The morning call., 1894-11-19
A STRANGE STORY.

DIG WIS lull Oh BUSINESS, tillS IlCtl6 girl,
as. with half-closed eyes, she stood on the
cnrbstone opposite the postoffice. stamp
poised on her tongue. which she was about
to affix to the envelope she held in her
hand.
But as she deliberately nipped it between
finger anu thumb by one corner at the
same time tightly shutting both eyes-as
though such performance in some mystic
rious way facilitated the operation-a lady
came along accompanied by huge dog.
which audaciously waved its thick bushy
tail right athwart the little maids face,
causing her to jump backward into the
gutter with a suppressed scream.
Her alarm was Immediately increased to
terror at missing the stamp, which she
next observed floating away attached to
the majestic caudal appendage.
She 1eebly started in pursuit, but as she
neared the formidable animal the object of
her quest became ira nsfeIred TO the lady's
jacket. and before she could reach her side
il had dropp ed on the pavement, whence it
was instantl carried away on the sole of
the boot of passer-by.
After long, hopeless stare the little one
slowly turned round. nervously fumbling
tbs envelope, and, retraclng her steps till
5Ho tcEdIucu lDc SOiuti Va O elQO oLiCeU,
she sat down on a doorstep and INDUCED
In good cry.
Her wailings speedily attracted small
group nf people about her, to whom, after
some persuasion, she sobbed out her mis-
fortune. which was fatty discredited by
the majority, and those who apparently
believed her only manifested their sympa-
thy in empty words.
After some tire, however. a philan-
thropic old gentleman raised, who, on
learning the source Of the child's grief,
promptly bestowed a coupls of pennies
upon her, with which she few to the post
office. purchased another stamp, and.
keeping sharp lookout against the IT.
tTusion of any more flibus ering tails.
securely fixed IL to the envelope, which
she carefully covered with both hands
until she dropped it into the box.
1t was now safe and she visibly bright
ened, alas! happily unconscious that she
had lost post and thersby becoming the
in voluntary agent Of woe and desolation
TO two fond hearts.
"You are sure there is nothing for me ?"
said young Cyril Stanley for the third
line as with pale face and agitated frame
he breatblessly INTERCEPTED the rural
letter-carrier the next morning.
"Quite certain, sir. You can look them
over if you like" returned hAr majesty's
servant genially,. extending his tumble.
"No, thanks" he rejniIed brusquely.
and turning on his heel, with clencbed
hands and wild look in his eyes, he
stsrtpd off a fast pace through the fields.
crossing stiles, laundering into bitches,
and stepping right through the roaring
waters OF shallow brook in the most
aimless and hnphazard sort Of way.
And this Is my rewardl" he muttered
brokeDly. 'She does not love me after all.
No; penniiess sutton is seldom accept
able-ha, hal" and he laughed bitterly,
recklessly.
An hour later he sneaked through the
side door of a stately mansion standing in
its own grounds, and. after changing his
saturated boots and muddy clothes, pro-
ceeded to the library to be In attendance
on a red-faced, choleric-looking old gen.
tleman. who was busily writing letters.
ION. here you are at last, scapegrace!'
CIRCULATED the latter in furious tone as
the young gentleman entered. "Whers
have you been? Always away when [
want you. Now, then"
The young fellow meekly seated himself
at the table without an swering, and began
writing from the others dictation.
Have you made up your min ?"
fiercely interposed the old gentleman in
the midst Of an important letter.
Yes, uncle"
Late in the afternoon the family car.
rage conveyed both gentlemen into the
town, where a prodigious quantity OF lug
gage had preceded them.
Stopping in the main street the elder of
the two alighted. and motioniug his CON-
panion TO remain, darted up a narrow
court. He was not long away, and. as he,
reseated himself, he gruffiy asked:
"Do you know what I've been d oing?"
''No, uncle" answered the youn man in
q subdued tone.
Deposited my will with my solic tor. l
have made you my heir. But If you had
4 h.yor ta ma and in d hah
have cut you off with shilling, by -"
And he grew purple IN the face from sup
pressed rage.
They soon reached the railway station.
where they took frst-class tickets for Lon.
don and left by the evening express few
minutes later.
"Ah. dear fellow to sacrifice so much
for me-" murmured Miss Birch the same
evening. and she braided her silky hair in
front of the oval mirror on her drcssln e.
table. her eyes riveted on an open letter
lying before her, and her face flushed
with emotions as she read:
81 would then be virtually penniless
and have to depend upon my own exer-
lions. But il you will become my own
darling wife on those terms will tn Ike the
step. Ii you consent it Is of vital import
anee hat letter to that effect (also ar
ranging meeting between us) should
reach me Tomorrow morning"
After executing dainty toilet she stole
from the house ana hastened toward the
Cross lanes, fsvurite resort of the lovers
Lifting he veil she consulted her watch
by the clear light of the moon. when
rustling in the hedge startled her, and be-
fore she could cover her face aIwart
figure clad In veIveteen and carrying gun
on one shoulder approached and recog-
niZed her.
On, now you frightened me!'' she re-
snondad "Ara you beginning YOUR