The record-union., 1893-06-24

Why was it that, in the midst Of her
happiness, Reiba's thoughts flew to the
little tin box, and she shuddered at the
thought of its ever having been found.
hathie was so happy, and she could not
pear to think she should know what she
had done, and with Leon's love she had
no need for the Crayton estates Had
she not her husbands love? Let Kathie
Keep the money. They would manage
some way to live.
And Relba was installed as mistress of
the Humphreys ancient home, and surely
no proud Lady Humphrey before her
mao ever been more beautiful or gracious;
and day by day her husband loved her
more dearly, and Sir Leon grew to wor-
snip his sons lovely wife,
Inc months passed on, and Reiba's
happiness knew no bounds; but one day
looking from her chamber window she
saw strange ngnre coming up to the en-
trance. Was it? Could it be? Yes.
surely it was Sally Brown; but Reiba's
eyes dilated, and her face turned ghastlv
pale as she saw in the girls hand a little
tin box.
She pressed her hand tightly ever her
eyes as she waited. Would she summon
herr No. The bell rang and the girl
asked for the master. Could she find
some way to reach her before he could
see her? She rushed to the door. No!
She was too latel The girl had entered
the library. Heaven help herl What
could she do? She closed her eyes and
leaned her head wearily on her hands.
Five-ten minutes passed. twenty.
Would she never 90? She paced the
room in a frenzy of impotence. Ten
minutes more-the hall door opened and
shut. The girl was gone. She was re-
gaining her composure now. She heard
her husbands step outside the door. She
forced smile to her lips and met him
with a brave heart
'Reiba, darling"-his voice was as ca
ressing as ever-"here is a little-but you
are i'll, my darling. Your face is ghastly
and your hand like ice. What is it,
dear?"
Could she believe her own ears? Had
he read what was in the box, and vet
spoken to her so? He spoke on.
Here is a little tin box which was
brought to me by Yankee girl, and
which, she SAID, belonged to you. l have
not looked at the contents, thinking did
you desire me to know them you would
show them to me yourself"
She put her arms around his neck and
kissed him passionately. Surprised
him, for she was not given to caressing
him with all her love.
You shall know, my husband. l have
TOO long kept 1t from you But promise
me you will not despise me. l thought it
was for the best"
He stared at her in amazement, but
gave the desired promise, saying:
II could not despise you whatever you
She then opened the box with unsteady
fingers, and taking out the papers held
them, clasped tightly in her hand, while
she told her story.
u did it to make Kathie happy, Leon;
and you shall Judge whether l have been
right or wrong"
And when Leon had read those papers
he came and knelt at his wife's feet, and
looking into her face said -
u am puzzled to know whether you
are an angel or a mortal"
And we need never tell her." asked
the happy wife.
SIRE"
And they sat hand in hand and watched
the tire devour the papers which made
Leon Humphreys wife heiress to the
Crayton estates and to the end she was
Reiba, the cottage maid-to her husband,
the sweet, pure woman of his love.