The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-06-15

I white that MaXey began to regret hav-
ing subjected her to the shock. In his
anxiety to overwhelm the man he had
not considered the possible effect on the
woman. Still the worst was over, and
he could only proceed.
81 suppose you won't deny that you
know this LADY," he said in avoice that
was meant to be very uncompromising
and stern.
"Sir it would be utterly useless for
me to deny anything.
Mr. Dye had not cast a second glance
at his former daughter, nor did he do so
now. He made his answer in the most
grave, even dignifed tones. He punctu-
ated perfectly. There was little pause
after the "sir" and full stop at the
anything" This calmness, which
might be either the calmness of deter
mination or Of despair, rather discon-
oertcd the artist. He had often imagined
himself the central figure III such an in
terview, but he had never dreamed of a
man like Mr.. Dye.
Nevertheless will break his guard
yet" he thought.
After a minutes silence Mr.. Dye
went on in the same measured tones in
which self consciousness and hopeless
ness were strangely interminglcd
Touching the lady, now under your
charge, whom once disgraced in per-
mitting to be known by name by no
means q synonym for integrity and up
rightness, do not hesitate to say that l
am exceedingly well rejoiced at seeing
her III such apparently excellent health
She is good girl, sir; she is everything
the term implies, and yet, sir, You must
be aware Of the almost painful relations
that exist between us, and being aware
Of them and Of the fact that they are so
strong that she left my house volunta-
rily, for the avowed reason that a longer
life with so uncOngenial person as my
self was unbearable, you can scarcely be
surprised that our meeting is not more
mutually plcasurable'and cordial" "
Mr.. Dye occasionally hesitated an in
stant for word but GENERALLY his dull,
somber voice flowed on, measurably
and unintorruptedly, as if he were de-
liyering himself Of a speech that was
quite familiar to him. His dignitied
bearing was in such marked contrast to
the dominant air of faded gentility that
pervaded him as to be almost painfully
ludicrous, MaXey gazod at him steadily
and said
"You don't know where she went
when she left your house?"
"Sir, she never made Il confdant Of
me. Do not misunderstood me. l am
not reproaching her. Twas utterly unfit
for and unworthy Of her confidence. 1
always avoided her, as the bad instinc-
lively avoid the good. She was right to
60 entered only feeble protest l
am aware, sir, that it may seem incon-
gruOus and artificial coming from me,
but even at the risk of seeming incon-
gruous and artificial | desire to say in
taking my farewell Of the young lady
under your charge-for you can scarcely
wish to prolong an interview that is
manifestly so painful to her-that l am
heartily, devoutly, sincerely sorry that
fate ever threw her into the way of such
a worthless mortal as myself, and that
l earnestly hope that her future may be
as bright and unclouded as her past was
dark and unfortunate.
Despite the theatrical ring Of the Sc
pulchral voice there was tone of sin
cerity and candor about the last few
words that made an impression, even
against his will, upon the artist. The
tears came into Annettes eyes. Timidly
and tremblingly she approached Mr..
Dye and held out her small white hand.
"Mr. no, father" she faltered,
"please do not think was ungrateful.
You will forgive me for what l said
about my parentage when l Was angry.
If you have done right, it was cruel. If
you have not, it is a matter for your
own soul shall never forget that it
was your roof that sheltered me when 1
had no other. Believe me- / did not run
away from you. l met with--a terrible
accident. "
Mr. Dye did not look at her, but he
unfolded his arms to take her hand,
which he held as lightly as possible and
dropped at the first opportunity. Max
ey, who was watching him closely, was
startled to see in his face a momentaTy
betrayal Of sentiment There was no
doubt about it. Mr. Dyes dim eyes wa
tered, aud the corners Of his gloomy
mouth twitched. The teno in which he
at last replied was very different from
the one in Which he had previously
spoken.
"If said God bless you, it would be
mummery. The blessing of lnan like
me is poor legacy, but should like to
say something TO show you that l am
teally sorry for the part l have played in
your life You always were good girl
and did your best to please me. | am
not your father. l could not feel toward
you as father ought perhaps, but was
not insensible of your virtues. | never
was more pleased in my life than when
l heard He seemed to think himself
in danger of committing himself here,
for he hesitatod and finally substituted
-"when you just now told me that you
had escaped a terrible accident. Goodby,
Annette. "
Annette went out, sobbing. Whon tho
door had closed behind her, Maxcy men
tally braceahimself for desperate con-
test. Unfortunately for him, at the very
outset Of the battle he felt distrust of
himself and dread of tho superior
strength Of his adversary.
Acting upon the theory that Mr.. Dye
had lyr,Oxt-1n nf tl,n o,i,,,n D,, tl,n