Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-11-05
LOVE f LORIS
BY MARTHA
McCULlOCH-W WILLIAMS
Copyright, 1904, by Martha Mcculloch-
Williams

No man Is stronger than destiny. If
Helstone could possibly have helped it
he would never have fallen under Loris
Gordon's spell
There was no reason whatever for ii
and many very excellent reasons
against Ii. The chief reason wore Il
cap and spectaclcs. was of sound mini
and memory. with Il pretty penny To
dispose of and an undying hatred for
all the Gordon name.
Helstone himself had next To nothing
except loving memories of Il spend
thrift father. Miss Marcia Hclstone,
his fathers sister. had welcomed the
repentant prodigal with open arms,
cherished and tended him all his life
and after his death kept his memory
green.
Indeed there lay the chief root of her
hatred for the Gordons. III an elder
Loris Gordon had not played him fast
and loose he might never have gone
wandering to and fro and roaming up
and down Though he had ended by
marrying wife much more to his sis
ter's mind. she sorrowed savagely over
his frustrated career Miss Marcia, as
ambitious as she was Illogical. laid ut
the Gordon door his wasted opportu-
nifty.
Naturally she had guarded her neph-
ew closely. doing many odd things to
make sure he should not he brought in
contact with the treacherous race. So
cially that often made things awk
ward. The Gortlons were easily lead
ers among the dozen first families of
Marbury. The first families all lived
In big handsome old houses. set each
in the midst Of considerable estate,
and so fairly encirclng the village.
Between them and the mill folk. who
were villagers proper. great gulf was
fixed-one crossed only ut Christmas
and Easter. when those who had be
stirred themselves joyously In behalf
of those who had not.
1t was the 'Christmasing" that had
done it, They had met among the
poor. How was poor Miss Marcia.
who did not go "Christmasing." to
know that Loris' smile was enchanting
and set the most delightful dimples ut
play In her cheeks. or how should she
guess ut something stronger. more
mysterious. something quite transcend
ing beauty. that suddenly shone out of
the girls eyes. warming, irradiatinS
John IIelstone's heart:
In. I..lS l.tlE W nh
board Before he spoke to Loris lie
had il out with his aunt. Il owe you
everything you have been father.
mother and fairy godmotler all ill
one" he said. Il would do anything
you babe except to try TO live without
Loris'-
Suppose she won't have you? l
hardly think you'll kill yourself" Miss
Marcia interrupted sarcasticaily. Hell
stone laughed-with hard breath I'M
der it-and answered: IF she says No
I shall keep asking and asking. l
am not vain enough to think she cares
much for me-yet, but If she will let
me teach her.
"IIow romantic we are!'' Miss Mar
ella said. pursuing her lips. Then she
burst out: LET you teach her. Lord.
lord. when she has been setting her cap
Mt you shamelessly ever since the
Christmas eve party! Ii had dreamed
what was to come OF It Id have given
them twice the money they made for
their rubbishy tree TO let II alone. But
that Is neither here nor there. Your
mind Is made up. suppose"
"Quitew John said, whitening a lit
tie Miss Marcia glared at him.
$50 is mine," she said. THE day
know you are to marry that Gordon
girl that day I cut you out of my will
out of my heart"
''The Will is your right, but won't
let you quit loving me-" John said,
standing up very straight. THANK you
for being SO frank. Now ! know just
how little l can offer Loris''-
"You you are going straight TO
herr" Miss Marcia asked. with stiff
lips.
John looked ut her fondly. Unless
you tell me to wait" he said. Dearest
Aunt Marcia. would wait Il long time
II I had hope of winning you over.
I'm not hypocrite enough to affect
scorn of your fortune. ! should like to
have IL come 10 me. but that is nothing
compared with your approval. Study
Loris for a year and see II you can
pick serious flaw