The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1885-08-28

at an uptown hotel, aud IL was there
that Ralph sought him on the morrow.
Two hours before his arrival Roy had
decided to 60 to the clubhouse, and,
seated OF his desk, to pen q few lines to
his friend, requesting him to Join him
there. he drew note from his po,ket
and read it over, tossing it aside with o
shrug Of his shoulders.
Side by side it lay with the newly
written missive, and, with his usual
carelessness, it waA the latter that Roy's
white hands tore into strips to consign
to the waste-basket, and the other,
carefully sealed, was delivered to Ralph.
he read IL over with look of wonder
on his dark face; again, and Q sudden
Light seemed to dawn upon him.
Il was that evening that he called
again at the Dupont mansion.
"Miss Pearl. J" he said, "you told mo
last evening you were going ON o
Southern tour. Do you start soon ?n
"Next week, Mr.. Winston"
DO you intend to dismiss any of
your servants? A friend of mine has
lost her maid lately, and is anxious to
have one who is competent to take
her place. She mentioned the subject to
me; and I thought of your departure
\ and"
Ralph paused; it seemed rather o
singular errand, and more embarrass.
ing by reason of its being o fiction on
his part. But tho pretty blonde, in no
l WY Disconnected, only smiled swcetly,
and clasped her hands in her girlisll,
impulsive way.
"Why, how opportune, Mr.. Winston, ("
she said. enthusiastically. II am SO
glad you came to me. I have Marie for
my own use, you know, but there is
another-Paula Ware, such sweet
girl, I really hesitated about dismiss.
1 ing her. But if knew she could oh.
tain another position would be de.
lighted. I'll send for her now, and you
con talk matters over. Meanwhile,
must tell mamma OF the good luck.
am really very fond of Paula"
How matters seemed to work right
into Ralph Winston's hands. Paula
came in half shyly, half reluctantly,
and stood before him waiting for him
to speak. In silcn 90 he drew q folded
paper from his pocket and gave it to
her.
One startled glance from the great
brown eyes, and her head fell upon her
breast; she stood there trembling from
head to foot.
Paula" said Ralph, kindly, "that
note came into my possession by nero
chance, but I am glad for the opportu-
nifty to speak to you and warn you of
your danger. So Roy Marchmont has
asked you to 60 away with him?"
Eyes; but he meant it kindly, think, /"
she answered, tremulously. He has
been very good to mc-he is my only
friend"
\ "a cruel friend" said Ralph, beneath,
alis breath. Paula, such man would
break dozen hearts like yours. How
hsppens IL you know go little of the
baseness of this world?"
''How could II" she asked.
His manner and tones had reassured
her, and his was face to he trusted.
II lived oil my life with my unclo, n
she continued. "He was strange man
and together we lived alone in a coun.
try village. He would not allow mo to
,nake friends. He, himself, taught me
all that / know, and it was only ut his
death that l knew what il was to inject
strangers. He meant that should be
wealthy, but hc speculated and lost
everything. So I came here to work,
but it is hard for me. miss his love
and kindness IL Only Mr.. March.
mont has seemed to care for me, and"
She broke down and wept bitterly;
then, when the storm had passed and
she could restrain herself, she fell on
her knees beside Ralph and raised her
face appealingly.
Tell me-do you know that he is not
o friend?"
"A friend never trifles with trusting
heart, never scorns and ridiculcs an in
nocent girl, mover plans to wreck her
life. Roy Marchmont is betrothed to q
handsome heiress; they are to be mar
ried this winter, and yet he has tried to
win your love, and-Child, child, how
innocent and blind you arel"
allow could I know, how could
know ?" she sobbed. "Tel me, what
can do?"
"Will you follow my advice%
"Yes-only tell me-"
"You must leave here-never see Roy
Marchmont again. Ny aunt is going
to England soon and needs compan.
ion. Will you go with herr"
Paula bowed her head and rose, o
strange look of decision on her lovely,
dark face.
eyes, I will co." she said quietly.
''Yoa arc very kind IL thank you. I"
Six months later. Alone in his room
Ralf Winston read letter from the con-
tinent-read and re-read ono particular
paragraph near its close.
"You will be surprised and no doubt
pleased, Ralph, to learn that my young
companion is now an heiress in possess
sion of q fortune far exceeding yours or
mine. She met her father two months
ago. It is rather romantic story. Her
father and his brother, the uncle Paula
lived with formerly, loved the same
woman, and when the younger won her,
his brother became his worst enemy.
The wife died few years later, and
about the same time their child was
stolen. He had searched for her in
vain; neither she nor the brother were
to be found. This doubtlessly explains
the life of seclusion Paula's uncle forced
her to lead. She was recognized by
her close resemblance to the mother.
Is it not strange? Paula's last words
ere we parted were words Of thanks for
you, Ralph, for obtaining situation
for her in her need, I suppose. was
much attached to her. but with her beauty
and intelligence she was always meant
for lady,"
Ralph sighed as he ended the pc
rusal-surely not in regret for Paufa's
good fortune. 1t came to him then
that he had been moro than interested
in her welfare, and now they might
never meet again.
The months sped by; year had gone,
and then, summoned one day to receive
. visitor, he came face to face with
slim, stately beauty, radiant in velvet
and jewels, whiteplumed hat crown
ing the jetty braids above q face of
dark, rare loveliness.
"Do you not know me, Mr., Winston ?"
a ~Hoos~ks,n