Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-05-23

Waltlng any longer uato-
 "We will speak of that tomorrow" she interrupted.
 He looked distressed and puzzled. He had an open face, as many, men haveswho follow the sea; 1t expressed every shade of feeling.
 When he left her that evening he went back to his hotel and wandered Into the library. He moved aimlessly from shelf to shelf.
 You seem to be looking for nothing In particular" said man whom he knew slightly, but if you want an h. teresting book, read this"
 He gave him copy of the "Gil. lingham Letters" Richmond thanked him and took the book to his room.
 Tho next day wore away. Philippa again sat waiting. Why did he not come? She had nerved herself to con fess everything to him. and she had supposed that he would be with her as usual soon after ten o'clock. She had told herself that by Il all would be over. She would then know his verdict.
 She started to her feet. when final. ly there was a knock upon the door. She flew to open 1t. and Richmond came in.
 He held her in his arms, kissing her again and again.
 Darling" he said, presently, "fhaye done you terrible injustice. l want to tell you at once and see if you can pardon me for having doubted you. l have been reading that book"
 A shudder passed over her. He held her closer.
 There, dear, don't tremble so! l know how you feel.%about 1t. Of course see that the letters, my fa- ther's and mothers love letters, must have been stolen from you, and the thief published them. recognized them at once, and, Philippa. dear. l thought you had done it. Can you ever forgive me for such an injustice! was very angry. of course. And then suddenly the truth came to me! l cursed myself for not having thought of 1t before. They were stolen from you, and you were afraid to tell me. Why were you afraid. dear? Afraid of mel"
 She did not speak. Presently he led her to the sofa. and they sat down. For the second time in her life she was confronted by great tempta- tion
 He believes that they were stolen!" she thought. If choose can let him continue to think so. All may yet be well. He will never forgive me if he knows the truth. can plainly see that he will never forgive me. Only little silence-only little lying" She turned and looked in his face that dear face which she had so longed to see through all these weary years. She stood very straight. her head thrown back. She had never looked more beautiful.
 You were right In your first thought" she said. The letters were not stolen from me. I sold them. Wait! Don't move or say word un- til have told you the whole story. I was desperate for some money. It was nearly three years ago, soon after you sailed. was in debt-not foolish. use less debt. Jack. but for necessities. actual necessities. Oh, Jack! Jack! Forgive me! Say something!" His voice. when he did speak. was unrecognizable. And you did this thing to me. and when came home you received me as though nothing had Been done. You were not going to tell me. know 1t now only be- cause I found 1t out by chance. A man gave me the book to read last night. Mere chance" "No!" she interrupted. You are mistaken. I was going to tell you to- day. I only allowed myself a days happiness"
 Happiness! Is this your idea of happinessg
 Tt was as much as could expect, being what am. having done what I did, That was why asked you to wait till tomorrow before we should make any arrangements. was afraid t-I-I knew 1t would make differ ence and-oh, Jack! Life has been so hard! was so poor. and 1t seemed such an easy way to make some moneyi"
 He looked round vaguely. He turned toward the door.
 -Jack!" Her voice was like the cry of forest animal, wounded by the hunters. Jack! I don't want to do fend myself. I can't. There is noth- | ing to say. but did very wrong" !, The door opened and closed and hs was gone. She heard him run down the stairs. she heard the front door shut Al
 It was two weeks later. Philippa had spent the day In packing. She was going abroad. An opportunity had arisen for her to go with q friend and she had seired upon 1t. Anything vas Rbetter. she thought than to remain in Boston She could not write. for her brain, spent with suffering, refused to do its work She felt that her power had gone from her forever. but she did not care. She was perfectly indifer. eut
 She heard . carriage stop in front of the house. Then cana the knoek She opened her mouth to speak. but no sound came. Was shs dreamingf An. mol Ho vas kneelins beside hsri Again she saw bis dear face. again