The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-05-08
Mechanically Rennie took the letter

, Mechanically Rennio took the lette
l he offered.
8 A glance at the address brought a
| expression OF astonlshment to he
2 face. Then taking out the enclose
t sheet she read it to the end.
"The writing is not mine," sh
said, trembling violently. 'It is
clever forgery, l admit; but I neve
saw this letter before. I did write 70
on that date, but I did not direct it t
that address, for I did not know yo
were out of the CITY,"
''Thank Hea7en!" calculated Ros
coe feryently; then, more earnestly
"Rennie, 1t is William Neal. But a
l looked at you both tonight from
where l sat, l read admiration an,
triumph in Meals face, but neithe:
love nor interest in yours; and il
spite of all that had passed, my hear
gave sudden bound OF renewed hop
and courage. So when Neal left yol
just now, resolved to avail myself o
the first opportunity / had found tt
approach you since the receipt of tina
cruel letter. I am convinced tina
there has been some terrible wrong
some shameful treaehery. Tell me,
did you see Neal tho day this letter
was written?'' -
For answer Rennie relate! briefly
as possible what she knew ofthe whole
matter.
"Neal knew that I was called away
from the city by telegram that very
evening"" said Roscoe. ''He accom-.
panied me to the cars, and received q
message from mo to you, with the
promise to write in a day or two-I
expecting to be absent for about three
weeks. He evidently thought that
would give him time for his sinister
work; and having heard you make
the declaration that you would send
letter and let me witness for myself,
he doubtless coutrived, by bribing the
servant, or in some other way, TO OBJ.
tain possession Of the letter, and lmi-
tated your handwriting in preparing
TINS one-a very clever forgery.
During the period you were alb.
sent l wrote twice, begging you to
explain that ssstrange letter. Those
letters were returned unorened-see,
here they are-we cen guess row by
whom. Never mind, darling" he
added quickly, es he SOW her turn
deadly pale, lit is all right now, /
hope Twill furnish your father any
credentials he may require in refer.
ence to my business and social stand
ing; as for Mr.. Neal, his character is
pretty thoroughly established. But
see, they are preparing 70 go on with
the entertainment.
u will just add that I would have
been on the ocean tonight, but for an
accident to the machinery of the
vessel; and having nothing better to
40, concluded to attend this con.
cert, which proved, after all, the very
best thing / could have done. NV
sailing will be delayed for week, and |
! great deal can be done in that time.
Tomorrow will call upon your father |
mi invite him to accompany us-you
md I, Rennie-when VIC do go on our
Wedding journey. May II"
One glad. grateful, Joyous look
him; and Us he pressed her
'und at parting, a step at his side
announced the return of William
Zeal.
A dark frown overspread Meals face
8 their eyes met; but with O quiet
'ow Roscoe Farnham passed him and
eturned to his sect.
stake me home, please" were Rem.
les first words to her escort. II feel
nable to remain any longer"
Without comment, Neal obeved,
The carriage was called, and a short
inc later Reunie was at her own
ouse.
''Good night" she said, quietly,
lthout offering her hand; and the
ext moment William Neal was stand.
lg outside the door, alone, in very
ewlldered frame Of mind, and in.
ardly cursing the imprudence that
ermltted him to leave her for sin Gle
oment unguarded in public place, ,
just what mischief had been done ne {
'uld not determine; there was no help
r 1t but to wait and see. 6
His enlightenment came very soon u
the form of briof note from Rem.
Q, informing him that their acquaint. r
'ce was at an end absolutely and ior- !
er. =
Roscoe Farnha,n called the next day. !,
ID long interview with Mr.. Law. 7
nee and longer one with his dauqh. :
r, at the close OF which Renn.o a
l1spered, as he kissed her for O. brief q
ODDLY: =,
''Let us forgive MIN, Roscoe. for be h
1 us one good turn in prevailing up. !,
me to go to that concert. If / had 81
named at home, rs I wanted to, r.
u would have left the city without al
opportunity Tor an explanation, and N