Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-07-11

the comfortable apartments which he
occupied at the Red Lion" Arrived
at the inn. he went straight 10 his
room and. sitting down in a deep chair.
put his hand 10 his poc..et mechanical
~ in order TO extract his cigar case
In the excitement OF his ?resen; mood
he had completely forgotten that he
was wearing another mans coat. and
10! instead of the cigar case his fingers
closed upon letter. He drew il forth,
and before he could realize that the
communication was not one of his own
his amazed eyes had fallen upon 4
handwriting which he knew and loved
the handwriting of Muriel Carslake.
Merciful heavens. II began with the
words: MY poor. dear Jack
Dick Armstrong was an honorable
man. but for the life of him he could
not refrain from reading every word
which the letter, found by accident in
his friends coat. contained. When he
had finished the perusal he read it
sinking into his agonized heart as the
words penetrated his brain.
Presently herose and paced the room
trying TO think out the situation. So
Muriel did not care for him after all:
her heart belonged To another. and she
had promised TO marry him merely be-
cause she dreaded a life of poverty.
Her love was centered on his banking
account-Eot on himself. II was a bit
ter awakening indeed. and he groaned
in the tortures of the terrible dis
illus;onment.
He felt no resentment-no shadow Of
resentment-aainst the girl. After all
she had never sought him out; she had
accepted his addresses with respect
rather than with passionate ardor. and
she had on no single OCCASION made
protestations of anything more than
gentle affection.
He read Muriers letter once again.
and this time his eyes lighted on the
paragraph that ran thus:
Al. why didn't your uncle buy you
that partnership in the bank which we
used 10 fancy he would do? II he had
would have BEEN"
Dick knew quite well to what part
ne-ship the girl thus referred. For a
long time Mr.. Felix Densmore, the pre-
siding director of the local bank. had
been anxious to secure young and
energetic partner who would bring into
the business capital of $4,000. but.
so far. TO candidate had offered him
self for the enviable position.
"I'll do it," he murmured: I'll do
it; yes. III do it. :"
On the following morning Dick Arm
strong went TO London and drove TO
the Office of his solicitor in Clifford's
Place. After short delay he was
ushered into Mr.. Jennifer's Office. the
latter rising TO greet him as he entered.
Il am leaving England almost direct
~" said Dick. quietly; 'and before
so want You to effect certain I'M
dertaking for me. want you to
negotiate the purchase of the junior
partnership in Densmores Bank at
Bayfield,. and TO confer it upon a
friend of mine. But understand this.
He is not TO know that-ihat-"
That you are his benefactor, eh?"
interpolated the lawyer. with a saga
cious smile.
Put it that way if you will
Il understand perfectly. Now be
good enough TO give ME full details re-
garding this transaction. and it shall
be carried out forthwith
Dick obeyed. and half an hour later
the affair had been settled.
Two nights later Muriel Carslake re-
ceived letter in Dicks handwriting
that ran thus:
My Own Dear Sweetheart am
quitting England for long time. and
| do not know when | shall return.
have learned your secret. and know
that your heart belongs TO another.
therefore give you back your freedom.
and hope that you may be very happy
with him you love. Do not think that
| blame you for one instant. love
you too much to feel any bitterness
against you. and although at first the
blow was a heavy one, hope that time
may do much TO soften my pain and
bring forgetfulness There are better
things in this world. Muriel. than get
ting ones own way. and if | have
learned nothing else in my journey
through life. | have learned that God
knows best. He decides all things for
good. Think of re sometimes when
| am far away. Think OF me as one
who. had he been privileged to become
your husband. would have devoted his
existence TO making you happy. but
who. as il is. can only remain your
sincere and devoted friend.
DICK ARMSTRONG.
p. 81 have kept the lock of hair
you gave me- Do you mind?
That was all. The letter was short,
simple. and concise; but in the writing
OF it human heart had touched
breaking point. and tears had watered
every halting line.
Three months have sped into the
past since Muriel read Dick Arm
strong's farewell letter In a certain
room in an hotel in Melbourne a man
sits with a home newspaper before
/ him. glancing listlessly at its columns
4 Suddenly an exclamation escapes his
I lips. and he reads these words:
CASTLETON-CARSLAKE-On the