Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-19

snow, In vain attempt 10 make ou'
single feature.
Her long hair bad become unfast'
ened, and streamed upon the wind.
Suddenly she lurched forward will
half articulate moan, and hersmal
head rested motionless against the
deadly GOODNESS of the snow.
Poor little thing She has faint
ed from xhaustion-and no won
DER" exclaimed Jack, lifting the
senseless figure tenderly in his
arms.
Just then q halo of pale light
glimmered through the darkness.
Rightly concluding that this was the
beacon referred to, he struggled to.
ward it with his precious burden.
The front of the house was halt
buried from sight; but he found q
door on the south side, from which
the snow had been swept away.
1t flew wide open at the first sound
Of his step upon the porch, and wo-
man looked anxiously out.
Is it you, dear? l have been so
worried"
The sentence ended in q cry OF
grief and terror as she caught sight
of a stranger bearing an inanimate
form in his arms.
My niece has persisted in this
terrible storm! | tried TO keep her,
but she would go for the medicine.
She is very fond of little Benny, and
could not bear to see him suffer. 1t
was like her to risk her life so brave
~ and heroically. But, oh !! | can
never forgive myself"
Jack strobe past the weeping wo-
man and laid his burden on the
chintz- covered lounge.
Bring restoratives," he clied.
"Quick woman, every moment is
precious"
With his own hands he removed
the snow-covered hood.
AS he looked down upon the white
upturned face, his own grew ghast-
ly pale and he reeled like a drunken
man.
Gillian !"
Tue word broke from him in q
half conyulsive sob of anguish. No
wonder that voice had sounded
strangely familiar. 1t Was the girl
he ardently loved, but had never ex-
pected to see again.
What did it all mean. He had be-
lieved she was thousands of miles
away.
He snatched the restoratives Mrs.
West had brought and thrust into
her hand the little package Lillian
had run such a frightful risk to pro-
cure.
Look to your little one, I will
do what is necessary here"
The woman gave him long,
searching lock and passed on to an
inner room.
Jack pressed q passionate kiss up.
on Lillian's unanswering lips ; then,
with a curious gesture of self re-
straint, began rubbing her cold hands
and temples.
1t seemed an age before there came
faint, fluttering breath, and her big
blue eyes stared Overwhelmingly up to
him.
CT thought you were Jack,
she whispered, dreamiugly, pushing
the disheveled hair back from hel
face.
so / am. But l cannot under
stand your being here, Lillian"
She sat up, and suddenly put hel
hand to her forehead.
81 remember all now" she said al
length. 9 had sunk down exhaust
ed in the snow. A stupor was creep.
ing over me. | knew it meant death
But | did not seem to care. Then
you came. | knew you the instant
you spoke. Your presence gave me
fresh courage and strength. rose
and struggled on again until | could
60 no further. And now am safe
thanks to you
Jack looked down at her with g
strange light in his eyes and bis
breast heaving.
I" Lillian, don't keep in suspense
YOU owe me an explanation. II
thought sou we're in Europe, travel.
ling with your husband"
Il am not married, y she answered
with vivid blush.
The young man leaned nearer. Ht
trembled with excitement; his breath
came and went quickly.
Rumor said you were engaged
to Richard Vose three years ago ant
would go abroad on your honeymoon
trip. never heard it contradicted.
Lillian seemed to struggle will
herself moment, as if there wa
something she wanted to say anC
could not find the courage.
"Mr. Vose did propose to me,
she whispered, falteringly, "bIt re
fused him."
Why ?"
Because | loved another better.
Do you mean me, darling ?"
No need to record the answer
When Mrs. West peeped out fror