Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1889 — NOT OWN HIS CHILD. [ARTICLE]

NOT OWN HIS CHILD.

Lisbeth Darce was a very happy girt antil one day she was going to meet David Bertram she saw that he was walking with a tall handsome woman. They kissed each other, and the woman said: “Dear Davie, the Knowledge of your ove and the hope of seeing you again rent me up all the year.” 1 will meet pou again #oon, dear, ” and so they parted. Lisbeth waited to hear no more, and when her mother told her that her Uncle Ldwin had grown rich and wished them o come and share his home she readily consented to go. When Bertram came again to seek his jetrothed he found that she had left town, and his face was white as he read !he curt, cold note she left behind for him. “I never thought her such a coquette,” ue murmured., as he turned away. Injher new home Lisbeth did not lack ' for want of suitors, hut she turned a deaf ear to all the proposals. One afternoon lisbeth found her mother perusing a lelter just received. “Lisbeth,’ she said, “would you mind telling me now what it was that came between you and Mr. Bertram? I have a reason for asking.” Then the girl told her mother of the scene she had witnessed. ‘Tt,is as 1 thought. Read this,” was Mrs. Dacre’s only comment. The letter ran thus: “I dont suppose you ever knew that old Mr. Bertram had a daughter, who married against her father’s wisheg, and that he disinherited her. The girl’s husband died after a time, leaving her entirely destitute. She-did not dare to return home, but in her strait she appealed to her brother. For a year he maintained his sister with his own earnings until, taking advantage of a favorable opportunity he got his father to receive and pardon her. Isn't it romantic? I can tell you Dave Bertram is it splendid fellow, and we were ail surprised when we found out that your Lisbeth had broken her engagement with hm. ” At length the papers came tilled with ac omits of the burning of the Bertram 'raiil, and staled that, ue son of the proprietor, while endeavoring to rescue another, had himself be n mortaliy injured. “lain goiim- to David, mother,” Lisbeth said. “I must see him before he dies.” And Mrs. Dacro, sympathizing with her daughter’s anguish, made no objections. A party of friends who were going east offered 10 take Lisbeth, and so she went. At last her feet once more trod the fa. miliar streets, and she stood before the Bertram’s door. No mourning symbol told of desolation within, L'nvid still lived. A beautiful sal-faced woman opened the door in response to her ring. . Lisbcib anew her at once. It was the sister who had been restored to her home through her noble brother’s means. “I am Lisbeth J mere,” she :aid in answer to her look of in uirv. “I heard of your brother's accident and 1 have come to see him, if I may.” bhe had stepped into the hall as she spoke. A look of intelligence flashed over the other's face. “Lisbeth Dacrel The girl who broke my brother’s heart 1” A wave of color swept over Lisbeth’s pale face. "Please do not deny me; let me see aim.” Lisbeth s words evidently carried con viction to their hearer. ‘ You shall see him,” she replied, “though, thank God, he is not dying, but has been pronounced out of danger.” An ejaculation of joy escaped Lisbeth’s lips. ‘“Do not rejoice too soon,” David’s sister continued, “for, though he will not die. toy brother’s fate is a sad one. Ever since the accident he has been unable to see.” A couple of hours later: “bear brother, here isan old friend who has recently heard of your illness and has come to see you. ” David turned liis sightless eyes toward the door where Lisbeth stood. ‘ He was so changed, so white and wan, that the trirl’s heart almost ceased beating. She feared to speak lest he should know her voice and the shock be too much lor him He put out his hand. “Any of my friends are welcome,” he said, “but I do not know who it is.” Like a snowllake Lisbeth’s little hand fell into his. A swift thrill shot through the sick man’s frame. He knew well the soft, clinging touch of those small Angers. With a quick motion he drew her to him.” “Speak?” he exclaimed hoarsely. “Am I dreaming? Is it-can it be my Beth come hack to me?” With a Cry Lisbeth wound her arms about his neck. “Oh. Davie! Davie! can you ever forgive me for all the pain 1 have caused you to suffer?” After the first rupture of reunion was over Lisbeth told David and his sister what had caused her to act as she hud, and how she had herself suffered through all these years iu deeming her lover false. When the time came for Lisbeth to return with llie friends in w hose companionship she had come, she carried with her the sweet assurance that when she again saw her lover his eyes would be freed from the film which had obscured their vision. During the past week David had undergone a successful operation, and the surgeons held out strong hopes of his speedy recovery of his sight. “So you are not going to be an old maid after all, Lisbeth,” said her fond old uncle w-ben six months later David made his appearance for his promised bride. “Weil, dear, if you make as good a wife as you have a daughter and niece your husband will have occasion to consider himself a favored man.