The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1903-07-02

younger.
Il will admit that men speak we'll of
you," he said. They tell me YOU We're
q boy of the streets and the only sup
port Of an invalid mother. That's
good. And you have an honost face.
That counts for something. But your
money is against YOU"
Come, come" said Andrew, little
sharply, what is it YOU really wish to
say to me? 1 have listened patiently
to your strange remarks. Make your
self clearer and let us get to the
point"
Il WILL" said the older man. lie
spoke hurriedly. Then he leaned 4
little forward and looked into An
drew's eyes. What is there" he slow
ly asked, "between you and my Anna?'
Andrew started and flushed. But
the gaze that met the older mans did
not finch.
There is nothing" he said. "What
do you mean"
"You have made love to hcr?'
s'No."
"You have led her to believe that
you cared for herr"
NO"
"You have let your money blind you
to the fact that those who take their
wages at your hands have souls and
hearts, and feeling mayhap even more
sensitive than your own"
THAT Is false and idle talk. Why
do you come here and accuse me OF
these thlngs?''
Your face is an honest one and your
voice has an honest ring. But how
can I believe you?'
Come, come,' cried Andrew" enough
of this. Tell me at once what it is that
prompts you to make these accuse
tionS."
The older man bowed his head.
MY poor Anna" he said. "She came
home last night looking sore distressed.
What is it, my girl?' asked. She told
me she must quit her place. 1 asked
why. She said it was distasteful to
her, but 1 could see she was holding
something back. is the master rot
kind? I asked. She said he was al
ways kind. And when she said it she
looked so troubled that blurted out of
4 sudden. rs it because you love him?
And with that she gave me quick
look from her brown eyes-they are so
like her dead mother's-and burst into
tears. I said no more, but kept up
lot of thinking. Then I made UP my
mind, to see you and have it out with
you-and I'm here with mind that's
torn with doubts and a heart that calls
for revenge" His voice had been
raised a little. but it suddenly dropped.
II was going away" he said, across
to the old country. They have sent
for me- They need me. wanted to
see my Anna settled in good home,
the wife Of good man. I'm no COM
panion for her. She could not so with
me. I cannot leave her unprotected.
But she would have naught to do With
any man + might choose for her. And
now feel her peace of mind is gone,
and her happiness is gone" He'paused
and his eyes again sought Andrews.
"And you blame me?"
II cannot help but blame YOU
"Yet 1 tell you I am innccert."
"Prove it"
"How can II"
s'You must"
Andrew looked at the dark face be-
fore him and was silent a moment.
Then he suddenly flushed.
"There is a way" he said. "Step into
this storeroom here and leave the door
ajar. I want You to hear all that is
said. But. understand, you are not to-
interrupt"
The older man looked at him doubt
fully. Then he slowly stepped to tie
storeroom door and opened it.
Don't forget that 1 am here" he
said. r
II will not forget
The man disappeared as Andrew
went to the outer door and unlocked
it. Then he returned to his desk and
struck q bell. A boy appeared in the
doorway.
Request Miss Eawdon to come
here"
The girl appeared q moment later
She paused on the threshold.
YES" said Andrew, as he turned
from his desk. Il wanted you, Miss
Rawdon. Sit here, please"
She came forward with her tablet
and pencil and took the chair by his
desk. Andrew gave her a quick
glance. She was pale. And somehow
the pallor became her.
Miss Rawdon," said Andrew, care
you quite satisfied with your position
here:'
She gave q little start and a duh
red flushed her cheeks.
II have no reason to complain" she
answered.
Andrew hesitated.
For some time / have thought of
asking you to give up your place." he
asked.
Il am ready to leave at any mo-
ment," she quickly remarked.
"Wait. please" he said. II wanted
you to leave because meant to offer
you what hoped you would consider
better position"
She looked et him with startled eX-
preston.
81 have hesitated." he went on, be
cause wished you to know HE better
first. You have really had no chance
to get acquainted with me. I am
afraid you regard me as mere money
grubber. You had no reason to sup
pose there were any tender qualities
in my makeup. And yet want you
to know that you attracted me the
very first day you came into my EN-
ploy. That attraction has grown
stronger and deeper. 1t has been a
great pleasure to know that you We're
within call, and I dreaded to speak
r. -