The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1900-09-27

erto observed and wondered what
might be the cause.
Poor Harry's state meanwhile was
far from enyiable For the first "a
hoars he maintained a fierce resent.
ment. But as the days came and went
ne softened little by little until every
harsh sentiment had vanished and n
determination seized him to seek Ro-
sale and try to efface the memory or
his previous sternness.
Toward evening he wendell his way
to her home with the sweetest antieipa-
tious of reconciliation and affection.
With every step she seemed to grow
loveler and dearer than before. But
as he neared the gate a sight met his
eyes which speedily cooled down the
fervd tones of his fancy painting. 1t
was NJ" Daltor assisting Resale to
dismouhi frohl hel horse. The exercise
had brought a bright flush to her cheek,
and she was fairly dazzling. She per-
ceived Harry In time to bestow on him
very distant bow and then turned.
with added empressment, to her com
panlon. Harry changed his intentions
at once, walked by the house in the
most leisurely and Indifferent manner
and proceeded to call upon that obnox-
ious Nellie kells, whom Resale re-
garded so supercillously.
Mr. Dalton meanwhile found his af
fairs In a somewhat perplexing state.
Filtration had been since his eleventh
year the element in which he delight
ed to exist. Matrimony with its cares
and responsibilities was to him the
most distant of prospects and must of
fer extra inducements to make him for
sake his freedom. Now, however, he
began to feel himself very seriously in
terested In a person who had not one
claim to fashion, family or fortune-a
little village girl who wore dresses of
her own fitting and made all the pies
and cakes that appeared on her table.
Whether she really cared for him or re-
garded him as a friend or simply as
an admirer was impossible to say.
Other people were not slow in draw
Ing their conclusions, and before three
weeks were over the village authorl-
ties in such cases declared it would be
a match.
Harry could not In his heart deny
the reasonableness of their predictions
He had the grief of believing that his
wishes, hopes and affections were moth
ing to Resale. Yet had he anything
but his own harshness to blame for
the change? He was miserable. but his
pup NOT hoH aa,,coI tbo rpicopv
Mr.. Dalton had a mother living. a
stately lady of some forty odd years.
we'll preserved and a leader of society
Clarence was her only boy and the
object of n great many ambitious
dreams The marriage which looked
to her so misty and far away was to
her a very near reality. She had Sc
lected a girl of his rank for a wife,
when, 10, there came rumor that
struck her to the heart. Could 1t be
that Clarence was about to make a
fool of himself? She wrote a letter
to her son in which she expressed per
feet confidence in his discretion and
her assurance that he would do moth
ing foolish or imprudent.
Mr.. Clarence's brow as he read the
maternal effusion was clouded with
thought. Where. in the name of com
mon sense. could there be any danger
in a marriage with such a charming
girl as Rosalie Ames2 AS for the dan
ger of her heart, he wished he were
little surer Of II. He felt at that
moment that his own was In q much
more perilous position than hers.
AS Harry walked that afternoon
along the broad road leading from his
house he was attracted by almost in
articulate groans. >and looking few
yards into the distance he saw sense
less form lying In his path. while a
mad horse dashed furlously down
the road. AS he drew nearer he
recognized the dark, tasteful riding
suit which be had seen Dalton wear SO
often before. And passing from the
clothing his eyes rested upon the face,
pale as death. of the unconscious man.
Good and bad angels tugged at Har.
rvs soul for one moment In mortal
conflict. What call had he to interfere
in his behalf? The sneering flop who
had bllghted all his hopes! Let him
stay there and die. But In the next
moment, forgetting all but the welfare
of his fellow being. he snatched off his
overcoat and raised Dslton's head and
rested 1t upon It Then. with frantic
haste he summoned aid, and all that
skill and care could do was employed
for the sufferers restoration. Harry
hung over him, pale and agonlzed, the
accusing voice ever ringing In his ears
God forgive meP' he cried THAT
wicked delay"
AT last signs of returning life were
visible. and ere long the physicians as
sured the watchers round that all was
hopeful Rest and good nursing alone
were needed
Harry quietly stole away and resum-
ed his walk. Wandering thus. quite
forgetful of the outer world. he encoun.
tered we'll known form-Rosalle
stood In his path, her cheeks pallid.
her eyes swollen with weeping She
did not seek TO avoid him. but seemed
waiting for him to speak. He took her
hand. She did not withdraw 1t. He
felt that she knew all.
Don't hate me-" he said. 81 de-
serve no credit almost turned to
leave him, for hatred and jealousy had
possession OF me. and II he had died
| should have been his murderer. But
II was for you. Rosalie. | loved you