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I” an " we/i-known you" ”Mu; shot by an Ill!- hlmmlf while In ID a mutnee of Gouda, a brides at but a M for examination in tho wooing. mm the . In, ling is ozteatt made for g of fur- J00. The sion M " m 11mph , river assur- muld ho rh antit , mm pa rt awake o-dar. ,t ther It won him The " in- and " ber. " in as "trar hem Y" and " ttrn- t h at L w "I t rone 5111]) 1y. l Wm Y."" [ In- sting l the [mono mm In His Nelson . lib $150M met; at tri. tdy n as 1 in- na- msd the a n a!" dun. MJW w ', and Bull?! J 0- hole and rnty the md d at mer. 18 1191's m. ph trt- inn [Y K) n GOO - the hm snd OW Ln til.. ll ‘00 in- ab tic ao the in- I! n al CZ. ll But she helped him in many other In}: . It was the mate“ comfort to him to see her bright {no opposite him "of! morn- inc at breakfast. She was always fredh and beautiful in her simple wrapper. with a (Minty tap perched muettiahly upon hel- glossy mad. thch she claimed was simply to cmer the awkward cerpimg-plns. and to protect it. trom the dust. When she swept ther mnall parlor. At the same time. howmer, the little lady know that " was vastly becoming. ayd But Mr. Goulon wan inoxorabLe; he was sun that she would break down beneath the unaccustomed cares M Wkwpinx. and he was and an esamttr. as ovu- to shield her from our: in. A - Still she was not mutfsfivd. and One ovottute, alim- he returned and had had " tea, and Mrs. Gordon had re- tired to her room. she cram to his ‘06. in a ttttlr-Fate, way. and said: "Rohert, I am not excntly mutt-m. with my life: I am an idle alt day lung. I want smxwthing to do." "[1150! l twink I saw mmcdme sweep- ing and dvstmg, the other morning. as U her wry c-xlmmoe troponded upon the occuurattom" Mr. Gordon returned. Grilling. "I am very sure that we had a d9iicxms dessert to-day, propurod by tho Baum hands that wielded tho broom (so vigorously. There are trever any hole- in my stockings nor any buttons missing from my shirts. and I know that Estelle does not litre to mend ,urnwrtrodv must be busy. What mend. Monte mute do y Ruby t" "A great deal. That only rr'l! Very little time, and-Robert. something to tell you. Hausa be angry with me"--Uto young cheek» worn flushed. and she rapidlr--"ttut I have seen Mr. sou tax-tiny, and he has given podtiun in his school. One ot his or» is 51M: and has had to giver place. and 1 nm to tegtn teachin Monday morning. Mr. Gordan an 1od in sympath cheek rapid} sou t pouti if yml tuko this i utter a brief paw "I am in use?“ own dvxmrtmnt. responsibility of I mm; the lvginum Ruby Becomes a Teacher. Ruby Wu a mu disappointed that eke was not aJoweu to be housekeeper in their new home. She knew that her brother could m attord the expense of in Englwh Inerntuw mm qJeo- ... ...,- any and ph'kmphy. You will not own» mo, Robert. lot tttV try it for this your at any late." Lhr yum”: glri eagerly pleaded. Meantlmo Mr. Gordon's former PIP- gnnt residence had been sold. After it had passed into the hands of his creditors. it was advertised tor sale. either tarnished or unfurnished. and shortly some one appeared who made an otter for the property Just as it stood; it was accepted. and thus the beautiful place. in which so much of have and pleasure had been ventered, passed into other hands. --. - . ----_-H -I...‘ on bnl‘m thnt an added member to his household. not. to mention the matter: of waste '.tm.1 '"UPP, and use was anxious to litrhton hm burden In every possible w”. that It was vastly becoming, and that she made a pleasant picture: tor her brother'a eyes as she sat behind the urn and poured out " coffee. mm: never came down to break- 1382. 1nd it wand have been a dreary meal to the luearbarurabsned man but tor the prwence of his sister and Im- cheerful chatter about tho news ot the day; while his face was always brighter and " stop more elastic as he Wan; away to his bushes“, for her breezy "Gocd morning. Robert." and the luring kim- shc gave him at part- Imp, .. .. . " --m" "A great deal very little tim something to t be ungry with Mr. Gordon was glad to know an“ nothing would be changed; that the mutual furn|shlngs and ndornments would not be scattered and stutritieed beneath tho autttioneer's hammer. and he tried to aseortain who was tho pur- chum. . But the gentleman who had tran- sacted the business stateu that he was merely an agent. and will he had been authorized to withhold the name at the owner untll he should be ready to take pomlon. . A ' II!“ [Golan-w ..sMc. .---».._.--_, And into thls pleasant circle Ed. mund Carpenter was suddenly ush- ered by the little maid-orrtll-work. And he had come wlth the settled purpose of asking Ruby Gordon to he his wlle before he should leave the house. W I'll-‘7 WW.V_. Edmund Carpenter called at the Gordon's one evening soon tttter Ruby had entered upon her duties as a teacher. CHAPTER XXIII. , Proposal Formed. Mr. ”onion greeted the young man cordially, and Mrs. Gordon seemed In. sp'u-ed with more of animation than she had disp'ayed since her misfor- tune. " was pleasant to see an old friend. while tho thought that, per- Imps. the fallen fortunes of the house might be Improved through him in, cited her to make herself as agree- able as poawlble. I A ,,,__A_ _.__,_ a When the cram came he hud at rirst held a link nIOtnf: but Inn soon found that he loved Ruby (Bordon so well. that the thirty thousand dollars that he once hoped to win with her Were "nut as dust i." the balance." and ho soon resumed his {uttentlons‘ to hers, Ti. iar the crash came he hu held a little aloof: but ha m that he [mm] Ryby (Bordon wmnn to are Mr. uoruon on m...- um" was announced. Mr. Gordon took him Into the din. ning room, and soon after Mrs. Gor- don (an-used twrtwif and went up to her - Thus the cheerful circle was broken up. and Mr. Carpenter and Ruby were left to entertain each other, greatly to the dbcomiiture of tho latter. “Are you. not afraid um ranching will be too much toe your strength. Miss Ruby t" her companion asked, as he drew his chair still nearer and u- gunned a confidential air. "Not a bit ; I like it." she answered, decidedly. and continued to ply but needle vigoroualy. "You are better titted Pr. Lee, and gayety than you 91 drudgery of lite, 'Rnby." hell t spite u to N yv.an energetic ring at just then. and " gen- E? Mr. Gordon on bus!- ', and-Rom”. Hume all you. ["an do trot "kW-mo young girl‘s Ishnd. and she spoke have seen Mr. Samp- l he has given mo a shod. One or his teach. 139 had to give up her to hogln teaching next w. A“! m sympathy with Le of the 3mm at his " “NIH td? your , position £353 to know bhirt lnt Jusy. “mu '(-I1py you tor the u companion, bending nearer her with alook on " face that madehvr very- tmrNtmfortablet. - {In forgot, perhaps. Just thenhow he. too, had been guilty or tickleness and {was pride; how when he had first. heard of her loss he had said to himsell: "Thin." cried the young man, cap- turing both hand and sock. while his face muhed a deep crimwn. "Ruby, It is a shame for you to be doln'g such miserable work. My " tio darling. I can save you trom ev. ery such ill in lite-trom these close cramped rooms, trom plodding toll and monotonous teaching. I can give you every 'beaumul and. pleasant thing on earth; I can make your lilo as fair and aweet as it was berore your misfortune value upon you. I love you. Ruby, and I came here to-night resolved to ask you to give yourself to me; to as]: you to promise to be my wttia, and let me shield you through all your future. Eh not hide Four face from me, my darling; look up and tell me that you will give me pill"! right to protect you from every I ." "That ends all that bright dream; I can mover mnvry " poor girl: the woman I wed must bring with her a golden guerdon as well as personal charms to help Trace my home." But Ruby Gordon had tnkvn a deeper hold upon his heart than he had imagined it possible tor any one to do, and though he absented himself for a while, he found that life was very dull and tame with. out her bright. presence: that she was more to him Without. a penny than any other woman could be with " fortune equal to his own. Then. too, at: we have already men tionni. his antagonism was aroused by the tear that Walter would now try to win her. "What do you can drudgery'.'" she asked. drawing back and taking up another sock-one or her brother's, in which there was a abocklng latte, and through Which three ot her pretty pink figures protruded most. minty“ A _ --- But Ruby's head was Bent until the (luluty curls on her forehead al- most touched the homely work in her Maket. Her cheeks were Dain- fully flushed. and her bosom rose and fell with the startled beatings of her heart. She had tried to steer clear of this nvowal, but the very questhn that she had asked for that purpose had brought it upon her, _ _ Nurse win.) have turned the we! shou"t.r upon you. since your urn- ther's trouble; proud to set you abov; them and matte them asham- ed or “Mr false pride.)' _ I have tried to tell you of it many times. but somehow you have al. ways evaded me. But the time In" comp when I must know my Into: I can bear the suspense no “Inger Tell me, dearest. Chat I mav claim you; I shall be proud to mvn 3011 as my wife before all Her hand still lay lmprisoned in that of her would-be lover, and when suc- tried to release it he would not In! it go. t6 Do not repulse me," he went on. "Haw you not seen during all the last year how I have loved you? But somehow there was a. false ring in those last. words ot his that grated upon Ruby's sensltlve nature and helped her to recover her selGpotmttsirort, of which his sud- den :u'owul had deprived her. - 7 Edmund Carpenter was a man who mind ill brook any opposition where {in had 011% set his heart. and the ring of decision in Ruby's tone had aroma! all his will. and he said to himself that nothing: shoal", now stand ‘n the way or his winning her. "I must tell you nothing but the truth," she Want on. more firmly than before. " You have been n pleas- ant friend, you have shown me many k'tul attentions, you have sympathized w‘th us In our trouble, and I appre- ciat» it ali: irut--" She sat erect and resolutely with. drew her hand. "Mr. Carpenter," she said, "I um more sorry than lean tell you that you came here with this pur- pose to-night, tor I cannot reapOnd as you desire." "ho, I (:0le not toll you that, I should " very presuming to do so: but I must state the {act that I do nut low you, and so I cannot become your WEIR." "tm not any that, Ruby," he plggdexl, _tt_trniztg pale. '. But I nm not worthy ot your love --yol'. will not tell me that. Ruby ?" he criml. earnestly. " But, Ruby. I am rdh, I am very r'ch. and your life shall never know a shadow. everything that heart can win-h shall be yours." " You my that my life should never know n shadow." Ruby repeated, a month: gravity settling over her face: .. Mr. Curponter. it Would be shadowed hy a great wrong: at the very out- rmt. if I should give myself to you. s'mply because you could gratity every solrsy desire of my heart. Believe me, Ft cannot In. I have laid out my course tor tho future; at least for the com- mg year." "But I will wait, it your heart 15 set upon this wild idea of teaching for " your: only prom‘se me that you will marry mo at the and of that time," he 'interrupted, eagerly. " I cannot." His: blood began to boil at this per- sistent opposition. But he strove to ounceu! d. though he exclaimed. eagerly. "Ruby, I have set my heart upon this. and I cannot. give you up. I have overlooked your reduced circum- Annex. I have waived your was of fortune. I offer you all that I am and have. and am willing to take you ompty-htuided." Ho had made a grave mistake. and he saw it instantly. as that golden- crowned head before him was lifted with a haughty gesture. .. You are certainly very kind," the young girl responded. with quiet sur- casm. though her eyes shone wlth a brilliant light and her G curled WIN: the contempt she coulu but feel tor him at thus remhldlng her of her poverty. - _ _ . He winced " her tone. and colored crimson. "Cf .. I did not mean to wound you." he apologized: " trut-ttttt you - what the world says when a rich man mur- nos 0, poor girl." "What dom it say t" Ruby asked. in a tone that should have warned him to be careful how he answered. .. That such a marriage is a mesm- lituims" Ruby Gordon rose and stood before him: cold and haughty. .. You win he Iriaa that tate, then, Mr. Carpenter, for I shall never marry you." she said acorn- !ully. "M '. had loved you, I would not Lacome your wlfe. utter having given expremlon to such senti- ments. You have shown me that wealth and pattion are more to you than anything else In the world-that you feel you would be confer-rung a lasting obligation upon me uy Conde- scendJing to make me your wife an” The words that Walter had said to him on the night when he had threat. ened him. and warned him not to in- terfere with his plans, now came to him with startling force. "It you mm win Miss Gordon's heart," ho had said. “she will doubt.- less marry you; ir you cannot. she wiil never in so untrue to herself as to bake such a false step." How nN‘urataly Walter had read her eharar.txyr. And now Edmund'n Jealous wrath flamed up as ho thought. perhaps, he had already won the girl ho had aspired to win. I had lost my own fortune. But," and she drew herself up with an air ot conscious d'gnity, "I know that 1 am more worthy-that I um better tit- ted-to be the Wife or a good man to- day than I was three months ngu. I am not egotistical in Suylng It. either, for adversity has Shawn me how shallow and selfish my former mode of living wtur--it has taught me how to be useful. and shown me how much happier and nobler a woman can be when she has. some object out,- side of self to Live tor and is Wilma; to hells hear the burden of others." Edmund Carpenter regarded the beautiful girl wonderingly. When Mrs. Gordon heard or Ruby's rejection of Mr. Edmund Carpenter. she was much disappointed and de. pressed. She had s'et her heart upon the match, for it seemed to be the only avenue of escape from their trouble. To Mrs. (Iron-dun. accustomed to affluence as she had been. the ro- strietions of poverty were little less than a series of calamities. h calamity more grievous man all others, howovor, was destined Noon to overtake the Cmrdons. She had never shown him such depths as these before. and never Seemed one-half so lovely as she was now. animated by the noblest impulses of her nature. He had not. thought of such a thing as deteutt. Ho had belfmmd that Ruby would accept him wlthout a demur, and be only too eager to lift her-salt out of her prasant poverty and oh- murity to re'gn in the brilliant posi- ng? he cogld Ewe her. 'HAPTER XXIV. In the Midst of Life There The week bottom (‘hrismuae was bit- torly cold and sun-my. and (mo awn- 'ug Robert Gut-don came home Shiv- ermg with a chill, and a fearful “tum-senses and pain in hiss chest. The 'Iext morning he was in a, high fever. and mvmg with delirium. \ phrir'ian was summoned. but. his grave lane. a» he examined his pu- tlent, and his evasive answers who" questioned. struck a sudden terror to Ruby’a heart. she obtained a substitute for her class, and at once took her position try the bedside of her idolized brother and refused to leave him durlng all more anxious days that followed. He {new constantly worse; human agency veruld avail nothing, though the hen. of nurses and ttdvive wen: procured. and in a week all that remained of tho noble, generous and talented Robert Gordon Lay cold and stlll in the pretty parlor of that lit, tlo house. where NO recently that ('heerful 'little circle before mentioned had been gathered It it had not been tor Walter, Ruby felt that she must lune sunk beneath this bitter blow. As soon as he learn ed of Mr. Gordon’s illness, he went, to the afflicted family and remained with them until the ehd. He was remarkably '4ru'iont-pwritlr, as a woman ln the sikroom; active and sell-reliant out of it. He took all (rare from Ruby-tor Mrs. Gordon was paralyzed and ut. terly umless in view of this new trial --and when all was over, arranged for the last sad rites, R" that the sorrowing ones were not harassed in any way with the trying details. The respsct that was shown Mt Gordon by all clauses at this time, testified to tho esteem and love with which he was regarded by business men and all others with whom he came m contact during life. A lam: line or carriages. filled with friends and acquaintances. followed him to his last resting place, while many kind offers ot sympathy and marginal.. lance had been already tendered the bereaved widow and sister. Walter Richardson and Edmund Carpenter met again in this house of mourning for the first time since the evening; or the grand reception in Mr. Gordon's former elegant rest. dence. Walter greeted tho son ot hrs tor. mer benefactor kindly and cour- teoualy. but he was met With a frownlng brow and a haugnty man. ner that amounted almost to rude. Poor Ruby was heart-broken. She seemed fairly dazed by this mighty grief that had overtaken her so suddenly. and it was enough to make the strongest weep simply to look Into her white Mee, and note the wild. hunted look in her sunken but tom-less eyes. When her brother's body was borne from her sight and laid with. in the costly Gordon tomb, the ten- sion her overatrained nerves gave way, and she fell back fainting in the carriage. - -. Mrs. Gordon shrieked and 1:1de tu- to hysterics, crying out that Ruby, too. was dead; and Walter. hearing the sound. and fearlng the worst for his darling, leaped from his Own carriage. and, rushed to their aid. l glance within the coach showed him Ruby's ghastly face and inani. mate form; and with compreatred lips, he sprang away to a fountain near by, wrenehed a cun from its chain. and bare it. full of water back to_the qenseiesq girl. _ . He entered the carriage; he gath- ered his loved one In his arms. and bathed her face and temples until she began to recover consciousness. Just as she drew a deep breath and unclosed her eyes, Walter chanced to glance up, and' saw Ed. mund Carpenter standlllg by the open door of the carrlaze. and glar- ing at him with something of the stat " ,'r . w, , a.» g “th- m4 E' ry I] ik Is-Vat" “Thank you. I m better." [he said. with a long. drawn sigh. “Hush. Estelle! I will not he weak any more. It ls all over; let us go home, now." Walter halt are» tram " seat. "Shall I tell them to drive on?" he asked. "No; stay with us. please." Ruby sald, laying a detaining hand upon his arm. Then, turning to Edmund Carma- ter, she added: "Will you kindly give the order, Mr: Carpenter?" ferocity of a wild animal as it in about. to spring, upon its prey. Ruby saw him also, and suddenly realizing whose arms were support- ing her, she sat up. holding out her hand for the cm) of water. She drank treefs," andwihe clear. cqpijquld revived her more fully? Ho bowed gravely, and turned away to do her bidding; but, In striving to control the rage that suddenly flamed up In his heart he bit his under lip until Ills teeth met. tltrpuerh the flesh. Walter’s face had told its own story as he ministered to the girl whom he loved so well. while the tact of Ruby clinging to him and desiring him to remain with hor had shown that her heart turned to him in this time or sorrow as to no other, and the sight had aroused a demon of jeal- ousy within him. He had read a great deal during those few moments that he had stood b.Cttytr guy-mg: 4oor, 7 Mrs. Gordon recovered her com- bosure somewhat before reaching home, hutoonce there, she shut herself Walter led Ruby into the now deso. late parlor, feeling that he could not go away and leave tho delicate girl alone with her crushing grief. Reaching out her hand. she clasped the one that he had laid upon the arm of her chair, and cried. beltr. lewly: in "oh, Walter" how can I ever bear " and UV?" Paar. on... g touch. the appealing look and agonlzed tone were too much tor the young man's self con- trol. His tender tone, ttw sense or pro- tection, of sympathy and love, thus thrown around her, when she felt so utterly desolate, opened the flood gates that had been so long closed, and she burst into a storm of tears. He was on his kmxas before her In an instant, and had drawn her into his arms and lald her head against his breast. "My darling, how I long to comfort you'. Oh, It I could but, shield you from all Borrow'." he murmured, fondly. Rho arose. and laid her own within it, and as she did so. sriving him another quick, any glance that spoke vofumes to him, and sent the blood bounding through his veins to the irly'. pulsations of his heart. . . He hesitated a moment then bent and touched her forehead lightly with his lips, released her hand with a lin- gating pressure, and then went away, knowing that he had won the heart of the beautiful girl who had been “be a poem and an Inspiration to him ever since he first met her on that bright summer day more than two years before; knowing too, that When he should come to her again Ruby Gordon woufd tell him that some time. when he should feel it right to claim her, she would be his wife. CHAPTER XXV. The Blighted Troth. Walter waited three da-vs before go- ing to Ruby again, curbing his love and impatience as best he could, and leaving her to the rest and quiet which she so much needed. But on New Year’s Eve he present- ed himself again before the door of that little hause In which his heart was centered. . _ Jane showed him into the parlor, a wise look on her good-natured face, and then went to call her young Mia- tress. _ Ruby soon came to him, still look- ing pale. and wan, and very and in her black robes; but, as she laid her small hand In her lover'a outstretched palm, and his fingers closed over it with a touch and air of right and ownership. the rich color swept in a crimson tide w the guide" rings of hair lying Rightly upon her brown. He had come determined to settle then. relations at once. to remove awry burner, and, st.“ holding iter hund. he bent toward her and said. in tt tone that was tremuluus from very temierness: - . “You know. my darling. Why I am hero tomqrlrt; know that I have come to ask you a question. the answer to which will either make or mar my whole future life and 1 must settle it at once. I must have some assur- axm- from you before I can bn satis.. ficd. I do not need to tell you how dear you are to me, tor' I must, have betrayed it in a thousand ways. and yet you are all the world to me. Ruby, do you love me ? Will you Home tum“. when I am In " poition to claim you. be my Wile Y' Ruby Gordon was too sad, and the nenlfmies of life were too stem just then. for any prutl‘sh lurid'ng track, or tor nuythiug but u st,ratrlittorwaM nunswer. . ' tllmufll all commg years. She ifted her grave. SWeet face to ltie, but tho look in his eyes was too much tor her, and her golden head drooped again. whlle the flush upon her cheek deepened. as she murmured: "You know that I love you." .He dropped her hand, and his arms were around her in an instant. . "tr-11;}- iiiirria- of iirrtaj-you will be my wife some time t" he whlspered. Walter Wehardnon't: face grew 'umlnous with the great love and happiness that thrilled him as he cqqghf. this low-brepthed pledge. (or lor " 4mg, lot gt 221-. and sh" know that nothing (um d coturrrct her now. in her eorruw and loneliness. ttO mach as the conkurusiu.est, that the grout. true heart of this 110146" young man was all her own. and that she could have it to lean upon In this trial and "iirdrGr%isrireriti, to a" sofa, and, her own room mid would see di, :howlmd kumvn that she Iov_t'dP"tl i"? 52% 1lliltllti'titi1.iiiltiiiitthtit"-suiatllittlttllll. 'w. 'w,," _ T, . T CUT. -u.-;.‘~.ir2m~a “Jam H' _aa- , .___...... head upon his brew. "My own darling. I may any it now," he said. .. you have crowned my tito with happiness. It Is tl ad time, I know, to talk to you ot happiness. and yet, dearest. I trust you are not un- happy ln my love. At all events, you shall lean upon my strong. true heart. and_ lot use try _to comfort you." with his arms still gin-plug her. seated per _beaide him. and lald her bright " You have already contorted me more than I can exp-ass. What should t have done without you. Walter? Mlle nu been ill. almost paralyzvd. and I should have been utterly alone through all this trouble but for sou," Ruby murmured brokenly. while she lay still in hls arms with a notice of pexfect rest and content. and let the wars. that would not be stared, rain over her lane. "I should not trouble you thus," she said. at length. trying to control her marrow. and looking up with a pa- theec attempt to mile. "but oh. Wal- ter._my brother was everythmg to He knew that no words. however fond. could assuage her grin! tor her bmther ', only time would serve to heal the would: and vet he felt. that she was comforted and strengthened by the simple kuowlmtr, of his love and “I know it, darling. and nu one can over till " place in some respects. But. as far as mav be. let me be 'everrthing' to you In the future. I wlll work hard: I will strain every nerve 170 make a torition in lilo wor- shy of you : and I hope it will not be lo lot More! I can take cure of you an I wish you to he cared tor. You can never know. dear." Walter went ml. "Ilow_l have rebelled against. tho hard fate that has been yours during the last tow months; and yet, Ruby. I never should have dared to break the seal that I had set. upon my lips, It you had not lost your fortune." The young girl sat up and looked at him. a ammo 'rurpr'se in her [mantl- Iul eya. "Why not T' she asked. “Because at my own povcrty," Wal- mrimsworod. flushing. " You are very proud," Ruby re- burned. with a luck that thrilled him: bt but you are not poor." " What can you mean by that ?" he quartiorted, smiling. " You have a grand intellect and rare talent: you are kind and noble: you have energy and ambition. a brave, true heart, and, besides all this. an uutarnlshed name and char- acter. No man should feel 'poor' with such manly attributes. and any wo- man should feel proud to give lwr Iowa to such a man." Walter's face kindled. and, bonding torward, ho kissed the lips that but] uttered such noble words. " And I have been very fond of you tor a long, long time,” she confessed. With drooping lids. " How long, Ruby l"' " Ever since that first summer at Redville; I um not quite sure but it Irma," that evening when we sat Ire- "In that your feeling toward mp, Ruby t" he naked. " Yes. Whiter; I am very proud of Sou, and-" I 'Waiters heart leaped within him with Joy as he listened to this con- fession, and he drew the slight form of his beloved closer within his embrace. "I have been tar richer than I dreamed it I have had the gift of your dear love so long," he said. ten. derly. Then he added, "But, Ruby. my love is a good deal older than yours." She lifted qumrtioning eyes to him. "It was born on that day when you and I took the car on the corner by your brother's house. Just thlnk." he said. smiling. “I saved you trom a. fall. and In return you stole my heart." "No, nothing remains but to pro- nounce Ienwnce upon tho culprit, and that we will reserve tor the pre- sent. But, my darling," he continued. gravely, "I want to ask you “about the near future. Do you know what Mljs. Gordon's plans are'.'", _ -.. "Well, since you have succeeded in arrestlng the thiel, I do not. believe your loss is irreparable," Ruby rc- turned, with a little gleam of her old pleasantry. that cheered her lover immensely._ _ _Ruby'a voice {altered and broke over that last word. "No, Waluer; she has said but iit. Me as yet. Ot one thing,.however, I am quite BHHM will not remain here. You know that Estelle will be quite rich-now." - her l'" “Yes." Walter returned. "I heard that Mr. Gordon's lilo was heavily insured; bat was it all made over to 'tos Robert bad the matter at- tended to several years Ngo." "I wish some of it could have come to you," Walter Bald, m-tlully. "I suppose he had no idea that, l slnnuld ever need it; for I Gum so much money of my own: then. But I tun glad tor Estelle. tor she! does not seem able to bear het poor, and now: she will be very 1'Qliol'1flf,'d.' It seems hard. though. that it could only come tt her through Robert's death." “It does seem hard. Walter as- sented. "and yet? itt was u. wise provi- sion on your brother's part, and I have no doubt that Mn. Gordon will allure liberally with you. I hope so. at all events; for, darling. I cannot endure the thought; or, your toiling. In that school."- ' He wiped them tenderly and in a: "Oh, ham I wish I were in a posi- thn to warrant my taking you at once to a home of our own," Walter sighed; "but I shall have to be patient a. little longer. Mr. Conant is clung me a com- mlaslon this year, besides my sal- ary. and, " it ha been. and pro- blues still to he, a buly season. I am likely to do very well. Next year, tt I dmlre It, In will glve me an In. “You do not considen it a-di-ace'."' Ruby said. Wmill‘ a. startled look upqtttt'ettL__, - ___-_ "No, indeed: tar trom that. I list w always felt that; it Was a Very noble thing to do ', butt you are not the most rugged person in the world. and I fear the tax upon your qtrength." "It can he no worse tor me than tor hundreds of others." Ruby repi'u'd, "and it wllll be a mercy to me now to have adamant employment. tor I could hardly bear my! tRrrrrtwtif F had to live an idle lite. My grief would wear me out." ONTARIO ARCHIVES TORONTO ‘thlng that could have happened to 1rrTtottatyrt1PurtuenItr on I resources. But, I am afraid. Ruby. that even at the In“. lt will be I. long time before I can give ya. ouch a homo as you Itave alway- lbs?" nc'cmtomeg to."t . . l “An elegant. home Isn't the mo" essential thing in the world, by any i my. l ttale been very happy help How little the loss ot fortune and tho eleganclea of We named to her compared with the pester loan that had Ht. her so desolate! "That in very true," Walter nan-ub- ed. "and I have no doubt them in a great deal of unlmpphmss In the proudest homes. But. try the way. lune you ever lt-arnod who was um purchaser of your Urother's beautiful I Tiid-tare l'" mt ht tb trtastmi, than. n darllng. I aha" you we mm at an law upon you tor the depletin- uons you committed no long ago."b concluded with a. fond mm "What a m of power and Indo- pendence lt glvel one to feel eon- petent to tube are of and. to!!!" Ruby maid, animated”. "I have an- joyed the feeling lnteuely during tho last. few months. while I can “that you have grown wonderfully self-re- liant since I first became acquaint- ed trith you." “Thanks. dear. I know there has been something of a change in In. in that Impact; and. though I I‘ve seen some rough times since my good friend, Mr. Carpenter, died, yet. in the end, I hnot it _wlll We the_be_lt In this humble place." Ruby'ééapond. ed, glancing about the small room. Wylie the man rushed to her ere. “I only know that it “we appraised and turned into um hands u! Robert's crcdimrs. and thon was plnmd in tho 1mm) ot a hmkor to tro sold. 1 no“? liked to qumtiun Robert. tor the ions at his ttome-ittto which hes had put I) much of " heart and ttr.ai--wtv.s the Baddest blow in that world to him." "Do you suppose that Ito lntomk to come to- Philadelphia to live l"' Ruby l’nqulred. “I cannot say. I have seen him only once aim». ho and his wile were here. and the" only for a few momentl." Ruby sighed. She knew that that “once” was on the day of her Mo- ther's funeral. when Mr. Rug-glen had Comp, with many others, to my bl- mst tribute to a man whom he both loved an” 'etrpeetod. "Well, then. I have Dome XH‘W'B " you." Walter said. smiling. "Grr our friend. Mr. Buggies. has bought the place just, as it. stood on. the day you left it. Not a thfmt-not own a pie- tune or an ornament-ho been an». tux-bat J* Change of t"ttNtuaeitamuw. It was indeed true that Mrs. Robert Gordon was again a comparativdy wealthy Woman. and had been made "o_throuith the death of Iter husband: "Can it be [mime '.'" vriod Ruby. her sad face lighting with positive joy for a moment: - - “Yes. Ho did not. however. Intend that it should be tgevorally known that he wan the purchmwr at. ormsttut, but it leaked out. as such ttrltqrs will. Mr. Rugglel is becoming a very rich man." When Mr. Gordon luur' been at the height of his prosperity lll' had tako" life insurance policies tor upward of firt.r thousand dollars. and. as ho haul torturuttot.sr completed his payments upon them Just before his Humane. overtook him. there was no trouble about the payment of the dim-Nut 8mm. which served to place his wife again in affluent ciru.um,itattiNw. Mm. GONOB knew that her husband had hoe" insured. but; she had not. known to what vxtent. and when in- Iortnet of the tnet that tt fortune awaited her Manual, the knowledge ttmed to inspire her with new Mp. Her health, Iwhich had hum an doll- cate Since their misfortune. began to Improve Immediately. The color re- turned to her (use. the old animation and energy to her manner, and plan- ticity to her step. Blto would have been glad not to have incurred even this obligation, but her limited income would not admit of her puylng the hixh price demanded for board and their expen- sive lodgings, and she was forced to accept that much: for Estelle would not be separated from her, and she herself would have teh, very dwlaw to go elsewhere. 7 Bit Mrs. Gordon nad a m‘m mo- tive in keeping her heautllul young sister with her. For a time. after Ruby's refusal of his suit. he had ceased " visit% though he had by no mums relin- quashed the hope that he should eventually win her. He knew that Mrs. Gordon strongly favored his union with Ruby, but that her husband would never allow any undue influ- ence to be brought to bear upoz. lu-r regarding the wetter.“ A _ Edmund Carpenter had suddenly a» mined his Intimacy with them. But that powerful ally had beware- movod from his path, and he deter- mined to make a bolder effort than ever; and. as Boon as propriety would allow him to do so. the wily lover allow him to do so. the wily lover sought an interview with the widow. made a txMttidant of her, and bogged her to lead her aid in tserrompiitmltttt 1tir_detsigutr., _ _ Mrs. Gordon at once resolved that Ruby should marry Edmund Car- penter and his million. it there was any power strong enough to induce her to do so. CAmreuuently, Mr. Carpenter be. came a constant visitor in their handsome parlor. when he was al- ways received with great. normality by Mrs. Gordon and politely ttituby, Walter also came occasionally. " though his visits were looked upon with growing disfavor by Mrs. Gor. don. who could not [all to perceive toward what they were tending, and yet not suspecting how far matters had already progressed between the young couple. A group of wulpbure should never front to the north, trom which point it In always viewed under unfavorable conditions. as the strong southern light is trying to the eyes and the feature: of the figures are Ln Inch deep shadows that they run hardly be "sen-cert-tu'., not to advantage. Facing the nouth the conditions are all reverned. Such mktakel. it may be added, are rarely made by arm“. but sometime: by the directing au- thormu. A use In 90an in the statue M Penn, nurmountlng the city hall in Philadelphia, which in far too high and face- the wrong way. The convention of the Lord's Day Al'lhnoo of Ontario opened in To- rout» this morning. Victoria, B. C., cltllona raked $500 at a concert In} ngght In lld ot the in au" Bonn (and: Sculpture Should I’m-o South. CHAPTER XXV! Hi if