The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1921-11-18
How Leslie Won
His Bride
BY HAZEL SMITH.

Brompton to his companion on the
train. 1.-THE last thousand dollars I
owed on the place was growing up
out Of the soil at the rate Of 500 4
day. when the cyclone came"
Going to give 1t up, them"
mo. I am going to get work In the
city, hoping I can make a new start
later on"
Rev. Jared Boyd spoke q few
c%onsoling and encouraging words to
the bright, earnest-faced young man
he had met casually.
The seat in front Of them was DC
cupied by a young lady. Her beauty
ana then the extreme pallor Of her
face had attracted the attention Of
Brompton. She seemed laboring under
some intense mental distress. Her
companion was a hatchet-faced, shifty-
eyed old man, who might have been
= a lawyer.
The man finally went to the smoker.
BromptOn's casual acquaintance
crossed the aisle to Join some friends.
All in a moment BrOmpton was
1NAAl ACuy UAAiuACu, " SEC lIC klIl luIu
directly around to him.
Il wish to speak with you" she said
In a low, rapid tone. II want you to
think Of your sister, If you have one,
END pity and help a In peril,
sorrow over deep, deep trouble. The
man with me-" proceeded the girl, '1s
leading me to a fate I dare not COM
bat for the sake of those heal and
dear to me. He holds a power over
me I cannot defy. There is one bare
loeThole of escape from misery, ruin
yes. death itself. You can provide It,"
vi" repeated Brompton, lost in
wosqerment.
Eyes. and now, and here, and quick
ly, for the precious moment of respite
may pass before I can act"
She paused, her cheeks turning scar
let. A pleading, trembling hand rested
uncOnsciously upon his own. Bromp-
ton was unutterably moved.
"Will you marry me?"-the droop-
ing hand went lower, the tears were
falling. do not think me unmaiden-
~, do not think I hope to urge you
to a lifetime sacrifice. It is my life,
the lives of others in the balance. l
cannot explain to you now, but yours
il a story Of a life lonely and broken
al my own, and you came into my
path at a crisis. I appeal to YOU"
Il think I understand you." he said
slowly. II am infinitely sorry for you,
and-at your command"
What followed was to Leslie like
an act in some rapid drama. he
spoke to the clergyman. The latter
conversed briefly with the young lady.
Then there was a swift undertoned
marriage ceremony. The clergyman
filled out two blank certificates.
'Doris Mayfeld." A sweet, simple
name, wholesome as the fair face of
its owner! She whispered a few last
words to Leslie: go back to your
land. You will hear from me-" Then
her escort returned. They left the
train together at the next station.
One week later Leslie returned to
his land. The town banker met him.
II hope you have come back to
stay" he said. "We need such men
as you. Then, too, 1t is all arranged
for you"
about what?" questioned the mysti-
fed Leslie.
your land. A confidential client
has forwarded the bank several thou
sand dollars to protect the mortgage
and cover new improvements"
But I cannot accept money under
such conditions" began Leslie.
"Our client probably anticipated
your Independent spirit" smiled the
banker. 1.-THE money Is simply a
guarantee, and you a have ten years
to pay off the mortgage If you wish
1t, and we will advance you whatever
funds you need to rebuild. No danger
Of your not 500 cleaning it up"
It was q month later when, n
morning, Leslie stood surveying the
new h%abitation. A veritable wood
nymph seemed to come forth from the
greenery lining the town road. 1t
was-his wife.
II have come" she said simply
'to explain"
Then she told him briefly. She was
an heiress. Two worthless brothers
had become involved in forgery. A
scheming lawyer had threatened dis
grace If she did not wed a client, a
man she despised. She was ready to
make the sacrifice when the train cpl
s0de occurred. Later her production
Of the marriage certificate had baflled
the plotters. She looked down when
she had concluded. She filed his
vision with a new glory. Then she
said:
II have come to tell you that l have
arranged to have the marriage an
nulled, and to beg Of you to allow me
to share my fortune with you"
"A lonely home" spoke Leslie ire
slstibly. ut will. be doubly so when
you leave. You cherish its peace and
quiet. Then-could you share it. with
me and-love?"
After a lowing herd drOned forth
unsteady mingled with mellow tin
tinabulations, she leaned towards
him, both hands extended, a sob In her
voice, but joyful, serene.
Listen" she said simply-"onr we'd
ding bells!"
Hopeless.