The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-09-24

believed she was his wife, as tight as
me and my missis; but"
"Well?" said the manager; and even
the apparently unheeding figure in the
corner leaned forward little. "What
came of it? The old story, 1 suppose ?"
this bitterly again.
"Ah, sir, too old a story, indeed. She
left him one night that he was away,
not with any one or for any reason that
any one could make head or tail of,
unless it was himself; but she just
sloped, and his man, who came in here,
said it had broke his heart well-nigh;
he'd move heaven and earth to find her
again."
"But he never did, then?"
"Lor' no, sir; women is always too
much for us when they mean to be-
He's never set foot in Loden since, and
let Raven Place go pretty well to rack. -"
"Do you believe the young lady was
really his wife?" questioned the man.
ager, glancing at the clock.
81 do, sir, in my own self; there was
everything like reality about it ALL
fancy one can tell mostly. And, besides
a man, especially man like that,
wouldn't never take on so about mis-
tress. It's a strange story, say, and a
sad one; and l believe there's more at
the bottom of it. although none of us
here perhaps will ever hear of it,
AS he said that, the hostess came in
and announced that the bed-chambers
were in readiness.
Cali but yours, ma'am," she added,
aside to the quiet guest in the corner;
land that won't be long"
al am in no hurry, thank you"
An exquisitely musical, softly modu-
lated voice, with rare delicacy and
neatness of accent, as if one accustomed
by nature and training to use both voice
and language.
"There, get you all off," said the
manager. {" l shall stop few moments
to finish my toddy.".
They were nothing 10th, for the
leading gentleman was nodding, and
the ladies tired out; and, under the
hostess's wing, there was general
retreat, the host following to secure
the outer doors and windows.
Robert Denham leaned back in his
chair, scarcely glancing at the form in
the corner, or probably thinking her
half asleep. Ills own thoughts we're
busy enough, for the sorrowful story he
had heard of this Sir Austin Ravens
wood had carried him back mentally to
the troubles of his own past life when
he had come home one dark miserable
night, after three months touring, and
found that the wife he loved had fled.
With deep-drawn sigh, he rose to
seek the host and retire, when the good
man came in quickly, holding tele-
gram.
"a man from the stations just
brought it, sir; just come from York,
you see."
Where he had left his leading actress,
indisposed.
The manager took it with a very
apprehensive feeling; the host went out
again to complete his closing up; and,
quite unconscious of the pair of bright,
magnificent, dark eyes watching him,
oblivious, indeed, of any existence but
his own, Denham opened the missive,
ana reau IL audlDly:-
CDR. SHIRLEY TO Mr.. DENHAM.
"MiSs Catesby's the leading LADY,
illness proves to be avirulent small
pox. Very grieved to so disappoint
you; must cancel her engagement
Letter tomorrow"
Confusion!' said the manager, dash
ing the paper down; "it's ruin!-it's
ruinw
His tour had not been successful in
all places, and he had reckoned on
Loden and the succeeding towns to
recoup losses.
The light rustic of silk, and the soft
touch of a hand on his arm, made him
start violently, to see at his side very
young and beautiful woman, with a
half-smile ON the bow lips, as the soft
voice spoke.
pardon me, Mr.. Denham; can moth
ing be done?"
Madam, really forgive me! I quite
forgot your presence" He was gazing
at herewith an odd, puzzled sort of
look, too. "NO; nothing that can save
me terrible loss. l must have some
body good, you see, and everyone is
engaged now. Besides, how possibly
get anyone down by tomorrow night
someone, too, who knows and can play
the parts set down for the tour?"
"Will you try me, Mr.. Denham?"
Said so quietly, with the delicate
hands folded on her breast; and the
chiselled Greek face, with it's mass of
short golden locks, and wonderful
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