The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-10-13

ever a mother could be. But che is nos
not like the people you are used to,
Douglas. She is unlettered, uneducated,
but she paused. II ant Sive her
up She said, even for YOU"
In the dim light she cast a glance at
her lover. HIS face was turned from her.
She seemed TO read the stern, set look
In his eyes. the contempt with which he
heard the tale. y great fear clutchcd at
her heart: for a minute she was tempted
to end the story there.
There was another chapter. but he would
never know, unless she told him. He
might forgive her for loving this poor.
ignorant woman who had so loved her.
But the rest of the story.
Clenching her hands, Angela forced her
self to speak.
Before my guardian oied. she went on.
he warned me against his son Carlisle.
He was not a good man. My guardian saw
he was attracted to me, and feared ] cared
for him. His warning was all too late. l
had married Carlisle secretly IA year be-
fore"
She glanced piteously at Douglas as she
spoke: but he made no sign.
After my guardians death l went with
mother as l called her. to the village
OF Petersham, where l took my r!ghtful
name-Mrs. Carlisle Smith, though l had
not seen nor heard Of my ~husband-hus-
philo III IlaiIlc Olly-Slllcc llc IluE1lu6e. 1
sorrowed for him, Douglas. I was but a
young girl. and he had seemed all that
81 girl could wish. But, as time went on.
l thought less of him. l grew bitter toward
him. and when ut last the new reached
me that he had been killed in a street
fight out in San Francisco. l felt no grief. l
welcomed my freedom. 1 could not bear
to retain any trace of my foolish marriage,
so | dropped the name Of Smith and called
nESplf Miss Carlisle. And then Iptpr-
mined to destroy all connection with my
Old life. ] arranged With Mrs. Norton
"A distant cousin of my mothcr-to launch
me into society-she knowing my story. 1
ever kept my whereabouts from the wom-
an whom l loved so dearly, for fear people
should lind out my past through her. Then
l met you, Douglas, and at first l meant
never to tell you; but I've learned to love
you SO dearly that l could not bear TO de-
celve you, and now--now you will cast me
Off"
With streaming eyes and outstretched
hands she turned toward him to receive
her sentence. She had deceived aim. 1t
was just she should be punished. Yet
With Il swift movement he put his arms
about her.
Angela, have you SO little faith in me?
Now hat | have heard your story. l shall
ask YOU once again to be my wife. Dearest,
1t isn't new TO me. ! knew it all along.
My mothers companion wasn't the only
person who saw you at Petersham. | was
there, too, and straishtway fell in love
with you, J. learned your history from
Mrs. Smith: had ] not pledged her to Sec
rccy she would have told YOU"
Why did you want to keep it from mc?"
II hoped that you would tell me your
self, Angela. ] waited sometimes impa-
tiently for you to give me your confidence.
but at last, at least, my patience is re-
Quittcd.'
And can you care for me, Douglas, in
spite of my dcceit?"
His answer was inaudible, but apparent
ly satisfactory. for Angela straightway
threw her arms around his neck. and in a
voice thrilling with happiness. cried:
Il am a wretched and deceitful woman.
Douglas, But ] love you SOL love you SO
perhaps twill make amends"
And apparently it did.