The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-04-15
OUer the
Border e.;
ROBERT
Il, BARR
r.ov,xs. 1908. by Aufhor Of ".yennie 1o RE,
Frederick H. Stokes Co. Journalist" Etc
Aufhor of".Je7nis Barter.
JoxrnoJisf." Etc.

so many faces a chance recognition is
possible? l should be but an atom in
the multitude
Doubtless his seeing you is most un-
likely shall do my best for you.
and hope to obtain an entrance for to-
morrow"
And SO 1t came about that Frances
was one of the fashionable audience
next day, occupying the place of lady
who had attended the trial from the
nrst, but was now tired Of it.
The girl listened to the hum of con-
versation going on round her and
caught understandable scraps of it
now and then. She was in an entirely
new atmosphere, for here every one
seemed in favor of STAFFORD, thought
him badly used and was certain he
would emerge triumphant from the or
deal. Then let his enemies beware!
Feminine opinion was unanimous that
all those who were concerned in this
trial against his lordship would bitter
~ regret the day they had taken such
action. The spirits of Frances rose
as she listened. The invariable con-
fidence by which she was environed
had its inspiring effect on her depress-
ed mind. She no longer thought the
gathering heartlessly frivolous, as at
first she had resentfully estimated it..
She was in the midst of enthusiastic
champions Of her father and realized
now as never before the great part he
played in the world.
Suddenly there was a movement in
the upper part of the hall, and lords
and commons filed in to their places.
A silence fell on the audience, main
tanned also in 'dignified state by the
judges, but to the section occupied by
the commons was transferred the rus
tie of talk which had previously dis
turbed the stiffness of the auditorium.
Men hustled about, whispering to this
and notes were exchanged, while by
contrast their lOrdships seemed like in
animate statues.
Once again the center of attention
changed. The hall resounded with the
measured tramp Of armed men. Two
rows of soldiers took their stand oppo-
site each other, leaving clear passage
between, and slowly up this passage,
with four secretaries and some half
dozen others behind him, came bowed
and pallid figure dressed in black, a
single decoration relieving the somber-
ness Of his costume, which hung, loose
" uniting, about a frame that had
become gaunt since its wear began.
THAT is the Earl Of STAFFORD" whis-
pered the lady on the right, but the re-
mark fell upon christening ears. How
changed he was! No trace now of that
arrogance of which she had caught
chance glimpses during her brief &C
uuaintance with him; broken man
who had but short time to live, what
ever might be the verdict Of this court.
Sentence Of death was already passed
on him by a higher tribunal, and all
this convocation might do was to fore
stall it's execution.
He stood in his place for moment,
and bowed to his judges, but gave no
sign that he had knowledge OF the ex-
istence of his accusers, and the girl
began to doubt if the old arrogance
had, after all, entirely departed from
him. Then, leaning heavily on the arm
of one of his secretaries, he sank into
his seat and closed his eyes as II the
short walk from the barge to the nail
of Judgment had been too much for
him. AS he sat thus there stole down
to him a boy leading two children.
Strafford's eyes opened, and ne smlieo
wanly upon them, put an arm around
the bows neck and fOndled the girls 10
his knee, both of whom were weeping
quietly.
.eWho-who are those?" gasped Fran
res. vet knowing while she asked, and
feeling a pang, half jealousy, half PAIN
that she must hold aloof unnotlced.
"They are his son and his two daugh-
ters. The third daughter is not mere.
.sThe third! she cried in surprise.
"Does he then acknowledge a third !!
.eThe third is an infant too young TO
know what is going on. Hush! we
must not talk"
The girls eagerness fell away from
her. she reclined back in her seat anu
sighed deeply. The preliminaries OF
the day passed her like dream, Tor
she knew nothing Of the procedure put
Of last her attention was aroused, lof
she saw her father on his feet, and be
fore she was aware he began to speak
the voice at first cold and calm, pene
trating the remotest corner of that vast
room. in argument that even she recog
nized as clear, logical and dispassioneo
as IL he were setting forth the case OF
another. He was listened to with the
most profound respect by enemies and
friends alike. He seemed to prusn
away the charges against him as IL
they were very cobwebs OF accusauon
AS he went on he warmed more GO
his theme, and by and by the girl, lean
ing intently forward, drinking IN every
word knew that she was listening TO
oratory such as had never before greet
cd the ears of England and probably
never would again. A GREATNESS ten
-, h.,d tho audience SpellbOund, anO