Los Angeles herald., 1906-10-21

heard all, for could not escape without being
discovered. Leave everything to me, and I will
guarantee your father stays peaceably at home
with a mind at rest
Aubrey, how true you are" she faltered, "a
was afraid to tell you. I thought it wouldn't
be fa1r on father until I knew the extent Of his
trouble. Can you really help us? 1t is all 50
terrible, like nightmare; | feel as il might
wake at any moment"
Quickly he unfolded plan which had occur.
red TO him as he stood in the shadows listening
to MIR. Embury's old friend. It was characters.
tic OF Aubrey to form rapid judgment when
necessity demanded, and as Mabel listened her
sad eyes frightened. and an expression of relief
passed over her face
| ut is wonderful idea" she gasped> ~
should never thought of it myself"
They walked back to the house, talking earn
estly, MabeFs trembling footsteps guided by her
lovers arm.
In the hall they parted with long farewell kiss
He watched her mount the stairs with such diff
ferent feelings to the bitter resentment of few
hours past. Then he walked noiselessly to the
boudoir, to find the disguises for the coming pas
toral play.
In the early morning when the sun was rising.
sad pale-faced man took last look at his sleep
ing wife, and placing letter by her bedside
went softly down the heavily carpeted passages.
He passed out into fresh sweet air, and hurried
across the dewy grass, not gancing back at the
shuttered windows of the old home. As he
reached the gate, leading to the road, bearded
red-haired messenger came respectfully forward,
and asked if he were Mr.. Embury."
II come" he explained, from Mr. Fleming, /
am his confidential clerk, and have an important
message. He begs you will remain at home quiet
ly, as by great stroke of good fortune the fear
of exposure is dispelled Mr.. Fleming will send
you a full explanation quickly possible
Mr.. Embury almost broke down on hearing
II Ill -
the clerk in such hurry to be off, he could
only answer quickly and sketchily. Deeply thank
full the frightened man returned with feelings of
grateful JOY, to tear up the painful letter, left
for his wifes waking eyes.
eff ever an untruth could be excused before
Heaven, l think mine will be" thought the
in the beard and the red wig, as he removed his
disguise, replacing it in the property box for
MabePs charity performance.
The following day special messenger brought
a letter from London, addressed to Miss EN-
bury. 1t was in the same handwriting which
had caused Aubrey such heart burnings the pre-
vious day. Together the lovers read the words.
''I have some wonderful news" it ran. "On
my return this morning to London, ] heard that
Fleming had been seized by paralysis. / went
to him at once, he still alive. In the pres
ence of the doctor, / took down from his dying
lips full confession Of his guilt, which inclose
for you to give your father. 1t absolutely clears
his character and | can offer his daughter no
better tribute as a birthday gift That he is
safely at home I do not doubt, you never would
have let him go, after the look of quiet resolve
read in your eyes last night. 1 knew the mat
ter was safe in your capable hands
Mabel and Aubrey gazed at each other in be-
wildered relief and unspeakable JOY Surely the
clouds had rifted away-ife once more took its
old sunny radiance, its bright summer charm.
81 must go to father at once she said "he is
in his study, shall show him this letter. and tell
him everything He must know how true our
old friend has been and all we owe to his unfail-
ing love-"
With her heart beating quickly, she went to
her fathers room Aubrey watched her pass in
and the door closed.