The Southern herald., 1915-10-22
CHAPTER w.

Daisy, dear, wronged you"
But that Is all forgotten now, Su.
san"
Miss Susan had come to stay with
her sister-in-law at the seaside re-
sort during her brothers absence on
business. Roberts marriage had been
ideally happy, and the lonely old maid
had welcomed the opportunity to be
reconciled to her sister-in-law and
meet her little nephew.
Nothing had been heard of either
Mr.. Wright or Austin since Daisy's
marriage. Only the girl knew her for
mer lovers regret, and the wild, in.
coherent letter that Austin had writ
ten her on the day before her we'd
ding. Daisy had put the letter and
Austin's photograph away She had
meant to destroy them; but in her
new happiness she would not even re-
open her bitter memories by recalling
their existence.
Strolling along the sea front, the two
women, completely reconciled, laughed
and chatted with never a thought of
the past. Suddenly Daisy gave a lit
tie gasp. Approaching them came Aus.
tin and girl. To turn back was i'm
possible. Susan saw the look on
Daisys face, and her heart suddenly
hardened.
But Austin, taking off his hat, shook
hands cordially with both and intro
duced his t1ancee. They, too, were
spending their vacation at Seabury.
Before they parted Austin had sug-
gested that many pleasant hours might
be spent together. There was nothing
In his manner to indicate that he re.
membered that foolish and impetuous
letter.
Daisy, alone in her room, opened her
trunk and took out the letter and pho
tograph. How weak she had been,
when their discovery might have
prejudiced her own and Roberts hap.
piness! She struck a match and lit
them, watching till the flames had eat.
en- almost across both Of them. She
flung the debris into her wastebasket
and went down. She knew that the
past had been obliterated by that act
as fully as in Austin's own mind.
Days passed. Roberts return was
expected on the Friday. On Thursday
evening Austin, who, with his sweet.
heart, had been a frequent visitor,
suggested motor party.
You must go, Daisy, DEAR" said
Susan.
But you'll come, too?"
NO, have headache. l think |
shall go to bed"
Then shall stay and take care Of
you"
mo, Daisy, dear. Robert wouId
never forgive me if l let you wait on
me. Go and enjoy yourself with the
party"
Daisy at last yielded. Carrying the
little boy in her arms she stepped into
the car. The merry voices died awav |
IN the distance. Susan returned to |
her room and sat down with COM
pressed lips and frowning brows.
1 gave her her chance" she said
in self-condonation. "Now let Robert |
know her for what she is tomorrow"
And she began pacing the room,
while the hours passed. It was eleven,
1t was twelve; the party had not re.
turned. At one O'clock step sounded
Susan opened the door. to
confront Robert, wild-eyed and hag.
gard.
Where is she?" he cried fiercely.
Gone motoring with Austin" an.
swered Susan. We'll, Robert per
haps you believe my warning now"
1t was his writing" groaned Rob.
ert sinking down into a chair. From
his pocket he extracted his sisters
letter. Inside the folded sheet was
the scrap Of burned paper that Susan
had taken frosa the wastebasket, con.
tanning the words:
Il have never ceased to love Won
Robert sat in the chair in silence.