The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-03-02
THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS.
Continued from Page Nine.)

melted with the infinite pathos and pity
of 1T ALL
He had intended to say some SHARP
epigranunatic things that would cut the
chronic moss-backs that cling to the
platforms on such occasions. But some
how when he began they were melted out
OF his speech. He spoke with tender
ness and reverence that stilled the CROWD
in moment like low music.
His tribute to the dead was poem
of rhythmic words and exalted thoughts
Not line of bombast or superfuous
repetition. The occasion was to him an
inspiration and the people hung breath
less on his words. His voice was never
strained but penetrated and thrilled with
thought packed until it burst into the
flame of speech. He felt with conscious
power his mastery of his audience. He
was surprised at his own mood of extra
ordinary tenderness as he felt (his being
penetrated and softened) his soul vibrate
to that oldest religion of the ages, the
worship of the dead,-as old as sorrow
and as everlasting as death! He, was for
the moment clay in the hands of some
mightier spirit above him.
He had spoken perhaps fifteen minutes
when suddenly, straight in front Of him,
be looked into the face of the One Wo-
man of all his dreams!
There she sat as still as death her beau
tiful face tense with hreathless interest,
her fiuted red lips parted as if half in
wonder, half in joy over some strange
revelation, and her great blue eyes swim
ming in a mist of tears! He smiled a
look of recognition into her soul and she
answered with smile that seemed to
say Eve known you always! Why
haven't you seen me sooner?" He rec
ognized her instantly from Mrs. Dur
hams description and his heart gave
a cry of joy. From that moment every
word that he uttered was spoken to her
Sometimes as he would look straight
through her eyes into her soul, she would
flush red to the roots of her brown black
hair. but she never lowered her gaze. He
closed his speech in a round of applause
that was renewed again and again.
His old classmate, Bob ST. Clare, rush
ed forward to greet him.
"Old fellow. you've covered yourself
with glory! By George that was great!
Come, here's a. hundred girls want to
meet you
He was introduced to a host of beau
ties who showered him with extravagant
compliments which he accepted without
affectation. He knew he had outdone him.
self that day, and he knew why. The
One Woman he had been searching the
world for was there, and inspired him
beyond all he had ever dared before.
He was disappointed in not seeing her
among the crowd who were shaking his
hand. He looked anxiously over the heads
of those near by to see if she had gone.
He saw her standing talking to two
stylishly dressed young men.
When the crowd had melted away from
the rostrum and he had started to take
his leave, she walked straight toward
him extending her hand with a gracious
smile
He knew he must look like fool, but
to save him he could not help it, he was
simply bubbling over with delight as he
grasped .ner hand, and before she could
say a word he said,
You are Miss Sallie Worth, the Sec
rotary of the Association. My foster
mother has described you so accurately
| should know you among thousand"
Yes, / have been looking forward with
pleasure 10 our trip to the springs when
/ knew we should meet you. / am de-
lighted to see you month earlier She
said this with a simple earnestness that
gave it deeper meaning than mere
commonplace.
do you know that you nearly knocked
me off my base when l first saw you in
the crowd?''
why? Howl she asked.
ssYou startled me-"
Il hope nat unpleasantly," she said,
looking up at him with her blue eyes
twinkling with mischief
''Oh, Heavens no! You are such per-
feet image of the girl she described that
] was so astonished / came near shouting
at the top Of my voice, '.There she Isl"
And that would have astonished the au-
dience. wouldn't it?
cit would indeed" she replied, blush
ing just little.
"But I'm forgetting my mission, Mr.
Castor. Papa sent me to apologize for
his absence today. He was called out of
the city on some mill business. He told
me to bring you home to dine with him.
I'm the secretary, you know, and exer-
else authority in these matters so I've
fixed the program. You have no choice.
The carriage is waiting"
CHAPTER XIX.
THE MORNING OF LOVE.