The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-06-14

deadly affront, apparently offered him by
me. But you men will more readily be
lieve 4 woman faithlcss than misdoubt
that fine thing honor"
Her words came all in a rush; her
voice was so pitcous that could not hut
feel for and believe her. The proof
madame?' | asked weakly.
''ls here" She nourishcd paper be
fore me, addressed to Beaucerc. The
true writer Of that abominahlc letter
avows himself at last Yes. it was a
gross forgery. sir. See for yourself.''
She flung it to me imperiouSly and tri.
umphant
l read the letter, and my heart sank
for Audrey. Here in truth was the wo
man that should mate with Bcauclcrc
if SO hap he were willing, and this | was
fain to think he would bc now that the
truth was clear. | handed back the pa
per with a sigh. yet my heart was lighter
than | would have imagined.
Madame" said | ut last, "your cast
is now my own. Nonder comes Beau.
clcrc. Go You to meet him. There i.
my brief. Tell him from me dare swear
that you will do his business more thor.
oughly than IL gave her my card. witt
bow. Across the back had scribhlcc
while | spoke, "Thc bearer. dear friend
is my choice" In moment and Saint
Lilac We're once more alone
Rut | trembled when | thought of
Audrey. What would she say? Had ]
not deliberately brought her on n fool,
crrand? | stood nightly perplexcd, my
chin in my hand. half hoping that my
lady would not come. after nh. now thai
she was SO late. Pcrchance | might ret
to her home. could explain then with
a better grace. olthough NV knces knocl.
ed together at the prospect of the inter
view. "XoundS." half muttered "whot
pother | am in. TO be sure",
""ris a bad sign Won shouId fall, will
yourself" suddenly came voice from
behind the lilac. .Eitbcr Won mrst no :,
conccted as to deem no other worthy ot
your speech or else your wits must be
wool gathering"
1t was Audrey. knew her dear tone,
at the first word. Strangely enough. now
that | was embarked on what lid fair tc
be pcrilous time. my spirits revived
'You offer me a meagcr choice" | said
rallyiug. Il will tell You why Won find
me hero so out of conccit with the
world
"You may spare yourself the trouble
friend John" said she. coming into view
Il have been under the shelter of our
patrons w;us"-she bowed to tho lIoc-
"all through your strange interview"
Then you have hcardT'I caspcd.
Every word" replied my lady. nod
ding her little head. | had not dared tc
raise my eyes. but could tell from the
tone Of her voice that her golden curls
were shaking at me. You are Il naughty
man" she said severely.
stealthily raised my glance, first talk.
ing in her little shoes. then slowly mr.
that dainty form till reached her soft
blue eyes.
"You have made a great fool OF me. >
she went on
"My dear" said I. gaining little
courage. "listen how much greater fool
you have made of me. | love YOU with
all my heart and soul, Not till | was Sc
near to losing YOU altogether did | know
how dear you were. NV schcmipg on
your behalf fancied to be only for the
sake of friendship. But | love you-I
loved you always. | knew YOU we're NOT
happy, and Bcauclerc is an honest follow
and rich, while II am too poor-toc
humble. You would but have been ex
changing one misery for onotber bov.
made a rash venture, and have LOST
all"'
looked away as | spoke. | could moi
meet that gentle rcproach in her ewes. ~
thought | should have been happv." |