The Tupelo journal., 1915-10-22
cHAPTERIv.

Daisy, dear, l 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 hat Austin had writ.
ten her on the day before her wed
ding. Daisy had put the letter and
Austin's photograph away. She had
meant to destroy them; but in ner
new happiness she would not even re-
open her bitter memories by recalling
their existence.
Strolling along the sea front, the two
women cnmpletely recapcjlsd
and chatted with never a thought of
the past. Suddenly Daisy gave a lit
tie gasp. Approaching them came Aus
tin and a girl. To turn back was i'm
possible. Susan saw the look on
Daisy's face, and her heart suddenly
hardened.
But Austin, taking OF his hat, shook
hands cordially with both and intro
duced his fiancee. 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 w~astebasket
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 OF the Friday. On Thursday
evening Austin, who, with his sweet
heart, had been a frequent visitor,
suggested a motor party.
You must go, Daisy, dear" said
Susan.
But you'll come. too?"
mo, l have a headache. I think ]
shall go to bed"
Then l shall stay and take care of
you"
mo, Daisy, dear. Robert would
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 a The merry voices died away
in the distance. Susan returned to
her room and sat down with com.
pressed lips and frowning brows.
i gave her her chance she said,
in self-condonation. Now let Robert
know ner Tor what she is tomorrow"
And she began pacing the room,
while the hours passed 1t was eleven.
it was twelve; the party had not re-
turned. At one o'clock a step sounded
outside Susan opened the door. to
confront Robert. wild-eyed and bag
gard
Where is ste?" he cried fiercely
Gone motoring with Austin" an
swered Susan We'll. Robert, per-
maps you believe my warning now"
1T vas 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 from the ~wastebasket, con-
tainiAg the words:
= have never ceased to love you
Ausf'1,
Robert sat in the chair in silence.