Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-05-27

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home, ate her bread like a dog! The
thought was maddening.
A lump rose in his throat, and
strange mistiness came before his
eyes. Why, what was the matter
with him. He stood up and shook
himself
Its the last. The first man who
offers Inc a drink I'll put a bullet
throughl I'll be man from this day
forth, and not be classed with tramps
any longer"
This resolve flushed his face, and
lent a peculiar brightness to his
handsome gray eyes.
Miss, said he, going over to where
the young girl sat, sending a message
with swift firm fingers, II am an ope-
rator and out of work. Ask your
chief if he will let me sub for you
while you rest bit
She finished sending the message,
and, after marking it with the receiv-
ing operators signature, put it in the
drawer. Then looked into the dark,
brilliant face-a face full Of irresisti-
ble beauty and power-and at the
commanding figure, standing fully
six feet two inches above her, and
straight as an arrow. Despite years
! of wandering and the visible traces
of dissipation, there still fingered
about him a military air and the evil
dence of better days. His heavy iron
grew mustache and bronzed features,
associated with his easy bearing and
raven locks, all pointed 10 creditable
past and aristocratic antecedents.
He began almost 10 wish he had
not told her he was an operator when
she asked him where he was going,
where he worked last, and other
questions. all the while looking him
directly in the face with her grave,
sweet eyes.
Surely our chief will let you work
if YOU are a competent operator.
She did not know he had worked IN
almost every State in the Union.
However, she sent a message to the
chief, asking if Mr.. Merlin could re
lieve her for few nights.
The answer came almost immedl-
ately for him to 90 to work that
night
"By the way" said he, what is
your name -
"Genevieve Burleigh."
He stood in the doorway, his eyes
following the train which carried her
to the city, until the green lights
were like mere stars; then he turned
and went into the Office.
All around were evidences OF
woman's care. The floor was spot
less in its whiteness and purity. The
clean. white curtains were drawn
back by crimson ribbons, and on the
window-sill were sprouting gersniums
and blooming roses that sent out a
delightful odor all over the office. On
the walls were hung pretty little
landscapes, and on the desk was
photograph OF a young man. ked
ribbon was drawn through the open
framework and inside the picture
was a lock OF iet-black hair. On the
desk Marlin found several small vol
umes Of poetry, each inscribed on
the fvleaf with ITO Genevieve, from
Maurice"
Wondering idly Who Maurice was
he selected volume Of Longfellow,
and proceeded to make himself com
Portable for the remainder OF the
night. 1t was three weeks before
Miss Burleigh returned to duty; then
Merlin was given a regular situation
at n station east OF her.
Every time be found that reck-
less desire TO roam was creeping over
him be called her up over the wire and
held a chat. She was always the
same. kind, good and modest, and he
looked forward with repressed long
ing to the time when he should see
her again.
When a year had passed that roam
ing disposition was conquered. lie
sno longer classed with the tramps;
he was a man-not only man, but
gentleman in every sense of the
word
He often asked himself what had
caused the change; the answer was
always the same-Genevieve Bur
leigh.
She had just come on duty one
evening and laid of her outer wraps,
when she heard her Office called
sharply on. the instrument. She
sprang to the key and responded in
her usual manner.
Good evening. Jenny" clicked
the sounder. You may look for me
early tomorrow noon"
Then she knew il was Arthur Mer-
lin. His private signal was M.
4 flush came in her pale, sweet
face, her eyes Frightened and her
breath came quickly.
Il am so glad, she answered.
What time can / look for you! :"
IN be out on number twelve"
Just then some one broke in, say
ing. with more politeness than is
generally shown interruPting con
versation on the wire: Excuse me-
| have a message TO send, and forth
with began calling.