Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-07-06

whose pastor had tutored Herbert In
his college days. Within q week we
sailed for America. After some little
travel we found ourselves in New Or
leans. There Herbert became interest
ed in some mining schemes. which
promised wonderful and immediate for
tune. 1t was necessary that he should
20 to the far West. He thought the
journey too long and arduous for me to
undertake He left me behind, promise
ing to return in four months time. Two
had not gone by when the fever broke
out in New Orleans. was stricken
down by it and carried to the hospital.
Through a mistake l was reported
dead. The news of my fate was sent
to Herbert. When, long weeks after
wards, l recovered consciousness and
health, found he had been in New
Orleans and placed there a monument
to my memory; then had vanished.
none knew where. wrote him again
and again, to the old address, but re-
ceived no reply. l could gain no trace
of him. At last thought that perhaps
he had returned to England. Perhaps,
unembarrassed by me, his family had
again received him. Should l again
make him forswear them all for me?
But my hunger grew too great thus to
silence it. Doubt must give place to
certainty. Besides, my means were al
most exhausted. l returned to Eng
land; I saw your advertisement. 1t
strengthened my belief, my terrible
fear, that my husband was dead; but
my necessities directed my steps to.
you"
"Say, rather. Providence. my child"
replied the barrister, kindly. To-day
this very afternoon, you shall go with
me to Montfort Castle. But first I
must ask what papers you have in
proof of what you say? Pardon me,
my dear, but 1t is the lawyers Ques>
ton"
Il had thought of that" she replied,
and again that strange smile played
about her lips, as she thrust her hand
within the bosom Of her dress. Il
have but these two" laying two thin
papers on the table. 'My marriage
certificate and the record in st. SUI
plice's hospital, New Orleans. of my
death. They are strange companions,
are they not? But is shows on what
strange threads hang human life.
When I was first taken i'll the nurses
at the hospital found the first-named
within my dress. They laid it careful
ly away. My room afterward was
changed. The patient in the old room
died. Through a mistake the record of
her death bore my name. All. yes.
have another proof-my wedding
ringr'
She slipped her glove from her hand,
and drew from her wedding finger a
plain gold circlet. Inside was inscribed,
Herbert to Dorothy" with the date cor
responding to that on the certificate.
sit is enough said the lawyer. elm
deed, your story needs little corrobora-
ton, and for the sake of your husband,
dear, the boy who yet, trust may re-
turn to find the mother whom he
thought alienated. the heritage he be-
lieved forfeited. the wife he mourned
as dead you will love and comfort the
mother. will you not? Aye, and for.
give her all that she has made you suf-
fer? Pardon me, my dear: one question
more. Have you children?'
None" she answered.
The barrster sadly shook his head.
II am sorry" he said, musingly.
"Children's fingers can best heal old
wounds, such as are still fresh in Lady
Montfort's heart. But we are losing
time. To-day. my dear, Montfort Castle
shall welcome it's young mistress, and
never, let ME add, has there been a
fairer wearer of the proud old patrician
title. Allow me to be the first to greet
you as my Lady Montfort!"