Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1899-09-21

and several times went to the store
without kissing Clara.
Charles reported that Mr.. Sanger
called at 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 hre de-
partment just then given ball, TO De
held in the hall OF the Sweeny no
tel.
Arthur asked Clara, with something
of his old tenderness, il she would IKE
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 or that
dark, beautiful face in the depot re-
strained her.
AS they entered the hall Clara saw
| Charles Waiting with a lady. and as
| they came nearer the dark eyes anu
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, ana
with a dark scowl, he muttered
"Imprudent!" and 1.-The rascal"
Clara saw a sign pass between Ner
husband and the unknown fair one
as soon as the dance was over ana 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 few feet from her, in the shadow
of trailing vine
alice" her husband was saying, 1T
was very imprudent for you to come
down tonight"
II know it," returned the woman
with a sigh. After pause she added:
How pretty your wife is, Arthur;
wonder you can spare a thought Tor
poor me, when you have such sweet
little blossom at home"
81 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 herr"
"A much better right than you have,
for you have forfeited all claim to her, y
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, l know all" she moan
ed. please go away and let me die
Il see their mistake, Arthur" sale
the strange lady. Tell them, dear
that | am your sister whom you dis
carded several years ago for marrying
, a dissolute fellow, but whom you have
, now taken pity on
Your sister! Is she your sister, Ar
{ thur" gasped Clara.
Eyes, darling" returned Arthur, :"
I see now. | ought to have told you, bu
| wanted to wait until / got her di
vorce."
!. "Oh, my Heavenly Father, | thanl
! thee!" breathed Clara, raising he
beautiful eyes upward Then turning
). with a bright smile she said: AM
Charles is my brother, my dear half
= brother who thought was dead"
Arthur understood without asking
). why she did not tell him so before.
r The next day there was an accoun
e in the daily papers OF the death @
Ralph Austin in a drunken fight. S
e Alice was free without the aid of tn
& law.
r, A year glices by and there is quie
S wedding at Arthur Sangers.
r, Alice Austin is the bride and Charlie
# Lansing the bridegroom Yor
d News.