Evening journal., 1889-02-25


pant was broad shouldered, grand looking
man dressed in gray. His shapely head
was crowned with a white straw hat,
a pair Of large, dishguring spectacles
of colored glass completely hid his eyes; his
firm mouth was shaded with long brown
mustache, and between his lips was tho IN
evitable cigar. No whiskers hid his firm chin
and fine rounded throat footmsn at his
side was driving span of spirited blacks In
| an instant the equipage was hidden by the
crowd, but Ruby's eyes would have known
that face, that form, If it had been far more
heeting glimpse. She drew a loRg breath,
and by the time she reached her hotel and
looked at herself in her room, she was startled
at 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
at the hop that night 1t was still the same
She withdrew early and sought her room,
weary and heartsick
"0h,p she said aloud, in a troubled voice,
docs he know am here, and still remain
Rloof?'
She sat there alone, white and sad; her face
wet with tears; her heart torn with conflict
ing emotions and a terrible fear that be had
forgotten her. The next morning, after a
sleepless night, she started out alone, her
cheeks pale, her spirits dropping. She shaped
her course for hidden retreat behind the
rocks, where she had often dreamed away
hours uninterrupted. Asshe neared the place
she saw that her favorite rocky seat was
already occupied by an intruder. He sat in
responding attitude, with his head resting
on his hand and his gaze directed toward tho
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
a cloud Of smoke and Ruby saw who it was
Her footsteps had given no sound on the
soft sand. He 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 these sad
years, and now she dared not speak to him.
He might receive her patience with seorn,
and might be married. Terrible, cruel
thought While this was passing through
her mind she was startled by hearing some
one coming that way whistling. Not wish
ing to be seen, she sprang behind conven-
lent bowlder, just in time 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, impatiently: why did you come
for me so soong'
why, en-, you said come in an hour and
it is up, slre.n
Il don't believe it's up,n Jack cried VIC
lently, "but because am poor, blind stick
you think you can fool me. But you can't
Go away and let me be in peace if you can,
and don't dare to come near me again under
an hour from now. Do you understand an
hour from now, whole hour.n
Yes, sir, understand replied poor Peter
deprecatingly, preparing to move Off, after
casting glance at the watch be wore to make
sure of the time
Stay" called Jack, irritably. "First tell
me il any one is anywhere in sight. l don't
want to sit here as show for any ono If /
can help it.n
mot a soul, sir, to DO seen," responded
Peter, cheerily
Then clear out, !" was the gentle reply.
After Johns retreating form was lost to
view Ruby stole forth pale and trembling
her cheeks moist with tears Of pity How
wretched he looked-how sad--how she pitied
him. She forgot everything except her Iove
for him and wished to comfort him. On the
impulse Of the moment she went to him and
put both soft, round arms around his neck,
and laid her cheek against his Her sudden
embrace aroused him effectually from the
gloomy thoughts he was indulging In, and
gave him a little shock. But as soon as he
could collect his scattered senses he became
aware that 1t was a womanl Yes, a womanl
A mad woman, no Doubt Did she intend to
strangle him, or whatl The novelty OF it
pleased him He remained perfectly stin and
awaited developments like philosopher.
"Jacl-Jack Hunter, don't you know mei'
said fearful voice in his ear.
"Heavensi That voicel Rubylp he cried,
doubtingly, but nevertheless throwing both
arms about her and drawing her to him
while he rained kisses on her face At last
he drew her gently down on the rock beside
him and said; MY darling, words are not
needed to tell me it is Ruby, or that you love
me. But tell me-you are still free as am. y
He did not ask how or why she happened
to be there. He did not care. That she was
there was the one supreme thought of that
happy moment.
Il am stin Ruby Howard" She murmured
in reply.
THANK Godl" he said, reverently, "and
for this hour And now, viii you, can YOU
heart Of my heart, marry me, as l ana
blind manqn
Eyes, Jack, gladly, if you win have me.
| have longed for you ever since you left
me" she whispered.
"My treasurer he cried. 1T was cruel
Of me. We will never part again; we win
get married at once-within the week. he
went on in the eager, overmastering way
that she wen remembered ''Your people
win not object, fondly imagine, for / am
rich, you know, and all that; besides, am
only blind for season. My blindness is the
result Of an accident-happy accident-that
brought me home to consult a specialist He
tells me, if / be patient end very careful,
win see in six months and perhaps sooner.
Oh, if could only see nowl But / can wait,
and would not change places with any one
on earth. ALBANY Journal
A Large Sum Involved.
There have come forward claimants TO a
vast estate, covering fair slice Of Minnesota,
nearly half Of Wisconsin, with the city Of