Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1897-01-19

q GAlO
had been awfully lonely, she said, since
Miss Yorl's death, but no couple had
ever lived happier and been nearer and
dearer TO each other than Ella and I
May God bless heri''
"Amenr' said solemnly and rover
emily.
ELLA ard l." pursued Jim, ''could
never give the remotest guess as to her
aunt's objection to our engagement,
and 1t would probably have remained
mystery to me, Us it has to Ella even
now, had it not been for the following
circumstances. Some time ago was
sent for Mt the prison to see rather des-
perate character. whose end was very
near. He had been sent to seven years
penal servituGe some three years before
for forgery, and after serving two years
at Portland had been transferred to
LowmaIket. His appearance was supe-
Tior to that of the ordinary convict.
even when a forger. Although i had
seen him several times. and certainly
been struck with his face and appear
ance, we could not be said to be friend
II, as he had been indifferent to all my
advances.
81 found him lying in the hospital,
and I soon saw that he would not live
very long
"'You seem pleased to see mef' I
said.
Eyes, sir. replied No. 15s. 4 am
glad you've come. l hardly expected
you would, considering how stand ofiish
I've been. But wanted to see You, rs
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'n probably
deceive the Doctor
81 talked to him about his soul and
spiritual things. That we may pass by.
Howson L believe he was thoroughly
penitent 1 asked him If there was any
thing could Go for him.
'' Yes, sir; there is one thing, il you
will. It's such curious one, hardly
like TO ask you. His eyes looked eager
~ at me.
BILE.
1--we had queer life, SIR said the
convict. Il might have been somebody
and done some good. but 1 got led
astray after marriuge 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 Lope 1 may be forgiven, as
you say God Will 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'll promise as far as can, said
1. 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.
'' Take care of my wife. Razed at
him in amazement. why, of course 1
shall. But what is that to your
a great deal. said he.
"'Wby?'
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. can't talk
much longer. You need not send for DR..
Dartcn I'm all right. Ifeared il would
| give you q shock, sir, as it gave me one
the first time 1 saw her here with you.
Ella York-you see, know her namo
all right-was taken when quite a child
I bS utL GhLtB " lAO ntH1hlGu A4Ab hhh
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 disguise. 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; L see
you can't realize it yet, but you'll find
/ Ella Wilson's birth and baptism IN the
registers of Mortified, and give you
my word it's true.
81 sat IN dumb silence. What could
say? Ella, my Ella, cOnviot'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 Mt me.
MY senses bad somewhat returned.
No. said I. of course not. am
| half dazed. but feel what you say is
true. But Ella is my own now, and al
ways shall be while live. Iwish 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 ore kiss ere die-just
ones'
"I'll try. Yes, said I, she shall, if
you'll leave it to me.
.''I will. God bless you, Mr.. Bourn.
''I left him. When got home, Ella
thought was I'll. and indeed was
overworl, pleaded. In another hour
! they came 10 tell me he was asleep and
would not wake in this world.
81 took Ella with me to 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 kiss him ere he died,
as his own daughter would haye done.
VIII you?'
Certainly, my darling
"And, with eyes full of tears, she did.
! The unconscious form rose, the eyeIids
half opened, the face smiled. She didn't
know. Did he's
II LED her away, weeping, my own
heart full. / afterward verified his
story. But Ella has never known any
more, Howscn, ard never Will There
is sometimes a secret which sbould not
be shared between husband and wife,
Howsou, isn't thereE''
you're right, dear old Jim, said 1
as he grasped MY hand IN silence, but