The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-11-02

| There Is an accldent--a bridge carried
sway-he does not come back to us !
Don't ask for more" eH .I .
The doctor received all the attention
at once. r.-. r..l.E e.. ..r.a.
els it true, King, that you have any
idea of running away before we break
up for the season? That's not fair, if it
is fact"
"I did intend to go to New York to-
morrow, and had not decided when 1
should return. So far, you may be con-
vinced that our Sibyl is reliable" with
searching look at Miss Guerrin, which
might be interpreted to mean, "How in
the world did you know anything about
it?"
The lady sat with her head resting on
her hand, in dropping attitude, as if
her efforts in reading the future had
produced very depressing effect. She
had looked up but once, glancing slyly
across the table at Miss Longworth, who
sat quiet and slightly contemptuous.
"1ll news travels fast, King" re-
marked Harry Longworth. al did not
suppose you had mentioned your trip to
anybody but me-" '...
Miss Guerrin's attention was reused.
The black eyes were very black, indeed,
as she said
your words, Mr.. Longworth, seem
to imply my former knowledge of the
fact"
"Pardon me, Miss Guerrin, I had no
intention Of doubling your prophetic
powers. Please don't be offended. You
see, 1 am rather new to this sort of busi-
ness. I-oh, of course, you didn't he
didn't mean, aoe didn't-Well, de-
clare" with long breath, al give it
up~ H..
Doctor King came to his help.
II have not seen Miss Guerrin since
the morning mail came in. She knew
nothing of my change of plans from
me-"
Harry Longworth found it hard work
to keep from laughing outright at the
way in which the innocent mail was
made responsible for the caprice of
female who sat as unmoved as if it was
OF no consequence to her if every man
at the table died within twenty-four
hours.
You won't go now, of course, Doctor
King" twittered voice near him.
Little Mary Shannon's faith in Sibyl
! Guerrin had been unbounded since the
discovery of certain somebody's ini-
tials in her teacup.
Perhaps the mans resolution did fall
ter for moment, and his eyes sought
Beatrice Longworth's with troubled,
questioning gaze. Possibly she might
have seen the look, if her attention had
not been wholly absorbed in the folding
OF her napkin.
Business Lueu can seldom have their
choice in such matters" was his answer.
al must go tomorrow, and trust to the
Fates to take care of me-"
He rose from the table as he spoke,
holding the door open for the ladies to
pass out. Miss Guerrln happen to be
the last. She touched his arm lightly.
Don't CO."
1t was her last chance, and she threw
considerable effect into the two little
words. Useless, however.
Unfortunately must" he replied.
The tube-roses were thrown aside
that night with cruel gesture.
az hate her-I hate her !" she mutter-
ed, with the black look in her eyes again,
"and / would rather see him dead than
married to her."
For once she had overestimated her
power. Doctor King was on his way
to New York before breakfast-time the
next day,
1t was early twilight. Beatrice Long
worth, calm and majestic as ever, was
pacing musingly backward and forward
in the garden. 1t was impossible to
read her thoughts. 1t was doubtful
| whether the most intense emotions could
| be reflected in that placid countenance,
even if they disturbed the heart in her
| breast. She held a book in one hand,
her fingers between the leaves, and
might have been coming lesson like
the most faithful schoolgirl.
Her brother Harry came running
down the walk, grasping yellow en-
velope in his hand, on which she read
the words, "Western Union Telegraph
Company" while he stood before her
out of breath. Possibly she grew little
paler.
"Oh, Beatrice !" he half whispered,
crushing the envelope in his hand as
though he had accidentally exposed it,
don't make it any harder for me to
tell you-"
"Tell me at once" she interrupted,
with an imperative gesture.
"The train was thrown from the
track % his voice growing husky /;
most of the passengers escaped unhurt;
but Doctor King lost his Ii"
The word died on his lips, for his
stately sister, with a choking sort of
cry, fell at his feet unconscious.
The exclamation which broke from
him was in startling contrast to his
previous tone of distress. "By Jove !"
he cried, fercely. Beatrice Mercy
ON me, what's to be done!"
A man with fainting woman on his
hands is generally as forlorn a spectacle
as can be seen. Harry Longworth was
no exception to the rule, and gazed i'm
ploringly in every direction, while at
the same time, by some strange con-
tradiction, broad smile was striving
for possession of the perplexed face.
He raised her in his arms and started
for the house, but before he had gone
dozen steps she opened her eyes, and
struggled to be released. He put her
down gently, holding her with one arm
about the waist.
upon my word, Beatrice, it was too
bad to tell you, bat how was fellow to
know whether you loved him or not |?
I mean King, of course" He hurried
on, seeing the white face quiver. "He
is all rig int, bless you I was going
to tell you so, and that he lost his light
overcoat."
Beatrice must have loved her brother,
or she could never have forgiven his
| IA