Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-07-08
MORE THAN ONE TOM.

MORE THAN ONE TOM.
Nell sang gayly as she ran here and
there putting things in order, ana max
ing the little drawing room look as
inviting as possible. Tom was coming
home that eyening-dear old Tom
Kicker! who had loved her ever since
they were school children together,
when he used to carry her great pile "a
books. He had been away whole
month on bushes, and his absence had
made the time seem very long to Nell.
They say that the course Of true
love never does run smooth-that there
is always something, it may be mere
trife TO disturb its even flow; and the
saying was good in this case at any
rate
After an hour or two Of that happy
evening had been spent by Nell IN
Toms company, her mother called her
out of the room to give final directions
regarding closing up for the night CMrs.
Springer was so nervous about burg
lars) and then Nell returned to the par
Tor she found Tom sadly changed. His
manner was cold and distant and only
the most commonplace remarks were
made.
Poor Nell was hurt and bewildered.
Surely no remark of hers could posi-
bly, have offended him; and yet he was
offended that was evident.
From that sad leave-taking she went
mechanically about her duties; that is
she saw that the doors and windows
were securely fastened, and the cat put
out for the night The animal was
banished because it was no respector OF
china or bTic-a-brac.
Didn't Tom go home early last
night?" Mrs. Springer inquired Of her
daughter the following morning.
"A little earlier than usual" the girl
answered, with her face turned to the
window.
Did you put Tom out the last
thing?" was her mothers next query.
The girl started. "Did-I-I put him
out?" she stammered with only one
Tom in her mind at the time.
yes, did you put the cat out? Here's
a chip of a saucer, and | thought per-
haps, you had forgotten him and he
| had
"Oh, the cat. Yes, put him out, I
am sure
Then Nell's face suddenly frightened.
A light came into her troubled mind.
The mystery about Toms behavior was
solved. She distinctly remembered
now that her mother had called
to her as she was returning to
the drawing-room, Mind you put Tom
out" and she had answered decidedly,
Indeed, I'll not forget that; isn't he a
nuisance!
She laughed a little. but instantly
the pain came back to her heart. She
could not explain the matter unless he
mentioned il first. and that he would
be too proud TO do. However, she did
keep up a tiny spark Of hope, and
looked for him every evening until
three weeks had passed without his
making his appearance, and then she
gave up entirely.
Three months from that time Nell
stood by the front gate looking outupon
the beautiful world. She had. mot seen
Tom, except at a distance, in all that
| time.
He was keeping very much to him
self now, she heard people say ant
sometimes the bOldest Of her friends
questioned her in regard of her treat
ment of the young man, and she an
swered calmly enough without giving
them the least bit of satisfaction.
But Mrs. Springer knew that Mel
was suffering. She saw that there wa:
some trouble between her and Tom, al
though she could not understand 1t
However. she finally decided that the
girl needed a change, and had prevailed
upon Nell to pay visit of a few weeks
to an aunt who lived near the seashorC
The trunk was packed, and Nell STOOD
| by the gate, waiting for the bus Il
come along
Nell" called her mother from thu
door. lis Tom out there! Send him il
quick, There is a mouse in the larder.
Nell looked up the road. Yes, there
was the cat walking leisurely away.
Here. Tom! Tom, Tom she called
and so intent was she in this duty tha
she did not hear footsteps in the oppo
site direction until their. owner was
near the house.
Then she turned and saw Tom Ri
ker's grave eyes looking at her.
Excuse me. Nell" he said anxiously
"but is that your cat?'
YES" she answered, with nervous
inclination to laugh.
How long have YOU had him."
He followed father home one even
ing in the spring" she replied
And was there the last evening tina
I spent with yOu?"
Yes"
His name is Tom?"
''And do you put him out of the hous,
at night?"
Then their eyes met; they read eacl
others thoughts, and both broke int,
the first merry laugh they had expert
enced for many a long day. Mel
glanced up.
4 couldn't catch Tom" she said
running into the hall.
Never mind that Tom" whispere,
the young man, who followed her ant
took her in his strong arms, for thi
Tom has al last severely caught you" -
Forget-Me-Not
PURE RICH BLOOD is essential t