Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-01-11
be seated moment He would inform
him instantly of Mr.. Delarcher's leisure

So Mr., Glenham took OH MS nat. aHC
picked up a last edition of the News, ant
prepared himself to be patient, when all al
once he heard something from the othel
side Of the walnut and plate-glass rartl
ton that divided off Mr.. Delarcher's pr
vate office that made him wonder if Fate
was IN league with him that day, since II
was the second time he had heard his owr
name discussed.
Only, besides the wonder he felt was
another sensation of dismay, and pain
and eart-sickness-fo the cruel words he
had heard were spoken in Lily Baldwln's
sweet contralto voice.
ssBut am very much in earnest, Mr.
Delarcher. I am determined to back out
Of the engagement somehow, and | came
to you TO help me''
ssBack out of the engagement some
howp'
All, how it cut and thrust him. that
sword-speech from the lips Of his darling
I Then his worst fears had their solid
foundation, and John Glenham's hand
trembled so he could hardly control his
hold of the paper.
well, I can't say I uphold you in your
wish, Miss Baldwin. I am old-fashioned
enough to think when an engagementls en-
tered into it ought to be kept. Still. if you
are convinced you are satisied-if you are
i convinced that you will repent if you
stick to your bargain. why [ suppose
there's nothing to do but break it,
Lily laughed joyously. John Glenham
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 | should get out Of it. The only
thing that worries me is, it is so near the
wedding day but, then, I know I 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 fer Harry Marion.
Great drops Of cold perspiration were on
Mr.. Glenhams hands.
s'A-h-h!" aspirated Nj. Delarcher, half
obviously. $50 It's Marion you're going
to he good to, is it ? Have you thought
what Glenham will think p
John Oh, he won't care ~
And then Mr. Glenham found it impos-
sible 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 walked into the president s
private Office unannounced.
Lidy gave little, startled, subdued ex-
clamatiOn.
"Why, John''
Mr.. Delarchsr looked little annoyed at
the intrusion, but he bowed courteousy.
ssAh, Mr.. GIenham, good-afternoon."
And Mr.. Gleham comprehended them
both in the cold bow he gave them.
II have been waiting outside several
minutes, and from what l have heard,
took the liberty of forcing myself upon you,
as believe / am equally interested in the
matter under discussion
His words words were crisp, curt and
emphatic.
| 4ssCertainly you are interested. Sit. down,
| MI. Glenaam.''
/ ssThank you-no! | believe L have SIM
ply to say that there will notsbe the least
difficulty in the way of Miss Baldwin's
backing out of her engagement to me.
Accept your freedom, Miss Baldwin, and
my endorsement Of your admirable tact in
securing your old love, Mr.. Harry Ma
rion.''
/ He was stern, aud COLI, and sarcastic.
Lily listened bewildered at him with wide
open eyes of establishment.
81 don't know what you mean, . John J!
You release me from my engagement with
you'll What do you mean? What have I
done ?''
Glenham smiled bitterly.
"What have you done? What have I
done? you had better ask, that you de-
!! liberately tell this gentleman friend and
adviser that you want to back out of your
engagement. Did | not hear Mr.. Delarch-
er admit it was Mr.. Marion you were to be
good to?''
Lily turned to Mr.. Delarcher, piteous
quivers on her lovely mouth.
II don't understand what he means. Did
| say any such horlid thing as that?'
And the grave portly, self-important
bank president laughed till he shook.
''Such mistake-such a natural mis-
take! Bless my soul, Mi. Glenham, this
young lady and were discussing bust
ness affair! She has agreed to buy suit
of pearls for her wedding at Stone 81
! Sparkles and desires To back out of her
engagement to take them on account of
MI. Marion THAT young scamp's,
Harry's, father) knowing Of a better Ear
gain for her, and which Will put g. stiff
commission in his pocket. Break the en-
gagement? That rich!"
Mr.. Glenhlm listened with mingled be-
wildeiment, relief and delight on his
face.
Lilly, is that true? You had no idea of
throwing me over?''
! And Lily, altogether regardless of Mr..
| Delarcher's presence, put her hands on his
arm, and nestled up to him lovingly.
''Oh, John, you dear, foolish old darling!
If you only knew how l love you, you
would never hurt me by asking such
cruel question. 1t is much more likely you
will throw me over.''
And he kissed her, and begged her par
don, and Mr.. Delarcher's, and promised
never to be SO foolishly jealous and mis-
| trustful again.
Nor was he; not even when Mrs. Glen
ham danced three waltzes at their wedding
with handsome Harry Marion, for there
was light in her blue eyes when she
sought her husbands and general way
which was proof positive where her heart
was.
!. And he never regretted the day he first