The state herald., 1897-05-07
"I don't at ALL" was the reply. I'm

send for. But can't imagine Daniel
Otway's wife with such sweet, musi-
cally modulated voice. It's gift OF
heaven to save people, suppose. Well,
/ respect Phehe for having the energy
and resolution to face a storm like
this for the very problematical pay
ment which she has to expect from old
Hannah Hopkins.'
And then he relapsed into silence
after one or two more remarks, to
which his companion did not seem in
cllned to reply, save in monosylables.
until they stopped in the midst of a
whirling snowdrift, before old Han
nah's cabin. on the edge of thicket OF
pines.
Shall l put the horse out?' DR..
Dane asked. There is neither man nor
boy here to render such services,
| and"
Il can put him out myself" said the
woman, quickly. II know where the
lantern and the matches are kept In
the shed, and l have taken Prince
Charles in and out OF the shafts many
q time"
Without waiting for an answer, she
led the pony around the corner of the
house and vanished as II were into
white wilderness, while DR.. Dane
opened the door and went into the
sick room, where he wretched old oc-
togenarian lay groaning by the light of
pine wood fire alone.
We'll, Hannah" said he, cheerfully,
how are you?"
But, instead of answerinh, the old
woman screwed up her eyes to peer
past him into the gloom. as II expecs-
ing yet another figure to appear.
The next instant the back door
opened and n small. slight figure came
in, already freed from clumsy cloak
or sheltering fur cap-a girl OF per-
haps twenty, with clear. brown eyes,
rosy cheeks and coils of brown hair
wound around and around her head.
llannah's blear eyes frightened at the
noiseless apparition.
Il knew you would come, pretty
one" she said. You always come
where there is pain or trouble or heavy
hearts, my queen
so" said DIR. Dane to himself, at
is neither Miss Martlneau nor Daniel
otway's wife. ! wonder who 1t is"
All that wild, tempestuous night the
two kept vigil at Hannah Hopkins
bedside. and. in his secret heart, the
doctor confessed that he had never
seen quicker comprehension, more
| ~ atr
that OF his unknown companion. And
when. at daybreak, the angel OF death
set the prisoned spirit free, and they
sat alone by the corpse DR.. Dane spoke
out:
I'VE can do no more for the poor
creature" said he. She's at rest, now.
Let me take you to your friends"
No" said the girl. quietly. Il shall
stay here until some OF the village
people come. will not leave her, poor
soulv'
Can | send some one?' he asked.
"It you choose" she answered.
But don't like to leave you alone"
DO not be afraid" she said. little
scornfully.
So Halleck Dane left her. Forum
ately he met some one u few rods in
the road. and returned with reinforce
ments-a sturdy old farmer and his
wife.
Miss Durande." cried the woman.
| the minute her eye fell on the slight
figure at the bedside. you never mean
to say that you have been here all
night, But ! don't b'lleve old Han
nah could have died without you, she
was that fond OF you. Heaven bless
your sweet face!'
DR.. Dane started. feeling the color
mount to his face.
"Ah," said he. striving to speak
calmly. 80 the mystery Is solved! You
are Miss Durande!'
Yes" she said. Il am Miss Durandc.
did not reveal my identity before, be-
cause | knew you did not like me. DIR.
Dane"
But do Ike you" said the doctor.
impulsively. 1T was only my fan
cIed ideal of Miss Durande that | dis
lIkcd"'
Was It Just to be Judge. Jury and
eA'euioH'T, WITHOUT even ulluNlug tu'
poor defendant 10 put In plea."
asked Dorella.
ut was cowardly and base" adj
mItted DR.. Dane. III you can forgive
me, do. But | shall find 4, impossible
to forgive myself"
The heircss held out her hand with
most fascinating smile beginning TO
dlmplo the corners OF her perfect
mouth.
such humility is Irresistible" said
she. "Yon are pardoncd'
They drove home together the best
friends In the world, DR.. Dane wonder
Ing how It was possible that the real
Miss Durnndc should be so unlike tho
silly, slmporlng, conecl,od little per-
ronage whom he had decided she must
he-and Dorelln. womnn,like, thinking
all the more Of him because che had
been called upon TO forgive his short
eomInEs.
or course the sequel remains 10 be
told. or course Dr.. Dane and Dorolln
Durande liked each other all tho bet
ter, now. for having so heartily de-
rpiscd each other before, And one day
DR.. Hal told Mins Durnndc that he
liked her better than amy one else IN
tho la tHft,pu MiTu