Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-11-19
CHAPTER XIV.
Behind Her Mask.

Alfred sat at Mrs. Harmon's left, |
Esther at the left of the host. She
thus had opportunity to study him
leisurely. His face had been the first
she saw on entering the parlor, her
eyes drawn, perhaps, by his intense
gaze. His quick movement toward
her, his sudden halt, the step behind
the pillar, she had noticed every mo-
ton; had believed then that her wi
unresponsive look had caused that
withdrawal.
Between perfunctory replies to Mr..
Montague Esther recalled the weeks
of suspense after flight, when she had
waited in vain for some news Of AL
fred's safety; the meager newspaper
notice of his long illness in the hos
pital; the search he had made for her
by way of letters that she had asked
Sally B. to return unopened. How
she had longed to read them! After
that the printed personals, the detect
i've she had so hardly escaped-would
the dear Father forgive her many
e~quivocations? Oh, Alfred had been
tirelss. His love, then, was true. There
followed in her mind f1eeting, half
formed pictures of those after days of
c~easeless toll, long nights Of study,
Would she have survived if Mrs. Har-
mon had not found her?
Speaking of stocks, the widest
plunger on the board is Bernard" the
Judge said, some n having brought
up the topic.
The name arrested Esther's atten-
ton.
Il don't know how much he has be-
hind him." the judge continued. I'm
told they live as if 1t was a good
chunk. It'll have to be, if it stands
the calls he makes on it."
Isn't he lucky?" Esther asked with
quick interest.
Sometimes" The judges tone left
her solicitous.
He's a rough old galoot," Mr.. Mon
tague said; "but genuine for all that"
His daughters a thoroughbred, if
he isn't" Phineas Cadwallader as.
serted.
She's not their own daughter" the
judges dinner partner exclaimed posi-,
lively. She can't be. She hasn't a
trait like either of them"
ooh, but she is, though, and a
mighty pretty girl, whoever she's like
the Judge said, shooting a sly glance
at his wife. That's why my wife
won't ask her here"
Nonsense, Judge! You know | have
d reason. That's none at all. AS i
the young men would let you claim at
tention from that lovely Miss Money
bags!"
ooh, but she's lovely aside from he
money" Amabel said sweetly.
Il know she is; yet what of he.
mother?"
why, she's the most amusing Mrs
Malaprop outside of a Sheridan com
edy. Good as gold, too" Amabel re
piled.
True Mrs. Harmon rejoined
She's too good for guests Of mine t.
fleer at. And | won't insult the moth
er by inviting Miss Viola alone"
You see? Isn't she cummings" tn
Judge queried with assumed solemnity
"She always has a virtuous reason 70
curtailing my pleasures"
THE Sacramento Clarion made al
extra were case against the Contra
Pacific In yesterdays editorial" MI
Montague said In a lull in the talk.
That's nothing new. / didn't see i
though. What was it?% The Judge
tone was brusque.
The paper arraigned the compan
for refusing to receive and carr
merchants freight; declared this
President johnson would not, an
should not, issue bonds to the con
pany till their methods and bushes
were thoroughly investigated; d
clared also that the company was con
posed Of men determined to get rich ;
the expense OF others"
"Great Scott!' the Judge burst fort
n wish the company would buy d,
that misunderstanding Clarion! r,
sem out Of business! Our people ii
HA rHIIE2XH