The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1899-12-19

Y L was the old hackneyed story of
two young creatures, secure i'm
their mutual love, going forth
hand in hand to fight the grim,
/ hard world. And they had been
worsted-that was all! As tho girl
stared into the embers, thoughts of
what might have been flooded her
brain; and then her love for the man
seeking his bread outside iamcd up
afresh
A low knock on the door brought
her wandering thoughts back with q
rush to the sordid present.
The door opened and tired look
ing woman camein with deprecating
manner.
'I'm sorry to trouble you, my
dear, she began, "but the water rate
4 is overdue, d-aud-could you let
me have little money!"
1t was n strange and apologize
speech from landady to her debtor.
4 but it was Mrs. Jones way. Her
: dodgers loved her for .muuy an act of
2 unseliish kindness.
) I'm so sorry, Mrs. Jones'" said
the girl, hesitatinGly, for she was not
yet Injured to poverty and it's neces i.
ties, "brt ICY husband is trying even
now to get some money. The paper
he works for has taken his drawings.
but they will not pay. | wish [ had
something to give you; but unless lie
{ brings back his money we shall not
know where to get to morrow's dinner
from"
Mrs Jones stared in surprise.
f9Whnff
4 Why, surely you weren't going to 90
without? Lord love you, why didn't
yon tell me before? Why, there is
Mr.. Carstairs coming up now. I'm
sure that's his step. Don't lell him |
came for the rent, but let it bide-let
It bide."
And so she hustled off.
q With her heart beating wildly, Ellen
{ Carstairs went to the door and stood
watching for her husband. He came
lowly up the dark, carpetless stairs,
md, hearing him sigh and pant as he
walked, her hopes fell to zero. With
he tact of her sex she crept back into
The room.
"Well. my darling, how have YOU
got on?' she cried, coming to his side
IS he entered, and kissing him.
''Why, how hot and burning you are!
T, Are You ill, darling?" she asked, anx-
ously.
Don't light the candle, " he said.
'uskiiy. 81 think Pm going to be bad.
- title one. I'll so TO bed now, if you
/, lon't mind.
(, And the money, George?-did the
editor pay?' Do what she would, she
( couldn't keep the gripping anxiety from
Ter tones.
"No; they told me to call again.
after the holidays. | said wanted
,he money and the clerk showed me
he door. After the holidays-ha.
ia, hal"
He shook with CHASTITY merriment
While steadying himself by tho door.
Quickly she lit candle and half
ed, half carried him into the tiny
edroom.
odd You have any food to-day,
feorgc-tell meg"
He locked at her with the smile of
cirium still on his face and said:
But / want the money, sir: the
irtures were Published two months
go, and we owe for rent and for food.
an not you pay me? What? After
he holidays! Why, heaven we may
C starved before then. / tell YOU !
lyen't touched food to-day. Curse
on for thicf,'
Tho voice died away into husky
hisper. Biting her lips TO keep
own her tears she undreesed him.
al with gentle fore, pushed him into
~.
Then she opened the door and ran
Wei, my dear' tho laudlldy cz
aimed Then, catching sight OF the
ar-siained face she laid down her
rS WHAT'S the matter? Tell me