Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1888-05-24
If MIR. McFarlane wss a little slow

ings of appreciation, admiration, for
this particularly clecer and pretty wo-
man into definite offer of his person
and its accompanying advantages, it is
to be remembered, as said before, that
the advantages were really quite uncon-
mon.
"A man does what lie can in such Il
case" he said, in reply to her remark.
But the remark had hattered him-had
been Delightfully."- agreeable.
And Mrs Lawton was looking so very
charming more so even than usual, if
that were possible-that evening"
There was such soft color upon her
check, suck a light in her eyes.
And what an air Of grace and breed
ing she had ! There was something IN
personal distinction certainly. 1t was
an excellent substitute for social distinc
ton, if one could not have that. And
what quaint mellow name Hillary
was !
"I have had one instance under my
notice for some time he pursued
"The young fellow who came from the
rural districts about two years ago. He
WAS honest, Industrious, capital fellow,
though rather dull But l don't think
it was the dullness which stood in the
way of his getting on. He had not
come to this city with any intention of
seeking his fortune, it appeared. On
the contrary, when he came--poor
wretch IL fancy he thought himself
possessed Of a certain wealth. 1t was a
touching story. Itseems--I only found
this out very lately, for the poor fellow
is very retiGcnt-that he had an attach
ment-rather hopeless one. | mag
inc for young woman in his own
place, and that she left it to come to the
city Oliver Payne-that is his name
saved and toileu and at the death Of
father sold out his share Of the farm and
home.
"The young woman, it would appear,
had been rather ambitious in the time
past, and probably would not listen to
his suit. But | suppose Oliver felt
that if he presented himself before her
as a capitalist in mild way she might
be induced to think differently Of him
and his offer. But he never found her.
She had gone up to different or
down to lower, and he looked in vain.
And then he had his money stolen from
him one night IN a lodging house, and
he had to look FOR work or starve. But
he did not get on. The hope that had
held him up was growing DINNER all
the time. Finally he fell i'll. Now he
isvery low. I doubt if he lives through
another day. have been very greatly
interested in the poor fellow.
The girls name was Hilary Lester.-
She worked first in a wholesale straw
and flower house down town. Alltracc
of her disappears after that. Yes, it
is really an unusually sad Case
"Poor-poor fellow! The girl was
a namesake of nine, then p
Yes, indeed. Mrs. Lawton was clev.
er; she deserved to succeed. She had
pushed her chair back little from the
lamp, but she dared not raise her fan to
screen her face from its rays lest the
action should betray the trembling of
her hand.
She had the feeling a person might
have who suddenl y saw a chasm yawn-
ing a at his feet. She dared not move,
she scarcely breathed. She controlled
the muscles of her face, though she felt
with horror that her checks were turn
ing so cold and white that her visitor
must notice the change.
"Ah! Was your name Lester, too
asked Mr.. McFarlane with u little sur.
prised smile at the coincidence.
"No--I was referring to her first
name-IEilary.'
'Ah yes
He began talking Of other things
Mrs. Lawton, smiling little, throwing
in an apt word and then, sat still, while
the quivering in her nerves subsidized
and the pounding OF her heart grew less
and less. She had but one thought. -
Had he observed anything Had he OBJ
served anything? HID he suspected
he cause of her agitation 1t seemed
20 her that it must be written all over
Ter face that she was the Hilary L. St
n who had worked in the flower. house
lown town, and who now denied the
nan she had known since childhood,
he farm laborer who had seen her go
ne about the mental duties of the mis-
,rable house.
But she need have no apprehension.