The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-03-28

was the only thing for her to do. It
had been a terrible struggle. At
first the idea had been simply appall-
ing, but she had grown more and
more accustomed to it as the days
went on. After all it didn't so much
matter. 1t wasn't as if she loved some
one else. She had never loved any
man more than passing thought.
OF course she had had her girlish
dreams, and man twenty-five years
her senior, with silver mine or two,
but so hopelessly deaf that one was
obliged t" scream at him, surely had
not been the hero of them. But
there was poor, dear papa shaving
away in the Office, and poor, tiredout
mama trying to make both ends meet
on his meager salary, and equally, of
of growing boys and girls that some
way or other must be fed and cloth
ed.
There, too, were Blanche and An
gelique and Clara-think of all she
would do for them.
These were the arguments she used
in her daily controversies with her
self on this vexed subject-should
she or should she not marry the Hon.
Timothy Boggs, who was, it was plain
to see, mcst infatuated and devoted
admirer?
The Hon. Timothy came often to
take her out for long, uninteresting
drives. Huge bouquets we're sent
daily from the conservatory of her
elderly lovers elegant home.
He was thoug ghtfulness itself, but
oh he looked so old-so common !
And Timothy! what a ridiculous
name. Could she ever bring herself
to call him by it Fancy saying ::
Timothy, dearest and here the
poor girl would go off in fits of laugh
ter, or else break into a storm of
tears.
She was not urged, coaxed or CO.
creed in the slightest degree. Only
she caught her tired father regarding
her anxiously when she. came in from
her drives, and her mother would SO
patiently, but so suggestively, display
Toms ragged coat, or Mans shabby
frock, and murmur something about
the necessity of closer economy than
ever.
At these times Madge felt herself to be
the most selfish creature in existence;
again, when she thought of this hate
fui bondage, from which there seemed
no escape, fierce revolt would rise in
her gentle breast. Why should she
sacrifice her youth, her beauty, in
this degrading fashion? Why, indeed
only for those she loved.
Matters were in this uncertain state
when there came an invitation from
Mrs. Maitland, an old school friend of
her mothers, to visit her in New
York.
Madge hailed it as condemned
culprit might a reprieve. During
this visit she could make positive
decision without the slightest influence
being brought to bear upon her.
Moreover she could catch glimpse of
the gay world into which she might
enter as Mrs. Timothy Boggs.
Her simple preparations were soon
made, for her fathers attenuated purse
could provide no elaborate wardrobe.
The Hon. Timothy hemmed and
hawed good deal when he heard of
this projected trip. He minated that
he might call upon her in New York,
but said nothing more definite, for
which relief Madge gave much thanks.
Mrs. Maitlands proved to be an
agreeable hostess and delightful chap
erone, and Madge enjoyed her first
plunge into society with all the zest
of which a young girl is capable.
A fashionable wedding reception
was one Of the occasions to which she
looked forward most eagerly. 1t was
a much, talked of marriage. There
was to be dancing, and her kind host.
ess had presented her with an enchant
ing costume, and Madge could scarce
ly wait for the event. Bssgs
However, it came at last, and as ill
luck would have it, one Of Mrs. Matt
lands's nervous headaches set in about
sundown.. The good lady was much
distressed, and resolved that her pretty
protege should not be disappointed
So, making an heroic entieavor,.. she
dressed herself and they went. 4tk
Madge was as usual much admired
and was dancing and enjoying hersel
to the utmost when she was summon
ed by her .chaperone.
My dear" said that lady ~ an
50 frightfully i'll that / cannot re
main any longer. However, YOU
pleasure shall not be spoiled. Mrs
Denning will look after you, and hel
son will call a cab and see you safely
started Tor home, and ! am sure yol
will hsve no trouble"
This decision being satisfactory t,
the girl, who was having such q thor
oughly good time, Mrs. Maitland lef
her in charge of her friend and wen
home. sesi.ss
The delightful evening. wore ava,
and the hour came for Madge t
leave.
Young Mr.. Denning saw her safel,
in the cab, gave the driver her addres
babe her good night and away the,
ratified uptown.
Madge was lost in the pleasan
thoaghtsof the evening and took N
tnotice Of her route. Suddenly the cal
pulled up NTH = jerk, and, looking