Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1914-08-14

A1NNAg ACA
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. II 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.
I'VE 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. 1t must never be retold. We
ask this Of all of you. 1t 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
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 transpired
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, l thank thee-I thank
thee!" burst from the lips Of Sara
Wrandall. She strained Hetty to her
breast
1T 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
1t 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 to the end. We leave you tc
pass Judgment on yourself"
81 have already done SO, Mr.. Wran
DALI" said Sara. Have l not &C
cused myself before you? Have l moi
confessed to the only crime that has
been committed? l am not proud o.
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 l robbed YOU
OF your son. To this day am the
leper in your path. may be forgiven
for all else, but not for allowing Chal
lis Wrandall to become the husband
of Sebastian Gooch's daughter. Tha
is the objectionable SIM"
Mr.. Wrandall was silent for me
ment
you still are Sebastian Gooch'
daughter" he said distinctly. "Yol
can never be anything else"
She paled. This last transaction
psoves 1t. you would say?"
"This last transaction, yes"
She looked about her with troubled
questioning eyes.
Il wonder If that can be true,
she murmured, rather piteously. "An
| so different from the rest Of you
Is the blood to blame?"
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mr.. Carol
nervously. Don't be silly, Sara, m
child. That is not what Mr.. Wrar
dali means"
Wrandall turned his face awax
you loved as deeply as you hate
Sara" he said, with curious twitct
ing Of his chin. 'My son was your goo
We are not insensible to that. Pei
haps we have never realized until nov
the depth and breadth of your Low
for him. Love is bitter Judge of 1t
enemies. 1t knows no mercy.
knows no reason. Hate may be COT
quered by love, but love cannot be COZ
quered by hate. You had reason t
: hate my son. Instead you persisted 1
your love for him. We've owe yo
something for that, Sara. We ow
D you great deal more than | fin
g myself able to express in words"
Leslie entered the room at this II
a slant He had his overcoat on an
a carried his gloves and hat In hi
Y hand.
I'VE are ready, father" he sal
thickly.
g After a moments hesitation. h
:. crossed over to Hetty, who stood b,
l. side Sara.
I Il can now understand ubv w