Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-09-05

q garrulous Lad, who would b certain to
chatter the whole way, and this morning
Miss Rowan wanted no companions save
her own mingled thoughts of sadness and
JOY. She knew every inch of the roadside
feared no evil-she would he home again
before nighfall-the pony was quiet and
sure footed-so away went Madeline in the
strong, primitive vehicle on her lonely
twelve-miie drive through the fair scenery.
She passed few people on the road In
deed, she remembered meeting no one ex-
cept one OF two pedestrian tourists, who.
like sensible men, were doing portion of
their days task in the early morning. l
have no doubt hut Miss Rowan seemed to
them passing vision Of lovlineSs.
But wien she was mile or two from Cal
lendar she saw boy on a pony. The boy,
who must have known her by sight, stopped
and handed her a telegram. She had to pay
several shiuings for the delivery, or intend
ed delivery, Of the mes sage, SO far from the
station. The boy galloped away, congratu-
lating himself on having been spared long
ride. and Miss Rowan tore open the envelope
left IN her hands.
tue message was brief: 'Mr. Carr is
seriously i'll. Come at once. You will be
met in London"
Madeline did not scream or faint She
gave one low moan of pain. set her teeth,
and with the face of one in a dream drove as
quickly as she could to Calendar. straight to
the railway station.
Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, she
had money with her. so she did not waste
time in going to Mr.. Douglas. In spite Of
the crushing blow she had received, the girl
had all her wits about her. A train would
start in ten minutes time She took he
ticket, then found an idler outside the sta
ton, and paid him to take the pony and car
rage back to the farm, with the message as
repeated to Carrston.
The journey passed like q long dream.
The girl could think of nothing but her
lover, dying, dying-perhaps dead before
she could reach him. The miles flew by un-
noticed; twilight crept on; the carriage
grew dark; at last-London at lastl Miss
Rowan stepped out on the broad platform,
not knowing what to do or where to turn.
Presently a tall, well dressed man came ND
to her. and removing his hat, addressed her
by name. The promise as to her being met
had been kept.
She clasped her hands, Tell me-oh, tell
me, he is not dead!" she cried.
''Mr. Carr is not dead He is ill, very ill
dehrious, and calling for you"
Where is hes Oh, take me to himI'
friends house. l have been deputed to meet
you and to accompany you, if you feel strong
enough 10 continue the journey at once"
Come said Madeline Take me to
him.
''Your luggager' asked the gentleman.
81 have none. Gomez
"YOu must take some refreshment."
II need nothing. Conner
The gentleman glanced at his watch
'There is just time" he said He called
cab, told the driver to go at top speed They
reached Paddington just in time to catch the
mail
During the drive across London Madeline
asked many questions, and learned from her
companion that MIR. Carr had been staying
for day or two at a friends house in the
west of England. That yesterday he had
fallen from his horse and sustained such in
juries that his life was despaired Of He
had heen continually calling for Madeline.
They had found her address on letter, and
had telegraphed as soon as possible-for
which act Miss Rowan thanked her COM
panion with tears in her eyes,
Her conductor did not say much of his
own accord, but in replying to her questions
he was politely sympathetic. She thought
of little outside the fearful picture which
filled every corner of her brain, but from
her conductors manner received the impress
sion that he was medical adviser, who had
seen the sufferer and assisted in the treat
ment of the case She did not ask his name,
nor did he reveal IT.
At Paddington he placed her in ladies'
carriage and left her. He was smoker, he
said. She wondered somewhat at this deser-
ton. Then the train sped down west. At
the large stations the gentleman came to her
and offered her refreshments. Hunger seemed
to have lett her, but she ..ccepted cup OF
tea once or twice. At last sorrow, fatigue,
and the weakness produced by such pro
longed fast had their natural effect With
the tears still on her lashes the girl fell
asleep and must have slept for many miles
a sleep unbroken by stoppages at stations
Her conductor at last arou ;ed her He
stood at the door of the carriage 1--WE
must get out here, hesaid All the momen-
tarily forgotten anguish came back TO her as
she stood beside him on the almost unoccu-
pied platform
Are we there at lastf she asked
~ am sorry to say we have still a long
drive. Would you like to rest frstr'
No, no. Come OH, if you please Shs
spoke with feverish eagerness.
The man bowed. "a carriage waits bs
said.
Outside the station was a carriage of some
sort, drawn by one horse, and driven by
man muffled up to the eyes. 1t was still
night, but Madeline fancied dawn could not
be far off. Her conductor opened the door
Of the carriage and waited for her to enter.
She paused. ASK him-that man must
know if"
Il am most remiss, said the gentleman.
He exchanged few words with the driver.
and coming back, told Mad line that Mr..
Carr was still alive, sensible, and expecting
her eagerly.
''Oh. please, please drive fast said the
poor girl, springing into the carriage. The
gentleman seated himself beside her, and
for a long time they drove on in silence.
At last they stopped. The dawn was Just
gimmering. They alighted in front of
house. The door was open. Madeline en-
tered swiftly. (which wav-which wayr'
she asked. She was too agitated to notice
any surroundings; her one wish was to reach
her lover
ALLOW me-" said the conductor passing
her. This way; please follow me- He
went up short fight of stairs, then paused,
and opened a door quietly. He stood aside
for the girl to enter. The room was dimly
lit. and contained bed with drawn curtains
Madeline flew past her travelling companion,
and as she threw herself on her knees beside
m