The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1894-06-30
CHATTER MIL

Two weeks had tagged goomily past
since Lawrence Lpytons return, during
which he had carefully avoided meeting
Nan. This method lawrence'5 Jealous
mind had suggested rs an ciiectunl re-
buke for her admitted esteem for Mars
den. But where the warrior, who, set
firrcely upon himself, has vnnquishcd LIS
foein consequence Of the remorsc bred 10y
lack % combat? II gradually dawned
ON Lawrence that upon him prcyed the
pangs 81 distressing silence more than
upon the lair Nan, whose feelings II es-
sayed to wound. lie would remove tins
silly bnrrier. OF his own construction,
separating himself aud happiness, and,
with wel.lcigned apologies aud carefully
framed excuses remove the ugly coolncss
be had permitted TO cstrnse them az
friends, not To- say lovers.
Lawrence visited the Wcscott home
that afternoon and was soon admitted
TO Mans presence, in the pnrlor
She smiled swcetly M lac entered ind,
rising. said ia tones most friendly
1T IL kind Of You 60 call, Lawrence.
We were beginning To fear that you had
quite iorsakcn w.
Lawrence congratulated himself mem
tally, ~ lac busted himself with proiu'e
inventions. eNcusing his uuwonted all
scncc. which, carclessly accepted 10y Nan,
quickly removed the imaginary breach
Of friendship from Lawrence's mind.
They were conycrsing pleasantly when
lac suddenly paused and, approaching
Nan, seated himself at her side
"Nan, my darling" hc began, "wlll
YOU now give me the answer ] have
awaited so long? VIII you he my wife,
Anarrow darling through the breast
of the light hearted eiil could not have
augmented the sensation OF confusion,
pain nud even lcar which caused her
heart to cease pulsatiug as hs words
fell upon her ears But why fear the
answer she should have given him long
nro2 She esteemed Lawrence still. but
she had never loved him. Then, ought
her esteem amount Go deccit2 M. On
the contrary A frank spirit il one 81
Friendship priceless irwcl7. Her m.
sWer must bc given
Lawrence she said kindly, "you|
should have known Crc this that J do
not love you. lhavealwnyp regarded you
az friend and hope To bc PERMITTED To-
40 continue, hut To be your vile, can
mot promise.
Layton started Ga hi- feet, a licndish
expression nmntling his features.
"And this * my reward Tor pnttent
waiting and the fostering 81 hope, built
upon the faithlcss promises II a heart
less coquciteN
"Not so hasty, Lawrence Layton, Z
Nan returned, quickly, hall cntreatingly
and yet with commanding air. y
have made you NO promises save to con.
slider. and that ! have kept hithlully,
and given you the answer YOU
"Framcd hy that pet river hog, with
whom you have been holding clnndcs-
tine meetings until it has become the
topic Of
Before Layton coulh coh'Hlu' ~"
heavy curtains were lung aside and q
single bound brought Jack Marsden e.
the centre 81 the room.
"Another word, YOU insinuntlng pup
nv and will strike you 10 the ilooi''
Layton turned. scornfully
N would like to inquire on what pre-
text you excuse your presence here, sIrf
Neither myself nor Miss Wescott invited
YOU, eavcsdropper.
Marsdcn advanced, wild fire lighting
his handsome eyes Thcnhc paused sud-
denly. as though gaining timely control
acknowledgements passion, and drew
his fine athletic form proudly To ITS lnll
height. M Layton cowrd before him.
Pointing Go Nan. be said
! 81 will have you understand, SIR, That
need no excuse for protecting, agninst
the ASSAULTS oi an unprineipicd cur, my
adianced vile"
The last words froze Layton's blood
he moved quickly Go the door aud as