Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-09-18

determination seized him to seek Ro.
sale aud try TO efrace the memory OF
his previous sternness
Toward evening he wended his way
to her home with the sweetest anticipa-
tions of reconciliation and affecfion.
With every step she seemed to grow
lovelier and dearer than before. But
as he neared the gate a sight met his
eyes which speedily cooled down the
fervid tones OF his fancy painting. 1t
was Mr.. Dalton assisting Rosalie to
dismount from her horse The exercise
had brought bright flush to her cheek,
and she was fairly dazzling. She per-
ceiyed Harry in time to bestow ON him
a very distant bow and then turned,
with added empressment, to her com
panion. 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 Kellis. whom Rosalie re-
garded SO superciliously.
Mr.. Dalton meanwhile found his at
fairs in 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 n 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 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 authori-
ties in such cases declared 1t would be
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 Rosalie. Yet had he anything
but his own harshness to blame for
the change? He was miserable, but his
own act had caused the misery.
Mr.. Dalton had mother living, n
stately lady of some forty odd years,
well preserved and leader of society
Clarence was her only boy and the
object of great many ambitious
dreams. The marriage which looked
to her so misty and far away was to
her very near reality. She had Sc
lected 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 n
fool of himself? She wrote n letter
to her son in which she expressed per-
feet confidence in his discretion and
her assurance that lie would do moth
ing foolish or imprudent
Mr.. Clarencc's brow as ne road the
maternal efTuslon was clouded with
thought. Where, im the name of com.
mon sense. could there be any danger
In marriage with such a charming
girl as Rosalle Ames2 As for the dan.
ger of her heart, lie wished he were
a little surer of it. He felt at that
moment that his own was in a much
more perilous position than hers.
As Harry walked that afternoon
along the broad road leading from his
house lie was attracted by almost In
articulate gronns. and looking a few
yards into the distance he saw a sense
less form lying in his path. while a
mad horse dashed furiously down
the road. AS he drew nenrer he
recognized the dark tasteful riding
suit which he 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 n mortal
conflict. What call had he to Interfere
In his behalf? The sneerlng fop who
had bllghted all his hopes! Let him
stay there aud die. But in the next
moment. forgetting all but the welfare
of his fellow being. he snatched off his
oyercoat and raised Dalton's head and
rested it 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 agonized the
accusing voice ever ringing In his ears.
God forgive met" 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