Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1897-08-25

affair.
Il suppose she's dead" said Caring
ford, indi1erently, 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, a new fashion since John
went away, and but for the acting har
no special attraction.
The leading lady. Nathalie Ross. was
one Of the most beautiful women Of the
day. famed alike for her Titan -cOlOred
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 hard 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.
He fancied she grew trife pale, and
that her dark eyes sought his in 8
somewhat startled manner, but a.
there was no trace of embarrassment
In her graciousness towards him, ht
concluded he WAS mistaken.
Nathalie asked him to call, and soop
II came about, that few days passed
when he did not visit the tiny fat
London wondered, then laughed and
said that after all she was no better
than the rest Of them, and that II 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 a sneer
and a 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:
Il 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 itT' 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
impulsive ones. and would have raised
them to her lips, had he not prevented
her.
No, no." he said, hastily, don't do
that, Nathalie, 1 love you; give me the
right to defend you always-be my
dear wife,
The color famed high in her cheeks,
and her lips quiyeTed-
You love me. yoC wish me to be
you. wife? You? All, this is wonder
faI."
What is?' he queried, laughing
drawing her to him; that should love
your
Yes" she said. grnvely; listen to
what I have to tell you, and then.
Ten years ago on a cold winters night,
do you remember giving a gold piece
to u little ragged. half-starved girlY'
He nodded.
Yes, l do. but how does that con.
Germ your" he asked.
In this way; was that little girl;
l and no other. l 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 l re-
membered. and hearing your name,
treasured 1t up In my heart. With that
gold l 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 l have been sOrely tempted
many time, for l am beautiful,
know. but you were before me like a
guiding star. and l kept myself what
knew you would have me be; l have
waited for you; l 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.