Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-09-06


had decline the offers sho was In no mood
for company, aud perhaps, being of such a
different race and bre ID, would not have
found much comfort IN the rough, homely
sympathy which was offered to her She
preferred being alone with her grief--gref
which. after all, was bound TO he much
lightened by the thought of her own ap-
preaching happiness, for the day was draw
ing near when her lover would cross the
border and bear his bonnie bride away. She
felt sure that she would not be long alone
that the moment Carrision heard of her
nunts death h, would come to her assistance.
In such a peaceful, Col fearing neighbor.
hood she had no fear OF being left without
protection. Moreover, her position in the
house was well defined. The old woman
who was childless, had left her niece all OF
which she died possessed. So Madeline de-
rided to wait quietly until she heard from
her lover
Still, there were business matters to be at
tended to, and Mt the funeral. Mr.. Douglas,
Of Calendar, the executor under the will,
bad suggested that an early interview
would he desirable IIe offered to drive out
to the little farm the next day. but Miss
Rowan, who had to see to some feminine
neccssarics which could only be supplied by
town instead of troubling Mr.. Douglas TO
drive 90 far out
Madeline, In spite Of tho superstitious ele-
ment in her character, was n brave girl,
and in spite of her refined style of beauty
strong and healthy. Early hours were the
rule in that humble home, so before o'clock
in the morning she was ready to start on
her .t?iv" to the little town. At first she
thought of taking with her the boy who did
the rough, outdoor work but he was busy
about something or other, and besides, was
garrulouS lad who would he certain 10
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 cvil-she would be home again
before nightfall pony was quiet and
ure- footcd-so away went Madeline in the
strong, primitive vehicle on her lonely
twelve-mile drive through the fair scenery
She passed few people on the road. In
deed she remembered meeting no one ex-
ccpt one or two pedestrian tourists, who,
like sensible men, were doing n portion of
their days task in the early morning |
have no doubt hut Miss Rowan seemed to
them a passing vision of lOvliness.
BuJ when she was a mile or two from Cal
lendar she saw a boy on pony. The boy,
who must have known her by sight, stopped
and handed her n telegram. She had to pay
several shillings for the delivery, or intend
ed delivery, of the mes iage, so far from the
station. The boy galloped away, congratu-
lating himself on having been spared long
ride, and Mis- Rowan tore open the envelope
left iu her hands
"The message was brief: "Mr Carr is
seriously i'll. Come at once. You will he
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 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 bcr wits about her. A train would
start in ten minutes time. She took her
ticket, then found an idcr outside the sta
ton and paid him to take the pony and car
riage back to the farm, with the message Es
repeated tO Carriston.
The journey passed like a long dream.
The girl could think of nothing but hor
lover, dying, dyng-lerhaps dead before
she could reach him. The miles flew by un-
noticed; twilight crept on. the carriage
u
Rowan stepped out ON the broad platform
not knowing what to do or where to turn
Presently tall, well dressed man came up
to her, and removing his hat, addressed her
by name. The promise as to her being met
had been kept.
She claspcl her hands. "Tell me-oh, tell
me, he is not doad," she cried
Mr.. Carr is not dead. He is i'll, very ill
dehriuu, and calling for you"
"Where is hes Oh, take mo to him."
''He is miles and miles from here-at
friends house. have been deputed to meet
you and 10 accompany you, if you feel strong
enough TO continue the journey ut once"
Come" said Madeline. Take me to
him
"Your luggagor asked the gentleman
81 have none. Gomez
lyon must take some Tefreshment"
81 need nothing. Gomez
The gentleman glanced at his watch.
There is just time" he said He called
cab, told the driver to goat topspead. 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 Mr.. 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 leen continually ling for Madeline.
They had found her Il, ress on letter, and
had telegraphed as soon as possible-for
which act Miss Rowan thanked her com
panion with tears in hcr.eyss.
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
filed every corner of her brain, but from
her conductors manner received the impres-
sion that he was a 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 1t.
At Paddngton he placed her in ladies'
carriage and left her. He WAS smoker, he
said. She wondered somewh at this deser-
tion. Then the train sped down west. At
the large stations the gentleman came to h +
and offered her refreshments. Hunger seemed
to have lett her but she accepted 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 aroused her. H.
stood ut 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.
II am sorry TO say We have still a long
drive Would you like to rest tirstr
No, no. Come on, if you please. She
spoke with feverish eagerness.
The man bowed. "A carriage waits" he
said.
Outside the station was a carriage OF some
sort, drawn by one horse, aud driven by a