The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-11-17

lay before you the incidents and argu-
ments which brought Inc to act as did.
Possibly you may agree with me. AT
least am convinced that shall value
your opinion"
The story was told, and came to an
end with a sigh and the remark:
Il vowed last night that, if l could
prevent it, Richard Raymond should
not have the property. The possibility
of reaching some one through such an
advertisement presented itself. l sim
ply realized that, with no desire to
marry, I was sacrificing nothing, and
hoped to find a woman similarly stu
ated, to whom an abundance of money
would be blessing sufficiently apprc-
ciated."
The lady's eyes had lost their sparkle,
but not their fire. Her lips had lost
their color and their smile and curves
of scorn. They were firmly pressed to-
gether, and there were strength and
character in them.
Sir" she said, hardly above a whis-
per, ''you really have no right to place
such a condition before a woman and
ask her judgment. BY nature she is
turned too easily to sympathy or preju-
dice to be held responsible for her opin-
ion in such case"
"At least you mean that you appre-
ciate my position?"
"Yes."
"And you desire to accomplish the
end in view?"
Eyes"
Surely you would not advise the risk
OF lifelong misery to the woman, re-
gardless of myself, in an attempt to Sc
cure what you call real wife on such
short notice?"
mo"
Every well. That is where stood,
with the only means to accomplishing
the end the condition that l be married
before midnight"
"Then, sir" She hesitated. Her
eyes were fastened on a spot in the
rug. He waited, feeling his heart beat
ing, and wondering why. A moment,
and she added: 'It shall be DONE"
MADAM"
"Don't speak to me, please" she said,
lifting her hand without raising her
eyes. II am only woman, and there
are reasons why this touches me deep
er than l wish. know of one who will
serve your purpose perfectly. You con
trust her. She will neither fail nor de-
ceive you; but know that there is a
condition she will require. Give me
your promise that you will accept it,
and 1 will send her to you"
What is it?" Stanton asked.
II cannot rightly put it for her. She
will have to tell you for herself after
she has performed her part"
But suppose it were something
that"
II will be responsible that you can
easily perform it, without embarrass-
ment, and that it shall in no way touch
your pride, your name, your home, or
your fortune"
THAT is more than l ask, madam.
However, agree to accept the condi-
ton, and will see to it, also, that my
obligations are properly met"
Never mind; just write down what
you will need to know. Her name is
Esther Thorndike. She was never mar
ried. She was bern of honest American
parents in Albecco, Col, December 1,
1867. Her good name is without blem-
ish. She will meet you at the main en-
trance to this building at nine o'clock
tonight. You can trust her"
How much later Stanton never knew,
he started like one waking from a
dream.
He knew that she was gone. He had
seen her go. She left the room by the
private door opening on the corridor;
yet he read again the paper lying on his
desk to convince himself that it was not
all dream.
ESTHER Thorndike," he repeated.
"Squint-eyed, one-legged, hunchbacked
something of the sort, suppose; but
what does it matter? It's rather good
idea. She was a remarkable woman.
The most remarkable woman 1 ever
met. She must have come for this Es-
ther Thorndike at the start. If hadn't
been q fool should have known that
she never came on such an errand for
herself"
He looked at his watch with an ex-
clamation of surprise, caught up his
hat and coat and hurried toward the
door, bethought him of word to his
office-boy, turned quickly and opened
the other door, then started back with
veritable gasp, and stood shaking.
The boy had tilted his chair against
the door, the better to protect the en-
trance to his masters sanctum while
waiting for the sound of the bell The
sudden opening of the door sent him
headlong into the private office.
Stanton did not notice it, but in
speechless, nerveless CONSERVATION
stood looking across the room, where,
against the wall, in the order of their
coming, the boy had arranged dozen
applicants,
They were young and old, white and
there was one black one among them.
AT the head of the line stood be-
dizened duchess from back of Green
street. She was SCARED and brazen
veteran. At the other end stood a young
girl, her eyes on the floor and her
cheeks flushed with shame as she
crouched away from the rest.
Good morn'in', Mr.. Malcolm" said
the duchess, stepping forward. you've
got good show to pick from, and
you'd best be about it, for her that's
to be merred the day orter be gettin'
her togs on P.D.Q."
Ladies'" Stanton gasped, and then
he stopped to shudder.