The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1890-12-25


noon. The day had been damp and
doieful and now at half past the fog
was trying to cnvclop everything with
its usual obstinate density.
Amid the stream of hurrying, lost
ling humanity which swept down the
Strand was man whose face might
have attracted attention if there had
been any one in that motley crowd not
wholly cngrossed in selfish interests.
1t was Il fine dark face, beautiful in
its way. but marked by lines and
shadOWs-thc face of n man who was
fighting against the world and who
was losing the battle. and vet a man
whose nature had been embittered by
sordid struggles. 4 man who had suf-
fcrcd and grown strong. Such man
was Paul Ferris only he would have
been very much surprised TO have
heard it said.
He plodded along, his threadbare
coat buttoned up to his chin, head
bent, eyes fixed on the ground. think
ing of nothing more or less heroic than
the approaching dinner hour, | sup
pose though even Il hero may be par
doned for being hungry if he has got
through the day without any luncheon.
That was the case with Paul Ferris, at
all events. and consequently lie was
making the best of his way home
ward, devoutly hoping that his sister
had ordered something substantial for
their evening meal. Presently he
turned off to the right and passed into
one of those short and comparatively
deserted streets which run from the
Strand to the Embankment. Here he
entered one of the row of lodging
houses and was soon in lis dingv sit
ting room. with It's dismal-hued carpet
and upholstery. As he came in pale
faced girl in a black gown rose from
the couch where she had been lying
and advanced to meet him.
You have come ut last, Paul
Yes, little one, and glad to see you
up and looking so jolly
The rehearsal was late, was it not?"
Late? | should say it was Couldn't
even get out to get some lunchn
Poor boyi that WAS lragical. /
possess your soul in patience until
then. In the meantime have a bit
of news for YOU"
Ferris threw off his coat and con-
frontcd her. Not bad news. child?'
No. On the contrary"
"Good news? Ain! that's something
novel aud refreshing. Lets have it,
my good girl; pray do not keep me in
suspense"
He seated himself By the lireside
and took off his gloves, looking across
1T his sister with Il somewhat cynical
smile.
TO begin with. who do you think
called here this aftGruoon?'
"Creditor?'
No
"Doctor?"
No"
MY SOLICITOR"
Wrong again; it was Margaret
Stanhope."
Ferris started and shaded his face
with his hand.
Well he asked, after pause.
''what did she want of you?1
She was very kind, Paul; inquired
after you. and asked Us both to an i'll
formal dinner on Thursday evening"
And YOU acccptcd?'
'Of course; thought it would be 4
treat. Surely You Go not obiect?n
Il can not object. Stella, if it would
give You pleasure. Yes. We will 90
if fate 50 wills it,
1T WAS very kind in her. Paul. to
look Us up. Don't you think so? She
has only been in London 4 week"
Yes Miss Stanhope has always
been Kind notwithstanding. Do
You not see, my child. that she would
make proteges of Us? 1t is the fashion
nowadays to patronize beggarly mu-
sicianS.'
Paul" Indignantly, 1T is not like
YOU to be such Il hear. What makes
YOU speak 50? You know it is not
true. How could she patronize us?
Why, we knew her when she wore
short dresses and played with doll
babies. There is no one in the world
50 good and beautiful us Margaret
Stanhope, aud you know it. And
Paul.
..Wel?"
Il have sometimes fancied-"
a prolonged pause.
Well, out with it. What have you
fancied?1
That she cares for you more than
otherwise than as a mere friend, |
mean. There is an expression in her
eyes when she speaks of you-"
Good heavens! Stella. You are raw
ing" interrupted Paul. springing up
and regarding her fiercely. Il forbid
YOU TO harbor such thoughts for mo-
ment Miss Stanhope is rs far re-
moved from me as ii she were of royal
blood I'VItlnptlr Ypr, do raali
the difference existing between an
helrcss and penniless concert singer
u
But. Paul" interrupted Stella in
her turn, You must not forget YOU
are a gentleman born. and our fami-
lies were friends in the wears gone bv."