The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-12-30
AT THE GARDEN GATE.

Indt lovely evening III CSPtSAipci, SuZ-
ing up the road with anxious eyes. The
faint light of the rising moon lay like a
blessing on the golden head, and the air,
filed with the fragrance of newmown
hay, caressingly touched her fair young
face. Never prettier maid awaited lover.
And yet John Hallams step was slow
and his face clouded as he emerged from
the shadow of the trees and came to-
ward her Janet opened the gate and
stepped out to meet him. well, John?"
she said, and her voice trembled ever SC
little.
The young man took her tiny hands in
his, and looked down upon her-she was
wee thing-with almost frown upon
his brow: Uncle Roger is as obstinate
as a mule" he said. Il have just come
from a most wearisome interview with
him. He insists that l shall either tako
up my drudgery again at Mink n Offers
or some other equally agreeable estab-
lishment, and forfeit all claims upon
him, or give him the promise he asks. ="
"Well?' said Janet again, gazing
steadily up in his face, and this time her
voice did not tremble at all but her low
ers did, as with half-averted eyes he
made answer: Il should hate to go
clerking it again after being my own
master so long, and, to own the truth,
patronizing my old chums somewhat
when we met; and it seems too bad to let
the fortune 60 to strangers as Uncle
Roger declares it shall if | don't come to
terms. But then the promise he exacts
is so absurd"
"Absurd," repeated Janet, slowly.
is it so absurd, when you think of it
calmly? Your uncle wants to make sure
of pleasant companion for five years,
and at the end of that time wishes to
choose a pleasant companion for that
pleasant companion, and thereby secur-
ing for himself two pleasant companions
for the remainder of his life-which
sounds like something out of one of
Ollendorff's books for beginners, or a
riddle" she continued, with laugh that
had no merriment in it, land so he
offers you great inducements to become
that companion. And, John, you have
always been discontinued because Your
station in life was not a high one, and
more of the worlds gold had not fallen
to your share. And now that wealth and
position are offered you, it would be
absurd indeed TO refuse them for the
sake of poor country school mistress"
Janet, you are cruel.
Perhaps l amin the way surgeons
are cruel; but really think, John, the
cure for your hurts is to accede to your
uncle's wishes"
And part with you
And part with me, and it is only too
evident that that worthy gentleman con-
siders me totally unworthy the honor of
ever becoming the pleasant companion
OF his pleasant companion.
The young man dropped her hand and
caught her in his arms. You do not
love me after all. he said reproachfully.
II do love you" she replied, at the
same time turning her face away from
his kisses, land have loved you ever
since we first met, but l have become
convinced that as a poor man you would
not be q success, John, and therefore l
say obey your uncle, live the life for
which you have longed, and get the for
tune"
by heavens, will not give you upr'
exclaimed Hallam, stung by her quiet
sarcasm. But, Jennie, dear, listen to
reason. Promise to wait for me, and
will agree to Uncle Roberts conditions.
Who knows what might happen in five
years? The old man may die"
The girl started from his arms with
startled eyes.
shame on You John" she cried.
What happiness could attend the union
of two people who waited for death
and falsehood to bring them together.
You have said enough Our bonds are
broken. You are free.
a faint voice from the cottage called,
"Janet"
II will never give you up" repeated
the lover vehemently, and snatching
her again in his arms, he kissed her
passionately and turned away.
Janet looked after his retreating form
for moment, and then raising her clasp
ing hands in mute appeal to heaven,
choking rising sob, and answered. her
mothers call.
John Hallam, then clerk in the who'e-
sale fur store of Mink 4 Otter. first saw
Janet Dudley at the country house of
cousin, where he was visiting one sum-
mer holiday. She had graduated at the
Normal College year or 50 before. and
being obliged to leave the city directly
afterward on account of her mothers
failing health, had sought and obtained
the position of village school mis-
lress at Strawberry Center
They had fallen in love with each other
at first sight. he fascinated by her pretty
girlish face, he graceful ways and quaint,
precise speech, and she by his handsome
brown eyes, his gayety, his fine tenor
voice. and his gallant bearing; and be-
fore Johns holiday was over she had
promised to become at some not far ais
4apt tiraa his gvtf.