Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1895-03-28
No. so

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to lunch with me Mrs. Morley? Yes.
I'll grant it's a little early. but l don't
like to be rushed, and 1'll have to get
back before one. You know Todd yours
going out at one.'
Todd, otherwise Mr.. Orr's partner,
looked trifle quizsled, for there hadn't
been a word said about lunch. More
over the two men generally went out
together and Orr hastened to explain
by remarking, as he thrust his arm into
his topcoat:
YOU know. Todd, that man Smith
may be here any minute and one of US
must see him.
Todd nibbled at his pencil to hide
grin but fell in Immediately at the raer.
ton of this fictitious "man Smith" and
bravely kept down his laughter till Orr
had tenderly bundled Mrs. Morley liz
her scantv wrap and had softly closed
the door behind them.
Orr insisted that he always lunched
at the ladies' tea room, though Mrs.
Morley noticed that he had to ask a
man which was bis floor. It was place
where she had often come in her good
old days of shopping, and, without
word, led the way to further corner
and set her teeth to keep back the tears.
He was soglad in watching her eat
that he couldn't eat morsel. Sudden.
ly she noticed what he was doing and q
flush of shame few to her face. An
answering. reassuring smile met her
glance and all barriers Of pretence be-
tween them fianally went down in an
ignoble heap.
Y was so hungry, she fa)tered simply.
u knew it, was his low reply. All
the reserve and awkwardness Of the
night before had left hin,, and at last
be was master Of the situation. YOU
were hungry last night, too. Ruth, but
you won't be eyer again
Her eyes fell slowly on her folded
hands, lying helplessly in the cloth be-
fore her, but she said meyer word. He
went on softly:
Where is No use in my telling you that
I loye you. told you 80 once, and
you know I have meyer changed. You
wouldn't listen then, but the mistake is
all past now and be laid his palm over
her two little trembling hands, while
she lifted her tear brimmed eyes TO-
look out on the gray scene before her
IL tall, bleak vail, through the rain
splashed window.
When will you remedy that mistake,
Ruth Do not make us suffer any lon
ger for past blunder.'
She was suddenly conscious of the
fact that he had slowly drawn Oft her
wedding ring, and gasp Of fear broke
from her lips it hadn't been removed
since Mr.. Morley had placed it there,
one Aower-lade June night FIVE years
ago. Then the full purport of his words
came to her, and she was frightened
that he had let it go SO far.
Don't she sobbed, trying TO release
her hands. This is too soon he has
been dead only six months why did 1
not stop you long aeo?'
BECAUSE laughed Mr.. Orr. happily,
because your heart was prompting YOU
until your sense Of propriety came in to-
SPOIL it all. Other people have been
considered too long in our case, and it
is to be only you and in the future.
Come, when will you put aside this long
black gown, and
The consciousness that she was pow
erless before his pleadings overcame her
80 she merely smiled up in fearful re.
ply;
v cane very we'll dispense with this
gown, you see, and 7 hayen't been able
to afford any more than this
Orr's Joy was becoming ridiculousfo
he leaned nearer towards her chair and
answered:
Then am sure that you'll not keep
me waiting long. A. Awoman's pride may
keep her alive on tasteless waters and
insiped tea, but even Mrs. Grundy loses
her terror before the fact Of only one
decent gown.
And evidently Mrs. Morley agreed
with him for she picked up the old-time'
ring and slowly dropped it into his open
hand, as she said:
There take it, and keep it, go T shall
never see 1t again. And you may bring
another one next week.
And the waiter smiled sympathy as
he bore down upon them with the finger
bowls.
Mr.. Softie-Oh, | say, Miss Kitty,
your friend says I am gibbering idiot;
isn't that cruel?
Miss Kitty-Too bad. Too bad.