Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1921-03-19

habit wendell his way toward the
office. When there he was met will u
scene OF excitement. The chief called
him into his office at once
"Old man. I'm sorry. l intended you
10 go on today. but. thank goodness,
you're here. Tompkins is laid up
acute indigeSiion-and that Darling
ton matters got To be settled today.
You're the only man who can handle
II. Go ahead. put It over. and you
can have week to rest up In. It's
tough. bui II cant be helped BE
spOrt-we need YOU now us we never
needed you before"
Davidson hesitated. Ii would he
agony for him To meet her; but he
could not desert the company IN its
need lie squared his shoulders.
"All right. chief. I'll take IT," he
said quietly.
Good man Tompkins made an up
polntinent with her for 10 30; you'll
just about have time to get there.
Good luck -
Davidson left the office and made his
way to the subway. All the way down
town he mentally steeled himself
against the meeting In the busy
outer office of the Darlington Company
he waited then IA girl brought him his
card which he had sent In and said,
Miss Darlington will see you now"
He rose aus entered the inner Of
flee. The slender girl seated ut the
big desk at the side of the room did
not look up at first. but he knew that
he had not been mistaken IN the voice
that II was indeed his lost love. The
knowledge that she was out of his
reach forever made him sick and
shaky. but he steadied his voice and
said:
Miss Darlington. called to see you
about the matter of the J. H. Day nc.
count"
AT the sound OF his voice she
whlrled suddenly. cheeks flushed. eyes
shining. Her hands clasped them.
selves over her heart Then the flush
died, and deadly Wilderness took its
place. Your was all she said
"Yes-tOo late" Davidson could
have killed himself the next moment
for uttering those words, but the
strain had been too much That was
no way to talk to a girl who had mar
ried some one else. He tried To re-
vert TO business.
About that account" he began,
but he never finished She had reach
Ell her arms TO him. and he forgetting
all else, held her close, kissing ter
cheeks. her eyes. her lips and MUIR
muring old half-forgotten pet names in
her ear. In moment he released her,
his face stern.
You tempted me-" he said. II
should not have done this. Your
your husband"
"Why, I'm not married"
Not married:" stupidity.
"N0-l went into business when YOU
when you left. and took the name "
Darlington so that my Old friends
wouldn't lind me. | never wanted Ia see
anybody else In the world. except
you"
Except me! Why, dear, after what
| said that day"
Her lips stopped the words. In
moment she murmured, "Oh. my dear,
knew when thought IL was too late
that we never should have quarreledi
II was so foolish-and So ueedleSsly
cruel. And oh. but have wanted you
TO come back 10 me. And I'll! you
| SnoEa I IiIDtf
but the card sent in"
She showed II 10 him. He read In
amazement. wv. W. Tompkins." Ho
had caught It up from the desk when
he LEFT the office and used II by mis-.
take. .
poor Tompkins." he said between
| sigh and a laugh. Il ought TO bs
sorry for him. for he's mighty sick
but can't help thinking that 1t was
his sickness that let me find you again.
/ May use the 'phone;"
"Of course" She was mystiiied. lie
called his office.
Hello! That you. chief? Say.
uxed that Darlington matter up"
Good work Everything q. K?"
"You bet, Everything, And say.
chief-Im going To ask for n month
off instead of week I'm going on my
honeymoon"