The evening times., 1896-01-12
HUGH.


The wind blew harshly and bitterly. Inc
snow fell in binding sheets
With his feet on the CRATE, his pipe III
his mouth Hugh Vincent sat, ensconced
from the storm. By his side was piied a
huge stock of periodicals. Books IN rude
cases stood against the wall. Deer heads
and other trophies OF the hunt adorned the
walls. The room lacked the prettiness OF
ARRANGEMENT that a wumau's hand imparts.
Reside the upen fire lay a huge st. Bernard.
Vincent toyed with the magazines Iheir
brillia mt covers of white and gold, decorator
with holly, caught his attention Christ
mas, Why, it was Christmas Eve! How
many wears had passed since he had thought
of that day! All the sad recoiections OF
his life clustered about that day. HIS
father had died at Christmas, a nd she--
upnoticed the books dropped TO the floor
He sat gazing intently into the flame.
Could it be nineteen years ago that he
had Withdrawn from the society of men
and women? How the time had shpped
awayl His pipe, his dog, his books ara
business had so filled the time that he
had not observed its lapse.
A cousin connected with publishing
house supplied him with all the best lit
erature. How kind Hal had been! His visits
were really the bright spots in his gray eX-
istence. Hal understood.
The wind walled homesick strain and
Hugh scowled at the fire. His outdoor me-
his regular habits and healthy living had
e. cheated time. He looked barely thirty, while
in fact he was forty-two. His was goouiy
face to look upon-calm, strong and hand
some.
Thoughts of her invaded his peace. what
a fool he had been to stake his life Oh the
tickle fancy of five feet OF womanhood!
Beautiful little Nelli IL was under the ms
tletoe that lie had seen her first WIN the
audacity OF youth he had picked her up anu
kissed her From that moment he had COW
eted her for his own. She had PROMISED
yes on the Christmas day in the long ago,
with her sweet eyes looking so trustfuily
into his. He had gone away, ara Wiith ne
returned, three months later, she had mar
rjed the cattle king from Texas. 2
No word of explanation lie had ever ac
cepted Alone in his stubborn English pride
he had borne his chagrin ana pam.
A reverse OF feeling some, lTlts alters u
life course From merry youth, Hugh IN
cent became a stern man. On MS r'ihcn he
went to work and found solace for his pam;
and so nineteen years had passed away.
The St. Bernard reused himself uneaslly
md laid his head on Hugh's knee He
beyan TO bark uneasily and sniff about the
door. Hugh opened the door and let him
out, and returned to his revere. Not more
than fifteen minutes had passed away Wheh
he was aroused by the st. Bernard BARKING
furiously. Reluctantly he pulled on MS iur
cont and went out. Away IN the ulstauCe
he saw something black against the SHOW
twas an awful night. Reaching the dog, ne
bent over the object n the snow. he raised
it in his arms and carried IL 10 the mouse.
He unbuttoned the seaiskln jacket That eh
welcomed the slight figure, undid the siiKeh
wrap about the head. the hgnt zen upon
her race. framed in its soft, DARK hair.
..NelIr' he whispered, hoarSely
Calling his servants, he worked over her
until he restored her to CONSCIOUSNESS.
Hugh's heart seemed like dead thing.
What hollow inockery was this!
He watched her as Sue sept. ne ueep
mourning dress draped form no larger
than q child's. The face must he Nell S!
without a word she opened her eyes ana
found his fixed upon her face He couFd
not think could not reason. Who was sue,
how came she there!
She reused herself and began to tax.
She had fallen from the sleigh on her way
10 the fort. and in the storm could not
make them hear. 1t had been clear when
they started but the blizzard had over
taken them.
"You are staying at the fort?' Hugh
asked.
Merely stopping there on my way south.
Nv mother asked me to come this way To
deliver a message TO her father. She is
dead
"Your mothers name, child, was"
"Helen Condy.
"You have heard of Hugh vincent?''
liam taking him a message"
Little girl, am he.'
"You-ah-you are worthy the love my
mother bore you. She sent me to her
father. She never saw him after she mar
ried I was to tell him to tell you al.
That she married my father to save his
honor. You will understand-it was ABOUT
some public funds. Yes, see, you appre-
hen,l IT ALL She talked of you so much.
and when she died placed the miniature
locket she always wore above her heart.
The last words she said were: Tell Hugh l
will await him in heaven. Teach him to
forgive, Nell ~
Nelrs eyes were wet. Hugh's head
bowed on his hand. and the pent-up feelings
seemed to rend his soul.
They became wonderfully well acquainted
that night. The next da dawned clear, and
Hugh sent her to the fort, where anxious
hearts were waiting her coming in hopeless
despair.
A year hac passed way and it had made
a difference in Hugh Vincent. Every week.
whether 1t was answered or not, letter
came from Nell. He had grown restless as
the cold weather advanced and resolvedto
accept Ha''s oftsrepeated invitation to visit
New York.
He went and was glad he did. New Y car S
eve found him at a reception. He hardly
knew himself in evening dress. He met
many bright people and felt much at home
among them.
Alone for moment he stepped in the con-
servatory. There, beside huge palm, stood
a dainty figure in black. Hugh forgot his
4O-odd years rs lie locked ut her face. His
NelI The Nell OF long agol A great pain
filled his heart. III the love he bore Nell
her daughter had awakened In all its ac-
uuired strength After all, life was not
worth living.
She W him standing there, with his love
shining In his eyes-the strained despair
OF hopeless affection. Tears suffused her
sweet, brown eyes as she came and laid her
tiny hands on his arm. With her quick
tact che guessed his secret. The clock
struck IL. She smiled as she spoke, then
lowered her head.
Hugh, cannot live any longer without
you, and as the clock has just proclaimed
that leap year is really here can with
propriety--"
"NeT. do you mean it,"
h his longing arms b clasped her. at
last M, - ileas iftie Ne5l.s