Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1905-03-02

"A healthful passion at most times"
said Thornton, smiling both at her apol-
ogy and the impression the three were
making on the people whom they were
meeting on the highway now, "but
sometimes dangerous, Miss-Miss-"
Roberts," said the girl.
Thank you. / am Charing Thorn
ton, of the old place up there. Now If
you will go ahead and get bed ready
for our little mermaid, without disturb
ing your mother, will slip in quietly
and turn her over to you"
Half an hour later Thornton came
down to the public room of the inn,
where the keeper was awaiting him.
"The child is doing nicely, Higgins"
said the master Of the Gables, as he
tried vainly to light match on his still
damp knickerbockers. 81 am going
home to get some dry clothes myself.
I will drop in again this evening, and
meanwhile anything that Mrs. Roberts
or her children want, be sure you get
them promptly. They are old friends
Of my family" he went on, unblushing-
ly, land expect them to have the best"
AYE, sir, that they shall have" said
the pleased innkeeper, as his fingers
closed over the offered coin.
True to his promise, Thornton came
later in the evening, and before his lit
tie visit was over felt as if he had known
the Roberts, as he told Higgins, many
years. But whenever he had tried to
disclaim any credit for the rescue of
Margery, who had taken violent liking
to him as soon as he appeared in the
room. and tried to tell them the truth,
both Isabel and Mrs. Roberts laughing
ly stopped him, declaring that all heroes
were modest and that he was no excep-
ton. So he gave it up, albeit guiltily
remembering that some time he must
explain it all.
When he reached home again, after
a dreamy stroll from the inn, In which
he had built all manner of strange and
new air-castles, Nero met him at the
door. His master laughed as he shook
the great head gently to and fro. Il
have accepted the mantle that is yours
BY right. old fellow" he said, "and |
hadn't the courage to disclaim the praise
that was not mine But tomorrow"
Yet when tomorrow came, the oppor-
tunity did not, although some trivial
errand led Thornton past the inn, which
of course necessitated his stopping in
to inquire after the little invalid. She
came running to him herself, for an
swer. and sprang into his arms, nesting
her face close to his. 81 am all well
again." she cried, breathlessly, land |
love you and so does mammal" Thorn
ton felt a strange wave of real happi-
ness rush over him at the child's art
less words, and he answered softly:
"And l love you, Margery."
A week passed. Thornton's visits be-
came remarkably regular. Each day
brought its errand in the village, and
one evening he accepted their invitation
to dinner. A few days later he prevailed
upon them to make his evening meal at
the Gables less lonely, and both Mar
gerry and Isabel went into delighted and |
delightful raptures over the beautiful |
old place. while Thornton talked with |
Mrs. Roberts, both learning much of |
each other. and finding mutual acquaint- |
ances and friends in the distant city. |
But Thornton's eyes strayed often to |
where the graceful girl and the pretty !
child walked or sat. and some Of his re-
plies were not strictly answers to the |
questions Mrs. Roberts asked; for when |
Cupid makes up his mind to do bit of |
archery practice, he does not waste time.
And so. before the summer was two |
months old, Charing Thornton, deep in
the net of love, laid his heart at Isabel's
feet.
But before he did so, he told her the
whole truth of Margery's rescue, as he
had often tried to tell it before. "And
now" he said, when he had finished,
"lf you can love man who takes the
credit for something he did not do
even If he does take it only from his dog
and still believe him worthy of
woman, Isabel. you will make me the
happiest man alive"
81 cantor I have cared, for long
time, dear" she said. "And If love
you. l must love old Nero, too, don't
you know" she smilingly added.
Six months later the Gables had 4
mistress. Charing Thornton the pref
test and happiest little wife in three
countries, and Nero a loving companion
In the person of Margery, over whom
he watched all day, as they romped or
walked together, with a loving dignity
BETTING the animal who had saved
life and helped his master win wom-
ans love-