The Ely miner., 1904-06-24

Y. Morgan, general delivery, Springfield.
I'LL. The note ended with the request
that he make no effort to discover her
identity or reason for her act. Her
greatest desire was to never see him
again.
Gregory's heart beat exultantly. His
instinct had been correct. She was
lady and she had acted honorably. He
liked the feeling that prompted the pay
ment of the interest which he resolved
to keep, as he knew 1t would in meas
ure assure her that she had made atone
ment He returned the ring as directed,
! with little note informing her that the
restoration of the money was the least
| of his pleasures. The first was in find
| ing that his first impressions were cor
| rect-that she was woman good and
| true, his next In being able to return
| her ring, which she must have missed.
He regretted very much her wishes.
which he of course would respect, that
he make no effort to learn her identity,
but he hoped chance would some day
| effect a meeting. He received brief
acknowledgment of the receipt of the
ring. The months went by, and Stephen
Gregory treasured her face in his mem
ory. He knew the name she gave was
| fictitious and he also felt assured that
| Springfield was only temporary abid-
ing place.
At Christmas, however, he was invited
to house party in Minneapolis. He was
the last of the guests to arrive, and
when he was presented to Miss Whit
ney," and the beautiful face of which he
had been dreaming was raised, a thrill
of pleasure ran through his veins. She
turned deadly pale, but her manner was
composed and controlled. The hostess
moved on and left them alone, as they
stood little apart from the others.
MAY ask you," she said, in low,
strained voice, "to say nothing until
can have few moments conversation
with you in private"
Certainly" he replied. 81 will make
an early opportunity to do So"
An hour later they were alone in the
| music room. She was still very pale.
and there was hunted look in her eyes
which made his heart yearn toward her.
"Of course" she said wearily, "it is
your duty to give our hostess sufficient
reason why 1 should not be here, but
may l ask you to spare me that dis
closure? Twill have telegram summon
me from here Immediately"
my dear Miss Whitney" he said, and
the sympathy and Difference in his voice
gave her heart it's first hope, 81 wouldn't
| l. %ho4 orix
me no eXplanation-and l do not ask
one-of that little affair which resulted
only in purely business transaction,
shall be entirely convinced that you are
an honorable woman, and beg you to
remain here and permit me to know
you."
Her eyes filled with tears, which she
quickly forced back, and in a moment
spoke:
81 will tell you the whole truth. 1 have
modest income which 1 add to by writ
ing for magazines. The date of payment
for such labor is uncertain and not to
counted upon. My little sister had Sc
we're illness early last summer. When
she was convalescent the doctors en-
phatically ordered her to the seaside.
My ready money had been exhausted
by the expenses attending her illness.
had already anticipated my allowance,
and l knew not where to borrow
although was sure that in two months
time would be in position to repay.
That day saw you in the car had been
downtown to pawn my ring and watch
l had never done such thing before,
and l hung about the pawnshops until
lost my nerve, and resolved to wait
and make an early morning trip, when
fewer people were about l saw your
roll of bills and it made me sick to tdink
how much money there was in the world
and yet life loved might be lost fol
want Of paltry sum. l was desper-
ate. The temptation came to me when
you sat beside me. 1t was so easily
done! l purposely left the ring in you,
pocket as security. I don't know how
got off the car and walked down the
street, I was so frightened. Ifound your
card, and by inquiry learned you were
not poor, so felt easier. And-you know
the rest"
at almost kills me when recall what
did and what I am, but-under the
same circumstances should do II
again. The end justified the means.
, was fortunate in that you are the mar
t you are"
| miss Whitney" he said, earnestly
extending his hand, cit was, as said q
purely business transaction, and one
most honorably met by you. I never
} shall regret the act am heartily glaG
| of the occurrence that led to my knowing
/ YOU"