The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-11-07

proper cOnultlOn Tor Interviewing ;
lady. And so thinking, he fell int
light and comfortable doze, with
the puddle at his feet slowly deep
ening.
Vreeland's heavy bang at the doc
brought no response. He pushed
it open with his powerful hands
and planted muddy foot upon the
sill.
A hot fire in the square stove fill
ed the room with soft warmth; q
bunch of autumn flowers in a tum,
bier on the desk made a bright spot
in the dimness. But the round
clock hung high on its nail, pointed
to half-past four; the benches were
empty.
All save one. A small figure
huddled together in a corner, with
its chin on its knees and its hands
clasping them, turned at the sound
of the opening door, and said, sharp
ly:
"Stay out if you're muddy. We
have just been sweeping"
Vreeland stamped his feet on the
outer step, and closed the door be-
hind him. He knew the tiny figure
and the odd crouching posture he
knew the querulons voice, and the
sharp-fearured, unattractive little
face turned toward him.
"I'ts me Sammy" he said, half
imploringly.
"Well, know that" was the i'm
patient reply "what you here for?"
"Ain't you glad to see me, Sam
my?" He had come across the
room with long strides and gather
ed the small form into his arms.
The displeased frown on the
child's face relaxed. Two weeks
had been a long time to him-long
enough to know new affection and
to half forget the old. But now the
sight of the flushed face bending
over him, the familiar fumes af the
the hot breath, brought it back to
his childish heart, He reached up
to rub his hand over the stubby
chin-his old form of caressing.
The clock seemed to tick more soft
ly for a moment.
Amt you coming home with me,
Sammy" said his father, breaking
the silence gently.
I'm waiting for her." said Sam
my, pointing to a door in the cor
ner. That's where we hang our
hats and things in there and she's
putting hers on. I've been help
ing her sweep" he added proudly.
II always help her sweep; and
help bring in the wood. And |
always wait for her now,' he repeat
ed, looking up in surprise at his
fathers silence.
Sammy" said Vreeland, hoarse-
ly, don't wait any longer don't
Sammy. Come home with me :
I'll carry you home on my back,
And don't come here any more,
Sammy"
The child stared into the beseech-
ing face above his own. Then he
stiffened his slight body, and slid
from his fathers arms.
Sammy" said Vreeland, half
wildly, "I'm rich now, Sammy; I've
got a pile of money, and I'll buy
anything you say, Sammy, if you
come"
Sammy's GOODNESS returned.
There was annoyance and determi-
nation in his face.
81 amt coming" he said firmly 1
I'm waiting for her"
Nreeland turned away, standing
helpless for a moment. Then he
took step toward the little cloak
room. All his despairing love for
the small creature changed in into
blind fury against her who had
taken him from him. His large
hand clinched itself
There !" said Sammy, eagerly.
Now she is ready now we're 60
ing !"
Vreeland looked up. The door
had opened, and a young girl
slenderly built and poorly clad
stood there. She gazed at him with
startled eyes one hand fluttered
up to her parted lips, and she
shrank back.
Nreeland stood stoldly notion
less. But his hand unclinched it.
self slowly the fierce light faded
from his face, and left him DULY
staring.
1t was not that her eyes, meeting
his own with a shade ofhorror, were
clear and yet childishly soft it
was not that her head, turned half
away, made delicate outline
against the dusky wall. Ten years
OF strangeness and indifference to
wOmanly pracns had renderel him,