The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1908-05-14
FOR HER SAKE.
by Ethel May Shorcy.

An om.aous silence prevailed IN
,be presidcnt's Office at the W Nat
,onal Bank Every face in the room
,,cre look OF condemning severity
snd tne two youns men facing tho
directors knew intuitively hat no
mercy would be shown. The meet
,r, had been called for an unpre-
.odon.ed occurrence-S1O,OOO had
mysterlously disappeared from tho
hank. and the only persons to whom
Il coald reasonably be laid were the
tyo Young men referred to-Gr2y
and DAWSON.
The discussion was at It's height
sa,u vigorously protesting his inno-
cence. Young Grey had been in the
employ of the bank for several
years-to be sure, his integrity had
never before been questioned; but
whom such serious charge wa1
brought forth and lay between him
and Richard Dawson, son of judge
nayison. his spotless record was In
so,Ye unaccountable manner parti-
ally forgotten, for Dawson came from
the first family in town. while Grey
was alone, and had gained his pre-
sent position only by diligent faith
tul work.
Each faced the directors frankly
and withstood all tests, but while
Grows eyes never left Dayison's face
the latter's never met his once dur.
Ing the long, trying ordeal. AS denial
at.er denial, accompanied by appar.
ent proof, fell from Davison's lips
sarcastic little smile hoyered about
Grey's face. At last he sprang for.
N.rd impulsiyely-
81 can stand this no longer, gcntle.
men" he cried. II nave waited ia
see If | could be spared the disagree.
able task of turning informer, bli
when ones honor is at stake one
cannot stop at trilles" He heSitateG
Gul glanced at DAWSON. whose eye.
we're fixed for the first time on his
"I know where this trouble lies
Ere he could finish, the door few
suddenly open, staying the words oa
his lips an rosy face peeped in.
20, beg your pardon" a merry
voice exclaimed, and the color mount
quickly to the brows of both youna
men at sight of that bewitchina
laughing face. IL wanted to speaa
with father-I thought he was a.
lone" and with a bright little noj
she closed the door softly
During this slight respite Dawson
had been rapidly writing on slip OF
paper and while attention was mo.
mentarily directed from him. thrust
Il into Grey's hand, who took in iti
meaning at glance.
Keep quiet for her sake. Shs
promised to marry me last night.
I'll restore the money and pay you
we'll"
Grey's face grew whittier than be-
fore and he clutched at the desk be-
side him as he crumpled the paper
in his hand and searched the Others
face keenly
Now, Mr.. Grey, you were say
ius?" began the president.
Nothing" came the low reply. u
prefer to accept your unbiased de-
sisiOn. | have nothing to say
A look of relief crossed the faces
Of the men. 1t would cause hard
feelings and show little diplomacy to
accuse Judge Davison's son, and
Grey's change of manner proved only
too well his guilt. After much talk
Ing and arguing, during which the
young men stood white and silent
painfully sllent-it was decided II the
money was returned before the week
vas out and the embezzler left town
The matter would be dropped. Grey
looked up quickly, but three low
whispered words fell on his ear
For her sake!" and he turned In
differently away.
Waen the directors left them.
Dayison held out his hand. Grey,
name your price" he began. but the
look on the others face stopped him.
Her happiness" Grey answered
shortly, then passed from dhe room,
gaorng Davison's outstretched hand,
Great wonderment and many COM
ments were occasloned by Grey's
hurried unannounced departure.
Some two years later, one beauti-
iGi summer cay, when all the world
was wrapped in warm. peaceful
calm, a young man stood leaning
On an old rustic stile, his eyes gazing
longlngly at a rambling white house
showing between the trees, Suddenly
girl appeared at the door an walk
ed down the lane toward him. Al
hrst he started as II to leave, then
stopped and awaited her coming. AS
she neared him she raised her eyes
"Jack!-Mr. Grey!" she cried, ex.
tending both hands with an impul'
slve little gesture of welcome. I'm
so glad to see you! Father was afraid
his letters would not find you
Il received no letters from any
one" he replied.
Why, father wrote several righi