The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-01-29
She SEALED HIS
HEART FOREVER
loriginai.l

iutely. On the glass were neat gold
letters, Arthur Westcott, Attorney al
Law" Presently, summoning her reso'
luton, the girl turned the knob and en-.
tered. A few minutes later she was
ushered into Mr.. westcott's private Of.
Zee.
'Nina!
arthur, help me. Clifford is in trou.
bic. He is accused of appropriating
the funds cf the bank"
A singular expression passed over
the mans face. Clifford Bum had
won from him the heart OF Nina
Wrenn, to whom he had been be-
trothed.
But why not secure another defend
err he asked.
Because | have been told there Is
but one man at the bar who can cope
with the states attorney. who con-
victs all who come before him. and you
are that man."
There was short silence, at the end
Of which westcott said:
Nina, your trouble is my trouble.
] win defend your lover and do my
best In your behalf"
Arthur
She spoke only his name, but there
was world Of gratitude in her eyes.
Then she turned abruptly and left the
efice.
She had been actuated by one over
powering motiye-a desire TO save the
man she loved. even though she de-
mean herself by asking the one she
had sighted to be her instrument In
doing SO. But suddenly in his magma
nimity she saw the worth Of the man
she had given up and the worthless
ness of the man for whom she had
deserted him. But was this new to
her? Westcott had won her consent
to marry him because he was a splen-
did man. Bum had lighted on her
heart as a butterfly will light on a
flower and carried off all Its sweet |
ness. Nevertheless she left the Office |
and that II Westcott had treated her
as she had treated him she would |
never forgive him.
The trial was notable one-notable /
on account Of the social prominence
Of the young man, who was known to
be betrothed to popular belle-but
the main feature was the remarkable
summing up Of what was recognized
as weak case by Arthur Westcott,
an effort that placed him far above ev-
cry other criminal lawyer in his state.
He saved his client from punishment.
but not from conviction in the minds
Of every one who read the testimony
in cold type. uninfuenced by the i'm
passioned appeals of his defender.
The morning after the acquittal Nina
Wrenn appeared again at the counsel's
Office. She bore an envelope contain
ing ten 500 bills They were sent by
the discharged man as his counsePs
fee. Westcott knew that the money
had been stolen.
There Is no charge for services,
Nina" "@
why not?"
Il did 1t for you, not for him."
The girl cast her eyes down to the
floor
Arthur" she said presently, Il treat !
ed you shamefully."
you but followed the dictates Of
your heart. would not have you do
"Then-then,' she faltered, IF the :
dictates of my heart"-and paused.
Should change even an hour before :,
marriage would have you change as :
we'll"
Her eyes were still on the floor, and
she seemed tongue tied.
Nina" said the man impressively, :
''do you regret
There was no reply, only troubled :
gaze, a gaze bent always down, never =
upward. Westcott went to her and 3
took her hand
Sweetheart" he said softly, '1et US
forget this unpleasant episode, forget =
that this feeble minded man has for a :,
time captivated you. We are still, al =,
ways have been, lovers. The rest has !,
Deen a dream" !,
Arthur, you are too good for me. y
I'm no better than Clifford" =,
There was melancholy in her tone -
hat startled Westcott
Not too good for you, but stronger G,
,erhaps, more practical, farseeing" =
mo, you are too good for me- | am -
lot worthy Of you" :,
IF | ever doubted you were my >,
OF the noble effort you have ~
made to save an unworthy man to -
whom you had given your heart would
AVE convinced me to the contrary
four fault is a lovable one. Come, da
Nina; on your decision probably rests st
he tenor Of your whole future life IIC.
,elieve that you will be the wife either
# Clifford Bum or Of Arthur West
ott Which shall 1t beT 4
There was no response, but her head
vas slowly bending, it seemed under
great weight and Westcott guided 1t
o his breast There it rested for
ime when at last he said:
Nov go, sweetheart. This Is no
o.. TT. l