The Forrest City times., 1914-07-17
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you. l am not asking for mercy"
 Hetty impulsively threw her arms about the rigid figure, and swept a pleading look from one to the other of the four stony-faced Wrandalls. They turned away without a word or revealing look, and slowly moved off in the direction of the boudoir They who remained behind stood still, motionless as statues It was Vivian who opened the library door. She closed it 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 ad- vanced into the room.
 We have found against my son, Miss Castleton." 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. It must never be retold We ask this of all of you. It is not in | our hearts to thank Sara for shielding you, for her hand Is still raised against us. We are fair and just. If 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 cbo Our verdict, if you choose to call it that, is sealed. No man shall ever hear from the lips of Wrandall the smallest part of what has transpired here tonight. Mir. Carroll, you were right. We thank you for the counsel that led this unhappy girl to place her self in our hands"
 "Oh, God, l thank tfee-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 harsh one you will find yourself. As for ourselves, we can only look upon your unspeakable design as the working Of a 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 l 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~tothe end. We leave you to | pass judgncnt on yourself" ''l have already done so. MT. Wran- | dall.' said Sara. Have l not ac- cused myself before you? Have not confessed to the only crime that has been committed? l 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. It was when robbed you l of your son. To this day l am the leper In your path. l may be forgiven for all else, but not for allowing Chal | lis Wrandall to become the husband of Sebastian Gooch's daughter. That Is the unpardonable sin" | MT. Wrandall was silent for a mo ment.
 You still are Sebastian Gooch's daughter" he said distinctly. You can never be anything else"
 She paled. This last transaction proves it. you would say?"
 This last transaction, yes"
 She looked about her with troubled questioning eyes.
 II wonder if that can be true. she murmured, rather piteously. Am so different from the rest of you, Is the blood to blame?"
 "Nonsense!" exclaimed Mir Carroll nervously. Don't be silly, Sara. my child. That is not what MT. Wran dall means"
 Wrandall turned his face away.
 You loved as deeply as you hate Sara he said. with curious twitch ing of his chin. My son was your god
 We are not insensible to that Per haps we have never realized until now the depth and breadth of your love for him. Love is bitter judge of its enemies. It knows no mercy if knows no reason. Hate may be con. quered by love. but love cannot be con. quered by hate. You had reason to hate my son. Instead you persisted in your love for him. We've owe won something for that, Sara. We owe you a great deal more than I find myself able to express in words"
 Leslie entered the room at this in. stant. He had his overcoat on and carried his gloves and hat in his hand.
 We are ready, father" he said thickly.
 After moments hesitation he crossed over to Hetty, who stood he.