The Forrest City times., 1892-03-04

 .nd handed her telegram. She had to pay several shillings for the delivery, of the mes sage so far from the station. The boy gai- Ioned away. congratulating himself on nav ing been spared long ride. and Miss Rowan tore open the envelope left in her hands.
 Tho message was brief:-''Mr Carr is seri- o,si, ,lI Come at once. You will be met in London"
 Madeline did not scream or faint ohe gave one low moan of pain set her teeth, ana wi'ii the face of one in dream drove as quickly as she could to Callendar, straight to the rah- way station.
 Fortunately. or rather unfortunately, she had money with her, so she did not waste time in going to Mir Douglas In spite oi the crushing blow she had received the glfi hao all her wits about her. A train would stal' in ten minutes time. She took her ucket, then found an idler outside the station, ana paid him to take the pony and carriage pack fin the farm. with the message as repeated to Carriston.
 The iourney passed like long dream. The girl could think of nothing but her lover, dy- ing dvjng-perhaps dead before she could reach him. The miles flew by unnotlced; twilight crept on; the carriage grew dark; a. last-I,ondon at last Miss Rowan stepped ont nm the broad platform, not knowing what to do ar where to turn. Presently a tall we'll dressed man came up to her, and removing his hat, addressed her by name. promise as to iier being met had been kept
 She clasped her hands. Tell me-oh tell me, he is not dead" she cried.
 MT Carr is not dead He is i'll, very iii- dalirious and calling for yOu."
 Where is he? Oh take me to him."
 sue is miles and miles from here-at a friends house. I have been deputed to meet you and to accompany yon if you feel strong enough to continue the journey at once
 Come" said Madeline. Take me 10 him.
 Your luggage?' asked the gentleman.
 Fl have none. Conner
 You must take some refreshment
 Il need nothing. Come!'
 The gentleman glanced at his watch. .'There is just time" he said. He called cab told the driver to go at top speed. They reached Paddington just in time to catch the mail.
 During the drive across London Madeline asked many questions and learnt from her companion that Mir Carr had been staying for day or two at friends house in the West of England. That yesterday he had fallen from his horse and sustained such in- iuries that his life was despaired of. He had been continually calling for Madeline. They had found her address on letter and had teIegraphed as soon as possible-for which act Miss Rowan thanked her companion with tears ill 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 hlled every corner of her brain, but from her con ductor's manner received the impression that he was 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 a 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- treatments Hunger seemed to have left her: but she accepted cup of tea once or twice At last sorrow, fatigue, and weak ness produced by such a prolonged fast had their natural effect With the tears still on 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. We must get out here" he said. All the momentarily- forgotten anguish came back to her as she stood beside him on the almost unoceupied platform.
 Are we there at last?'' she asked
 "I am sorry to say we have still long drive; would you like to rest tirst%'
 ''No-no. Come on, if you please" Sht spoke with feverish eagerneSs.
 The man bowed. "A carriage waits" ht said.
 Outside the station was carriage of some sort, drawn by one horse, and driven by man muffied up to the eyes. 1t was stl night, but Madeline fancied dawn could no be far off. Her conductor opened the door O the carriage and waited for her to enter
 She paused. Ask him-that man mus know if"
 ''I am most remiss," said the gentleman He exchanged few words with the driver and coming back, told Madeline that Mir Carr was still alive, sensible, and expectin! her eagerly.
 ''Oh. please. please drive fast, said thu poor glfl. spflhglng lIlo tne cdffiage. HI gentleman seated himself beside her, and fo long time they drove on in silence. At las they stopped. The dawn was just glimmer ing. They alighted in front of house. Tn, door was open. Madeline entered swiftly Which way-which wayT' she asked. Sh, was too agitated to n tice any surroundings her one wish was to reach her lover
 Allow me" said the conductor, passing her. This way; please follow me" Il, went up short flight of stairs, then paused and opened a door quietly. He stood asid, for the girl to enter. The room was dml, lift, and contained bed with drawn curtains Madeline flew past her travelling companion and as she threw herself on her knees besid, the bed upon which she expected to see tn, helpless and shattered form of the man sh, loved, heard, or fancied she heard the doo l IneE-i hahind her