The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-10-22

r Copyrighted 1905 by the Associated I
! Literary Press Z
My Dear Mr. Van Norton-Perhaps my
inexperience will account for the fact that
l do not know how much--or how little
to expect of my tiance. l have been here
at my aunts for three days, as l inform
ed you in my letter before / left home,
and you have not given the slightest sign
of my existence.
1t may be that l expect too much Of
the man whom have promised to marry,
but II such is the case | am satisfied that
my unreasonable demands your time
and attention would make us both miser-
able.
l beg to return your ring. with many
thanks for the honor; also your letters,
the scarab and the set of coral you sent
me from Naples. Very cordially yours,
NINA DORRINGTON.
Nina threw down her pen and walk
ed to the window of the darkenlng
room. The library was frigid, and the
girl shivered as she pulled aside the
curtain. 1t was showing hard. and the
wind had piled the feathery stuff In
huge mounds, oblterating steps and
curbstones A small boy headed his
for the numbers on the houses.
Nina opened the door herself and
called him. Thea. giving him careful
directions about the package and let
ter, she paid him handsomely and
watched the tot in blue uniform trudge
down the avenue with the remnants Of
her happiness under his arm.
Ct L., ~. t.,I
Then, realizing that her chill was most
ly physical, she rang for lights and
went upstairs. The door of her aunt's
room was partly open. and the ruddy
glow of the log fire tempted her to
enter. The mound of shawls and rugs
on the couch in the corner indicated
that the worthy lady had not Weakened
from her afternoon nap.
Nina sat down on a hassock and
gazed into the fire. Now that she had
taken such radical step doubts be
gan to torment her. Had she been i'm
patient? Should she have waited a
little longer? Indignation gradually
gave way to self pity, and tears rolled
down her cheeks
Nina is that you? What is the
matter dear? Are you sick?"
She jumped up quickly and dashed
the tears from her eyes, but the room
was dark. and her aunt could not see
her face.
mo, indeed Not sick. only cold,
dear. The house is like ice, and 1t
looked so warm and coy In here
came In to dream for a few minutes
before dressing for dinner"
"Oh., dear. 1t must be the new fur
mace. Nina 1t has not worked prop
erly since your uncle had it put in.
Would you mind calling them up now
before you dress? There's a dear.
Leave word for them to send some one
the first thing in the morning.
What Is the name Of the FIRM"
LET me see Van Norton & Hemp
hill. believe Yes. that is it, am
sure"
why, that is Towards firm" said
Nina unsteadily.
as that so? Mercy, child, that draft
is unbearable Please hurry and close
the door"
Hello"
"IIeIo. Is that Van Norton & Hemp
hIll's?"
Yes"
Her heart leaped. The voice was
Towards. she was sure. SO she had
been right, after all He WAS back.
His only possible excuse was nil. But
hp wOuld find her note and package
when he got home.
This is the residence Of Mr. J. Lam
bert Brown. Fifticth street"
VERY well. | have it, thank you
Yes, It was Howard She could
scarcely speak.
THE house-that is--the furnace Is
that is to say-oh.' She shivered
and started determinedly all over
again. Hello. Is that Van Norton d
Hemphill's|
ayes this Ia the same place" in an