The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-03-19

take this portrait for a day or two TO at
tempt 10 verify the recollection2'
by all means. oh. I'm SO glad sent
for you, and Maggie will learn 10 thank
you FOR. saving her from this designing
person"
That young lady was uncomfortably
surprised To see Dr. Kerr ushered in
week or SO after her flight. He = sent
70 fetch me back she thought. Well
Inn OF age, and he dare not use force.
We shall see"
you see I'm me. Miss Devon" said the
doctor, "a man charged with an unpleas-
ant though kindly mission"
I'm not coming back" Maggie broke
in, rebelliously.
kerr's lace took on a plying expression.
anu ne SAID In has most qllet anu lmptva-
sive manner. II sincerely regret To have
TO destroy your romance. Miss Devon. for
i,, ! know yy,h y9hr lovable and trusting dispo, 70,
this? IL Is "A snapshot taken at Brighton
by a friend OF mine.' lie handed her
carte-de-visite as he spoke.
Maggie took the picture, and. as she
scanned IL, every particle OF color faded
gradually from her face. 1t was Jack
her Jack seated In nook on the beach,
and beside him was a very pretty though
pert looking girl, and his arm was round
her waist
Kerr kept discreet silence, and looked
steadily out OF the window.
II am ready to accompany you. DIR.
Kerr" said the girl. suddenly. in broken
voice; "but the lady OF the house snust
never know of her nephew's perhdy.
That carte must have been taken almost
at the same time as another which he
sent 10 me I'm the summer Cruel, un-
manly dccciver.'
1T was seeing his portrait In your al
bum that enabled me 10 perform this
service. Kerr said, kindly. ''lf YOU viii
allow nae, I will make a suitable eXplana-
tion 70 the aunt. without any reference
TO this incident"
Jacks aunt. Mrs. Solly. the dear old
soul, az he had fittingly described her.
scarcely knew what To make of the girls
sudden resolve, but Eerr's III oma<'
statement that the mother thought her
daughters marriage should take place at
home appealed 10 her respectable ideas OF
the fttneSs OF things, and she offered no
objection when Maggie kissed her and
stated that she would acquaint Jack by
letter.
IL was a bitter Journey for the
girl; wounded pride. and worse-wounded
affection. inducing = state OF mind which iS,1
utmost tact and generosity. and Maggie
thought more gratefuly OF him than she
believed possible The letter she wrote
To her old sweetheart was brief II ran:
II have changed my mind and am at
home again. wish you 10 understand
that all Is over between us,-M.
This came like a thundcrbolt on jack
~ a most busy and profitable time. tits
first thought was to throw over the con
., sern and so home f9r an, eNplana tion
stared him starkly iu the face. agd he
hesitated. Finally he wrote "a simple,
manly letter. which was worded so:
My Dear Maggie-Your cold and cruel
note has tried me sofely at this time and
distance. DO YOU really mean, what YOU
say. and am I not worthy an cXplana-
ton? 1 do not recognize your dear self
Ia the words at all. and feel sure YOU
have been worked upon 20 write them. But
I am still the same, and do not intend To
give YOU up, unless You have really ceased
10 care for me. Write. my darling. ana
tell me more Always your own.
JACK"
This communication. with the fatal por-
trait In her possession. simply nrOusei
the girls contempt and outraged her
every feeling She burned the letter
straiphtwav. and did not reply 90 H.
Things went very smoothly ior lfr.
kecr within the next fortnight. lie wise
~ ala not attempt Go prcSs his wooing
knowing well that deceived woman n { such
time Is better won with show OF dis-
Interested Kindness aud support, ana
MaggieS aversion began 60 vanish by 'ie-
efoes. and she even looked forward -
his frequent visits with something Of re-
lief. An accomplished and experienced
ni8Hf he knew very well how 20 change
the monotony and agony Of her thoughts.
The break came one evening Whom
mother. daughter aud guest we're seated
At tea. There was q ring at the bell ana
I'm another moment Jack and Maggie
stood once more face 90 face.
W was Mrs. Devon who spoke n .st
II am surprised that rven YOUR aud1citv
suffers You 10 come here. sir. she -aid.
q am not sudacicus Mrs Devon -
phs ths young fellow az ,slriF Hs he