The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1895-04-12

DEEPDALE'S OPERATOR.
How Guy Hazle ton Found a Long
Lost Fiancee.


It was difficult for society TO ac-
knowledge that Guy Hazleton was a
man whosa mental caliber was far
above the average and did ample JUS
ticc to the educational advantages
that had been lavished upon him.
lie was handsome man and heir to
the Hazleton property - two facts
quite sufficient for society to receive
him with cordial welcome. and when
Irene Curtis accepted his hand society
smiled approvingly.
Miss Curtis was acknowledged 20 be
the belle of her circle, and being the
only child of one of our merchant
princes the engagement when an
nounced caused quite flutter
Mrs. Hazleton, Guys mother. was
the first to call upon the fair fiancee
after her sons offer had been ac-
ccpted. She found Irene. her hands
idle, her large eyes looking far into
tho future.
One word reused the young girl.
Darling"
Then followed long, close caresses.
that told how warmly these women
loved each other.
so am to have a daughter?" the
old lady said. lovingly.
father that he is more like a friend
than a near relation"
You know Guy goes to New Or
leans next week, and viii not return
until May. lie thinks it will take him
three months, at least, to settle his
affairs there: and he will be ready for
Europe again. l shall be getting your
house ready, Irene, and you must aid
me in tryin" t. keep Guy at home
lie has been home now. how iong?''
Not quite year. said the old lady.
abruptly: do you know how lovely
You are? l know Guy could never have
married an ugly girl. lie worNhips
beauty. l think there is something in
his sensitive nature that positively re
coils from defect"
There were other calls of conrratu-
latiun. and a week passed swiftly over
Ireuc'S head before Guy started upon
his journey To New Orleans. with the
understanding tnat the preparations
for u wedding in June were to Toe
pressed forward during his absence.
Irene found herself so busy and So
happy that over her day dreams of
future content not one foreshaIuving
cloud warned her of the storms that
were to break upon her life.
Mrs. IIazlcton. and together they had
visited stores and selected dainty goods
for the beautiful trousSeau in active
preparation. When they reached
home. a Gentleman to see Mrs. Hazle-
ION was announced to Toe waiting her
return. and Irene ran lightly up the
stairs To remove her hat and cloak.
while her hostess went to the drawing
room. Her visitor proved To- Toe the
confidential clerk of MIR. Curtis, with
an appulliu" story. Irene'S father had
heard that day of the utter failure of
speculation III which ms entire for
tune was involved, and had committed
suicide. In the hours of grief Irene
learned more fully the value of 4 friend
who loved her as a daughter. She was
not allowed to return home; the
funeral, the sale of her fathers house
and property, the weary details of
business were all taken out of her
hands, and she WAS allowed to nurse
her grief in scclusiou.
Just one week after her fathers
death Irene received Il letter, which
she took at once TO Mrs. lIazlcton. 1t
was from Il relative of whom she
heard for the first time, a brother Of
forming her that her mother had been
poor factory girl at the time OF her
marriage. and that her family had
never intruded themselves into her
luxurious home.
II am a poor man." he wrote, earn
ing my living as tclcpragh operator,
but ] have home to offer YOU You
viii miss the luXuries of your fathers
house, but | will give you comfort
Come to me now, or at any time when
you need home"
Am l very poor?" the young girl
asked. realizing for the first time that
her fathers death involved also a loss
of property.
Are you not Guys promised wife?"
said the old lady. reproachfully. Your
home is here. Irene. until you leave it
as Guys wife. Write II your uncle, my
child. and tell him your mother ciaim,
you until your promised husband re
turns"
But the letter was never written. 1t
was long past midnight ON the nirht
following this conversation when
Irene was reused from sleep by cries
of pain from Mrs. Hazleton's room
She ran ii once To meet sight oi hor-
ror. Her old friend had fallen :.Slecp
over the fire and slept until her book
had fallen upon the hearth. caught
fire from 4 coal and communicate the
flame to her dressing gown. When
Irene reached her she was in blaze.
one moment Of hesitation increased
the frightful peril In IA instant the
little firure was wrapped in thick
blankets from the bed. pressed closely
bv Irene strong arms. while she cried
D,
ducd. physician summoned. ana the
sufferers injuries dressed before Irene
thought of herself Not then, not un-
til days later. did she fully realize that
she had saved life and lost her
beauty. The burns were not severe,
but one side of her lovely face was
drawn ont of shape. Mrs. liazlcton 5
injuries were serious but not mortal,
and Guy was not summoned home.
May had arrived, with its balmy air
and fresh foliage, and Mrs. Ilazleton
was able to sit up the greater part of
the day. She knew well that much
of her rapid recovery was due to
Irene's careful nursing. Now Guy was
coming, and the tender nurse would
have her reward. The noon train
would bring her son home.
Now. Irene, dress yourself. See, it
is almost eleven o'clock, and Guy viii
| be here by twelve Put on your white
collar and cuffs, dear, to relieve this
| heavy black. You will not wear it
much longer"
Irene made no reply. She knelt
do wn beside her friend and embraced
| her lovingly and then left her.
AT length the welcome sound of car
riage wheels greeted the mothers ear
and moment later she was clasPec
! in her sons arms. Even then his eye: