Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-07-22
CHAPTER XIII.
AEEi ~TTp.

ton Of the time Young Henry Mason
had allotted to him scll fer his honey
moon.
1t was his custom to Wit the fac
tory once week to see h y matters
progressed and to give any eccssary
orders about the work.
The last day came and h. went to
Belmont on his weekly Inspection.
lie drove from the depot t. the fac
tory slowly and, alIghting from his
buggy, proceeded to tie the horse.
While he was thus engaged a gem
tleman came from the office and, walk
ing up to him, tapped him lightly on
the shoulder.
"Ah, Valentine, is it you: SAID Mr..
Mason, turning and recognizing the
assistant book-keeper. The mans
face wore an anxious look and his lips
twltched nervously: 1t seemed diff
cult for him to speak.
"Slr-Nlr. Mason he said tremu-
lousy, there is something wrong.
The old gentleman has returned from
Europe, and -"
Returned !" exclaimed Henry Ma
son.
eyes, day before yesterday. He says
he cannot understand what you have
done in his absence. On learning
Of your marriage, he seemed terribly
angry, and Swore like trooper. Yes
terday he looked over the books.
stood near by. Happening to glance
up about fifteen minutes after he had
commenced l noticed that he was
deadly pale, as if with fright or sud
den illness. Bat, knowing what a
temper he has when aroused, said
nothing, and presently he went out.
Soon, however, he came back, accom-
panied by one of the hands. To my
astOnishment, he told the man to put
the ledgers and account books on the
small hand truck as he handed them to
him. The man did so, and took the
whole lot away. l have not seen Mr.
Mason since | am afraid there is
something wrong, SIR
Upon my soul, it looks So" ejacu
lated the junior partner, as the two
stepped into the office. tWhat one of
the hands did Mr.. Mason take away
with him yesterday"
Atkinson"
"Call Atkinson down."
The book-keeper went to the speak
ing tube near his desk and called for
Atkinson"
Reply came that the man was not in
the building. and had not been since
about noon of the day before.
81 SAINT understand it, sir, at ALL"
said the gray-haired book keeper, anx
iously. God grant there is nothing
wrong. My. wife is in ill-health and.
# should lose my place, I'm afraid
it would 60 hard with u.s."
Henry Mason laughed lightly.
"Don't get frightened, Valentine.
It's nothing serious. l guess. And if
it is, I'd stake my life you are
blameless. However, mistakes are
likely to occur in the best regulated
business houses. I'll see father and
learn the trouble, if there is any,"
He got into the buggy again and
drove off.
But he did not stop in the village.
He drove directly. to the railroad sta
ton.
The train was not due for some little
time, and he was forced to wait.
Buttoning up his coat, he walked
impatiently up and down the platform.
II
Mrs. Henry Mason had determined
to surprise her husband on his return
from Belmont, and, accordingly, in
vited number of his friends to spend
the evening. at the Telegraph street
residence. She also invited Mr.. and
Mrs. Remington.
The latter had come on Immediately
they received the word, and Mrs.
Remington, with more animation than
she had shown in years, took the occa-
sion offered to have few words with
her daughter.
"Nellie, DEAR" she said, while Mr..
Remington was up stairs enjoying a
cigar, II cannot thank you too much
for your generosity in getting back our
home. You have helped us so won
derfully that it seems like dream"
Mother" said Nellie, kissing the
cheek of her parent, 81 did all for
your sake and fathers, but 1 did it
that you might learn what little sac
rifice could do. While l supposed I
was selling myself to please others,
imagined you might follow my exam
pie and giving up that which poisons."
Have not done SOP"
YES, believe you have"
ut was hard struggle, but I think
l am free once again, and being free,
my affection for your father has re-
turned. All, he seems now to love me
as much as ever. Poor man, how he
must have suffered"
Nellie sighed.
But you say, child, that you sold
YOURSELF" continued her mother. II
nave feared such might be the case,
but, with my usual selfishness, / have
never troubled myself about ito
Nellie's face lighted up with bright
sab, mother, you need fear moth
ing on my account. If did sell my
self begin now to think the bargain
fair one"
The conversation was interrupted at
this point by the entrance of Several
invited guests.
Mrs. Mason rose to welcome them.
She locked more beautiful than ever on
this night, for she was more becom-
ingly dressed.
a ciose-htting silk showed her SUI
perb figure 10 adv vantage,
In her ears hung pendants of the
purest diamonds, and her hair was
i0oped with D massive gold band.
Her grace and wit soon put the gen.
tiemen in the best of spirits, and as
She moved about the room conyersing
on the various topics of society, ali
eyes followed her.
Presently Mr.. Mason came in. Look
ing toward the door Nellie caught sight
OF HIM before he had stood there =
minute and went Immediately to hin.
" oSSihSu uuCtItdlu WQetler to -
ter or retreat.
You are surprised, are you nSa,s,
asked his wife, with winning amile.
Then she noticed the care-wo.;s Ssse
and obstructed air which ne wsTs.
why: how miserable YOU look.
you lip" Afe
~ IT," he repeated absently.
"No, am tired"
How sorry l am. And got up a
pleasant little party to entertain you.n
her anxious tones seemed to arouse
him.
wen. Nell, there is no reason why
should not be entertained. Give
some music while go up strairs and
a~rang my toilet. III be with YOU in
nve inmates"
When he returned to the drawing
room, Nellie was IT he piano. accom-
known air.
Henry Mason watched her at dis
lance and his face exhibited the Meas.
a'c the sight of her beauty gave h m.