The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1906-08-23


Darrell and there found let
ter. II said that Leblanc was
living near st. Albans. Posted in
Plattsburg and signed Henry Hope"
the letter gave no hint of bad faith,
and with all haste he went to the place
1t named. He was there n fortnight,
seeking the Frenchman. but getting no
word of him, and then came new let
ter from the man Hope II said now
that Leblanc had moved on to Middle
bury. Trove went there. spent the
last of his money and sat one day In
the tavern office. considering what to
do. for now, after weeks OF wandering.
he sought. He had soon reached n
thought of some value-this informa-
ton of the unknown correspondent
was at least unreliable. and he would
give II no further heed. What should
he doi On that point he was not long
undecided. for while he was thinking
Of 1t boy came and said, There's q
lady waiting you In the parlor, sir"
He went Immediately to the parlor
above stairs, and there sat Polly In her
best gown, "the sweetest looking crea-
ture." he was won't to say. this side
Of paradise" Polly rose. and his
amazement checked his feet moment;
then he advanced quickly and would
have kissed her, but she turned her
face away and stood looking down.
They we're 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 herei" be whispered
presently.
IL have been trying to find you,"
said she at length
He turned, looking from end to end
Of the large room. They We're alone.
Polly he whispered. II believe you
do love me-"
For little time she made no an
swer.
"No," she whispered, shaking her
head. "That is. IL do not think love
you"
Then why have you come to find
me?"
"Because-because you did not come
to find me-" she answered. glancing
down at the toe of her pretty shoe.
Dear Pollyv' he said as he took her
hand in his. Gently she pulled it
away.
"I-I cannot speak to you now." she
whispered.
Then long silence. The low music
Of million tiny wings came floating
In at the window. 1t seemed some
how, like voice Of the past with min
utes, like the bees, hymning lndistin-
guishably. Polly and Trove were
thinking of the same things. II can
doubt him no more" she thought, land
| know-l know that he loves me-"
They could hear the hutter 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, II am sorry.
am sorry II have hurt you"
She lifted one of his hands and
pressed her red cheek upon 1t fondly,
In moment he spoke.
Long ago | knew that you were
doubling me. but l couldn't help it,"
he said.
1T was that-that horrible secret"
she whispered.
II had no right to your love-" said
he, ''untip-he hesitated for a little
until could tell you the truth"
"You loved somebody elseT 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 fatherr' she answered. "Do
you think care what your father did2
Your honor and your love were enough
for me-"
II did not know" he whispered,
"and I should have made my way to
you. but he paused again.
"But whatr' she demanded impa.
tisntly.
"wsll. II was oaly fair you should
have . chsaee p meaf ethAA aaa +