The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-04-20

all her aunt's money, and as she had
already accepted me we were married a
twelvemonth afterward. She had been
awfully lonely, she said, since Miss York S
death but no couple have ever lived happier
and been nearer and dearer to each other
than Ella and I. May God bless hern'
"Amenr said | solemnly and reverently.
ELLA and |" pursued Jim, could
never give the remotest guess as to her
aunt's objection to our engagement, and it
would probably have remained mystery
not been for the following circumstance:
Some time ago | was sent for at the prison
to see rather desperate character whose
end was very near. He had been sent to
seven years penal servitude some three
years before for forgery and after serving
two years at Portland had been transferred
to Lowmarket. His appearance was sup
erior to that of the ordinary convict, even
when forger. Although | had seen him
several times and certainly been struck
with his face and appearance, we could not
said to be friendly, az he had been indif-
ferent to all my advances.
81 found him lying in the hospital, and
soon saw he would not live very long.
You seem pleased to see me-, said.
eyes, sir, replied No. 1872, 4 am glad
you've come. l hardly expected you would,
considering how standofflsh I've been. But
| wanted to see you, as the doctor says Pm
not likely to last much longer-perhaps
not till tomorrow.
"'There, well, never mind Keep your
courage up, and you'll probably deceive
the DOCTOR
81 talked to him about his soul and
spiritual things. | believe he was thor
oughly penitent. asked him if there was
anything could do for him.
Yes, sir, there is one thug, if you
will. It's such curious one, | hardly
like to ask you. His eyes looked eagerly
at me.
Go on, said I. III do it, if possible.
"'I've had queer life, sir, said the
convict 4 might have been somebody and
done some good, but got led astray after
my marriage and broke the heart of my
wife, who died soon afterward. Yes, rve
led bad life, and it's precious few friends
Eve had lately anyhow, but hope may
be forgiven as you say God will pardon
even the worst of us. And if you'll promise
me to do one thing when Pm dead | shall
die happy
"'l'll promise as far as | cam said |.
What is it,?
:" It's to take care of your wife, an
swered No. 152. 'Ah,' said he, smiling,
[ thought that would astonish youn
"'Take care of my wife, gazed at him
in amazement. why, of course | shall
But what is that to you?
" "A great deal, said he.
"'Why?
Because she's-my daughter!'
II looked at him in terror and astonish-
ment and was about to call the nurse and
send for the DOCTOR feeling sure he was
rambling, when he said slowly:
" sit down, sir, please. can't talk
much longer. You need not send for DR..
barton. Pm all right feared it would
give you shock, sir, as it gave me one the
first time | saw her here with you. Ella
lork-you see know her name all right
was taken when quite child by her aunt
who disowned me and never told the child
what her father was. In that she was quite
right. She changed her name from Wilton
to her mothers name of York and COM
pleted the disguise. Whenever dt sired
and, oh, sir did often desire-to see Ella,
my darling, Miss York always threatened
me with the police, and knew better than
to have them on my track, if could help
it. Yes, sir, see you can't realize it vet,
but you'll find Ella Wilton's birth and
baptism in the register at Mortified, and
give you my word it's true
81 sat in dumb silence. What could
say? Ella, my Ella, convict's daughter.
Please, sir, don't tell her. said he.
She never has known. Don't let her
know. But felt l must tell you, sir, and
you'll not think any worse of her. and his
eyes looked pleadingly and wistfully at me.
'My senses had somewhat returned.
"'No,' said |, of course not am half
dazed, but feel what you say is true. But
Ella is my own now and always shall be
while live. | wish had not heard this
but it cannot alter my love for Ella
"'Thank Cod he said And, sill,
there's one thing. The doctor says shall
sleep myself away. Do you think it could
be managed for my darling to give me one
kiss ere die, just one?'
" 4 will. God bless you, Mr. Bounds
81 left him. When | got home Ella
thought | was ill, and indeed was Over
work, pleaded. In another hour they
came to tell me he was asleep and would
not awake in this world
81 took Ella with me to the hospital.
Ella, said l, "a prisoner who is dying and