The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1897-10-15

one Of the men who had witnessed the
affair.
Il suppose she's dead" said Caring
ford, indfrerently, In answer TO the
question, ''or lived TO swell the ranks
OF the unfortunate sisterhood." he add
ed. with a sigh.
After dinner they adjourned to the
theater. The play was a modern prob
lem one, new fashion since John
went away. and but for the acting had
no special attraction.
The leading lady, Nathalie Ross, was
one Of the most beautiful women OF the
hair, and the absolute blamelessness
and purity Of her life.
No breath of scandal had tainted her
fair name. and she was known to be a
brilliant and working woman.
AT the finish. Carringford who had
been strangely moved AT the sight Of
the lovely creature on the stage, made
his way behind, and asked for an in
PRODUCTION.
lie fancied she grew a trifie pale. and
that her dark eyes sought his in a
somewhat startled manner. but AZ
there was no trace Of embarrassment
In her graclousness towards him. he
concluded he was mistaken.
Nathalie asked him to call. and soon
II came about. that few days passed
when he did not visit the tiny Hat.
London wondered then laughed and
said that after all she was no better
than the rest Of them, and that it had
known all along her virtue was as
sumed
For some time neither heard the
rumOrs about them, but continued their
friendship TRANQUILITY enough, although
to Carringford the wish for more than
friendship was becoming stronger
every day; but 1t was not until sheer
and low expression coupled with
Nathalie's name was uttered in his
presence, that he determined to speak
His action was simplicity itself
After knocking the man down. he
turned to the assemblage, saying in
grave, even tones:
# have done this, because that cur
insulted the fair fame Of an innocent
woman, whom intend to ask to do me
the honor of becoming my wife,
News Of all kinds flies apace. and
when he called the next morning
Nathalie knew about his defense Of
her
"Oh, why did you do it," she cried
her eyes full of unshed tears "What
does 1t matter what they say Of me?
am only an actress, you know, and not
worth fighting over"
She seized his hands with her warm
lmpulsive ones, and would have raised
them to her lips, had he not prevented
her.
mo. no." he said, hastily, don't do
that, Nathalie. | love you; give me the
right to defend you always-be my
dear wife"
The color famed high in her cheeks,
and her lips quivered.
you love me. you wish me to he
your wife? Your All, this is wonder
full"
what is?" he queried, laughing.
drawing her TO him; that l should love
you?'
YES" she said gravely; 'listen to
what | have to tell you, and then.
Ten years ago on a cold winters night.
do you remember giving a gold piece
to n little ragged, half-starved girly"
He nodded.
yes, | do, but how does that con
Germ your he asked
in this way; | was that little girl;
l and no other. | was a friendless lit
tie waif, and your money was the first
kind action l had ever received in my
short life. Small wonder that | re-
membered, and hearing your name,
treasured II up in my heart. with that
gold laid the foundation of my pres
ent position.
"A small pantomime engagement led
TO others, and slowly and surely
worked myself up. Oh. 1t has been
hard. and have been sorely tempted
many time for l am beautiful. |
know, but you were before me like n
guiding star. and kept myself what
knew you would have me be: | have
waited for you; | am yours, do with
me what you Will"
His arms closed round her. and as
their lips met. she heard him whisper.
my wife. Saturday Evening Post.