Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1874-07-04

estrangement which separation too
often sets between even the fondest
hearts? Sylvia could not under
stand the change, but she felt it all
the same, and showed the reaction
in her manner. No one would have
taken them for other than the most
undemOnstrative pair of friends, or
dreamed that these two had once
parted with aching hearts.
That was what the old, passion
ate romance had subsidized intO-a
quiet, common place sort OF friend.
ship, that might seemingly have
been broken off at any moment with
out pain to either. They saw each
other constantly, but never a word
was spoken between them, and still
Ray continued equally silent about
the past and future. Sylvia knew
that he had other society than hers;
she had heard especially ofa certain
Helena Rivers, who had been a
fellow.passenger on his return voy-
age but she had not heard it from
him, it was only by the merest
chance that Miss Rivers name came
to be mentioned between them.
Sylvia had just opened q book she
had brought home, and turning to
look at the frountispiece, gave a
little exclamation
"Why, this is like"
"Well,' said Ray, as he stopped.
''like whom y
"Like Miss Rivers, l Think" said
Sylvia, handing him the book. sis
it not 2"
Ray just glanced at it. eyes,
there is resemblance" he said
then, after moment, "You know
Miss Rivers, then, Sylvia y
II have seen her once or twice,
when l was giving Alice Heaton
her music lesson," answered Sylvia.
"She is related to the family, | be.
licve."
"Ah y Ray pushed the book aside,
then, with kind of bitter reckless
ncss, sylvia" said he, ''suppose
a ne'er.do we'll, who has made a
failure oflife generally, found a mar
riage with such girl as that on the
cards, would you advise him to try
his chance -
Sylvia did not reply fora moment,
conscious of the eyes fixed on her ;
then, opening the book again, she
said with smile: "Why not She
is very pretty and very sweet"
every pretty and very sweet" re-
peated Ray, in the same half.mock
ing tone. 1.-TWO excellent reasons ;
but there is a third, that she is also
very rich-you say nothing about
that ?"
"Not to you, Ray answered Syl.
via, quickly looking up in his face.
There came a sudden light into |
Rays eyes, under which Sylvia's
sank it was like the old time. But
ne did not speak, and, after pause,
she began again, with kind of
"But, Ray, why should
you talk about making a failure of
your life You are only twenty six
is that to late to begin over again
md do all you once dreamed of do
ng-If you still care for art'"
tart !" repeated Ray. II turned
ny back on art years ago for the
sake of fortune, who, in reward,
urned her back on me-" he ended
With hard laugh.
'But is it too late = urged Sylvia.
"Try once more, and win them
10Th. Open your studio again, and
et to work-with Miss Rivers face
or inspiration, if you like" she ad.
led with a smile.
"Admirable advice ~ said Ray,
nockingly. "Shall we set the we'd
ling bells ringing, Sylvia'-he
,roke off sndderly-"why do you
ay such thing as that to me i!
You must know that the only face
wanted for inspiration is the face
am looking at now?"
"My pale face" said Sylvia, with
quick, incredulOus glance.
"Your pale face" echoed Ray,
aking her hands, and looking down
t her with the same tender eager
yes that halfsearched hers at their
,ng-agO parting. "My darling my
eautiful white rose, more beauti-
III even then the blush rose left
weetest cheek that has grown pale
nth watching for me-yes, for me
tell me so-tell me so, Sylvia p
''Is it true p was all Sylvia could
ay, ooh, Ray, is it true 7" Her
enSpS seemed to fail for very han.