Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-11-20
GALE CARDoNNE's CoURTSHIP.
by FRANK n. STAUFFER.
THE LITTLE TELEGRAPH OPERATOR.

THE LITTLE TELEGRAPH OPERATOR.
. NUrthcrouk came under the auction
,ers hammer by foreclosure OF mort
gage. IL was valuable country sea,
aud it did not bring half what twas
worth.
The purchaser was Gale Cardonne. an
intelligent, wealthy, selt-opinionated man
sometimes called by his friends " The
German Baron -; not because he was of
German descent. but probably because
OF his ruddy face. fine physiqu and his
busque, positive manners,-ihe latter
'v!giug upon rudeness when MS passion
was aroused.
! he neightOrs speculs,ed considerably
about bis advent at Northbrook, and
prophecies were made which were no,
particularly complimentary. He would
Introduce new-iangled notions he would
engage in foolish experiments be would
be an easy victim TO the iailacies of theo-
relic farming, and the like.
Well, he came and settled among
them, and nothing of the Kind occurred
he left farming operations TO an expert
enc,d hand, devoted his leisure momen,s
to books, enjoyed the fresh country air,
attended so much TO his own business,
and not TO that Of other people, that he
ass voted too exclusive.
There was u railroad station at North
brook, and one day he ran hastily up the
steps OF the tower TO send a message by
telegraph. He had lesped from the
train without ,hinkingof the valise which
he had placed on the seat beside him.
Its contents were valuable, and he was
snxious TO receive it by the returning
train.
The operator was quiet, demurely-
looking girl, very compact, and plainly
clad her face a creamy white, neither
approaching to pailor nor indicating Ill
health.
He stated his errand. Could she get
dispatch to Croy land before the train got
there
"Oh, yes" was the reply. How can
YOU identify the valise :"
Her voice sounded as clear as bell,
and her white, shapely hand was toying
with the button OF the telegraph inslru-
ment
"My name is on it,"
And Your name-is
Gale Cardonne.
She had heard Of him, but had never
met him. She surveyed him IN a specu-
la,ive way, yet with no suggestion OF
boldness. Her eyes were soft gray eyes.
with fabulous depths, and just then ting
ed with wistful interest.
A few ticking sounds followed, and
then she announced that the message
rad been sent and acknowledged. He
flung down coin in compensation, aud
then picked up book which she evident
ly had been reading.
"'Ssr,or Resar,us, by Thomas Carl
Vie =" he exclaimed, reading the title,
with an intonation of surprise in his
voice. You are-pioddug through
this ;" he asked, stAmmeIiag IN his choice
Of words.
YES" she answered.
"And-enjoy it :" was his next ques-
ton, little grlmly put
A faint pinkisn flush came into her
cheeks.
"At least do not consider the read
ing of it an infiction,' she r'joined, with
scarcely percep,ible smile about her
lips.
Her reply pleased him. He was stand
ing almost directly over her, for she was
seated. He noticed the finely poised
head, the compact brow, the delicate ears,
the chestnut -colored hair, with lurking
shadow OF bronze in it, and not a strand
out OF place.
Her figure was 1.-THE and graceful, and
her air modest and selt-composed. His
proximity did not disturb her; the con-
sciousness of his worth did not cause her
to depreciate herself.
She opened a small drawer, threw in
TO it the coin which he had placed on
the table and handed him the proper
change.
Keep it," he said with toss of the
head.
Il cannot" she replied; II am not en-
titled to it"
IL am at liberty to give it to you"
but | am not at liberty to receive
it." she answered, "or, rather, do not
wish TO-"
He picked up the change with a
flown.
"You know my name,' he said eff |
knew yours We might consider ourselves
acquainted"
"My name is Janet Thorne,' she re-
Joined in her quiet way.
He bowed, then descended the winding
stairw y.
"Ja.,. ~ he repeated to himself. "A
staid name, and it suits her. Somehow,
| feel strangely interested in the little
REJECTED.
The two met frequently after that.
Janet lived in neat little cottage not