Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1904-03-17
CHAPTER XV.--(ContIpusd.l B

snu no une cared save the thieves VIII
sold books.
In the midst Of the chaos on the desl
there lay little dainty note, stampe,
and sealed and unopened, which had beer
placed there by the lAndlady during hll
absence from home; and II was IN a LADY,
handwriting, Of that Sarah Bastbell wal
/ assured.
She was not particularly reserved
about examining Il; indeed, her impuls,
toward II did not allow time for ihoss
hner feelings TO develop themselves which
Two years training had striven TO pro
dnce. bhe pouneed upon the note like q
hawk. In fact, and took II up with tren.
bling hands, and with her big dark cyea
dilAtlng.
Mary Holland!" she exclaimed.
She examined tho letter attentlvcly.
The handwriting was large and clArAn.
tsriatic, and clear; tho monogram on the
back OF the envelope was NJ. H.; the post
mark was Worcester-there could ho no
possibility Of mintake.
why has she writtenT' exclaimed
Sarah; how dare abe writo TO himT"
AZ the same moment hand touched
her arm. and Reuben CulwIck's voice
said politely:
When you have quite done with my
letter, Miss Eastbell, should feel oblig-
ed by ita return"
Sarah Eastbell gave q little scream Of
surprise, and turned to greet her cousin.
She extended both her hands toward
him, and he did not check the impulse,
but received them In his own, and shook
them warmly, winding up proceedings by
taking his letter gently and delicately
from her.
Reuben very unceremoniously cleared
q chair OF about half hundredweight Of
books, by fitting the volumes forward 10
the noor, and Sarah sat down and looked
timidly and yet scrutinIxlngly toward
him. lie did not speak to her again: he
gave her time to collect her Ideas, or TO
observe the effect Of two years change.
OF two years trouble and hard work and
worldly drudgery upon him. This gave
him time also to note how years had re-
modelled Second-cousln Sarah--how the
gawky girl had grown into a handsome
young woman, whom no could only Iden-
tify with past forlornness by her large,
dark, wistful eyes. And she saw, with a
strange heart-sinking for which she could
not account, that there was a startling
change In him who was facing her.
Il am very sorry" she said at last, and
In spasmodic fashion.
Il am In my right place." he said, with |
little laugh that was hardly natural |
IAN individual totally undeservIng Of
your sympathy"
"Why have you never written to me or |
grandmother Why have you not come
to Sedge Hill2 Why have you kept away
from those who would have been always
very proud to help your
That is why / have kept away, Miss
Eastbell-because am proud enough to
be above all help. You must not mind
what l say; l am more irritable than I
used to bel have grown to like my own
company, and to dislike visitors OF all de-
greea / am sour kind of fellow now.
who prides himself upon saying hard
things, and 30 the Tess you see Of him the
better"
You are not offended with meT' she
inquired softly. "You take II as an insult
that my blind grandmother and are In
Jour fathers house, and possess your
PANpUAb9H uuN WV |
Il will not hear" cried Reuben, Rercely
lnterrupting her, when knew that my
father kept his word with me, 1 became
less OF philosopher than had bargain
I'd for--more human, more selfish, more
Of q coward--and l am only slowly get
ting over the sense Of disappointment
which followed the disinheritance. was
vain enough to think myself hero, when ,
was only poor money.loving prig."
"I-I-hardly understand" said Sarah,
Dewildered at this confession.
mo, no-probably not" no said uuick- ,
y, "and why should trouble you about
ny feelings, even If you did?'
"A word would have saved You from :
his cruel drudgery."
"A word to Mrs. Eastbell, who--but
here, l have nothing to say against the :
I'D lady. She ls still we'll, and enjoys I
Ter affluence5"
NO." said Sarah, shaking her head
IL
80 have heard responded Reuben. !
He glanced at the letter In his hand, h
md Sarah said at once:
why does my grandmother's compan. h
on write to youT
"Out Of pity" he added dryly.
"How Is 1t that she is acquainted with
our address, while have had to scheme II
nd search for it--why has she not told n
leT !,
II must leave that for Miss Holland to
nswer for herself" se d
"Will you ever come to Sedge HillY' a
"As soon as can afford It," he an cI
wered; when have decent coat on Q,
y back, and sufficient spare cash to paw q,
y railway fare to Worcester-and coat
nd cash are both earned by the sweat of III
y brow--I will pay you return visit" r,
i have not done any good" she mur- ST
Iured, but I am glad l have seen you st
very glad. Good by" hi
Good by"
He shook hands with her, opened the a
DOR and allowed her to pass from his "
'om. He stood on the landing place and "a
atched her descend the murky stairs: Il
J she glanced up at him and smiled. Re p
'uld see that the light was shining
rough her tears. n
slime has not spoiled her YETI he re
uttered; II am glad that have seen
~ th
Sarah was In the street then, looking be
J and down Drury Lane, and doubtful WI
hich way to turn. She was still hesitat- do
9 when Lucy Jennings suddenly stood
fore her. ho
"Well-what did he say7 What have ho
u been talking about all this time ca