Charlevoix county herald., 1904-07-23

II want to apologize for what l did
in Berlin, or rather for coming to
Berlon," he began. 81 was wrong and
| beg your pardon"
THAT is not the offence for which
you should crave forgiveness" said
Jessie Garden. Scorn was in her voice
and warning flash in her eyes.
Your intrusion in Berlin was inso-
lent, but 1t was in harmony with a
greater affront which preceded 1t,
and one OF which no gentleman would
be guilty. If you have nothing more
appropriate to say, leave me, sir!!"
II have; I have!" cried Morris, cow
ering before her gaze. Pray be seat
ed, Miss Garden, and-and give me 4
chance!"
Il should not" she said coldly.
IL know the time you mean, Miss
Garden" His face flushed a deeper
red and he looked at her with ap-
pealing eyes. "You mean that affair
at the clambake. l was intoxicated,
Miss Garden. It's hard word, but
I'm going to be honest and throw my
self on your mercy. / am very, very
sorry; really / am, Miss Garden, and
| want to be your--your friend"
She longed TO spurn his prayers
and to ask him to take back the white
locks from above her fathers brow
and remove the stain of disgrace.
She realized that the man who had
crushed her father was now in her
power, and felt that triumphant joy
which only woman can know. But
it wounded and tortured her pride to
think that morris dared aspire to her
love. She charged the sacrifice she
was about to make against the &C.
count of future revenge, and turned
to him with q softer light in her eyes.
Il should not forgive you," she said.
when man who pretends to your
position so far forgets himself he
should first obtain his own pardon
He should then seek to redress the
wrongs caused by his offense. Are
you prepared 20 do that, Mr.. Morris?"
Il don't exactly understand what you
mean, Miss Garden"
Il will make myself plain" said
Jessie. You attempted to murder
young man who resented your in
suits in g public place, and in the en-.
counter you were injured. For years
you have had a standing reward for
the arrest of this innocent man. Are
you willing to take steps to absolve
him? John Burt has been the greater
victim of your conduct
But my dear Miss Garden, haven't
the slightest notion of where he is,
don't you know" said Norris with a
puzzled expression. "'Pon my word,
! don't. We had a beastly row in
which | got shot, and all the fellows
who were with me say / started it,
and that the pistol went off in my own
hand. | assure you that l don't re.
member thing about it, The gov
ernor offered the reward. l can get
him to withdraw it, and put Il notice
in the papers promising that no pros
ecution shall be made. I'll do any,
thing you say, Miss Garden"
Publicly announce the withdrawal
of the reward and state that he will
not be prosecuted" said Jessie, as if
the matter was merely one of alb
stract justice. "And If you are con-
fdent that l shall not again be en-
barrassed by your indiscretions l will
try to overlook the past.
you are very good" he exclaimed
effusively. tits more than / deserve,
but you will not regret it, Miss Car
den. Ny governor and yours are
mixed up in business, and it's beast
ly shame, don't you know, that we
should be at odds. BY the way, I'm
awfully sorry about the generals finan-
cial troubles. Hope he pulls out of
them all right, and think he will. I'm
trying now to make a deal which will
help him out. And you're not angry
with me now, are you, Miss Garden?
Let's shake hands and call it square,"
Morris extended a clammy hand,
and Jessie, with an inward shudder,
permitted him to clasp hers for a mo-
ment.
The summer season was at hand,
and Jessie was looking forward with
pleasure to sojourn in bingham.
Arthur Morris had been devoted in
his attentions, and Jessie felt thrill
ling wickedness at the tacit cncour-
agement she had given him.
(To be continued.)