The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-02-15

more. susan nau nOl oAPS~'
rich and was grateful that they had
not fallen into debt But the house
had suffered; the furniture began 10
show signs of hard usage; the car
nets were growing threadbare, ana
the profits of the business would cor
tainly not enable her to replace them
when they were quite gone. AND sne
had other troubles. She had insisted
upon releasing Burrell from his en-
gagement. arguing that his salary was
not more than sufficient for two. Sno
would not consent that he should DC
burdened with the support OF ner
mother and sisters, as hundreds OF
other women had done before ner.
Burrell, who was superintendent OF
the electric light works had to admit
that she was right, and. while ne re-
leased her, he did so with the clear
understanding that he considered him.
self still irrevocably bound, ana
should continue to do so as long as
she lived, or until she married some
other man.
And, moreover, he came to board
with them, and found consolation IN
seeing her constantly, and helping and
comforting her in thousand ways.
He was especially fortunate in be-
ing able to mollfy old Mr.. Worthing-
ton, listening patiently to his COM
plants and his interminable stories,
and he even relieved Miss Vantage at
chess, permitting himself to be beaten
with the utmost amiability. But his
indulgence drew the line at the old
mans criticism of the house and its
management. Not only did he stop
him, but he intimated pretty plainly
that he was ungrateful. Il reckon I
am" he replied, gruffly, but l haven't
any patience with their fool talk about
their rich kin; l don't believe they
have any"
This, however, was to be at last
proved beyond cavil Mrs. Wilton re-
ceived letter from Jabez Wilton's
+ agent in San Francisco-he never
wrote, himself; he always telegraphed
The letter stated that Mr.. Jabez viii
ton would start east that morning
and be with them five days later
Mighty preparations began at once
Mrs. Wilton insisted upon giving up
her own room to Uncle Jabez, and
went to the expense of buying new
carpet and new curtains; she also
brought out the few remaining relics
OF their former prosperity-picture
and bric-a-brac and embroidered
cushions.
The eventful day came, dull and
threatening. with biting east wind
fire cracked in the crate, casting
rosy shadows upon the wall and cell
ing OF the cheerful ROOM which was
in readiness for its prospective occu.
pant. At the last moment Susan had
hlled a bowl with splendid yellow
chrysanthemums and placed it upon a
table by the window.
The train was due at four o'clock
and Burrell and Susan had gone to
the station, hoping to recognize the
expected arrival by some sort of in
tuition
Mrs. Wilton ran upstairs after they
had gone to see if any thing needful
mad been forgotten in the guest cham
ber
On the threshold she detected an
unmistakable odor of tobacco. She
opened the door and stood transfixed
There sat old Mr.. Worthington in
MS shabby dressing gown, lounging ir
the armchair, smoking his pipe, his
shppered feet on the fender.
Newspapers were scattered about
and he had been lying on the lounge
as the disordered pillows made eyi
dent.
We'll, really, Mr.. Worthineton,
SAID Mrs. Wilton, her eyes flashing
she knew him to be capable of any
'hlng-"l must say that this Is un
pardonable."
She was always ladylike
tie turned and glanced at her calm
.. ~ over his shoulder, and did not stir
SIT down, Arabella," he said a
length, and don't excite yourself.
Arabella indeed! Addressing he
oy her Christion name! He had nave
r oeen quite so impertinent as this.
5 she walked across the room an.
: STOOD beside him. painting with jndis
, nation. mug
We right here" he said with I'M
1 usual mildness. I'm the man vo,,,,
hxed up this room for and Susan will
t not ma me at the station. I've hoo,
!. low" 'ou IL y
Mrs. Wilton did not in tho ,eos
d comprehend what he was SAVING. 81
/ was SO dazed that she cou,d -.
l. speak. ~
ms has been done before h
: went on, I've read about it. I war+.
= 10 make certain as to who and wh .
> you all were before entering ira a
. arrangement that might regret q,
uowh' DO And thus urged sh
= dropped Imply into a chair has,d
MN. The truth at last dawn.a ''ns
e silence. o~ ~ MN
a iouve been really kind ana =.
# .ient-and I've tried you nurno.!,'