Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1904-09-07
NEARLY LOST.


MARY, one day more. and then I leave
my home to make new one in London.
You know how l feel; you know how l
love you"
She nestled closer to me, and, in a
faint whisper, answered.:
Yes
''Will you wait for me. just a little,
until can make home for you?'
"Of course, Jack, will wait, but Jack.
Gear, don't tell uncle just yet He thinks
me quite child, and [ don't want to
awaken him for time
Mr. Buckley had treated me as one OF
the family, for he and my father had
been great friends. | had stayed with
him three years, when he advised me to
accept situation in London, where |
should have q better chance of making
position. Both Mr. and Mrs. Buckley
looked upon Mary Gregory and me as
brother and sister, perhaps never dream
ing that we could aspire to a nearer and
dearer relationship.
left the little country town, and jour
neyed to the great city.
Everything was strange to me, but
soon found that l could rise more rap
idly than | anticipated, and wrote joyous
letters twice each week to my Mary.
Six months passed away, and | OBJ,
tanned weeks holiday.
My employer suggested that I should
spend the week at the seaside; but
wanted to see Mary, and to her l hurried
as fast as the train would take me. But
how long the journey seemed.
! At last home was reached, and as
felt Mary's head on my shoulder and
enclrcled her IN my arms, l thought the
world had no greater treasure than
possessed.
The week passed rapidly, and then
aI IN 10 CT with
A train from London had just arrived
as we got to the platform.
Out of a smoking carriage q flaShily
dressed man, with large travelling va
lise, stepped onto the platform.
He came across to where we were
standing.
How are you, Miss Gregory?' he
said.
She held out her hand bashfully, and
he gave it hearty shake.
Jack she said, this is Mr.. Contaro.
Mr.. Contaro-Mr. Morley"
He bowed; so did l. But who was he?
And how did nv Mary get to know him i?
Then came the changing of the bell
The train which was to take me back to
London was at the platform.
WHO is Mr.. COntaro? | asked Mary
Right awayn' shouted the guard, and
| hadn't time to hear Mary's answer.
1 looked ont of the window of the car
fiashly dressed man with the foreign
name had offered his arm to Mary, and
she had accepted it.
! Al III - LIE way to London [ was working
myself into a fever of jealousy.
The next day / wrote most Indignantly.
A few days afterwards Mary replied in
an equally spirited manner.
Then | sent, demanding TO know who
Contar0 was. and what he had to do
with the girl who had promised to be
my wife.
Before I had time to get an answer
to this letter old Mrs. Buckley walked
into the office.
She was fatigued and excited
Can you spare an hour, Jack?' she
| asked
Yes, aunt; two or three. if you wish
Il, want you to take me to nice
milliner's. | want to buy a dress for
Mary. She told me to tell you all about
it, as she was very sorry you were so
upset"
We got into bus to go up west. and
no sooner We're we seated than the old
lady began:
Il want to get something good you
know, for Mary will need to be dressed
handsomely. She starts in three weeks
Starts! Where? What do you mean?"
I asked, excitedly.
Starts! Why, with Mr.. Contaro! It's
all settled"
"Settledv' I repeated.
Yes said Mrs. Buckley; land Mary
| felt sure that you would be pleased with
the news. You see it was this way:
Mary was singing, and Mr.. Cantaro
heard her. He got an introduction to
her, and then, within a week, it was
all settled. She asked our consent, and
you know, Jack. we are getting old. and
SO we thought it would be Il good thing,
and we gave our consent"
And the poor old lady pat her hand
kerchef to her eyes and sobbed
oh we shall miss ner, poor DEAR
she said.
Mrs Buckley, did Mary Gregory ask
You to tell me?''
| yes, Jack"
My blood boiled. I was frantic.
Aunt | said, when the dresses were
all purchased, Il want you to take a
little parcel t. NIary for me-
Eyes, my boy. thar ! WIZ
When the old lady was getting into the
| train the next day, to return home, |
handed her a small package. 1t con
/ tanned all the letters | had ever received
from Mary Gregory, and note from me,
releasing her from her engagement.
Mary made no response to nv letter.
It was all over between US.
About ten days afterwards 7 had bust
| ness III our principals private Office and,
to my establishment. saw Mr.. Giendon,
| LLlS Geslo VI Tue 1lTH1 OF CIlendO0. YORK u
Co., just wishing good-day to Mr.. Con
taro, who, as soon as he saw me, came
across and held out his hand.
An. Morley, glad to see you. [ met
you; you know, with Miss Gregory"
Yes, | remember
''Of course, you have heard the news?''
oh, yes! Good-day! I am wanted.'
And | hurried away to attend to i'm
] aginary duties.
| When Contaro had gone I asked Mr.
Glendon if he knew the man.
know Louis Contaro? Yes. He's
quite good sort, although he looks a
snob. He has made fortune as man
ager Of a theater, and now he is starting
| out with what he calls The Grand Orig
NAL Opera Company. He married my
| wifes second cousin
us COntaro marred?''
Why. of course he is. and got three
| children"
Mr. Glendon. you must give me three
| lays holiday. It is most serious mat
| err
| Az tight, my boy. If / must-wel