The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1885-06-10

Ing, exactly nftC9n days after my arrival
at Calais. to pay my usual visit to the
flower scented salon in the market-place.
ran lightly up the uncarpeted wooden
stairs, and rang the little bell which be.
longcd to the Mortimers' apartments.
Sophie smiled Il welcome, according to
her won't, and, in answer to my stereo.
typed inquiry for Madame Mortimer,
poured forth Il voluble and utterly mys-
terious TRADE. failed IN this instance
, to catch the drift of Sophie'S peroration,
and walked past her with 4 smiling nod,
intended to convey intelligence, into the
salon.
At first thought, with a chill sense
Of disappointment, that the room was
empty; but, as my eyes grew accustomed
to the dimness, ! discernel the glimmer
of a white dress near the window, and
then, as it floated towards me, u voice
which made my pulses throb in an ut
terly unprecedented manner said softly:
''Mr. OvertonI I- My aunt
Did not Sophie tell you that they are all
out? Charlie and Ned wanted to 20
to the theatre, and aunt Lucy has taken
them. am so sorryl l told Sophie to
say so to any visitor"
"Sophio obeyed ORDERS" I answered; !;
''bnt unfortunately, cousin, still re-
qulre an Interpreters
| She laughed Il little low laugh which
| had learned in the short fortnight to
think the sweetest music had ever
heard.
ut is my misfortune, not my fault"
went OH. ''And I think, even If
Sophie'smeaninc had been plain, 1 should
still-on the strength Of my relationship,
you know--have persisted IN trying to
gain al entrance tonight; for was
very anxious to see you. have re-
ceived Il summons home. l must go
back to England Tomorrow"
| played my trump card boldly ON the
inspiration OF the moment, and, my
eyes being now accustomed to the light,
| saw that Phyllis turned pale and
caught at the back OF the ve!vet-covered
char near her.
E! phyllis, my darling" exclaimed,
seizing her little trembling hands in an
instant, II cannot go Without telling
you that love you'll Can you-will you
give me little love in return?''
do not know to this day what she
said--I do not believe she said anything;
but her little head sank down upon my
shoulder as bent over her. and, when
my arm stole round her waist, she did
not repulse me.
"When did you first begin to think
about it?" whispered Phyllis shyly, an
hour later.
"When?n I laughed. 81 really can
not tell. l believe it was when you
stood forward 80 pluckily that morning
Oh the pier and saved aunt Martha's
clock from being pitched into the har.
h>r ONhot IIoound olooLi ouo - -
the happiness Of my life.''
1.-THE dear old clockl' exclaimed
Phyllis. eve will never part with it.
will we2 l shall always love that clock. .
Sho hastened away when Mrs. Morti-
mer, followed by her boys, came tramp.
ing up the staircase. and L was left to
| confront the hostess alone.
"YGn hele, Nh 0Ycrton'" cried Mrs.
I Alortincr, inaurlriso, loosing fonlljor
| PiiSlijSs
Yca, ] ,ms@Gr.o cpoilY, - was
| H'alt.NS ic19ou MrS, Mortimer Z h,Ge
/ haeu waiting D. s6nH sdilE
Alone, RD6 III iDis balllightf" she
! }GXclHpne1 IS sle Glrbcd t,p inc duplnx
/ Du.NNu.
The boys, hungry after their enter
tainnlenG, had retired unceromOniously
! to the dining-room.
s'No; l have not been alone,"I re.
Piled; "Phylhs has been with me.n Size
looked up quickly. "Phyllis has prom
sed to ba my wife, Mrs. Mortimer; will
you give her TO lne2''
"lndeed wlllI'' she answered, with
! tears in her eyes. 1--WE have known you
| only u short time; but have heard of
you often, and know that can trust
the dear girl to you.o
And you have been a mother to
her," said gratefully. '.She has told
me all you have done for her"
Phyllis camo down, when the bows
had gone to bed, to say good night
which l need hardly say was not good
byc-and then won't home and wrote
! to aunt Martha as follows
Dear aunt Martha, II am quite
we'll, and propose staying another week
at Calais, unless you want me very
| badly. And ! have altered my mind
about the clock; am going to under.
take the charge Of 1t, and Of somel hing
else too--of my cousin Phyllisi Phyllis
declares she will never part with the
clock, and delcare l will never part
/ with her; 30, as the two must 20 to.
gether, what can dop
seriously, my dearest aunt, wish mo
joy. have won the dearest, sweetest
little girl for my wlfe-as you will say
when you see her. And I owe my treas.
ure to you. Yes, you have crowned all
your other goodness to me by this last
gift-for 1t certainly comes from YOU
Send us your blessing, and believe al.
ways in the grateful love OF
''Your affectionate nephew,