Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-02-10
II

The next day clerk entered Mr.. Lis
more's private room at the office and pre-
scented n visiting card. Mrs. Calender
had reflected and had arrived ut a decis-
ion. Underneath her name she had writ
ten these explanatory words Ion impor-
tant business
"Does she look rs il She wanted money 2"
Mr.. Iismore inquired.
''Oh, dear, no. She comes in her car
rage"
lis she young or old?"
"Old, sir
To MIR. Lismorc-conscious of the disas-
trous influence occasionally exercised
over busy men by youth and beauty-this
was a Recommendation in itself. He said:
''Show her in
Observing the lady, us she approached
him, with the mOmentary curiosity of
stranger, he noticed that she still pre-
served the remains of beauty. She had
also escaped the misfortune. common TO
persons at her time of life, OF becoming
too fat. Even TO mans eve her dress
maker appeared to have made the most Of
that favorable circumstance. Her figure
had its defects concealed and It's remain
inc merits set of 10 advantage. At the
same time she evidently held herself above
the common receptions by which some
women seek TO conceal their age. She
pleXion bore the test of daylight. On en-
tering the room she made her apologies
with some embarrassment. Being the
embarrassment of a stranger and not of
a Youthful strangely il failed 20 impress
Dir. LismOre tavOrably.
Il am afraid have chosen an incOnye-
nlent time tor my visit" she began.
Il am ut your service he answered a
little stitlly; especially If you Will be so
kind as TO mention your business with me
in few Words
She was woman Of some spirit and
that reply reused her. Il will mention 1t
in one word" she said smartly. My
business is-gratitude.'
He was completely at n loss 10 under
stand what she meant, and he said so
plainly. Instead of explaining herself
She put a question.
DO you remember the night Of the 1lth
of March, between hve and six years
sinCey"
He considered n moment. no" he
said, i don't remember it. Excuse me,
Mrs. Calender, l have affairs of my own
TO attend 10 which cause me some anN-
isty-"
Let me assist your memory, Mr.. Lis
more, and will leave you to your affairs.
On the date that | have referred to you
were on your way 10 the railway station
from the North 10 London"
As a hint that his time was valuable the
ship-Owner had hitherto remained stand
ing. He now took his customary seat and
began 10 listen with some interest. Mrs.
Calender had produced her effect on him
already.
at was absolutely necessary" she pre-
ceeded. that you should be on board your
ship in the London Docks At . O'Clock the
next morning. II you had lost the eN-
press the vessel would have sailed with
out YOU"
The expression Of his face began to
change 10 surprise. Nv no told you that:"
he asked.
sYou shall hear directly. on your way
into the town your carriage was stopped
by an obstruction on the high road. The
people OF BeNmOre were looking nj house
on ire"
lie started to his feet. Good heavens.
are YOU the ladyF'
She held up her hand in satirical pro-
test. ''Gently, sir. You suspected me
Just now OF wasting your valuable time.
Don't rashly conclude that | am the lady
until you fnd out that | am acquainted
with the circumstances"
is there no excuse FOR my failing 10
recognize yous" Mr.. LiSmOre asked. I'VE
We're On the dark side of the burning
house; YOU were faintng and L"
And YOU" she interpoSed, after saw
ing me at the risk Of your own life, turLed
deaf ear 20 my poor husbands entrea-
ties when he asked you 20 wait till had
recovered my seGseS."
Your poor husband, surely, Mrs. Cal
lender, ne received no serious Injury from
the rreY"
The tremen rescued him under cir
cunstances Of peril" she answered, land
az his great age he sank under the shock.
| have lost the kindest and best Of men.
Do You remember how you parted from
him. burned and bruised in saving me-
He liked To talk of il In his last Illness.
AT least he said 20 you J, tell me the
name OF the man who has preserved my
wife nom a dreadful DEATH You threw
your card 70 him out Of the carriage win
dow and away you went At gallop 10
catch your train. In all the years that
have passed l have kept that card and
have vainly inquired for my brave sea
Captain. Yesterday l saw Your name on
the list Of speakers at the Mansion House.
Nee<i ! say that l attended the meeting
Need l tell you now way come here ana
interrupt You in business hourSF
She held out her hand. Mr.. IlsmoCe
t0OS il in silence aud pressed il warmly.
You have not done with me YETI" she
resumed with 4 smile. do yea remem-