Bisbee daily review., 1914-10-13

Co her parents. And ! am Mrs. Santa Claus" She clasped his arm and clung to 1t as they made their way up the ! piazza steps. "Mother-father." she said. "John and l love each other He has asked 1 me to be his wife" May l have her for better or for worseT' he asked the parents.
 Mir Bryan's face had paled. You must talk with her mother" he said. "Will you join me in the library after | you have been to your room, Nelson Y' l The wind puffed down the great chimney and filled Mir. Bryan's library | with the fragrance of burning oak and 1 pine. The logs crackled above .helr deepening ashen bed. The night had | come, and the well shelved room was snug with the glow from the hearth.
 Nelson" began Mir. Bryan. leaning forward in his armchair, "you are ask 1 ing us for the best we have-our only | daughter. Are you worthyT
 ''l have tried to be-"
 You must know that you have been the subject of gossip because you have | uNeQ 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"
 "I know it."
 Have you anything to hide from me nowY
 The eyes of the younger man stared | into the fire The dancing flames cast l grotesque shadows on his bearded face.
 "l cannot give you my confidence" be replied. q cannot, now"
 Nelson. my measure of a man Is by his integrity and his intelligence" Mir. Bryan urged. You have brains and industry. Whether you were a found. ling at birth or child of the streets in the north will not weigh heavily fin my decision" His voice was kindly and assuring.
 My boy" ne said, you must open your heart to me cannot let my daughter undertake to share your life with her eyes blindfolded Tell her. Tell her everything. She is of the stamp of her dear mother. She is young woman, but a brave and serious oue. She would countenance nothing that would bring a touch of dishonor 10 her or to her parents" "Iell-herW gasped Nelson.
 "Yes."
 Molly entered the library. coming from her mother. radiant with smiles. She paused as she saw the pallor of her lovers face and the serious look upon her fathers.
 What is the matter?" she demanded.
 Mir. Bryan rose from his chair.
 'I shall leave you together for awhile" he said as be left the room.
 "Johnr
 With his name on her lips she went to him, and he took her in his arms and kissed her.
 Let us go outside on the piazza" he said. q feel as though l should choke in here. There is something 1 must tell you"
 She turned from him and flung wide a deep window. The night scowled at them as they left the warm and light ed room for the rain and the dark.
 "I have something to tell you" he repeated
 'That you love me?" she asked.
 Love youT he repeated. "My heart is torn with love for you"
 "NOthing else matters"
 She crept to his side and clasped his hands in hers.
 Your father wants to know who am." he told her.
 "I know who you are. You are John Nelson. my lover"
 "He wants to know whence l came"
 Prom heaven--to me-" she answer ed, with a little laugh of content as she kissed him.
 "FrOm prison" he said. "I am an escaped convict was sent to prison in the north for life. i was convicted or'-
 'I know what you were convicted of, she whispered smothering his lips with her own. "You were convicted of being too kInd and too good to your fellow man. Christ was so convicted"
 The words fell solemnly from her lips, and they startled Nelson.
 CT was convicted of murder" he said. "of murder in the second de- gree. ] was innocent was sentenced, an innocent man, to life in prison. My name is James Montgomery. and the police seek me"
 She fell back from him for a mo ment tho shadows enshrouding her But she did not leave him for long. Her arms were again about bis neck and her lips turned to his
 "I knew that you had been hurt by some one or something" she whisper ed, pressing her cheek against his. -You do not need 10 tell me of your innocence. shan share your sorrows and your joys until death do us part"
 'I have no moral right to marry you" De eaid