Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-03-29
CARDONNE's COURTsHIP,
1.-THE LITTLE TELEGRAPH OPERATOR

THE LITTLE TELEGRAPH OPERATOR.
Northbrook came under the auctioneer's ham
mer by foreclosure of mortgage. 1t was a val
liable country seat and did not bring half what
1t was worth
Inc purchaser was Gale Cardonne, an intelli'
gent, wealthy self-opnionated man, sometimes
called by his friends ''the German Baron;" not
because he was of German descent, but proba-
Oily because OF his rudy face fine physique and
brusque. positive manners. the latter verging
upon rudeness when his passion was aroused.
The neighbors specuated considerably about
his advent at Northbrook, and prophecies were
made which were not particularly compliment
airy. He would introduce new-fangled notions;
he would engage in foolish experiments; he
would he an easy victim to the falacies OF theo-
retiC farming. and the like.
Well he came and settled among them, and
nothing Of the kind occurred. He left farming
operations to an experienced hand, devoted his
leisure moments to books, enioyed the fresh
country air. and attended so much to his own
business and not 10 that OF other people that he
was voted too exclusive.
There was railway station at NOrthbrOok,
and one day he ran hastily up the steps OF the
tower TO send message by telegraph He had
leaped from the train without thinking of the
Yaise which he had placed on the seat beside
him. Its contents We're valuable. and he was
anxious to receive it by the returning train.
The operator was quiet, demonstrating girl,
very compact and plainly clad; her face creamy
white. neither approaching to pallOr nor indi-
eating i'll health
He stated his GRAND. Could she get a dis
patch TO Croyland before the train got there?
on, yes" was the reply. How can you
identify the valse?"
Her voice sounded as clear as bell. and her
white, shapely hand was toying with the button
fPIPUranh c
MY name is on it," he said.
And your name-is?"
Gale Cardonne."
She had heard of him but had never met him.
she surveyed him in speculative way. yet with
no suggestion of holiness. Her eyes were soft
gray eyes. with fabulous depths, and Just then
tinged with wistful interest
A few ticking sounds followed and then she
announced that the message had been sent and
acknowledged. He flung down coin in COM
pensatioD. and then picked up book which she
evidently had been reading.
''Sartor hesartus, by Thomas Carlyle?" he ex-
claimed. reading the title, an information of sur
prise in his voice. You are-are- pIOdding
through thiss' he asked, stammerine in his
choice of words
And enjoy IT." was his next question, a
little grimly put
A faint pink flush came into her cheeks
AT least | do not consider the reading Of it
al ihHiCtiou, SHe TtlOilleu, u SCaTceiy peTcepLl-
bic smile about her red lips
Her reply pleased him. He was standing
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 shadows OF bronze In it, and
not a strand out OF place.
Her figure was 1.-THE and graceful, and her
air modest and self-cOmposed. His proximity
did not disturb her; the consciousness of his
worth did not cause her to depreciate herself
She opened small drawer threw into it the
coin which he had placed on the table and
handed him the proper change.
keep il" he said, with toss Of his head
81 cannot" she replied, II am not entitled to
it."
II am at liberty to give 1t to you"
But am not at liberty to receive It," she
answered, 'or rather do not wish to-"
He picked up the change with q frOwn
iou know my name." he said IF l knew
yours we might consider ourselves acquainted ~
''My name is Janet Thorne," she rejoined, in
her quiet way.
He bowed, then descended the winding stair
way.
Janet" he repeated to himself "a staid
old name, and it suits her. Somehow l feel
strangely interested in the little-thrush."