Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-03-01

Dhlhn lOOhtu ~ illiil NlNn hui pIlhts hH
very fond Of the old house." she said simply,
'and l believe the Clevedons were honest
folk"
Mr. Harbour WINGED at this as though he
had been cut to the marrow He had gather
ed some flowers to give her as they walked
white Stars of Bethlehem veined with blue
He let them fall suddenly. He felt as though
his hands were tainted.
But it was impossible that she could know
Why should she ever know He was not
guilty because his father had chosen to be-
come thief and his brother a brute. Why
should he bear their punishment Sarah had
neither parent or kinsfolk to ask troublesome
questions. She was her own mistress. If he
married her, perhaps when years had passed,
when their lives and souls had grown close
together, sitting by the fire some winter eve
ming, he would dare to tell her the shameful
story, which would then seem vague and un-
real as n dream.
To be Just to the man, he loved Sarah very
sincerely, and he was nearer to her just then
than ever before, and sorely tempted.
His eyes while he reasoned were fixed on
the top of the hill they were very fine speak
ing eyes. Sarah had no doubt that his spirit
was now lifted in high communing; he was
veritable st. Augustine in her eyes she was
apt TO make saints and heroes out of every
day people, but for this hero and saint she
could find no halo too bright. If he had only
heshly thoughts enough to think of women
to feel the need of friend, a sister-sudden-
ly the eyes fell. directly ON her face which
burned and blushed 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 this; Did he love her.
"How still the woods are" she said hur-
redly; Il think we shall have a storm before
morning"
Mr. Harbour did not know what she said.
He knew that she trembed, and shrank back
from him. Her hand a large, firm hand by
the way. was resting on the stile. What if he
should take it in his own Tel her
Her hair fell loosely from her hat one soft,
curly lock almost touched him. He took it in
his fingers Since his mother died. he had
never touched n woman's hair. Sarah turned
at the movement. and their eyes met.
Miss Cleyedon-' dropping the hair, and
stepping back. his fingers nervously raised to
his chin-surely you understand You know
that /"
The gate at the moment clicked behind
him, and quick step sounded on the gravel
A man. bloated with drink. the fumes of the
last glass strong about him, stood before
them.
Are you the Reverend Nicholas Harbour"
II was his brother John.
Nicholas did not speak.
The poor wretch. looking at Sarah. took of
his rag of q cap, with q grace which Mr.. Har-
bour never possessed.
II beg your pardon, Madam, but my bust
ness is pressing. shall detain Mr.. Harbour
but n moment He moved quickly away.
waiting at a little distance.
Sarah looked after him eagerly with great
sympathy and pity in her face. 1T is some
poor creature from the almshouse," she said
''if he needs food or any help that / can give,
| bring him to the house"
Mr. Harbour bowed stiffly without word,
and crossed the lawn TO the trees where his
brother waited. When he had reached him
he caught his arm without speaking, and drag
! gcd him after him out of the grounds When
he loosed his hold, John staggered weakly.
and caught by the fence.
80 you have followed me :" The cler-
| gyman's lips were parched they moved when
he had done speaking
| You had better spit out the oaths, Nick, "
! said his brother, laughing Il won't think
| any the less of you for swearing under the cir
| cumstances.' He leaned his elbow on the
fence rail, steadied himself and looked uneas-
! lily up and down the dusty road not meeting
his brothers eye He had made "A miserable
effort to dress himself for the occasion. The
!
and patched at elbow and knees: a new pa
| per collar showed at his neck there was a bit
| of gold lace on the filthy cap, for John Har-
| bour had once been an officer in the regular
service. Under the cap was the lean. PIN
pied face, freshly shaved This hint of prep
aration raised Mr.. Harhours 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
I.Ffl, u. Al.
| his calling, as well as of his virtue compared
with this outcast. The sense of his position
was strong upon him. Avague remembrance
of lthuriel standing before the evil one crossed
his brain hazily
What is your business :" he asked, per
emptorily.
Captain Harbour's eyes twinkled. MY
business; Loafng and liquor, principally,
since | was kicked out Of the army. My er-
rand here is"
Begging You need not explain sent
you cheque to New York not month ago. "
That's gone long ago" -" illiping his thumb.
Now Nick, be reasonable. You have more
than your share all the virtue and all the
money, too. There ought to be a divide.
There was Lazarus now if the dogs licked
his sores, he had the satisfaction of knowing
his turn was coming hereafter. But Tn to
be left outside the gate in both worlds"
There was n touch of earnestness in the
last words, which he turned off 10y an uneasy
chuckle,
You want money? How much? For what
sum will you take yourself out of my sight
and never come into it again 2"
The chuckle died out. Captain Harbour
raised his bleared eyes to his brothers face.
You are hard, Nicholas. Be patient"
Patient; Good God How much money
have you drained from me? How many
times did my father give you n fresh start in
life? Oh, I've seen other men of your sort
John Harbour! Blood-suckers, leeches, lazy
to the very marrow. You shall cling on me
no longer. l tell you that plainly. Tn,
sight of YOU tonight draws the life-blood out
of me. Patient"
Captain Harbour was completely sobered
II did not come TO you this time for money
Nicholas he said in a low voice.
What then? 2" Mr.. Harbour tried by thi,
time to control his anger, but savage irrta
tion broke through every studiously modulat
ed tone. state your business in as few
words as possible. Then let that be the end
You go one way, l another. Our paths be a,
far apart as heaven and hell"
John did not answer him at once. In tn,
meantime, Mr.. Harbour's rage began to turn
into pity for himself He glanced up n
the stately house in the quiet distance shaded
| by lhe olu ems; ne thought OF the lie walt
ing him there of dignity, love, holy work an(
meditation. Must he be dragged away from
such a fate to carry this vicious wretch? Lik
a body of death fastened to his pure life >?
was hard Yet if it was known that this MAJ
was his brother he could never ask Sarah I,
marry him.
Captain Harbour, who had been picking
the lichen from the fence irresolutely, spok
at last. NO, didn't mean TO ask for none,
this time; that is for more than would keel
me from starving I've been leech,
know. I'm mean devil; you're right
Nick"
"What brought you here, then 2"
''What brought me here 2" suddenly stand
ing erect Great God, look at me. I'm
brute, and Pm only thirty! Do you think
never want to be man again It's not pleas
ant for you to see me reeling in the streets