3EXONERATED.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 8981, 14 January 1891, Page 4

EXONERATED.

'1 Great 'heavens ! " What is the matter ? Lily.my darling, what is it ? Oh, Mr. Buskin, what has happened ?" . . These Ts-orda were uttered by William G. Simpson as he entered the luxuriously furnished apartments of Jame3 P. Buskin, of the firm of Sock and Buskin, the great theatrical managers. He had been engaged to the lovely daughter of tbe house for only a week, but oh, how blissful had that period been to the young lovers ! And now what had occurred ? His fiancee was in tears, and iher father was there to meet him, with sternness in hia face. He did not know -what to think. - At last the young lady's father spoke. "Mr. Simpson," he said, "I have found you out 1" " I don't understand yon, sir, what is the matter?" " All is over between you and my daughter now. You have been accused of a crime," was the reply. William Simpson fell upon his knees in ft moment. "I am innocent 1" he cried. ".Before heaven lam innocent 1" . , . . ,', •' That may be, but my cne-ild shall not go through life with, name linked to that of a man against whom one breath of suspicion lingers. What was the crime yon were accused of ?" . - •.-•'- ■ . - - -s ■ " It was," sobbed the young man, •' of — of —stealing— Mdlle. Blanche de Ballet's diamonds." f , j •''-."; ,» My son ! My son ! How could I ever, have doubted you?" cried the old man, ,""I know you are innocent ! We are advertising her for- a summer tour." " ' " William 1 - My own darling 1 My love ! My life !" cried Lily, as her lover pressed her to his bosom.- ' .' ' ' - - -. -- 'i - s I i I I ] I I '■" i i mm nr I