Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-10-04

waiting 10 De aumitted, gentleman
came up, shook hands with Maria,
tossed Oswald's cap off his head to
some distance, and sent him spring
ing for it,
What a shame can't get away
to Join you ne exclaimed, alluding
To the anticipated excursion. a
shade of disappointment rose to Ma
ria Vests face. care you not COM
ing?"
81 find ! cannot We are unusu-
ally busy, and it is of no use to dwell
upon getting away. shall be think
ing of you all day"
you'll miss a prime lot of tarts,
Mr.. Letsom. | can tell you that"
put in Oswald, coming back with
his cap. "Maria has made about
hundred in the mince-pie patty
pans"
"More or less" laughed Maria.
IL shall lose something of greater
value to me than tarts," returned
Mr. Letsom, as he released her hand
and continued his way.
Maria stood looking after him. If
all things went well, they were
To be married in another year. Mr.
Letsom, however, was not a favorite
with everybody, and some deemed
that Maria had suffered her atfec-
tions to wander away imprudently.
He was about tive-andtwenty, and
held a responsible appointment in a
merchants house-would be part
ner, the town said, in time.
81 say, Maria, how late they are"
The interruption came from Os-
wald. They had gone in, and were
now waiting dinner. He alluded
to his father and brother.
She turned round to look at the
time-piece; it wanted but a quarter
to five. Indeed they are late.
They are generally here by twenty
five minutes after four. What can
have detained them"
81 wish they'd make haste. I'm
as hungry as hunter. There is
such a crowd down yonder, Maria, |
wonder what it is?"
Maria approached the window and
glanced in the direction he pointed
out, toward town. In the extreme
distance many people were collected,
and seemed 10 be advancing slowly.
"Pll 60 and have look cried Os-
valid, Selling his cap.
Maria watched him as he raced
down the road with all a school
boys speed, and at the moment she
saw gentleman nearing her. 1t
was one of the partners of the bank.
He looked pale, and halted at the
house.
Imagination is quick, fear quick
er, and a rush of apprehensions
overwhelmed Maria. She had no
definite thought, but her mind some
how connected the crowd, the banker,
with his visit and his scared look,
and her father. What awful news
was in store for her?
He was shown in. Maria clasped
the back of chair for support, and
stood there looking at him, her lips
white. care you bringing me evil
tidings?" she gasped forth. ooh,
what is it? What means that
crowd"
81 have not brought you very
good" he replied; "but my dear
young lady, pray do not show SO
much alarm. Mr.. West has been
taken i'll, and they are bringing him
home. came on to tell you, lest
you should be terrified at seeing him
carried in"
Maria, in the midst of her heart.
sickness, breathed silent prayer fol
strength and calmness. "How was
he taken" she inquired. "What Is
the nature of his illness?'
"He was seized suddenly He bad
reached his hat down to 90 home
when he fell across the desk, and
yhen we found him he was in a sort
of fit. We got surgeon to him
and they are now bringing him here.
"Will it be dangerous"
al hope not" was the answer
somewhat obviously delivered. al
suppose his bedroom is ready. | will
90 upstairs with the surgeon, and
you had better stay here-at any
rate, until the police and the crowd
have gone. Some of them pretend
ing to help may intrude into the
house."
"The police" she gasped. "But
sir, | must be with him, must, in
deed. He will look for me-"
eyes, yes; but 'aftt present he is un
conscious"
Maria stood leaning heavily owe
| tho oh air and trying tn still har haat