The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-11-08

ingly.
I'm afraid you're not glad to see
me, he said, after moment, as if
chagrined.
She was silent.
He drew his chair to her side and
spoke appealingly:
Natalie, why do you hate me SOP"
She answered sadly, with dropping
head: 1T is out of my power to hate,
or Ike-forever.
"Nonsense"
She lifted her face with look o
wonder and misgivings; and presently
she questioned, as earnestly as had he
himself:
why do you follow me about,
Harvey Drew? 1t cannot be for old
friendships sake, for you were not
friend then, but enemy"
60 Enemy is a strong word. / was
sore because you preferred Hunt
Pierce-that was all. A thousand pit
les it WAS that he must be lost ut sea
just at the hour of your trouble
Her solemn eyes rebuked him ere her
passion-tremulous words:
Spare the dead, at least"
llt DdCh Ills Clldll
"You were engaged to him, then ?"
eyes, proudly.
Not married, thought"
Married? %
"Oh, you might pardon the question.
Remember / left the town before the
trouble came. am glad you were not
married"
"Why 2" she asked, unfinchingly.
He smiled i'll a quiet way, and said
nothing
She studied his face fearfully for a
space. 1t was not ill-favored, with its
fair coloring, fine eyes and regular
features; it was rather pleasant, but
for curve about the lps-the same
curve that she remembered knowing in
the old days, when Huntley Pierce
dover dead and gone, God help herd
had mistrusted, and counselled her
against, this Harvey Drew
"An unprincipled fellow" her be-
trothed had said. (Ah, how she re-
membered all his words.) When he
sets his heart on having anything, he
will go any length, stoop to any meas
ures to secure it,
As she studied his face, it seemed to
her the lip-curve grew deeper, more
definite, and threatened a sheer, per-
haps snarl. She could hardly endure
it. She lowered her eyes, and they
were dazzled by the diamond blazing
in his cravat.
Yes, Hunt had not trusted him, and
Hunt had ever been true aud right.
She wished that he would go. Sure
I
distasteful. Why had he not more
manliness? Why had he pursued her
SO of late? She wondered if he knew
she had lost her place, and pitied her.
But she did not ask his pity. She only
prayed for his departure.
Perhaps he OWNED as much.
you are going to send me away?"
he asked, smiling family.
She grasped the nearest excuse.
Il have not yet been to my supper.
Come right along with me"
She wondered If he would force her
to absolute rudeness.
why" he burst out, sharply, what
is the matter? You won't even be
friendly. Don't you suppose 1 know
what struggle you are having, and
all about your financial state? You are
too proud altogether, and II want to
help YOU"
He lowered his voice, and made q
step forward as if to embrace her.
She recoled, trembling with rage.
IF you have come to insult me, there
is the door. You may go. Do not
make me hate your
Her scornful eyes blazed upon him
until his face flushed. He took a step
as if to leave, and an oath escaped him.
Then he turned, laughing lightly.
Il like your snap. You are worth
winning, Natalie, and-you have mis-.
judged me. I meant no harm, believe
me-"
She answered with dry incredulity,
Don't do it again"
He waived the remark, and went on:
Il am going now, but listen first to what
L have to say. always loved you
you know it, too. I've thought great
deal about marrying you-especially OF
late, because l knew what hard times
YOU were having, and how pleasant 1
could make life for you"
She averted her face lest he note the
scorn, the repugnance, she could not
conceal, as his voice sank into an easy
confidence.
How absurd it all seemed Was he
Joking? She could not determine. In
any event, it was the sheerest mockery;
even though he really cared for her,
she could neither respect nor esteem,
much less love him.
And what if Hunt could know? She
shuddered.
please, please let it go' she i'm
plored at length. "This is only the
widest fancy. II will not doubt
your words But it is absurd. Per-
haps you are plying me. Be certain,
can always sustain myself I will be
your friend, if you like. That should
be sufficient, l think" concluding UNI
easily.
But, you see, it is not. All, Ma
taliel" with touch of tenderness, "if
you knew how much cared for you
But-we'll talk of it tomorrow. / see
you want me to go. Goodnight, dear"
He turned abruptly and swung himself
out of the door.
Goodnight" she said, after him. in
bewildered tone, and paced the room