The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1901-05-31

"What l want to say to you is this:
something has happened tonight that
will prevent my returning here. You
must come to see me occasionally, and
always when needing advice or help.
In the meantime keep up your courage.
Nobody can disturb the big fact in our
ease. We have the law on our side. |
shall explain II all some time. And
our wounded friend-you don't ask of
him-is better and impatient. He will
leave Richmond tonight. Good by"
"Oh, wait!" cried the girl in an
guish. The woman-where is sheW
at the Spotswood and ILL.," He felt
the blood running from stab in his
shoulder down his arm, and, fearful OF
the effect should the excited girl dis
cover that ne was wounded, he hurried
away to his assistant. Frances waited
at the gate, her face in her hands, her
heart aching. With a sudden and de-
spairing resolution she went back to
her room.
Quick, nanny, help me to dress;
I must go to the hotel"
Lord "a mussy, chile, what de mat
ter?"
Help me, mammy-quickl Don't
ask any questions"
Frances started away, wringing her
hands and sobbing, but in the crowded
streets, where men were cheering and
cannon firing over the announcement
that Virginia had seeded, and thou
sands OF torch-lights blazed the way,
she grew frmer The general excite
ment was in her favor and no one at
tached importance 10 her visit. She
reached and entered the sick woman's
room, and, motioning away the hired
nudse, dropped upon her knees by the
bedside. Louise, calmer under the OPT
ates administered by the doctor, re-
garded her aH she might have one de-
scended from the clouds. Something
like spasm OF fear passed over her, for
in the lovely face beside her she seemed
TO see the image OF her own youth re-
peated.
who are your" she asked, wildly.
"Your friend. Don't excite your
self"
Your name? your name?"
"Francss Brookinl And, oh, I am SO
sorry for you, no very sorryl" Louise
seemed to have heard only the name,
which she repeated softly, wonder
ingly.
Frances BrookinI And your father
who was hs7"
"John Brookin."
"Ah, my Godl" And the face upon
the pillow was turned away In shame
and confusion. After awhile she looked
back, a strange light in her eyes
What do you want OF me2" she
asked, suHpiciously.
Il wanted TO tell you" said Frances,
covering her face and sobbing anew,
that l didnt knoW-of you'll That ~
1 had no power on earth could have
won my consent. Oh, have been de-
ceived-cruolly, cruelty"
Louise, who was ignorant that Fran
ces was tho girl In tho room at tho
time of the shooting, now saw her OPP
portunity. She raised herself eagerly.
"You are my rival, then. You came
only in pity"
"Yes. And TO ask your forgiveness.
You have nothing TO fear from me-"
A glad light filled the eyes of Louise.
She could with difficulty restrain her
self and control her voice.
81 believe YOU" she said. "You will
not take him from me-from his
c. Al"
ia child" Frances was shocked
and dismayed. His child Is there
a child-of his?"
eyes" said Louise, "but If you reveal
that | shall never be allowed to see her
again. You will not tell, will your"
mo-" said the wretched girl. your
secret is safe with me. And, oh, be-
lieved in him-I trusted him sol" She
wrung her hands and turned away her
face.
at is fortunate you found him out in
time" said Louise; with me, it was
too Iate-too late! But please do not
stay here. How did you find me out?"
The doctor. He told me about you
He has told me everything, and want
ed to see you"
Don't cry, my dear child. What
seems great sorrow to you now is
really a blessing. You have made
a miserable woman happy by your
coming. Go nowl He may enter at
any moment, and it would be painful
Go, and don't tell anyone of this
visit. Win you promise?"
II shall keep your secret" said
Frances. ut is safe with me. For
give me-if 1 have made you UNI
happy"
81 am sorry for you" said Louise,
simply. Frances lifted her head
proudly.
"You need not be. I am shocked
and mortified; that is all. To-mor-
row shall cease to remember him."
She was going when Louise called
her back.
let me see your face again, my
child. All, how beautiful you arel
Good-by, trust you. Don't grieve
about him. He cannot ever be trust
ed. You were to be the victim OF
plot, and your friends are decsiving
YOU Why the man Ia poor; ruined