The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1894-12-20
,clipsed .py this TAR deeper personal

collapsed 10y this far deeper personal
feeling.
He did not, however, lose sight Of the
necessity for caution; and for the pres
emit he realized that his professional in
terests must be paramount. The flower
success, which he hoped to pluck, was
still just a little beyond his reach and
surrounded by the nettle uncertain
ty: until this prize was secured he. must
close his eyes to all other alluremcnts
even though his only chance, or hope
of happiness lay within them.
1t was therefore solely in pursuance
of his professional duties-or SO he as
sured himself with great emphasis
that he went on the morning following
his signal success ut the opera house to
call on Mrs. Maynard, before proceed
ing to Evansburg on his second and
probably decisive visit, and give her
some hint of the turns that affairs were
taking.
His walk thither was enlivened by a
curious incident, which, however, he
might soon Nave forgotten but for its
speedy and embarrassing sequel.
He had just entered upon the quiet
vista of Delaplaine street, absorbed in
his own interesting reflections, when
his attention was idly directed toward
q gentleman in an invalid's chair
which an attentive valet was slowly
pushing along the pavement. The
thin, shrunken figure in its rich attire,
sparkling with diamonds and resplen-
dent in fine linen, attracted perhaps
rather more than a casual attention
from North, whose mind was impressed
by the painful contrast between the
abiect Indebtedness of the invalid's
face and the pomp and splendor of his
outward circumstances. Helpless and
suffering, he was evidently not one
whom the severe discipline of physical
atfliction had softened and refined; it
was but too obvious that here was a
mind as warped and diseased as its
frail tenement. The expression of his
face betrayed a harsh, selfish nature
exaggerated almost to grotesque de-
gree bv years of self-indulgence. He
appeared to be constantly on the alert
to discover something that he might
.O1lStrue into grievance. Inc
uuerulous glance of his restless eyes.
the sneering CURL of his thin lips under
Il fierce iron-gray mustache, forestalled
all words. and were a sufficient warn
ing to persons of acute penetration not
to give him the provocation for which
he was evidently watching to give way
to violent and aggressive wrath.
North was passing this gentleman
with the speculative but courteous
glance of a perfect stranger, when to
his utter Amusement he was accosted in
the most peremptory manner.
The wheel chair was brought to a
sudden halt. while a petulant voice
uttered the startling challenge:
North. you jackanapes! What do
YOU mean. sir? Do you intend to insult
me?'' e
North was electrified. What had he
done? Who was this interesting in
valid?
Some one, evidently, whom ought
to know he thought, land whom it
will be awkward and unfortunate to
offend. What can 1 do to pacify him?'
Then, lifting his hat as he turned
back to the gentleman. North said, with
an apologize air: 4
My dear sir, beg your pardon. l
was prcoccupied, and did not recognize
you at all" ~,
This statement. although offered with
charming frankness and suavity, was
quite thrown away upon the deeply Of
Tended gentleman.
'Oh. don t tell mel he cried with an
cry emphasis. looking at North with
his sllrunkcn sallow face suffused with
a purple flush. and his small black eyes
flashing resentful fire. Your wonder
full harangue last night turned Your
head, I presume. Preoccupied, were
you? Didn't see me, eh? Heavens and
earth. sir. that's false! It was a piece
of deliberate impertinence, North and
YOU know it. You're carrying a high
hand jxst now. young man: oh, yes. a
very high hand. but we'll see how long
it will continue! My patience will not
last forever. Heavens and earth,
therc'll be the mischief to pay one Of
these days! You don't hoodwink me so
neatly after all. Mr.. North: I'm not the
shallow dupe that you take me to beH'
We'll. upon my life. what mad, raw
ing maniac is this?" thought North,
blankly: then. rallying from his amaze
ment he said. calmly:
II beg our pardon. sir, you are UNI
der an entire misrepresentation. I have
no motive or desire to hoodwink you.
and so far as my transactions have any
connection with yourself they are open
to your inspection. And now, SIR he
added, sternly. checking the torrent OF
abusive words that he plainly perceived
A lln