Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-02-04
CHAPTER VII.

for twilight drive.
''Father has left town for few days
Didn't you knowf Suppose you let me have
the back seat The world is large enough TO
afford us a seat apiece tonight
Bertha adjusted her wraps and the horses
stepped Off down the street as gayly as il
their driver had not been disappointed
There was not very much conversation to-
day; indeed there never was unless Philip
afforded It, Bertha considered she did her
part in looking well, smiling prettily at his
witticisns, with now and then a remark, il
she felt inclined But today Philip was
moody and silent, SO Bertha gave herself
up to the sensuous delight of riding, and only
spoke in mild EXPLANATIONS of admiration of
the scenery as they left the village behind
and followed up the winding river
But suddenly Philip saw mans form
swaying easily while he took great strides
along the footpath.
"Curran," he exclaimed, and stopped his
horses close beside him. Tho man turned and
one might have thought he did not recognize
the occupants of the carriage, except that
there was the least bit of flush on his face,
which bore the lines of interrupted medita-
ton. Then he bowed slightly to Philip.
''And you don't recollect me, suppose
smiled Bertha.
81 am not so stupid" he said, letting his
steel blue eyes rest admiringly upon her.
eve are going to Lockout, too. You must
get in with u.s."
"No, | won't crowd you; don't move"
And he turned little away from them as if
to continue his walk.
"Certairly you mustIn said Bertha; ''see, /
have wsSle seat to myself and it is SO stupid.
Please
And CGrrap took the seat sho offered him,
holding back her wraps till he was seated,
and then releasing them.
"Do you think | shall ever learn to weave
cotton cloth!n asked Philip, TO call his atten-
ton TO their days work together.
81 presume SO, if you really mean to- But
it lis lucky you haven't got your board to pay
meanwhile"
But Curran did not smile, and was very i'll
at ease. He seemed to be lifted body and
SOUL into the very life he was accustomed to
rebuke. The beautiful horses of the rich
were harnessed today to his pleasure with
their gold plate trimmings. What right had
he herel He said nothing of it, but felt intense
ly the falseness of his position. The delicate
springs hurt him. and every sign of lavish
wealth in the dress of his companions. lie
wanted no interests with the rich his life
work must be against them; he desired no
association with luxurious manner of life
which he ought to upbraid. There must not
be one chain of gold to unite him with the
wealthy class in whom he saw the enemies of
the people.
And yet he was taking delight in this wo-
mans presence, new delight, s,'ci as the
women of the poor had never given him.
And was rot she the very essence of luxury
and Refinement lie hated himself for it, but
for oil he tried to 10, k elsewhere he kept see
ing the sparkle of tho diamonds on the
whitest hand he had ever seen. He enjoyed
the lilies Of the valley set in mosaic at her
throat, which showed its creamy white
against the delicate ruffles, and the comb
with its band of Roman gold almost the
shade of the ripping hair it restrained. But
were not these the very extravagances the
poor had to struggle to earn for here He
ought to be Illuminating whitening sentences
for such as she.
IT will get out at the rocks and walk the
could catch glimpse Of Lookout in Q dis
lance. ''The workmen l want 10 talk to
would hardly understand my coming with a
carriage and pair"
The 'rocks' came but a mile from Lock-
spot was reached in few moments more. The
road at this point had been cut through
side hill of sandstone by dint Of great blast
ing and the jagged edges jutted out angrily
at the passers by.
"There must be wonderful landscape on
the other side of the rocks" said Bertha, as
Philip stopped his horses for Curran to
alight. "Have you plenty OF timer she
asked, before the workman could express his
thanks.
can hour to spare"
She looked wistfully at the envious rocks
that shut them in and then at Curran's
grave face.
81 would so like to see that view from the
top Of the rocks if l had some one to help
me-"
Currans face suddenly flushed with
pleasure. 81 should like to help you"
In a minute more Bertha was climbing the
rocks wish her strange escort, and Philip sat
holding his horses quite n little distance back.
'Nou didn't TALL Tegy much during our
drive" said Bertha, rs sho stood with her !
companion looking o.t down the valley. "Is !
it so wicked Of us to 10 richf
He shot a sudden deprecatias look at her. |
Don't force me SO far | cannot say it !
now
Bertha smiled ''Then leave rle out Of it;
say Philip instead"
''He is enjoying the fruits OF terrible injus-
tice.n
''But would his father have been rich un-
less he had deserved itg' asked Bertha
rs it a just reward Of merit, then, that n /
thousand huma= creatures shoal: well nigh I
starve, and he berichs If be has deserved to |
be rich, you must say they have merited star
vation.n
The girl liked to hear his earnest, thrilling
tones, and watch his eyes flash and his nos
trils dilate with such rare passion.