The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1893-09-01
SHE HELD OUT BOTH HANDS.

You have nothing to finch from. She
asked to see you alone. l wish could
help you; but cannot"
Ida Fairbanks found Nora standing
calm and collected by the bare white
marble comfortable. But at sight OF
that desolate figure, with it's impene
trable black veil dropping in heavy
folds about her majestic form, Nora's
cornposure forsool her entirely. She
held out both hands imploringly as She
sobbed:
"You have come here to tell me that
you hate me. You have come here tc
curse me for wrccking your happiness
l could not help it! The clew was in
my hands What would you have done?'
Exactly what you did," said Ida
YEARLY She had thrown back hei
veil, and stood looking at Nora with
convulsively:
Il started with Ninette. I thought
would bring her here to plead with you
for her father; but-but-a friend met
us and insisted upon my leaving the
child with Mr.. Lorimer until had seen
you. 1t was Dennis. l have been say.
ing good-by to him-giving him up a
second timc-last time"
Why? Oh, why?"
Nora was kneeling by the arm of the
chair into which she had forced her Wis
itor. ''Surcly it is not his wish?'
NO; it is not his wish. Poor Dennis!
But do you not see how shocking it is
to be thinking of anything but--him?
CIV, ho,- Ic 70 har hna1
edly. Il am so tired of thlnking-so
tired of trying to straighten things out!'
''You wanted me to do something for
you?" Nora bent her head gently and
kissed the white blue-veined hand that
rested on the arm of the chair. MY
heart aches for you! Oh, say that you
forgive mel"
Forgive you? Do you suppose !
think you liked to do it? Oh, dear, no!
1t must have been horrible! And you
Ninettcs aunt-the 'Norrie' she loves so
dearly still. But-don't you see?-Den-
mis- must not have brother-in-law in
the penitentiary for life. l believe they
think that will be the sentence-unless
unless" She shuddered, closed her
eyes, and her head dropped heavily
back against the chair.
Nora sprang to her feet in alarm.
Ida opened her eyes slowly:
Il have not tainted. don't know
how to faint. came to ask you to do
something. l feel as if you were the
only one they would listen to. I wish
Dennis had not followed me here. His
face comes between me and Sibley.
prfnht 10 fhiy,ly Of l.,
poor boy until-untl procure his par
DON"
Pardon Nora took up the word
feverishly. "A pardon from the gov
ernor?"
Ida looked at her anxiously. eyes.
You could do it. She was your sister.
Your wishes would carry weight You
loved her ehild-his child. thought
for Ninette's sake, perhaps"
Nora laid her hand over the girls
quivering lips as softly as falling
flower petal. Poor, suffering sister, for
your sake-'
A rush of feet, shrill, childish
treble, and Ninette, held aloft in Den
mis- strong arms. was before them, fut-
tering her small, handkerchief fran
tically. He tells me to cry good news!
Hope! hope!"
Both women turned appealing eyes
on Dennis. Thu torture of another mo-
ment's suspense could not be borne.
"a clew," he said, husl1ily, "but do
believe it will lead to Siblcy's vindica-
ton"
Then, addressing himself now to Ida,
now to Nora. he went on, excitedly:
II was sitting in the square, waiting
for you. dear. had allowed Ninette t.
wander Oh the length Of . bench with
aoue respectshle- looking youngstsr'