Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1900-05-03

10 break through her reserve, but she
hastily brushed her hand across her
eyes,
"They are weak she said defiant
ly. ~ shouldn't think you would de-
sire a 'stage-struck baby for II
friend"
"Oh, Margaret, Is that the trouble?
Have you been harborng those
thoughtless words OF mine all this
time2 How did you know what
said? Surely Marsh wouldn't repeat
our conversation"
mo, indeed; on the contrary, had
the pleasure OF hearing you, You may
remember that the stage was quite
dark after that rehearsal, and ms |
came bNck to find glove | had drop
ped ! heard my name mentioned,
Hoping In my trustful Ignorance 10
hear something encouraging or even
n helpful criticism, listened, for |
was so anxious to do my part we'll"
Don't you think you have punished
me long enough for words that re-
greet most sincerely | would so like
TO be friends with YOU There was
ring Of tenderness in his voice that
most any one would have found hard
10 resist
THANK you, she answered. 81 have
no time for friends
Cyril turned away, deeply hurt, lie
determined never TO bother her again
with an offer Of friendship. A deter
mnation he adhered TO In his letter.
but not in spirit, as he was constantly
wishing to do hcr some little service
She was strangel. attractive to him.
One moonlight night Margaret wal
Walking home after the play, She WA
tired and she hoped that the cool
night air would revive her, so she
strolled along slowly until she became
conscious OF step behind her tina
seemed to follow her. She haslcncd
little, and was annoyed TO find that
the step was changed to suit her pace
She came with relief 10 the cornel
where she always turned TO u side
street. But when she discovered that
her follower also turned she was dis
mayed. A great feeling Of fright
took possession OF her, and she dccld'
ed, without n moments reflection, to
seek protection somewhere Seeing D
brightly lighted house she ran swift
~ up the steps and was just about to
pull the bell when, to her absolute
horror, she heard her pIrsuer bound
up behind her.
Her heart almost stopped beating
an idea that she was to be carried of
bodily came into her mind, and she
trembled with fear.
"Well, what are you doing here
Miss Leigh, at the door Of my board
ing house? Did you want to see some
one? ] have Il latchkey,"
80, Mr.. Lawnsd le, is it really you?
/ thought you were some horrible
man that was following me. was SO
nervous and silly | came up here to
get away from you" Margaret tried
to speak lightly, but the tears would
come.
you poor little woman, l wouldn't
nave lTelButchCu yOu ~ w. W. ''"'
Cyril said, rejecting with a smile on
the many, many nights he had follow
ed her to see that no harm overlook
her. "You must allow me to take you
home"
"No, indeed, don't want you to-"
she replied between sobs.
"rhat has nothing TO do with 1t. II
you are as nervous as all this, you
need protector He gently tucked
her arm through hisand led her down
the steps. "Nes, dear little girl you
certainly need n protector, and most
respectfully apply for a life appoint
ment in the place. win you marry
me, for | love you, Margaret"
She was too weak and exhausted to
argue the question, so she Simply
chung to his arm little tighter, and
said:
"How can you, Cyril, when I've al
ways been so horrid?"
He leaned down in the shadow Of a
great building and kissed her.-Chica-
go Tribune.