The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1910-01-18
LOVED FOR HERSELF


when he learned from the lips OF Auro-
IA Stanley that she was the promised
wife of another. Aurora's betrothed
husband was expected from Europe.
and the preparations for the wedding
had already begun. But one morning
the thunderbolt fell.
Her father had specialized heavily
and lost. Hoping to retrieve his losses.
he had become an embezzIer and a
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 fleeing criminal.
Il 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-"
But before he came she had another
guest.
Looking from a window of the grand
mansion that in another week would
be her home no longer. she saw Alaric
Leigh coming up the marble steps.
Miss Stanley" he began gravely. Il
have come on most disagreeable er-
rand. | am commissioned to inform
you that your unhappy father has re-
turned to the city and means to give
himself up to justice"
He must notw she gasped.
HE has no means to do otherwise"
answered the young man gravely. He
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 hurriedly,
placing a heavy casket in his hands.
"Oh. Alaric. go quickly and 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 confidant of her broken and dis
graced parent.
AS she spoke the bell rang loudly.
"It is Charley" she said gladly.
"One word more, Aurora. before l
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 door
opposite. looked back for a second and
saw her spring into the embrace Of
Charles Buckingham.
"Oh. Charley. l am so glad you have
come! / am in such trouble" said Au-
rora. clinging to his arm as she drew
him to q seat.
Indeed. my little goddess" drawled
the exquisite. What sort Of trouble"
he asked.
"Oh. Charley. have you not heard Of
our terrible misfortune?' she asked.
II thought the whole city would bab-
BILE it to you before you saw me-" she
continued.
Il have heard nothing" he returned.
growing anxious.
And so she told him all. never heed.
ing as she talked on with feverish ra-
pidity that the face of the man who
had plighted to her eternal love and
constancy was assuming a smile Of
lofty and naughty Indifference that
betrayed his true character.
And so the wedding can't beg" he
observed in tone that cut through
her heart like thrust of frosty steel.
''Is that what you want TO suggest.
Miss Stanley? Well. you are quite
right. Most girls under such circum-
stances would have held a poor fellow
to his contract. But you are as wise
as you are unselfish. and l honor you
for it. Rory-'pon my soul ] do"
Aurora sprang to her feet. amazed
and indignant at this unparalleled act
Of hypocrisy and his offensive famil.
iarity.
Thank God. never loved you" she
cried. and. tearing the betrothal ring
from her finger. she flung it at his
feet. go. and leave me alone. In all
the world have not a friend-not
one"
I'm all the world l have not friend
mot one," was the burden Of Aurora's
sorrow for many a weary day.
One day Aunt Hetty in her faded
brown silk and ancient bonnet came
for the unhappy girl.
You must go home with me. Rory.
1t is a poor sort of place for fine
lady. but it is better than nothing.
grille"
So Aurara went. and when the sum-
mer came again Alaric Leigh came
with it. If he still loved Aurora be
never betrayed the fact by any sign
whatever. and perhaps that was why.
with the inconsistency of girlhood. she
began to think him a paragon among
men. But be did love her still. and
after a long. long time he told her the
truth.
IAN affection like mine. Aurora" he
said, in his grave. Straightforward
way, never changes. can give you
a comfortable home. and if you will be
my wife shall be the happiest of hus-