The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1903-11-06
ON THE WAY
TO AYLWIN
By nj. MACLEAN
HELLIWELL
Copyright, 1903, by 4. C. Mcclure

Halifax, was looking idly out Of the
smoker window, when suddenly there
passed across his range of vision GER
tain well cut profile which he knew
could belong to only one woman In the
world. Without an mstant'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 Chattcrton looked some
time for the lady Of the profile before
he cspiod 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 rcpassed between
thcm. The noise and confusion ebbed
and flowed as train after train came in
and departed.
Then all ut once q lull came. Silence
rcigned on the platform, fnd Chatter
ton suddenly realized that he and the
lady We're alone in the waiting room.
He rose and went out abruptly, and as
he passed through the door he stopped
for n moment before time table that
hung beside it, one name having
caught his eye.
"Aylwin," he muttcrcd. "Of course
going home for tho dear old peoples
anniversary dinner. How could have
forgotten it? I don't believe she ever
Travelled alone before. and it's n whole
hour to wait in this hole. Don't / know
tho long. intcrmnablc dragging on OF
the minutes, don't know-ah. but it
did not seem long last year when we
waited here togcther!'
He passed out OH to the deserted
platform and, lighting Il 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 rc-entcrcd the waiting room.
AS the door closed behind him the
girl in the corner opened her eyes, and
sudden wave Of color touched her
checks. 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.
81 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 n moment
then he said abruptly:
You are going home for the ami
versary dinner tomorrow 1 can lust
see the table blazing with lights and
flowers, tho dear old pater beaming
with pride and the little mother nil
soft smiles and tender happiness. To-
morrow Will be the first time there has
ever been an empty place at the ami
versary dinner. / am afraid the little
mother will not like that. She has nj
ways had perfect faith in her sons-in-
law"
1T is easy to deceive old people," she
interrupted. particularly such dear,
guilcless, trustful old people as they.
VIII YOU kindly leave me? Under cx-
listing circumstances no gentleman
should have to be reminded that he has
renounccd his right to innlct his COM
pany upon hls-thc woman
His wife, he finished gently. "why
hesitate! Is the word so hateful to
you? separation is not n divorce,
you know. ] don't want to force. nv
self upon you, Margaret. But / cannot
get the little mother ont of my mind.
DO they know at homc of our troublc?,
The girl was silent for moment.
then she faced him suddenly, her ewes
blazing.
NO." she cried; ''tlicy don't. You
are not the only one who loves them,
You have been the cause of nv doing
much that l regret. and now YOU are
making me do the one thing l have al
ways loathrd 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 nv letters
l have always added your love and
such messages as yOu used to send.
They expect you tonight. l shall tell
them that Just as we were starting an
urgent telegram came from the Hall
FAX branch demanding your immediate
presence Oh, l 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 1t will not he acting to show
them how happy am!
lie did not tell her that her face, her
voice, her very attitude, belied her
words, for something was teaching him
wisdom. Instead he answered gently:
ut will be impossible to deceive the
little mother. When those clear blue