Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1901-06-15

answered. mechanically taking up q
pile OF papers and running over them
Suddenly ne exclaimed:
What's thfs2-a letter written BY
Frank himself and never sent?"
The pity that n moment ago had
filed Weaver vanished, and fierce
desire 20 escape detection had taken
Its place.
Why. yes he said: II remember
Frank intended to invite Miss Wiley
10 the opera for Thursday. but
changed his mind. and. suppose. did
not send the letter. However. l am
going down 20 inquire after him at
noon. and IL you will give me the let
ter. III leave "a with his mother"
yes. yes" assentsd Mr.. Wade;
that's a good idea
Just then Jimmy entered. Catch
ing sight OF the letter in Mr.. Wade's
hand. ne exclaimed:
Why, Mr.. Weaver. you didn't mail
that letter that day"
Weaver turned pale
You don't know what you are talk
ing about" he said. as Mr.. Wade
glanced mp. inquiringly.
Yes. do Jimmy persisted;
that's the letter Mr.. Hepburn gave
me 10 mail the day before he got
sick. Don't YOU remember his saw
ing that little cross was secret
sign?"
why didn't You mail 10. jimmy
Mr.. Wade interrupted. sternly.
why. sir. on my way TO the Office
Mr.. Weaver took il from me, and said
he'd mail il himself"
Jimmy had taken the letter from
Mr.. Wade's hands. and. turning it
over. exclaimed:
Its opened nowl"
Mr.. Weaver. ! am sorry for this,
Mr.. Wade said, simply, and left the
room.
His heart was very tender towards
the poor boy he had seen that morn
ing tossing restlessly from side to
side. aud still trying 20 murmur;
Bertha"
"The name Is the same" ne com
mented. III take her the note and
I explain It's delay. There may he a
f connection between this and his brain
fever. God grant there is"
Hurriedly calling a cab, he drove 20
f the address ON the envelope. and was
soon greeted by young lady, who
responded 20 his inquiry for Miss
Bertha Wiley"
"Is this your letter. he asked, alb
: ruPtly.
She looked NJ him rather haughtily
an instant. then her whole air
f changed 20 one Of intense eagerness
as she caught sight of the address.
Yes she breathed. and IN a mo-
meut had taken the note and de-
voured is contents.
Where did Won get it?- she ssked,
looking up. the pretty color that
tinrcd her checks as she read dying
out. and her little air OF hauteur re-
+ turning. though her eyes stin danced
and there was a glad ring in her
sweet voice
Ignoring her question, Mr. Wade
said. sharply:
40 YOU know its writer Is dyingr
Dying. Frank,-oh. my darling.
There was no need 20 ask il this
was the Bertha. Only one woman car
utter a mans name in that tone. The
light and the color died out OF hei
face in an instant. and hard
strained look came in their place
more pififul ;han any tears. She put
her hand on her heart a moment
and then said, simply;
take me 20 him. please
Get your hat" Mr. Wade answered
But she only looked al him agar
and whispered: Take me 20 him
without a word more, he led hei
20 the still waiting cab
On reaching the house. Mr.. Wade
left her in :he hall and hurried mp
stairs. & few. swift words explained
20 the doctor who Vac below. and h'
FASTENED down
You must be very quiet" he said
, gently. though the charge seemed un
necessary in greeting the almOs
stony figure that awaited him. -SleeI
must come within an hour. or deatl
or hopeless insanity will result; bu
20 90 him. look and speak quietly an'
naturally. and II IL j. YOU he is dyini
for "a shudder ran through the girl)
|. we may save him yet"
The doctor led the way 20 the sick
room. opened the door. and stoO'
aside a. she entered Bertha swaye'
for an instant a. she caught sight o
the pitifui. wasted form extended be
. fore her: bat love friumphed. and
swiftly advancing TO the bedside. sh
bent above the wis;ful eyes and said
clearly and softly:
Love. did YOU call me?"
.Bertbal- the pinched lips tried G
say.
"Yes. Bertha" she cooed. softi
laying her cool lips on his: land nov
I. darling. shut your eyes. 4 win pa
my cheek against yours and we wi