The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-11-24

, membered the impression afterwards,
and better appreciated it.
Among the thoughts that came to him
was one picturing his condition at that
moment had it not been for his first
caller-had he been forced, for in
stance, to select the bedizened duchess
for his bride, or the runaway school
girl.
His heart went out in an unaccount-
able fashion to Esther Thorndike. He
wanted to grasp her hand and thank
her for saving him from that. He did
not venture quite so far; but he spoke
to her that he might at least hear her
voice in reply. 1t was like water to the
thirsty. He wondered what it could
be that was wrong with the hidden
face. He was sorry for her-very sorry;
and heresolved that as soon as this busi-
ness was settled he would show her his
gratitude and appreciation in very
substantial way. Indeed, he had
reached a point where he was almost
ready to declare that she should not
| sink into oblivion at all, when the boat
touched the New York side, and she
proposed remaining in the ferry wait
ing-room, that she might be near at
hand when he wished her without ham,
pering his search.
An hour later he came hurrying
down the walk alone, his face express
i've of failure.
Esther ThorndiEe was waiting at the
gate. He LAew her in an instant, but
before he could speak she laid her hand
on his arm, saying:
Hurry. He just passed me. He is
on this boat"
Again a strange feeling crept over
him, which he remembered afterwards.
AS the wheels started, Esther Thorn
dixie entered the ladies' cabin, and on
the other side Stanton greeted the cler-
gyman with the question:
"Do you remember my uncle's last
words, DR.. Borden?"
Early in the morning the good doctor
had heard that the property was taken
from his young friend and parishioner:
1t fell like heavy weight upon his
heart, and all day long his mind had
been upon the death-scene, with the
| dying words its salient feature. In
stantly he repeated them: Twelve
o'clock, and all is WELL" But, Robert
he said, anXiously, what does this
mean that hear about the property p
"a mistake" Stanton replied hur-
riedly. at is for me to correct If
can, and can do it with your help. i
did not like the way the property was
| left, and did not care to redeem it.
Only last night l learned the reasons
for my uncle's wish that l should keep
| it, and / resolved to do so if l could. /
cannot explain it better now, but will
satisfy you fully later. The seizure of
the estate was made according to the
death certificate, which was dated De-
cember 8; but the physician has ac-
knowledged that he was wrong, and, as
you know from those last words my
uncle did not die until after IL o'clock.
1t was upon the 9th. If l am married
before midnight tonight, l shall carry
out my uncle's wishes"
"But the wife, Roberto" the good
doctor said, lowering his head to look
over the top of his glasses, as was his
won't in moments of emergency.
"She is waiting in the ladies' cabin.
We have been searching for you all the
evening"" Stanton replied.
"A good wife is better than riches,
but poor wife turns heaven into hell
l am sure your uncle would not have
the property preserved at the risk of a
sacrifice" the doctor said, O little
doubtfully.
"She is very much too good for me, in
any case" Stanton said, taking out his
watch-a legal trick which rarely fails
to distract the attention. Involun-
tarily DIR. Borden looked at his own
watch, and his thoughts turned upon
the time.
SIT is 1925, Robert" he said. "Too
close to the last moment. Too much
like a death-bed repentance. But we
can make it by taking carriage direct
ly to the house. Have you the papers
ready%
Stanton handed him the Brooklyn
permit. He glanced at. it and said:
Esther Thorndike, Brooklyn. It's a
good name, Stanton. Whatever there is
in name | don't know, but there's
something; and that is a good one. But
[ don't seem to remember it. Where
does she live?''
"She attends DR.. Atwood's church,
Stanton replied, with some hesitation
He was not an expert at answering
questions, especially when he had some.
thing to conceal, and from the doctors
tone it was evident that if he knew the
facts his assistance would be doubt
full.
"Yes, but her home?" DR.. Borden said
There was wild cry forward. Some
one was overheard; and it was not sur
prising that Stanton's first thought was
of Esther Thorndike.
Instantly leaving the doctor, hC
pushed his way frantically through the
ladies' cabin till he found her, and
laying a trembling hand upon her shoul
der, said:
Thank heaven! was afraid that il
was you, and that had driven you Il
it. I've been blind TO every interest but
my own. l want you to ask whatever il
Is that you are to ask me, and | VIII dc
it, and great deal more, il can, ant
we will let this miserable business droI
! right here"