Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-11-03

cheeK6 hS Sne reaQ tne rove message
J in his look. gave him the hint that she
expected his tongue to utter the
thoughts that filed bis mind.
But he held back the words. He
was still master of his tongue, but no
man With love in bis heart. In every
fiber Of his being, can master his soul.
He held up a hand to her. She took
1t and started to step from her car.
Her heel slipped on the wet running
board and she fell against his breast.
Her head lay on bis shoulder and.
with the world far below them and
the clouds lowering about them. their
lips met in the kiss Of betrothal.
With Molly Bryan's kiss on his lips
and sweetenIng his life. Nelson found
himself on the other side Of the chasin
he had shrunk from with dread In his
heart.
The thought that bis stanch friend.
the old convict. was OF OH the hunt
for the man he dared not himself seek
brought him measure OF assurance
for his still troubling conscience.
Then. too. Molly took total posses
sion of him and banished from his
mind all concern except the moments
concern. He felt the wnrlnth Of her
sweet woman's body and its soft pres
sure against his. the burn and tingle
Of her flushed cheeks.
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan were anxiously
awaiting them when their machines
swung into the broad road lending
through the estate to the mansion
which crowned 1t.
Here's Santa Claus" Molly shouted
to her parents. And am Mrs. Santa
Claus" She claspcd his arm and clung
to 1t as they made their way mp the
piazza steps.
"MOther-father." she said. "John
and love each other. He has asked
me to be his WIFE"
MAY | have her for better or for
worsew he asked the parents.
Mr. Bryan's face had paled. You
must talk with her mother" lie said
"WIll you Join me in the library after
you have been to your room. NelsOn?'
The wind puffed down the great
chimney and filed Mr. Bryan's library
with the fragrance of burning oak and
pine. The logs cracked above their
deepening ashen bed. The night had
come, and the well shelved room was
snug with the glow from the hearth.
"Nelson." began Mr.. Bryan. leaning
forward In his armchair. you are ask.
ing US for the best we have-Our only
daughter Are you worthy"
| II have tried to be-"
you must know that you have been
the subject Of gossip because you have
lived as hermit"
"Yes"
And you have admitted that there Is
something In your own life which you
do not feel that l. Molly's father.
should share"
IL know It."
Have you anything to hide from me
nowr
The eyes Of the younger man stirred
into the fire. The dancing danes cast
grotesque shadows Oh his bearded face
IL cannot give you my confidence"
he replied. Il cannot. now
Nelson. my measure OF II man Is by
bis integrity and his intelligence. Mr.
Bryan urged. You have brains and
industry. Whether you We're II found.
ling at birth or II child VI the streets in
the north will not weigh heavily In my
| decision" His voice WAS kindly and
assuring
my boy" he suid. you must open
your heart to me. cannot let my
daughter undertake to share your life
with her eyes bIindfoldcd. Tell her.
Tell her everything. She is Of the
stamp Of her dear mother. She Is
young woman. but brave and serious
that would bring touch Of dishonor
to her or to her parents"
"Tell-her?" gasped Nelson.
YES"
Molly entered the library. coming
| from her mother radiant with smiles
She paused as she saw the pnllor Of
her lovers face and the serious look
upon her fathers.
What Is the matter?" she demanded.
Mr.. Bryan rose from bis chair.
~ shall leave you together for
awhile" he said as he left the room.
john
With his name OH her lips she went
to him, and he took her In his arms
and kissed her.
LET US go outside on the piazza" be
said. II feel US though ! should choke
In here. There Is something | must
tell you"
She turned from him and flung wide
deep window. The night scowled at
them as they left the warm and light
ed room for the rain and the dark.
II have something to tell you" he
repeated.
'1That you love me?" she asked.
Love you" he repeated. my heart
Is torn with love for you"
Nothing else matters"
She crept to his side and clasped bis
hands In hers.
your father wants to know who
lm." he told her.
IL know who you are. You are John
Nelson. my lover"
"He wants to know whence ! came"
From heaven--tO me-" she answer
I'd. with q little laugh Of content as
khe kissed him.
From prison." he said. Il am an
escaped convict was sent to prison
n the north for life. was convicted
Df'-
II know what you were convicted
H." she whispered. smothering his lips
with her own. "YOu were convicted OF
being too kind and too good to your
fellow man. Christ was 50 convicted"
The words fell solemnIy from her
lips, and they startled Nelson.
"I was convicted Of murder" be
said. "of murder in the second de-
gree. I was innocent. ! was sentenced,
an innocent man. to life In prison. Ny
name is James Montgomery. and tn.
police seek me-"
She fell back from him for mo-
ment, the shadows enshrouding her.
But she did not leave him for long.