Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-11-13
Storage and Cabin.
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/ was in the steerage. She was in
the cabin. Not that | was not as
much astonished to see her, as, pos
sibly, she was to see me. | had no
idea that she was in the Persia,
though knew it was settled some
time before that the Dufours were
going to Europe.
1t was a glorious moonlight eve
ming the third night out How we'll
l remember it The first mate was
good friend of mine. He had
known me in my callow days of
spending and pleasure, for | had
gone as cabin passenger more than
once. / was indebted to him for
the neat armchair in which posed,
nightly, to enjoy my cigar and make
mental apostrophes to the moon.
Now and then | could go on the
passenger-deck at night, through his
courtesy; and as / was not yet see
dy, though my clothes were far from
new. fancy ! did no discredit to
thesaristocratic loungeis who never
noticed me, as, at his leisure, was
alwas in company with Alvord, the
mate.
Musing, as usual, 1 sat on the low
er deck, my hat thrown back, my
gaze intent on her majesty, the moon,
when / heard voice that sounded
familiar. 1t said:
"Oh, mercy ~ and then a moment
after Don't let's stay here, Lu.
/ looked up just as the beautiful,
proud face was turned, profile to-
ward me.
"Gracious Heavens p said under
my breath. LILLY Dufour the ban
ker's daughter"
I did not see her companion, and
before / could move or speak, If |
had been sosminded, both ladies had
gone.
l smiled to myself, though my
face burned and my ears tingled,
Only few months ago and | had
been her.partner in german given
at one of the most aristocratic homes
in New York. Her beauty impress
ed me the acquaintance ripened In
to love. She had accepted me,and |
was the happiest man in the universe.
ThenEa great misfortune occurred,
involving me in the disgrace of the
head of the firm. Innocent though
1 was,I had to undergo many search
ing inquiries before the true verdict
was made public. Stripped of mon
ey, my good name under cloud, for
time, at least, l looked for sympa-
thy from my lovely fiancee, and |
was astonished beyond measure at
the GOODNESS Of hersreception, the al
most indifference with which she lis
tened to my defence. And when,
again, she declined to receive me,
and wrote me cold little note in
which she informed me, in beauti-
full Italian hand, that our engage
ment was at an end, ] was abso
lutelysss petrifed with amazement.
How often she had talked of love in
cottage! How eloquently declared
that, failing fortune orfailing health
and even honor, her heart would be
true to itself and me her love the
shield and reward. Icould not be-
lieve it possible. tried to see her,
but was always repulsed. | wrote,
but received no reply. / haunted
her walks, her drives. She never
looked at me.
Desperate and dishearted car
ed not what became of me. For
weeks / moved, etc., worked like an
automaton. 1 was at my worst
when note came from yourg law
yer, formerly my chum, and a good
fellow to boot:
DEAR HAL There is splendid news
for you. Come down to the office as soon
as you can. Yours, FRED ("
What news ". as there that matter
ed anything 20 me I? I scarcely car