The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1903-12-16

L
| giving for answer words that would
have seemed more appropriate coming
| from q laborer out In the cold than
from a pleasure-goer leaving those
heated parlors. But she was truthful
| ly speaking. She was tired. there was
no doubt of that. for WEAKNESS was de-
picted on her face. 1t appeared more
| the result of Indifference than physi-
cal prostration. Her questioner said
nothing.
"Shall we meet again, Miss Ray"
was the question he put to her.
He was tenacious, and no amount of
crowding in the han could prevent him
from putting his plea.
"Yes, indeed, Mr.. Mason" replied the
CHEEKY tones of the uncle, who had
| overheard 1t. "Come and see us. and
here is my card to direct you. NADIA
| line Is at home Tuesdays and Thurs
days.
"Thanks, uncle; but you will permit
me TO correct you. l am at home every
day for the next week. at uncle's, Mr..
Mason. and will be glad to see you.
After that shall be away while"
"Pray, where, MadalineT" her un-
Gle asked.
"On my way to Cuba. uncle, to see
how far right Mr.. Starr was in his
statement tonight"
Mr.. Ray was evidently alarmed and
annoyed. and It was relief to him TO
hear that the coachman awaited with
| out.
Four days later Sidney Mason called
ut Mr.. Rays residence, and learned.
TO his great surprise and regret, that
Miss Ray had gone South on business.
-Four years have passed. and down
Broadway one bleak. wlntry morning
a sweet-fnced woman passes swiftly,
looking intently for number she can
not discover. Her dress is simple. but
rich. and there is an air OF preoccupa-
ton about her that cannot be mlstak-
en-. She is business woman intent
on business. and her absorption in her
own thoughts leaves her no time to
notice others. Finally she discovers
her desired number, and enters large
building.
MAY | ask If Mr.. Hartly-Willinm
Hartly-is not indebted to this house?'
she asks. modestly, yet with an air Of
confidence that secures her rccogni-
ton promptly.
"Yes. madam" says n clerk 10 her.
"Vill you tell me how much?'
mot unless we can be assured II Is
your business to know. Are you any
relative?"
"No, sir; but pray You tell me what
he owes here. l assure you the infor-
nation is desired from a right mo-
tive"
"If Mr.. Mason consents. madam.
can tell you" and directing his steps
to high desk on the other side of the
building, he addresses a gentleman,
who returns with him.
"My errand is perhaps a singular
one, sir" she said to him. "but it is
soon explained. Mr.. Hartly once did
loved one great service. / desire
to return the kindness, and learning
from an acquaintance. who knows his
business affairs, that he is embar-
rassed. determined in my humble
way, to help him. VIII you let mef"
The sweet face acted like spell on
her listener. He stood looking into
her face, and then glancing out Of the
door, certainly not hesitnting, hut
seemingly perplexed and lost in his
own musings.
"Oh, yes, certainly: excuse me-" he
said, with an awkward effort at apol'
ogy. 81 was trying to think. But
about Mr.. Hartly-do you tell me he is
embarrassed in financial matters"
"I am not authorized to speak for
him, sir. Indeed, II may be very wrong
for me to come here for the purpose
have. but want to help him. and now
is the time for me TO do so. have not
been circumstanced so that could be-
fore"
"Then will reduce his account one
tire amount. VIII that be acceptable
madam"
She looked up into his face, smiling
and then shook her head.
"Can not pay the bill, and have the
receipt in full? 1t will be nice
: Thanksgiving present for him."
She was persistent, but the gentle
> man hesitated. He evidently did no
want to take his visitors money. ye
, she was ready to circumvent any eff
fort he made to avoid the issue.
"Give the lady receipt for William
| Hartly's account, Mr.. Myers, and re
ceive from her forty dollars" he sale
I to the clerk. "Now will that not do?'
was his inquiry of his guest.
"Thank you, kind sir, but do no
wish you to lose by the operation.
am ready to pay the bill, which is.
I understand. about double the amour
l you name"
? II am willing to settle the matter a
i have said, and hope Mr.. Hartly will
e appreciate your act"
! "Oh, sir, you have given me only hal
: an opportunity 10 return noble dee,
: performed by him years ago for on
s long since dead"
r "For whom did he perform it, miss?
n "For my mother" she said. looking
l. at him through her tears.
!, The clerk interrupted her to ask he