The Irish standard., 1905-01-14
TALLY filled trunks articles of wearing

first endeavored to quiet her agitation.
| and then gently to draw from her the
other side of story that was hardly less
| distressing for the one to hear than for
the other to tell. A grewsome tale it
was, indeed, and the girl was glad that
Frank had told his story first. That
his was the truth, and all the truth,
| she doubted not an instant.
| Who told you this?" finally inquired
| Priscilla.
Mrs Gympton."
The worst gossip in the city. Did
she tell you the girls name?"
No; but from her description, just
| know it was that o6ious actress" jam
ming a satin gown into a corner of a
| trunk as she spoke.
| And on the strength of this miser.
| able gossip you are breaking up your
home. running your life and Franks as
| well?"
But he never denied it"
Did you give him the opportunity ?"
IL don't know; l was so utterly
| wretched."
Did you even ask him the woman's
name?"
why, no: but"
Sadie Atherton, l am surprised at
you! Frank simply had to make that
trip to the Beach. Business, and moth
ing else, was the cause of his going. And
as for his companion, at lunch and at
terward," here utterance became diff
| cult, Ibis companion, say, was myself"
| "You!"
yes" Having made the plunge, her
strokes were bold and strong. rs there
anything strange in that? Could either
| of us imagine that such a spiteful SLAM
der would reach you before you would
be Informed of it in an ordinary man
| ner? No doubt Frank was too surprised
! at your outburst to remember who was
with him. even had you asked him."
Mrs. Atherton again resorted to tears
welcome tears of relief.
Had Priscilla searched for justifica-
ton, she might have found it in the
complete joy of her friend. The room
was soon restored to order, and by the
performance OF certain mysterious rites,
the traces of recent grief were banished
from the happy face of Mrs. Anterior.
1t was late in the afternoon before
Priscilla reached home. AS she ascend
ed the steps, an alarming thought turned
her g1ddy for an instant. Frank would
not know how she had made peace for
him, and unconsciously would betray
her. She hurried through the door and
| fol 70
formed that he had started uptown. Real
izing the Importance of seeing him, she
resolved to intercept him, if possible, at
the Fiftieth street station of the elevat-
ed, where he generally alighted.
After vainly watching the endless pro-
cession descending the elevated start
way for a quarter of an hour, she felt
baff1ed, knowing that she had lost the
race. Grimly resolving TO learn the
worst at once, three minutes later found
her again entering the Atherton apart.
ment. Despair gave place to hope
Frank was not there. Having no pre-
text for calling, she was somewhat en-
barrassed. Mentally searching for
something she had not forgotten, she
was greatly relieved as Frank opened
the door. Sadies gave cry of delight
and threw herself in his arms, ex-
claiming. "Oh, Frank. I've been such q
goose"
You're duck!" was the prompt and
happy reply.
But why did you not tell me that
Priscilla was with you that day."
"Pris-" he stammered, his eyes open
ing wide.
Yes" quickly responded that young
lady, artfully treading on Franks toe
as she approached; 'she did not know
that was your companion Monday az
ternoon, as that horrid Mrs Gymptou
failed to recognize me. AS you neglect
ed to mention it, how could she have
known?"
Yes" assented he, vaguely; Ito be
sure; how could she?"
AS Frank escorted Priscilla home
later in the evening, few words were ex.
changed. Franks usually effervescine
! nature had been subdued by recent
events, while Priscilla was absorbed in
her own rioting thoughts. Reaching the
door of her Riverside home, she turned
and silently held out her hand A teal
in her eye reflected the electric light al
the corner.
Priscilla" exclaimed Frank, sudden.
ly approaching the extent of her .sacri.
flee. really, Priscilla, I'm not worth it. y
Yes, you are" she returned, brok'
emily; IL believe would do it agar
for you and s,Aie, but it seems strange
to find ones self liar"
He reverently raised her hand to hi.
lips.
Early the next morning Priscilla burs
into the abode of the Athertons, hel
eyes telling the tale of sleepless nigh
and conscience i'll at ease.
"Oh. Sadie" she cried; II know 20,
never will forgive me, but have beer
such "a"
You are perfect dear" responde,
Sadie: Frank told me all about it,"
And then, womanlike, in order t,
demonstrate their complete happiness
each clasped the other to her breast an,
burst into tears.
since, and recently sent man over t,
! this country who finally succeeded I,