The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-06-11

cided him upon accepting the call rnqcn a.
he dreaded going.
Once out of tie city, and away from the
object Of his affection, he would be safer
| from himself He had tried this course be-
fore; it had failed: Fate seemed to have sent
her almost TO his very door. He would
make another attempt.
Mrs. Weeks was looking out the dining
room window, watching the passers-by.
Some time she sat thus, seemingly lost in
thought, then took up the newspaper.
While she was reading, man stopped on
the opposite side of the street, the scutiing
of whose feet caused her to look up.
It was the mysterious Tom Black.
He stood moment, then crossed over
to the house. The widow lett the window.
By the time he reached the gate, she was
there to meet him.
"NIrs. Weeks, aint it2" queried he,
boldly
Yes" replied the widow, seemingly not
at all alarmed by his rough, unceremonious
manner.
know me, don't yeri"
'Yes."
"Then take me in out o the street"
Mrs. Weeks led the way to the snug little
parlor.
1--WE are safe here" she said briefly.
"Very good" returned Mr.. Black "Got
letter from me bout week ago, didn't
yer?"
Yes" answered the lady, as if desiring
to say nothing more than WAS necessary.
Didn't do as suggestedS
"No, sir"
"WAyY
Because, SIR" replied Mrs. Weeks with
hauteur, Il am not III the habit of doing
Just whatever an unGouth stranger may say
merely on account of his claiming to be
friend"
"Ohl that's it, is III"
''Ihat is my reason"
"Cause he claims to he q friend! Yer
don't blieve he really is, ehy
II cannot say, TIL l know more about
him than his letter informs me"
Very wise, you think, spose! What II
| could convince yer as | was one o yer
best livin' friends then, Mrs. Weeks"
Tue widow smiled, sadly.
'Ah, sir, have no friends but those with
whom | abidew
"Surt?"
1 Perhaps his adoption of her curtness ag-
gravated her, for she authOritauyely bade
him at once tell his mission.
He smiled in his grim, meaning way, and,
dropping his hat, began pushing up the lett
sleeve OF his coat.
Il can easily prove what say, maam."
The coat was push as far as the elbow,
after which the shirt sleeve was rolled even
with it.
Instead of the rough hard skin supposed
the natural covering OF the sinews of asailor,
tue flesh beneath that SHIRT was us white and
delicate as the flesh Of q person who has
never been exposed to hardship.
He held his arm alott
Mrs Weeks started, and cried aloud.
"Hush' cautioned Tom; you'll bring
somebody in!'
Ali she now knew that he must be her
friend; there could be no room for doubt.
She eyed him wonderingy, dreamily, as
if she were looking upon one whose thoughts
she would iain fathom.
you're leetle inclined to doubt yet, aint
you?" questioned the man of mystery.
Mrs. Weeks answered, quickly:
"No, ! cannot; the proof is sufficient;
am sure you feel kindly disposed, else you
would not risk tue danger you incur Ill conf
ing here, My misery"
He interrupted her.
"Yes, know; lin good deal to blame
for yer trouble. But its never too late to
patch up"
Please speak as you ought"said the widow
neryously "There is no need to masquer-
ade here. II you have come to do any good
act for the llmitless evil of former days,
sp ak; will be lenient, much as L desplse
you"
"Can't help my style O speakin', ma'am;
I'm Tom Black; you must skuse me. But
do promise, if | lead you to happiness, that
you'll forgive me all the evil really didn't
mean to do; hot temper's bad thing, but it
runs in my blood"
II promise to act as woman should
with pity. No word of nine will ever re-
veal your secret.
"WiIl you swear itF'
"My word is as good as my bond"
"Ihat's so! You're a whole-hearted crit
Ter after ALL wish l was. But that's past
Mrs. Weeks, when | sent you that ere letter,
thought it would put into yer noddle the
way to help Yer trouble"
"Nay," returned Mrs. Weeks, with a
shake of the head 'the plan you suggest
would increase my suffering, for | have had
these years past, all the weight my mind can
| bear"
think you're mistaken aeen," said Tom,
husklly, The gals sich pleasant society
that yer troubles would be leetle sub
merged p'raps drowned"
81 cannot think SO"
"Brlng yourself to it; I'll bet you'll find it
works jolly we'll But I'll alter the plans
bit. / writ you to apply for sitew@tion as
housekeeper stead o doin' that, go and
make friends with the gal afore she dusts
away to Conuechcut-you know the village.
She starts soon"
"The strain on my brain would be toe
muchr' repeated the widow.
Not half what it would to live here in
this gloomy hole. Go see her. You're
smart enough to make up some falsehood to
carry you through"
Mrs. Weeks haughtiness returned.
"Have you the impudence to counsel such
q thing9"