Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-12-05
shortly. Would he be seated mo-
ment He would inform him instantly
of Mr. Dala rchar,s laisura Sc

ment He would inform him instantly
of Mr.. Delarcher's leisure. SC.
So Mr., Glenham took of his hat, and
picked up a last edition Of the News,
and prepared himself to be patient,
when all at once he heard something
from the other side OF the walnut and
plate-glass partition that divided off Mr..
Delarcher's private Office that made him
wonder if Fate was in league with him
that day, since it was the second time
he had heard his own name discussed.
Only besides the wonder he feltwas
another sensation of dismay, and pain,
and heart-sickness-for the cruel words
he had heard were spoken in Lily Bald
kwin's sweet eontralto voice.
e "But 1 am very much in earnest, Mr..
Delarcher. 1 am determined to back
out Of the engagement somehow, asjfI
came to you to help me-"
Back out Of the engagement some
how !" ,..s = 3d.
'"A6, now Il Il cut and thirds him, that
sword-speech from the lips of his darl.
ing!
Then his worst fears had their solid
foundation, and John Glenham's hand
trembled so he could hardly control his
hold Of the paper.
swell, can't say uphold you in
your wish, Miss Baldwin. 1 am old
fashioned enough to think when an en-
gagement is entered into it ought to be
kept. Still, if you are convinced you
are dissatisfed-if you are convinced
that you will be miserable if you stick
to your bargain, why suppose there's
nothing to do but break it."
Lily laughed joyously. John Glen
ham could hardly endure to hear the
sweet, light hearted melody, while he
sat there almost beside himself with
anguish.
"You dear, good old friend OF
course it's best 1 SHOULD get out of it.
The only thing that worries me is, it is
so near the wedding day but, then,
know will be so much better suited,
and Mr.. Marion will be so grateful that
can afford to put some other people
out."
Mr.. Marion! She was going to throw
him over for Harry Marion.
Great drops of cold perspiration were
on Mr.. Glenham's hands.
"O-h-h!" aspirated Mr.. Delarcher,
half obviously. so it's Marion you're
going to be good to, is it? Have you
thought what Glenham will think?'
John ? Oh, he won't care ~
And then Mr.. Glenham found it i'm
possible to remain quiescent. His eyes
were full of hot indignation, his face
was stern and pale, and altogether he
looked quite what he felt as he walked
into the presidents private Office
unannounced.
Lidy gave little, startled, subdued
exclamation.
why, John ~
Mr.. Delarcher looked little annoy
ed at the intrusion, but he bowed courte-
ously.
"Ah, Mr.. Glenham, godfather
noon"
And Mr.. Glenham comprehended
them both in the cold bow he gave
them.
81 have been waiting outside several
minutes, and from what have heard,
took the liberty Of forcing myself upon
you, as I believe l am equally interest
ed in the matter under discussion"
His words were crisp, curt and en-
phatic.
Certainly You are interested. Sit
down, Mr.. Glenham."
"Thank you-no! believe 1 have
simply to say that there will not be the
leas difficulty in the way Of Miss Bald
wia's backing out Of her engagement to
me. Accept your freedom, Miss Bald.
win, and my Endorsement of your adj
mirable tact in securing your old love,
Mr.. Harry Marion."
He was stern, and cold, and sarcastic.
Lily listened bewildered at him with
wide-open eyes of establishment.
81 don't know what you mean, John !!
You release me from my engagement
with you! What do you mean? What
have 1 done?"
Glenham smiled bitterly.
"What have you done? What have
1 done you had better ask, that you
elibegstely tell this gentleman friend
and adviser that you want to back out
of your engagement. Dids1 not hear
Mr.. Delarcher admit it was Mr.. Marion
you were to be good to ?"
Lily turned to Mr.. Delarcher, piteous
quivers on her lovely mouth. a
Il don't understand what he means.
Did say any such horrld thing as
that ?"
And the grave, portly, self-important
bank president laughed till he shook.
''Such mistake-such natural mis-
take! Bless my soul, Mr.. Glenham,
this young lady and 1 were discussing a
business affair She has agreed to buy
suit Of pearls for her wedding at Stone
& Sparkle's and desires to back out of
her engagement to take them, on ac-
count of Mr.. Harion's Chat young
scamp, Harry's father knowing of bet
ter bargain for her. and which will put a
stiff commission in his pocket. Break
the engagement That's rich ~
Mr.. Glenham listened with mingled
bewilderment, relief and delight on his
face.