The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1907-09-27

of it. It was a matter of almost in
| difference to her that she would be
| equally well dressed and certainly
handsomer than George; she had no
thought excepting that George was
her rival, and, if she proved success
full one, Maudes own misery was in
suNed.
there were such thoughts as these
trooLing through Maude's brain as she
| stood looking at the foamy white silk
dress.
Then, as she turned away, there
was a flash in her eyes-a flash and a
sparkle of satisfaction-for something
had occurred to her almost like an
inspiration; and her pretty, eager face
was eloquent of it as she walked
down the street.
George May shall not have the
pleasure of wearing her new dress
and fascinating people generally-and
Sydney Elvinly in particular! She
shall stay away from the reception
at The Larches-I will keep her away!
And then-once out of sight-Tll risk
her being out of Mr. Elvinly's mind.
I'll see to it that he has no chance
to regret her absence"
Her eyes were bright with deter
mination and excitement as she walk
ed along, and were brighter still when
she stepped into telegraph office,
and wrote message that read, Come
home at once" and was signed with
the initials &C. M"
Maude looked very pretty and be-
witching as she handed her massage
through the operators window.
Il want this sent to. Philadelphia,
please, and Immediately re-telegraph-
ed to this address," and she gave the
address of George May, care of Mrs.
M. Leighton, ia Paxton Street"
!. While the operator was reading the
telegram, Maude said. by way of ex-
plantation:
"It is only q little joke-just for
sport What is the charger"
After she had paid for the duplicat-
ed telegram, she walked out of the
Office, feeling that, without commit
ting any serious sin, she had quite
effectually prevented any intercourse
between Sydney Elvinly and George
May.
"Of course she'll think the dispatch
is from her brother, this Cal whom
she talks so much about, and she'll
rush off home posthaste. Once there
hundred miles away, Miss George
won't return to finish the visit to Mrs.
Leighton, while well, the sun will
shine, and will make my hay. 1 will
win Sydney Elvinly!"
And she went leisurely on home,
quite content with her contemplate
little game.
Several hours later, the telegram
from Philadelphia came to George,
alarming her, as kilograms have a
trick of doing, and in this special in
stance adding to itself by its vague
ness and terseness.
Il do wonder what can be the mat
ter? It's from Cal, of course, and
something terrible must have hap
pened, or they would never have sent
for me. Oh, dear! you don't suppose
anything can be the matter with
mammal"
! The sweet, quivering lips were very
piteous in their appeal to Mrs. Leigh
ton, and Mr.. Elvinly, who had been
there when the message came, felt
how blessed pleasure it would be to
take the girl to his heart and try to
comfort her.
You can't go before tomorrow
morning, at any rate, George; so be
patient, and hope for the best"
But it is such a long, long time to
be in suspense-to be wondering and
fearing! Mr. Elvinly, don't you think
1 might telegraph to know what is the
matter?"
Mr.. Elvinly sprang to his feet at
once.
Certainly, Miss George There is
no need for you to be in state of
suspense all night and until you reach
home tomorrow. l will run down to
an Office where an especial friend of
mine is operator, and he'll send. a
message and insist on a speedy an
swer. Give me your brothers address,
please"
And he took it from her eager.
trembling lips.
"All right-'Calvin May, 1917 Grad
dock street, Philadelphia I'll be
/ back as soon as possible"
He saw the thankful look in her
lovely, wistful eyes as he took her
cold little hand.
at may be only a trivial matter
after all, George. At any rate, fret
ting won't help it."
He had never called her George"
before; nor had he ever pressed her
( hand. so warmly, and even amid the
fear that was numbing her heart she
thought, with great thrill OF happi-