The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-03-24
1t Cures by Inhalation.

as he h.u AS s.iut attire III the old
days. His conversation, as of old. was
as broad and general in Its character.
and, to cap the climax. after he had ac-
cepted the hospitality Of number Of
persons he babe them all to his shop,
where they sat on chairs the ex-cOnvict
had carved and ate GU freshly scrubbed
deal table.
When all his guests were seated COM
fOrtably before the fire. Lucius Nc
Knight spread his hands to the blaze and
said in conversational. everyday tone:
"When was serving my term in the
states prison, l worked next man
named -" and then he told tale
whose alternating humor and pathos held
the listeners in thrall. He went on with
other stories-grim stories-in which the
souls of the men who had been found
out were laid bare, and the taker dis
covered to the listeners many thing of
which they had been ignorant. not the
least of which was that just punishment
brought peace to the soul which immu-
nifty never could give to one who had
been an offender against himself and the
law. He seemed TO give the key to tho
town reprobate's placdity. The guests
learned great deal that night. and they
were vastly entertained as well.
81 think he was endeavoring to explain
himself" confded Mary Lester to Phoebe
Dillingham;.
at was more absorbing to me than any
play | ever saw" said Miss Dillingham;.
'"rhe man has a most striking personali-
ty. He has always been the most re-
markable person in this community"
1t was Miss Dillingham; who made
proposition to the ex-convict.
~ have some money | want to invest"
said she. "and I'd like to invest It In
some manner that would bring an inter-
est into my life. What do you say to
setting up a factory for handmade, ar
tistie chairs from original designs, the
firm to be Dillingham; a. Mcknight"
II think | should be doing an injustice
to you." said Mcknight, aud it was the
first word Of self depreciation that any
one had heard him speak.
"You are mistaken" said Miss Dilling-
ham firmly. "You will only assist me in
adding to my reputation for eccentricity.
Besides, it will give you money which
you need fOr--for restitution and reha-
bilitaton."
NtStF HIiiu Hboul tHe reHdpllltdtluut
said he. "But IL you can make the res
titution possible I shall be at your serv-
Ice. no matter what you ask, till the day
of my DEATH"
When. five years later, that restitution
was completed. the firm of Dillingham; II
Mcknight was celebrated and prosper
GUS. 1t had reputation owing to its
romantic history no less than to the dis
tinctive and beautiful character Of its
wares.
snow what shall do" asked the vii
lage reprobate humorously the day he
returned from the payment Of his last
cent of conscience money.
"You might marry the woman you
love-" said Miss Dillingham; sharply.
Il am always at your SERVICE" he -
piled. Il shall never marry. serve |
you"
"Nonsense! Don't I know you love
Mary Lester? Don't know she loves
you"
~ will put no interests in my life save
yours"
Don't be a fool, Lucius. Well all be
getting old soon, and we've had sorrow
enough. Marry Mary. and let me be
godmother to your frstborn. You must
marry. I've got to have something new
to talk about"
So, since he was hers to command, he
did as she babe him. On his wedding
day Miss Dillingham; uttered . pronun-
ciamento.
at takes brains to live down crime"
said she. "A stupid man thinks he 10