Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-09-21
LOVE g L0RlS
BY MARTHA
MccuLlOCH WILLIAMS
Copyright. 1904 hy Martha McCulloch-
Williams

Gordon spttt.
There was no reason whatever for II
and many very excellent reasons
against Il. The chief reason wore
CAP and spectacles, was Of sound mind
and memory, with pretty penny to
dlspose OF and an undying hatred for
nil the Gordon name.
uelstone himself had next to nothing
except loving memories OF spend
thrift father Miss Marcia Heistone.
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. IL an elder
I,orIs Gordon had not played him fast
and loose he might never have gone
wandering to and fro aud 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
ambitions as she was Illogical, laid Mt
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 Gorlons 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 enclrcIing the village.
Between them and the mill folk. who
were villagers proper. a great gulf was
fxed--oue crossed only at 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 II. They had met among the
poor. How was poor Miss Marcia.
who did not go "Christmasing.r to
know that Loris' smile was enchanting
and set the most delightful dInples at
play ia her cheeks, or how should she
guess at something stronger. more
mysterious. something quite transcend
ing beauty, that suddenly shone out OF
the girls eyes. warming. irradiating
John Helstone's heart?
John Hclstone was brave aud above
board. Before he spoke to LorIs he
had it out with his aunt. Il owe yo1
everything you have been father.
mother and fairy godmother all in
one" lie said II would do anything
you bade-exeept to try to live without
Lorls''-
Suppose she won't have you? |
hardly think you'll kill yourself" Miss
Marcia Interrupted sarcastically. Hell
stone laughed.-with hard breath I'M
der It-and answered: IF she says No
shall keep asking and asking. /
am not vain enough to think she cares
much for me-yet. but IL she will let
me teach her
How romantic we arev' Miss Mar
ella said. pursuing her lips. Then she
burst out; Let you teach her. Lord,
lord, when she has been setting her cap
at you shamelessly ever since the
Christmas eve party! II had dreamed
what was to come of 1t I'd have given
them twice the money they made for
their rubbishy tree to let it alone. But
that is neither here nor there. Your
mind is made up, suppose"
Quite" John said. whitening lit
tie. Miss Marcia glared at him.
so is mine" she said "The day
know you are to marry that Gordon
girl that day ! 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 l know just
how little can offer Loris''-
''You-you are going straight. to
herr" Miss Marcia asked, with shin
lips.
John looked at her fondly. Unless
you tell me to walt" he said. Dearest
Aunt Marcia. would wait long time
If had hope of winning you over.
I'm not hypocrite enough to affect
scorn Of your fortune. / should like to
have it come 10 rae. but that is nothing
compared with your approval. Study
Loris for a year and see If you can
pick Serious flaw
''Will you wait three months if
promise to try liking the grip Miss
Marcia asked, with gulp.
Helstone gave her hearty hug.
With all the good viii in the world"
81 will honestly try to get over my
prejudice if you will go away--at
once. Go west. ! want you to look
after my mining lands. I'm sure the
agent is scoundrel See that you
bring him up roundly when you get
there"
John left that very night Loris Cor
don turned little pale when she heard
the news. but said nothing, not even
TO her mother Next week Maybury
had the sensation of its history. Miss
Marcia drove affably to Gray Gordon,
The home OF her dearest enemies, and
begged that Lorls might come and Say
with her while she was alone at Right