The Portland daily press., 1895-04-23

Patrice & Co. has reputation for these
| things, but it does not deal in the affec
| tions.
He rose, too, and looked around for his
| hat
1.-THE name of Patrice," he said. "re.
minds me of wild Irishman whom I had
| to do with before left for England. He
used to call himself by that name. and he
was Oh, here's my hat I've taken IN
lot of your busy minutes I'm afraid"
She had turned and was affecting TO
turn over some papers.
"Tell me about-about this Mr.. Patrioe,
please
'Oh, it was only the name that remind
ed me of him. Fearful young scamp of
fellow he was Told me, remember
when got him out of his first row, that
he had come out there to drink himself to
DEATH"
"Yes?" anxiously and breathlessly.
He was a queer fish. Drank like a
queer fish too. When he was sober, he was
maudlin and repentant. He told me once,
I remember, in burst of confidence, that
be had young wife in England who had
declined, after month of married life, to
put up any longer with his disgraceful be-
havior. He charged me never to let her
know where he was, so that she should al
ways be in doubt. And didn't because
"Why, please?''
stFor the good reason that he never told
me who she was"
The papers seemed to require much
sorting and arranging
Some of us paid his debts once or
twice"
"Ah, that was quite useless"
so we found. But one couldn't help
feeling for him at first Whenever feel
that the world Is using me badly, as do
now, think of Patrice. Then am more
contented
Inc troublesome papers were in order at
last. A hasty touch of the handkerchief
to the eyes, and she turned round, looking
nearly herself again
Mr.. Paxton, will you wait outside for
me moment or two? You might see me
back to Victoria street. -
Alexander Paxton looked over a book
OF sample wall paper In the shop until the
firm had put on it's preposterous little bon
net and its cloak aud was ready Then
the two walked slowly down in the direc-
tion of her fiat
when did you see poor Mr.. Patrice
last, Mr.. Paxton2 Do you remember the
exact dateP''
He looked in his poeketbook and told
her. They talked about other matters I'M
til they found themselves at Camford
Mansions.
II once knew man who seems to me
to answer the description Of the Patrice
you were speaking of just now," she said
hesitatingly. He was walking one of the
hospitals when met him. was 10 then
l believe I have his portrait up stairs.
Come up and tell me if it is the sanei'
The photograph was found quite easily,
and Paxton had no difficulty in identity
ing it. She rang for tea and looked out
of the window with look of increased
worry on her pretty face.
Il feared go, she whispered to herself.
II shall never never be free''
The maid brought the tea, but she could
not touch it.
And while you were there did he ever
speak of returning to England?'
"Oh, no; oh, no. He didn't want to
come back
"Thank heaven!''
II beg pardon? No, he was quite con-
tent to mix up with all the riffraff of the
place. ~
''And you think he will never return?'
"Why, no. Oh, / didn't mention that
perhaps. The poor beggar died a few
months before left. We buried him in
the cemetery there. went through his
papers, and'-
I'Yes?' The questioning affirmative was
almost like suppressed scream.
There was no clew to his relatives, SO
nothing could be done. No, no more tea,
thank you"
He held the small hand and wondered if
she knew how hard it was for him not to
swear at his i'll luck.
"Mr. Paxton
Alexander Paxton turned.
IL want to ask you to do me favor
if you WILL.
why, of course will''
The forgotten pencil, stuck between the
fold of her corsage, moved irregularly.
You have asked me twice to be your
wife,
II am very sorry, dear. had no right
to bother
"And Ivant you some day, please
some day, but not now-to ask me Just
once mofe.''
''And you will say 'Yes7'"
II Think said Patrioe & Co., athat is
highly probable st James Gazette