Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1885-04-03

y
deathly pale, but he gave no other
sign of recognition. She went
straight toward him; oblivions OF
all, with hand outstrctched.
Chester she said, in a low
voice scarce louder than whisper,
AT last
He bowed low in response, and
took no notice of her hand, but the
old dauntless pride was in the up
lifted head and fearless glance.
Did you know that | was here?
she questioned.
NO, he replied, l am no longer
in your world
you will come to see me p
Il cannot
Here his voice broke a little.
'Mr. Clayton, she said, let me
present my friend, Mr.. Thorley.'
Spite of the innate breeding of
the man, some Of the instructive
surprise at hearing steel-worker
addressed by Miss Willoughby as
her friend, made itself apparent in
the manner he yetstrOve to conceal.
Then the party passed on. He
wondered, however, why Marion
fingered a moment in the Office to
address the Superintendent some
questions as they came out into the
air. He had meant, too, to ask her
on the way home the question,
which all the day and for many
days, had been trembling on his lips,
but there was new expression in
her eyes and mouth, which instant.
ly told him this was not the time to
plead his cause.
Had the fellow inside, who bowed
so like a gentleman, been otherwise
than a workman he might have sus-
pectcd him as in some way RESPONSE
BILE. 1t was quite singular enough
as it was that Miss Willonghby
should have addressed him rs a
friend. Doubtless some man who
had seen better days, and for whom
she felt wOmanly pity.
'Can | see Mr.. ThOilcy =
The mistress of the humble little
cottage in one Of Chicago's suburbs
looked up amazed at the beautiful
young lady who asked the question.
Indeed, | suppose you may
He's gone up to his room, where he
spends all his evenings, and not a
bit Of supper tonight has he touch
ed. Shall | call him down >
NO; let me 60 TO him
Its the first room to tho right
of the stairs, miss. lie is the only
lodger | have, and you are his first
visitor
But the girl needed not the words.
A strange vision she surely was as
she stood an instant outside the
door, clad in costly velvet and rich
furs; then she softly turned the
handle and entered.
He did not hear her. lie had
thrown himself upon his sofa and
buried his head in its cushions. He
was still, so motionlcss, she thought
he must be sleeping.
She swiftly crossed the room, and
laying her hand on his shoulder,
called his name.
my Godr he cried, ana would
have started to his feet, but she
held him back, falling on her knees
beside him.
'Chester,' she pleaded, 'yor
would not come to me. My pride
is less than yours, my love greater
| have come toyou. Did you think
my heart uttered the unworthy
words for which you have punished
me all these years | have tried to
find you so long-sO long and 50
hopelessly.'
And she bowed her beautiful head
and sObbed outright.
'Hush, dear, hush You should
not have come here, Marion. L
might compromise you
Compromise me with my future
husband 7 See, Chester and she
held up the hand on which CLEANED
the ring. 'I have never accepted
my freedom
'My own brave girl he said, hi,
voice softening even while he grid
ell himself up for the strength o
which he stood in such need. Blu
the heaven you open for me cannot
be. | am foreman in the work
where you saw me to-day, Marion
My knowledge and love Of machin
cry stood me in good stead.
heard Of this opening and secured
it. To-day | was adjusting som
difficult piece of work dared no
trust to any workman. ! am in re
ceipt of a liberal salary, which
am laying aside, dear, living a
poorly as 1 can, hoping one day t.
buy an interest in the business
One or two improvements hav
made are rapidly attaining me thu
goal, but it is still far off. | can
not ask you to wait nor to forge
the years of labor which have help
ed me to reach it,
Il have waited already too lon
Chester she whispered. Il an
ready now to become your wife,
His face grew deadly white.
do not tempt me- he SAT-
I