Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-17
CHAPTER xxx.


 "Good morning, my darling." But there was another letter at Philip Breton's break fast plate, and the old look of dread came back to his face-thc dark hollows under his eye: showed again. He had forgotten for a moment, but hc ought never to forrct. How couldh tell what moment he would be called upon to strain every nerve to save his dar- ling. He toro open the letter in uncontroll- able terror; oh, it was only from Philbrick Had Bertha noticed his excitement and would she question him in wifcly concerns He had so much to guard against. But no her grace ful arm was raised to pour his coffee, inclin- ing her head prettily on one sde as women do always ct tea and coffee pouring She did not watch his faco as he did hers. Sao had not even noticed tho change that had como over him of late, that shocked every casual acquaintance on tAo street. But that made it So much the easier for him to lScep tho secret from her; ho told T oirnself he rght to Dc thankful for it, instead of ever permitting his foolish heart to ache He ran his eyes rapidly over the letter his white haired friend had sent him.
 '1 suppose it is paper thrown away, but want to remind you once moro of my offer to take your mill or your hands have made up my mind to try my scheme so,,ac- where am old and feel as if would like to do something for Xy race with my money, WHICH l nave now we'll 1il QtQQ. " Ill you let mo havo your mills for what have got! If not l shall try elsewhere. The reason want your mills is because I propose to give you 8 chance to take part in my beautiful in- dustrial plan. I will pay you one-third its valuation, one-third you shall keep at per cent. interest till wc can buy that in also, the other third am going to let you give in trust for tho benefit of the help as my discretion shall dictate. This is 9 glorious opportunity, {.,1- it, except that have read in tho newspapers of growing discontent among your help. Various reasons arc given for it; my ezplana- tion is that little leaven leaveneth tho complaints you should not have begun your reforms: You may happen to sec things as do, and be willing to let me try where you have failed. If so, telegraph inc at once and l will Come."
 Philip folded tho letter thoughtfully aud put 1t back in its envelope. NN he was not ready for that yet. But he did not smile. If it should ever happen that he be called upon to sacrifice everything to save lis wife but phibricS required that lie accept ct once. Eo, he w.s not ready yet
 "Oh!' said bis wife, as if a sudden thought had struck her, "do you remember your promise. you are tc take me throu;:h the mills todays'
 "Did I promise thatg' He put back his coffee cup untasted.
 Certainly, Philip, and I cannot let yoh off"
 'But you must" His face drew dark at the thought that she should put at naught all his careful plans to secure her present safety. Bertha pushed back her chair and rising an- grily to her feet, swept from the room with swallow the mouthfuls of food he so much needed, then he started on foot for the mill. That Bertha should be angry with him seemed the last intolerable blow Was he not hoc hor 1 unhappy. Perhaps she was weeping hot tears | of i1apatience now. She had thought he loved her enough to grant her every wish that might cross her heart Philip was tempted to go back and explain everything. Then shc would not doubt his love, but sle ! would have to share his agony with him. It were better to bear his burdens alone-even ! to this last burden of her unmerited reproach. His sympathy for her grew stronger than his consciousness of his own unhappiness. Of course she would bo hurt tkat he had denied her anything; if it had been ribbon, it 1 would have been the same. He was to blame for letting her leave him in vexation onaae He and soothed her with gentle words till sue smiled on him. It was not because she wanted the thing so much, but 1t was the l first time he had ever crossed her wishes | Philip was so absorbed ill his thoughts that l hc did not observe tbat ho was close upon an excited crowd of village people, until such words as these fell upon his ear:
 "A roice friend of the poor man he be, with his four fancy hosses, his silver dishes to cat his victuals out of, end his house like kings palace, while we lives md dies in dirt and poverty. Whn mnde bin, better nor usa do he work hnrder7 do be sleep lesss So, but 1 Wbild hg starves bn ten and e1acaers; ha gprawis on his rne cushions, nnd sleeps in hi5 soft beds, whiM wo rou In close htsicks. aad Ioafs in. Hitty saloPns, the p1or mans only 1 ter thaa sse. and give hinaself RiIzover uas" TO BE CONTINUED.