New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-05

and to this particularly sympathetic woman,
who not young and giddy. but, like himself
far ont Of her teens and experienced in the
troubles Of life. such az weighed him down.
There was something about her." he thought.
that irresistibly appealed to him. and he dia
not know what; but an author. who knows
everything, knows exactly what 1t WAS. 1t was
the moonlight night.
4 few words from her. backed by the nanicloss
influences OF the hour. loosened his tongue.
You mustn't think me an unnatural parent"
he said IT'S not that at all. I'm awfully fond
Of him. I've got his photograph in my pocket
III show 1t to you when we go n-the last one
for the time being. get new one about once
n month. in all sorts OF gct-ups clothes and no
clothes but all as fat as butter. and grinning
from ear to ear with the JOY OF life. You never
saw such a fetching little cuss. I'd give any thing
to get hold Of him-if could
but. surelyhis own father
NO 1t sounds absurd to you. naturally: but
that's because you don't understand the situa-
ton"
Il can't conceive Of any situa'ion"--
"Of course not. It's n preposterous situation.
And Just driftcd into it, don't know how
oh I do knOw-it was for the child's own sake;
that YOU really mustn't call me heartess
parent any more. Miss I.aec"lles Nobody would
do that who knew what I'd suffered FOR him!
Mr.. Bell took the second cigarette from MS
mouth. and sighed deeply. Even In the begin
ming IL would have been difficult 10 get ont OF
it. having once got in he continued, AFTER a
pause; but 1t has been going on So long. get
ting worse and worse every day and every hour
till now I'm tangled up and helpless. Ike that
moth in that spiders web'-poin'ing to a little
insect tragedy going on beside them
Miss Lasceles leaned forward. resting her
arms on her kneee. and spreading her hands IN
the enchanting moonlight. which mad" them
look white az pcars-and made her rather worn
face look as II finely carved In ivory. IL was
n graceful. thoughtful. confidential pose. and
her eyes uplifted. CLEANED Just under his eyes,
neffaby soft and kind.
I'm so sorry she murmurcd. But II
don't know what the trouble is. oh. don't
tell me II you'd rather not, can't help YOU.
can !? do wish I could
$50 do l. But I'm afraid nobody can help me-.
And yot-perhaps a fresh eye-a woman clearer
INSIGHT He paused. irrcsoluic; then sue
curnbed 10 temptation. Look here. Miss La
scelles I'll just tell you how 1t is II you'll prom
isc not TO speak Of IL again. You are gossip.
know you Will understand II will be- such
A blessed -rlief - tell somebody, And perhaps
You could advise me. ..ftcr all
let me try she broke in. encouragingly.
For an instant her pearly hand touched his
sleeve "You may trust me- 81" said.
I'm sure Of II. I'm Of IT," he responded.
warmly He lung away IN" remnant OF the
second cigarette took moment 10 collect him
self. and plunged hradlong.
you see We had nobody belonging 10 vs. In
this country. | came out % make living and
n home FOR her too crow led mp In England
and az soon "a Id got bit Of steady income
I sent FOR her TO join me- or course. we had
To- b. married from somewhere. and some kind