Waterbury Democrat., 1903-01-23

But they hurried him on, and when once more in the open air he felt he had not reached it any too soon. He was never so near fainting fit in his life.
 Are you i'll, MT. Hunter?' inquired more than one. . "A little,' he replied. ''I think will go to my room at the hotel and rest until supper"
 But no sooner did he find himself alone than he sent for one of the maids, girl that he knew had always lived in the place.
 Mary" said he, "I want to ask you 8 few questions, and you're not to tell anyone a thing I shall say. If make you a present of five dollars, do you think you can hold your tongue?"
 Mary tossed her head and eyed the fve-dollar bill.
 "I can tell the truth without being paid. As for telling anything else, no money could make me do that" ''Very we'll, my girl, I only want the truth. When was Louise Upton taken toto"
 He did not finish, something seemed to choke back the word. The girls eyes opened and grew round as saucers. An, she remem- bered now hearing her granny tell that Louise Upton had once had a lover who had gone away and grown rich. Could it be this was he?
 "Only year ago. she answered, softly, pitying the man she saw was really suffering. "She worked as long as she could but it was rheumatism crippled her feet and she could not run a machine, then her hands were bad, too, and--and there wasn't anyone to take care of her, so she asked to be put where she is."
 "How long has her aunt been dead?''
 Her aunt! Oh, can just remem- Der her; about Is years, think. But nicer, sweeter lady than Miss Louise and would have helped her, but she said no, she would go where she be- longed.''
 Where she belonged!" repeated the rich man, in a tone of voice that made the girls eyes sparkle.
 Here is your money; take it, and I'll not forget you, either.'
 "Thank you" "ssaid the maid, smiling joyously. You are very kind"
 Very kind!- Did the walls take up the words, and echo and re-echo them Kind, very kind! Him; kind?
 He sat for an hour with closed eyes and compressed lips, then, as the shades of evening stole around, he passed out and sought once more the matron of the county infirmary.
 '.It is not the hour for visitors" she sadi, grossly.
 But when he explained that he must see one of the inmates. privately, and rendered another fiye-dollar bill, he was quickly admitted. He waited for her in cold, damp room, called the reception7room, and she came at last-at last. The door opened softly; there was thump, thump of two crutches over the floor, and Louise, wondering and surprised, stood before him. .s -.. He bowed and wheeled forward a : small sofa, upon which she sank, more and more surprised, for she did not recognize him. % 4s"Louise," he said, huskily, coming out into the stronger light. Louise, don't you know me?'' :-.
 "Bob-Bob Hunter!'
 ] "Yes," he said, taking seat at her side, Bob Hunter. Don't you want to shake hands?'' She half extended her hand, and then drew it back.
 Don't, if you don't want to-
 "Oh, it isn't that-but my hand"
 He knew, when he took it almost by force; the pretty, white hand that had been was now drawn and toiI-marked
 He held it between both his own, his head bent over it, while hot tear fell upon it.
 Louise felt her breath coming and going at a most surprising rate, while she could not speak.
 five thought it all over, Louise, ever since found you here, this afternoon I never knew what co1d-hearted will lain was before, but I know it well enough now"
 Still Louise was silent.
 "I loved you. I have never loved anyone else, but money was my god and-and it conquered me- But to-day. when I saw you so frail and helpless, and so poor, and thought of all your life has been, and contrasted it with what it might have been, had not been so cruel in the past, I felt that ] wanted to go out and shoot myself" "But you didn't,'' said Louise. sunil. ing with something of her old bright, ness.
 No, because back of it was a little hope, faint ray, indeed, but bought perhaps, even if you hated me, you might let me see that-that you never wanted for anything. If you don't won't answer for the consequences. .'
 "Fie, Bob?"
 Of course there's a better way that is, if you don't hate me, after all which do you choose?" The cold and cheerless room seemed to change to one of radiant splendor, when he bent over to hear her low reply: