Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1894-04-05

I SlkHtl ring upon winch ne Idd tea an END
Of pale blue ribbon-s0me treasured triil,
from her dress, which had its pretty story
doubtless.
From Siberian she repeated with an
accent of tender alarm. the color rising "a
her pale cheek as sherecognized the objects
that lay in my hand.
1.-The carriage is coming back, - said,
catching the sound Of wheels. Il must not
be seen here. Take me where can tell you
all unseen and unheard"
III your intentions are honest, what need
is there OF secrecy"
1.-THE need of cheating one who is not
honest. What have you To fear from me?
Is it likely that ! should come to insult
you or do You iniuryf Come this way, /
added eagerly, stepping toward an alley
that turned from the drive as the sound of
the returning carriage suddenly became
I more distinct.
She hesitated TO comply
"What if | refuse;n she said half aloud
as if putting the question TO herself
Then God forgive you, for the ruin OF
+ 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
I brought me to an arbor cut in the thick
+ yew hedge. ] stepped quickly into the re-
cess, and Judith followed me rested 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 there long. Is it
not "A proof of his constant love and fidelity
that he sends this token and that bring
it,"
'You brought 10 from Siberian
Il brought IL 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 bighting your happi-
ness, but | myself was taken in the trap
had laid for him We were carried Off to
St. Petersburg and sent away into Siberia.
An accident enabled US 10 escape from
prison on the road. We reached the forest,
George Gordon and l. There was no path
in the endless forest-no track in the field
Of snow TO guide us. We mad no food We
were lost | must have persisted but for
him He never left me, though by himself
he might have reached some village Day
after day we crept along, he helping me.
never falling to find kind ard cheering
word, though his strength gave out so that !
his hand was weaker than a child's."
] stopped, for poor Judiths 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
Presently looking up-her face wet. her /
eyes blinded with tears she asked fercely: /
Did lac know that IL was through you
be had come to thatyn
"Yes.n
And still be forgave youw
Eyes"
~ cannot she exclaimed passionately
II shall never forgive you;' then, brushing
her tears away, she gazed at his ring for
moment, and covering her face again
moaned fondly, My Georgel my George
AS her motion subsided, she raised her
head and said imperiously:
Tell me more-iinish this history of
four crime"
we found "A friend and the means by
which one Of us three could escape. George
Gordon decided that ! should go.'
And you consented 10 come away and
leave him theregN she asked, her brows
bent in contempt and anger.
"Would you have had hin come and
leave me theretN l asked.
NO, no, no-my George could not do so.
! forgive you that.
AT the last moment be gave me that
ring. Tell my sweetheart he said, that
| am coming.
He is coming she gasped, looking
wildly around her as If expecting 60 see
him. Where is he nowi oh, my GodW
she exclaimed, starting to her feet ia con-
sternation; then, turning upon me in fury,
she said, This you have to answer ior-I
have given my hand TO another"
was glad 70 hear this, knowing who
that other was. She must have seen tie
signs OF satisfaction in my face, for she
added passionately:
Have you no heart? Does this fail to
sting your conscience with remorsey"
~ expected it. | was at the opening in
the wood when Havanngh made you the
offer | came here expressly to find out if
you had accepted him.
And YOU rejoice to think that the man
who gave you freedom shall return to find
me married! What devilish malice possess
IS your"
] on nave salu many btbeF tuluES 10 me
without reflection, condemning me unheard
Am NOS 60 have my reyenges"
Enjoy il while You may. Your venge-
lnce will be short Mr. Kavanagh will re
lease me when he knows the truth"
"He must not know the truth. You must
not breathe a word that would lead him 20
Haver in his determination to make you his
wife,
She regarded me in silent perplexity,
probably divining, as she regained her pow
sr to reason, that was merely playing with
words and indeed she must have seen by
he expression of my face and the telltale
ears shat had risen TO my eyes that | had
10 malice in my heart.
when have you promised to marry?"
lsked
''Soon-in week OF fortnight she
answered readily. with the growing assur-
lnce that my question was not due TO an
die or vindictive purpose.
tThat is too soon. You must be i'll and
it a little while. You must not
marry before GeOrup (TOrdon returns and