St. Paul daily globe., 1889-10-28
TWO LOVERS;
Or, Through the Fire.

Gladys Alcott was too much excited
to sleep that night, soshe had wandered
down to the moonlit sands to ponder
oqer very important question. She
had had two proposals that day, and her
heart wavered in doubt as to whom she
should choose. Bertram Wyland was
her aunt's choice. He was rich, hand
some and somewhat frivolous. John
March was not handsome, nor yet Styl-
iSh, and still there was something in his
face that told her this was a character
in which any woman might put her
trust and faith.
AS she was dreaming over the all
absorbing question that was to make or
mar her life, these words, spoken in a
voice she recognized. were waited to
her ears:
Congratulate me, Rollins, old fellow
Pve played my game almost to the win
ming point Tomorrow | have good
reason to think the heireSS will be mine
and it's lucky! 70; I've nearly come to
the bottom of my pile. Though, to tell
the truth, Pm fortunate in more ways
than one, for besides the additional at
traction, the girls a dear, tender
hearted little thing"
AS Gladys bends forward she sees,
walking slowly along, their backs to
the balcony, Bertram Wyland and an
intimate friend. Her eyes have not de-
ceived her-it is Enthusiastically he who
has just spoken up.
The hot tears rush to her eyes as she
goes slowly back to her room again and
throws herself upon the bed, where she
soon cries herself to sleep.
She is awakened by the cry of Fire"
ami starts up only to be driven back by
the overwhelming smoke.
''Gladys, where are yOu?' some one
calls, and just S she is falling, terri
fed into Inconsistencies by the dire
peril which menaces her. strong arm
catches her. But the fire has gained
such rapid headWay the halls are inn
passable, and darting to the window
John March raises it and calls for aid to
the crowd below. A ladder is quickly
brought, and he deScenGs i'll safety and
lays his precious burden in her aunt's
arms.
The inmates of the burning building
are speedily made comfortable in
neighboring hotel, and there the follow
ing morning Gladys has two callers.
She is trit1e pale, but never has she
looked so beautiful in Bertrand Wy
lands eyes as, in few cold words, she
REFUSES HIS suit, anu n6 ICdIiZeS tldG 6lIo
is lost to him forever.
A few hours later Mr.. March enters
the room his rival but so lately left.
He comes to bid Gladys goodbye, as
he intends to leave for the city that aft
ernOOn.
He talks a while, then rises to go.
"GoOd-bye, Miss Alcott,n he SAYS,
taking her hand and looking down upon
her with yearning expression on his
strong. noble face. Il would like to
think that though we may never meet
again, you will sometimes give friend
ly thought to me-"
A soft color fits over Gladys face as
she answers:
Il shall never forget, Mr.. March,
that it is to you IsOwe my life."
The touch of her warm, soft hand
sent a thrill through all the young
mods frame, and his resolution to 90
without bringing upon himself the pain
of refusal melted away.
"Gladys," he exclaimed, Il had meant
TO be siIent-but | can hide from you no
longer that | love you! Sometimes l
have dared to hope you cherished feel
ing for me which time might deepen
into something warmer, but Of late you
have been so cold my heart has failed
me. Gladys" coming closer to her side
tiIli olIIfIIIS " CAplCSolOI VI
the sweet, averted face, you say that
you owe to me your life. May not
have your life's love for my reward?"
She draws herself little away as she
says:
Before l give you your answer
want to tell you something. 1t is this:
that [ am not rich, as every one seems
to suppose, for my aunt could not will
her property to me if she wished to do
so. 1t is to go upon her death To-"
ga nephew of her husbands, whom
she has never seen, and who she thinks
is even now in his English hOme," puts
in John. ''Am not right?' he says,
answering Gladys look of surprise.
'Yes. But how do you knoW?"
LAS l am John March Elmer, that
veritable nephew himself, | hardly see
how | can help knowing. ! came from
England three months ago direct to
your aunt's home, but found her gone;
and upon inQuiring, learning her deS-
tination. Immediately followed, think
ing to amuse myself by making her ac-
quaintance incognito. Now, Cousin
Gladys. [ am waiting for my answer"
When Mrs. Elmer learned the true
state of affairs her feelings of relief at
the disappointment of her own plans
was almost too great to put INTO words.
Gladys has never regretted her choice,
for in her husbands protecting love her
days glide by in one sweet idyl of de-
light and content.