The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-06-20

is to be forwarded to your father to-
night. He is travelling in the west;
but his Saint Louis address is the
same as formerly. l am now released
from my promise of secrecy, and by
the time you receive this your father
viii know how unjust he has been to
you, how kind to the real criminal.
AT last have indicated you! But
for you I should be in prison, or
worse; my father dead of sorrow, my
family disgraced. shall waste no
words in thanking you. God alone
knows what you have been to me:
cannot tell it.
Ever your humble, grateful.
Max"
'Mr. Alfred Vincent Osborn"
"Now this!" Alfred thrust the tele-
gram into her hand before she could
speak. 1t was sent from Saint Louis.
and signed, George Osborn"
"Have just learned all from Max.
If you can forgive your father, come
at once. l viii await you here"
Esther looked up, but her eyes were
too misty for seeing. Poor Max!
Poor Al-no, no! Noble Alfred!"
He was too overweight for atten-
ton, even for gentleness. He caught
both her hands, needless Of passing
eyes. II want you to marry me! To-
night! To start Monochrome with me
on the first train after the Jubilee.
No, don't speak yeti" he added quick
ly as she opened her lips. Let me
tell you! I'll telegraph for the Epis-
copalian missionary at Ogden-there'll
be time. II he can't come. I'll wire
Billy Dodge to pick up a minister
somewhere on his trip to-day. Well
take the Harmons. Mrs. Gregory, II
she'll go, and be at Sally BIS in four
hours. While run down to Elko for
the license,-Mr. Crocker'll let mo
have the engine, l know,-you can be
packing. I'll follow Uncle Billy in
and we'll be married! 1t won't be
much Of a wedding, but-do we care
for dry-goods and ceremony" He
looked eagerly into her face.
ooh, Alfred, how" she began
TREMENDOUSLY.
Don't, dearest! Don't speak yet!
II you'll only think just minute I
know it will be 'Yes'!"
She smiled at his impetuosity, as
tonished at this unwonted vehemence.
This was q new, a free Alfred. He
was coming into his own, taking pos
session: and of her with the rest. All
her being yielded gladly to his i'm
portuning; yielded with that deep
gratitude for strength and support
that only a large, strong woman can
feel, upon whom many have leaned,
and whom none have considered.
Eyes, Alfred. At once, and any
where with you!"
She walked in dream up the car
steps; he shot of blithely to execute
his plans
They carried successfully; and that
night in Sally BIS rude home, on the
mountain.top and under desert stars,
the simple marriage was celebrated.
Uncle Billy gave the bride away, and
mourned because he had no wedding
bonnet for his darling. II his old
heart was heavy, and the sun had
dropped out of his sky, he dissembfed
so CALAMITY that even Esther was de.
ceived. Mrs. Harmon rejoiced, though
two of her dear children had become
one" Judge Harmon clustered little
incoherently about the theft Of Ibis
dear girls" but deluded no one.
But Sally B., happy in Esther's hap.
piness. was yet bereft. Later she
sobbed out her loneliness against her
husbands breast. That was his mo-
ment Of illumination. Pore little crit
ter! Ye've got Bill left, ye know.
Well prospect the rest of life on the
same lead, won't we, honey? Git
bright! It'll be sun-up soon, honey!"
CHAPTER xxxv.