Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-02-10


same that he bad given to Ona. His
eyes fell on the lines. As he read
them a wondering look stole over his
face, which grew into amazement
and faded in anger.
what have | done to merit such
rudeness F? am so sorry; she even
calls me a rascal | shall leave for
New York in few days and ask the
meaning of this"
II am sure | played that well, "
said voice one day, which Ona, as
she sat in the summer harbor, recog-
nized as belonging to Arthur Gray.
Yes, indeed; the game is almost
over. | knew we could do it. Ona
imagiues he will marry that women
Robinson"
Tine note was fortunate thing
She now takes him for a big rascal
little knowing now many letters that
came for her are now but ashes.
Why, he came to see her last week
when you had her down home, and
the servant (who l paid well) told
him she would not be home for some
weeks. So you see she willnot meet
him-until after our marriage ~ and
Gray laughed.
BY this time Ona was listening
with wide eyes and open mouth to
the two, who, talked together easily,
as though no one could hear them.
*"You think then, you have her
for sure that she will have you p"
asked the uncle.
"All have to do is ask, and she
will jump at me. Then for large
haul!" and laughing harshly, they
passed into the house.
The lady looked after them in a
wild manner. She understood it all
now. How her uncle and cousin
were plotting against her. But she
could not get over the letter which
she had read, written by Hugo. She
resolved to explain all to him and
then ask his forgiveness. How she
hated the plottersl They had receiv-
ed her letters, opened them, and
having read the contents, consigned
them to the fire.
1t was penitent note which three
hours afterward was speeding to
Hugo-one which was so full of
tenderness and penitence, that no
one could resistit. Next night Mr..
Gray was to see her. She was very
beautifully attired, and he gazed
upon her with something like admi-
ration in his eyes. They talked for
short time pleasantly, than he said
"Ona, l have something to say to
you, will you listen ?"
"Please, speak, Arthur.
"Ona, love you, my darling, my
pretty one! j have longed to speak
and tell you so. l cannot live with
out you'll viii you be my wife ?"
Every word of the deceitful rascal
fell like leaves upon the fire, and
then Ona, with flashing eyes stood
proudly before him.
mo, sir, | never will marry you
Y on may not be able to live without
me, but you could do so had you nv
money. | am acquainted with your
dastardly acts. How you intercept.
ed my letters, lied about Hugo and |
have tried to do him injustice. You
forget that though the mills of the |
gods grind slow, they grind exceed
ing SMALL The game was almost |
won, but the joker and the two bow
ers eucher always. There, sir, is
the door, and it you ever enter it
again, my servant shall throw you
into the street 10 She stamped her
little foot with a ferceness that
caused the foiled man to shrink off |
as though he was cur.
On the morrow, carriage drove
up to the door, and who should get
out but Hugo Walton. Ringing the
bell impatiently, he was met by the
servant and ushered into the parlor, |
with the announcement that Miss
Jackson would be down shortly.
Suddenly the door opened and the
next moment she was clasped in his
strong arms, weeping tears of sor-
row and happiness. He gently led
her to a sofa, and in short time.
drying her tears, she told him her
story. How the letter with his sig
nature was given her and about the
uncle and nephew's action. When
she finished she chung closer to him,
gladdened to know he loved her yet.
Then he explained about the let
ter. Alice Robinson was his sister.
Atxx. l.. u 4