Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1897-01-26
NEW SERIES, VOL. XXI, NO. 4.


dearer TO each other than Ella and L
May God bless heri''
'Amenr' said solemnly and rover
emily.
ELLA and l." p1rsued Jim, ''could
never give the remotest guess as to her
aunt's objection to our engagement,
mystery to me, as it has to Ella even
now, had it not been for the following
circumstances Some time ago was
sent for at the prison to see rather des-
perate character, whose end was very
ncar. He had been sent to seven years
penal servitu5e some three years before
for forgery. and after serving two years
at Portland had been transferred TO
LowmaIket. His appearance was supe-
rior to that of the ordinary convict.
even when forger. Although 1 had
seen him several times. and certainly
been struck with his face and appear
ance, we could not be said TO be friend
~, as he had been indifferent to all my
advances.
81 found him lying in the hospital,
and soon saw that he would not live
very long.
lyon seem pleased to see mef'
said.
"'Yes, SIR replied No. 152. 4 am
glad you've come. hardly expected
you would, considering how stand ofiish
I've been. But l wanted to see you, as
the doctor says I'm not likely to last
much longer-perhaps not till tomor-
row.
There, well, never mind. Keep
your courage up, and you'H probably
deceive the doctor.
81 talked to him about his soul and
spiritual things. That we may pass by.
Howson- 1 believe he was thoroughly
penitent. asked him if there was any
thing could 90 fer him.
'' Yes, sir; there is one thing, il you
will. It's such curious one, 1 hardly
like TO ask you. His eyes looked eager
ly at me-
Go on said I. Tn do it if posi-
BILE.
"'I've had q queer life, sir, said the
convict Il might have been somebody
and done some good, but I got led
astray after uiarriage and broke the
heart of my wife, who died soon after
ward. Yes, I've led bad life, and it's
precious few friends I've had lately any
how. But l tope 1 may be forgiven, rs
you say God viii pardon even the worst
Of us And if You'll promise me to do
one thing when I'm dead 1 shall die
happy.
''I'H promise as far as l can, said
L What is it?'
It's to take care of your wife, an
swered No. 152. 'Ah,' said he smiling,
4 thought that would astonish you.
8 E 7
him in amazement. Why, of course 1
shall. But what is that to your
a great deal, said he.
'Why?'
because she's-my daughter
Il looked at him in terror and aston
ishment and was about to send for the
nurse and for the doctor, feeling sure
he was rambling, when he said slowly:
% Sit down, sir, please. 1 can't talk
much longer. You need not send for DIR.
Darton. ] IN all right Ifeared it would
give you shock, sir, as it gave me one
the first time saw her here with you.
Ella York-you see. 1 know her name
all right-was taken when quite a child
by her aunt, who disowned me and
never told the child what her father
was. In that she was quite right. She
changed her name from Wilson to her
mothers name Of York and completed
the disguisc. Whenever desired-and,
oh, sir, / did often desire-to see Ella,
my darling. Miss York has always
threatened me with the police, and ]
knew better than to have them ON my
track if / could help it. Yes, sir; see
you can't realize it yet, but you'll find
Ella Wilson'S birth and baptism IN the
registers of Nortbfield, and give you
my word it's true.
''I sat IN dumb silence. What could
1 say? Ella, my Ella, convict's daugh-
teri
Please, sir, don't tell her, said
he. She has never known. Don't let
her know But 1 felt must tell you.
sir, and you'll not think any worse of
her;' and his eyes looked pleadingly and
wistfully at me.
My senses bad somewhat returned.
no, said I. 'of course not. 1 am
half dazed. but feel what you say is
true. But Ella is my own now, and al
ways shall be while live. wish had
not heard this, but it cannot alter my
love for Ella
'' Thank God,' he said- And, sir,
there's one thing more. The doctor says
1 shall sleep myself away. Do you
think it could be managed for my dar-
ling TO give me cre kiss ere die-just
onet'
"I'Il try. Yes, said I, she shall, if
you'll leave it to me.
Il viii. God bless you, Mr.. Bourn.
81 left him When 1 got home, Ella
thought 1 was Ill. and indeed / was
overwork, pleaded. In another hour
they came 10 tell me he was asleep and
would not wake in this world
~ took Ella with me 70 the hospital
Ella, said ], a prisoner who is dy-
ing, and who has no-feW-frieDds,
told ne today how he had seen you and
would like you to kiEs him ere he died,
as his own daughter would have done.
VIII you?'
Certainly, my darling.
tAnd, with eyes full of tears, she did.
The unconscious form rose, the eyelids
half opened, the face smiled. She didn't
know. Did hef
II led her away, weeping, my own
heart full. / afterward verified hls
story. But Ella has never known any
more, Howscn, ard never Will There
ix sometimes a secret which sbould not
be shared between husband and wife,
Howsou, isn't there?''
you're right, dear old jim" said /
as he grasped my hand IN silence, but
with tear dimmed eyes. You're right,
old fellow, ard God bless you both -
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