Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-17
"You dear old chap" said Joan.
CHAPTER XL.

CHAPTER XII.
| Joan Meriet was married in the Abbey
Church of Harptree on the anniversary
of her mothers wedding day. There was
not even standing room in the great
building, and vast crowds of people waited
outside, filling the whole of the space
between the entrance doors and the rail-
ings around the Abbey close
Over the former wedding, brilliant
though the scene had been. there had
rested the shadow of death, and even
the bride, In the hour of her great happi-
ness, could not thrust the thought of her
dead son from her mind. There was no
such shadow over the marriage of Joan
Meriet. There was no sorrow for the
past. no fear for the future. John Err
leigh was free man, and could look the
world in the face. His wife and sister
had been reconciled. Lady WimberIey
her heart full of gratitude to God for
giving her boy back to her, had forgiven
every one.
John Erlelgh gave the bride away, and
famous singer was James Travers best
man. The world of art and music, as
we'll as the world OF society, had focked
to the wedding. The little town had
never before seen SO many famous people
gathered together. Every one felt that
1t was most suitable match. Brains
on the one side and wealth and beauty
on the other.
When the ceremony at the church was
over there was a reception In the big
school. Mr.. Murray was there, looking
very smart In top hat and frock coat
and Senior Lopez very reBplendent and
distinguished. Both seemed to be very
pleased with themselves. and they had
good reason to be, for each had a cheque
Fnn l.. IL. IL
tectlve had visions of the little cottage
with roses in the garden, and the spaniard
could not keep his mind off his weather
beaten castle in Spain. Denham, the de-
tective, was also among the guests and
Barker and Evans, Guys tutor, and
Russell-all OF whom had played their
parts In the grim story that had now
come to a close,
But when Joan had changed her dress
and the time for departure was at hand
and she found herself alone with her
mother in her bedroom, the sunshine
vanished from the girls face and tears
came into ner eyes.
Mother dear" she said. II hate
leaving you. Why is il there is aIways
something to spoil one's happlnessq'
e. Lady Wimberley laughed bravely. ''It's
your turn now, JOAN" she said. To-day
year ago 1t was you who were left
forlorn little thing-at the station. I'm
better on than you were then-for I've
got my husband and Guy"
The girl flung her arms around her
mothers neck and kissed her passion
ately.
Mother, dear" she whispered, I'll
have secret TO tell you. IL want YOU
TO forgive me-
Forgive you, dearest child?"
''Yes-for not telling YOU before TT
know all about Jim-and his mother"
'You-you know that, Joan? Oh. who
told you-who was wicked enough 10 tell
you?" va
Jim told me himself-a month aKo-
before we decided on the day OF the we'd
ding. His mother told him, but she MADE
him promise that you were not 10 know
until We were married. He offered 10
release me- l laughed at him."
oh Joan, dear how cruel OF you IN
have kept this from me. II you only
knew what / have sunered-how again
and again 1 have wondered n | were
doing right In keeping this from YOU
II gave Jim my word of honor mother"
the girl broke In. "Oh. mother. dear
don't be angry with me. II was 30
much better that l should know. AS II
Il would make any difference. am
proud OF Jim-i can't tell YOU how proud
! am Of him. No one else Will ever know,
| have longed 10 tell you. knew YOU
were Worrying about that But / could
not break ms word.
The mother smiled through her tears.
She Has proud Of her daushter--giad thai
Joan knew, As for what she had sun
Tered Afs. IEaEef1 had made thsE part