Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-09-30
,assed on. and left the room.

Olive and her uncle were following
when they were startled by sharp
cry. and Elmer cardell sprang to-
ward them, shouting hoarsely:
Come back My Cod
He grasped Olives arm and almost
threw her back. The next moment he
lay white and bleeding at her feet.
A heavy shaft from above had fallen.
and it was to save Olive from being
crushed by it that he had drawn her
so rudely away. But he was too late
to escape, and the mass of iron had
struck him in its fall.
Mr.. Durahde was unframed. He called
some workmen, and, lifting Carden. they
carried him out into the air. where he
soon revived His injury was not severe
and, on learning that Olive was UNI
harmed. he expressed himself as quite
content.
Olive said little In words. but her man.
ner spoke eloquent thanks for the great
service he had rendered her. at such
fearful risk to himself.
Afterward she met Elmer Cardell fire.
qnently. She loved him from the first,
and as she knew him better and learned
10 fully appreciate the nobility of his
character. this love came TO be the ruling
passion Of her life.
But he never sought her love. though
she did not strive to conceal her prefer
enee from him. Il was plain that he liked
her only as an acquaintance, while the
handsomest, the proudest and the
weaithiest men of her set were ready to
die for her smiles, he alone was indiffer-
ent. And while people called her Hart
less Olive she was wearing out her heart
In hopeless. despairing love for this poor
unknown, mechanic.
Well you say, 1T Will all come right
at last, OF course 1t always does In stor-
les"
Did II? All, well. we are told that
whatever is. is right"
1t was In libraries and picture galleries,
and places OF public resort that Olive
usually met Elmer CardeI. She extend
cd to him frequent invitations to visit
her, of which he seldom awaited himself.
He never came to her balls and parties.
TO which he was always invited.
Olive did not blame him for this She
would not permit him to enter company
where he would not be permitted as an
equal. So she ascertained what resorts he
was in the habit of freuuenting and met
him there.
Usually he was alone. but once she
saw him at a public garden In company
with fair faced, sunny-haired young
girl, who was not his sister, for she knew
/ H.. Il
u sharp pang, as she saw how trustingly
and confidngly the girl hung on his arm,
and with what protecting tenderness he
seemed to guard and shield her from
everything unpleasant or annoying.
She did not speak to him. as usual but
passed him with a quiet bow.
She had invited him to call the next
evening and hear her sing; for she was
fine musician. and he was very fond of
music. Contrary TO his usual habit he
came
Taking advantage of some remarks in
which he alluded to the previous eve
ming, she asked who was his compan-
ION.
Miss Jennie Varnum." he replied, coll
oring a little.
Jennie Varnum7 Who is she7"
she Is to be my wife, Miss Durande."
Olives face grew white and she struck
her hands together with a passionate
motion, as of pain.
Your wife!" she cried fiercely. Elmer
Cardell. l love you"
He stared at her in blank aston
ishment.
Miss Durande-you forget" he gasped,
soon as he found breath.
Il forget nothing. / tell you | love
you! Do you hear me say Il? They
call me proud. Elmer Cardell; but l am
not too proud TO sue for your love, This
girl-thls Jennie Varnum-T tell you her
love for you is no more to be compared
to mine than your breath to the whirl-
windr'
Elmer had risen from his seat and he
now took his hat and turned TO depart
saying gently and respectfully:
Miss Durande, you are Ill, i fear. and
do not know what you are saying | will
go now, and we viii forget tonight We
Will say 1t has never BEEN
And with a respectful bow he passed
out.
For a moment she stood where he had
left her, and with her hands clasped over
her heart, her lips compressed and her
face white as death. Then, without
word or moan. she sunk silently to the
floor, her white lips growing scarlet with
the red life blood that swelled out from
them, dyeing her white dress with its aw-
full hue. And in that crimson tide, slow
ly ebbed away the life of her whom so
ciety" had called "Heartless Olive
New York News.