Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
SHE SEALED HIS
HEART FOREVER
LOrtginad.l

from q corridor In an Office building
her hand resting on the knob irreso
lutely. On tho 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
fee.
"Nina!'
"Arthur, help me. Clifford is in trou.
Die. He Is accused Of appropriatine
the funds of 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 I 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 a short silence, at the end
Of which WestcOtt said:
nina, your trouble Is my trouble
I will 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
Office.
She had been actuated by one over
powering motive-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 30. But suddenly In his magma
nimity she saw the worth Of the man
she had given up and the worthless.
ness Of tho 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 q butterfly will light on q
flower and carried OF all its sweet
ness. Nevertheless she left the Office
feeling that she had acted unwisely
and that II Westcott had treated her
as she had treated him she would
never forgive him.
The trial was a 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
al weak case by Arthur Westcott,
an effort that placed him far above ev-
cry other criminal lawyer in his state.
He saved bis client from punishment,
but not from conviction in the minds
Of every ono who read the testimony
In cold type. uninfiueneed by the i'm
FASHIONED appeals Of his defender.
The morning after the acquittal Nina
Wrenn appeared again at the counsels
Office. She bore an envelope contain
ing ten 500 bills. They were sent by
the discharged man as his counsers
fee. Westcott knew that the money
had been stolen.
There Ia no charge for services,
Nina"
why nOt!
II did it for you, not for him."
The girl cast her eyes down to the
floor.
Arthur" she said presently. ~ treat
ed you shamefully."
you but followed the dictates of
your heart. l would not have you do
otherwise"
"Then-then," she faltered, III the
dictates Of my heart"-and paused.
SHOULD change even an hour before
marriage I would have you change as
WELL"
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, gaze bent always down, never
upward. Westcott went to her and
took her hand.
Sweetheart" he said softly, 'let 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
been dream"
Arthur, you are too good for me.
am no better than Clifford"
There was melancholy In her tone
that startled Westcott.
mot too good for you, but stronger
perhaps, more practical, farseeing."
mo, you are too good for me. I am
not worthy Of you"
"If l ever doubted you were my
knowledge of the noble effort you have
made to save an unworthy man to
whom you had given your heart would
have convinced me to the contrary
Your fault Is q lovable one. Come
Nina; on your decision probably rests
the tenor Of your whole future life.
believe that you will be the wife either
Of Clifford Bum or Of Arthur West
colt. Which shall It bsf'
There was no response, but her head
was slowly bending. 1t seemed, under
a great weight, and Westcott guided II
to his breast. There II rested for q
time when at last he said:
"Now go, sweetheart. This Is no
place except for business. Take your
time. Do nothing in hurry. One
week from tonight l shall call for your