The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-03-31

the brasses But the agent either di
not know or would not tell Dorca
heaved deep sigh. ''Den." says she
we've got to cfar ont"
The landlord sent Selma a potit
note in a day or two. He had concluc
ed. he wrote, to accept her offer of Ii
furniture and belongings as an equiva
lent for certain portion of the unpai
rent
"Now," said Dorcas, what is we t
do?'
Poor Mrs Spencer was all In fut
ter. The Newport scheme dehghtet
her, and she was very busy lookin,
over her wardrobe with reference T.
the coming visit. Selma had write,
to the aunt OF an old schoolmate O
hers. who kept boarding house in tn
fair seaside city. asking her loves
prices for comfortable room. Dorca
was to go with Mrs. Spencer as attend
ant and maid, and Selma had resolve.
to hire a room in New York and boart
herself as well as she could.
''But this has been a dear old home,
she murmured. Il wonder who viii
sleep,in my room I wonder who's.
hands will strike the yellow keys O.
mamma's old piano, and dust my flow
cred blue china, and arrange tho ole
fddle-backed chairs
The purple sunlight shone softly in
the scent of a stalk Of hyacinths in 9
glass on the mantel brought back rem
iniscences of the old southern flower
gardens. and all Of sudden q voice
which she had last heard in those very
gardens struck on her ear.
Selma. have l startled you?"
He extended a cordial hand.
Perhaps you fancied ! could not
trace you out?" said he. ''But I am
better at hide and seek than you
thought
She courtesied haughtiy His hand
some countenance fell. Evidently he
was deeply disappointed.
''Are you not glad to see me, Selina?'
he exclaimed. "Ah, Selma! I had
counted SO much ON this interview /
had planned to renew my suite ask
You once again TO be my wife,
She drew her slight figure up
'.You are presuming too much on nav
very evident poverty. Mr.. Berkeley"
said she. Il refused when 1 was Miss
Spencer, Of Spencer Vale. What sort
of woman should be if 1 were now to
accept you-sinply al = protection
against adversity?"
But. Selma
pray excuse mo from any further
discussion Of the question" said Sc
lima.
MAY I not hope to SEQ your motherq"
be persisted.
Il should prefer not"
do you know. Selma, he said, after
a brief silence. ''that this is a very bit
ter modification to me2'
''s it? Then what must 10 be 70 me?"
she retorted. almost fercely, looking
up at him
He stood second or two gazing sad
~ at her. Stung by his scrutiny che
swept from the room like an anCered
princess.
Half minute later she came hurry
ing back, full of sweet. strange misgiv-
ings. But he was gone.
Il have let another opportunity slip
byf' she murmured 'Oh. heavens!
where Is my life drifting tor"
At that moment Aunt Dorcas ushered
In the landlord fussy, bald-keaded
old gentleman, with fur collar to his
coat
Good evening, Miss Spencer said
be. II expected to meet the new party
here"
''The-I beg your pardon" said Sc
lima.
1.-THE gentleman who has purchased
this house and furniture" explained
Mr.. Beaslev, land settled it on yourself
and your mother. A friend of yours, I
Berkeley"
Standing sadly in the shadow Of the
-ustling poplar boughs outside, George
felt the magnetic influence of
presence. A soft voice stirred
he twilight air like the far-off music
If forgotten days
''Mr. Berkeley" it said-"GeorgeA
please will you forgive me2"
A. dead silence ensned.
Wont you, George?" with little |
ob in the voice. IL didn't mean to |
peak so harshly to you. / didn't |
NOW then what l know now of your
Ioble generosity"
Silence-only silence still.
If l accept it for dear mammals /
AXE, you surely win not misinterpret
ne Oh. George! how can you be so |
ruel? Why don't you answer mep !,
What are you waiting for me to sayp"
And still no word broke that haunt
ng suencel
George" in q low voice. "I've
hanged my mind. / will be your
7ife!'
He took her in his arms
Dear sweetheart he murmured. |
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