Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-02-01

dellcate mower, tnOugn May FrOOyn
was far from believing herself not
strong, and indeed, had a peculiar
elasticity of constitution. 1t was
rather a tenderness and sensibIlity of
nature, which seemed to need pro-
lection, and the fostering care of
love.
Did he read Alright those eyes of
blue2 Had he found favor in their
sight?
The thought made his countenance
luminous for moment; then 1T grew
downcast.
He was a poor and homeless man.
He had no wish to wed one he loved
to such misfortune. What would any
woman gain by giving up her freedom
and independence to marry hims He
could not support wife in comfort.
He would never ask this girl to live
on the wages of mining overseer.
How lovely she was in the Sunday
calm of the next day, walking slowly
along the pretty path OF the old gar
den, among the tall red hollyhocks,
in dress of simple white, with rib
bons to match her eyes!
He walked by her side. The atten-
ton with which he regarded her did
not discompose her. 1t was part of
Mays charm that she seemed quite
unconscious of her beauty, and un-
aware of its effect upon others.
'Have you heard the news" she
asked, "that the heiress of the Grange
is going to take immediate posses
sion2"
II have not heard" And added,
1T does not matter to me"
But something mattered. He sat
down wearilly when she paused at a
rustic seat under an old tree.
1.-THE housekeeper told Mrs. Lord,
our landlady, that they were expect
ing Miss Vershoyle this week. But
perhaps you do not like to talk of
this?"
81 do not!o he answered, briefly.
lie missed her glance of sympa-
thy, but he felt that she pitied him
yet, she could not know how the
world seemed chaos about him.
Would he had never been born if
the best things of his affection,
home wlfe-must be denied him. He
loved this girl! he would love no
other, and he could never call Ser his.
Yet, the reticent face of Oswald
Tregarvis betrayed little.
Day by day he fought his fight.
This Miss Eerschoyle, this unknown
cousin of his-how fortunate was
she!
He recollected that he would be ex-
pected to call on her. All, that was
asking too much Though he need
have no anger against her. He had
heard that she had been poor. He
believed she was an orphan. Yes, she
was fortunate.
Round and round went the weary
circle of thought. There was nowhere
relief but in the depths of toll in the
mines. PHI sically wearied he would
spend his nights IN sleep instead OF
thought.
At length came the day appointed
for blasting the huge mass of rocks
which obstructcd the opening to an
other shaft. The task was his and the
trust an important one.
The train was laid and the locality
cleared. No need to warn those who
were familiar with the danger of such
an explosion, but look out must be
kept for persons unconscious of the
peril.
Yet all seemed as it should be The
sure red spot was creeping up the hill
on It's way to the powder filled drills
The explosion would come and no one
was liable 10 be hurt by the flying
fragments of rock
Gathered in knots at intervals of safe
distances, the men waited for the ter
rifle report of the blast.
Suddenly hand grasped Oswald
arm.
Look there, boym whispered old
Mr.. Tregarvis, hoarsely.
Oswald followed his fathers point
ing finger to the top of the hill.
a woman,S figure stood there.
Oswald did not know whom it was.
He only saw that she had come over
the hill from the other side, and paus-
ing, had turned to look back over the
landscape. He saw, too, that the
other men had come up around him,
Its Miss Nerschoyle. The Grange
carriage is at the foot of the hill, y he
heard one say.
shout, boys! Call to hcrl Warn
her Off" he was saying as he tore off
his coat.
Oswald, my boy, you cannot dc
it, The fuse is almost at the top, and
you have a long rum" said his father,
catching his arm.
Lord, yes, sir! you'd get there only
in time to share her fate, said a young
man, pushing his hand against Os
walds breast To enforce attention.
''She can hear the calm and 6ellin'.
There's time enough for her to get out
of the way. You'll get yourself hurt
bad, sir.
1t was only an instant time that Os
valid fingered, looking at the motion.
less figure upon the hill
The girl wore Il gray dress. and d
white flower in brown braids looped
up under iaunty hat of black velvet.
His grandfather's heiressl only one
little instant he fingered, but IN that
brief time Satan made u bid for his
soul!
She does not heed-she does not
UNDERESTIMATE he cried, his voice break.
ing strangely.
Then he was Off
Ae was swift runner. He had a
powerful voice, too, and he used his
legs and lungs with the desperation.
The distant shouting had failed to at
tract the girls attention; but as Oswald
came across the field, she turned her
head and looked at him.
In that instant his voice failed him
but his wild leaps brought him to her
side.
May we are too late2"
His cry, as he snatched her up, was
ambiguous; but she grew white. She
chung about his neck SpeechlesSly he
bounded down the rocks she had lately
climbed SO lcisurely. Roots and
branches snapped under his strong
thread, Once he slipped, and it seemed
as il they would be whirled to the
bottom; but clasping his precious bur
den tighter, the young m~n bounded
to the hills foot, and springing INTO a
cave, lost his footing at last, and fell,
AS the whole world seemed drowned
il the voice of the explosion.
He struggled up.
My little darling, are YOU hurt3'
NO, no! But you look SO dread
fnl-0h, what is the matterl"
Il all L..