Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-06-26

thoughts of sadness and JOY She knew every
inch Of the roadside feared no evil-she
would be home again long before nightfall-
the pony was quiet and sure-footed-s0 away
went Madeline In the strong primitive vehicle
on her lonely twelve miles drive through the
fair scenery.
She passed few people on the road. In
deed, she remembered meeting no one except
one or two pedestrian tourists, who like sensi-
BILE men were doing portion Of their days
task in the early morning. i have no doubt
but Miss Rowan seemed to them a passing
vision of loveiness.
But when she was mile or two from Cal
lendar she saw boy on pony. The boy,
who must have known her by sight, stopped,
and handed her a telegram. She had to pay
several shillings for the delivery Of the mes
sage, so far from the station. The boy gal
loped away, congratulating himself on hav-
ing been spared long ride, and Miss Rowan
tore open the envelope left in her hands.
The message was brief:-"Mr Carr is ser-
ously Ill. Come at once. You will be met in
London"
Madeline did not scream or faint. She gave
one low moan of pain, set her teeth, and with
the face of one in dream drove as quickly as
she could 10 Calendar straight to the rail-
way station.
Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, she
had money with her. so she did not waste
time in going TO Mr.. Douglas. In spite of the
crushing blow she had received the girl had
all her wits about her. A train would start
in ten minutes time She took her ticket,
then found an idler outside the station, and
paid him to take the pony and carriage back
To the farm, with the message as repeated to
Carriston.
The journey passed like long dream. The
girl could think of nothing but her lover, dy-
ing, dying-perhaps dead before she could
reach him. The miles flew by unnotced;
twilight crept on; the carriage grew dark; a:
Last,--London at last. Miss Rowan stepped
out on the broad platform, not knowing what
TO do or where to turn. Presently a tall we'll
dressed man came up TO her, and removing
his hat, addressed her by name. The promise
as to her being met had been kept.
She clasped her hands. TEL me-oh tell
me, he is not dead" she cried.
Mr.. Carr is not dead. He is i'll, very i'll
delirous and calling for you"
Where is he? oh take me TO himr'
''He is miles and miles from here-at
friends house ] have been deputed to meet
you and to accompany YOU if you feel strong
enough to continue the journey at once"
Come" said Madeline. Take me to
him."
Your luggage" asked the gentleman.
Il have none. Gomez
You must take some refreshment."
81 need nothing. Comet!
The gentleman glanced at his watch.
There is just time" he said He called
cab, told the driver to 60 at top speed. They
i,S In, tb..
mail.
During the drive across London Madeline
asked many questions, and learnt from her
companion that Mr.. Carr had been staying
for day or two at q friends house in the
West of England. That yesterday he had
fallen from his horse and sustained such in
juries that his life was despaired of. lie had
been continually calling for Madeline. They
had found her address on a letter, and had
telegraphed as soon as possible-for which act
Miss Rowan thanked her companion with
tears in her eyes.
Her conductor did not say much of his own
accord, but in replying TO her questions he
was politely sympathetic. She thought of
little outside the fearful picture which filled
every corner of her brain, but from her con-
ductor's manner received the impression that
he was q medical adviser who had seen the
sufferer, and assisted in the treatment OF the
case. She did not ask his name, nor did he
reveal it.
At Paddington he placed her in ladies'
carriage and left her.
He was a smoker he said She wondered
somewhat at this desertion. Then the train
sped down West. At the large stations the
gentleman came to her and offered her re-
freshments. Hunger seemed TO have left
her; but she accepted n cup of tea once or
twice. At last sorrow, fatigue, and weak
ness produced by such prolonged fast had
their natural effect. With the tears still OH
her lashes the girl fell asleep, and must have
slept for many miles; sleep unbroken by
stoppages at stations.
Her conductor at last aroused her. He
stood at the door of the carriage. I'VE must
get ont here" he said All the momentarily-
forgotten anguish came back to her as she
stood beside him on the almost unoccupied
platform.
Are we there at last"' she asked
II am sorry TO say we have still long
drive; would you like to rest iirst%'
Mono. Come %, if you please" She
spoke with feverish eagerncsS.
The man bowed. "A carriage waits he
said.
OUTSIDE tfle station was carriage OF some
sort, drawn by one horse, and driven by a
man muftied up TO the eyes. Ii was still
night, but Madeline fancied dawn could not
be tar off. Her conductor opened the door of
the carriage and waited for her to enter
She paused. Ask hinl-that man must
know if"
II am most rcmiss," said the gentleman.
He exchanged few words with the driver,
and coming back, told Madeline that Mr..
Carr was still alive, sensible, and expecting
her eagerly.
"Oh. please, please drive fast" said the
poor girl, springing into the carriage. The
gentleman seated himself beside her, and for
long time they drove on in silence. AT last
they stopped. The dawn was just glimmer-
ing. They alighted in front of house. The
door was open. Madeline entered swiftly.
(Which way-which way|' she asked. She
was too agitated Ia n tice any surroundings;
her one wish was Ia reach her lover
ALLOW me-" said the conductor, passing