The Lamar register., 1901-10-09

to suffer forever, according to all laws
of truth and Justice. firmly believe
my name will be cleared, perhaps soon
er than expected"
"Then your hopes are based on mere
sentiment, and not on any discovery
bearing on the case?" Mr.. Morley asked.
"Mostly on the idea that truth will
eventually prevail" 1 replied, epigram-
matically.
"a most unstable anchorage nova
days. Facts and proofs are what the
practical world demands. So. then. you
ask me to rescind my request made of
you n year ago, Notwithstanding the
fact that the conditions remain the
same. You have broken your promise
to me; how then am to know that your
protestations of love for my daughter
are sincere?"
stared at the man in astonishment,
for his words were delivered in cold,
matter-of-fact manner, and, If there
had been any reason for it. I should
have thought there was a triumphant
ring in the tones of his voice.
The idea that Horace Jackson had ac-
tually succeeded in persuading the ia.
ther that l was the guilty one in ref
erence to the bank robbery flashed
across my mind. knew, too, that,
deep and sincere as Florence's love
was for me, she would never be my wife
against her fathers wish.
In bitterness of heart broke out in
q volume of words, urged on to earn
estness by the fear that my darling
would be lost to me:
Good God, sir! You love your daugh-
ter; you love her tenderly. Your devo-
tion to her has been q synonym of ia
therly love; everyone has spoken of
it that knew you. Then how in heavens
name can you endanger her happiness
in life by persuading her to marry
man she cannot love-one whom she de-
tests, the very sight of whom is alb
horrent to her? Oh, sir, she is young
and has lifetime of happiness or mis-
cry before her, whichever you may
choose to make it. You are-pardon
me for saying it-you are a breaking
man." Mr.. Morley sprang from his
seat at these words, and stood erect,
confronting me with glare of angry
resentment in his eyes. But went on.
Nothing could have stopped me then.
"It is true, sir; the signs of ill-health
the change in you, which brought the
tears to your daughters eyes just now."
His naughty manner subsidized, went
down suddenly. He sank upon the seat,
covering his face in his hands, and
groaned.
could not help plying him, neith-
er could resist taking advantage of
this change.
81 entreat you, sir, to ask Florence
to speak out to you from her heart.
If she exhibits the slightest compunc-
tion at the thought of being my wife,
solemnly promise never to intrude on
your notice again-to withdraw from
your life and hers as completely as
though had never lived. Think, Mr..
Morley, if anything should happen to
you"
Happen to mel" he broke in, with
hoarse tones.
"Why, yes; people die, you know,
sometimes suddenly" faltered, too
much astonished at the terrified look
which came over his face to choose
my words. But my amazement
changed to alarm at the effect of the
last remark.
Mr.. Morley's face became ghastly;
his under jaw dropped. and his hands
worked convulsively. His lips moved,
too, but no sound came from them.
Thoroughly frightened, 1 stood and
watched him, then started with the in
tention of summoning aid. But he de-
tanned me by a gesture. Finally, after
q painful struggle, speech came to him.
"How did you know that p he gasped,
in tones SO low that was compelled
TO bend down over him to catch the
words. "How could you know-the
thought-the feeling-the conviction of
with me of late?-Oh, God! 1t is COM
den death!"
"No, no, Mr.. Morley" answered,
briskly. Cheer up, sir. I was only
supposing a case. You will not die.
sir. You are a sick man, and that is
the cause Of your gloomy premonitions,
depend upon it. Allow me to help you
into the house. Go to bed, and we'll
have doctor at you as quickly as pos
sible. You'll be all right again soon."
The fact is, really thought the man
was dying, and, in the fear Of that,
my words were rather extravagant.
He did not seem to notice them, how
ever, but sat there with his head
dropped on his bosom. I shook him
gently by the arm, and he raised his
eyes. Yielding to my uplifting mo-
tion, he staggered to his feet.
Slowly we moved toward the house,
the broken man leaning his whole
weight on me. Not q word was uttered
by either of us until we reached the
steps leading up to the piazza. There
he drew back, and hastily placed my