New-York tribune., 1903-01-25


''I would never-Lady Mary, forgive me! May
I tell you thing before l go? If couia
choose I would resign my new life gladly ana
return to my old one, content with the memory
of ten days-ten perfect days. AS 1t Is, Snail
carry that memory with me always; ana noun
ing that happen in the future Will ever
change it VIII you-I hardly venture to ask it,
but it means so much to He-win you give me
your photograph to take into exile with me-
Why do you call it exile? You are going
home
.'The whole world is exile to me after to-
morrow
Because am leaving you
She put her hand up to her lips to hide a little
smile that was creeping round them
You are banishing yourself, she SAID
He stood up. his face paling, his lips COM
pressed: then he knelt down suddenly on one
knee and took her hands in his
Dare 1 stay?" he questioned, under MS
what do your friends call you?" she asked,
irreverently. looking down. John or Jack?
They call me Jock His clasp frightened; MS
ewes were growing insistent she lifted hers to
meet them.
I should think you could dare most lnlnSs-
Jock
1t was growing twilight as they crossed the
hotel garden and went into the hall. Let Us
ask for our letters. Lady Mary suggested.
A man who had just arrived was standing at
the office window and said as they reached MN
The porter looked UP. surprised. There was d
telegram Just now ne said, but I sent it up to
Mr.. Curtice's room What is your lnItlal, SIT!
j. CurtiCe-John."
Then this wire must be for you" the Majors
smooth voice interposed, as he joined the group
.Mr Curtice says II is not from any one ne
knows. unless he added, turning 10 John wal
ford. 1t is yours.
John glanced at it and shook his head. NO"
he said, and handed it on. 1t contained these
words.
Proof document mailed to you to-day.-Police
Superintendent. Melbourne"
Can I see Mr.. Curtice at Once?" said the
stranger. Il have some very important news
M Curtice is in very feeble state of
health" replied the Ma jor, with queer look on
his face. 1T would be better for you to see ms
grandson, Mr. John Curtice."
I am his grandson-John Curtices was the
astounding answer I prefer to see my grand
father himself. Kindly lead the way to ms
And as the Major obeyed he was saying to
himself: "Curtice could hardly ask for the
money back: il would be a deuced ungentle-
manly thing to do. Besides. 1 have been the
means indirectly of finding him a grandson. l
have no doubt the story in the papers did it
His surmse was correct the Majors private
surrnises generally were.
The little romance had attracted attention
where repeated advertisements had failed John
Curtice a clerk in bank, remembered that ms
mothers name was Waiford, and that she had
spoken to him more than once in his boyhooo,
of Peluan. He had few papers of hers ana OF
his fathers, and one proof only was wanting 10
SUbSIaQtlate his claim lie cdDlSQ IOT lIl4S "
Melbourne, borrowed the money for his journey
and started at once for Les Suivants.
The interview between him and the old man
was very brief, and Mr.. Curtice sent for the
Major as soon it was over
II don't take to him, somehow, ne salo,
plaintively: ''I would rather il should have been
the other one. 1t is very hard lines on Walford
You saw that you think Lady Mary Tyrrel'--
I am sure of it, the Major asserted, with
emphasis but this will alter the case 1t Is
hard on him" -
II must see what can be done" the invalid
said After all, 1 can make the one my heir,
but there is nothing to prevent my making a
deed of gift to John Walford-say, thousand
OF two year"
1T would be the right thing TO do" The
Major assumed the wand Of the fairy godfather
once more.
I'm tell Walford I made the suggestion to
Curtice," he was rejecting, and if he has
grain of decent feeling he will insist on prac-
teal acknow wledgTnent-"
And he went in search of Walford.
But John, with q heart that was at once
lighter and heavier. was waiting in the grove
of pines below the veranda, listening for step
that might come there hoping, despairing.
And when at last she came he stood tongue
tied before her the only word that he might
say "Goodby,'' refusing TO utter itself.
How changed everything is, she said IN a
subdued way; you will be able TO carve OUT
your own life Mr.. Walford- Shall you stay mere
a little or leave tomorrow, just the same
Il shall 60" he answered, huSklIy; VIII you
stin give me the photograph"
wouldn't it'-she hesitated as though care
fulness Of his feelings made the choice Of words
difficult to her-"wouldn't il be better not? You
might forget-Without it
He could not bear il any longer; he turned