The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-08-31
0Neal knew that 1 was called away from

Neal knew that | was called away from
the city by telegram that very evening,
said Roscoe. "He accompanied me to
the cars and received message from me
to you, with a promise to write in day
Or two-expecting to be absent for about
three weeks. He evidently thought that
would give him time for his sinister work;
and having heard you make the declara-
ton that you would send letter and let
me witness for myself, he doubtless con-
trived by bribing the servant, or in some
other way, to obtain possession of the let
ter, and initiated your handwriting in
preparing this one-a very clever forgery"
During the period you were absent, |
wrote twice, begging you to explain that
strange letter. These letters were re-
turned unopened-see, here there are
we can guess now by whom. Never
mind, darling, = he added quickly, as he
saw her turn deadly pale, lit is all right
now, | hope. | will furnish your father
any credentials he may require in regard
to my business and social standing; as for
Mr. Neal, his character is pretty thorough
ly established. But see, they are pre-
pairing to go ON with the entertainment.
Il will just add that l would have been
on the ocean tonight but for an accident
to the machinery of the vessel, and hay-
ing nothing to do, l concluded to attend
this concert, which proved after all the
very best thing | could have done My
sailing will be delayed for week and a
great deal can be done in that time. To-
morrow | will call upon your father and
invite him to accompany us-you and I,
Rennie-when we do go on our wedding
journey. May I?'
One glad, grateful, joyous look an
swered him; and as he pressed her hand
at parting, a step at his side announced
the return of William Neal
A dark frown overspread Meals face as
their eyes met; but with quiet bow Farm
ham passed him and returned to his seat
'elake me home, please T. were Rem
MES first words to her escort. t'I feel
unable to remain longer.
Without any comment Neal obeyed,
and short time later Rennie was at her
own house.
Good night p she said quietly, with
out offering her hand and the next mo-
ment William Neal was standing outside
the door alone, in very bewildered frame
of mind, and inwardly cursing the impru-
dence that permitted him to leave her for
a single moment ungarded in a public place.
just what mischief had been done he
could not determine; there was no help for
ii but TO wait and see
His enlightenment came very soon in
the form of brief note from Renning in
forming him that their acquaintance was
at an end absolutely and forever
Roscoe Farnham called the next day,
had long interview with Mr. Lawrance
and longer one with his daughter, at the
close of which Rennie whispered, as he
kissed her for brief goodbye
''Let us forgive him, Roscoe, for he
did us a good turn in persuading me to go
to that concert IF | had remained at
home, as | wanted to, you would have left
the city without an opportunity for an ex-
PLANTATION, and we should have missed our
life s happiness forever.
s'There' many slip twixt the cup
and lip laughed Roscoe, unconscious
that he was quoting the very expression
his rival had used ''But the slip was
not ours this time, darling-and so we will
forgive him. -