Gilpin observer., 1899-09-21

and several times went to the store
without kissing Clara.
Charles reported that Mr.. Sanger
called al the hotel every day and went
up to room No. 10; but beyond No.
10 being occupied by lady booked as
Mrs. Alice Austin, he could learn moth
ing.
We know not how matters might
have terminated had not the fire de-
partment just then given ball, to be
held in the hall of the Sweeny ho-
tel.
Arthur asked Clara, with something
of his old tenderness, If she would like
to go. She said Yes" longing to
throw herself into his arms, and dis
pei the dark cloud from his brow. by
telling him that Charles was her
brother; but the remembrance of that
dark, beautiful face in the depot re-
strained her.
AS they entered the hall Clara saw
Charles waltzing with a lady, and as
they came nearer the dark eyes and
lovely face that had haunted her,
sleeping or waking, for the past week,
looked up at her from her brothers
shoulder.
Arthur, too, saw the dancers, and
with a dark scowl he muttered:
"Imprudent!" and "the rascal"
Clara saw a sign pass between her
husband and the unknown fair one
as soon as the dance was over, and the
lady Immediately went out on the
piazza through a window, while Ar
thur excused himself and went out Of
the door.
She knew they were Intending to
meet on the piazza and, heartsick, she
staggered through; there they stood,
but a few feet from her, in the shadow
Of trailing vine.
"Alice," her husband was saying, at
was very imprudent for you to come
down tonight"
Il know it, returned the woman
with sigh. After pause she added:
How pretty your wife is, Arthur;
wonder you can spare a thought for
poor me, when you have such a sweet
little blossom at home"
Il can love and care for you both,
returned Arthur.
The lady burst into tears and leaned
her head on Arthur's shoulder.
You are the only friend l have got,
dear Arthur" she sobbed.
A low, gasping cry burst from
Clara's lips, and she sank back insen-
sible into Charles arms, for he had
been standing just behind her.
Good heavens, Clara; what is the
| matter, darling?" exclaimed Arthur,
springing toward his wife. "And you,
villain" addressing Charles, what
right have you with her?"
"A much better right than you have
for you have forfeited all claim to her.
returned Charles, Indignantly, as he
bore her to a piazza settee.
Clara soon opened her eyes and muir
INJURED: please take me home, Char
lie."
CLARA, what does this mean?" asked
Arthur. bending over her, almost
sternly.
"Oh, Arthur, know ALL" she moan
ed. please go away and let me die. IT
"I see their mistake, Arthur" said
the strange lady. Tell them, dear
that l am your sister whom you dis
carded several years ago for marrying
dissolute fellow, but whom you have
now taken pity on"
Your sister! Is she your sister, Ar
thur" gasped Clara.
Yes, darling" returned Arthur, 81
see now, ought to have told you, but
i wanted to wait until got her di-
vorce."
"Oh, my Heavenly Father, thank
thee!" breathed Clara, raising her
beautiful eyes upward. Then turning
with a bright smile she said: "And
Charles is my brother, my dear half
brother who thought was dead"
Arthur understood without asking
why she did not tell him so before.
The next day there was an account
in the daily papers OF the death OF
Ralph Austin in a drunken fight. So
Alice was free without the aid Of the
law.
A year gliGes by and there is quiet
wedding at Arthur Sanger's.
Alice Austin is the bride and Charles
Lansing the bridegroom.-New York
News.