Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-10-05

was the fundamental axiom. But in
love success does not perch only upon
the banner Of the worthy. Tit did, the
human race would soon become ex-
tinct.
So the young mans thoughts ran on,
while hope once more found a resting
place in his heart.
Miss Murdoch, was not 10 pose again,
but Sprague was eager 10 work on the
portrait. He was about 10 step into
the studio after breakfast, when the
housekecper announced cali from his
lawyer, who wished 10 consult him
about some important matters. The
entire morning was thus consumed in
necessary but tedious business, and it
was not until after luncheon that the
artist was at last free TO set TO work.
Uncoyering the portrait, he stood of
TO examine il. As he did so. something
white upon the floor caught his eye.
lie stopped TO pick it up. II was let
ter in a beautifully regular masculine
hand. Mechanically he turned it over
and unfolded it, His eyes carelessly
swept the written page; then i'm a flash
he realized what il was, and he flung it
violently from him.
Only a few words had left their i'm
press upon his retina-a few scattered
words and a signature. But these were
branded deep upon his brain for all
time, in letters of fire which burned
their way 10 his very soul. For he had
recognized the letter which had been
delivered by the messenger 10 Miss
Murdoch the Gay before, and he had
seen enough 10 know that il was
couched in words of passionate love. In
that instant was quenched the last ray
of hope which had lurked within his
heart Overwhelmed with a sense Of
utter desolation, he sank back upon
diyan and for a long time remained
lost in bitter reflections.
But Sprague, in spite of his diet
tanteism, was a man Of grit when oc-
casion called for it. SummoEing at
length his fortitude and his pride, he
proceeded TO carry out what he con-
cciyed TO be the duty OF gentleman un-
der the circumstances.
Picking up the letter again, he placed
ii unread in an envelope, into which
he slipped his card, with brief ex-
PLANTATION of the finding of the paper.
Then. after addressing the envelope, he
started out TO mail it himself.
Thomas Chatham." he unused. as he
went down the stairs; Thomas Chat
ham. Why. lie is the man who took
| such pains 10 inform me that Miss Muir
dock was betrothed, or on the point Of
being betrothed--the fashny dressed
young man with red hair who is so
regular an attendant at the Murdocks
informal receptions. and who never
seems 10 be invited ON state occasions;
an insignificant, and conceited puppy.
Poor girl, what a pity THAI she should
throw herself away upon such man.
But, if he marries her, ne shall make
her happy. or else
The balance OF his thought was not
put into words: but his face became set
in stern lines and his hands clenched in
grim determination.
Sprague, with the letter for Miss
Murdoch in his hand, hurried to the
nearest letter box, raised the lid Of the
drop, inserted the letter in the Slot and
then frightened his grasp OF it and be-
gan TO think.
The letter, if mailed, might perhaps
not reach it's destination until the fol-
lowing morning. 1t might be of impor-
lance, since it had been sent by mes
senger and TO the studio instead Of to
Miss Murdock's house. Besides, Miss
Murdoch would probably be worried
when she discovered that she had lost
it. 1t ought therefore to be returned
to her at once.
The letter, by this time, had been
Withdrawn from the slot Of the letter
box.
Yes, it ought to be returned by mes
senger instead of by mail. by messen-