Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1875-10-14

them. 1t is possible, and yet she has not acted
like woman who has been injured, but like
one who commits an injury. Well, she won't
see me, nor shall try to force he again, so
I'll go from here, and, in time may learn to
forget her. ..
He walked slowly, the picture of a grief
stricken man, down the gravelled walk, but as
he reached the gate lady approached it on the
other side
My dear Malcolm she cried, what is the
matter? You look as if some great misfortune
had befallen you
And so there has, Mrs Rangton. Read this
and judge for yourself, and then explain it if
you can,' he replied, handing her Minnie's
note.
4 really can't conjecture what has caused
her to write to you in this fashion, said Mrs.
Rangton, when she had perused the missive.-
This morning. she added, Minnie was look
ing joyfuly forward to your coming"
And you don't doubt that my affection for
her is as great as it ever was, Mrs. Rangton?'
he asked interrupting her.
4 have had no cause to doubt, Malcolm, nor
will l till have full and sufficient proof 7
am convinced that there is some great mistake,
but what it is can neither say nor think
4 hope it may prove nothing worse he re-
piled, sadly. 4 sought an explanation of her
strange conduct, but she would Eot grant me
an interview. Goodbye, Mrs. Rangton, for
must go, else shall miss the next train. You
may tell her that for
Malcolm, you shall dc nothing Of the kind.
have known you since you were child, and
Pm sure you would not do anything wrong or
unmanly. have always placed as much faith
in you as have in Minnie, Malcolm; therefore,
as you say you cannot explain what has caus
ed her to take this sudden dislike to you, she
herself must do so, for your satisfaction and
mine. Come with me into the house; we have
already delayed too long. The sooner this
matter is cleared up, the better for all parties
concerned
My pride, Mrs. Rangton, will not permit me
to enter until Minnie summons me, and doubt
if she ever Sill. Twice to-day the door has
been slammed in my face, as if l were some
low character, and, unquestionably by your
daughters orders
4 did not think she could act in such an un-
ladylike manner. She shall beg your pardon
for so doing said Mrs. Rangton, in her de-
cided way. well, as you're resolved to stand
upon your dignity, like all you foolish lovers
and you're all well matched in that respect, or
there would be more reconciliations and fewer
broken engagements-just remain where you
are till l return. I'll find out the why and the
wherefore of this matter, and be back again in
five minutes
The stated time had scarcely elapsed before
jolly, Iesolute Mrs. Rangton appeared.
why, Malcolm, she's in her room sobbing
if her heart were breaking. The silly crea-
ture says that she saw a woman kiss and en-
brace you at the depot to-day. 1 guess she
fell asleep in the carriage and dreamed it,
Malcolm's gravity changed quite suddenly
to merriment, and it was with difficulty that he
managed to say: The woman called me
George, and as 1 resembed her lover, thought
l was he, but she quickly discovered her mis-
take
Mrs. Rangton had keen appreciation for
the ludicrous, and size joined in Malcolm's
laughter
whats all this fuss about said the cab
man to himself. If didn't know it was Mr..
Rangton's place, should say it was mad
house
well, said Mrs. Rangton, you'd better pay
and dismiss the cabman, and then go in and
forgive Minnie for acting so foolishly.'
Malcolm put his hand in his pocket, but
found that his wallet was gone; and soon made
the discovery that he was also minus his watch
and chain.
Mrs Rangton I've been robbed.
yes, Malcolm, and it was that very loving
woman who robbed you, said Mrs. Rangton,
bursting into hearty laugh. We'll, don't
keep Minnie waiting any longer, but go to
her, and I'll pay the cabman.
Malcolm did as he was hidden, and when
Mrs Rangton joined the lovers they were as
any two affectionate mortals could be.
That day the proper officials were notified
of the robbery. desectives were put on the
track of the affectionate pickpocket, and two
or three days afterwards she was caught in
the act of embracing another man at station
above Malvern. Malcolm got his watch and
chain back, but not his money; but that did
not bother him, nor would it you, reader of
the sex masculine, if you were going to marry
pretty, loving girl, with fine marriage
portion.