Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1907-05-14
Darrell ef THE
BLESSED ISLES
By IRVING BAcHELLER.
Author OF ''Eben Holdsn."
"D'ri and l." Etc.
Copyright. 1905, by Lothrop Publishing Co.
CHAPTER XXI.
Copyright, 1905, BY Lothrop Publishing Co.

H\ROyE went to the inn at Dan
nemora that evening he left
Darrell and there found let
ter. 1t said that Leblanc was
living near st. Adams. 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 a fortnight,
seeking the Frenchman, but getting no
word Of him, and then came new let
ter from the man Hope. 1t said now
that Leblanc had moved on to Middle
bury. Troye 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 was, it seemed, no nearer the man
he sought. He had soon reached a
thought of some yalue-this informa-
ton of the unknown correspondent
was at least unreliable, and he would
give it no further heed. What should
he do? On that point he Tas not long
undecided, for while he was thinking
of it boy came and said, There's a
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 wont 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 here" he 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 were 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, II 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 Pollyw lie said as he took her
hand in his. Gently she pulled it
away.
IL cannot speak to you now" she
whispered.
Then a long silence. The low music
Of a million tiny wings came floating
in at the window. 1t seemed, some
how, like a voice of the past, with min
utes, like the bees, hymning indistin-
guishably. Polly and Trove were
thinking Of the same things. II can
doubt him no more" she thought, land
l know-I know that he loves me-"
They could hear the flutter 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. l
am sorry If | have hurt YOU"
She lifted one Of his hands and
pressed her red cheek upon it fondly.
In a moment he spoke.
Long ago knew that you were
doubling me, but couldn't help it,
he said.
1T was that-that horrible secret"
she whispered.
II had no right to your love-" said
he, "until"-he hesitated for little
until could tell you the truth"
''You loved somebody else? she
whispered, turning to him. didn't
you now? Tell me-
"No." said he calmly. 1.-THE fact is
the fact is, I had learned that my
father was thief"
Your father!w she answered. do
you think l care what your father did
Your honor and your love were enough
for me-
81 did not know" he whispered,
"and l should have made my way to
you, but he paused again.
'But what?" she demanded impa-
tiently.
well, it was only fair you should
have chance to meet others. and
thought you were in love with Rob
erts."
Roberts! He would have been glad
of my love, I can tell you that" She
looked up at him. 81 have endured
much for you, Sidney Trove, and I can.
not keep my secret any longer. He
says that Darrell is now in prison for
your crime"
"And you believe himf' Troye whis.
pered.
''Not that" she answered quickly
"but you know I loved the dear old
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