Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-13
CHAPTER xxx.

CHAPTER xxx.
 It was evening of few days later when the Creighton family, Gerald ex- cepted sat about the hearth where a few fagots burned. It was still mid summer but for the invalid the night wind blew cool. Their talk was chiefly of the letter just received from Mrs. Blennerhasset, who, an exile in the south. awaited the issue of Purr's trial, and her husbands fate.
 "I will hear i'll of neither" she wrote. "and faith in the loyalty of both shall ever abide with me-"
 Mrs. Creighton closed the letter with a sad smile and doubting shake of the head.
 Why. mother. dearest" cried Law ender. You do not doubt? You are not of the idle msjority-the masses. ever ready to cruelty the fallen?"
 Mrs. Creighton replied with the calm judicial manner that seemed to fit the brow. massive beyond her sex: "we have no means of knowing the truth. daughter. I doubt if even his tory will solve this riddle which lies hidden in the hearts of few. There are great and good in power who are, as you say. ready to cruelty him. It seems, therefore, as though we. be- tween two fires. had better keep as cool as possible
 But this view met with no sympathy from the young partisan. She ap- pealed to her father: Dad, do you think Aaron Burr a martyr, as do?'
 The elder Creighton smiled. Hard ly that: he may come out of this trial with flying colors; in that case, be sure he will find no lack of friends of reparation. If he does not-well. am too much of a patriot to think he will be convicted unless he deserves 1t. Let us abide the issue"
 But Lavender was unconvinced. Tt is audacious. know, to hold opinions where two such wise heads dare to form none. All the same. l believe that Aaron Burr is a much persecuted man."
 Encore, encore. I quite agree with you" and at the door stood Winslow, smiling and clapping his hands.
 Lavender glided to meet him; then on a stool at her mothers feet she sat. with eyes OF the fire, quiet and happy.
 They talked of the trial. although as yet only mcsser rsws mad reached them.
 ''So Aaron Burr has but one cham pion in this assembly" and Winslow, laughing. turned to Lavender.
 "it seems so." Ar. Creighton ss- sented "Women are. as rule. on his side That is why marvel at my wife's impartiality.
 wins,ow to0K a letter from his pock- ct. ''T have here word from a friend who is summoned as a witness in the trial. He is now in St Louis. He urges me to accompany him back to Richmond. and I may go" He an- ished with an involuntary glance at Lavender.
 She sat within the radius of the fire. her face suffused. less hy it's glow than by the throbbing of her heart at the news.
 Mrs. Creighton was the first to speak. But this is not a sudden deter imitation? You had planned to go soon!" and she glanced at Lavender. and back a; him.
 Winslov was perple1ed by her man. nsr. full of fond meaning. Here was another loose end of the tangled thread which had begun it's simless spinning with the mothers words: You. whom she loves"
 But, puzzled. he replied. without hes i,aiion: No. I had not intended go- ing at all this year I had decided upon remaining for the school work. hzt Eos there vfll be business mat tsrs in connection with the claim I have taken aad-and ny plans are incompEets-- He finished, vaguely.
 A myStiisd silence fell. but in fash the situation vas clear to Lay eadsr. when her mother said. ooIdly: When I vas H. one day. you said Eoa were going hack east. snd-and- well yoa held ost other hopes You have. then. charged ysgr nind,-
 T an afraid there is some mistake. Nr- Creirkror. urru vsry lafely