Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1894-05-08

hand, and without hesitation she put
hers into it.
"And you will be brave for con-
sciences sake?"
yes
He pressed her hand, bowed and left
her. When Miss Barclay went up stairs,
Mrs. Barclay was quite excited.
$50 that detective has been here again?
What did he want?''
| Miss Barclay felt her cheeks flushing
81 never thought of him as detect
i've. He came to inquire how our affairs
are progressing"
''He knows more about them than we
do. Oh Belle, when will all this per-
| plexity be ended?'
Tomorrow afternoon.
"And you hope for something's
'Mollie, let US try and put this away
! from us for tonight She suddenly
| threw her arms around Mrs. Barclay:
81 must save all my strength for tomor-
row.
"Stin I know that you are expect
ing
''Molliel Mollie!''
Miss Barclay made her escape to her
own room. Once alone, she repeated to
herself Mr.. Howe's words and tried to
strengthen and nerve herself by recalling
them. She even sought solace in them.
The long, sleepness night at last ended
| in dawn, and the exhausted girl rose and
occupied herself with little offices for
the children. She had to take the noon
train, and even the effort to dress
wearied her. Once seated in the car, she
felt her courage revive. The sea breeze
proved invigorating during the few min
utes spent on the North river boat. She
walked from the ferryhouse to the bank,
and as she opened the heavy door dis
covered that her nerves were very I'M
steady. Could she trust herself to per-
severe? 1t was just 2 o'clock. She paused
at the first desk to ask if she might see
the president, but her lips would not do
anything but culver. So she passed on
to the well known door, opened it and
entered quickly, suspecting her own
courage. The man whom she dreaded to
see rose, came forward and offered his
hand and then stood gazing at her in
quiringly. With clear, steady eyes, Miss
Barclay had met his easy, confident
smile and withheld her hand.
81 am here" she said, her voice
sounding thin and sharp. 81 will not
do what you ask. -
$50 you are satisfied with the results
of your rejection of my offer?"
mo, no. You know am not But
1 have thought it all over. We must
suffer the disgrace, the misery, even
poverty. After all, thousands of women
earn their bread honestly and keep their
self respect. I can do it. But surely you
will have mercy upon my brother. Per-
haps you have been trying me. Have
pity and think how Twill always honor
you as a kind, good friend. -
ST offered you my terms, Miss Barclay.
Listen. Sit down. Let me urge my
claim -
''No. Don t touch me! Don t mention
that again! I won't hear you'll"
''Then you can 60"
'Are you human?"
Eyes, thoroughly so. -"
''It cannot be true. Were all men like
you, the world would come to an end.
Nature would reject her own work. You
disgrace humanity"
Miss Barclay, your words can be
overheard. You must leave me. I GER
tainly confided in your sense Of honor.
You are not willing to accept my terms.
The matter is ended between US. Insist
upon your going. If you will not leave
the room, shall.
Miss Barclay left the room. She walk
ed slowly like blind woman along the
narrow passage. At the door a man
overlook her.
care you Miss Barclay?'
She nodded and tried to regard him
with composure. His manner was
wholly businesslike.
''Mr. Messenger would like to see you
for few moments. The message filled
her with strange hope. Again she turned
and followed her guide, who preceded
her into a room opposite the one she had
just quilted. twas much larger apart
ment, containing a center table, around
which a number of men were seated
She was given cushioned chair, and
then q voice seemed to reach her from
great way off.
miss Barclay, am happy to inform
you that we have reconsidered your
brothers case and concluded to with
draw all our claims against him. This
faithful service and the very helpless
condition Of his family. To follow up
this suit would do US no good and might
be productive of much harm to his in
nocent wife and children. He is almost
completely indebted to our president
Mr.. Messenger, for this clemency. We
think it best that he should know that
Mr.. Messenger has all along urged us in
the direction of mercy. Your brother is
Now as free as ever and at liberty to take
immediate measures for the support Of
his family. We congratulate you, Miss
Barclay, ON your sister1y devotion, your
courage under grief and difficulties and
your persistent efforts in his behalf
You have offered us an example which
restores our faith in human nature"
Bewildered, dizzy, silenced, her heart
throbbing with joy indispensable, Miss
Barclay sat and gazed at the speaker
Then her eyes wandered in search of
Mr.. Messenger. In vain; he was not in
the group, but Mr.. Howe was watching
her with eager eyes, brilliant with re-
fected happiness. She started and flush
ed
Presently the men rose, shook hands
with her and left the room. Mr.. Howe
retained his seat. His voice sounded Pc
culiarly sweet and soothing.
Happiness must affect us as sunshine
does the flowers. You are transformed
Do not revert to the sad for moment
Your brother will be notified at once by
telegraph of this decision.
"And Mr.. Messenger! Was he here2
I did not see him. I must. How shall I
ever thank him? have wronged him,
misjudged him. I want to tell him how
sorry feel.
Zone moment" Mr.. Howe's voice
had lost its music. His manner was re-
served; his words came slowly as If
chosen with difficulty. ''The truth is