Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-24

ana with all haste he went to the plac
 1t named. He was there a fortnight
 seeking the Frenchman. but getting n
 word of him. and then came new lei
 ter from the man Hope. It said no,
 that Leblanc had moved on to Middle
 bury. Trove went there. spent tn
 last of his money and sat one day |
 the tavern office. considering what {
 do. for now, after weeks of wandering
 he was, 1t seemed, no nearer the mal l he sought. He had soon reached
 thought of some value-this informa l tion of the unknown correspondent
 was at least unrelia ble, and he woul' l give 1t no further heed. What shoul,
 he do? On that point he was not lon, undecided, for while he was thinking of 1t boy came and said. There's [ lady waiting you in the parlor, sir" He went immediately to the parlol above stairs. and there sat Polly in hel best gown, the sweetest looking crea ture," he was wont to say, this side of paradise" Polly rose, and his amazement checked his feet a moment then he advanced quickly and would have kissed her, but she turned her face away and stood looking down They were in silence full of history Twice she tried to speak, but an odd stiffness followed the first word giving possibly the more adequate expression to her thoughts.
 How came you here?" he whispered presently.
 'I-I have been trying to find you," said she at length.
 He turned, looking from end to end of the large room. They were alone.
 Polly" he whispered, "I believe you do love me"
 For a little time she made no an swer.
 "No.' she whispered, shaking her head. That is. I-I do not think love you"
 Then why have you come to find mey
 Because because you did not come to find me-" she answered, glancing down at the toe of her pretty shoe.
 Dear Pollyw he said as he took her hand in his. Gently she pulled it away.
 TT cannot speak to you now," she whispered.
 Then long silence. The low music of million tiny wings came floating in at the window. It seemed, some how, like voice of the past, with min- utes, like the bees, hymning indistin- guishably. Polly and Trove were thinking of the same things. T can doubt him no more," she thought ''and I know-I know that he loves me-" They could hear the futter of bird wings beyond the window, and in the stiffness they got some understanding of each other. She turned suddenly and went to where he stood.
 Sidney" she said, T am sorry. am sorry If have hurt you"
 She lifted one of his hands and pressed her red cheek upon it fondly. In moment he spoke.
 Long ago I knew that you were doubting me. but I couldn't help it," he said.
 Tt was that-that horrible secret" she whispered.
 Il had no right to your love-" said he, ''until"-lhe hesitated for7o ilittie< until I could tell you the truth."ir-'ea
 You loved somebody elseY she whispered, turning to him. Didn't you now? Tell me-
 "No," said he calmly. "The fact is- the fact is, had learned that my father was a thief.
 Your father!' she answered. Do you think I care what your father did? Your honor and your love were enough Tor me-
 T did not know" he whispered. 'and I should have made my way to you, but he paused again. But what?" she demanded impa- tiently.
 Well, 1t was only fair you should have a chance to meet others, and I thought you were In love with Rob. erts."
 Roberts. He would have been glad of my love, can tell you that" She looked up at him. '1 have endured much for you. Sidney Trove. and can not keep my secret any longer. He says that Darrel Is now in prison for your crime"
 And you believe himr Trove whis. pered.
 Not that" she answered quickly. but you know I loved the dear old