The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-01

it is mine. And yet \ nave never had
any other thought than to make Marga-
ret happy"
Il know that we'll enough. Pulaski"
Miss Fanny assented land I have some-
times had an idea that you thought too
much about her for your own good"
THAT is true" he replied. He was
merciless critic of himself in matters
both great and small, and he had no
concealments to make. Yes, you are
right" he insisted; Il have thought too
much about her happiness for my own
good, and now | see myself on the verge
of great trouble"
IF Margaret understood the situation
said Miss Fanny, Il think she would
feel differently"
'On the contrary, l think she under
stands the situation perfectly well; that
is the only explanation of her troubles
which she has sought to conceal"
At that moment Margaret came to the
door Her face was very pale, almost
ghostly, indeed, but whatever trouble
may have looked from her eyes before,
they were clear now. She came into the
room with a little smile towering around
her mouth She had no eyes for any one
but Pulaski Tomlin, and to him she
spoke.
MY father has come she said He
is not such a father as l would have Sc
lected still, he is my father. 1 knew
him the moment l opened the door. He
wants me to go with him; he says he is
able to provide for me. lie has claims
on me-"
Have we none?" Miss Fanny asked
more than anybody IN the world" re-
piled Margaret, turning to her; more
than all the rest of the world put to-
gether. But l have always said to my
SELF" she addressed Neghbor Tomlin
again, that If it should ever happen
that l found myself unable to carry out
your wishes, sir, it would be best for me
to leave your roof, where all my happi-
ness has come to me-" She was very
humble, both in speech and demeanor
Neighbor Tomlin looked at her with
puzzled and a grieved expression Why
l don't understand you, Margaret" said
Neghbor Tomlin. What wish of mine
have you found yourself unable to carry
out?'
only one, sir; but that was very
important one; you desired me to marry
Mr. Bethune."
why, you were never more mistaken
in your life replied Neghbor Tonilin,
with what Miss Fanny thought was un-
necessary energy. Il may have sug-
gested it; saw you gloomy and I'M
happy, and l had observed the devotion
of the young man. What more natural
than for me to suggest that-Margaretl
you are giving me a terrible woundr'
He turned and went into the library, and
Margaret ran after him.
1t Is probable that nan knows better
than any outsider what occurred then.
1t seems that. Margaret, in her excite
ment, forgot to close the door after her,
and Nan was sitting where she could see
pretty much everything that happened,
and she had a delicious little tale to tell
her dear Johnny when she went home, a
tale so impossible and romantic that she
forgot her own troubles and fairly
glowed with happiness. But it is best not
to depend too much on what Nan saw,
though her sight was fairly good where
her interests were enlisted
Margaret ran after Neighbor Tomlin
and seized him by the arm "Ch, never
meant to wound you" she cried" you
who have been so kind, and so good! Oh.
If you could only read my heart, YOU
would forgive me, instantly and for
ever
Il can read my own heart" said Neigh
Dor Tomlin, land 1t has but one feeling
for you"
Then kiss me goodbye" she said. It
am going with my father"
IF l kiss you," he replied, you'll not
CO."
She looked at him, and he at her and
she found herself in the focus of light
that enabled her to see everything more
clearly She had caught his secret and
he hers.
CTo be continued.)