The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-08-14

'Don't let me disturb you," he said.
ssYon made pretty picture in the sunlight,
you two. This is the first time have seen
you since my accident. Let me thank you
for your promptness that day. have
your little handkerchief yet," with an in
Election In his VOICE that was new to Nora
and that did not please her. How could
she guess that her winsome eyes and cold
ness had piqued and interested the master
as none of the willing advances Of fair and
wealthy neighbors had done2
He was surfeited with fattery. Nora's
GOODNESS was a welcome stimulant-ay,
more welcome than even he knew him
self.
"You are perfectly welcome to anything
did," she replied, coldly. Then there
was silence.
"Who is that child2" asked Mr.. Falcon
er, feeling rather snubbed, making a mo-
tion to pat the little fellows head; but he
shrank away, hiding his face in Nora's
| dress.
ellis name is Willie Marshall" answer
ed Nora, quickly. ellis father is the man
you horse whipped and discharged some
months ago, and since then he has never
done days work-can't get it to do. The
whole family are living in one room,
almost starving. Many a night this poor
little creature has gone to bed hungry. Can
you realize what 1t means to be hungry
starving you, who have 80 much, who
want2 Oh, Mr.. Falconer, where God gives
80 much he surely will require much You
will have to answer for great deal one of
these days. Your men, with their wives
and children, are living in novels that you
would not LEI your dogs occupy. Those
novels are yours; they are paying you rent
for them. The ventilation Is wretchcd.
the drainage is simple murdcrous. Some
day fever will, must come, and many
souls will be hurried into eternity, and you
will have to answer for them all. On,
surely, rich mems hearts are like neither
mill stones !"
Her face was flushed, her eyes were
shining with unshed tears; she looked love-
ly. Mr.. Falconcr drew closer.
''Tell ME what to do he SAID, simply,
trying to keep down great rush of feel
ing. "What shall do for Marshall2 How
can help him? Tell me.''
"Repair the injustice you did" cried
Nora, eagerly, drawing little back. solve
him employment, at once, before the brave
mothers heart is broken, and the poor
little children entirely forget the taste of
decent food. Pray do it, Mr. Falconer;
you owe it to them.'
| Gilbert came swiftly close to her, his
hands outstretched, his eyes bright, feel
ing stronger than h1mself-a feeling he did
not stop to naylyze-urging him on.
81 will, Nora," he cried eagerly-"I will
without fail tomorrow. Now ask me some
thing more, my darling. would do much
more than that for YOU"
He caught her hand tight in his. In all
instant Nora wrested them away.
elbow dare you 2" she cried, in blaze
of anger. ''How dare you touch me2 Go
away! On, you are bad man. hate
YOU"
"Don't be so unkind to me, Nora," he
pleaded, unabashed. "Indeed, am in
Earnest. do love you. If you would
only listen to mc-if you would only love
me little"
"Don't insult me any further, ''she cried,
stamping her foot. "Love your Why l
hate you'll hate you'll hate you'll There
"Hate me, do you2' Gilbert's face was
drawn and white. In an instant his arms
were round her, crushing the slender figure
close, while he laid warm passionate kiss
on her lips. Then as he let her go, "Now,"
he said hearsely, .s'forget me if you can,
through your whole life you shall never
forget me; that kiss shall lie on your lips
and make you love me-"
Nora was deadly pale.
"You are right, she said, slowly, with
an effort, and oh, the utter scorn and con-
tempt in that voice. 81 shall never forget
you as the most unprincipled, dishonorable
man Ihave ever had the misfortune to meet,
and perfectly loath myself because you
have touched me. hope may never sec
you again." and catching up the whlmper-
ing, frightened child, walked rapidly
away.
True to her word, Eleanor did not meet
Mr. Falconer again, as she left Brinslcy by
the afternoon train, going as quietly as she
had come, no one knowing her destna-
ton.
And before the day was over the master
received a telegram calling him to Inter-
laken, where his mother lay very i'll, so
Thursdays mail train bore him away; but
before he left Marshall had been reinstated
in his old position,
The next news, received several weeks
latter, was of Lady Helen Falconers death,
and of herson's intention to travel for
some time.
Nearly year after Eleanor's prophecy
was fulfilled. low fever, born of impure
ventilation and vile sewerage, broke out
In that part of the town where the mil
operatives lived, and death gathered in his
harvest with rctlentless force.
Mr.. Falconer returned from abroad, and
with rapidly organized committee went
from house to house, from death bed to
death bed with fear of contgiona, spurred
on by an accusing conscience, the words:
"Many souls will be hurried into eternity,
and you will have to answer for them, y
ringing in his cars,
At last tho current of the disease was
turned, the fever abated and measures were
Immediately set on foot for the improve
ment Of houses and drainage, when Mr..
Falconer was struck down. For weeks his
life lay in the balance, the whole burden of
his delirium beng: "And must answer
for ti1em." But God was merciful, and
slowly Gilbert drifted back to life and Its
responsibilities.
Laying back in an easy chair, pale, but
on the high road to recovery one day he