Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-04
"But how cOuld that lie. Mr.. Ouint.

"But how could that lie, Mr.. Quint-
ard ? Even were you not the af1ianced
of another, your family would never
regard me as il suit,ble mate for you y
"Affianced to oanother" ~ Harry was
so bewidered thai he could only re-
peat her words. What do you mean:'
Before she could reply voice sound
ed at their sile. They had thought
themselves alone.
"Yes, Harry Quintard-dare you
deny it"
1t was Lydia Holcamp who stood
there before .hem and thus accused
him.
Hal Harry Quinta~d not once heard
Lydias abuse of her teacher, he would
have been dumfounded. AS it was,
he read the game in trice.
"Yes, madam, do deny it," he ejac-
ulated, looking Lydia straight in the
face.
He had heard his sister say that
Miss Ioicamp was sojourning in the
mountains, but he had not troubled
himself to inquire where. LYDIA,
however, was not to be thwarted in
her purpose.
"Do you deny this, too:' and she
coolly read portion of letter con-
tanning VOWS of affection, and having
for signature his own name.
at is a base forgery, and you know
it, woman" :" cried Harry, almost be-
side himself at her persistency. "And
let me tell you at once, before you &C
any further. that can very easily
prove it to Miss B.rksr, if in no other
way through my own writing"
He had taken the letter from her
hand.
There is very palpable difference
between this writing and my own
see,'
lie showed Linda one that lie took
from his pocket as he spoke. Linda
turned toward him pale but trusting
face. H was trembling from head to
feet with Indignation She laid her
hand on his arm and whisperei:
Come, believe you." and while
the girls mockiug laugh followed them
they left the room.
Once away from her, Harry clasped
Linda 10 his breast.
"Tell me- he cried, ''do you really
trust me: Do you know that girl
fabricated that story because she hates
you -
And loves you. murmured Linda,
with downcast lids.
And in your eyes does that excuse
her: Tell me, do yon lows me, Linda:
Darling answer ME ;"
Il cannot answer YOU until YOU hear
my story" faltereI Linda, drawing a
way from him and sinking into a seat
She had grown pale and her eyes
were sutFuSed witt: tears.
Hear the blunt truth. ! am the
daughter Of coal miner
Harry heard with profound aston
Ishment, it Is true. but he did not
start from her-a smile. indeed, dawn
ed upon lis face.
You remind me Of something that,
perhaps, | ought to have told YOU" "
he said. MY grandfather was "A poor
carpenfer; my father began his career
IN nv grandfather's shop. From that
he became Il builder. ani is now, to be
sure, "a rich contractor. SO you see
am not much IN advance Of YOU il that
respect
Both laughed, but Linda said:
"Ah. but with YOU all has been diff
ierent You have been we'll educated
aud your wealth would enable you TO
make rich match. | have had to
earn money while striving to educate
myself. | worked in factory for two
wears, when father died. He was kill
ei in a mine, and as ny mother was
also dead, was left alone. | hal at
tended the common school and was
there encouraged to recite. | saved
money and went to Manchester, and
worked for one year in a factory there
/ While in that city | attsnded every
/ free entertainment and studied much
at night. At last | applied for po-
slton to teach and secured it. Then
/ Won met me
My noble girl" cried Harry, q
would ratI r have YOU for my wife to
day than any p tied idle darling Of
/ luxury that ever heard Of Harry
Qlintard meant what lie said. and
Linda Barker knew it. He stopped
his face till his lips met hers in a long
kiss. Thus the daughter Of miner
and the grandson OF carpenter be
/ trotned themselves in true modern
fashion. And among the circles Of
fashion and art to- day, there walks nc
more perfect lady than Mrs. Harry
/ Quintard.