Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-02-18
Loved For Herself.

when he learned from the lips of Auro
"a StanIy that she was the promised
wife OF another. Aurora.s bethrothed
husband was expected from Europe,
and the preparations for the wedding
had already begun. But one morning
the thunderbolt fell.
Her father had speculated heavily
and lost. Hoping to retrieve his losses,
he had become an embeZzler and q
forger, and his sin had found him out.
He was hunted criminal.
The dainty spoiled child Of luxury
was forsaken by her butterfly friends
and sneered down as the beggared
daughter Of a fleeing criminal.
al am so glad Charles is rich,' she
thought. And for the first time since
she knew him she thought of him with
something like affection and yearned
for his coming. "The steamer came in
this morning, and in few hours more
he will be here TO comfort and protect
me.u
But before he came she had another
guest.
Locking from window of the grand
manson that in another week would
be her home no longer, she saw Alaric
Leigh coming UP the marble steps.
Miss Stanley he began gravely, 4
have come on most disagreeable en-
rand | am commissioned to inform
you that your ushappy father has re-
turned to the city and means 10 give
himself up to JUSTICE
"He must notw she gasped.
"He has no means to do otherwise"
answered the young man gravely. ale
sent me to tell you that If you could
dispose of your diamonds he might by
the proceeds not only reach Europe in
safety, but also establish some sort OF
business there by which he might
some time regain an honorable name
and place among his fellow men,"
"Here they are" she said hurridly,
placing heavy casket in his hands.
ooh, Alaric, go quickly aud tell him
if he loves his suffering daughter never
to give himself up to felon's punish
ment."
In her trouble she never thought to
inquire how Alaric Leigh had become
the confident Of her broken and dis
graced parent.
AS she spoke the bell rang loudly.
at 10 Charleyn she said gladly.
"One word more, Aurora, before
co." said Alaric. "If you ever feel
that you need my friendship do not
hesitate to send for me-"
The girl did not hear him. She only
seemed to hear the firm, light foot
steps on the threshold of the parlor
door, and Alaric, passing out of deer
opposite, looked back for second and
saw her spring into the embrace OF
Charles Buckingham.
"Oh, Charley, 1 ain so glad you have
come! am in such trouble" said Au-
rora, clinging 10 his arr as she drew
him to a seat.
"Indeed, my little gold essp' drawi-
ed the exquisite. "Nhat sort of trouble?'
he asked.
"Oh, Charley, have you not heard of
our terrible misfortune?' she asked 81
though the whole city would bsble it
to you before you saw Me-" she con-
tinued.
~ have heard nothing" he returned
growing anxious
And so she told him all, never heed
ing rs she talked on with lfeverish ra-
pidity that the face of the man who
had plighted TO her eternal love and
constancy was assuming a smile OF
lofty ard naughty indifference that
betrayed his true character.
"And so the wedding can't be?" he
observed in tone that cut through
her heart like a thrust of frosty steel
ais that what you want to suggest
Miss Stanley? Well you are quite
right. Most girls under such circum
stances would have held poor fellow
to his contract. But you are as wise o.
you are unselfish, and | honor you fol
it, Rory-'pon my soul | do"
Aurora sprang TO her feet, amazeC