The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1902-01-25

WHAT REASON HAVE YOU TO ACCUSE 8IE?'
was so beautiful in her fresh, strong
youth that Paul's heart thrilled with
tenderness for moment before the
whip Of jealousy amotc him again.
"Why do You say that l wrote 10
him?" she demanded what reason
have you to accuse me-
"Ah, Millic, AIilic" he exclaimed.
You are only Il child. Your secrets
are easily read. \ man of my years,
who has encountered ten million false
hoods. as all men must, gains Il sad
power of recognizing them. When you
denied that the letter was from HIM
Il didn't deny it,"
ut amounted to the same thing, but
| knew the truth"
you never saw any of his writing,
did you?"
Never before" said he, with an en-
phasis on the last word. but there
was the postmark."
81 know others in Lanark."
"If you'd heard from any of them,
however" said Caryll bitterly, you
would not have refrained from telling
me. Remember | watched you while
you were reading the letter. I'm not a
Ounce, Millie. I'm Il lawyer and ac-
customed to weigh the evidence"
"Well?" she qucried, leaning forward
and looking at him earnestly. Let us
hear what you make of it,
you had written to him." said he
slowly, 'for otherwise you would have
been surprised more than you We're to
see his writing on that envelope. His
yours or you'd show it to me to prove
that I'm mistaken. The rest is clear.
You were disappointed last week when
l told you that l couldn't take you to
the horse show. You thought l should
have made Il sacrifice to do it: should
me out of town. SO in pique, knowing
that Chandler would be here. you
wrote something which at least sug-
gestcd that he might escort you there"
Il never did anything of the Sort
she cried.
is't i1tt'i III soui nap pI'N l
it," he replied. Doesn't he mention
taking you to the show? A glance will
tell"
Her face grew red.
81 won't show you the letter." she
said. Il don't believe in that; it's a
matter of principle with me. | have a
right to my private correspondence"
Caryll rose from his chair because he
was too nervous TO sit in it any longer.
"AIillie, this is serious" he said. You
have committed a great folly. What
can Chandler think of such letter as
you wrote him."
"You think, then" said Millic, rising
also. that l practically invited him to
take ne to the show"
What other conclusion can draw
he rctorted in a voice that he could rot
control. He acknowledges n letter of
taking you TO the show. You've prac-
tically admitted it. The evidence is
conclusive"
She drew herself up proudly.
at is conclusive" she exclaimed
"Ah, Paul. wouldn't have thought it
of you!"
"Thought what of me? What do you
mean?'
paul" she replied. with deep feeling,
Il have loved you with all my heart,
and every thought of my mind has been
true to you. | have given you every ev-
idence of my love and my truth, yet
you distrust me. You open my letters
and read them
Caryll's jaw dropped till his face
looked like dead mans.
Il" he gasped.
Did you not know me, Paul?" she
continued. isn't it enough to have
been so close to me during this dear
and blessed year? What is evidence
proof, if you will-compared with actu-
nj knowledge of ones character?"
knowledge of character.' he repeat
ed. as if dazed. "How about your
knowledge of mine? Is there anything
that | have ever done or limited at or
dimlyj suggested that would lead you to
believe would be guilty of prying into
your letters? Saints of paradise, my
soul is sick at the idea Of it!''
"Ah. but the evidence, Paul. 1t is con-
elusive l find my letter opened and in
your hand. You start guiltily when