The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-11-02
CHAPTER XIV

Shirley Austin's first step was to go
directly to the Office of his friend, Dr..
Bethune. 1t had, inleed, been his in
tention to do so on the previous night,
but the bitterness of his disappointment
in being refused an interview with
| Clarice had put it out Of his thoughts.
He was shown at one into the doc
tors private office. where he found his
friend, but not-as he at first thought
alone.
A lady was seated at a little distance,
but her face was turned away so h a
he failed to recognize her.
At the first sound Of his voice, how
ever, she started, rose quickly and came
toward him. Her face was very pale
and she was visibly- agitated, but he
recognized her instantly, and he re-
coiled as If from the advance of a dead
ly reptile.
Forgive me-forgive mel" cried
Adele Lingard. "You must forgive me!
I have come all the way from Australia
to beg your forgiveness and his"-turn-
ing toward DIR. Bethune. Frank hasn't
refused me, though I fear he loves me
no more, and I injured him ven worse
than I did you. Oh, Mr.. Austin. have
pity on me! see-1 am kneeling at
your feet. Forgive mel" W..
DR.. Bethune was at her side, and had
raised her from the floor, and now sup
ported her with his arm, ever while she
spoke. Z
"You will forgive my wife. Shirley!"
he said, in a low tone, while Adele, 500
lS-- .n--,.a.,o1x, It'll I4~ A-44 ~~ hts
shoulder.
"Your wife?" repeated Shirley, in
~credulously.
Yes; we were married this morn
ing" continued DR.. Bethune. when 1
returned yesterday I found Adele and
her father awaiting me. They both
wished it. I can say no more. You
know she is the only oma I have
ever loved, or ever could love, and you
may remember. my conviction that she
would yet come to me, and my theory
that such love as hers for you was but
a temporary insanity. and to be borne
with patiently, like other forms of ma
MIA. I will not say that my love for
Adele is quite what it vas but I be-
lieve her when she says that she really
loves me now. And we are going to. try
to make each other happy
Adele looked up with a grateful smile.
while q deep blush overspread her face
when her yes first met those of Shir-
/! ley s
She put her hand up with a shy, gem
tie caress to her husbands cheek, and
then dropped her head again@upon his
shoulder.
Shirley turned away with an almost
contemptvous shrug. He was inclined
to be disgusted VITA his friend, and+did
not pause to inquire how he he would
have behaved under similar circum-
stances. Such q thought would have
seemed absurd. since Clarice could do
no wrong. and. therefore, could never
require forgiveness.
You won't refuse to forgive my
wife?' Dr.. Betllunes repeated. reproach-
fully. 8sss ~
But his friend had made no answer
to hat question:. 8@s
II owe my life to you Frank ou
know can refuse you notFfng!!" Shir-
ley answered, with considerable feeling,
~ do forgive this laSy-at least ! vii
do SO when nave forgotten my "
suffering; and 4 nope Dor togbe happy
enough to forget past misery, But
came toSconsult . alone and ask yout
advice. 49, 3ss @S$8SS sss
Dr. Hethune led his wifesto the door
and gently babe her leave them ror .
while. sssSA& & SS Hgs a9S
Az . as the door had clo5sd aftsl
her he turnedgsto Shirley
4 suppose you despisess me. old Eel.
low II SAID, gaily, y 4 m y D \
j ~ to care even fort that. TTuealoxe Il
wholly unselfsh. nds1fssSaboxeca caring
for what others attink gsS
81 despise no man fora toying truly
l however muistakenl,y1..,n ,s. returned shiFt3ssyJi