Democratic messenger., 1889-06-22

written 10 tell him oil hcr love ana pcnti-
nencc.
Four years after Jack had gone. Ruby
was at fashionable watering place. She
was still the belle Of every assemblage.-
Her Indifference and utter carelcssness.
combined with her rare beauty, brought
her scores OF admirers, whom she drove
almost mad with her c0olncss. She was
still as lovely rs ever, but insher big, brown
eyes there was shade 0f sadness, and a
slightly absent look which gave touch Of
soul to face that had heretofore sparklcd
with wit and glowcd with gayc.y and high
spirits, but had lacked feeling. Now IL
was perfect. II Jack could only see her
now.
One day she was taking her morning
stroll, and feeling an unacc0untablc de.
preston Of spirits. Her great eyes were
wearing their most absent look, and as
they wandered over the crowd that was
ever coming aud going, she started vio-
len tly and her delicate. high bred face
turned as white us the tilmy lace at her
throat. She fixed an absorbed gaze ON u
vehicle that was slowly passing. The oc-
cupant was broad shouldered, grand
looking man dressed In grey. His shape.
ly head was crowned with white straw
hat, pair of large, disfguring spectacles
of colored glass completely hid his eyes,
hts firm,
brown mustacle, and between his lips was
the inevitable cigar. No whiskers hid his
firm chin and fine rounded throat. A
fooiman ut his side was driving span Of
spirited blacks. In an instant the equip.
age was hidden by the crowd. but Ruby's
eyes would have known that face, that
form, If II had been far more flecting
glimpse. She drew long breath, and by
the time she reached her hotel and looked
at herself In her room she was startled nj
the joyous brightness that sparkled In her
eyes and beamed from every feature. All
day her face wore an eager, expectant
look, her eyes were ever searching for
something. Al the hop that night il YVES
still the same. She withdrew early and
sought her room, weary and hcart.sick.
"Oh!" she said alond, IN u troubled
voice, "docs he know I nm here. and still
remain aloOi:"
She sal there alone. white and sad, her
face wet with tears. her heart torn with
conflicting emotions and u terrible fear
that he had forgotten her. The next
morning, after II slecplcss night, she start
ell out alone, her cheeks pale, her spirits
dropping. She shaped her course for u
hidden retreat behind the rocks. where
she had often dreamed away hours unin-
tcrrupied. As she ncarcd the place she
saw that her iavoriie rocky seat was al.
ready occupied by AN intruder. lie sa, in
a desponding attitude. with his head rest.
ing ON his hand and his gaze directed to.
wards the sea. Occupied with her own
thoughts, Ruby was about to turn away
without taking any notice Of him, when
he changed his position, removed Cigar
from his mouth, blew forth n cloud Of
smoke and Ruby saw who IL was.
Her Footsteps had given no sound ON
the sand. lie had not heard her She
stood perfectly still. trembling so that she
could scarcely stand. Here was the man
for whose presence she had longed for all
those sad years, and now she dared not
speak TO him. lie might receive her pcni.
icncc with scorn, and might he married
Terrible, cruel thought. While this was
passing through her mind she was start.
led by hearing someone coming that way
whis,ling. M, wishing IL he seen she
sprang behind convcnicn, bowl,lrr. just
in lime To escape the eyes Of the new
conner, who Was the same man she had
seen with Jack the day before.
The man came up and stopped beside
Jack, who said impaticnt!y; why did
you come for me so soon: ="
why, you said come in nm hour, and
Il is up sure"
II don't belieye Il is up" Jack cried
violently, but because am II poor. blind
stick you think you can fool me, but you
cant. Go away and let me be in peace II
can and don't dare To come near me again
under an hour from now. Do you under.
standy an hour from now, n whole hour y
"Yes, sir, l understand" replied poor
Peter, dcprecaiingly, preparing To move
off, after casting glance al the watch he
wore TO make sure of The time.
stay" called Jack, irritably, first tell
me ifanyone is anywhere In sight, don't
want 10 sil here as n show for any one II
| can help IT,"
"Not soul to be seen," responded
Peter, cheeringly.
"Then clear out" was the gentle reply.
Amer Peters reireating form was lost
TO view Ruby stole forth pale aud ircmb.
ling-hcr cheeks moist with tears Of pity.
How wrcichesl he looked-how sad-hOw
she pitic'i him. She forgot everything cx.
cept her love for him. On the impulse oi
the moment she went TO him and put both
soft round arms around his neck. aud laId
her cheek against his. Her sudden EN-.
brace aroused him eiTectually from the
gloomy thoughts he was indulging in.and
gave him n little shock. But rs soon as
he could collect his scattered senses he
became aware that II was u woman! Yes
n woman! A mad woman, no doubt Did
she intend 10 strangle him. or what The
novelty Oft pleased him. lie remained
perfectly still and awaited developments
like n philosopher.
".Iack-Jack Hunter, don't you know
me =" said fearful voice in his ear
Heavens! That voice! Ruby" he
cried, doubtingly, bu, nevertheless throw.
ing both arms about her and drawing her
10 him while he rained kisses ON her face.
a