Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1890-01-17

prevar1catIng, out wine DeELer JUG
ment was blunted by the fact that the
speaker was romantically handsome, and
evidently also Economically in love with
her.
But the fact she did not know was
that he was tremendously ashamed OF
having lost the organ he presumptuousiy
termed heart to a mere sewing girl.
When he was her escort he tried as far
as possible to avoid meeting acquaint-
ances. He was immensely disguised with
himself for his lnfatuation. While en-
ioying her society and admiring her
beauty, he resented his own preference
for her.
eff she only did not work for her iv-
ing" Harold Kent used to say to himself,
81 might sacrifice the club, and my bays,
and few such luxuries, and marry her.
But if the truth should ever come out
good heavens, it would be terrible"
By which cogitation the measure of
oh. Ashleigh Kent" as he signed him
self, may perhaps be taken.
When she met him On this particular
evening, Willie looked up with smile.
He was so tall, SO handsome, had such a
distinguished air and such a beautiful
moustache and bearing it was hardly
strange he should win recognition, If not
affection. Or 50 at least that foolish lit
tie girl thought.
1--WE heard OF your good fortune, "
she said, brightly. "Let me congratu-
late you, Mr.. Kent.
They still addressed each other quite
formally. Though he had expressed his
affection for her, she hadn't given him to
understand she entertained any feeling
more than friendly for him.
He looked rather annoyed, she fan
cied.
.'What good for tune?" he questioned.
"Why, that you have been appointed
European buyer for the firm" she an
swe:ed.
eyes" the frown on his usually serene
forehead deepening. GIVE got tat
last. I suppose shall go abroad-com-
mencing the duties of the place-in
spring"
Willie was silent. Every moment she
expected he would say, "Now am in a
position to marry" Or, "Now you
must come with me, dear, as my wife. J"
But his conversation, while inferring
devotion, was wholly non-committal.
The next evening, when she emerged
from the employees exit, she discovered
that it was raining heavily, the dull,
chill, dreary rain of early October.
She drew back. Cora Brown-who,
to put it descriptively and alliteratively,
was freckled and friendly-rushed up to
Willie.
''Take my gossamer. Yes, you must.
I've only one block to walk when I get
off the cars you have four. You
must"
She thrust the little bag containing the
cloak into Willie's protesting hand and
ran off.
Feeling very grateful, the girl, return
ing to the vestibule, put on the rain
proof, and then made rush for her car.
AS iil-luck would have it, the first one
bound for her street was an open car
one of several continued in service on &C
count of certain city convention which
made multiplicity of vehicles necessary.
The short autumn twilight was falling
as the car jolted on. In the first seat
above the three reserved for smokers sat
Willie. She felt oddly cold, tired, dis
couraged. AS she sat there thinking
half-remorsefully over the act which had
made her one of those weary women,
homeward bound from ill-paid toll, she
became conscious of voices in the seat
directly behind her. One she recognized.
at is good place, Tom. 1t will pay
me five thousand a year"
"That's good!' answered the other,
heartily. "Glad of that, old boy! Sup
pose you'll be getting married soon,
now"
"Well-no."
"Why not?"
"You see, " in a much lower tone, ''it's
this way. I've kinder got in with Field
ing"
''With Fielding?" in establishment.
eyes. In personal sense. I've met
him, and he-you know what an cratic
old chap he is-he has taken a great
shine to me. He has actually had me
sent an invitation to his daughters mar
riage."
"What," questioned the other, "has
that to do with your getting married9"
''Oh, nothing much!" replied Harold
Ashleigh Kent.
Then, in a sudden burst of confidence:
''I'll tell you, Tom! You see, Field
ing has another daughter"
'sWell?"
"Well, when once I secure an entree
socially into their house I'll try and marry
her"
t.Graat Scott"