The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-06-21

for your sake, better for the sake Of
those you love, better for myself, that
we part here and now. Let the past en-
gull all this mystery, mystery I dare
not explain. Forget me, forget it all.
Good-by."
You are innocent. Oh! I see 1t in
your face. I read it in your patient.
Suffering eyes. Leave you-forget your
Do you value true woman's love SO
lightly as that? Speak, Paul! conjure
you. Give me the one assurance my
torn heart Graves. Only say that you
are innocent, and, though they pile PROOF
mountain-high, I will see your brave
face shining, serene, defiant above 1t
ALL"
Paul Dalton's pale, undecided features
showed that he was suffering intensely.
Ruth" he said calmly, at last, sup
pose this man Prescott, who hates me
so, should prove that one Paul Dalton
was imprisoned for forgery, filed hide
GUS convict's cell; suppose the records
evidence it, the testimony Of others ap-
parently verifes it, and l, unable to dis
prove it, unwilling to lift the veil Of
mystery that would wreck lives hold
precious, should deny it, simply deny it,
and say to you, face to face, heart to
heart, it is cruel lie, what would you
say?"
With wild cry Of joy, OF perfect con-
fdence, the fair young girl buried her
face on his shoulder.
only say that" she breathed fer
vently, only tell me that you are inno-
cent?"
1T is true-but there all explanation
must cease. Even to you, the woman I
love, dare not explain a mystery that
links my life to gloom and doubt. My
lips are sealed"
But, surely"
"The veil will lift?-yes," spoke Paul,
bitterly. when heart Of iron wills
it-when he-no, I have said too much.
To the censor Of my fate, to the keeper
of my destiny, will make last appeal
for justice. If fail-good-by! In a
month will return, if the CALLING
chains can be unlinked."
"A MONTH" cried Ruth, shudderingly.
"Do you know what that will mean-do
you realize that my father, iron-willed,
resolute, will by that time make me the
the wife Of the man whom you and ]
know to have caused all this treuble?"
He would not press the sacrifce-oh,
surely, neverl" painted Dalton, his eyes
flashing Indignantly. He would not
doom you, his darling child, to loveless
existence. It shall not bel cannot
lose you-I will not see you bound to
wretchedness unutterable. Ruth, I will
clear up this mystery-I will stand in
nocent before the world; but if I lose
you-"
There was the interruption Of passing
pedestrians, and they crossed the grove.
Toward the distant town their feet
strayed, he talking earnestly, she cling
ing to his words and suggestions, trem-
bling, fearful, as she realized that, once
parted, once her fathers resolute will
was carried out, their future happiness
was doomed.
She sped home an hour later, a fright
ened, anxious look in her young face.
She gained the house unobserved.
innocent; he loves me. He has gone to
clear his name-to remove the stain Of
shame and mystery. When they know,
I must endure the blow. 1t was right
it was the only way; and I love him so
. Love him sol"
Affairs seemed to come back to their
usual re4tine within the course Of the
next few days. -" --''
There was Settled cloud on Farmer
Johns brow, but it was one of suspicion
and watchfulness alone, and 1t became
less dense as he seemed to be convinced
at last that Paul Dalton had left the vi
cinity for good, and that Ruth was get
ting over her foolish fancy for him.
Ralph Prescott did not worry Ruth
with either taunts or attentions.
There was q new light in the girls
eyes that he did not like-a definite con-
sciousness of security, mute defiance
that made him restless.
He was content to await the develop
ments OF the case, and they came quickly.
Farmer John was obdurate, once an
idea got into his stubborn head.
He made a long call on Geoffrey
Forsythe; he was Thoughtful, preoccupied
all one day. At eventide, as Ruth Pres
colt and himself were seated in the
eozy dining-reom, he said, abruptly:
Ruth, come here"
She had been watching the first
feathery snow flakes Of the year, she
had been thinking Of him! Guiltily,
she walked to her fathers
side.
You have always been good girl,
said Elliott, with o rude attempt at
affection. Il am getting old-circum-
stances have hurried matters. I want
to have things settled. had o talk
with your grandfather to-day. 1t is his
wish, as well as mine, that we see you
comfortably settled in life.
Ruth turned white about the lips, but
was silent.
you know how we have planned and
talked about it," pursued Elliott gently.
Ralph needs wife to make him realize
the responsibilities Of life. We have
arranged for O quiet wedding-why,
girl, don't stand as If was pronouncing
sentence on you. Speak, can't you!"
cried Elliott, angry at the right Of the
pale face and downcast eyelids.
Ruth rallied with an effort.
"You wish ME to speak, father, che
said, in O strangely constrained voice,
that somehow chilled the eager Prescott.
Il want to see some return Of affection
and obedience for all my years CT care
and kindness" replied her father in a
nettled tone. Not many girls can get a
husband that pleases all hands around,
and jump into fortune from fond, in
dulgent grandfather.
Il have always obeyed you, father,
replied Ruth, but in this-it con never
be-"
"How's that?"
Farmer Johns brow grew heavy ana