The Carlisle independent., 1909-09-02

turned to converse with the stranger who manifested such admiration of her child, and they discussed the sleeping beauty exhaustively, from her dimpled face to the dress and tiny shoes she wore.
 At last Leith casually remarked that his destination was Chelsea, and learned that she was bound for the same place. The conversation drift ed into other channels and soon he heard how she had left her home in an eastern city three years before. when her husband died, returning with her baby to the home of her child hood. The village quiet oppressed her, however, she said, and she Ionged to take her baby and go far away from it.
 T used to live in Chelsea long ago." remarked Leith, when she had finished her story "So long ago, however" he continued, that you would hardly be likely to remember me-"
 She looked at him curiously, but shook her head.
 There was one little girl there" he resumed. that 1 was very fond of. Her name was Lucy Mayburn. Poor little Lucyi I shall never forget our farewell. And it was all my fault that we did not meet again. was false to my VOW. selfish and forgetful of all else in the cursed fight to make tD1n fy1 Vorly I you knew her?'
 The woman turned pale and then flushed neryously, controlling her agi. tation by an evident effort.
 q knew her." she replied, softly, but she is not there now-she-she went away"
 So she has gone?" queried Leith married, I suppose. Who was the lucky fellow who won herr"
 He felt sure that she had recognized him now. but allowed matters to take their course and awaited her reply with brave show Of composure.
 His name was Logan" she said tremulously. Lucy Mayburn was true to her promise TOT seven long years her promise to you. But she was an orphan, practically alone in the world and day came when a good kind man offered her refuge from her loneliness. She was frank with him and told him the truth about herself that the best she could offer him was her respect and broken heart And he accepted the conditions. When her baby was born she realized that she had found peace, if not actual hap piness. Then came sickness and other trials. She had many troubles" The voice of the speaker faltered and broke, her eyes filled with tears and turning away her face. she sobbed bitterly She had betrayed her self. but she no longer cared.
 Leith laid the sleeping child gently beside him and bent over his old sweetheart.
 Don't cry, Lucy" he whispered don't cry, dear I was brute to play with your feelings this way"
 She glanced up with startled eyes Then you knew me?" she faltered
 Yes, Lucy. I knew you" he said softly. And perhaps, dear, it was i ordained by Providence that we should meet like this. Listen. little one Can't you forget the weary years and let me fulfill the promise made SC long ago? Let the past be as a dream and awaken to the happiness of the present, Lucy. Whatever I may have done, no other woman has ever held the place in my heart occupied by youl image. And it isn't too late now Lei me care for your child, and we will take up the broken thread of our lives l where it snapped
 The other passengers in the cal | were watching curiously the two act not understand. but neither Leith nol the woman beside him were conscious of their surroundings, and the baby siumbered peacefully on. The long l warning whistle of the locomotive shrilled through the air, as the train neared Chelsea. Lucy timidly slipped her small hand into Leith's big browr one, smiling through her tears, and he knew that he was forgiven Wher the train came to a stop Leith swung the sleeping baby on to his broad shoulder, and with his long-lost love beside him stepped from the car into the purple twilight shadows that brooded over the quiet scenes of his boyhood home.