Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-07-22
I understand you Mr.. Golding, and

nically, you are in the right, and 1
therefore apologize for having deprived
you of ten minutes on Saturday. My
presence, doubtless, is not very agree
able to you, but we may meet again
before long; should such an event hap
pen, you will please understand that
the interview will not be of my seeking
Good day, gentlemen and with a COM
prehensive glance and bow to the
amazed onlookers, the young man turn.
ed and quilted the office. leaving his
employer standing as much astonished
as anyone, with the unheeded check
still between his fingers.
Elinor Cragsby sat with her friend
and companion dreamily gazing into
the fire. After while the elder lady
looked up from the book she was
reading.
"A penny for your thoughts, Nell.>
The girl started at the voice, and the
words had to be repeated before she
seemed to understand them.
I am not sure,' she said meditative-
ly, that they are worth that sum-
Then, said her friend with smile
without wishing to be uncompllmen-
tary to the subject of them, l think l
can guess their direction
Il wish l could make him see how
useless it is,' the girl broke out, appa-
rently irreleyantly.
He doesn't wish to see that said
her companion. AS l have often told
you, it appears to me that he has delib-
erately resolved to succeed in the at
tempt to win your regard, and he is
not man of fine feelings. Nothing
short of absolute discourtesy or rude
ness would repel him, unless, indeed, it
were successful rival, she added in a
lower and meaning tone.
There was something in the last SEN
tence that brought flush to Ellnor
Cragsby's face. She rose from her seat,
and, moving toward the window, stood
looking out. Suddenly she uttered an
exclamation Of annoyance. Her friend
looked up.
Here he is" SAID Elinor, as if in an
swcr to the look.
A smile played for a moment round
Mrs. Seaforth's lips then vanished.
Shall | leave you?' she said, half
rising.
Noon no account said Elinor
smiling herself in spite of her vexatlon,
recrossed the room, and with gentle
force pushed the elder lady into her
seat again and then resumed her own.
Scarcely had she done so when the SER
want announced "Mr. Golding," and
that gentleman entered all bows and
smiles
'Ellenr he said, attempting to tax e
her hand, you must know how long
and how devotedly l have been attach
ed to you, how l have longed for the
hour that should enable me to approach
you and offer myself as a sutor for
your hand.
lie paused to notice the effect Of his
declaration which, in reality, he had
carefully prepared before he reached
the house that evening. But ne learnt
nothing from the contemplation of the
face before him. 1t was slightly avert
ed, as was natural, but in no wise did
its fair owner seem discounted. Mr.
Golding began to feel little uneasy,
and new idea for the first time flash
ed upon his mind. Could there be an
other? 1t seemed too absurd, but it
would not be dismissed. He rose from
his chair and bent over her for last
appeal.
Can it be- be murmured, half re-
proachfully. Have l rival?
As the words left his lips, the room
door opened, and voice announced
"Mr. Renshaw." At the sound Mr..
Golding, with a sudden start, faced
round, and to his utter astOnishment,
beheld before him, smiling courteously,
and with outstretched hand, the man
whom he had even spoken of contempt.
uously to Elinor herself as zone of my
clerks
"a friend of yours ~ he said, inter
negatively, but in IL tone that sounded
strange i'll his own ears and caused the
other three to look curiously at him.
The girl blnshed, smiled, but did not
answer, and Mrs. Seaforth, who had
risen and approached them, came. to the
rescue.
Mr.. Renshaw was a friend Of Mr..
Cragsby's and is still friend of ours.
L. l.