Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-08-06

you. ! am not asking for mercy.
Hetty impulsively threw her arms
about the rigid figure, and swept
pleading look from one to the other
of the four stony-faced Wrandalls.
They turned away without word
or a revealing look, and slowly moved
Off in the direction of the boudoir.
They who remained behind stood still,
motionless as statues. 1t was Vivian
who opened the library door She
closed 1t after the others had passed
through. and did not look behind.
Half an hour passed. Then the door
was opened and the tall old man adj
yanced into the room.
I'VE have found against my son,
Miss CastIeton," he said, his lips
twitching. He is not here to speak
for himself. but he has already been
judged. We. his family, apologize to
you for what you have suffered from
the conduct of one of US. Not one but
all OF US believe the story you have
told. 1t must never be retold. We
ask this OF all of you. 1t Is not III
our hearts to thank Sara for shielding
you, for her hand is still raised
against US. We are fair and just.
IL you had come to us on that
wretched night and told the story
OF my sons infamy. we, the Wrandalls,
would have stood between you and the
law The law could not have touched
you then; it shall not touch you now.
Our verdict. If you choose to call 1t
that, is sealed. No man shall ever
hear from the lips of Wrandall the
smallest part of what has TRANSFERRED
here tonight. Mr.. Carroll, you were
right We thank you for the counsel
that led this unhappy girl to place her
self in our hands"
.Oh. God, ! thank thee-I thank
thee!" burst from the lips of Sara
Wrandall. She strained Hetty to her
breast.
Tt is not for US to judge you, Sara"
said Redmond Wrandall, speaking with
difficulty. You are your own Judge.
and a harsh one you will find yourself.
As for ourselves, we can only look
upon your unspeakable design as the
working OF temporarily deranged
mind. You could never have carried
it out You are an honest woman. At
the last you would have revolted, even
with victory assured. Perhaps Leslie
Is the only one who has a real griev-
ance against you in this matter |
am convinced that he loved Miss
Castleton deeply. The worst hurt is
his, and he has been your most de-
voted advocate during all the years
of bitterness that has existed between
you and us. You thought to play him
foul trick. You could not have car
ried it~bo-xhe end. We leave you to
pass judgment on yourself"
Il have already done so, Mr.. Wran-
DALI" said Sara Have not ac-
cused myself before you? Have not
confessed to the only crime that has
been committed? / am not proud of
myself. sir"
you have hated us we'll"
And you have hated me- The crime
you hold me guilty of was committed
years ago. 1t was when | robbed you
of your son. To this day / am the
leper in your path. I may be forgiven
for all else, but not for allowing Chal
lis Wrandall to become the husband
of Sebastian Gooch's daughter. That
LIS the objectionable sim"
Mr.. Wrandall was silent for a mo
ment
You stIl are Sebastian Gooch's
daughter" he said distinctly. "Yor
! can never be anything else"
She paied. This last transaction
proves 1t. You would sayT'
This last transaction, yes"
She looked about her with troubled
| questioning eyes.
II wonder If that can be true,
| she murmured, rather piteously. IAN
I SO different from the rest Of you
Is the blood to blame?"
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mr.. Carol
nervcusiy. Don't be silly, Sara. MI
child That is not what Mr.. Wran
DAN means"
| Wr2ndau turned his face away.
"You loved as deeply as you hate
Sara" he said, with a curious twitch
ing of his chin MY son was your god
| We are not insensible to that. Per
haps we have never realized until nov
the depth and breadth OF your Low.
for him. Love is bitter judge of its
enemies. 1t knows no mercy. i
knows no reason. Hate may be con
quered by love, but love cannot be con
quered by hate. You had reason Il
hate my son. Instead you persisted ii
your love for him. We've owe 70,
something for that, Sara. We ow,
| you great deal more than / FIND
myself able to express in words"
Leslie entered the room at this in
stant He had his overcoat on ant
carried his gloves and hat In hi.
hand.
we are ready. father" he salt
thickiy.
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