Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1901-02-28

rrn The oqr1y ,aayeIseg pegter' who who
Mute genial in manner when he saw
the pretty face of the young lady be-
side him.
"Just one hour, MISS" he replied.
''rThen can take look at the city,"
said Marian East to herself.
The porter heard, and was at once
ready with his advice:
BEST jump into that street car,
miss. The blue one over yonder. 1t
will take you up, on Main street in ten
minutes, and Main street holds all the
principal stores"
Marian East thanked him with
charming smile, and made her way to
the street car, which was on the point
of leaving the station as she reached it.
The city was not a very large one,
but the shops were sufficiently tempt
ing to hold her a prisoner before them
for some moments before she remem-
bered to glance at a clock.
Twenty minutes OF her hour had al
ready slipped by. She gave up Sc
cret little plan that she had formed
on her way that evening in the train.
She knew only one person in that city,
and he was quite ignorant Of her pres
ence on this day.
During the previous summer she had
met George Elphinstone in the coun-
try at the house of a mutual friend
who was his business partner. They
had ridden, drove, walked and talked
together for three long, happy months.
And when they parted George Elphin-
stone had asked for and obtained her
picture, which he had vowed to keep
forever, as the most sacred treasure
Of his life. Then he went away and
silence fell between them.
No letter came to remind Marian of
the friend whom she had allowed to
grow too dear. To all appearance she
had been only a summer friend to him,
while he--oh, how her heart ached as
he had been at such pains to teach
her in those happy days among the
mountain scenes!
1t was all over now! She had learned
to forget George Elphinstone, she said
to herself. And she would not own
home-had been made only that she
might have the sad pleasure Of looking
upon the walls that sheltered him, and
OF seeing his name on the office sign
which he had SO often described tC
her. Himself she did not wish to see
unless she might catch one glimpse OF
him from distance, herself unseen
in some crowded street. To be obliged
to speak to him now-to hold his han6
a moment, and to look into his eyes
as stranger-oh, that would be dread
full! Not for worlds would she have
had it happen SO! :
AS these thoughts passed through
Marian's mind she had left the shoI
windows and had been borne onward
by the ever-hurrying crowd until th'
name of a street, painted on a lamp
post opposite caught her eye en(
brought her to a -"Sprin.
Street"
It was there that George EiIphinston,
had his Office.
There was but the breadth Of on
street between them. Should sh
cross it?
Further up Spring street she coul,
see the iron posts and ratings of
park or public garden. Well dresse'
ladies and children were constantl
passing up that way.
Most Of them passed by Marian. no
without swift glance Of inquiry a
her fixed attitude and thoughtful, al
sorbed face.
No, will not co." she thought, a
last.
oh, my purse! my purse! I've los
1t! Where's a policeman cried
demonstrating woman, who had bee
standing close beside Marian at tn
crossing, while a procession Of cab
and carriages passed down the street
Marian turned to glance at the won
IN and then at the clock in a watcl
makers window.
1t was past the half-hour-time fo
ner to return to the railroad station.
One moment, MISS" said an i'm
poftant voice, as she stepped fror
Inc curbstone
hand was laid upon Marian's arm
Il biue-cOated policeman. after lister