Literature.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 250, 26 October 1904, Page 4

Literature.

A TWOFOLD RESTITUTION. (Continued.) The hansom stopped before the portico of his! hotel, and he sprang out. It took but little time to make his arrangements, and. these being coucliuK'd, he again > ordered to be driven to the bonk from which,, five years Jjefore, iie had fluid—a thief. He knew well what he was doing, and all the act might involve. Merely to reveal his identity would lay Mm open the danger of ajxest. If it came to that, he was prepared to abide issue,, and his arrangements both in England and Tasmania had included th|is contingency. The hansom drew up at the door of the bank, and, g. few minutes later, he was in hls old room, and Sace to face with the new manager. " I have come," he began, "on a

little njatter of business connected witi my past management of this ■bank. My name is Dare—Maurire

He expected Jo see a change on the other's face, and was surprised to perceive so mild ail interest: as it clearly evinced. " Ah—Mr. Dare ! " repeated the manager. " I think I have heard your name mentioned, though, had you not reminded me of your former occupation of my present post, I should not have rememliered it." Maurice Dare found himself at a sudden standstill. Did the man, then know positively nothing of the circumstances attending his hasty departure ? ParfdoTi' mftj" he said, "but I see you are not acquainted with the fousino.js I have. in.hand. Is Mr. Sutton still oneof your directors?" The manager nodded. " Could I speak to Mm through the telephone ? " asked M&iirice. " With pleasure," replied the manager, and Maurice moved o.ver to the instrument. At that moment the door of the office opened. Maurice turned suddenly, and 'beheld Air. Sutton- himself standing in the. doorway. That he was recognised. Maurice saw aE a glance. For a moment, neither man moved. Then the director came Blowlyovier and held out his hand. " Glad to see you again Mr. Dare," he said.' " Come into the Board-room. I want to falk to you.'With a few quiet words, Maui ice followed him;; anil, wtyaitha door of itie board-room was shit behind them, took a aeait by thm side of the long table, and drew out his chequebook.

Mr. SuttM,." „he said, " I have Come bock to England,of my own free will, and with ho other object j B view than the restitution of that which I misappropriated Uve years ago. I know I am risking arr?st but that consideration has not deterrod me in this resolve. Tell i ue then-will you accept a <,,u and completed restoration 0 f the money of ■which I defrauded, you, with interest to date, at five per cent ? " For a moment there was complete Blence. Then the direcor said Uo£ " I cannot."

Maurice 'emitted a sigh of regret 1 see, he said, sajly. "it ■„ / tal n J' 0U w n K felony, and I must take what I deserve. Well, so be it " He sat quite still, though he might have made good his escape. But the director also kept his seat. ' You misunderstand me," the dirpwired 8 " The day you disap. * C„ :., J ioun # laK, y came to me guilt f eto cover "PJ'our l*r potion that m^nLg°™t'was to me-that' I i knws her cheque." and a «epted Maurice Dare was sitting bolt upright, his face working strangely, his eyes fixed' on the face of the man before him.

" Good God ! " ho muttered, hoarsely. What am 1 to do? " The director smiled. " I should surest making a restitution to the lady," he said. " if—if you are worthy i. her—npt otherwise." " That I can never be," said Maurice Kimply, " though my life these past live yLiars has been without reproach." The director took a Klip of paper, wrote thereon a few hasty words, and gave it to a messenger at the •door. Then he returned to his seat. 4t I am heartily glad to hot r it," | lie said. "Well, why not see the| lady and refund the money ? " j Hut Maurice shook his head. " I ajn best out of her life and memory," he said sadly. " I caused her grief enough in the pasft. Let it be as it is." " Very wel'l," said the director, amiably. " Suppose I make another suggestion. Draw a cheque for the amount, and pay it in here to the credit of the young lady in question. She has a small account here already though it has been sadly diminished of late." "Diminished ! My God !" A few strokes of the pen and the cheque was made out. The director nodded as he took it, -and handed it to a clerk.

" Now tell me something of your life abroad," he said, and, having nothing better to uo, Maurice soon became absorbed in a recital of his adventures he had had in Tasmania. The subject afforded so much pleasure, and he had, moreover, so interested a listener, that be forgot the flight of time, and the messenger came hack ere the story was half through. He laid a seeond slip of paper o» the table before the director, and the hand-writing upon it appeared strangely feminine. Ten minutes later, the door softly opened, and the director, rising to his feet, moved towards it. ''Excuse me for a moment," he said, over his -shoulder to Maurice, and tbJe latter, turning as the door closed, found himself face to face with F/eda Gray. She stood guite still, between him and the door. For a moment neither spoke. Then Fieda sail, archly : " I have Come more than half-way. Now it's your turn." Only for one brief instant did he waver. Love was too strong for him and he sprang towards her with a cry of passionate loiigang.' "Oh, my Jove, my love !" he said. "Is it possible you love me still—after—after '' He stopped. Her hand was on his mouth.

" To-day is the first of Jfcmuary, in the year of grace, one," aho said, decisively. "There is no past." And she put up her lips to be kissed.