Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1883-09-21
CHAPTER III.

The weeks rolled by, the year waned to
its close, and in the interval the new man
aging partner in the firm of Messrs. More,
keclDy d Co. had quite justified the
rumOrs which had preceded him re-
speeding his energy and dash, rs well as
his severity in the matter Of discipline.
Two or three of the oldest servants in
the firm had been dismissed for what,
in their comrades eyes ut ali events,
were but minor faults; their places were
supplied by strangers, all evidently de-
voted to Mr.. Pike. and, as y natural
consequence, the whole of the ytatf felt
nervous and insecure.
Among others, Philip Hartleby felt
that he was by no means making way
with the new manager, of whom he saw
very little. So rarely did he come into
contact with him that he began to think
this was the effect of some deliberate
arrangement, an idea by no means
pleasant. And he was reminded by
occasional meetings that the circus had
not left the town. and that his friend
the tramp was still engaged thereat.
Many things of interest TO our char.
acters had happened since the close OF
cur last chapter; but upon these we can
not now dwell.
The wind was bowling loudly over
/ the Downs, rs ii blew in from the sea,
and intermittent showers of cold rain
were driven before il, rendering the
short dark afternoon towards the end of
/ November shorter and darker still. The
heavy clouds which drove from time to
time before the gale darkened the land
scape as though the coming twilight
were already there; while the rain was
heard beating tiercely against the win
dows of FernlOw Cottage, in the front
parlor of which sat Mrs. Vallens and
Miss barnett. The latter had evidently
just arrived, for the hostess was saving:
81 began to think / should never see
my young friend again. it is so long
since you were here; but certainly did
not expect to sec You on such day.
Iou were brave, indeed, my dear, to
venture out"
ut did not rain when started" re-
piled the girl; land felt that l must
come and see you, and So"
well, my dear Marian. whatever
the cause, l am very glad YOU had the
courage TO come" said NM Vallens,
as her visitor faltered and paused iu'heI
speech; land now You have to tell me
all the news. is Mr.. Philip made CHIEF
clerk yet?n
Mo- returned the girl.
Well, then, has your new manager
displayed any fresh excellences?'' re-
sumed Mrs. Vallens, after glance ex.
preSsive of some surprise at the un.
wonted brevity of her visitors speech;
cor has he But, my dear child
you are illi--or there is something
disturbing you. Has any trouble
brought you out TO me on such day?''
IL might have been a momentary bright
ening of the gloomy sky which enabled
her TO see her visitors face more clear.
ly, or there might have been a chang-
in the face; but Mrs. Vallens rose a:
she spoke and went close to the girl
touching her brow with a tender and
sympathetic hand as she did so
This touch was al that was needed &c
make the waters burst forth, for Marian
leaned her head against her friend,
breast and broke into nit of hysterica
sobbing.
"Oh. am so unhappyI'' exclaimed
the girl at last. II am so wretcheC
and miserable that came over this aft
ernOon on purpose to tell you all, and K
ask your advice did not mean to be
have so foolishly." she continued, Will
another effors to smile; '.and l am 81
sorry went on So"
Surely you have not quarreled Will
Philip began Mrs. Vallens.
But the GIL interrupted her passion
ately. "Oh. no, no. My dear PhiliI
is as despairing as myself" she ex
claimed. ut is all through that wick
ed, cruel man whom we thought so gooC
that Mr.. Pike"