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THE SUNNY SOUTH, ATLANTA, GA., SAfURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 10, 1891. HAWTHORN; A TALE OF TWO DECADES IN MANY STATES By Bismuth Miller. CHAPTER XVII. Next day about noon the protracted delay was terminated, and the iron hone, panting and snorting, pierced the gorge near Laramie City, passing which, the way waa open and without Incident to Colfax, beyond the Sierras. When Sacramento waa reached Benigna stopped over, the better to prepare for the dan gerous operations that atlU lay before her. Here she presented checks for her own and Alma’s baggage, and was put in poeaeeslon of that of both. On the same afternoon, Virginia hav ing been mUdly narcotized, the woman instituted a thorough search of Alma’s trunks, every useless or inculpating ar ticle therein being carefully destroyed. Alma had possessed liberal means, and Benlgna’s explorations were well re warded. The deceased had had also much costly wearing apparel and an infinitude of fine jrwelry and trinkets. These all fell to the unprincipled woman. While she was fitting upon her hand a diamond ring of rare design, B.nlgna suddenly recalled that, notwithstanding her abundant forethought, she had neg lect-d to strip from the dead Alma a heavy ring sne reoeatedly observed upon one of her finders! Sne was greatly per plexed a - , tills untimely oversignt, lest som.-> inscription it rnizht contain shoud bring to light the identity of the buried woman. Too newspapers of San Francisco next morning contained a graph!} account of tne long and perilous j mruey, noting as its only fat il incident the unfortunate death o' Mrs. Alina Beiwyu, of Washing ton, DC. a passenger who had perished from consumotloa. This publication alarmed Benigna, being calculated to unmask and demolish her plans. “Can X have been dogged and watched all tue wayT ’ sbe asked he-self. ‘‘Impos sible, 'or even tue porter, passing in and ont a dozen times eac iday, did not know Alma when she was lying dead before him.” She resolved, despite all obstacles, to go forward on the daring line marked out, now sustained alone by the con sciousness that she was already too far to retrace, and that the dangers to be met in retreat were as terrible as conid be those before her. Taking under ad visement one after anotber of the various expedients of escape which decked to her crafty mind, and having at length for mulated a plan which promised to set all things inordtr, sue that nlgUt sought her couch composed as one whose con science knows no sting. Twenty four <>ours later she was at San Francisco, where, entering one of its best hotels, she boldly wrote upon the register 4 airs Alma Selwyn and child, Washington, D. C.” Tnls was a downright challenge to the pnbllsned sensation of the previous day, and attracted widespread notice. Sbe was at once besieged bv tbe reporters, to whom she ore sente d an imperturbable exterior. Witb deter minsd calmness she gave them to understand that if the re ports were not promptly denied and pro perly excused sue would place suits for personal damage This brought out ex tended retractions, supplemented by apologetic editoria s. She now at San Francisco awaited the reparation tt e*e later publications were expected to accomplish at Livingston, . btr final destination, where she was soon to meet Alma’s uuc e, Tom Ba'dwln. Ou the following day she embarked for that point. Bachelor Tom Baldwin was a prosper- ens aericu turist in tbe valley of the J laquiu river. He was quite wealthy, owning valuable properties in Bereral' Jities and towns of CaiUorhta, including a few fine dwellings at Oakland, the social aud t d jcattonal centre. He had also a plain, commonplace habitation near Livingsto >, occupied irregularly white ne was engaged In that vicinity, and another and more pretentions resi dence a Util s way from Lathrop. Tne last named town lay between San Francisco and Livingston, and it was here that Baldwin this day awaited the coming of the putative Alma Selwyn, who, unaware of his presence, passed him and proceeded directly on to Liv ingston. Having never met Alma, but knowing that she was blue-eyed, Bald win had looked into the faces of the ladles while tbe train halted at Lathrop. Tnere were no blue eyes In the cars. When Banlgna discovered that she had overstepped her correct stopping place, she became aware that it would be im possible immediately to retrace her way, and accordingly set ont in the early af ternoon, with Virginia, for Baldwin’s farm-house, a mile from the Livingston settlement. Coni resting It with the structure she had expected to find, it seemed little bet ter than a rookery. At once she con cluded that his wealth must have been entirely exaggerated. “It always happens that way,” she soiiloqnlzid; ‘ one is never so rich as he is made out to be. I wouldn’t wonder if this man were quite poor. At any rate. I wouldn’t live here if he gave me the place!” Virginia had quite fairly divided the fatigue of the way between her own feeb.e little feet and the woman's not ov.r-strong arms—had half come and half been borne. Hence both were ut terly wearied, and Impatient for a place to rest. Entering the rude, irregular inclosure wherein stood the low, rug ed house, a rough-looking man appeared at its only door and stead f astly stared Ejsaying in as few words as possible to make him understand her relation to Tom Baldwin, she was plain in telling him tnat it won a be i mpossible for her to go a step fun her, and that, she must shelter her caiid there over-n'gnt. The dark features of t ie man se'-med to brighten. • Y'ou’re Hale Selwjn's wife and chile? I see. He was at Frisco a year or two ago. and 1 was there with Mr. Bald win .” Then be asked, in a familiar tone ‘ How’s Ha'e?” “He i3 not with us,” she demurely, wearily answered “Well,’' said the man, 1 Mr. Baldwin’s somewhere up abou. Lathrop. Didn't yon see him? ' “No,” she impatiently replied; “and as we can’t get back now, we’ve got to stop here ” “Ob, you can do that, of course. There ain’t many woman folks in these parts, but you needn’t mind that. Just come right in and rest, aud 1 11 make it a3 pleasant as I can.” Bmigna entered without further cere mony.to survey the interior and elevate her no e at ail she saw. It was an doubted y uninviting and not imrnacu lately clean; but she must make the best of ItT She set, woman-.ike, to putting it in tolerable condirlon lor short occu pancy. Having provided herself at Ban Francisco witb an abundant luncheon, of which Virginia only hid mlncingiy partaken, there was much of It uneatep; On this sbe was declled they shouu. both subsist till next morning, notwith- standi g that the man proffered the latch-key to his plethoric larder. At night Benigua and Virginia occa pled a pallet on the flour or one room, while the hired man, spread on a bench jnst beyond tbe thin board partition, filled tbe other, aud snored with the vigor and regularity of a forge-bellows. CHAPTER XVIII. When, after the long night at Livings ton, tbe dawn at length came, it opened np to Benigna a complexity of difficul ties such as would thoroughly employ her extraordinary genius for successful lying. She was this day to enact a quad ruple role In which every impersonation she most acquit with amazing adroit ness, or else succumb to discovery and destruction. Baldwin, whom she had never seen, nor as to whom bad she even the advantage of incidental foreknowl edge, she w<;s self-appointed to meet face to face in the relationship of his neice by marriage, lo support such a connection she must uniimptscnably have been tbe wife of his own nephe w, whom he well knew and sbe had never -seen. And, to further embarrass this pretense, she had not the slightest re semblance to the true Alma Selwyn, of whom Baldwin had in possession a life like portrait in oil. To crown the as tounding array of impostures, she would have to insist, would have to eonvinoe— unwed maiden that she waa—that she was the natural mother of the cbUd Vir ginla, of the date and locality of whose birth she was in absolute darkness! Haply for the woman, the innocent buby- girl could afford not a ray of enlighten ment even If she conid know Benlgna’s flslslty, which extreme childhood for- bade! What wonder that she who was thus to meet this trying ordeal—grown to awful proportions from the infinitesimally smaU bnt fertile germ of a first girlish folly— had been wearing away long nights that knew no sleep, only to wrestle with guUty days that gave her heart no peace 1 And yet, while she lay awake In the loneliness of last night’s neighborltsi lodge, to ponder the sunless past, to plot for the sinful morrow, not once a pang of remorse, not once tbe joy of repent ance, deepened a wound or dealt a thrill of sonll Had she no shudder for the crimes that were mounting to Heaven? No! Nor prayer for extrication—for preservation? No! Hid she no terror that the outraged spirit of the dead Alma might snatch from ner side tho sleeping innocent on whose beauty was being reared the hope of one whose life was not brightened by a blush oi houor or blest by a smile of truthl Not one! Tbe inram jus woman was wholly of the world, and knew of nothing beyond the sphere on which, were her nighest aspi rations rewarr.ed, sne could never be larger than an atom of sand. Aud it transpired, when she had ar rived at Lat.irop and was sitting for a few minutjs at Baldwin's side in the ladles’room qf the depot, that he gave her a quiet, studious look, and that by that glance she already knew he was not fascinated. Yet when he bluntly questioned her about the “divinely blue eyes,” which Hale’s many letters had dwelt upon, tne words which might utterly have wilted the living, genuine Alma not for an Instant disconcerted the lying pretender, who smiled to hear him utter them. He said that sbe didn't look one particle like tne portrait he had of Hale’s wUe. At this she laughed, as If to convey that she knew he was jesting, and that she enjoyed the humor. At length, affecting to see for the first time that Baldwin waa serious, she said, airily: “There are no bine eyes about either of ns; bat Hale knew that it was your favorite hue, and he thought it would gratify you to call mine that color ” “But the eyes or the painting are bine, he said, earnestly. She laughed outright. “Another par donable deception, made necessary by the first. Having told yon my eyes were bine, and tnus having flattered your par tlality, he sent you a bide-eyed gin’s pic tore because t.e thought mine wasn’t pretty enough for a proud bachelor s fancy.” Baldwin was rather tickled at this, and himself smiled. Wnereat Benigna resolved to follow np the strife for his perfect conviction of her genuineness. Tuere would nave been less difficulty in doing toil, shethougnt, had not the officious newspaper rtpur.s complicated matters. The news of Alma Selwyn’s death and burial had attracted great public attention, and its flat refu tatl>n had widened tne popular interest, it was of vital Importance that this should be allayed. Agitation would Lad to a search for the mooted grave and to the txnumation of the hidden body. What if, by comparison with her portrait, or turougn the cuomicai restoration of the name on her linen, or by a ratal tell tale inscription on that ring tbe woman bad omitted to strip from tue dead fingei, Alma tjeiwyn were, after al., to rise and con.j't.:d uo ; oi iieuigua Bernand! Tue possibility was an awful one; and yet, wuiist these tantalizing feats were prodding her tormented mind, the woman preserved In Baldwin’s pres ence a wondrous outward oaiance, and was even baoyant and flippant. Bald win nad bsen for naif an hoar hold - in nls lap the wearied and slumbering Virginia, aud all through this coiioq ty Beuigua observed that he alternated uls gazs as though he were searching for noes of resemblance between herseif and Virginia—of whicb she well knew there txisted not one. Matters were becoming more and more grave, when, -a by an inspiration, she suddenly remembered that she had with her own hand written Aima Selwyn’s only letter to ner uncle, and that at this instant she had on htr person a second letter, which she had written at San Francisco tne day before, and wffich was likewise signed “Alma Selwyn.” If she could contrive to bring botn these letters to Baldwin’s notice—to have him see them side by side—then he must leel confirmed that she was the person she represented herself to bt; and it wou.d follow that the world beside should stand convicted. Sue calmly, rather nonchalantly, said: “You received my Washington letter witnout delay, did yon not? I don’t think the blockads caugot that mall.” “I think so,” he answered; • do you re member Its date?” “It was written on the S;h; for I recall that it was my calculation X should oe nicely hero by tne lb'.n.” “Tue bth—tue S»n! ’ he said, musingly; “it must have been written later. 1 got it only a few days ago.” “I’m sure it was too Sth,” she Insisted. “ Well, 1 nave it here, aud we can easily see.” At the same time he withdrew from his pocket a mass of mlscellaueous correspondence, from whicn he produced the Ittter In question. •Y’es," he said, opening it, “it is dated the Sth.” Aud wnlte he held It belore him, Bs- nigua, who hud takeu tue otaer from ner satchel, tendered it, saying, careiess.y: “Tnls was written to you at oau F/au lo co, but finding it would come on tue same train with us, 1 tuought it would bo absurd to mail it ” He held luew both, glancing from one to the other, perhaps unconsciously, but certamiy comparing tne two letttrs, written by the Bkuuo hand and signed oy the same name. A.id if ever Bachelor Tom Baldwin had had a hu-piuion that the wo-nau btbido him was not me per son she claimed to be, he cow was uual- ttrab.y convinced that Benigna Bernard was truiy Alma S.lwyn, sne wife of his nephew aud mother of Virginia! In tbe lad’s mind, even while bis manual strength was exerting its most faithful struggles with an unwieldy hoe. A vast concourse of reveries crowded the Weil turned head wbifh he bore as though it rested on the shoulders of a prince. He reasoned that opportunity was huiryir g by, whilst he stood helpless in its very shadow. He determined to fall In with It, to follow It. Vividly recalling the last, imperious words of his father, bid ding him, when he became a man, “first of all things to find ont who he was,” these Impressed him that there must have been a proud origin, and that a proud deetiny ought to follow. That evening he reached a determ'na tlon to go forth into tbe world; and next morning hia widened sphere was beyond the horometer of the plow handles which yesterday confined him, soul and body. He had ran away. There waa little preparation needful for his world-wide journey, slnee ho possessed few articles, his scanty stone scarcely filling a modest parcel. Tne operation of gathering into one place these effects, however, gave rise to sue plcion In the Walters that he waa de signing a surprise for them, they having seen, as most naturally they must have expected to see, intimations of discon tent. They accordingly set an unseen watch upon his movements. At night, having uncomplainingly and folly finished his farm task, Raymond re paired to the rude sleeping room, reedy for the morning’s start. In tne shado v of a dense cedar some distance from bis window stood Walter, eagerly observing the lad’s every torn. Raymond, nncon scions of this, sat gazing into the dim, dying Dune within the chimney, ita dn blous light all that forfended profound darkness. At his side, on the long, low bench, was set his bundle, tbe same to serve for a pillow when, later, without removing his clothing, be should extend his body ft r a last night’s sleep in that locality. Walter, tiring of the paucity of incl dent rewarding his contemptible eye service, stepped noiselessly from his hiding place and entered within, where De siOjd an instant, staring at Raymond, who met hla gtzo without a sign of dts turbance. Walter aspect, in a gruff' tone: “Ray mond, what do yon intend to de? ’ “When?” inquired the boy. “Tonight,” said the man. “Sleep,” answered Raymond. “Here?” interrogated Walter, with a certain emphasis. “Certainly.” Tnere was a pause. The prompt, placid responses of the little fellow put Walter's questionings at nay, if they did not drive off his suspicions The man seemed, at any rate, to reflect that if Raymond were to leave him there was no other place for nim to go, and even if there were, he wonld be glad enongh to corns back. And while he was thus cogitating, Raymond's own thoughts were busy, his fears, too, being wide awake. He had no terror of tbe man who stood before him, for whom he felt a certain sense of disdain; hot he was afraid he might be forced to tell his plans, by being forced at all to speak; for be would not lie about them, even though, by telling tne truth, he was sure to defeat nimself. The man, wishing farther to ease his misgivings, again pressed him: “What will yon do in tne morning?” “Don’t know jnst what yon mean,” Raymond said, stooping over to stir the embers. “When yon wake np,” said Walter. “Well, 1 can’t do anything at all till I wake,” replied the lad. “But after yon wake, what then?” “Bay n y prayers,” patly answered the boy. That was a settler. Walter was over matened, and said no more. Ha went away, posstoly to resume his post as a spy. In that event, he must have felt a de gree of chagrin to see Raymond compose himself along the narrow pine bench before the rode, vacant fireplace and complacently fall to sleeping. Al daylight Raymond, having written short, characteristic note, which he le t to oe discovered, was far on his un certain way. When Walter, inspired by a queer curl osity, came earlier than ever oefore to Raymond’s room, it was to find the con- picuous note, which proved to be la jutcally as follows: become nntena at her service. But an apparent denly alarmed career of gayet{ hastened her to el Indefinitely at tl| ‘Thanking yon, I am gone. “Raymond Hawthobn/ Knowledge of the lad’s sudden d-pe r luxe uccouliug circulated, tne coincP deuce of the father’s aud son’s myeteri ous exodus from the same house wa generally instanced, and In time th° Walter family became so widely nnpopu lar that they inc mtlnently removed from the vicinity of Charlottesville. One day a gentleman leisurely driving on the outskirts of Fredericksburg saw bright, handsome faced lad sitting at the roadside as if he were resting, and invited him to a seat in his buggy. Tbe little fellow, though apparently wearied, rose briskly to accept, aud soon had leapt to a place beside the gentle man. As 1 live!” exclaimed the latter, rec ogmztng him for the first time, “this Is my brave little Charlottesville patient! Aren’t you Ksymond Hawthorn?” “Yes, sir; and I know you, zir—Dr. Montgomery!” Yes. And tell me, now, what In the world are you doing out this way?” Raymond explained everything unre servedly, concluding by saying that his purpose was to reach the North, where he tnought he conid obtain an education and make a man of himself. Whereat tbe doctor became enthusl astic, and promised to help him. ‘ Noth lr g was heard of your father?” he asked, feelingly. ‘Nothing, sir,” “How sad!” said he. “Do yon remem her nis solemn words, my little friend?” I snail never forget them, sir.” At the poBtoffice on Caroline street, Raymond, with boyish al.crity, notwith standing his fatiguing tramp, sprang from the vehicle and procured the doc tor’s mail, remounting to his seat with graceful supplenxss. Near the river side of tne historic town his gaze was attract ed to a square white marble pedestal wncse shaft, lay prone beside it and hall buried in the earth. “What is that? ’ asktd Raymond. “Tuat s a nation s disgrace,” answered the doctor, explaining that it wan an uncompleted, abandoned monument to tne mother or Washington, “If it was for my motner, it shouldn’t be that way long,” said the boy ‘ I d do cverytt ingin tne world I could to have it put up aud kept white anc clean.” Tuis pleased Dr. Montgomery, who was quick to trace me true character of the coming man in this ardent outburst of tne boy. Tue doctor had at home three of the prettiest little girls in the c luutry, and they had a royai Virginia mother. When he and Riymond arrived at the neat family homo the latter became at ODcea “lion,” albi it a young and harmless one Mrs. Montgomery welcomed him as If ha wire a long absent son, and tne little gir s went into ecstacies over him, he having gone straight to their hearts. Tbev entreated him to forego his doubt ful journsy at d to lemiin with them, fling Incident end- woman from her at Oakland, and less a wish to remain i more retired town. Her motive wae not inquired into by the g-nerons Californian, since Virginia’s location at Lathrop would better suit his continual demands for her companion ship. It would be easier for him to reach her there from either Oakland or Living, s ton, Virginia was rspidly growing into great beauty, and was brignt far beyond her years. Her presence at the side of Benigna when they were abroad on the thoroughfares or making calls in society markedly enhanced the pleaaant general intereet bee towed on the women, while on her own a coo ont Virginia waa a reign ing “every body’s pet” wherever she appeared. I And yet at all Uraee while in pnblie Benigna named an awkward, an lneepar, able preeentimentJthat ehe should stum ble upon some sort of casualty that might diaoover her real pereonality; and tula feeling bad to do with her selection— clearly in oon filet with her faatidloua E re tensions—of a permanent home at sthrop. At this epoch she wae having a royally joyous season of visitation at the si cial centre of the Golden Beats, free as air In her wanderings and fickle, as of old, in her whims; viewed bya genus of Individ uals of the other gender as a “sparkling widow,” and by tbe aristocratic of her own sex as a captivating woman-wel come everywhere, and going or coming at will. How unceremoniously was axi this abbreviated! On a certain morning she casually glanced at the “advertised letter list” In a Ban Frauds so paper, and, to her hor ror, beheld the name “Benigna Bernand 1” il had been a long time since that oini nous patronymic—if the liberty to so call ii be permissible—bad recurred even to her own memory. C rtaiu 11 was, too, lhat never in Ca ifornla had a letter arrived for her so acdressed. To her sol itary correspondent—the garrulous Mrs U ision—s ie last wrote as “Alma Stl Wyn,” perfidiously exp aiding tout she was married to gentleman named Selwyn, and that-VUma” was an omitted middle name of her maiden title! Agxiu and again Benigna fixed her eyes upon the perplexing advertisement vainly" cudgeling ner ingenuity for an iudex to its purport aud authorship. Start ing at this period of profound im muuiiy from annoyance, tue incident wrought revived alarm; and she hied away from Oakland, daring neither to call nor to send for the mysterious epis tie—nor yet lo suffer it to remain unde manded, lest, if it be inculpating, it might fall Into inimical hands. Lathrop was quite an important rail way town, having communication with principal points, and of coarse contained its quota of ldleis such as quarter about centres of travel. Ten exceeding sweet ness of Virginia attracting much admir ation, it wss the enstom of many to speak to her or pet and even to play with her, as she rollicked about the iictie front garden thereat, now catching at a butterfly or again chasing some stranger insect Among her favorite companions was a youth named J.rry Smith, he with more tenderness than otners yielding to her girlish whims. He ezine many times dally, sometimes inoniging in “baby talk,” and telling her his vagarious im pressions. One day he said: “Virginia, if I conid make money enough to get to Szn Francisco, I d then go rignt away to sea. Then" he asked with an inflection, “what would you do fora big sweetheart like me to play with?” Quick as a flash, Benigna caught his words. Calling him wituin the open door, while she bade Virginia an. use herself alone until his return, sue said: “Your name is J-rry Smith?” ‘■Vts, marm.” “And yon would like to go to San Fran cisco?” “Yes, marm.” “To live?” “No, maru ; to get a place on a ship. That was my old business.” “To go to sea?” “Yes, marm.” “Could you get on a vessel right away?” “Well, If 1 could get a little money to live on fora few days while I was look ing up ajob, I’d find one, marm.” “To what part would you sail?” “Anywherextf* alfV.-way from Califor nio; it’s got -■’• IftOS?.” woman searcher to see if she might tJ\uot him, she con. tinued: “You seem tube willing to do nomt thing for yourself, and perns ps 1 may help your ambition. You’ll find it agoaa rule of life always to keep your business to yonrself~not to tell your affairs to anvoody.” Sue again paused to see the effect of this rather discon nected precept. “Yes, marm,” he answered, as though he thought he ought to fill the hiatus. “There is a letter In the Ban Francisco postcfiicafora woman who was once a domestic in my serylce, and who is now dead. It may be of value to her relatives whom I know; and it mlgut be my dnty to obtain it, and then pat it on Us way. Do yon understand?” “On, yes, marm,” Jerry answered. “Now,” went on Benigna, seating her self at a table and opening her writing desk, “I will give you two envelopes, each with a written name. Pay close attention, please.” Having written on one of these, she handed It to him, say- ing: “This is the name of the person whose letter yon will apply for—can yon read it?” “Benigna Barnand—that’s it, I think,” said Jerry, reading It aloud. Then, writing upon a second envelops and extending it to him, “Read this,” she said. “Mrs. Alma Selwyn, Lathrop, Calfar- nia.” he read. “Very well,”said the woman. “Now, when you get the letter for Benigna Ber nand, just slip it into the second envelope and, having sealed it, drop it into tne same office, and I will get it right away. Is i r all clear to yon?” * Yes, marm.” “You see, I’ve put a stamp on the sec ond one. You will feuow by that.” “Oh, I know exactly what you mean,” said tbejoutb, intelligently. Producing from tee wallet a ten dollar bill, she placed it in ids hand, proceeding: “ThatwUI pay all your reasonable tx- penses, besides yonr passage, and if you are irugal it will supply a few things for your sea voyage. Aud, by the way, be certain to say tuat the letter you apply for ii ‘advertised’. You will go oy to night’s train, and I shall expect to hear from you oy noou mail tomorrow.” “Very well, marm; you’re very kind, and I lido wnatyou wish ne,”said Jer-y A word morejis toaperesy,” she said, , it should be placed vlduality. And now, at the dawn of marilageableness, a roseate nimons clr cuiig her life, a new thrill quivering into her neart, an unaccouuiabxe glow gieam lug upon her Cleese and grown to a deep, passionate ruby at her lips—she was in deed now more than beamilul, more than eve r lovable. Kale 8 admirers were a legion, and her lovers were many. Bhe was the stored of the youth of Hawthorn. But, as often has come abont at this stage in the life of a maiden, her Fabian -‘home” suitors, aJJ fervid enough, but each tearing her denial, in doe time iott the prize to a dis tant lover wno dtuntlisbiy stormed her heart aud stontly held it. Revere Bentiey was an occasional visi tor to the home of the Singletons, whom he had long known; ont, better than this, he had been from nls very early yonth Kate’s pleasant correspondent. He was intellectual, industrious and apt, and his prospects In life were excellent. His unvaruiahed merit touched Kate’s ap preclativeness, and later bis olrectand unique method of love-making— wh.ch had oeen always Ignored in bis tetters— helped to ward her capitulation, to whose utterly candid instincts a dawdling or aisscmbilng suitor woaid nave been in supportable. “Kate,” he said one day while they were away together for a stroll, “I’ve known you for a long time ’ “Oh—not so eery long—not too long, I trust,” sue eaia, a.chly, suspecting some tnix g was to follow. “Well," he went on, “it doesn’t need that one shall know you ‘so very long,’ Kate, lo love you.” ■ An?” she said, playfully. “do you must not affect surprise that I, knowing you even well, am wholly and deeply devoted to you ” This was the style of Revere’s early attack, and it was unmistakable. He was not given to the flattering of a leature. He aid net tell ner sue had exquisite teeth, so that she might conclude sue had at least a redeeming en«rm. Wuen sne once naively wished her hands were wore shapely anu her ba.r oi a belter suaue, he answered that “nature knew bust tue lorin aud ixce whicn bcll.ttd one wno was rnauc to be loved, aud had created them a.i In harmony.'’ bum offuand nttlo outouists as these, olloii nitty aud pat, greatly pleased one ho was herself natural in all things aud a aevutte oi ail txiugs in nalute. Anu soon a systt malic CsUrulxip waB to endue, since Revere was Very shortly cxmlxig lo Hawiuorn to engage in busi ness. He bad been quite entertaining on this present visit, aud lingered with Kate, alter tea, till admonished by the approacn of tue hour when he must leave ou the train. Sne attended him to the outer door, where Mrs. Singleton and Will Wereinet, leturniug from a call at Mrs. Gaston’s, wno was ill. Revere for a moment held Kate’s hand, and then, re leasing it, was lost in the gloom of tbe garden. Ou tbe reappearance of their mother tbeie was a general movement among the younger members or the household to retire to bed. Mrs. Singleton alone entered the li brary for a short rest, and took a book from tbe taole. Hearing an unfamiliar step without, she started up, wondering wno should be about to call so unseason ably. A tap at the door following, she calmly called aloud for the person to come In, and made a slight movement forward to meet him. A tali, spare strauger, attired in black, frank and pleaBlng of countenance, wltn dark, ke< n eyes and neatly trimmed, snow-white hair, bowed himself grace fully into her piesence. He was Invited to a chair, and, while in the act oi draningoue, sale, courteously: •I take this to be Mrs. Singleton.” “Yes, sir,” she answered, with a look of Inquiry. ‘ Ann 1, madam, am John 'Hawthorn— formerly well known in this place.” Mrs. Singleton having long ago learned of the man and his misfortunes, and that he was since dead, felt at once an intense interest in the remarkable apparition who was addressing her. “Yes, sir,” she said, “I well rtmombtr hearing of that person.” “I may say, madam, in all sincerity, that 1 likewise have heard of yon—of your excee llr g gentienei. s and good aess, and when you nave been briefly told or my purpose 1 am sure I shall be forgiven this Intrusion.” “Proceed, sir, with freedom ” “I am seeking for a lung-iost son. Ho yvrvz.born in .Vets bur-'* ov' 1 /’y eighteen years ago anil t wo years later his mother died iu this very room.” “When last did you see your son?” “Thirteen years ago; yet I feel a con viction that he lives.” “Very likely, indeed,”Bhe said. “But 1 also know. If I may call a strong conclusion knowledge, that he long ago mast have become impressed that I was dead.” “Why so, sir?” Hawthorn summarized in plain words the crowded incldeots of thirteen trying years. Leaving his son very ill, his mind, greatly shattered by troubles, was soon temporarily lost. In this state he wandered aimlessly until his actions were continually noticed. Falling among strangers, and maintaining a dogged silence as to himself and his affairs, he was taken in charge and consigned to an asylum. In a short time he entirely re covered, to experience great mortifica tion at the surroundings. Not for tbe world did he wish his friends to know of his situation; and yet, not unless he sbonld make It known conid he hope for release. In this way time went on, his mental faculties all the while in full op eration. “My determined silence had,” he ex plained, “at first angered the attendants, and now, when I wisned to speak, I could not find among them a listener. I began to think that death alone wonld meicl- fully free me, but even that might not re move the shame I attached to my misfor tnne. At leDgth I enlisted the aid of a visitor whom 1 old rot know—this not until I had persisted in pleading to be be lieved; for the man was disinclined to entertain my statements, assured that 1 was a lunatic Yet anot her long interval passed without relief; but it came in the end. and I was set at lloerty.” “Well, sir,” said Mrs. Singleton when he hsd paused, “you certainly have se cured a listener in me and your story is deeply Interesting and touching. But continue, sir.” “I am about to conclude, madam. It has lately been my p-esentiment that ^Tut’tfirX'bontenance Fairy Queen' Nickel Case. Cut shows full size: sides and top^are f.xxss, allowing full view of works. Runs 24 hours. Keeps accurate time. Fine steel cut pinion movement. This little clock is a novelty and a beauty and is a cute mantel piece. TVS' We send this little clock by miil postpaid with the Sunny South for only |2 75. FARMER'S AND SPORTSMANS KNIFE. A combination of eight useful articles combined in one The material in this knife is the best razor steel, and every one gnaranteed perfect, Tbe hand e is stag-horn. We send this knife and the Sunny South postpaid one year for £2.75. OUR 8-INCH PREMIUM SHEARS. Warranted the very best, heavily nickel plated, and of superior cutting quality. In 3«- ]«cting this style and size we aimed to get that for our patrons which would prove of greatest utility. The se'ling price for these shears in the market is W§ warrant them to be as represented, and to give entire satisfaction. IFe send these shears postpaid and the Sunny South one year for f2.S0. GOLD THIMBLES. needs and would be proud to owa. PATENT GRADUATED —STIFFENED -4 Gold *! * Thimbles 4- Warranted to wear twice as long as solid gold.- Mz«l [on the same principle as gold-filled watch cases. We send one thimble and the Sunny South postpaid one year for £2 50. “ i BStUBLB SWISS BATCH. M. M. T. SALIEK, A Handsome Time Piece and Reform Dispensary, Atlanta, Georgia. Warrranted to Wear, ! Dr. Salter enjoys special advantages In :aa treatment of general chrouie complaints, ,ia i special diseases. Rheumatism. Cancer. Con sumption, Bronchitis, Catarrhal Diseases the Head, Throat, Stomach, Bowels an-f. Bladder rapidly cured. All Blood Diaeai»es and Blood Poisoning cured in a sh#rt time Nerv ous Diseases, Epilepsy, or Kt. Vitus Dance, Nervous Debility, Hysteria and Hypochondria quickly relieved and rapidly cured. Jiaease* of Kidneys so common to both sexes cured in the shortest time possible Diseases of Females Falling of Womb, Leucorrhiea, Inflammation x Womb, Menstrual Irregularities piickly re lieved ana permanently cured. CoBsnltatlon Free. Charges very moderate including all necesary medicines. A persons interview seldom ne ‘essary. Hundreds have been cured by Dr. Salter by correaponden >e with medicines shipped by express. Give % plain history of your ease in your own language Dr. Salter will return a correct diagnosia. If he cannot cure he will so state and if employed will greatly benefit or completely restore you o health. The most timid need not fear * as h -» holds all letters ana consultations with :h* strictest confidence. Address M. T. SALTER, M. D f 777 90 Broad Street, Atlanta. r%. Sin IT’S FREE ! WILL DO ITS DUTY CORRECTLY AND PLEASE TBE PURCHASER. | The watch has nickeled movements, 22 ! line stem-winder and setter, jeweled j cylinder movement, put in nickei case, I and nears the guarantee of a respectable j flrraof makir.ln Switzsrland. Us sell- I ins- pr'ce ia ?S 50 . . -j - _ v j I We send th<s watch and the Sunny my son growing daily to manhood will Southpostpaid for ovl v 5m be disirous to learn of his early history, [ * a and that he will revisit his birthplace H re alone, possltvy. he may atsume teat he will fii d a clue, and here, there fore, might I reasonanJy hope to corns upon him. It would be perfectly natural, 1 mink, should te reach Hawthorn, for GOLD FILLED WATCHLS. /MM fc" it-all Q • • •-.i CHAPTER XlX. No tidings ca ne of Hawthorn in all the five long years now elapsed since his . uiiBlerlons departure fromtuesiae of his 1 WUe, ' e all snoula be done for hia happi , . . . f. , .. I ness; ont their pr-ssing pajsuasiveness. sick boy, and his death was generally ac- i their nearly proffers ot hospitality, pro espied to explain the strange non ap- i voking his copious tears and tenderest, pearance. J thanks, still could not swerve the boy’s , . j devoted resolve to pursue a path of self ■ Raymond, ha ing fu.ly recovered soon ( dopandence. It was impossible for him after his father Went away, was in better j to turn from the way he had cut out for condition than he had ever been; and the Walters, regarding him mere in the light of a farm apprentice than of a pupil and guest whose expenses were adequately provided for beforehand, put him to work in their field. The lad was of fl aely wrought physique and fall, ardent mentality, both admira bly balanced. He could easily withstand severe bodily strain provided tbe task fell equally to bis faculties of mind, it seemed that his bocy was made pre clsely for the needs of nls head. He was ten yean old, and, already craving for knowledge, grasped with avidity every means, however insignificant, which seemed to promise assistance to his am bition. Parts of old books, torn maga zlnes, time-worn newspapers—these, the mlldswed litter of the loft under which he slept—were ransacked for the treas ores of learning they might yield. How he had acquired the art to read, be knew not; bnt he read and comprenonded with a readiness far beyond nis years and lm measurably beyond big advantages. Aud be waB proud spirited, Impassioned, pa- tr eian, manly. To chain such a boy to the hard, hum drum catly work ot the farm was to beget in him a distaste lhat should soon ex pand to aoborri nee, sad termii-ate in revolt. Aud it cine to that. To the very last ho v eli periorix-ed and patient ly bora the routine of hardships rsgular- iy set to him, and w hen he rebelled he old so lire a iitt:e gentleman. For a few days tuere had been a won drons deal of phiiosophiz ng proceeding to a family from New England—should himself. Finding that he was immovable. Dr. Montgomery, having volunteered for him a letter to a distinguished friend at Washington, and presented Raymond with a ticket to that city, besides provid ing him with a nice sum of money, reluctantly consented to his leaving, and admonished him to make known any subsequent need while on his travels. Next day the entire household attended him to the train, touched by the dauntless purpose and tender nobility of theyonng traveler, saddened, even sobbing to see him go, yet admiring the confidence and trust with which he again cast himself Into the future—upon that wild, vortioal tide where the airisst hopes may drown, whilst tbe weightiest fears are dancing at ita crest! CHAPTER XX. Five and a half uneventful years had rapidly enongh gone by since Benigna’s entree into California. For the past three of these she had been conducting the life of a somewhat fashionable wo man at Oakland, which city she visited freely while maintaining her residence at Lvthrop. At the outBet Baldwin, hav ing providently anthorizsd her to use his credit for her household needs and to draw upon himself for private means, located her near the latter town, with the promise that when his handsome dwelling at Oakland—at the time leased Impressively. “Tr.is is our business, and ! him to make a call at the house in which i; oiody else’s. Don t be ontrapp-d into ilia was born. Tnat would bring him, sayiig a word to ajothci—retutmber face to face with yon. If so, I would hate J that” you tell him that I still live, and that I “I’ll bear that in mind,” replied the ! trust I may not pa-s from tarth until I | young mau, as i e rno ttd away; “aud I’d | have prtesea him once more to my heart, better bs getting ready now.” j If he will but nan e a point of meeting, | Returning to Virginia, he tarried with tell him I v.il! hasten to him. 1 shall j her to tell tier he was going away for the ] make bold on tomorrow to sei d ycu my afternoon and to ask tor a parting kisaddress, at this moment not tully oe which she pursed up her pretty mouth to j terinlued or; but 1 will meanwhile pur- grant him. Then he went away, Btnig- j sue a patient search after tidings ” A Handsome Hunting Case Gold Watch/ ca watching his steps. Eater he mount ed the nortnern train, and was in Sin Francisco in a short time. Esrly next day he applied at the post office for the advertised letter, but was told that only the person addressed could oDtain it. This information Jury Smith embodied in a brief note, inclosing the same in the enveiope bearlDg the name “Mrs. Aima Selwy n,” and deposi ted it to be mailed to her. The s line day he shipped on a vessel for New Orleans. In the early afternoon Ben igna received the disappointing message, its explan ation the more increased her anxiety. Sue waa now sore that the unaccounta ble letter contained something which would involve her In mighty trouble sbonld It become public. It will transpire in the order of this narration that its possession would have preserved hi r from tbe awful turn in for tune which ultimately overtook her. CHAPTER XXL And sure enough, now past ten years ago—and full sixteen after Its abandon ment by John Hawthorn—the Singletons came on from Augusta to dwell at the famous mansion, tbe seme, with its grounds, having baen restored to primor dial grandeur. It was a noble, a regal family—the Widow Singleton, bet daughters Kite and Cynthia and sonsfHerbert and Will. The perfume of thetfj domestic virtues sweetened the life of) all who became their Intimates, and ffiaey were endowed with personal qnalij gem possession of; putable riches. Kate, the elder of I teen, and intensely f divinely pure nato , each of which a all was incoal i girls, wss seven- able because of a id beautiful indl- Sir. it will give me joy to assist your devottd tush it every way possible. 1 shall pray for yonr success aud waten for his coming.” “And let me solicit your secrecy. I have come in tbe darkness, and must de part tonigtt. I wish to avoid the Slight est public sensation. ’ “You may rely on me,” said Mrs. Single ton. “Again, madam, more grateful than I can express, I bid yon good night.” He warmly grasped her extended hand, and paeBed out of the door by which he had entered. (To be Continued.) v ' - ■ ■ j, >,<& ’ - Tv?; v s mM B'l ' TEE IsM-ut wlHi r:ti,‘h. “4, For the Sunn* South: LINES. I ramble the valley In the eerie moonshine. Where wild zephyrs sally In mystical time; Tbe beau'.if ul flower Bedecked witb tbe dew Reminds me each hour. Dear Annie, of you! Your image comes nightly. Effacing my woe Like showers failing lightly On flowers below; And the bright stars gleaming, Tbe gloom piercing througn, Weft And me sweet dreaming, My dearest, oi you. When on waves Elyslan Icai! in a dream, Like some fairy v sion Your beauty noth gleam: Ann 1 think of yon ever. So lovely aud pure, But a though! from you never My hipe may secuie Please mention Ihis iap.;r Will Headen. More convenient, than a pill is Sim mons Liver Regulator. It is made noth liquid and powdei. DO YOU WANT MONEY? WORK? HEALTH? A FARM? A HOME? BUSINESS? St. Paul, Minn., anj say just you dasira, and an swer will be sant free, together with maps ^ publications. 784 4t EITHER LADY’S OR GENT’S SIZE, EQUAL TO ANY flOO WATCH. The above cat represents tbe celebrated James Boss Hunting Case, tbe pioneeroi filled cases. It bee stood tne teat of fifty were. These oases ere manufactured from two plates of solid gold, over-laying a plate of composition metal, end in ap pearance and for wearing qualities are rally equal to tbe solid gold cases. Each Case ia accompanied with a certificate of guarantee from tbe mann'aetnrer. Tbe Style of engraving is rich end varies in design. We fit this esse witb the cele brated Hampden Movement, which ex perts pronounce as far superior to either the Elgin or Waltham nukes. We have selected this Hampden Movement from all others, believing it to be the best for the money, but. thee nbo are prejudiced in favor of the Elgtn or Waltham move menlscan havelhtm atthesame price These watches are car»full} boxxi and will carry safely to de^-tnnnon. Inetruc tlons go with lao” and ev-ry walc'i, as to how to take care of same, to Sit the bands- to reeniate. et^i We send this watch postpaid with the Sunny toulh for only |17.00. FASHIONABLE HAIR. - Goodssent by mail to all parts of TOT United States. SPECIAL REDUCTION ^ For two months we will m*U f° r approval our 53.00 Water Curl Bangs for |2.«0 $5.00 Water Curl Bangs tor SJO 8TEMLE33 SWITCHES. $3.00 Stemless Switches for $2.00 1 5.00 “ “ “ 3.00 8.00 “ “ 5.00 18.00 “ “ “ 7-00 The above prices are for common shades of hrir. Serd for circu lar to John Medina, 463 Washington street, tf Boston, Mass.