Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1898-03-24

-Cds NCSSlNSus uIdluiy InaU McOf6auY
might profit by it, might find means to
crafty a private malice against the
owner of the Mascot mine She was
now impulsively persuaded that Har-
vey Neil had been really wronged, and
all because her father had been SYSTEM
atically led to false conclusions by this
arch-plotter, who had no care for any
sacrifice of honor in attaining his own
evil ends. If but the proofs might be
forthcoming to prove the wrong, to IN
duce her father to withdraw and make
restitution while yet there was time
t. vindicate his real moral blameless-
mss!
Es-vey Neil had dismounted to spare
the hr~se, and for a mile or more had
been pfodding along, leading the ami
NAL, when, just at a turn in the road
as he came down into the little cotton
wood grove, he stopped short in sur
prise at sight of Miss Meredith seated
by the roadside.
The hills had here crowded down Oh
either side of the narrow creek, great
rock masses joining hands as though
it had been purposed to hold back the
hurrying water, which, but in madden
Joy as it seemed, went Eeaping over
the low barriers in a series Of foam
ing waterfalls, churRed to Wilderness
and shimmering like liquid opal il
the caressing sunshine. Here the read
had been blasted out of the solid ROCK
at one side, and the debris so formed
keaped up into a low wall along the
waters edge; and here it was the girl
was sitting, so lost in thought as to
he utterly deaf to the advancing steps
above the swishing and rushing of the
stream.
Neil had thought the day of the
storm that Miss Meredith must look
her best in her riding habit, but TO-
day, in the simple cotton gown she wore,
she seemed to him even more daintilY
lovely. Ten times mere charming than
her fathers grabbed, and he's COM
posed of harshness," he quoted, under
his breath, lettering all he might in
the pace that must presently bring him
beside her. Curious as he was 70 know
how she would greet him, he yet would
gladly linger to enjoy the pretty pic
ture she made, all unconscious of any
observer.
But she seemed to feel his glance by
instinct, looking up with a startled ait
which changed to a flashing smile of
welcome as she recognized him, blush
and smile so surprising to Harvey Neil
that as he stopped short in the road
he had hardly presence of mind to lift
his hat. BY no stretch of the magma
ton could he have counted upon such
greeting as this after her stern ar
raignment the other day.
Il beg pardon, Miss Meredith. I
hope 1 didn't brighten you," he pres
emily found tongue to say, with doubt
full, deprecating smile.
"Oh, not at all; only-one never meets
anybody here, you know" There could
be no installing the friendliness of her
manner; and Neil's face grew brighter
II am an exception to prove the rule
you see," he said. Il hope you don't
mind"
NO; am glad to meet you," she hest
family returned, to his further amaze
n,ent. Il want to apologize"
ITO apologize-you! I cannot pos
sibly imagine why, Miss Meredith;
though if it makes you the least bit glad
to see me, of course I am thankful for
the notion, whatever it is. But it is
who should apologize. 1t has been on
my mind ever since I met you, how
mean it was of me to mislead you so,
to enjoy your kindness under false pre-
lenses. L told you the other day that
was not sorry, that l never should be;
but all the while 1 think l knew that
was bound to be ashamed of myself
sooner or later
"But I do not think it was so very
heinous," murmured the girl, with u
little smile, as she resumed her seat
upon the rock, seeming not to notice as,
after doubtful glance at her, he ven
tured also to establish himself on an
adjoining bit of wall. at would have
been worse if you had pretended THAI
you did not know my name, as you
might easily have done"
oh, no; l could not, for you told me
yourself, if you will remember. You
were so kind. But you are kinder now,
Miss Meredith, if you really forgive me.
was afraid the other day that you
never would"
81 was taken by surprise the other
day" she hurriedly rejoined, her eyes
upon the flowers in her hand, which she
had been rearrangirg. And knew SO
little about the trouble between papa
and you; I always do know so little
of papa's business. OF this had only
an idea that somebody was trying to
prove that he had stolen Il vast sum Of
money out of that somebody's mine;
claiming that he was in fact little better
than a common thief. Naturally, I did
not feel very kindly disposed toward
that somebody"
Tut now your views have modiIied?"
he eagerly questioned.
81 think 1 understand the case lit
tie better" she hesitatingly returned.
avoiding his glance.
ct is so kind of you to say that" He
was silent moment, absently gather.
ing up froCn the road a few pebbles.
which he threw one by one into the
nearest waterfall. And do you know,
Miss Meredith, much as I have always
regretted the trouble between the
mines, have never regretted it so much
as now--since meeting you again"
''Tiacn, if that is So" she iEpulsivelT
only the deepening flush up
on her checks betraying consciousness
of the confession as it related to herself.
why will you not try to put an end to
it? Why will you not see my father
and explain the matter from your stand
n clear understanding and