Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1886-03-26
Miseellausnns.
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BETTER THAN WEALTH

Click, click went tho sewing machine
and the work futtered through--lon2
strips of dainty ruffiing which came from
the magic needle, hemmed aud gathered
and ready for use.
The curly head bending over the busy
machine dropped triae, and the large
dark eyes were. pathetic with fatigue, for
May Warner had been hard at work all
day and was nearly exhausted,
"Oh dear!' she sighed in a patient,
weary tone, ''if only | could ever be
done [ AIN so tired But never mind"
and more hopeful expression stole into
the weary eyes, III am very glad to be
able to work"
The outer door was thrown open and
then closed with bang; there followed
the sound of footsteps, and young girl
rushed into the room. She tossed pile
Of books upon the table, her hat and
gloves followed suit; and she paused with
sparkling eyes and rose flushed cheeks
IA pretty picture was Nell Warner.
Still at work, Mayl' she queried.
II know you're awfully tired, and 80 am
l. School teaching is just too--too---"
she hesitated. Carleton Place is open,
| see, she added abruptly.
Mays face flushed, and the little hand
which directed the sewing machine trem-
bled visibly.
III was told So" she remarked.
May" said Nell impetuously, when
! think how sbamefully Lewis Carleton
has treated you, feel like doing some
desperate deed. How daro be Just
because We are poor and no one but old
Aunt Charlotte TO protect us, he dares
to trent you in that hcartlcss manner.
To 90 to Europe and remain two years
without word to you then return to
Carleton Place when he knows that our
little home, all We possess in the wide
world, odjoins bis splendid aud magn6-
cent homo, the family residence of the
aristocratic Cartoons. May. | detcst
them all, especially his purse.proud sis
ter, Clara We must try aud rent our
house, and find new quarters ourselves"
'.You are right, Nell" returned May
quietly: 81 could not bear to, perhaps,
see him after all that has occurred. And
| am told, she paused a moment and
then went on firmly; Aunt Charlotte
tells me TO day--she has heard il some.
where, that Mr.. Carleton will bring n
wife home with him."
"Tbe wretch p calculated Nell, pas.
siouatcly; "and years ago you we're his
promised wife Oh May, If only wo had
been rich, Lewis Carleton would not have
dared to tridc with you in this shameful |
fashion. would give am thing to DO rich,
oven for little time. Money is the
lever that moves the world
May smiled sadly.
ooh, no, dear" she returned gravely. !
Money is good thing TO possess, bat
not the best thing in the world by any
means. would not barter peaceful
conscience for all the wealth Of the
Carletons I"
"Conscience!' rctortcd Nell spite. |
fully; 'you do not imagine that Lewis
Carleron has any conscience do you
] despiso him beyond expression "
The sewing machine stood near on
open window. just outside was tall
hedge Of Cherokee roses, which divided |
the small, domain Of the Warmers from
The elegant estate adjoining known as
Crnleton Place. !
AS Nell uttered these words tall /
igure on the other side of the hedge
arose from low seat, handsope, dark
eyed man. lie tossed away tae cigar
which be had just lighted and az tbe |
Two sisters glanced up simultaneously, |
be removed his hat and bowed cour-
'cously. Mays face was as marble.
Thanks, very much, for your COM
plimcnt, Miss Nelis,' observed Lewis |
Carleton, Ip slow languid tone, and |
hon turnirg he walked away.
May faced her sister with rcproachful |
ayes
Nell, = she CALCULATED, what have
you doney'
''No matter" returned Nell, defiantly,
II am glad he knows my opinion Of
him, at least. May, forgive me,
pain you, but can. SEQ how
you have altered, how pale AMI thin you
have beoh growing al these months. and
you're all I baya Ia tbe world, mi, only
sister. Mayfif | wore you. wonld
cast every thonght Of that man from
my heart. would despise him forget
him.
II cannot do that, Nell" returned
her sister, firmly; "be is too dear to
mo And although be has ceased to
care for me, and has given me up, as
bis sister Clara assured mo yet IL can /
never change. SO, Nell doar, VIC had
better not speak Of him at all in future, |
since you and I disagree on the sub
ject."
May arose quietly as she finished speak |
ing, closed the window, put away her