Frostburg mining journal., 1882-01-21

then there was storm oil the KIND tina
does not clear the atmosphere. Mad.
line went upstairs and dashed oil the
following:
Mr.. HARDIN:
Will be ready to start West to-mor-
row morning by the 5:50 train.
MADELINE WEIR,
The next morning Hardin found
Madeline at the depot, as collected and
composed as if she had been Mrs
Beachly for twenty years. He bought
her tickets. checked her trunk. chose a
seat for her, procured guide-book'
explained about the changes of trains,
inquired after her sister-in-law, and
finally after bidding her goodbye,
prompted By some sudden misgiving,
came back just as the train was moving
and lifted her hand to his lips. The
next moment she was alone, the train
fairly started, and Madeline-shivered
On, past town and country, through
hills and across rivers. Madeline had
enough fresh vitality to enjoy the pres
ent; so it was not until the Rocky
mountains came fairly into view that
her old self disgust and apprehension
gained the upper hand.
The cars at last slackened their speed
for q m ,ment at P. Madeline
sprang off. Three miners sprang on
One mail bag Was pulled into the car,
another thrown out. Madeline's trunk
was tossed on the platform, and the
train rushed on. Madeline sat down on
her trunk desolately enough. After
waiting a few moments and seeing no
one she vented her contempt on her
unprotected head, unprotected by any
self-justitlcation. Suddenly she head
steps, and looking up saw a tall, broad
shouldered young fellow, in blue
shirt open at the throat, gray pantaloons
tucked in his boots, and large, SLOUGH
ing hat. He hesitated a moment, then,
lifting his slouch hat, said:
"Miss WierP'
Madeline rose to her feet, the color
in her cheeks.
eyes"
There was pause Mr.. Beachly was
sstoni,hed and perplexed, although he
had received telegram several days
ago:
"She is coming. Get a preacher.
Name-Madeline Wier. HARDIN
But this was something very different
from the lady he had had in his mind.
He looked down and saw the long black
lashes that swept he hot cheeks 1t
would be better without doubt to have
IL over.
"Miss Wier," he said, gently, "the
clergyman is waiting; will you Gomez"
Madeline rose nd followed him. She
felt herself lifted into buggy, then
moving swiftly through the air, she saw
the mountains in their beauty around
her, but she did not perceive them.
After tugging up hill and trotting two
or three miles, the horses stopped be-
fore an unpainted, rough-looking frame
house. Beachly jumped down and
helped Madeline out; he led the way
into the front and principal room, which
was darkened and cool, and possessed
certain masculine tidiness. A man
came forward, he was introduced-the
Rev. Mr.. White.
1t was the Episcopal service /; she re-
membered it well-the minister began
in pleasant, deep bass tone. The ser
vice was ended; he went on talking in
conventionally solemn tone on the du
ties of married life and its responsible
ties. A breath of cool air touched
Madeline's hand; she raised it and
looked at the gold ring on the third
finger curiously, then glanced up at
Beachly. There was just the glimmer
of a smile on his face. Like a flash
Madeline realized it; she swayed, and
would have fallen The next thing she
was conscious of was leisurely voice
aying in the easiest tone:
stake journey Of a few thousand
miles, and try it, suppose"
Madeline made movement and
opened her eyes. Beachly turned
quickly and bent toward her, the minis
ter moved outside and proceeded to
light cigar. Madeline gazed long and
earnestly into the depths of the blue
eyes bent on her.
"Victorr' The name was pronounced
gently, questioningly. A light went
over Beachly's face.
"My Madeline, he answered. Made
line regarded him wonderingly. Yes.
terday seemed apes ago.
'It is 80 much better than I Deserve"
she said, wistfully.
"No," he protested, and brought
chair and sat down. "You are the en-
bodiment of my ideal. 1t is the fulfill
ing of our destinies. You will not re.
gret it. 1 will perform my VOWS and
you will cease to wonder"
Madeline smiled, but looked troubled
also.
81 did it in fit Of temper" she