Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-11-12

her face which burned and bushed under
the unexpected passionate gaze. His
chin quivered. his eyes filed with tears.
She turned her head from him, knowing
that the eager pleading look followed
her.
What WAS thisP Did he love her
"How still the woods arep" she said
hurriedIy; II think we Shall have q
storm before morning"
Mr.. Harbour did not know what she
said. He knew she Lrembled and shrank
back from him Her hand, large, firm
hand, by the way, was resting on the
stile. What If ho should take It in his
ownP Tell her
Her hair fell loosely from her hat, one
soft curly iock almos. touched him. Ho
took it ia his fingers. Since hs mother
died he had never touched woman's
hair. Sarah turned at the movement,
and their eyes met.
Miss Clevedon-" dropping the hair,
and stepping back, his fingers nervously
raised 20 mis- chin-'surely you under
stand? You know that /"
The gate st The moment clicked behind
him, and a quick step sounded on the
gravel. A man, blosted with drink, the
Tunes of the last glass strong about him.
stood before them.
"Are you the Reverend Nicholas Har-
bour2 ?"
1t was his brother John.
Nicholas did not speak.
The poor wretch, looking At Sarah.
took OF his rag OF cap. with grace
which Mr. Harbour never possessed.
Il beg your pardon. Madame. but my
business is pressing. shall detain Mr..
Harbour but moment" He moved
quickly away, waiting al little distance. .
Sarah looked after him eagerly with II
great sympathy and pity in her face. at
is some poor creature from the aims
house." she said "it he needs food. or
any help that can give. bring him TO the
house"
Mr.. Harbour bowed s!ifllY without q
word and crossed the lawn 10 the trees
where his brother waited. When he had
reached him he caught his arm without
speaking. and dragged him after him out
OF the grounds When he loOsed his
mold, John staggered weakly aud caught
by the fence.
80! you have followed me! y Tho
clergyman's lips were pGrched; lney
moved when he was done speaking.
"You had better spit ou. the oalhs,
Nick said his brother. laughing; II
won't think any the less Of you Tor swear
ing under The circumstances. He leaned
his elbow on the fence rail, stesdied him
self. and looked unessi!y mp and down
the dusty road. not meeting the brothers 5
eye. He had made u miserable effort 10
dress himself FOR the occasion. The
clothes be wore we're al evening suit in
rags, and patched at elbows and knees !;
new paper collar showed At his neck {;
there was a bit Of gold lace on tho filihy
cap. lor John Harbour had once been an
officer in the regular service. Under the
cap WAS the lean. pimpled face. freshly
shaved. This hint OF preparation rsised
Mr.. HsrbouI's fury TO white heat. Ii
was an effort TO approach Sarah as an
equal. He drew back. elevated his thin
body, oddly conscious Of his own spotless
linen, and OF the coat which was the
badge OF his calling, as well as OF his
virtue compared with this outoast. The
sense OF his position was strong upon
him. vague remembrance Of Ithuriel
standing before the evil one crossed his
mind hazily.
What is your business ?" he asked,
peremptorily.
Captain HarbOur's eyes t~inkled.
MY business Loa6ng and liquor,
principally, since was kicked out OF the
army. My errsnd here is"
Begging. You need not explain. /
sent you cheque TO New York not a
month ago.
That's gone long ago." Clipping his
thumb. Now Nick, be reasonable.
You have more than your share; and sll
the money, too. There ought to DO 8
divide. There was Lazarus, now; II the
dogs licked his sores, he had the satis.
faction OF knowing his turn was coming
hereafter. But Pm TO be left outside the
gate in both worlds"
There was touch OF earnestness In
the last words, which he turned off by an
uneasy ohuckle.
You want money! How much For
what sum will YOU take yourself out OF
my sight, and never come into it again ?'
The chucke died out. Captain Har-
bour raised his bleared eyes TO his broth
! er's face.
You are hard, Nicholas. Be patient.
"PatientP Good God How much mon
ey have you drained from mep How
many times did my father give you fresh
start in life? On, I've seen other men oi
your sort, John Harbour Blood-suekers,
leeches, lazy to the very marrow. You
shall cling to me no longer. tell
you that plainly. The sight OF You TO-
| ,;,h, ,lYauo tha Iifa blood ont of mo -