The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-04-17

darling. Ny darlingr" in the fervid
style of the letter
Yet. knowing these things. why could
1 not condemn the girl standing there
in her guilt, instead of keeping my
mouth dumb. as l was doing after her
frantic appeal?
Evidently" said the parson calmly.
the fellow has feared detection. and
has disguised his hand. Yet it is from
the same man undoubtedly"
A slight heaving of the bosom seemed
TO indicate to me that for some reason
the giri felt distinctly relieved.
We all stood there. in the fitfui glare
of the pulpit lamps a most amazing
group: The girl like a doe driven
10 bay. yet appealing for help rather
than taking it upon herself 10 make a
defense; the irate John choking and
gasping with his overwhelming rage.
which got hotter as the scene became
prolonged; the younger man with
sneering face in which. as he looked al
the girl. there was something like a bru-
tai triumph; the parson, cool, steady,
but Vindictive and resourceful.
The other man had seemed more like a
hired hand, and had nothing to say. He
gave great assistance. though. with his
immense strength. in holding me.
The parson looked coollv at the COVER
ing girl, and then at me. He seemed.
on noting my defiant attitude, TO come
out Of his shell somewhat and show LIS
lighting qualities
You see, John he said slowly. "the
thing has gone very far. very far indeed.
These clandestine meetings in the vii
lage: these letters carried to and fro
by the negress. this well-planned meet
ing at the church, and the proposed
elopement-it will all cause a great deal
of unpleasant talk. John. Our house
has been mixed up with enough scandal
because OF these irrational FORESTS.
The smirch of this affair will cling. no
matter what we do If we take Beatrice
home and let this fellow go. what will
be the result? She viii be ostracized by
everybody She will not"
You forget. father" sa-- the young
man in alarm. I love Beatrice. and
will"
James
The parson Strengthened himself up.
His rigid FACE sho~ed no other emotion
than pride and an iron determination 10
uphold it,
James. Would you marry a wan
ton?"
"oh. no. uncler' cried the girl. wiring
ing her hands. "Not that"
That, and nothing else" said the
parson co!dly. Rather than have my
son sulIv his fair name by linking II
with yours / would put him in his
grave"
James hung his head. He didn't seem
10 me to be much of a man, and yet
somehow the parson had the evidence
all his way.
1 pitied the girl from the bottom of
my heart She was so young that l felt
she was more sinned against than sin
ming.
so I think. John" continued the
parson, things being as they are. that
the best thing we can do is to marry
this wanton and her chosen lover and
let them go"
John, Beatrice, and myself stared like
three stupid owls at the parson. His
plan was so completely a surprise to
me that for the instant could not
speak And TO the girl. who had seen
me that day for the first time. the
parsons speech was a horrible threat.
But I think il was John who showed
the most amazement.
'M-m-marry themr lie stammered.
Certainly" replied the parson cool
~. They are about 10 eIope without
that ceremony to sanction their rela-
lions. The man is a rascal, 1 know.
But the girl Is equally wicked, or she