Williams news., 1915-06-24

pened that he spoke out his whole mind, you may be sure that some very bitter words passed"
 Was this meant as an innuendo? Impossible to tell. Such nervous, fussy little bodies often possess minds of unexpected subtlety. Deborah gave up all hope of understanding her, and, accepting her statements at their face value, effusively remarked:
 You must have very superior mind to draw such conclusions from the little you have seen. I have heard many explanations given for the reasonable"
 A flash from the spinster's wary eye. then burst of courage and the quick retort:
 And what explanation does Oliver himself give? You ought to know, Mrs. Scoville."
 The attack was as sudden as it was unexpected. Deborah flushed and trimmed her sails for this new tack, and insinuating gently, Then you have heard" waited for the enlight- enment these words were likely to evoke.
 It came quickly enough.
 That he expected to marry your daughter? Oh, yes, Mrs. Scoville; it's common talk here now. I hope you don't mind my mentioning it."
 Deborah's head went up. She faced the other fairly, with the look born of mother passion, and mother passion only.
 "Reuther is blameless in this mat ter," she protested. "She was brought up in ignorance of what felt sure would prove a handicap and misery to her. She loves Oliver as she will never love any other man, but when she was told her real name and understood fully what that name carries with it, she declined to saddle him with her shame. That's her story. Miss Weeks; one that hardly fits her appearance, which is very delicate. And, let me add, having once accepted her fathers name, she refuses to be known by any other. I have brought her to Shelby where to our own surprise and Reu- ther's great happiness, we have been taken in by Judge Ostrander, an act of kindness for which we are very grate- full"
 Miss Weeks got up, took down one of her rarest treasures from an old etagere standing in one corner and laid it in Mrs. Scoville's hand.
 For your daughter" she declared y,t1 ;r1 ,I,o r O
 The mother was touched, but not quite satisfied yet of the giver's real feelings towards Oliver, and, after thanking her warmly, remarked:
 There is but one thing that will ever make Reuther happy, and that she cannot have unless a miracle oc- CUTS. Oh, do not wonder you smile. This is not the day of miracles. But if my belief in my husband could be shared; if should be enabled to clear his name, might not love and loyalty be left to do the rest? Wouldn't the judges objections, in that case, be re- moved? What do you think. Miss Weeks?"
 There! we will say no more about it." The little woman's attitude and voice were almost prayerful You have judgment enough for two Be- sides, the miracle has not happened" she interjected, with a smile which seemed to say it never would
 Deborah sighed. Whether or not it was quite an honest expression of her feeling we will not inquire. She was there for a definite purpose and her way to it was, as yet, far from plain. The negative with which she followed up this sigh was one of sor- rowful acceptance. She made haste. however, to qualify it.
 But l have not given up all hope. I know as we'll as any one how impos- s1ble the task must prove. unless can light upon fresh evidence And where am to get that? Only from some new witness
 Miss Weeks polite smile took on an expression of indulgence This reused Deborah's pride. and, hesitating no longer. she anxiously remarked:
 T have sometimes thought that Oliver Ostrander might be that wit ness. He certainly was in the ravine the night Algernon Etheridge was struck down."
 Had she been an experienced actress Of years she could not have thrown into this question a greater lack of all lnnuendo. Miss Weeks, already un- der her fascination, heard the tone but never thought to rotice the quick rise and fall of her visitors uneasy bosom, and so unwarned, responded with all due frankness:
 T know he was But how will that help you? He had no testimony to give in relation to this crime. or he would have given it.
 That is true" The admission fell mechanically from Deborah's lips; she was not conscious. even of making it. Then, as her emotion choke6 her into silence. she sat with piteous avoe