The Atlanta constitution., 1900-04-09
CHAPTER II.
"NIADGE."

i
When. having realized a comfortable
competency, Mr.. Selby retired from bus
mess his aspirations scared no higher
/ than the Camden road. whittier he furth-
er retired with Mrs. Selby and his daugh-
ter Margaret when the latter was about
eighteen years old.
Whence Madge had inherited her firm
ness OF will was puzzle but how well
II became her. She had beauty. too, and
loving nature which made her perfect.
At least in Dick Mortimer's eyes she was
this, and who better able To judge than
he. could there be? In the bloom of her
early womanhood. Madge was to her lever
more than all the world beside. and on
her part his love had been returned frank
ly; not coyishly for that was not Madse's S
way, but in an open hearted faSIllon
which left no doubt of the depth and con-
stancy of her affection and trust, and
never yet perhaps did a man and woman
love each other in Il more sensible. manly,
and maidenly way than did these two.
Then had come the unfortunate business
to which Dick had referred upon the
evening when the injured man had been
brought to the surgery IN Nentmore
street. For. aIlurcd by the SpeciouS prom
iSes contained in the prospectus of the
United Bakeries Company the capital
of which was two millions, Dick had IN
vested i'm it the best part of the money
left him by his mother. and lost it. So he
had resolved upon quitting England for a
time; an eligible position hdd been oiIef-
ed him abroad, and the negotiations had
come to that stage which required Dut u
word to complete them.
lie and Madge were discussing his APP
preaching departure when their conveT-
sation was interrupted bN Mrs. SeioE'
who came into the room bearing huse
baskcJ of work which was part OF hcr
life As a rule she was cheerfulness per
scnified but a look OF anxiety was on heT
face that Cay.
two, DOCTOR" she began. as she unturled
some work. I'm not satisfied with him.
Sometimes l think the most dreadful
What is it. Mrs. selby?" asked Dick.
you see he has such implicit faith IN
you. doctor" contin Ied Mrs. Selby. lie
minds what you say.
"IIe would not spend so much OF ms
time indoors. if he did mind what | tell
him. replied Dick. IT'S not good for
him to he hours and hours in the work
shop. over I task that is an impossible
'toh. for gracious sake," cried Mrs. Sell
by. don't tell him that dreadful machine
OF his is 1io good. Hes more wrapptd u2
in it than ever | hear him talk about II
i'm his sleep. and only yesterday he said
to me in Il is very room. Martha. my dear:
| have discovered the secret ut last. anu
be has said that so many times, You
know"
'I'n go and speak to him. answered
Dick. and with Madge beside him. he went
INTO the garden. NIcfe at lie. lui Ill tiiN
was Mr.. Seby's workshop. from whence
the tinkle of n hammer proceeded. within
Mr. Selby was hard M work in 4 state of
radiance. and Madge going up 10 him. put
her hand on his ann gently.
Aren't you going 10 icave off work.
dear?'' she asked. You have been out
here so long.
Her father was more than usually glee-
full. and he gave her hearty kiss.
Just listen to her" he cried. Why. my
dear | am on the very verge. as you may
say. of success. Look at this ard he
held out piece of iron at which he had
been working. Il don't cxpect you to
quite understand. but DIR. Mortimer will"
Certainly | do. but | haven't given yoI
UP as n patient yet: | must insist on your
leaving work for the day. Mr.. Selby. |
have come to the conclusion that YOU re-
uuire complete change Of scene" said
Dick London air does not suit you.
What I want is for you to take house in
the countrv.
mot a bad idea exclaimed Mr.. Selby.
81 was always fond of the country, and
can get tenant for the Lodge at once."