The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-01-01


vince Ralph whom L really was. had
to recall past episodes, show letters
and SO on, then / took him into my
confidence and made him promise to
help. II necessary to arrange things
with madeline.
Needless to say he was surprised,
but he said he'd stand by me, though
l did not quite like the doubtful ex-
preston and anxious look on his face
as he acquiesced in my plans.
This was what | decided to do. The
following evening we went to Mr..
Yorke's. When Madeline came in,
though l was standing near the door,
she swept pastme and greeted Ralph
very cordially, and then turned ex-
pectantly, and he, realizing the situa-
tion, introduced me.
A look OF puzzled surprise cameint
her face, quickly followed by one OF
polite interest and no recognition.
Ralph, seeing the utter blank and
crestfallen face which but few mo-
ments before was beaming forth the
Joy | felt, at once began talking, and
as il answering look OF inquiry from
her eyes. said:
"An old friend OF mine who has just
got in from-India. We we're class
mates, and | hope you will give him q
warm place in your affections--as
warm as the corner | have"
"Do you really want me to give
him as good q nook as you have?"
She looked at him laughingly,
coquettishly.
l was quite miserable by this time;
Ralph saw it and answered loyal
ly;
eyes, I really do"
/ had tried to take some sort OF O
part IN the conversation, and failing
utterly had pretended interest in q
luxuriant fern at the other end OF the
room, and was there trying to adapt
myself to the present order Of things;
but it was hard work, / had counted
so on the impression to be made on
my long legs that a possibility OF fail
ure had never occurred to me. AS l
was bending over the plant, seemingly
in an ectasy OF admiration, but striv-
ing to make my impression one Of
conventional indifference, / heard her
say:
"An enthusiastic botanist."
Ralph, though q sympathetic friend,
was, | felt rather than saw, trying to
control his risibles, and answered.;
"Yes."
~ think we shall be good friends,
Mr.. Ciaymore, for | so often want to
know about my plants and flowers,
and now you can help me.
81 managed to say, ~ shall be glad
to assist you" though / knewno more
about botany than O cat knows about
theology.
Ralph jumped up.
81 have to meet a man ut s. | had
almost forgotten. Please excuse me
for fifteen minutes, Miss Madeline"
Bowling CALAMITY, he hurried out.
Madeline followed him with q regret
full look; though she had smilingly as
sented when he made his excuses. |
was conscious OF little jealousy
when she looked so sorry, but still i
felt happier when he had gone.
"Do you know, Mr.. Claymore, you
remind me so much OF a dear friend"
| started. "Your name, too-are you
related to Paul. fancied she lin
gered on the name-"Claymore?"
Eyes"
"Do you know himY" this eagerly.
eyes; l wonder if he realizes the
delights OF his positionY Is it q hard
one to attain? Has any one else q
chance OF being dear friend?"
She gave me searching look, and
then said kindly:
eyes, you have, because you remind
me so much of him; but he is coming
back, and | shall be so glad to see
himI" And as il to explain this
childish outburst, she added: "We
are such old friends"
felt as if shut out from paradise
Miserable man that wasI Had ]
made great mistake? Would SHE
ever believe me ii | told her who wasi
| longed to throw myself at her feet
to clasp her in my arms and plead fol
her love, but fear, strong and resist
less, restrained me. II she turned
from me | felt sure | should go mad.
~ have another fern morerare thar
this one, Mr. Claymore, that viii
bring. know you will think it love
ly."
She left the room, evidently think
ing that nothing could charm me lik,
ferns. ] watched her as she went, anC
she seemed lost to me forever, knew
Ralph was not coming back, an(
though l felt l should appear idiotic
seized my hat and ran-.yes, ran
from the house.
Ispent all that night and next daJ
in hopelessly wretched condition
My mind was absorbed with on,
thought. What could do to prov,
my identity to Madeline, or failing
that, was there a surgeon in the lane
who could take half q foot from nj!
legsP
Suddenly made up my mind; VIII!
had / not done this beioreY | calleC
upon Madeline in the evening, sendin
up my own name. | would compe
her to listen and believe, she would
| joyfully forgive me when sheknew tina
it was for love OF her that had
grown.
| took a book and sat down at tn
further end of the room. pretended
to be absorbed, that | need not ris
until she was very near. Though sh