Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-03-29
CHAPTER XVIII.

WHY COULDN'T SHE HAVE WAITED.
The new maid, who showed Philip Breton
into Mrs. ELingsworth's parlor, was not near
ly as pretty as her predecessor in Office, but
he was too much absorbed with his delicate
errand to take any notice of her. Bertha
was alone somewhere, deserted, unprotected
Something must be done for her. 1t was
strange place to seek pity for her, i'll thu
woman's bosom which he had seen heaviu@
i'll hate of her: but magnanimous heart is
wont t. count on the generosity of Others.
The maid had said Mr.. Ellingsworth was not
in, and 50 he was left to appeal to the woman
ly tenderness of his wife.
He rose suddenly from the satin covered
sofa and looked wonderiEglv at woman's
forr in the doorway. Could this be the poor
little factory girl, this fashioaably dressed
woman, with q train like queens? Hc had
stupidity enough expected to Gad her in the
same old calico dress, perhaps with the
dingy, plaid shawl about her shoulders
But the girl was not SO sensitive as to be an
noycd Had not she kept him waiting while
she dressed on purpose to enjoy triumph
And now she was quite pleased at the plain
evidence of it. She smiled rather consciously
as she extended her jewelec little hand to
him
"N-hJ haven't you called bcforc?" Her
voice d lost tho desperate or sullca tone lie
remembered in it of old, but he was not sure
he liked it any better. He bowed, like any
gentleman, as he touched her hand, and
noticed the great gold bracelets on her slim
wrists. Philip was unpleasantly reminded of
manacles, and then the massive chain around
her neck, with huge locket shaped like a
paddock, had suggestions, too, of a sort, he
fancied, the girl would hardly have liked if
she had thought of them. He glanced at her
olivo cheeks, and the slightly oblique eyes,
and tho voluptuous fullness Of her form.
How could an American village have pro-
duced so perfect an odalisquea
81 did not wish to interrupt your honey
moon" He seated himself again.
She was looking oddly at him. as If curious
whether he had forgotten her indiscreet visit,
when she had told him of her own broken
heart .... .... -r,.
Philip suddenly met her eyes as she sat OPP
posite him. "The truth is, Mrs. Filings
worth, have hardly been in the mood for
polite calls Of late I suppose you under
stand"
SHOW should Ir' She elevated her dark
brows rather unpleasantly as If to dismiss,
once for oil, any further condolences with
him. Philip smiled, il spite of himself, at
her tactics.
DO you know wher Bertha is7' he asked,
simply.
A sudden flash Of color lit up her cheeks
"I hate tho very name Of her. she exclaimed,
Us she rosc as il to leave him. She was not
yet wonted to the customs Of her new rank.
Don't go" hc urged, II am SO anxious to
know where she is. No doubt you have
cause to bo angry with her." Philip did not
notice the growing passion in the girls eyes,
"but you surely would not have her starve to
death, or suffer and die alone"
Perhaps not;" Jane meant to smile, but
shc only produced tho effect OF showing the
cruel white Of her teeth Hasn't she GOT
tho word stuck in her throat, chimp
"Why, didn't you know" cried Philip
brcathlessly, 'she has left him2 She is alone
somewhere, for all wo know, in want; think
OF it, and she too proud to-"
~ eft her --husbanGr'