Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1888-07-21

"Why did they object to your being
in the parlor?"
"Oh, they say that 1 am too young
and am always saving things to make
them ashamed. The trouble is [ tell
the truth and they seldom find it pleas
ant. Besides, l don't begin to talk
half as scandalously as they do, with
all their airs. l imagine they are saying
OF Mr.. Stewart that if they could only
make him commit himself in some way
they would feel secure, for he was too
honorable to even attempt to free him
self. Modest sentiments, aren't they :?
Anything like atfe ction for their hus-
bands-should they ever secure any,
which heaven forbid, for their hus-
bands sake-does not enter into their
calculations.
$50 you have no idea what Mr..
Steward looks like, Miss Myrtle?" in
terrupted the stranger.
"No; l never saw this nineteenth
century wonder"
why do call him that?" he queried
He is &C 'redited with being honor
able, you know" And Myrtle laughed
gleefully at the look of chagrin which
passed over the strangers face.
"1ou are pleased to be cynical. Do
you think there are no honorable men
in our age?"
How can l tell?" was the petulant
reply. 81 suppose not, though, from
ali j read and hear. But [ am forget
ting all about my foot, and think now
will try to get home"
Il will assist you to the door if you
will permit me"
Thanks; you are very kind, but /
feel no pain now. See! | can use it
quite easily. No, my sisters would
never allow me to stir out again if |
were to return with such queer tale
and stranger, with whom have been
convers,ng Familiarity for quarter of
an hour"
"But l am on my way to your
house." he said carelessly
care You?" with wellfeigned won
der in her We, ce and an Interrogation
point in her eyes.
"Yes. My name is Alec Stewart" lie
answered to the look, Just as though
the name had not been mentioned be-
fore. yet looking at her quizzcally.
She looked at him in helpless sort
of way for a second or two, then sigh
ing resignedly, murmured. well, l
may as well pack my trunk tonight,
for | will surely be sent to the country
tomorrow. l suppose you will make
me out to be as bad as possible"
How can you accuse me of being
such cad," he holly asked.
THANK you for using that word, for
now l feel easier about the few bits of
slang l have been guilty of. Well, if
you are going up to the house you had
better hurry, for it is growing quite
dusk, and Mary and Edith are dying
to commence operations | hope you
will be quick about your love-making
and take one Of them away, for, per-
haps, with only one to contend with, |
would have some chance. BY the wry,
Mr.. Stewart, you couldn't strain a
point and marry them both, could you,
Just to oblige me?"
81 will tell you better way than
that to get out of your difficulty" he
cried quickly.
"Oh!-well don't keep me in sus-
pense then, but tell me quickly, and
please release my hand, you have mis-
taken it for bit of wood and are try
ing to break it. How could 1 escape
from my ditiiculties?'
"By marrying me YOURSELF" he re-
piled slowly.
Myrtle drew herself up proudly and
snatched her hand from his clasp.
1T hardly seems fitting for one so
honorable to trihe on so serious a sub
ject," she retorted W tn q half sneer.
II think we had better go to the
house" and she started around the
bend, but he snatched her hand and
asked her to listen Just one moment.
ooh, yes; two if you like" she re-
piled; listlessly and indiflerently,