The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-03-02

I covered TO rue listeners many tnIng or
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 the
town reprobate's placidity. The guests
learned a great deal that night, and they
were vastly entertained as well.
81 think he was endeavorng to explain
himself" confided Mary Lester to Phoebe
Dillingham;.
at was more absorbing to mo than any
play ! ever saw" said Miss Dillingham;.
'"The man has most striking personals
ty. He has always been the most re-
markable person in this community"
1t was Miss Dillingham; who made a
proposition to the ex-convict.
81 have some money want to invest"
said she, land 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
tistic chairs from original designs, the
firm TO be Dillingham; Il Mcknight"
81 think should be doing an injustice
to you," said Mcknight, and 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-
biitation."
"Nevcr mind about the rehabilitation"
said he. "But if you can make the res
titution possible l 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; &c
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 it,
wares.
"Now what shall doP' asked the viii
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.
81 am always at your service" he re-
piled. 81 shall never marry. serve
you."'
Nonsense! Don't 1 know you love
Mary Lester' Don't l know she loves
your
81 will put no interests in my life save
yours"
Don't be q fool, Lucius. Wen 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 a pronun-
ciamento.
at takes brains to live down crime"
said she. "a stupid man thinks he is
everlastingly condemned. He can't get
rid of the superstitions! Now, don't be-
lieve anybody is lost who has chance to
retrieve the past"
at is impossible to retrieve some
pasts," objected the one who listened.
at is never impossible to save the soul
alive" insisted Miss Dillingham;. But
it takes brains to make the courage and
the hope"
brains won't save a woman who has
sinned," urged the other.
"Oh, yes, they will" cried Miss Dill
bingham, with enthusiastic dogmatism.
''There is a chance even for the sinful
woman who has sense enough to see that
she can redeem herself. l know! I've
seen 1t done. Courage, courage! That
will save any one ut last"
81 think Miss Dillingham; needs little
courage herself just now," thought the
listener. But she did not attempt to ex-
plain why.
Miss Dillingham; drove to the station
with the wedding couple and waved them
off,
"She has the courage all right enough"
thought the observer, with admiration,
for she guessed, and rightly, that Phoebe
Dillingham; had deliberately set aside her
hearts joy.-Chicago Tribune.