The true northerner., 1885-01-29

The other part OF the question she
seemed either not to desire TO answer,
perhaps, ON account Of its delicate
nature, or else had forgotten il, at least
IL went unanswered
During this conversation Waltser
had remained quiet spectator. Several
times he attempted to say that, since his
services would not be required, he had
better hasten back to the Office, but ON
each occasion he was interrupted. Now,
however, he embraced the opportunity,
and was soon on his way down town.
When Augustine and Farlow were
left alone, the conversation turned upon
matters which more nearly concerned
their personal affairs and prospects.
For it must be known that Nathan was
Miss Powers affianced, and their mar
riage was to take place at no distant
day. That the only child of that proud
aristocrat, Schuyler, Powers should
marry q man of Nathan Farlow's wealth
and social position seemed but natural.
Mr.. Farlow was what would be termed
"a man of the world" handsome in ap-
pearance and fascinating in manper, he
had gained the purest affections of this
lovely girl, and as they conversed to-
gether on this bright autumn afternoon,
no one could doubt the depth of her
feeling. Once during the conversation,
when Miss Powers reverted to the sad
case of the young girl they were about
to visit, and pictured the cruel treat
ment and misery she had endured, q
keen observer might have noticed a
flush pass over the handsome face of
Farlow, which deepened perceptibly
when she expressed her sympathy for
the poor creature, and her contempt
for the man who had so basely deceived
her.
Just previous to their intended de-
parture, Farlow gazed anxiously at his
watch. and then, as if sudden thought
struck him, said:
II am sorry, Augustine, that it will
be impossible for me to accompany you
tonight. / have an important engage
ment, which had entirely forgotten |;
you must defer your visit until to-mor-
row, when shall be glad to assist you
In doing so good work"
With reluctance the young girl prom
ised to comply with his request, and
neglect what she knew to be, her pres
ent duty. After some further conver-
sation upon general topics, Farlow bade
her an affectionate adieu.
He had scarcely left the room when
q servant entered with note addressed
to Miss Powers. The handwriting was
the same as that received few hours
previous, although it was written by n
weaker and far more unsteady hand. 1t
contained the following:
MY VERY KIND FRIEND: II you can conve-
niently, please do come and see me. l have
grown so much worse since morning, and 1
fear sad and miserable life will soon be
ended. You are the only friend have in tho
world. Do not deny my last request.
MARY.
Miss Powers had no sooner finished
reading this note than her course was
decided upon. Surely, thought she,
Nathan will not object to my respond
ing to so earnest an appeal as this. L
will send immediately for Waltser and
get him to accompany me.
A few lines were hastily sent to the
lodgings of Mr.. Powers employer, and
were as hastily answered by the clerk
in person.
After explaining her object Miss
Powers excused herself for moment,
and soon reappeared attired for the
street.
1t was almost dark when they reached
the lower part of the city. Men, wom-
en-, and children were hurrying along.
shopkeepers were commencing to slight
up" and all the confusion and din of a
great thoroughfare sounded in their
ears. Presently they turned into q
side street, and then into another, the
filthy condition of which plainly indi-
Gated the poverty of the neighborhood.
At last they halted in front of large
tenement, around which a dozen or
more half-clad and dirty children were
at play. Into this house they entered and
ascended its gloomy staircase At the
fourth floor they paused moment, and
Miss Powers scrutinized the passage
way, as If in doubt which door to en-
ter, when they heard angry sounds
come from one of the rooms near at
hand. Anxious to shield the delicate
ear of Miss Powers from such harsh
language, Waltser hastened along the
passage, but when he reached the door
of the room from which the sounds
came, he hesitated moment, as though
ne IecOBnlZeu JHe NOlce Wltnlu, tueu,
casting hurried glance, in the direc-
tion of his companion, passed on as il
unwilling to have her understand the
cause of his hesitancy. The sounds
from the room became louder and more
distinct as Miss Powers approached the
door. She stopped, looked steadfastly
ut the door an instant, then stood as if
riveted to the spot.
"Ahl" said the person inside, whose
voice was that of man speaking
in great passion, $50 after offer
ing you money, a comfortable home,
and everything, you still refuse, do
you? 1 should like to take you by the
hair of your head and pull you out of
that bundle of rags.
And he seemed to move toward the
object of his fury as if about to exc
cute his wish.
"Oh, William, don't, please, don't.
pleaded female voice. II shall leave
here soon enough, and will want neither
your money nor your home. Home! -
she repeated, half sarcastically, "you
took me from the only home l ever
had"
WELL" said he, shat is immaterial
now. / tell you, you must leave here
! tonight. and the sooner the better,