Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1890-05-31

mo, i suppose not, uutnIteou "'
Dranc, rather obviously. Even In his
wretchcd situation no felt an cxtraor-
binary interest In this young widow,
and he wondered again vaguely now IL
came that sho was away from her en-
ploymont ut daybreak. She was tapping
the ground with her foot thoughtfully,
evidently hesitating about continuing
her explanation. Mr.. Drane was nat
urally curious. Circumstances had
brought them strangely together. What
could DO better than to exchange con-
fidences? He began:
"You havo been so good, madam, rs
to admit tho possibility OF my having
seen better days. That Is decidedly tho
case, and mean to see better ones yet
II luck is not wholly against me-"
Then he stopped abruptly, for the
consciousness OF his situation over
whelmed him, and he felt the absurdity
of conflding in q nero servant. Inc
young woman did not notice his manner.
ut is you who have boon good" she
said, land you ought to know more fully
how you have befriended me. My story
is strange one; people do not credit 1t,
but trust you will believe me. Let us
sit down, for am fatigued with anxiety
and slceplessness."
Still this samo irritating condescen-
sion from q lady's maid! Mr.. Drane
thought ruefully of his bodraggled ap-
pearance and admitted that appearances
justified it. What becomes Of tho fine
"A mans man for a that"
when every body estimates him by his
apparel? How can the ragamuftin main
tain his own pride when he knows that
tho rest OF tho world is against him? 1t
is folly to kick against appearances, and
what is folly is useless, and what Is USE
less should not DO held; ergo, u man who
appears to be q vagabond and disreputa-
bio is vagabond and disreputablc, and
so much the worse il he stubbornly en-
deavor to maintain the contrary. Such
was the bitter train OF reasoning in
dulged By Mr.. Drane rs he and the fair
young widow went to tho bench from
which she had been driven, for she was
fair, Notwithstanding sundry evidences
of slecplcss night, and interesting in
spite Of her big cuffs and lace frill.
ITO begin, as q woman must, at
neither end of tho story" she began
when they were seated, ''you must know
that possess immense wealth"
Mr.. Dranc rose quickly.
Il beg your pardon for the Interrupt
ton" he said, but do you happen to
have any OF that with your
ALIAS! no, she replied, disnally, land
that is not the worst OF it."
'It's as bad as it can be for the mo-
ment," Mr.. Drane insisted, as he re-
sumed his scat. "You see, l would have
been very glad to give you my note for
Eve hundred if you had it convenient"
The young woman looked at him
soarchingly.
II should be wicked IL did not de-
sire to help you, poor man, shc said,
gravely, land trust che time may como
speedily when I shall be able to do so"
Mr.. Drane was stung, but not crushed.
"You must understand" he exclaimed,
sthat should repay it. I've got plenty
Of money, that is, there's plenty be-
longing to me, and can get 1t II can
only prove my identity"
The young woman's eyes wore dilatcd
with wonder and doubt.
"Strange!' she said. slowly, "for that
is exactly my own case. You shall tell
me your story presently. Listen to
mine. / became an orphan at an early
age, and until little more than year
ago lived with my guardian. warm
friend of my fathers, in Buffalo. AT
the time Of which am about to speak
with some particularly had just at
tanned my majority, so that controlled
what little property had boon be-
oueathed to me. l still lived with my
guardian, however, and had not thought
seriously OF tho fact that / was at last
absolutely responsible being in the
world. There had been some suitors
for nv hand, but to none had l shown
tho least favor. That they were all sim
cere have no doubt, for my fortune
was too slight to be a temptation.
Among them was singular young man
of really immense riches. He was gen.
orally credited with being the posscssor
of thirteen millions"
'Deuced unlucky figure" interposed
Mr.. Drane.
"You shall see," said the fair mar
rator. 81 could not bring myself to feel
towards this young man as / believe q
woman should towards husband, al
though had no reason to entertain any
thing but respect for his character. My
guardian pleaded with me to make a
match so palpably desirable, but could
not consent. 1t was. while this matter
was pending that some Of my associates
arranged to give an amateur theatrical
performance for the benefit Of charita-
BILE institution. As fortune, or perhaps
| .L.o,,,d daai0n would hayo it, this