Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-11-05

towards nightfall, saying that he might be de
tanned an hour or two in the village. His letters
were soon posted his errands performed and he
took his willing way to the Grange.
Rachel stood on little porch which over
looked the road. She was evidently watching
for him. How pretty she was, even in her black
dress, with the white crysanthemums in her
hair She gave him her hand in greeting. and
ala not attempt to conceal her JOY in seeing him
once more. He sat down for few moments.
and then, as the evening was rather cool, they
went into the house, where a fire was kindled
upon the wide hearth. Aunt Mary was there.
but she soon set out on household duties in
tent and Russell was left alone with Rachel.
s- sne looked exceedingly fair as she sat in the
hrelight, chatting in pleasant, childish way,
her face lighted up with the joy of his presence
She poured out her troubles in his listening ear
and he replied in cheering almost affectionate
manner, partly because it was his way to be
courteous to pretty women generally, and partly
o, .sl ne was growing somewhat interested
in this one especially.
You must be lonely" he said, INV poor
child. If possible will find you purchaser for
the Grange, and then 1 shall see more of you in
the city; SO you see, my interest in the matter
is not altogether unselfish"
She smiled thanking him once more.
"Yon have friends in the city," he said
Yes, but only cousin, whom 1 have never
seem"
"A gentleman" he asked
mo. lady"
81 am glad" he returned, ''for then 1 shall
not be jealous of your cousin"
''You might fall in love with her instead" she
answered
''That would be impossible" he replied, 'if
you were near" and, though he said it for
effect. he began to be a little frightened as he
wondered what he would do with two women
In love with him.
Supper was soon announced. and Russell did
full justice to the viands set before him, and
afterward he fingered as long as he dared.
When he did leave Rachel stood upOn the porch
to bid him adeu the moon was shining yery
clearly down, the girl looked very fair, and
when she gave him her hand in parting. saving
she was sorry to have him GO he raised it to
his lips as he said goodnight, and kissed it I'M
Afterward, with or without excuse to his COM
rades, Russell visited the Grange every day He
had sore throat and Aunt Mary, who prided
herself upon being wonderful nurse, said she
was worth dozen doctors, and he quite won
her heart by cordially agreeing with her, and
taking the most bitter herb tea offered him as q
proof of his belief in her healing powers
when at last the camp broke up, and he was
obliged to return to the city, he left Rachel
with tears in her eyes. What could he do? She
was SO pretty and gentle, and SO grieved to have
him 60 away.
"My darling" he said, turning back. sscould
you find the Grange endurable for half the year
were to spend it with you, and you were my
W1fe!'
Eyes, yes" she said, ''but do not bind me
just yet; have known you such little while"
''Such dear, delightful little while" he said
in answer. ''But it shall be, little one, exactly
as you say. It would not be right to bind YOU
yet. perhaps, but rest assured, you shall hear
from me SOON"
He kissed her-not this time her hand-and
went away. Well, he acknowledged he made a
fool of himself in spite of all his resolutions to
the contrary. But he would do the same thing
again. He would have that fair girl for his wife,
come what would. OfcOurse-dear prudent little
did not wish to seem too eager in
accepting him at once; but he must find some
means of bringing her to the CITY, even if he had
to purchase the Grange himself If he could
take that much capital from his business
Without seriously injuring it he would buy
IL, Tor the Investment would be an excellent
one ANA then his conscience troubled him a
little when he thought Of his broken faith with
Zoe She was spirited girl, and would give
him the freedom he had already exercised with
out reproach. but poor thing how she would
suner In secret. The tears almost came to his
eyes as he thought oft. And yet he was alto
getner eg0tistical. He knew Zoe loved him, and
he felt that he had treated her very badly in
deed He called upon her at once after his arri-
Val, determined to have the inerview over.
10 MS surprise, however Zoe was absent from
nome Mrs. Eyre, her guardians good wife, re-
ceiVed Russell, said Zoa had gone ont of the
city unexpectedly to visit friend and would
return III day or so. Another caller came in
az TINS moment, and Russell took leave pro-
missing to come again as soon as Zoe returned
Well. he had day or two of breathing time.
lie was not sorry, though he hated suspense
strange that Zoe should take freak to run off
50 suddenly without saying word of it to him.
He went back to his room and sat down feeling
very GesOlate and fOrlOrn
Il believe I'm altogether too tender-hearted.
ne said to himself, at length. Zoe has sharp
i yX-if. cfln hog nj, IL
no cad of accomplishments. and is the persona
hcation of grace. But believe love my little
Woodland flower the best. Zoe has received the
homage OF many men, but l doubt if Rachel
ever had lover before me. She will be ODE
iently devoted to me all my life; besides, love
her devotedly.'
With this he sat down and wrote note to
Rachael telling her he had disposed of the
orange at the price she desired. He would
write 1ull particulars soon. Meantime she
must make preparations to come to the city.
A week passed, and Russell regularly mr.
chased the Grange in his own name Rachael
'hanked him, and said she would leave for the
'ity in few days. She had made arrangements
- spenu the nTst few weeks of her STAY with
Ter cousin, and she would inform him of her
whereabouts as soon as she arrived.
day or two later business called him sud-
ienly from the city. He made hasty call at
Mrs. Eyre's, but Zoe was still absent She
would be home that very evening He must be
away at least week. There was NO avoiding
Il. unless he was content to sacrifice greater
sum than he could afford to lose so soon after
purchasing such a white elephant as Windmill
Grange.
He went away, and two days after received
short note from Zoe. 1t was not very affection
ite. he thought, but she was SO hurried, she
old him. She had left home unexpectedly. at
he solicitation Of friend, and was now pre-
,arlnS for large party she was to give on the
9Th Ofthe month. Russell must be home in time
o attend this, or to be visited with her extreme
lispleasure.
The morning of the 18th found Russell back
o the city, but he was trfie travel worn.
However, he resolved to accept Zoe's invitation
or the evening. Glad it was full-dress affair.
lie felt in false position, and did not care to
meet Zoe where he would be obliged to ioin in
my but general conversation with her, until
he had an opportunity to explain himself. Some
low, looking over the matter now the ardor af
lis sudden attachment having cooled somewhat.
ne wondered more than ever if he had been
QUITE wise in playing the devoted to the girl he
knew so little about. Perhaps, after all, she
night not prove SO cOmpaniOnable for lifelong
Quincy as Zoe.
With these thoughts running through his mind,
he prepared for the evenings entertainment
He nerved himself to meet Zoe quietly When
he entered the drawing-roOm Mrs. Eyre-her
plump figure arrayed in black velvet-was the