Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1903-09-23
ON THE WAY
TO AYLWIN
By M. MACLEAN
HELLIWELL
Copyright, 1908, by r. c. Mcclure
COPYRIGHT, 1905, bv z. Q. Mecare

lhc Train StOpptu Win Joit, uHu
the passengers thronged out. filing the
station with hustle and confusion.
Chatterton, who was ON his way to
Halifax, was looking idly out of the
smoker window, when suddenly there
passed across his range of vision a GER
tain well cut profile which he knew
could belong to only one woman in the
world. Without an instant's hesitation
he picked up his hat and left the car,
clearing the steps just as the train
started heavily forward
The small station was crowded with
people, and Chatterton looked some
time for the lady Of the profile before
he espied her sitting quietly in one cor
ner of the dingy waiting room.
She had thrown open her coat and
was leaning back against the wall with
closed eyes, evidently prepared to wait
some time. Chatterton seated himself
in the opposite corner of the room and,
drawing out paper, pretended to read
the while he watched her furtively.
People passed and repassed between
them. The noise and confusion ebbed
and flowed as train after train came in
and departed.
Then all at once lull came. Silence
reigned on the platform, and Chatter
ton suddenly realized that he and the
lady were alone in the waiting room.
He rose and went out abruptly, and as
he passed through the door he stopped
for a moment before a time table that
hung beside it, one name having
caught his eye.
"Aylwin," he muttered. "Of course
going home for the dear old peoples
anniversary dinner. How could have
forgotten it? l don't believe she ever
travelled alone before. and it's a whole
hour to wait in this hole. Don't know
the long, interminable dragging on of
the minutes, don't l know-ah. but it
did not seem long last year when we
waited here togetherw
He passed out on to the deserted
platform and lighting a cigar. smoked
furiously while he paced up and down,
revolving many things in his mind.
At last, throwing back his head with
a sudden resolution, he tossed aside his
cigar and re-entered the waiting room.
AS the door closed behind him the
girl in the corner opened her eyes, and
a sudden wave of color touched her
cheeks. Her cool, gray eyes regarded
his steadily for moment, then she
turned her face slowly from him. But
the man, lifting his hat, advanced
quickly.
Margaret" he cried as he stood be-
fore her, 81 want to talk to you" Her
battling gray eyes met his with no
trace of embarrassment.
Il know of nothing you can have to
say to me. You were very explicit.
Nothing of Importance was omitted,
but if something else has occurred to
you you have my lawyers address and
can communicate with him."
He made no answer for a moment,
then he said abruptly:
You are going home for the ami
versary dinner tomorrow. l can just
see the table blazing with lights and
| flowers, the dear old pater beaming
with pride and the little mother all
soft smiles and tender happiness. To-
morrow will be the first time there has
ever been an empty place ut the ami
| versary dinner | am afraid the little
mother will not like that. She has al
ways had perfect faith in her sons-in-
law"
ut is easy to deceive old people," she
| interrupted, particularly such dear,
| guileless, trustful old people as they.
VIII you kindly leave me? Under ex-
| listing circumstances no gentleman
| should have to be reminded that he has
renowned his right to infiict his COM
! pany upon hls-the woman
His wife," he finished gently. "Why
hesitate? Is the word so hateful to
you? A separation is not divorce,
you know. | don't want to force my
self upon you. Margaret. But l cannot
get the little mother out of my mind.
Do they know at home Of our trouble?'
The girl was silent for a moment,
| then she faced him suddenly, her eyes
| blazing.
mo" she cried; "they don't You
are not the only one who loves them!
|
| much that | regret, and now you are
| making me do the one thing have al
ways loathcd with all my soul. You
have forced me to lie to them for the
first time in my life! | have told them
nothing yet of the truth. In my letters
have always added your love and
| such messages as you used to send.
| They expect you tonight | shall tell
them that just as we were starting an
urgent telegram came from the Hall
| fax branch demanding your immediate
| presence. Oh. shall get through!
have had my schooling The last
words were rather faint, but she threw
back her head and added almost fierce
| ly, "And it will not be acting to show
them how happy am"
He did not tell her that her face, her
voice. her very attitude, belled her
words. for something was teaching him
wisdom Instead he answered gently
| at will be impossible to deceive the