Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-12-05
MADALlNE RAY.
BY LAURA C. HOLLOWAY.

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 hin
from putting his plea.
Eyes, indeed, Mr.. Mason" replied the
| CHEEKY tones Of the uncle, who ha(
| overheard it. "Come and see us, and
here is my card to direct you. NADIA
line is at home Tuesdays ard 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 1 shall lie away WHILE"
pray. where, MaGaline:" her III.
Gle asked.
ION my way to Cuba. uncle, to sec
how far right Mr.. Starr was il his
statement tonight"
Mr.. Ray was evidently alarmed and
annoyed. and it was Il relief to him to
hear that the coachman awaited with
out
Four days later Sidney Mason called
at Mr.. Rays residence, ard learned
to his great surprise and regret. that
Miss Ray had gone South Oh business.
-Four years have passed. and down
Broadway one bleak. wint:y morning
sweet-faced 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 nistak-
en-. She is 4 business woman intent
OIL business. and her absorption in her
own thoughts leaves her 10 time to
notice others. Finally she discovers
her desired number, and enters large
building.
'AIay I ask if Mr.. 1artly-William
Hartly-is not indebted to this house?''
she asks, modestly. yet with an air OF
confidence that secures her recogni'
ton promptly.
"Yes. madam" says clerk to her.
''Will you tell me how much?"
mot unless we can be assured 1t is
your business to know. Are you any
rclative?"
mo, sir: but pray YOU tell me what
lie owes here. I assure you the infer.
nation is desired from right mo-
tive..'
"If Mr.. Mason consents. madam,
can tell you" and directing his steps
to high desk on the other side CT the
| 1r11f1inn 1,n oG1pnccnc a nt1nY1ofo
who returns with him.
my GRAND is perhaps singular
one, SIR" she said to him. ''but it is
soon explained. Mr.. Hartly once did
q loved one 4 great service. l desire
to return the kindness. and learning
from an acquaintance. who knows his
business affairs, that he is embar.
raised, I determined in my humble
way. to help him. Will you let me?"
The sweet face acted like spell OH
her listener. He stood looking into
her face. and then giancing out Of the
door. certainly not hesitatin@, nut
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?"
II am not authorized to speak for
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
half, and give you receipt for the en-.
tire amount. Will that be acceptable.
MADAME"
She looked up into his face, smiling,
and then shook her head.
"Can I not pay the bill. and have the
receipt in full? 1t will be a nice
Thanksgiving present for him."
She was persistent. but the gentle.
man hesitated. He evidently did not
want to take his visitors money, YET
she was ready to circumvent any eff.
fort he made to avoid the issue.
"Givc the lady receipt for Williar1
Hartly's account, Mr.. Myers, and re.
ceive from her forty dollars" he said
to the clerk. 'Now will that not Go?'
was his inquiry of his guest.
''Thark you, kind sir, but I Go not
wish you to lose by the operation.
am ready to pay the bill, which is.
understand, about double the amount
you name"
II am willing to settle the matter as
have said, and hope Mr.. Hartly will
appreciate your act"
"Oh, sir YOU have given me only half
an opportunity to return q noble deed
performed by him years ago for one
long since dead"
"For whom did he perform it, miss?''
'For my mother" she said, looking
at him through her tears.
The clerk Interrupted her to ask Fer
her name.
will YOU promise me-" said she,
turning again to the head Of the ccase,
"that he shall not know it,"
81 do" was his answer
"Madaline Ray is my name"
"And now I know You, Miss RAY
an sure you are the SINE. I knew
your voice and face from the first.
Have you forgotten an acquaintance
of one evening. and that four years
ago-Sidney Mason. whom you met at
Mrs. Grcy's with Philip Starr?"
''NO. indeed. Mr.. Mason, I have not
forgotten you" And right gladly she
extended her hand to him again.
"When you put out your hand to me
just now it recalled memory that was