The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-07

"WaltP i stepped peIOrc nors parrine
the way. "You must listen to me" anc
seeing she was determined to pass by me
added, II have message to give you from
George Gordon"
She hesitated for an instant; then, withs
gesture of refusal. she said Indignantly
"He Is nothing to me. 1t Is an insult Il
speak TO me of him. Let me pass"
''He is all the world to you, and you ar
all the world to him. See," said. offerins
the little packet poor George had given IN,
on the eve of my departure, "he has sent
you this from Siberia"
She would not take It from my hand
but, looking at me as II she would pierc,
my very soul to read the truth, she repeat
ed my words, From Siberia!' in q Low
tone of incredulity.
tore open the paper and revealed hi
signet ring, upon which he had tied an enc
OF pale blue ribbon-some treasured trifi,
from her dress, which had its pretty story
doubtless.
"From Siberian she repeated, with al
accent of tender alarm, the color rising tt
her pale cheek as she recognized the object,
that lay in my hand.
''.rhe carriage is coming back" said
catching the sound Of wheels. Imust mo-
be seen here. Take me where can tell yol
all unseen and unheard."
"If your intentions are honest, what neec
Is there of secrecy"
"The need of cheating one who Is mo-
honest. What have you to fear from me,
Is it likely that should come to insult
you or do you injury Come this way" ]
added eagerly, stepping toward an affey
that turned from the drive as the sound OF
the returning carriage suddenly becam,
more distinct
She hesitated to comply.
"What If refusei" she said half alouo
as If putting the question 10 herself.
''Then God forgive you, for the ruin ol
the man who loves you may be your do
ing"
She followed me down the alley as the
carriage came in sight. A dozen PAGES
brought me to an arbor cut I'm the thick
yew hedge. / stepped quickly into the re
cess, and Judith followed me. Irested my
self on one of the rustic stools, but judith
stood before the little table that separated
us. When the carriage had passed the end
of the walk, laid the ring on the table
before her, saying:
"Let it lie there till your heart bids you
take it. 1t should not lie .hsre long. Is il
not proof of his constant love and fidelity
that he sends this token and that bring
it?"
"You brought it from Siberian
II brought 1t from Siberia. He was taken
by treachery-my treachery. Oh am not
guiltless. deserve all the reproaches that
you can heap upon me. ] aided his enemy
knowing that was blis:s.Sing your happi
ness, but myself was taken I'm the trap
had laid for him. We were carried off te
St. Petersburg and sent away into Siberia
An accident enabled US to escape from o
prison on the road. We reached the forest.
George Gordon and I. There was no path
in the endless forest-no track in the field
of snow to guide us. We had no food. We
were lost. l must have perished but foi
him. He never left me, though by himseli
he might have reached some village. Day
after day we crept along, he helping me
never failing to find kind and cheering
word, though his strength gave out so that
his hand was weaker than a child's."
/ stopped, for poor Judith's spirit at this
point suddenly broke down. Sinking with
a faint cry upon the stool beside her, she
snatched up her lovers ring, and laying
her arms on the table buried her face In
her hands and burst into tears of Joy and
grief.
eyes blinded with tears-she asked fiercely.
he had come to thati"
"Yes"
"And still he forgave your"
EYES"
81 cannot" she exclaimed passionately.
"I shall never forgive YOU" then. brushing
her tears away, she gazed at his ring for q
moment, and covering her face again
moaned fondly, my George' my Georgel'
AS her motion subsidized, she raised hei
head and said imperiously:
'Tell me more-finish this history OF
your crime"
I'VE found a friend and the means by
which one of us three could escape. George
Gordon decided that should CO."
'And you consented to come away and
leave him therei" she asked, her brows
bent in contempt and anger.
"Would you have had him come and
leave me there?" asked.
mo, no, no-my George could not do SO.
forgive you that"
"At the last moment he gave me that
ring. Tell my sweetheart he said, that
am coming"
'He is coming" she gasped, looking
wildly around her as If expecting to see
him. Where is he now? Oh, my Godr
she exclaimed. starting to her feet in con-
sternation; then, turning upon me in fury,
she said, "This you have to answer for-I
have given my hand to another"
l was glad to hear this, knowing who
chat other was. She must have seen the
signs or satisfaction In my face, for Al
added passionately:
Have you no heart' Does this fail t<
sting your conscience with remorsei"
II expected It. was at the opening IN
the wood when Kavanagh made you the
offer. came here expressly to find out Il
you had accepted him."
"And you rejoice to think that the mah
who gave you freedom shall return to find
me married. What devilish malice possess
es your"
"You have said many bitter things to ms
without reflection, ,condemning me unheard
Am / not 20 have my revcngei"
Enjoy IL while you may. Your venge