The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-06-27

vi .lAe&ztOuS ago, IN lOnOr j can never
give you or any living soul the proof
that this crime was not mine. I thought
that should go to my grave without
any ever hearing Of the years that I
have passed in Africa, without any
ever learning the name 1 used to bear.
AS it is, all Lean ask is now-to be for
gotten"
ask what will not be mine to
give" she answered him, while a great
WEAKNESS stole through her own
words, for she was bewildered and
panied and oppressed with new,
strange sense of helplessness before
this mans nameless suffering. ere
member, l knew you so we'll in my
earliest years, and you are so dear to
the one dearest to me. 1t will not be
possible to forget such a meeting as
this. Silence, of course, you can CON-
mand from me if you insist on it,
but -
II command nothing from you, but
implore it. It is the sole mercy you
can show. Never, for Gods sake,
speak of me to your brother or to
NINE l-
."But why? If all this could be clear
ed"-- .--~
1T never can be-
The bafled sense of impotence
against the granite wall of some i'm
movable calamity which she had felt
before came on her.
lord Royallieu," she said softly at
length, while she rose and moved to-
ward him. ''Why look at me so?" she
pursued ere he could speak. "Act how
you will, you cannot change the fact
that you are the bearer of your ia
theirs title. So long as you live your
brother Berkeley can never take it
legally. You may be a chasseur Of the
African army, but none the less are
you peer Of England"
"What matters that? he muttered
"Why tell me that? I have said 1 am
dead. Leave me buried here and let
him enjoy what he may, what he can"
"But this is folly, Madness
mo; it is neither I have told you
l should stand as felon in the eyes
of the English law. I should have no
civil rights. The greatest mercy fate
can show me is to let me remain for
gotten, here. 1t will not be long, most
likely, before am thrust into the At
rican sand to rot like that brave soul
out yonder Berkeley will be the law
full holder Of the title then. Leave him
in peace and possession now
She stood close beside him and gazed
once more full in his eyes, while the
sweet, imperious cadence Of her voice
answered him:
'There is more than know of here.
Either you are the greatest mailman
or the most generous man that ever
lived. You choose to guard your Owl
secret. l will not seek to persuade it
from you. But tell me one thing-why
do you thus abjure your rights, permit
false charge to rest on you and con-
sign yourself forever to this cruel ag.
ony?"
His lips shook under his beard as he
answered her: $780, s.
Because can do no less in honor.
For Gods sake, do not you tempt me"'
A quick, deep sigh escaped her as
she heard, her face grew very pale, as
1t had done before, and she moved
slightly from him.
"Forgive me-" she said after long
pause. 81 will never ask you that
again."
Heavy as had been the curse to him
of that one hour in which honor had
forbade him to compromise a woman's
reputation and old tenderness had for
babe him to betray brothers sin, he
had never paid so heavy price for his
act as that which he paid now.
. Through the yellow sunlight without,
over the barren dust strewn plains, in
the distance there approached three rid
ers, accompanied by a small escort of
spahis. She started and turned to him:
ut is Philip! He is coming for me
from your camp today"
His eyes strained through the sun
glare.
"Ah, God! cannot meet him. 1
have not strength. You do not know
II know how we'll he loved you.''
mot better than 1 him! But l can
not, I dare not. Unless I could meet
him as we never shall meet upon earth
we must be apart forever For heav-
ems sake promise me never to speak
my name!''
II promise until you release me-"
"And you can believe me innocent
still in face of all?'
She stretched her hands to him once
more. II believe, for know what you
once were"
Great burning tears fell from his
eyes upon her hands as he bent over
them:
"God bless you! You were an angel
Of pity to me in your childhood. In
your womanhood you give me the only
mercy I have known since the last day
you looked upon my face! We shall be
far sundered forever. May I come to
you once more?'
She paused in hesitation and in
thought awhile, while for the first time
S,,o T., -