The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1908-01-17

| forever; tndt ne was eXlle1 Dy his
own deed from Intercourse with the
woman he still loved; but, all the
same, he intended TO work out a
new life, for-well. perhaps for her
sake, perhaps for his own. for his old
life and old sins had grown distaste-
! ful TO Roger Meredith. lie knew
there was something better in life
than anything he had found yet, and
! he had a strange sort OF feeling that
! Clara would understand one day the
real Roger Meredith, understand and
forgive him.
So the days passed on-days in
which the mans character ripened
and strengthened, and the careless,
good -for-naught developed into a
grave, reliant man, a man who did
his duty, neither asking nor expect
ing reward.
Clara waited at home, waited as
women have TO wait. keeping her love
story TO herself-her broken. un-
finished love story.
She sometimes heard news OF
Roger through the Bishop OF Rad
ford, who delighted 10 speak OF his
nephew 10 a sympathetic listener.
Getting on splendidly, my dear,
splcndidly. put his shoulder TO the
wheel at last. Ali. ] always said
there was good stuff in Roger. Texas
Is making a man Of him
Clara used often 10 go and lunch
at the bishops residence and talk 10
the old man. she was very fond OF
the bishop, but not even TO herself
would she confess that she still cared
for the bishops nephew high
wayman, the thief one day she
heard piece Of news that colorcd
her face, and set her heart beating
wildly.
my nephew Roger has had to
come home My brother is not at all
well, and he wanted 10 see Roger
again before he died. The dear boy
arrived last week; he will be staying
here for a night or two soon. so you
must dine with US, Clara, and meet
him"
The bishop may have been getting
blind, but Clara's telltalc pink blush
gave him a sudden Glow to the girls
throbbing heart.
Hes been turning over n new
leaf, my dear" ne said, gently; its
a great comfort TO me, Clara, a great
comfort; and God bless You for it,
my child, if it's your work"
Clara said nothing; what was there
to say? She privately determined
not to dine with the bishop; but, OF
course, she went.
She found a very different Roger
from the man she had parted from
nearly five years ago; and Roger
noticed that some OF the freshness of
youth had left Clara's face, to be re.
placed by softer, swccter look The
hard, brilliant girl had softened into
a tolerant and merciful woman.
Roger flushed under his bronze as
he touched Clara's hand; she noticed
the shame i'm his eyes, and her heart
bled for him
81 am very glad to meet YOU
again" she said slowly. looking
steadily at him; very glad. indeed. -"
81 do not deserve this" was his
low answer.
Somehow. after dinner-how it
happened neither Clara nor Roger
was ever quite aware-thc two found
themselves alone in the small inner
parlor. the other guests having con-
grcgated in the larger room, where
singing was going on.
Roger looked at the woman he
loved, the woman he should love to
the end of his days, and an intense
desire came to tell her the truth, to
let her know he had not robbed for
his own sake, and SO redeem himself
ever SO little in her eyes.
Il want TO tell you something, Miss
Stanhopc," he said, in low tones.
win you hear me? It's quite
short story?'
Clara inclined her head silently.
She looked at the mau as he stood up
i'm front of her, and she knew that
whatever his faults were that she
loved him, loved him as only a strong
woman could. What was he going
to tell her? She could not trust her
self to speak.
In few words Roger Meredith eX-
planned why he had stolen the jew
els The boy was saved by my
theft he finished. in a whisper;
and my brother runs straight
enough now. He has had his les
son.
A long pause followed. Clara
looked at Roger. His eyes were fixed
on her, but he said nothing.
"Why have you told me this
story" She tried to speak calmly.
Because l love you-forgiye
thief for his presumption. Clara
Miss Stanhope, return to Texas next
month; say you forgive me before
so. shall never see you again after
tonight. Say you understand ever
so little
Clara interrupted him.
"Do you still want my emeralds?"
II e. Hg