The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-02-18

girls would have to walk home he
resolved to follow them.
Gliding through the crowd he hurried
along the principal thoroughfare, and
coming to tho top OF the street went
along the road which led towards Marsh
Green, ThorreI, and Ihorrell Moor
Walking at a good pace he had soon
lett the town behind him the houses
became fewer and more scattered, and
evidences that the country was near
began to show themselves in the shape
OF hedgerows, trees, and open stretches
OF meadow and pasture land,
Paul was Just beginning to think that
he had missed Salome and her friend
had, he thought, probably passed them
in the crowded street in which the
Theatre Royal was situate-when he
discerned ahead OF him two female
figures, and, qulCkening his pace, he
was soon able to perceive that one OF
them was the girl he sought,
Having satisfied himself on that
point, he slackened his steps, and per-
mitted them to forge ahead, for they
were walking quickly, He did not care
to oveftake Salome while another per-
son was present, and Just keeping tile
pair OF pit brow lasses In view he
trudged in behind, knowing that they
would never suspect anyone was dog.
ging their steps owing to the number Of
pedestrians who were still atoot on the
high road, some OF whom were seeking
their homss in the village, while others
were making their way toward Earls'
ford.
The young mans walk was not by
any means dull and tedious perlgrina'
ton. His mind was kept as active as
his feet during the whole OF the rapid
Journey from the town to Marsh Green,
lie was continually wondering how Sa-
lone would receive him, when her
friend had departed and he and she
were face to face-was endeayoring to
think out all the excuses he had to
urge IN extenuation OF his little frauds,
and was even trying to prepare a short
neat and an imprisoned speech 10 de-
liver to her ears alone.
A couple Of hundred yards from the
centre OF the village he saw the girls
stop, heard them say goodnight" and
then he saw Salome walking on alone,
AS she was crossing the wide space OF
unpaved ground opposite the White
O row he overlook her, laying his hand
upon her shoulder and whispering her
name. She stopped suddenly and they
faced each other just beside the lamp,
which threw its light around and upon
them.
"YouW she cried in accents OF amaze.
eyes, Salome. l could not sleep with
out seeing you-withOut speaking to
YOU"
covering her composure quickly, and
speaking in harsh, constrained way.
II wanted to tell YOU how | came to
practice that little"
"IittleW she said, in quick, gasping
way. III you think it little, why come
here? It's over and done with, and
don't think you will mend the matter
by attempting to explain it away"
"But you won't refuse to hear me, Sd
loms?" 81 V.a
mo. You can speak. But l warn
you that am careless about your OK.
cuses-I don't want to hear them; and
have no intention OF being deceived by
you or any other man again. And MIR.
Meredith, think 1t is now-if you do
not mind Ishould prefer you to cease
using my Christian name"
Her tones were measured and Jelly
calm now, and they sent chill straight
to his heart. For moment or two n
sharp fear bit flercelY At his vitals as he
thought that the peerless girl before
him was slipping from his grasp. Her
quiet, cutting words startled him into
confused silence, and Just then the
Carsand carriage swept past.
lie noticed the vehicle and caught q
glimpse OF the ladies inside. He re.
allied that it was quite probable he and
salome had been seen and recognized
by Lady Carsland and Cordelia, but in
his present mood he was careless-reck-
less even OF what they might think or
sap about him and Salome.
"You have q right to speak to mo
In that way" lie said humbly, as the
carriage disappeared in the blackness of
the night. II am to blame, | know,
and am sincerely sorry. But for Gods
sake do not think that / had any evil
intent in my mind when gave you
that false name. / never imagined We
should meet again when, in spirit OF
mischief and fun, | told you that day
that my name was Wiltred Cunliile!
Surely you believe me"
"But was it only the spirit OF mischief
and fun which induced you to carry on
the deception for weaks afterwards"
abe asked, bitterly.
"You don't know-you cannot undor-
stand how easy it was for me to drift
into the position in which find N.Y.
self now. intended night after night
to tell you, but was afraid, because |
was fearful lest you would never look at
me again. / honestly intended TO tell
you the truth when i met you"
"Have you told mo the truth now%
"As true as am here | have"
"But not all the truth"
az don't follow you now"
"What OF Misc Cordelia Carslandp
Was it fair to her, honest to me, and
honorable in yourself to meet me when
you were engaged to her"
~ am not engaged to her." he burst
out; "who said l WASP"
II heard-but it is no business Of
mine, Mr.. Meredith"
at was lie, no matter who told
you'll" he reasseverated with new en-
phasis. II never cared for her, Salome,
as / care for you. God knows that
love you. didn't want to love you but
couldn't help it. 1 fought against IL
because you we're only pit grill will
be honest and open now at all events
and thought only Of what my world
would say. II you only knew how diff
fcult my position has been all along
aud is still you would not BIO so bitter!"
II am not bitter" sho answered with
little sob which his quick cars caught.