The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-09-18
gret that I have accidentIy trespassed

else might have been in his heart 70
say he left it unsaid,
- Straight to the SUPERINTENDENT he
went, and was heartily greeted.
''Ah. Hammond we've been wait.
ing for you. See ~ and he produced
a long list from an official-looking en-
yelope.
List ready for me, hey ?" My
samples came on ahead all right,
then ?"
"Yes, but Mr.. Girard has ordered
me to hold the list back ="
''Oh, that's all right. Let me have
it. 1 have seen Mr.. Girard."
(This was not altogether fib).
Obtaining the order list he return
ed to the hotel. There was a letter
awaiting him from Smart & Main. 1t
inquired particularly about Richard
Girard, who, the rumor from the
agency said, was not sound.
Hastily he telegraphed to the
firm:
20. X. My word for it,"
In letter to the firm he inclosed
Girard's order list.
1t was then near O'Clock P. NJ. AT
6 he must leave for Western Penn
sylvania, then toward Chicago.
Thoughts CT Laura Girard were
haunting him, He resolved to at
tempt an interview with the beauti-
full girl before his departure, and his
object may be readily diyined.
Laura was "at home" to him when
he called at the merchants residence.
"Miss Girard. a second time must
beg of you to pardon my intrusion.
But | leave town this evening, and
before 60, have something to say
that must be spoken. l was an unin-
territorial listener to what passed in
your fathers Office to-day. | know
why your father gave orders to with
hold the customary list. But l be-
lieve Richard Girard to be a good
business man and safe one. / have
presumed to take upon myself the re-
sponsibility of sending this informa-
ton to the New YORK firm. Will
you read ?" and he handed her the
letter from Smart & Main, together
with copy of his telegram.
When she had read she gasped in
great agitation
"But you can't know all"
EYES," smilingly. II know, and
l would stake my very life upon
him !"
"Why do you do this ?"
because l love you, Laura" came
the plain, straightforward answer.
II have come here to-day to tell you
this. and to ask-Laura !"
With the quick words and quicker
step he was by her side, and a mighty
thrill pervaded him as he drew her,
INCREASINGLY, to his breast. He knew
that he owned her heart-knew that
she must have loved him before that
minute. else she would not so read
lily have permitted the caresses.
y Il X Il
1t was nearly nightfall when Rich
AID Girard returned from second
attendance at his office. When he
came in his haggard face wore even a
newer cast of worriment.
avery remarkable thing has hap
pened !" he exclaimed, supposedly.
"What is it, father ?''
"That young Hammond had the
audacity TO take the order list from
Superintendent Mills, notwitnstand-
ing my express commands to with
hold it,"
And he added. decidedly. as Laura
made no response:
II shall write tonight to Smart &
Main, countermanding the order for
L suppose, of course. he, Hammond,
has sent it off,"
Il would not do that, father"
"And why, pray? l don't see my
way clear for ordering such bill of
goods IN these hard times"
"Mr. Hammond is your friend. He
has sent on the order. Perhaps you
would like to see what he said of you
to Smart & Main ?"
She handed to him the letter and
telegram which Hammond had left
with her.
When he had read he frowned.
"What does it mean ?"
at means, father" with Just the
slightest tremor of voice, "that Mr..
Hammond loves me, and -"
"And you love him ?" with a
deeper frown.
"Yes."
He arose and walked deliberately
to her side.