Daily camera., 1897-08-23

luctantly, but in his stately, courteous
way:
"Our conversation may prove unsat-
lisfactory to you. If so, beg your par
don in advance. Of course you are
aware that the public in general con-
meets your name with that daring and
mysterious affair at the bank"
''I know very well, sir, that it is so,'
replied, sadly.
"Now, | do not mind saying that do
not necessarily condemn q man because
he is suspected" Mr. Morley continued.
in a case like yours the general pub
lies opinion does not influence my opin-
ion. At the same time, the general
public is not to be blamed so much,
after all. The people form their opin-
ions from the newspapers, and | am
sorry to note that the papers do not
seem friendly toward you"
THAT is true, sir | answered. And
cannot imagine why they should take
that stand, when nothing. absolutely
nothing, can be found to criIainate Inc"
81 can furnish no idea why it is SO;
| simply state a fact. As intimated, it
is not my custom to condemn man
before he has been found guilty. But,
whatever my private opinion may be, in
this case you must understand that the
suspicion which has fallen upon you
will necessarily preclude continue
ton of the friendly relations which have
existed between you and-and my
household"
"Oh, sir, you cannot believe in your
heart that I had anything to do with
the banks loss!" l exclaimed, bitterly,
for, kindly as was his manner, the
words he spoke seemed to strike knell
to my fondest hopes.
81 have already said all I care to say
on that score" Mr.. Morley replied,
rather coldly.
"And-and your daughter, sir" /
went on, with trembling voice; "she
does not share the general suspicion!'
4 smile fitted across his face for a
moment. Then he became grave again,
and regarded me earnestly. He did not
reply for some time; ne seemed to be
considering his answer.
MY daughter is rather indignant;
she thinks that you are unjustly
treated" he finally said.
l could not restrain myself on hear
ing this. | sprang from my seat and
approached him.
"Mr. Morley, you do not know what
it means to me to hear this. You cannot
imagine how your daughters opinion
fills me with hope. May | ask you. sir,
TO express to her my deepest gratitude
for her faith in my innocence? As God
hears me, her faith is not misplaced. y
There was no controlling my voice; it
trembled in spite of my efforts to be
calm Dear, true-hearted girl.
Il will convey to her your message
said Mr. Morley. "She has informed me
of the sentiment you entertain for her.
But. Mr.. Conway, I believe you are a
young man of sense and honor. You
must therefore realize the position you
would place her in by insisting on the
continuation of friendship which, out
of kindness and gentleness of DISPOSE
llOll. SllV NouIki iiol SitoS y oo'
1t would be unjust to her, embarrassing
to you, and wholly contrary to my
wishes"
81 fully appreciate the meaning of
your words, Mr.. Morley. Believe me, l
regard your daughter too highly to
intrude upon her notice, under existing
circumstances. 1t is no sentiment l
entertain for her; it is love, sir, deeper,
truer, fonder than mere sentiment.
This love has become the ruling motive
of my life, and will always remain so.
But | promise you I will hold no com
it is shown before the world that | am
innocent l confess, to follow this
course will be the greatest sacrifice of
my life. have no parents, no near re-
lations to whom l can go for love and
sympathy. 1t means something, there
fore, for me to promise you this"
Mr.. Morley arose from his chair
There was kindly CLEAN in his eyes
and an expression on his face of-sad
ness, was it? AT any rate, there was
undoubtedly touch of sorrow in his
voice when he spoke again. 1t seemed
somewhat strange to me at the time
He had obtained the promise he wished
but it did not seem to give him the pleas
ure naturally expected it would.
He extended his hand. "Mr. Conway
YOU are man of honor" he said. 50
deem it favor to shake hands with
you. l sincerely hope your innocence
may be established. But" he hesi'
tated here, do not be over-sanguine
Robberies have occurred before which
have ever remained mysteries. | mus
| confess, although am one of the
trustees and am therefore an interested
| party, am not so sure the perpetrators
of this Jast robbery will ever be dis
covered There seems to be not tlie
slightest clew to work on. l do not
say this to cause you pain, but simply
to warn you against entertaining hopes
which may never be realized"
CHAPTER V.
On the first evening of my occupancy
h-l r.