New-York tribune., 1908-09-27

| him and reclaim him to better life. You must
not reproach me- dear friends said Sister, bedew~
| ing the beer handles with her tears. you must
| strengthen In my self-denying resolution"
| A stupefed silence fell upon the company when
Sister finished her surprising explanation. 1t was
| finally broken by Jimmy Dennis, who sad
| so it's vice you're looking for in a husband.
| sissy"
| 1T does amount to that, I suppose replied Sis
ter, with hesitation
| The company began to pluck up spirits again.
We'll WELL said Ted Netherdown. think you
| do some injustice TO poor old Float He isn't
| bad fellow at bottom. You know Sissy"
| Sowing his wild oats grant you," said Charles
Mugglestone, pursuing this idea with enthusi-
| asm. but when he's got the drink out of him he's
a really good chap. I like him.
'I always got very well with him." said
Freddy Jennison. And he's kind hearted man.
too. Do you remember how he risked his own life
TO the rate collectors little from drown
ing last month";"
Nobody had heard OF It before but all
agreed that Float acted with singular heroism on
that occasion
'Takin' it all round. my dear observed Mr.
Gustre smiling cordially upon her. think you're
10 be congratulated 'Es sound chap. is Float
and ell make 'ee a good 'usband for certain"
Sister began TO be dubious whether she had not
after all, made q grave mistake about Mr.. Float
but she thanked them for their generous words
You are very kind TO put such good face on
It." she said. but am afraid dear Frederick is a
much bigger blackguard than you will admit
There is blinking the fact that he IS the worst
in Valleycombe'
Did ever tell you. Sissy" said Jimmy Dennis
after pause. how forged a friends name to a
bill. and his home sold UP rather than tell
the truth about it?'
why. no." said Sister. horrifed How wicked
OF YOU 1 should have suspected Won were
bad. 1t can't be truei"
'.Ah!' replied Jimmy, shaking his bead ..1 b,,a
concealed from you lot of things than that
about myself because / loved YOU and couldn't
bear you should think badly OF me- But now
you're going TO be happily married to Mr. Float !
good luck 10 him, for fine fellow, say I-thcre.s
no object in keeping up the pretence any longer !
If you knew all my past career of undiscovered
crime you would shrink from me in ioathKg You
would refuse ever TO have anything to do with me /
again. Sissy!' /
Ah Jimmy. said Sister, with genuine tender i
ness. how completely you misunderstood my char
acter. Your badness would be my best reason ,for
becoming your friend than ever How glad |
that you have confessed at last 10 this great
sin-before many of your friends too Now
Jimmy, go on with the good work and confess all
your crimes Confession is the first step TO re-
pentance."
"Repentance!' cried the wary Jimmy laughing
bitterly. but 1 don't repent. Sissy! L glory In
my crimes! I'm glad you're engaged TO that silly
young innocent. Float because 1 can now boast
of them without fear Of spelling my chances with
you! He the worst in Valleycombe- God
bless my soul! he'd take prize for good conduct
by the side of me! Thank your stars. Sissy you
haven't fallen into my net instead OF finding a
good. kind husband like Float Lord how / would
have beaten the nonsense of you with a stock
whip."
Here. Jim Dennis interrupted Gustrel indig-