Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-02-13

| Ralph who / really was. | had to recall
past episodes, show letters, and so on,
then took him into my confidence, and
made him promise to help. if necessary,
to arrange things with Madeline
Needless to say, he was surprised, but
he said he'd stand by me, though did
not quite like the doubtful expression
and anxious look on his face as he ac.
quiesced in my plans.
This was what decided to do. The fol.
lowing evening we went to Mr. Yorkes.
When Madeline came in, though was
standing near the door, she swept past
me and greeted Ralph very cordially,
and then turned e1pectantly: and he
realizing the situation. introduced me.
A look of puzzled surprise came into
her face, quickly followed by one of po
| lite interest and no recn. milton.
Ralph, seeing the utter blank and
crestfalen face which but few mo-
ments before was beaming forth the joy
l felt, at once began talking, and as if
answering a look of inquiry from her
eyes, said:
AN old friend who has just gotten in
from India. We were classmates, and
nope you will give him a warm place in
your affection-as warm as the corner |
nave"
DO you really want me to give him
as good nook as you have?"
She looked at him laughingly, coquet-
tishIy.
| was quite miserable by this time;
Ralph saw it, and answered loyalty:
Yes, really do"
had tried to take some sort of a part
in the conversation, and, failing utterly,
had pretended interest in 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. l had counted so on the impress
sion to be made by my long legs that a
possibility of failure had never occurred
to me. As l was bending over the plant,
seemingly in an ecstasy of admiration,
but striving to make my expression one
of conventional Indifference, heard her
say
An enthusiastic botanist."
Ralph, though a sympathetic friend,
was, felt rather than saw, trying to
control his risibles, and he answered:
"Yes"
was looking very grave as l walked
back to them, but she said sweetly:
81 think we shall be good friends, Mr..
Claymore, for l so often want to know
about my plants and flowers, and now
you can help me-"
] managed to say, II shall be glad to
assist you," though I knew no more
about botany than cat knows about
theology.
Ralph jumped up.
Il have to meet man at eight. Ihad
almost forgotten. Please excuse me for
Is minutes, Miss Madeline ;"
Bowling gallantly, he hurried out.
Madeline followed him with regret.
full look, though she had smiingIy as
sented when he made his excuses
was conscious of little jealousy when
she looked so sorry but still l felt hap
pier when he had gone.
DO you know, Mr.. Claymore, you re-
mind me so much of dear friend" |
started. "Your name, too-are You re-
lated to Paul. fancied she fingered on
the name" -"Claymore!"
YES"
"Do you know him ?" this eagerly.
YES; | wonder if he realizes the de-
lights of his position? Is it hard one
to attain to? Has any one else chance
of being dear friendT"
She gave me a searching look, and
then said kindly:
"Yes, you have, because you remind
me so much of him; but he is coming
back, and 1 shall be so glad to see him!"
And as if to explain this childish out
burst she added, "We are such old
friends"
l felt as if shut out from Paradise.
Miserable man that was! Had l made
big mistake? Would she ever believe
me if told her who was? longed TO
throw myself at her feet, to clasp her in
my arms, and plead for her love, but fear,
strong and resistless, restrained me. If
she turned from me, felt sure l should
go mad.
II have another fern more rare than
this one, Mr.. Claymore, that will bring.
l know you will think it lovely"
She left the room, evidently thinking
that nothing could charm me like ferns.
l watched her as she went, and she
seemed lost to me forever | knew
Ralph was not coming back, and though
felt should appear idiotic | seized my
hat and ran-yes, ran-from the house.
spent all that night and next day in
hopelessly wretched condition. My
mind was absorbed with one thought.
What could do to prove my identity to
Madeline, or failing that, was there a sur.
geon in the land who could take half a
foot from my legs?
Suddenly made up my mind Why
had not done this before? Icalled upon
Madeline in the evening, sending up my
own name. | would compel her to lis
ten and believe; she would joyfully for
give me when she knew that it was for
love of her that had-grown.
| l took book and sat down at tho
further end of the room. pretended to
be absorbed, that need not rise until she
was very near. Though she did not
speak word felt her presence, and rose
to greet her. All, what change! The
bright, sweet look of welcome gave place
to one of startled blankness, then an ex-
preston of profound wonder
"Ah! beg your pardon! | have made
a mistake; | did not notice the card
closely. thought it was Mr.. Paul Clay
more How are you, Mr.. CIaymore?"
burst out;
am Paul Claymore, your old friend :"
Her face and manner took on a scared