The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1902-10-24
The Girl at Number Nine === A
Pathetic Story of a Mis-
understood Love.

prettier than she. But a bright un-
selfish nature will make even PLAIN
fact attractive; and there were times
when you would have said that Nellie
Graham was more than cOmcly
Each week day morning. punctually
at a quarter TO &, you might see her
setting off for a twO-mlle walk To the
Bread School in Hirst street, where
as head teacher, she received salary
which enabled her TO provide for the
wants Of the household.
OF a sunny disposition she always
endeavored TO look on the bright side
of things. But the dark side would
persist in showing itself especially
when, as It often happened, her father
"A confirmed er-drinker-with foul
oaths would demand money from her.
while her mother-a confirmed Invalid
would signal to her from the horse
hair couch to obey him.
At length, however, the time came
when even her darkest days had
CLEAN Of sunshine. Love entering her
life had gloriGed 1t.
lie was a draughtsman at Cranston's
big works: and, with a salary OF El4O
per annum, had dreams Of future great
ness.
TO most people he was an ordinary
young man, with fair amount Of good
looks: but to Nellie he was a hero, and
well.nigh as handsome as Apollo Bel
vedere.
"First love Is a pretty romance,
But not half so sweet as It's reckOned;
And when one awakens from the
trance
There's vast deal Of love in the sec
ond"
Such was Tom Marston's belief. He
was three-and-twenty when a certain
bright-eyed, tGolden-haired damsel Tilted
hin. Possibly she had good reason
for so doing At all events, Tom con
sidered himself ill-used, and for time
was an avowed cynic. And then he
met Nellie Graham.
Twelve months had now elapsed
since the day OF their engagement; and
so far he saw no reason to doubt his
sweetheart's fidelity.
His was big nature; he was not of
the stuff of which heroes are made;
hut probably the strongest affection OF
which he was capable was given to
Nellie Graham.
But the course of true love, hitherto
running smoothly, received sudden
check. In this wise: Having been In
formed by the chief that his salary
would shortly be substantially i'll
creased. Tom on leaving the office went
straight to town and there invested
eighteen-and-siXpcncc in a present for
his sweetheart, to he given to her upon
her birthday. And that same evening,
well pleased with himself and the
world he set off for . Nentnor Road.
Nellie was not at home. and the news
momentarily dampcd his spirits. Would
she be long away? Mrs. Graham could
not say; and so Tom sat Gown. and
chatting with the old lady. waited Gag
erly for the sound of his swcethcart's
footstep in the hall But he waited i'm
vain, and at length he took his dcpar-
ture.
BY this time his high spirits had com.
pletely evaporated II wonder where
she has gomez lac said TO himself.
''She might have told her mother.
Bother il! she has spoilt the whole
evening"
The twilight was deepening. but
Toms eyes were keen, and presently
he saw Ncllie's trim little figure on the
opposite pavement. She was walking
quickly. her gaze straight in front OF
her, and not until she heard his voice
was she aware OF her Swcetheart's
presence
His greeting was anything but lover
like-nine women out of ten would as.
suredly have resented It, Where have
you been?" he said. note of irritation
in his voice.
II have been" she began :altcr.
ingly, and then stopped. her head
averted. her eyes upon the ground.
Instantly the demon of jealousy
awoke within him. You've been walk.
ihr "iAh sunni bhfs ht fANiUlllltN
hoarsely. "Who was IT, Some man. |
supposev'
With that she raised her head. and
looking straight into his eyes: Yes. "
she said firmly. almost. IL seemed to
him, defiantly. lit was a man. and |
have been walking with him for an
hour or more"
For n moment he was dumfounded
Then. "oh. indeedr' he said. striving
10 control his voice. well tall
about IL later on-perhaps. Good even
ing" And off he swung. chin in air
twirling his cane between bis fingers
That evening and the Cay followin,
Tom sulked Ike a spoilt child. Nelli,
ust be taught a lesson! His wounde,
self-esteem demanded as much But /
was far from his thoughts ~ allow
this parting to be final. For hers wa
the stronger nature Gin his heart o
hearts he knew it): she was his wis
little counselor, and without her b.