The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1909-01-07
DILLAYE'S SECRET
BY MRS. JENNIE DAVIS BURTON.
@-@-@-@-9


Miss Vardevelt, do you happen to
know how Dillaye got such a start in
life? No? Then l must tell you the
story. Ascot had every advantage.
He was brought up by an uncle, a
very indulgent old fellow, but with
some strict notions, who turned sour
when the young chap began to reap
his crop of wild oats-for Ascot was
wild in his day, though he made It a
short one. He was head over ears in
debt for one thing and In tight cor
ner, when the uncle decided to cut
him, and made his will, devislng his
property. to sundry missions and char
tiles. 1t was here that Dillaye stepped
In. He undertook to show the old
fellow the error of his ways and to
plead the cause of the nephew, with
30 much success that the break be-
tween them was patched up, and he
himself was given responsible posi-
ton in the business. Understand that
Ascot had been meant for this place,
but by Dillaye's advice - everybody
knows that 1t was by his advice-he
took a subordinate position, STAYED
Off his liabilities by some means, and
is turning out we'll enough to regain
his uncle's approval. And meanwhile
Dillaye is growing rich and swelling
the possessions of Ascot, senior, by
his judicious management of affairs.
It's my belief that he accomplishes
everything he sets his mind to, and
must confess that l admire the man.
30 full OF energy, so breezy, so much
In earnest whatever he does-going
at 1t with all his heart and mind. If
1 had to be worsted in any fight, I'd
take 1t as an honor to be worsted by
Dillaye."
All this eulogy, delivered by one Of
his friends, was possibly intended to
have its effect with Miss Vardevelt
where her two rival suitors were con-
cerned, but what woman ever yet
loved in accordance with reason? Not
Miss Vardevelt, certainly, who had
been little spoiled, and was fond Of
having her own way to the disappoint-
ment of others, or the next scene
have to record would not have oo-
Cured.
''Is It true that you are going 70
marry Ascot?"
II have promised him. Mr.. Dillays." 4"
when you knew loved you?"
VI must beg your pardon for oon-
sulting my own liking rather than
yours" said Miss vardevelt. saucily.
But there was strength of emotion
In Dillaye's face that awed her.
What IL should prove that he is
not worthy OF you. that he is so much
less than worthy that you will wonder
how he has dared to ask SO much?"
She threw back her head with de-
fant:
prove 1t II you can"
"And have you hate me forever af-
ter" said Dillaye, turning his eyes
gloomily away from her. mo, /
cannot risk that, but I will save you
from him yet, in spite of yourself"
It was in his plan to save her that
he faced Ascot at later hour. and
the result of that interview was Q let
ter which was handed to Miss Varde-
velt next morning:
Forgive me for having come into
your life at all. Forgive me, sinee ]
have done so, for paining yos, as ]
must, by the confession of my utter
unworthiness. have been a default
er to my uncls's trust: I have vtolen
L from him the means to repay tdebts
which 1t Is my shame to have over In
Cured, and by this act / have placed
q barrier between us for all future
time. The only reparation / can
make is to leave you aware OF my
guilt, and to pray you to Danish my
memory as completely as I shall ban.
fish myself"
Dillaye stood in his own chamber
his face showing worn and haggard
in the morning light. when sht
knocked at the door and held out
that miserable admission of guilt.
"You knew of this?" she asked.
az knew"
"And he has gomez"
"He has gone" Dillaye repeated
mechanically.
"Is-is 1t known"
SIS what known? Oh, I Under
stand. 1t is not and never shall b'
made known through me. II 1t b.
possible to-to arrange matters--ir
a way to avoid the compromise O
his name" he spoke slowly, choos
ing his words with an effort -" :"
shall endeavor to spare you tina
pain"
Something on the hearth, line o
feathery ashes. where strip Of pa
per had been burned, kept attracting
his gaze. and when she had gone h,
stood and swept It away.
One surprise followed fast upoI
another at the old house on the lax
shore where the party of young pso
pie had congregated during the sum
mer. Ascots incontinent desertion-
It was supposed he had obsyed in
structions from the firm, and saile'
by an outgoing ship on the shortes
notice--had scarcely ceased to be tn
topic of interest, when 1t was know
that Miss vardevelt would not renal
inconsolable during his absence. Bs
fore the season was over she ha
married his rival. but they were nc
happy pair. The tender sweetnef
which had been Miss vardevelt
greatest charm faded from the fac
OF Mrs. Dillaye. Her husband brougf
mora an <k.u .~.. gu<o I'll. k..e