Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-26

the faint echo Of its music was drowned
by the crunch of gravel; there was the
quick step OF somebody coming up the drive
then the wooden steps ave hollow notice.
The visitors advent was announced again
by the brass knocker on the front door.
"Ill CO." said Allis. as her mother rose,
The girl knew who IL was that knocked, not
because Of any sane reason. She simply
knew that Il was Mortimer.
When she opened the door. he stepped
back hesitatingly. Was he not a criminal
was he not about TO leave his position be-
cause Of theft?
Come in" she said quietly; 81 an glad
you have come
shall I? l just wan to speak TO you
for a minute; l said l would come. We can
talk here on the veranda. can't WEI"
II would rather you came inside; there
is no reason why you should not"
"If you don't mind, / should like TO be
alone with you"
Very well, come into this front room;
we shall not be disturbed"
Il am going away he began; IL cant
stand 1t here"
"You have done nothng-nothing to clear
yourself?"
Nothing
And you won't?"
mo" :
'Is this wiser
Its the only course left me-"
There was a silence for a long minute.
They were both standing. The girl broke
the stiffness.
Il am glad you have come, because / can
tell you again that 1 know you are inno-
cent. I know It, because my heart repeats
It a thousand times a day. I listen to the
small voice and 1 hear nothing else"
You never waver-you never doubt?'
'Neyer."
you never will?' v
Never"
Then I don't care. other men have had
their misfortunes thrust upon them and
have stood 1t without complaining, have had
less to solace them than you have given
me now, and I would be a coward IL even
complained. Some day perhaps you will
know hat 1 am worthy Of your faith-God
grant that the knowledge brings you no
fresh misery-there, forgive me, 1 have
said too much; 1 am even now a coward.
II you will say goodby, I'll CO."
"Goodby. my hero" She raised her face,
down which were %trickling many tears, and
held out her hand, brokenly, as one searches
in the dark. for the room was swimming
about her, and just family she could see
this mans strong face coming to her put
Of the gloom like the face Of a god. He
took her hand. "Goodby," he said; Gift
fate Wills 1t that my innocence be known
some time, may / come back? Will you
walt, believing in me for a little?"
Forever"
"Allis-" 1t was the first time he had
ever called her Allis. 1t broke down the
last faint girlish restraint.
He drew her to him by the hand he still
clasped, and put his strong arms about her.
What mattered it now that he had been
falsely accused-what mattered 1t to either
OF them that he must accept the grim
penalty Of his ~endeavor? with them, in the
soft gloom was nothing but love, and faith
and innocence, and within the strong arms
a sense Of absolute security, as though the
false, accusing world had been bafied
beaten down and the victory theirs, love.
He raised the girls face and kissed Il.
Let God witness that l press your pure
lips In innocence" he said. and in this
pledge I love you forever and ever"
Amen" came from Allis involuntarily
1t sounded to them both like the benedic-
tion of a high priest.
He repeated mechanically, Amen" TIC
speak again would have been sacrilege.
He put her from him gently, turned away
and walked quickly from the house.
Ito Be Continued.)