The Princeton union., 1900-06-28

| cert or the theater at night, were fire.
quented by me. I held my head erect,
as had right to do; but it was with a
heavy heart and a chastened spirit that
I realized that people Stunned me.
Houses where had been on most friend
ly terms were closed against me.
| was tempted many times to seek
consolation and encouragement in the
presence of Florence Morley, but it did
not seem right nor kind to burden her
bright life with my troubles, even
should she consent to see me, of which
was doubtful under the changed cir
cumstances. Perhaps it was this fear
which kept me away, as much as any
other idea.
About q week after the robbery let
ter came to my boarding place:
''Mr. Nelson Conway-Dear Sir: If con-
venient, kindly favor me with an oppor-
tunity for conversation this evening at
| eight. I remain in town over night, and YOU
will find me at my city residence.
"SYLVESTER MORLEY"
| Wondering what he could wish to saw
to me, repaired to his house at the
time mentioned.
Mr.. Morley received me in the library,
and arose from his chair as entered.
"Good evening, Mr.: Conway" he
gravely said, bowling his head. "Please
| be seated" -
| After I had chosen chair on the op-
posite side of the room, and he had re-
sumed his seat, he began, somewhat re-
luctantly, but in his stately, courteous
way: d"
"Our conversation may prove unsat-
isfactory to you. If SO, beg your par
don in advance. OF course you are
aware that the public in general con-
meets your name with that daring and
mysterious affair at the bank"
II know very we'll, sir, that it is so,''
| replied, sadly.
"Now, do not mind saying that do
not necessarily condemn man because
he is suspected" Mr.. Morley continued.
I'm case like yours the general pub
lies opinion does not influence my opin-
ion. At the same time, the general
public is not to be blamed so much,
after all. The people form their opin-
ions from the newspapers, and am
sorry to note that the papers do not
seem friendly toward you.'' ..:s
"That is true, sir,'' answered. "And
cannot imagine why they should take
that stand, when nothing, absolutely
nothing, can be found to criminate me.''
II can furnish no idea why it is so;
l simply state a fact. AS I intimated, it
is not my custom to condemn man
before he has been found guilty. But,
whatever my private opinion may be, in
this case you must understand that the
suspicion which has fallen upon you
will necessarily preclude continual
ton of the friendly relations which have
existed between you and-and my
household"
"Oh, sir, you cannot believe in your
heart that I had anything to do with
the banks loss!' exclaimed, bitterly
for, kindly as was his manner, the
words he spoke seemed to strike knell
to my fondest hopes.
II have already said all care to say
on that score,'' Mr.. Morley replied
rather coldly.
"And-and your daughter, SIR }
went on, with trembling voice; ''she
does not share the general suspicion!'
smile fitted across his face for
moment. Then he became grave again
and regarded me earnestly. He did not
reply for some time; he seemed to be
considering his answer.
my daughter is rather indignant:
she thinks that you are unjustly
treated" he finally said.
l could not restrain myself on hear.
ing this. I sprang from my seat ano
approached him.
MIR. Morley, you do not know what
it means to me to hear this. You cannot
imagine how your daughters opinion
fills me with hope. May ask you, sir,
to express to her my deepest gratitude
for her faith in my innocence? AS Goo
hears me, her faith is not misplaced.'
There was no controlling my voice; il
trembled in spite of my efforts to be
calm. Dear, true-hearted girl!
Il will convey to her your message"
said Mr.. Morley. "She has informed me
of the sentiment you entertain for her,
But, Mr.. Conway, I believe you are
young man of sense and honor. You
must therefore realize the position YOU
would place her in by insisting on the
continuation of a friendship which. out
of kindness and gentleness of DISPOSE
ton, she would probably not refuse YOU.
1t would be unjust to her, embarrassing
to you, and wholly contrary to my
Wishes"
II fully appreciate the meaning of
your words, Mr.. Morley. Believe me, /
regard your daughter too highly to
intrude upon her notice, under existing
circumstances. It is no sentiment l
entertain for her; it is love, sir, deeper,
truer, fonder than mere sentiment,
This love has become the ruling motive
of my life, and will always remain SO.
But promise you will hold no com.
munication with your daughter until
it is shown before the world that am
innocent. I confess, to follow this
course will be the greatest sacrifice OF
my life. have no parents, no near re-
lations to whom can go for love and
sympathy. It means something, there.
fore, for me to promise you this