The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1891-07-15

p'@in That L was dispatched yester.
! Day on business of the most momen
tuous Importance to our firm, and
despite my utmost endeavors, could
not get back to the city until it was
toe late to hope to see you. Still
conid not resist turning ont of my
wny for sight even Of the house
which enshrined your precious form
and needless of the bitter cold, ling.
cred In the deserted street until the
city clock struck one, when | was
reEarded by glimpse of your pass
ing shadow on the window curtain.
But TO- night, darling, / hope to see
noS alone your tantalizing shadow,
but your real sweet self; until which
fondiy anticipated moment believe
me to be as ever, your devoted.
+. r."
Having sealed and directed this
touching and eloquent missive, Mr..
Ross Summoned servant, to whom
he e ssasted it with instructions to
deliver it early next morning at the
house of Mrs. Harrington, the aunt
to whom Miss Agnes Pryor was on
a visit.
Then explaining that he should
probably not be home till next day
to dinner, he FASTENED away and
was seen en- route to the scene of his
anticipated evenings enjoyment.
Next day it was observed in the
office wherein Fred was, as he fiat
tered himself, distinguished lumi-
nary, that that gentleman, though a
little feverish, was in uncommonIy
good spirits.
He invited fellow-clerk to be his
"best man" at his approaching mar
riage, and on his way home in the
evening, stopped at fashionable
tailors and inspected the latest style
of wedding suits.
On reaching home he went direct
to his room, where he found on his
table note and tiny package, left
the servant said, during the morn
ing.
"From Agnes" he thought, as he
adjusted his eye-glass and inspected
the address. "Poor little thing, my
note touched her tender heart and
she could not wait until seeing me
this evening. That was good idea
about watching her window at mid
night, out in the cold"
And he smiled cheerfully to him
self as he broke the seal.
The note was as follows:
"MR. Ross: The shadow on the
curtain of which you speak could
hardly have been mine. When,
about twelve o'clock last night, the
fire broke out next door to us and
threatened our house, we all went
to hotel, where we still remain
1t was probably the shadow of a po-
liceman or fireman that you saw
Tomorrow l expect to leave for my
dear home in the country; and as 1
shall not be able to return your note
and ring in person, send them here.
with enclosed. A. p"
The paper dropped from Fred's
nerveless fingers, aud he himself
sank Imply into chair. From q
flush of scarlet red, his face assum-
cd a waxen pallor.
Mrs. Hartley tapped at the door,
and on his feeble "Come in" enter
ed.
"oh, Fred, have you heard about
the fire last night next door to the
Harrington's. They were frighten-
ed nearly to death; but fortunately
no harm was done, except-why,
Fred, what in the world is the mat
ter? Are you sick?
"There-readl" he murmured,
pointing to the two notes.
His sister obeyed, and then open
ing little velvet casket, contained
in the parcel, exposed the glitter OF
her brothers diamond engagement
ring, which she herself had helped
to select. Immediately she burst
into tears.
"can-can't something be done,
Laura?" he asked family.
Nothing. The case is hopeless.
Oh, Fred, what a fortune you have
lostl''
Two months thereafter came an
invitation to the marriage of Miss
Agnes Pryor and DIR. Charles Ham
mond. Both Mrs. Hartley and Mr..
Ross sent regrets.
The old cries of narrow, ignorant
and prejudiced people have lost