Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1897-03-13
TIME FOUND HER OUT

and the moment for doing so had come.
The fluffy golden head was very near, a
few words had been spoken, when the
door opened and Ella Stanton entered.
A frown clouded the brow of DR..
Ralph Stanton, the eminent young ply
sician who every body declared would
make his fortune i'll his profession, and
pretty Nellie Saville escaped, glad to
hide her flushed cheeks from her cous-
in s jealous eyes.
Mrs. Stanton threw herself languidly
into the depths of an easy chair. $50
have found you at last, my dear Ralph.
have been seeking you for the last
hour"
He hated this woman in spite Of her
dark, witching beauty. His uncle had
found that beauty irresistible and by a
late marriage robbed his nephew of the
quarter of million which he had taught
him to expect would one day be his.
"What did you want with me?" he
asked curtly.
"You are cross. l wanted your soci-
ety-nothing more. Is there anything
strange i'll that?'
"Most fattering of you, my dear
aunt, l am sure.
1t was Mrs. Stanton's turn to frown.
''Don't call me by that hateful name.
If | did marry your uncle, you might re-
member that l am not yet 25. By the
way, Nellie Saville quits the teens next
week.
tInIpedr'
eyes. Charming girl, isn't she?
Really, Ralph, if you should see the dis
NAL hole of parsonage where that girls
parents live you would feel grateful to
me for my compassionate generosity in
taking her from it for a little while.
Are you going to Lady Campbell's this
afternoon, Ralph?'
ono. / detest tea and tennis.
$50 do |. Besides, have a headache.
Will you prescribe for me?'
After the majority of Mrs. Oak brooks
guests had departed for Campbell House
DR.. Stanton was pacing the lawn with
Sir John Dolby, smoking cigarettes and
talking politics, and indoors his relative
occupied velvet lounge and tried to
read the last new novel.
He came to her at last, but it was
with serious face and an open telegram
i'll his hand.
'My sister has met with an accident.
Levison wants me to go at once. "
ooh, Ralph! Is it serious? You will
return here?'
\ 81 think not, )" he returned, replying
to the latter question.
"You will come to Melton Willows at
Christmas, Ralph?"
II really cannot promise. Goodbye
Sh sat there until the sound of the
horses hoofs had died away. Then she
crossed the room and looked at the notes
he had written. One was for his hostess
apology and explanation, of course
but the other was for Miss Saville. A
moments hesitation; then she tore it
open.
DEAR Miss SAvIILE-Beforey you see this you
will know the reason of my sudden departure.
But l cannot wait until our next meeting for
the answer to the question should have asked
You this morning if Mrs. Stanton's entrance
had not prevented me from doing SO. want
you to be my wife, Nellie; my loved and hon
ored wife. Will your Write yes soon to
your loving but impatient RALPH.
A small fire burned in the CRATE. She
put the letter into her pocket and burned
the envelope.
"Dear Ralph" murmured the lady.
81 want you to write to him for me,
Nellie. He promised to let me know
how his sister was, but suppose he has
not had time. He does not know your
handwriting. | think. -
Very soon Ella Stanton had dictated
gushing, affectionate letter, and with
blanching cheeks Nellie had written it,
Don't close it now, Nellie. Throw
it aside. There is only one other that
need be written now.
what is it," Nellie asked trife
wearily.
why, you know, dear, Mr.. Graham
wants me to open the Brixton bazaar,
but rea ly don't feel equal to the task.
l must write to decline. But he always
laughs at nerves, and l do SO hate being
laughed at. -
My DEAR FRIEND-I have thoughtfully con-
sidered the subject and must decline the hon
or. am grieved beyond expression to disap-
point you; but feeling as do, cannot act 9th
erwise. However, l feel confident that you
will meet with one worthier than that what
cannot grant she will joyfully concede. Only
one thing ] ask-that this shall in no way in.
terfere with the friendly relations which have
always existed between us.
81 think it is making too much of a
little thing, Ella. You will sign it, Of
cOnrsep''