Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-04-02

correspondence, and scarcely notices the
young mans words.
He declares that l have been away
from him long enough. and as evidently
have no intention of returning home Of
my own accord, he is coming after me-"
Mrs. Erstein glancing up, smiles little
absently, but makes no remark Madge
pouts in charming way. How horrid
of him." she says. What shall you do.
run away before he gets here?"
Lionel crosses over to her, and looks
down on the curly head with a smile.
IF you will run away with me" he says
softly.
The merry eyes droop for one brief in
stant, then she RECEIVERS herself
That would indeed be charming" she
says with careless laugh. But what
would your uncle say to nnd only Mrs.
Erstein to welcome him."
He would think the truth-,hat was be-
witched- Observation-Disclosures you please
to call it,"
And he would disown you Quite ro-
mantle indeed; equal to many of the
novels"
You are sarcastic, Madge, and it is not
becoming to you" he says calmly, but
Madge goes on without noticing him, still
in the half mocking tone
Who knows but that he might fall In
love with Mrs. Erstein. that would be
charming sequel"
An, Madge you little thought how true
your words might be.
Very. Bat, il we run away, we Will
take Mrs. Erstein with us. and that re-
minds me OF plan have for to-day" and
leaving Madge he goes to consult Mrs
Ersten.
Half an hour later the three canter out
Of the town. en- route tor some old ruins
ten miles away The day is delicious
one, and they are 10th to leave the beauti-
ful place, but the horses must be fed, and
they, too. are hungry, so they find their
way TO quaint village mile or two from
the ruins. where they have been assured
that excellent accommodation can be
found
Intense excitement seems to reign in the
place. There are horror stricken faces
everywhere, all hurrylng in one direction.
Lionel d"tains one. and asks the cause Of
the iumult.
"A terrible accident to the train-thrown
from the track just below here not ten
minutes ago, is the reply
Let Us 90 at once perhaps we may be
useful Marguerite Erstein says. You
arc not afraid, Madge?"
Il am all right" Madge answers, and so
they ride hastily on, guided by the cries
and shouts that I'LL the air
They leave their horses at an inn near
by, aud walk across to the scene of the
accident which is frightful indeed. and as
they draw near the work of rescuing the
wounded from the totally wrecked cars
begins.
Mrs E>tein, quite the only calm, Tn
excited woman there, goes at once toward
the only one yet taken out, who is lying
motionless upon the grass. She kneels be-
side the PROSTATE igure, and turns the
pallid face toward her. and then cry
rings through the sir, so terrible in It's
anguish that many turn to look.
Msdge, frightened Msdge, cllngs closely
to her companions arm.
What is III" she whispers.
1t is Mrs. Erstein. She must have
recognized friend. Let me 60 to her,
dear"
Marguerite, the calm passionless woman,
is now bestowing warm, loving caresses
on the still, white face.
"Oh. my love, my love-"
Lionel hears the passionate murmur as
he bends over her, and then he, too, turns
deadly pale beneath his bronzed skin.
My God it is my uncle. he cries
Marguerite looks up at him. her eyes
filed with uuutterable SORROW
Your uncle: how strange. He is the
one love of my life, but little thought of
seeing him thus, dead"
No. he is not dead" the young man
says with his hand upon the family beating
heart.
I'VE must move him at once. Can you
give him little of this brandy, while see
what is to be done?" He gave her his
flask and hurried away only pausing TO
put his arm around Madge's trembling
form and whisper:
1t is my uncle, dear, and an old friend
of hers. Will you be brave, and help her
for my sake. Madge?"
In the excitement Of the moment Madge
forgot the strangeness of it all, and she
looked up at him with the secret of her
own heart in her eyes.
Trust me, will do just as you wish"
she answered, and he bent his head and
kissed her.
Happy little Madge. Through all the
horrors of the day, the touch of her lovers
lips remained With her, nerving her to
deeds that would have seemed to her i'm
possible a few hours before.
With tender hands they moved Donald
Cameron to the inn, where gold proved
the key to obtain their wants. Lionel had
been fortunate enough to find a physician
to attend his uncle until he could get
surgeon from town, and when Donald
Cameron awoke to consciousness it was to
hear low voice saying:
Il am very sorry to tell you, Mr..
Cameron, that you uncle will never walk
again"
The words were to the sick man such a
bitter shock that he swooned again. When
he came to himself presently his nephew
was beside him.
Thank God, dear uncle, that you are
spared to u.s. he said with clasp of one
weak hand. And then swift step came
across the floor, and Lionel moved aside
to let sweet beautiful face bend above
the couch, and loving tones, that Donald
Cameron thought never to hear again on
earth, utter passionate words in his ears.
His own face grew radiant.
Marguerite, my darling" he whispered,
and Marguerite's arms were around him
and her lips on his.
''Do you know, my darling" he said
presently. THAT l am always to be help
less? l am no At companion for your
beauty and wealth."
Hush, Donald" she answered with
tender eyes, sYou must never think that