The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-01-20

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naughty toward her.
When they reached the veranda, Gladys
laid her hand affectionately on the
others arm.
II suppose she began, that you're
wondering why 1 asked you to come out
here In the first place I wanted to tell
se-a-s yousnow sorry 1 am for my wretched eX-
hibition Of temper the other day
ooh, that's all right cried Ora, her
ill-wiH fleeing at the first word of peni-
*--- tenee.
And you'll forgive me?"
"Why. 1 will Nothin' to forgive
anyhow
a long-lost relative here tonight. Why
do You start?'
49, - 'cBob told You that?" gasped Ora.
Certainly replied Gladys, wincing
at the country girls unconscious use of
Blessings first name.
He tells me it's your father you're
pecting'
,.IBpt;-but ne told me only yesterday
that he hadn't breathed a word of it to
a soul" protested Ora
"Oh, Bob could hardly be expected to
have any secrets from me- the
laughing response.
Ora opened her eyes wide. y question
80 ross to her lips, but she checkedF4t s.
Have you any proofs of your fatheF,s
identity?" went on Gladys.
only a letter and a photograph
They're both in the old album on the
table at home"
My poor little girl said Gladys her
well trained voice sinking to a tone of
tenderness, Mr.. Blessing is "a famous
Practical joker. And, in this case he's
played one Of his cruel, practical jokes on
you. He probably thought you wouldn't
feel it as much you do
nest,'' - : . '''>~' - - = So
nature than you, Miss jones'" smiled
why, I'd like to know?''
Because 1 am his promised wife,
''What.''
Il am engaged to be married to him.
repeated Gladys.
IL isn't true"' cried Ora. "Why, he
is
There is my proof" broke in Gladys
holding oct her left hand; there is
my engagement ring. If you want fur
Their proof ask my brother. AS for that
story Mr.. Blessing told YOU about your
- father it is easily disproved. He said
your father would be in on the 9 O'Clock
train That train is just in. Come
back to the ball room and We'll see if ne
is there
AS they re-entered the room, a porter
called out in the adjacent office:
Mine o'clock train in; no passengers =
At The same instant a messenger boy
thrust a telegram into Gladys hand. She
and, with an eXultant laugh, passed it
over TO Blessing He read:
Miss Gladys Middleton Tell Blessing
not TO interfere. l viii not come to Lost
River. Thomas Middleton
The cur!' muttered Blessing
Ora was at his elbow, needless in her
excitement of the amused glances of the
other girls.
My tather-where is hep" she demand
ed.
He ne isn't coming" replied Bob
hOarsely.
Oh grammar walled the girl, cast
ing herself into her grandmother's arms,
take me home. He's deceived me. It's
it's just like mother!'
Ora" pleaded Blessing, 'let me ex-
But Mrs. Gates repulsed him angrily
and drew her sobbing granddaughter
from the room.
Looking about in bewilderment, Bob's
eye fell Gladys triumphant face
You devil" he exclaimed. This is
your work! l.
MIR. Blessing!" shouted the foreman's
voice from the veranda look out for
yourself The men have found out that
Middleton didn't come They're after you
to lynch You for cheating Them
Blessing was all activity in an instant
Snatchng up a chair he dashed it
through the glass case that protected the
fire tools at end of the room.
Wrenching the huge red FREAK from
its socket he whirled it above his head,
and with blazing eyes turned to confront
the threatening mob of grimy laborers
> that surged Into the room.
II WAS all my IdulC, Ofd, complained
Gramma Gates, as the old lady and Ora
stood in the dooryard of their cottage [
hadn't oughter of let you go to the hop
Don't say that gramma," pleaded the
girl, forcing a laugh. 1--WE had a good
time, and now it's all over you and me
can settle down to life once more
Yes sighed gramma, and them
hopes Of indin your pa must be folded
up and laid away like the pants of some
dear dead friend.''
Don't let's speak of those foolish
hopes" replied the girl gaily. what do
we care for society and relations? We've
got each other, and that's all the kin or
social fun we want
In the midst of a laugh the girl broke
down. She buried her head in ner grand
mothers lap and sobbed bitterly
Poor little child" confronted the old
woman, you're hearts breakin' on ac-
count of that disapp' intment, in spite of
all your pretendin' to laugh it off,
~''0h, it isn't that 1t isn't thatn' Sob
bed Ora. IT'S the way Bob deceived
me about it all and his maxim believe to
love ME when"
when what?'
when he was keepin' comp'ny with
that Miss Middleton all the time
Both were too much engrossed to notice
Bill LOucks and Gladys, who stood unob-
served just outside the gate.
III keep them talking" WHISPERED
Gladys, while you slip into the house
and get the album. It's on the table the
girl said. Meet me in the woods by the
4IF6I IOdu NIl6H you We taken 1t, ana II
pay you there. We can burn the photo
graph and letter out there
Good morning was her CHEEKY greet
ing, as she passed into the yard
Ora dried her tears and came forward
10 greet her. Gramma Gates walked
away with an air of injured dignity
Poor girl exclaimed Gladys You've
been crying! I'm afraid you take Bob's
cruel joke too much to heart. Won't
you let me help me in any way?'
Yes. Help me find my father"
But he's probably dead. You said
your only proofs were that letter and
Is photograph. Besides, if your father were
really alive and willing to acknowledge
- You, why didn't Mr.. Blessing produce
him?"
Mr. Blessing will answer that question
s. In person." said deep voice behind
them. The girls turned hastily to con-
front Bob Blessing.
"Wait!' he begged, as Ora started to
go into the house. II demand leave to
explain. 1 would have followed and told
you everything last night, but that
had to stay and dispense that drunken