Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1896-08-20
A BLESSED MORTGAGE

at the garden than to hear Patti at
the Grand. If he ever yielded to his
sisters opportunities to accompany
her to a dancing party he was sure to
step on his partners toes, to tear their
dresses by his awkwardness, and drink
too much champagne at supper. In
fact Tom, although kind-hearted and
honest, was very i'll at ease and out
of place at society, and at last after
making himself very conspicuous at a
New York dance, his sister vowed she
would never ask him to go with her
again. She told him this very emphat-
ically the morning after the ball, as
she left him to eat his late breakfast
alone.
Tom was feeling very badly and in
dulging in a severe case of "katzen-
jammer," the result of too frequent vis
its to the punch bowl, but looked up
when Almira came in with his break
fast and noticed that she was looking
pale.
What is the matter, Almira" he
asked.
Nothing, Mr.. Tom" replied Almira,
moving toward the door quietly.
Il say there is something wrong;
out with it. Almira," continued Tom,
wishing to help her if she was in trGu-
BILE of any kind. Almira made no ra
ply and Tom sprang up and obstruct-
ed her way.
Say, you're working too hard, ana
Sister Eleanor pays you beastly small
wages, I'll be bound. Maybe it's a
new gown or bonnet you're gr!ey-
ing after-eh, Almira? Here, take this
and get It." And before Elmira could
speak the lmpulsive Tom had plunged
his hands into his pockets, brought out
a lot of coin and pushed it into ner
hands.
"How dare you?" she demanded, so
ulate. "Have l ever given you any
reason, Mr.. Tom, to treat me with
such disrespect?"
"Disrespect?" repeated Tom. very
red and astonished. "Do you think l
meant any disrespect to you Almira
| swear | respect you more than any
other woman | know; l only thought
you were pining for some of the pret-
ty things most girls like, and why
shouldn't l do some good with my
useless money"
Almira saw that he was honest in
his speech and was appeased, but
when he asked anXiously, IF It isn't
gown or hat, what in heavens name
is it?' she burst into tears, and for
getting that she was Mrs. Munroe's
servant-girl and that Mr.. Tom was
her brother and a rich man, forgetting
all save the trouble that was wearing
on her and making her pale and thin,
she poured out her woes into his SYM
pathizing ear.
She told him about the mortgage on
their farm, how it had been renewed
from year to year when the interest
was paid. They had grown so accus-
toned to that they had never thought
of losing the place until Mr.. Pol!ers. on
taking the interest so hardly earned
and increased by Almira's savings. had
been Informed that his creditors need
ed the money and must have it on the
farm.
The blow had fallen like a clan of
thunder from clear sky. The thought
of leaving the old homestead was in.
supportable, and yet where could Pc
ter Pollers expect to raise the money
to cancel the mortgage?
Almira told her story, punctuated by
sobS and Tom listened attentively.
When she had finished, he asked, rs
1t large sum. Almira?"
"Oh, yes, Mr.. Tom, $4,000" she said,
sadly.
Hum said Tom, pulling his mus
tache and looking very hard out of
the window. Couldn't your father get
some one to pay the man and take up
the mortgage?
SuppoSe-Su suppose take it up. AL
miraE vcntured Tom, still looking out
of the window and getting very red
again. AStoniShmcnt and RAPTURE an
peared on the girls face at his words.
DO you mean it, Mir Tom: Oh. Won
are too good" she cried.
"Bosh" said Tom, brusquely. ITS
simply good investment. Don't ne.
cuSe me of being good, Almira: I'm IN.
corriSibly bad, | am. But" lhearInr
footsteps approachihgD, run ON. ri
drive out and see your father to.da,
and get the mortgage" And without
giving her moment to express her
thanks, he hurried ON.
Not long after this Almira noticed
that Tom was drinking stn,du, H.,