson, not only to Mrs Alison, but to the people of Bolton wh' had admitted these persons into their so ciety without question, simply because o the lavish display of wealth they made and it is safe to say thoroughly effectua one.
 Moreover, there are few differences o opinion between MT. and Mrs. Alison now adays. She is more willing to take hi opinion of people as correct one, and h. has learned his wife's heart too well not t trust her motives always. if he sometime doubts her judgment.-New York World