Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1907-04-25

What is it, driver?" queried rough
voice; and in moment crowd had
gathered around poor, shrinking Mar
gle, and growing indignant Leo.
THE woman's lost her purse"
ooh. no! the old story-eh? Beauty
in distress. Should think they'd get
tired Of playing that game" said the
coarse voice. which belonged to a
lounger and hanger-on at the depot.
Looks rather suspicious, ma'am, for
We to be travelling on the train alone,
began the hackman; but he was inter
rupted by the lounger.
That's the way they all travel. Well
thank the Lord. hain't so gallant as
to git taken in by every decent face
see"'
Thank heaven | am not so lost to all
sense OF decency as to insult LADY,
said clear, stern voice; and TALL dis
Notwithstanding man swept through
the crowd, and reached Margie's side.
Indeed, am not mistaken" he said
looking at her with amazement Miss
Harrison"
She saw, as he lifted his hat, the
frank, handsome face of Louis Castrani.
All her troubles were over-this man
was pillar of strength to her weak
ness. She caught his arm eagerly, and
Leo barked with Joy, recognizing a
friend.
Il am so glad to see you. Mr.. Cas-
tram"
His countenance lighted instantly
He pressed the hand on his arm
THANK you, my friend. What serv-
ice can l render you? Where do you
wish to go? Let me act for you"
"Oh. thank you-if you only will! l
was going further, but the train
wished to take had been gone some
hours, and I must stay here tonight.
And on my way, somewhere, my money
has been stolen"
Give yourself no more uneasiness.
! am only too happy to< be of any use
to you"
The crowd dispersed, and Castrani
called carriage, and put Marge and
Leo inside.
Have you any choice of hotels -
None I am entirely unacquainted
here You know best"
ITO the - House." he said to the
driver; and thither they were taken.
A warm room and Il tempting supper
were provided, but Margie could not
eat She only swallowed little toast,
and drank a cup Of tea. Castrani came
to her parlor just after she had finished,
but he did not sit down. He had too
much delicacv to intrude himself upon
her when accident had thrown them to-
gether.
Il was called here on very urgent
business" he said, and shall be obliged
to attend to il tonight, but | shall re-
turn soon, and will see you in the morn
ing. Meanwhile, feel perfectly at
home. I have engaged chamber-maid
to attend to you, and do not be afraid to
make your wants known. Goodnight,
now, and pleasant dreams"
She was so weary, that she + slept
some, with Leo Rugged tightly to her
breast; for she felt sense of security
in having this faithful friend near her.
Breakfast was served in her room, and
by and by Castrani came up. He spoke
to her cheerfully, though he could not
fail to notice that some terrible blow
seen her. gay and brilliant, at party
in New York But he forebore to ques-
ton her. Margie appreciated his deli
cacy. and something impelled her to
confide to him what she had not en-
trusted to the discretion of any other
person. She owed him this confidence,
for his disinterested kindness.
M. Castrani,'' she said, quietly
enough, outwardly, circumstances of
which | cannot speak, have made II
necessary for me to leave New York.
| do not desire that the place Of my
destina ton shall be known to any one.
But to show you how much I appreciate
your kindness, and how entirely trust
you, will inform you that am going
to Lightfeld, in New Hampshire, to
stop an indefinite length of time with
my old nurse. Mrs. Day"
Castrani was visibly affected by this
proof of her confidence.
From me, no one shall ever know
the place of your refuge he said, earn
estly. Your train leaves at ten. 1t
is now nine If you would only permit
me to see you safely TO the end of your
journey"
She flushed. He read quite reproach
in her eye.
Pardon me. [ know it may seem
like officiousness, but I would try and
not be disagreeable to you. | would
not even speak to you, if you desired ii
should be so. But I could travel in
the same car with you, and be there to
protect you, il you should need me-"
II thank you greatly. Butt had
rather you went no farther. l shall
meet with no difficulty, think. shall
reach Nurse Days by sunset"
|'As you will. I will not press the
matter. Your pleasure shall be mine. y
A little later he assisted her from
the carriage that had taken her to the
depot Her baggage was checked-he
and then pressed into her hand a roll
of baak-notes. She,e put them back
quietly, but be declined taking them.
Il Go not give it to you-I lend it to
you. You can repay me at your con-
venience''
'On those conditions. thank you
also"
She put out her hand He took 1t,
resisted the inclination to press his lips
20 it, and held it lightly in his.
IF you will give me permission-to
oh ho In ioht finI6