Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1880-02-20

nos motneff
indeed / cannot dear. Mr.. Stewart
hes always been SO prompt. I might
borrow it, but hate SO to do it. Well
We will see; but don't make up your
mind to it.
Then her thoughts flew to the one she
wanted to wear the dress to please.
Two years before-when Willie was
on the eve Of leaving home for a sea
voyage, he had told Effie she ought al
ways wear pink. Aud he looked 80
much, and said not great deal, but
ouly word now and then, that with his
image, had been treasured in Efie's
heart ever siDce.
'Why, mother, how pretty you lock
/ declare that puts me in mind of what
Mrs. Arthur said the other day that
she did not know how Mr.. Stewart could
live in the same house with you and not
fsll in love with you-that you were
prettier now than halt the young girls
she knew.
'Hush-sh directly, Efie. How could
Mrs. Arthur talk so2 ON astonished
at you Efiie, to repeat her words. Dear
mel suppose Mr.. Stewart should be in
his roomI Do go and try the door.
shall be miserable until l am sure he
bas gone out. He could hear every
word, and what would he think OF you
and meT Mrs. Fairlegh said, looking
very uneasy.
Mr.. Stewart was in his room, and he
heard every word. Quick as thought
he darted across the floor and noisely
turned the key.
Now rest easy; the door is locked and
he is ont, of course, You know when
be is in, the door is never fastened :
Effiie said.
Go and see il the key is out. CEN
not rest, I'm so afraid. Aud what would
he think of me?'
Quickly across the room Mr.. Stewart
went again, returning ta. his armchair
with the key not only to Mrs. Fairleghe 8
front door, bnt with the key to the lit
tie woman's heart and her reserve OF
late.
Then she does care what | think Of
her. Mr.. Stewart said; i am glad Of
that.
'The key is out, mother, said Rfie.
i am relieved now. Now, child, don
you ever talk or let anybody talk to You
like that again. Mr.. Stewart has some
sorrow, know, and I would not add to
that by having such talk reach his ears.
But. indeed, should like to know what
his trouble is; and I'd like to comfort
him il l could. He is a good man,
know, and I'm sorry enough for him.
And in the front room Mr.. Stewart
thought.
The next day there was light tap on
the back door, and Mr.. Steward stepped
in, saying:
I am going ont Of town to-day, Mrs.
Fairleigh. may get back tomorrow,
or perhaps not for week or ten days.
80, il you please, I'll pay for my room
now. And, madame, if you would have
inquired little among your neighbors,
you would have found out snd saved me
the modification Of knowing that I was
keeping your room for e4, EI less than
other gentlemen are paying for the same
kind Of room. There it is for this
month, and the balance Of last MONTH
Good morning, madame
And Mr.. Stewart vas out and off be-
fore the astoniahed little woman could
offer word Of remonatrance.
oh. how luckyi Mr.. Stewart is my
fairy. surely. And if I did not know
better should think he was in the room
and heard usl Effie exclaimed, her
bright eyes dancing with delight
In less than an hour the happy girl
was on her way to purchase the pink
tarlatan.
This is a clever little ruse Of mine,
said Mr.. Stewart. But, unless can
manage to steal in unobserved, I shall
have to stay alI hight at hotel, or-lel
me teel Oannot j fix up come story
not exacily 8 lie---to tell the old wonani
What a sweet voice she haAl Ali have
liil I will say I received q letter, and
lealns4 ilia5 ne gentleman had busi,
nIss rlt N 9i X, and il5eff Hpd ile
sgsT f4 nelsGl III sell|s. XSS fhal