Nevada County picayune., 1890-03-26

suppose it's all right" He held it to the light of the lantern, and said: Lead the way, John,'
 Meanwhile, l stopped over the young woman.
 Il he'd for your sake" I whis- pered; II did not think you wanted to go to the station house.
 She made no answer, but suffered ne to lead her down stairs. When in the street and out of hearing, l said: "Do you remember me -
 You were on the platform at the hall, she said
 Yes" said; "when I fell into the curious condition in which saw the purse, the handkerchief and the letter, l also saw q bottle labeled Poison, and the contents of the let ter. In it you spoke of your inten- tion to commit suicide, and your faith in God. God has chosen to an- swer by sending you friend. Look upon me as one; believe me, that though there are williams in this world, an honorable man always stands ready to defend lady in dis tress. l took her hand in mine. A strange thrill ran through me. Miss Gray,"I said, command me. :"
 "How do you know my name ?' she asked.
 Il read it in your letter." l an swcred; you are from the country :; you were robbed; some one insuted you. Poor soul! you are safe now. :"
 "Oh, you are so good," she said, bursting into tears; ''so very good to me ,'
 At that instant, l, who had eaten a good dinner at six o'clock, began to feel the most torturing sense of hunger. understood it at once. It was not l who was starving. it was Miss Gray; and l now quite under stood why she was so pale.
 We must eat before we do any thing else" 1 said, and shortly we were at the table of restaurant.
 saw the color return to the sweet girls face, and that she was herself again. Suddenly she turned to me.
 Il want to tell you my story" she said, l don't want you to think me an adventures. l am the daughter of Owen Gray, clergyman, who died five years ago in Michigan. My mother had already passed away, and l went to live with my married sister. Six months ago she died also l never liked her husband, but l stayed with the children until"
 She paused.
 He offered himself to you, "I said.
 Yes" she said, linen l went to teaching school. He persccuted me, and fed l had some money with mr-'
 (Which wa- stolcn," added.
 "With a.i my credentials" i" she went on; Il could get no work. l knew l must starve or beg. 1 pre- ferred to die. There, you have it. Except that was at the lecture by accident. l only entered to get a seat, for l was very weary.
 Miss Gray" l said, twill you give me that bottle and the note?"
 She handed them to me quietly.
 II will leave you here," said "There is decent hotel attached to this restaurant. Will you remain here until see you again: l shall then be prepared to place you in a good position. ''
 "God certainly sent you to me, /" she said. II promise.
 left her in the landlady's care, and went post-haste to the Comet office.
 In the early morning hours sought my bed, and there the thoughts that had been floating through my brain condensed into a resolution that would marry Esther Gray.
 And so l went to the hotel the next day with rose in my buttonhole, and found her fairer than ever, sweeter and more lovely.
 wasted neither time nor words in offering her my hand and heart.
 She was startled but the idea did not shock her. took her hand and held it, and in the strange old fash ion, read that the influence that drew us together had the power over her heart that it had over mine.
 S.Npn musf Iyrita to ppoplp I will