Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-07-31
JUST IN TINE.

had promised TO remain uue " u.~
till his return. When they parted, ~
decided to return to Baltimore at once
and make arrangements to 30 70
Mexico. Lila Ravens went on alone
to friends she was to visit at Snarps'
burg.
I'VE expected you this morning."
said her hostess.
"Yes, dear, but you see, l was un'
ayoidably delayed. What a lovely DAY
It has been!"
"And there is q telegram for you'
Lila"
Really? Something aunt forgot to
mention, dare say. Excuse me- Sne
broke it open carelessly. Dear mel"
She puckered her brow. "Only fancy!
The admiral is coming down here TO-
morrow"
The admiral appeared on the scene
the day following.
my dear Lila" be said. II must nave
. little talk with YOU"
Eyes, uncle"
lila. my dear"-they were quite
alone-"I have had proposal for your
hand in marriage. II l had chosen the
man, l could not be better pleased than
to see you the wife Of Judge Mason"
Uncle! He is more than twice my
are. never dreamed Of It,"
HE is a young man, my dear-s
vigorous young man. He will idolizs
you. You knew hs admired YOU
HE is a widower."
"But his only daughter Is married.
"oh, uncle. lit is out Of the ques'
ticn."
my dear"-the old man looked SUD
denly grave and pale-"there IL Das
news. You must make up your mint
TO meet 1t bravely."
Lila's face reflected some Of the pale
ness Of bis own.
"Uncle-my-money-have lost It!
"There has been a terrible Anancia
failure. l hardly know how to tel
YOU, We only heard yesterday, and W
don't know for sure as yet. al
afraid-Lila, you must bear up-l al
afraid you have lost nearly all 20
had"
The girl leaned back In the chair
There was a stunned look In her fac'
She did not speak. The admiral wer
on. speaking more rapidly
II can hardly blame myself. 1t WI
an undreaned Of thing. OF couri
there is a little real estate left yo'
. Heaven knows l wish 1t had been q
J in houses. Judge Mason-
ooh" the girl broke In suddenl
che won't want me now-w-en
? knows I am panriless!"
"My child, he came As soon a.
4 knew It,"
She went to her room and lock
t herself In Then she wrote to Caro-
Tralnor:-
q Il am no longer rich. There Is
use of an engagement. l have &c
everything Perhaps you will be RI
some day, Carroll. II so, you MI
> come and find me-"
u But she said nothing Of Hon. Thorn
!. Mason.
It The girls soul sickened within h'
8 A brief note from Trainor told !
l. that he was just leaving for the g
e coast, where he would find steamsl
p for Vera Cruz. He thought he wo'
+ never return to the United States.
IS A great despair came over her.
J. her sensitive state she felt that ne
D. longer cared for her.
al She capitulated and consented to
ar ceiye Judge Mason's addresses.
Ill Three months had passed. The W
Ill ding was to take place the last w
or of June. Miss Ravens was to beco
to Mrs. Thomas Mason.
y. The wedding invitations were alb
rt to be sent out. The wedding day
of fixed fortnight hence. Miss Have
ms out on a shopping errand, turned
er street corner sharply and ran agal
is some one. She looked up and g
re male 1t was Carroll Trainor.
,e. "You!" she said family.
Ter "You didn't expect to see me? L
rlt for heavens sake, Is 1t true that
MS are going to marry Judge Mason!,
tut She nodded with an effort. The
cir of the marriage to which she had
come reconciled, but never enth
astically disposed, suddenly see'
sickening. Her whole soul revolte
ced CARROLL" she gasped. "Oh, Carr
fol- II there were any ESCAPED"
ar. Escape? What do you mean!
no It your own choos.rg? Are you b
hat forced into marrying the old
the ower?'
I-I-oh, you seemed not to '
of me, ard Uncle and aunt seemed ne
mp want me! Nobody seemed to Y
AN. me-except Judge Mason.
you "I-deserted you! I've Just ret
in ed from Mexico" said Tralnor,
, toj Tn going back there at once. I've
not splendid chance. It's lonesome
Sec a man to be by himself. The Gill
at is like paradise"
the The admiral and his good lady
dtar - H. kroaLfact n h1p