The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-08-13
CHAPTER XIV.

Neuy's start of unmitigated amazement
can be better imagined than described.
She turned-a world of terror in her wide
open, pretty blue eyes, and met Leah
Dawson. Gayly, aye, gaudily dressed,
but looking very hand some.
If Nelly's horror-of she scarcely knew
what-was lessened, her displeasure was
considerably, augmented to be addressed
in such tones of familiarity by the daugh-
of the schoolmaster. Caste seemed swept
away. Difference of position hitherto
| upheld had apparently melted. But
Nelly acknowledged to herself that if her
past was already known, Leah might
consider that she as IA virtuous girl had
every right to speak superciliOusly If at
| all
well, never! who would have ever
Thought of seeing you here"
Nelly might have responded by asking
the very same question Her surprise at
the recontre was equally great, out she
| said hurriedly-
How is my father l heard he was ill.
Not knowing aught of Leah Dawson S
escapade she waited with intent eagerness
for the reply.
And where's Mr. Langley Bruce"'
proceeded Leah, with sheer. Has he
left yOuw
mo; | have left him." answered Nelly,
'buS OH, please tell Inc if you have heard
how nay dear fnther isl"
"Oh, Dr. HenstOck !" exclaimed Leah,
heartlessly; hes dead and buried.
He
A Shrek of mingled woe and pain
ESCAPED Nelly in her anguish.
Not buried ~ she cried; ''Oh, no-no,
that's not true"
well, he's dead, at any rate " declared
Leah, really believing she spoke truly,
'Ah, your conduct has killed him SO
you own 10 having been off with Langley
Brucel Won't you just get it hot wncn
you reach SlaCkaby. If | were YOU ID 20
| anywhere in the whole world before you
OF that Bruce ventWcd there again !"
Leah had her own private and very
solid reason for desiring TO keep Nelly
| away from their mutual neigh borhood
OF course Nelly lacked the clue. But
she resented LEANS remarks Turning
indignantly, she exclaimed:
DO you suppose il my poor father is
dead that horses could drag me back into
place that is now hateful to me,
and
Or Henstock IS dead. sure enough"
And if YOU and others like you in
Slack baby continued Nelly, have at
tribuUed my absence to Langley Bruce's
rascatity, YOU have maiigned MIN greatly.
He Is an honorable man, and deserves to
be spoken of honorably."
Her indignation gave away to grief as
she spoke. She moved of, supposing the
interview ended.
"Oh, my" exclaimed Leah Dawson.
following her up-and the station by
then had pretty well cleared. $50 we
resent our names being tackled together
| but took you on your words. Did you
not tell me minute ago that you had
left Langley Bruce
Langley Bruce discovered me at Hen
don and wanted to take me home" OK
claimed Nelly. But good morning, Miss
Dawson. II am in great trouble"'
Leah Dawson. however, had learnt too
much or too little. BY nature she was
curiosity itself Had she not been she
might be pardoned for her persistency in
the present case. Certain information
was a matter OF life and death to her
Nelly dragged,h her steps slowly from
the station. Nearly broken hearted was
she. Trouble upon trouble had nearly
unhinged her mind, and to learn that she
was too late for even her fathers forgive
ness was anguish indeed Strange, perhaps
that she should so readily have believed
Leah's report, out when the mind has
grown depressed by repeatod woes, it read
lily believes the worst. Moreover Leah
Dawson's verdict confirmed Langley
.3ruce's words. That he had not revea led
the worst state of affairs Nelly laid down
] TO his goodness Of heart. Or it might be