The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1901-04-19

was going on. "You were a pretty girl.
You must have had Offers
Straighter and straighter she sat.
''But always said," he pursued,
'that you were cut out for nice little
old maid. Marcy and l both used to
say that"
Years had passed. Marcy was in her
grave, but before Miss Martha came
the picture of Marcy and her first hus-
band discussing the fate of the young
cousin so ruthlessly treated by both of
them. She felt revengeful for the first
time in her life. Was she to be power
less in revenge as she had been in her
injury?
Just then clear young voice broke
the silence.
Borland started.
"Who is that?" he asked sharply.
Miss Martha saw the effect Of the
voice ON him, and she had never before
thought how like her mothers was
Helena's voice. More, Helena was the
picture of her mother.
"Come here. dear" she called
bOlo III llhC d Ult VI lhC Oul-
side sunshine. When she saw the
strange man there, she stepped back.
at is one Of the boat people," Miss
Martha said carelessly. "He came to
see me about something"
Borland was staring at the girl. His
hands clasped the arms of the chair he
was in.
Can 1 see you minute, aunty?"
Helena said. Gordon wanted me to
say something to YOU"
Miss Martha rose and went out into
the little entry with her.
Gordon wanted ME to say" Helena
said, that we should consult you
about the plans for the new house.
What magnificent teeth that man in
there has! Why, aunty, how bright
your eyes are! How pretty you lookr'
She leaned over and kissed Miss Mar
tha. "That's ALL" she said. Il always
come at once to tell you anything.
Gordon says you're our father confess
or. l do hope we shall have fine day
tomorrow, though Gordon says there's
a storm on the way. See you tomor-
row if not today again." and she was
gone.
When Miss Martha got back to the
parlor once more, Borland had not
changed his position.
81 suppose you heard every word"
she said in sprightly way. "She is
soon to marry Gordon Maxwell you
know. She regards me quite as her
mother. She calls me aunt, as you
heard. She remarked upon your fine
teeth. 1t was your teeth that made me
see something familiar in you when
you stood looking in at the window be-
fore l knew who you were. l don't
think many people ever had such teeth
as yours"
She had become very cheerful.
Borland rose heavily.
"You are the cruclest woman" he
said, Gin the world''
He went toward the door. In another
minute he would be gone.
Cant l offer you any refresh
ments?" she asked.
He paid no attention, but went on.
DAM"
1t frightened her that she used that
once familiar name.
He looked in at her.
II don't see why you should go like
this" she stammered. 81 don't see
how l have been cruel"
ut is so hard for you to be cruel" he
said quietly; sit has always been SO
easy for me-"
She could have cried out.
"Are you the sorrier for having seen
Helena?" she temporized.
81 am glad of it," he answered.
Gould have told her you were any
thing but one of the boat hands? Could
] have told her you were her mothers
first husband?''
"The possibility that there was some
thing you had to tell is what brought
me here" he said.
He was in the hall.
SIS there nothing you have to tell
me?' he asked. Nothing at ALP
"No," she answered, nothing"
He came back and threw himself in
to the chair before the table. His hat
fell to the floor; he let his head rest on
his rude SCARED hands that were
clasped together on the table.
Concluded next week