The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1890-10-31
REPENTED IN TIME.

hEB Elm LEU LIN 1lME.
As the sun was slowing sinking be-
yond the western hills. Fred Floyd
paused for few moments at the gate
of house half concealed amid ivy and
twining roses. A fairy-like form
hastened down the gravel walk to meet
him.
Fred Floyd was the post-office clerk
of Boonesburg, and the only support Of
a widowed mother. Next to his aged
parent he loved Ethel Wayson better
than anyone on earth. His love was
pure, and the beautiful girl leaning
upon the gate gazcd into his manly
face, as Fred stood for a few seconds
to converse with her.
Il can't stop but a few moments"
he said. Mother is i'll. you know, and
l try to spend as much time with her
as possibly can; but the duties of the
office keep me in town most of the
day."
mabel Sanders is going to have a
birthday party, Fred, and you and l
are invited" said Ethel.
Very we'll; if mother is better. 1
will be only too glad to CO." replied
Fred.
At that instant Mabel Sanders rode
by upon her favorite horse, and smiled
at the young folks at the gate. who
watched the fair equestrienne as she
urged her steed forward.
Suddenly the shrill scream of the up
train sounded close at hand, as the ex-
press glided up to the station. Mabel's
horse suddenly reared in alarm, and
dashed away at full speed. The fair
rider. unable to check him in his mad
career. merely clung to the pommel,
expecting each moment to be thrown
headlong from the flying animal.
Suddenly 4 passenger from the train
ran toward the coming horse, and
dropping his small valise, bounded out
jato the road. and sprang forward in
time to seize the rains and throw the
animal back upon his launches, and
at the same time receive the senseless
form Of the beautiful rider in his out
stretched arms.
Friends soon gathered near, and
Mabel after recovering her senses, ac-
eepted a seat in a carriage and re-
turned home. while the stranger leisure
iy proceeded to the hotel.
This incident was soon the town talk,
and the stranger accepted the invita-
tion to call and receive the thanks of
Miss Sanders. This secured him a
passport into the society of Boonesburg.
and he WAS the lion of the hour. He
gave the name of Harry Tracy. and it
was soon rilnlnred that he WAS rich and,
his visit to the town was merely to
pass few weeks vacation during the
warm weather. He soon became
regular visitor at the home of the
Sanders.
The evening of the birthday party
finally arrived, and of course Fred and
Ethel were among the guests. Harry
Tracy obtained an introduction to
Ethel, who looked unusually charm
ing, aEd he paid a great deal of atten-
tion to her, and secured an invitation
to call upon her.
While returning home that evening,
Fred learned from her conversation
that Ethel seemed much impressed
with the handsome stranger. Poor
Fred, he began to hate the newcomer.
He was but poor clerk, ill-paid, and
with a widowed mother looking to him
for support. while this new arrival was
reported rich. He could see that Ethel
was dazzled by the e<witty remarks and
glib tongue of Tracy, and a great load
settled upon the young clerks mind as
he commHned with himself.
Next evening. rs he called to see
Ethel. her mother came forward smil-
ing to greet him, and informed him
that Ethel had gone riding with Mr..
Tracy.
Fred clutched at the gate-post for
support. He felt his heart sinking.
and great lump arose in his throat.
Slowly, and as if in dream, he
walked to the Office. The hours
seemed to drag by wearily until
the mail was distributed, and the office
closed for the night. He carefully
avoided passing by the dwelling of the
Waysons. but reached home by an
other road Disturbed by his bitter
thoughts. he scarcely ate the supper
placed before him. This. then. was
the extent of her love-this her con-
stancy.
Another day of torture came and
passed, Fred returned from the Office.
and, ere he knew it, he was close to
the Wayson dwelling.
A musical voice sounded in his ears,
and Ethel called to him.
Why, Fred. what ails you? Where
have you been?'
FRED mumDiea some excuse, as Ne
leaned against the gate and gazed in.
to her face Was it possible she could
be so tickle?
Fred, l have news for you. You
know Mr.. Tracy. Well, what do you
think?-he has asked me to marry him,
and have partly consented. provid.
ing mamma's willing. you know. He's
such nice gentleman-rich too
Fred waited to hear no more, and
turned to go. He felt sick at heart,
and his head swami 49,