Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1896-07-30


treat. Another letter came IN a few
days in reply to hers, setting time at
which Mr.. Bascomb would be at her
house.
why did you run away?" said the
attorney, who was not so old, after
all, when he sat there in the light OF
the shaded lamp in a coy parlor in the
Kansas town on this night before
Christmas.
why should have stayed?" was
the answer. There was nothing left
for me. My money was gone, my So
cial position was gone; had no right
to ask for further recognition from tho
social circle In which l had moved.
There was nothing left for me to do
but to bury myself somewhere and find
something that could do. can teach
kindergarten and am doing it, maxi
ing good living. The past 1 have
practically forgotten and like this
life of activity far better than the for
mer one Of idleness. The only thing l
brought with me is bundle of worth
less bonds that were bought for me
with my own money and to which my
late husbands creditors had no right,
Bonds, did you say?" The attorney
became more interested than before.
Perhaps they may be Of some value.
Would you mind showing them to
me" Mrs. Perkins brought out a
writing-desk and from it took a bun
die neatly tied with blue ribbon. The
attorney examined the printing.
IF l am not very much mistaken
1t is this very same security that has
gone up 100 per cent above par in the
last six months. When 1 return to
the city shall find out for you and
write"
A light snow had fallen during the
day and the previous night, the first
snow Of the season. That evening Mr..
Bascomb drove around to the widows
residence, and few minutes later the
two were whirling over the prairies
with the great white fakes striking
and sticking against the robe and the
wraps. The widows cheeks glowed
under the veil. Again came the
glimpse Of boulevards crowded with
gay turnouts and the jingle Of many
bells. For a moment she sat in sl-
lence.
How do you like it?" asked Bas-
comb.
1T reminds me Of"
"0f the city,"
Eyes" laughing. II can easily mag
Inc myself on the boulevards. Would
you believe me, l was thinking Of that
same thing when you spoke?"
"You can go back"
II like this better. What is the city
to me now?"
1T can be more than 1t ever was.
You could have your horses and coach
man."
Are the bonds so valuable as that?"
II was not thinking Of the bonds"
What then, pray?"
"Of my own horses and carriage and
coachman."
Mrs. Perkins felt her cheek burn
hotter, her breath came quicker and
her heart eatfaster. Again the picture
of affluence contrasted with the scenes
she had recently left in the little
school-room. She made no objection
when the lawyer drew her to him, ex-
cept to say, in voice that trembled:
why do you tempt me?"
Because I want you to yield. I
have loved you for-well, since your
coming out You were then in the
first bloom Of youth and l hesitated
too long. Perhaps you will listen to
me now. Perhaps you will consent
to be my wife,"
II am poor. I can bring you moth
ing-unless it is the bonds"
81 want you, just as you are. l have
money enough to go around"
II will go with you"
So they were engaged and, as the
lawyer was prompt to act, on New
Years day there was quiet we'd
ding in the village and two days
later the furniture was sold and the
lawyer and his bride left for the city.
The bonds were worthless, yet the law
yer was glad. He did not marry for
money.