The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1885-07-09

would indeed have been dumb
founded. AS it was, he read the game
in a trice.
Eyes, madam, l do DENY it," he
calculated, looking Lydia straight in
the face.
He had heard his sister say that Miss
Holcamp was sojourning in the noun
tains, but ne had not troubled himself
to enquire where.
Lydia, however, was not to be thwart-
ed in her purpose.
"Do you deny this, toop" and she
coolly read a portion of a letter con-
tanning VOWS of affection, and having
for a signature his own name.
at is a base forgery, and you
know it, womanr' cried Harry, al
most beside himself with her
persistency. And let me tell you at
once, before you 60 any further, that;
l can very easily prove it to Miss
Barker, If in no other way, through
my own writing"
He had taken the letter from her
hand.
There is a very palpable difference
between this writing and my own
see!!"
He showed Linda one that he took
from his pocket as he spoke.
Linda turned toward him a pale but
trusting face.
He was trembling from head to feet
with indignation. She laid her hand
on his arm and whispered:
"Come, l believe you," and while
the girls mocking laugh followed
them they left the room.
Once away from her, Harry clasped
Linda to his breast.
"Tell me-" he cried, "do you really
trust me? Do you know that girl
fabricated that story because she hates
your"
"And loves you," murmured Linda,
with downcastli lids.
And in your eyes does that excuse
her? Tell me, do you love me, Linda
darling, answer meP"
81 can not answer you until you
hear my story" faltered Linda, draw
ing away from him and sinking into a
seat. .
She had grown pale, and her eyes
were suffused with tears.
'tHear the blunt truth. l am the
daughter of a coal miner"
Harry heard with profound aston
ishment, it is true, but he did not
startfrom her-a smile, indeed, dawned
upon his face.
lyon remind me CT something
which perhaps 1 ought to have told
YOU" he said. "My grandfather was
a poor carpenter, my father began his
career IN my grandfather's shop.
From that he became a builder, and is
now to be sure a rich contractor. So
you see [ am not much in advance of
you in that respect"
Both laughed, but Linda said:
"Ah, but with you all has been diff
ferent. You have..been well educated,
and your wealth would enable you to
make a rich match. l have had to
arn money while striving to educate
myself. L worked in a factory for
two years, when father died. He was
killed in a mine, and as my mother
was also dead, l vas left alone. Ihad
attended the common school, and was
there encouraged to recite. l saved
money and went to Manchester, and
worked for Il year in a factory there.
While in that city 1 attended every
free entertainment, and studied much
at night. AT last I applied for a posi-
ton to teach, and secured it. Then
you met me-"
"My noble girl" cried Harry, 81
would rather have you tor my wife
to-day than any petted idle darling of
luxury that / ever heard Of"
Harry Quintard meant what he said,
and Linda Barker knew it.
He stopped his face till his lips met
hers in a long kiss.
Thus the daughter of a miner and
the grandson of a carpenter betrothed
in true modern fashion.
And among the circles of fashion
and art to-day there walks no more
perfect lady than Mrs. Harry Quintard.
ALFRED CYauOD.