Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-10-12
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ifaithless creatures anyway. I'm true
as anybody to love, but not to its per-
sonifcation. thought had left my
heart safely in New York, and now I
believe it's in Mexico. Stunning crea-
ture / met down there." But senti-
mental regrets could not cloud Mr..
Warnings satisfaction in his financial
success. He beamed upon the world
like a full-risen sun and returned
thanks for his good fortune in liberal
donations TO favorite charities and q
diamond pin TO Barbara.
Il was two days after his return that
he received another foreign letter, ana
he recognized James Noels handwrit-
ing before he broke the seal.
DEAR WARIyG: / regret exceedingly that
I troubled you with that former letter about
my son He did not sail for America. but Sc
cretly married the widow The bad taste OF
the matrimonial affair still fingers bitter
around my mouth, but there's no use worrying
now. and our daughter-in-law IS staying with
us. BY the way"
Waring did not stop to turn over the
page and finish the letter. He felt his
hair rising, and an ague creeping down
his back. Young Noel still abroad and
married. Then what of this other man
who bore his name, who had won Bar
bara. An adventurer? The thought
was awful.
Twenty minutes later he rushed into
Mrs Warnings apartment, breathless'
turbulent, the open letter still IN his
hand. The drawing-room was free OF
visitors. Mrs. Col. Waring reclined by
tho open fire absorbed in book, while
half way down the room Barbara sat
radiant, talking with Noel. War
ing felt like springing upon the young
villain for holding tho girls hand, but
restrained himself, because such a
course would be unwise as well as lack
ing in dignity. Still his anger increased
with every stride he took forward into
the rodn Mrs. Waring sprang nimbly
Ito her feet.
"Good heavesG! Tom, what's the
Imatter?"
"The devils to pay" he cried fierce
ly." That man is a-a-the Lord only
knows what" his voice falling him, one
finger pointed at Noel.
"What is the matter?" inquired the
young man also rising.
7 "Matter, sir, matter, you ask me the
MATTER Read that and you'll find out.
Oh, it shows you up WE'LL" thrusting
the letter into his hand. Mrs. Waring
looked on in disgust, disquieted and yet
firm. Noel read the letter hastily, his
face clearing. He remembered Waring
70. ho J. 4. 4 Qrct oaop him op1 tboupbt ba
comprehended the situation.
"You are little excited now" he
said pleasantly, even amusedly. 81
think you must have missed part of this
letter. 1t explains the situation pretty
well, and-and-" he broke into hearty
laugh. II feel very much as though l
had stepped out Of pink-bound story
book. He has mistaken my identity,
Barbara, he has mistaken it quite seri-
ously."
There was twinkle In his eye, but
he noted with surprise that Barbara's
face wore an expression of puzzled
anxiety. Waring began reading the
letter aloud. "By the wayne read
beginning where he had left off tiny
nephew, Aliens son, writes me that he
has settled in New York and knows
you as well as some Of your relatives.
/ hope he'll be more successful in his
art than his father was in business.
Poor Allen, you must remember what a
dreamy, impractical fellow he was"
Waring paused, feeling decidedly blank.
!Noel's face softened to tenderness.
poor fatherl We felt satisfied with
each other. We didn't care for the
money; you would have loved him,
Barbara" Then he looked again at
her. ".Oh, pardon me, did not think.
OF course have only my art, and three
Thousand year, not much to live upon.
But didn't realize, didn't know the
money might make a difference to you.
How blind and selfish of me. Under
the circumstances it is more than need
less for me to explain to you how free
you are-Miss Warning"
The Goals dropped softly in the CRATE.
Between rage and disappointment Mrs.
Col. Waring had been almost paralyzed.
But the attitude of her daughter con-
soled her, and Noel's words were like
balm to her heart.
"You have at least earned the good
will of both Barbara and me by ap-
preciating the situation so perfectly"
she finally said, addressing him. II
shall always consider you friend Of
the family, one Of our best friends, in
TACT, her tone beginning to take on a
tinge Of effusiveness. Barbara is such
q sensible girl l have never felt any
anxiety about her. This is severe test
but 1 am proud Of you BOTH"
No one responded to her little speech.
Twilight seemed to- turn suddenly
black, and even Mrs. Waring shivered
slightly and drew her black lace scarf
more closely'about her.
"That fire is dying down, 1 must ring
for coal" she remarked. 81 wonder that
Maria doesn't come in to light the gas,"
as wavering yellow CLEAN wandered
in from the street lamp. 81 hope we
shall still see you when you-you feel
like dropping in for cup Of tea, Mr..
Noel"
But Barbara sprang to her feet as
Noel started for the door. Her face
lcrimsoned, her eyes glistened mistily.
"You don't think that such trivial