The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1910-03-24


I've made, my pile, II have lost five
years ~ real living, I'm satisfied"
"Svfely.7 said the woman. mot all
are As fortunate"
That's the worst of II. 1t is heart
breaking to think of some fellows;
gentlemen. you know; confident, ca
ger. impatient, anxious to strike quick
luck and to go home with flying colorS.
They can't wait. They get to roam
ing, and heaven only knows where
some of them land. One loses all
trace, but now and then"-he paused
for moment, half smiling.
Pauline Allard had grown pale. Her
caller did not notice the droop of the
fair head. He went on speaking
I've felt mighty sorry for one chap.
We were very friendly. II ecouldn't
wait. i took over his little claim, for
trifle II was next TO mine Bless
| you. it proved the richest dirt of all
when l got to working it deep. He
was daft on the surface finds. And
off went my hopeful acquaintance in
spite of entreaties. FUNNY"
Again he smiled queerly.
Mr.. Winch must be delighted TO
have YOU here" remarked Pauline. alb
sently He thoughts were wandering
TO dreary vista of toiling. disappoint-
ed men, far from their homes, reck-
less, proud the sort that never would
come back bearing the brand of fail
ure.
20. Carson. yes" returned Wickham.
hes a decent enough fellow after his
fashiOn-I-I-I beg pardon! There.
Miss Allard, you see how a man blum
ders when he has led such a life as
mine. No tact. l mean to say that
Winch is a splendid chap, personally.
but I'm not used to these smart. sue
cessful men. We have had consider
able correspondence since he heard l
was doing well. A school friend, you
know. and. of course, Interested. Wei-
coined me, royalty. ! couldn't say 200
niue hfor Carson. He has been most
! kind and confidential. l was thinking
of him in business way. We don't
exactly agree about investments. That
was what ! had in mind. Ahemi"
Pauline's amused smile was Seren-
/ ity itself.
Il don't think a gentleman shoIld
| count his chickeus,' and tell the nejEn
bors. 90 you?" she asked, mischievors-
f-Iy.
All, ! misunderstood; jumped AT
conclusions; entirely my fault" Wick
hams blood showed readily through
/ his tan. and he stammered.
You are a delightful bear" observ-
| ed Pauline, placidly. Maybe l will
/ become Mrs Winch some day, If that
Will relieve You. l shan't promise.
/ The wind. however, points in that di-
rection."
They smiled at each other for a
few moments. and then Pauline said.
seriously:
Mr.. Wickham. l like you. 1 trust
YOU. / am going to ask you a CUES
ton. What you may sUrmise will be
secret between US forever"
She stepped to her desk and bI ought
forth the photograph. The mans face
set. he was averse TO sudden conf
dences. There was n tenseness in hcI
graceful figure that seemed unna,u-
raj. He coughed. uneasily.
Il want you to look at this" said
Pauline. Il want to know if. in your
travels, you have ever met the orisi-
NAL"
Let me see it," said wickham.
5luntly.
pHe took the picture. gazed upon it
,fand for full minute did not lift his
geyes.
Meanwhile ne fumbled in his pocket
and drew out letter,
CtSA NiAAot 0CdI ldul. nv
'said thtcklyv without looking up. THE
writer is alive and well. Please SIT
down"
s,d His he head pTned from her gasp a
Jack Frederick's girl" he whisper
ed to himself My Godl she mustn' 4
sob like that"
zPresently. ne went over to her. His
touch on her hair was very gent, =
his deep voice tender as a woman s.
You see he will meet me in New
York on Wednesday. He learned Of
my luck and obtained my address. He
says he has made good at last Yes
81 was John Frederick who sold his
eElaim and helped enrich me. Nocv
iHf you have read what he has writ en-
pf his hopes, his prayer to find some
pne free and glad to see him. you must
stop crying.
But Pauline would neither cease her
fsoft weepins nor give up the letts-
so Wickham left her and made his
way to the door
From the street he glanced back
at the attractive house and tasteful
grounds.
'Whew," whistled he. 81 guess I'd
better not wait for Carson. There IS
New York train in Is minutes. IL
lt-yYere--noT SO mighty tickled for Jack
Mould feel so, of sorry for Wncl. 50