The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1894-08-10

| "WEat pity that mark is, though
young Robbins. .'She's a darlin
little thing. And suppose that Rush
ton is very rich man. A young ma
might do worse than be his son-in
law" Then, as the car whirled hin
away, he said to himself, "What o pit,
that mark is. ;"
Nevertheless he went down to Mil
Hollow very often after that, and b
was with Fanny great deal OF tn
time. Fanny's mother felt that though
this sutton was not rich, he was elig
ible; and she knew that that red mari
was a disadvantage to her Fanny
Fanny's papa was an honest, kindly
old man, who loved his daughter
dearly.
Alone together the old people spoke
of the probabilities.
"He certainly means something, .
said mamma.
"And they could always live with
us" said papa; eve need never part
from our only one. 2"
Our eyes grow used to everything
after while. Luke Robbins forgot
that there was any mark on Fanny's
face, unless something particularly
called his attention to it. At Mill
Hollow every one knew Miss Rushton,
and no one stared at the sweet blem-
ished face.
He loved her very much at times,
though there were long hours in which
he never remembered her existence. I
suppose none of lis ever quite believe
that the men we are fondest of work
us into their bargaining and ledger
keeping, as we work them into our
sewing and preserving. If he only
thinks of you after dark, you are
happy woman. If he takes your mem
DRY out with his dress coat and even
ing tie, consider yourself blessed.
Twice week, at least, Luke thought
enough of Fanny to buy her bouquet
or some music, and to spend two hours
on dusty railroad for the sake of
seeing her.
He felt her love for him in her very
finger tips; he saw it in her eyes; he
heard it in her voice. He was man
who is happy in being beloved. And
it was not old Mr.. Rushton's money
that made him decide to offer himself
to her despite the red mark.
Yes, the next time he went to Mill
Hollow he would ask Fanny to have
him for better or for worse. And he
knew that she would say "Yes' very
we'll.
There are evil moments in every
ones life--moments that change cne's
destiny for the worst. If only it had
rained one morning; if only Fanny
had fallen i'll; if only she had not un-
lertaken that trip to the city just
when she did, this would be different
story.
She used to be shy of going into the
streets alone, and even when
with her mother wore thick veil, and
'elt uncomfortable when anyone
ooked at her. But now she cared
nothing for strangers eyes. Somehow
ler blemished face had found favor in
lis. Had he not told her how sweet
ler eyes were? Had he not kissed her
hand? Was she not sure he loved her
her most perfect of all living men?
Let them stare. The prettiest girl
living was not SO happy.
She went smiling down to the city.
She made her little purchases with
light heart. And then, Willing away
IN hour of waiting over a strawberry
'hort-cake in pretty restaurant, she
Jaw Luke Robbins-yes, really Luke
coming to meet her.
Clocks as if some one had slapped
Ter in the face, said giggling girls
,oice.
And he turned his head as he sat at
! table and saw her, and went to her
It once.
"Oh, I'm so glad to meet YOU" said
Fanny. 81 suppose ought to start at
,nce."
"And I'll go with you," said Luke
Robbins.
He saw people stare at her as they
passed down the room. Part of the |
taring was at the mark, part of it at
he pretty face and figure. He laid it
ii to the mark, as she had all her life. |
t made him uncomfortable. But that
lis thoughts of her were what they
we're, it could not have affected him;
nut his future wife, as he already
bought her in his heart, that was
lifferent. He grew very grave. 1t was
terrible blemish. In those moon
light lovers walks in the country he
ad forgotten all about it, but in
right Broadway how it forced itself
pom himl Every one stared 80.
In the car which they soon stepped
nto, little child opened its round
yes, and with a child's innocent i'm