The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1908-12-18
OUT OF THE PAST
By Cornelia Wesson Bovden
(Copyright.)

All! how far away she seemed from
the great city, with it's noise and bus
tie, its wear and tear of human force.
The busy Office where the scratch,
scratch OF pens and the click of her
typewriter filed her ears with dreary
music six days out of seven, seemed
TO belong to a world far removed from
this peaceful haven. Eyes, 1 did right
to come, she thought, "even though
1t Is going to make big hole in my
little savings; and then it was best for
me to come away for little while
and think it over!" Think what over?
A faint pink stole into her pale face
as, unbidden, . manly face rose up
before her, and her tender girlish
heart pleaded for its owner.
The sun was climbing higher in the
heavens and throwing rosy CLEANS
over the smooth waters of the lake,
and still Doris lay dreaming in a row.
boat. Footsteps coming down the walk
reused her from her reverie. Open
ing her eyes, she encountered the
smiling glance of a gentleman stand
Ing on the pier.
why did you come, Mr.. Hunter?"
she asked abruptly, as he stepped into
the boat.
"This,'' drawing a letter from his
pocket and holding it toward her. 1T
came to the Office soon after you had
gone, by special delivery, and think
ing it might be of Importance to you,
took late train for this place."
How very kind you are" said Doris,
gratefully. MAY I read it now"
by all MEANS" aaid he, leaning
back and watching the girls flushed
face with an odd smile.
Lee Hunter was not bad man; nor
did he realize that he was yielding to
temptation when the longing to see
the sweet girl face that had for
months been part of his daily life
caused him to grasp this opportunity
with such eagerness; yet, as his eyes
hungrily devoured the fair loneliness
OF her expressive face, ldAddening
desire to draw her into his arms took
possession of him. A sudden exclam-
alton from Doris and surprised
glance from her innocent blue eyes
checked the impulse that was growing
almost too strong for his control
What is it, dear?" said he, softly,
the last word so low and tender that
tho girl thrilled strangely
II cannot come back to the office,
MI. Hunter; you will have to find
someone to take my place." said Doris
excitedly.
What has happened?"
MY Uncle NARROW has written for
me to come to New York immediate.
ly: he wishes me to make my home
with him and Cousin Jennie, who has
been rather delicate since Aunt Eu-
nice died. He says he thinks it is pre-
posterous that his brothers only child
should be working for living" and
Doris laughed merrily.
MARROW Shirley, the New York
millionaire?" asked Mr.. Hunter, look
ing slightly disturbed.
Eyes, my fathers brother" said
Doris, simply.
How can | spare my little nimble-
fingers?' said Mr.. Hunter, regretfully
Plenty more to be had for the ask
ine," said Doris, roguishly; then, more
seriously. she adds, But l shall be
ve,y sorry to leave you, Mr.. Hunter;
VOW have always been so kind to me. u
A curious look came into the man s
face as he answered, slowly: Have l.
Do:is?'
Yes, indeed, very, very kind; ]
can never forget how good and patient
you were when l first came to the
Office, and l was such stupid little
goose" And Doris laughed softly.
Guiding the boat with one oar, Hun.
Ter leaned forward and grasped one OF
Doris's hands. saying, in a voice un
steady with feeling:
Doris, you say l have taught you
many things since you came to me a
year ago. Among them have l taught
you how to love?"
A consciousness, newborn and ter
,1ble to see in its intensity, filled the
girls eyes, as for one instant they
met his.
"Hush!" burst from Doris's pale
lips, dropping her hands and showing
him face white with pain" Have you
forgotten, MIR. Hunter, that you are
married man."
God forgive me, yes," answered he
starting back as though some one had
struck him blow.
Three years later, one cold day in
November, Doris Shirly stepped from
her uncle's carriage and passed into
one of the crowded emporiums on
Broadway. Many changes had come
70 her since her residence in New
York. Surrounded by every luxury
that wealth could supply, tenderly be-
loved by her indulgent uncle, who
sought in every way to atone for the
neglect of the past years, Doris had
developed into refined and lovely
woman.
Swift as her dainty feet had crossed
the pavement, gentleman, who was
sauntering leisurely past the store at
the time, had ample opportunity to
scan the beautiful face and form. With
a muttered exclamation, he turned and
gazed after her as she vanished. Paus.
ing before one of the great show
windows, he seemed apparently en-.
crossed in the magnificent display OF
costly fabrics within, but a close oh.
server could not but note the anxious
scrutiny he gave each person that
passed out of the store. Presently his
patience was rewarded, and his quick
eye saw Doris glide swiftly past him