Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1881-05-18
the HOUSE HUNTER,
4 LOVE STORY,

"It's absurd Of brother JoshhaI
wife 10 send mo on this errand,' said
Henry Maclaae, as he took an out
view Of the building he was sent TO
Inspect, II am cure 10 blander Let
me see--paper, paint, walls, closets
and sewer gas were the Items OF spec
ial Importance
"What a pleasant looking house !
he thought, as he asoended tho s'ep'
OF the residence designated by hi
brothers Telegram. In the hall h'
carefully noted tho wall from floor 'e
ceiling, looked closely at the paint
and made.an inventory OF clcdc's at
the back OF the hall, Then he wal
admitted into the parlor, and saw al
a glance that the arrangement wa'
such m Mr.. Macland desired, A
faint perfume ol viole's was pleas
ant odor 10 inhale when he feared TO
encounter sewer gas. lie glanced at
the wall, aud then his ego fell on a
|lady who advanced from the rear
room, and exclaimed, "Mr. Maclaner
my old friend lieby + he respond
cd, and he took her hand. "This
is an unexpected pleasure.
There was a genuine surprise on
both sides, Il sparkling eyes and glow
iug cheeks were signs Of pleasure |;
then each surveyed the Other with
glances halfquestioning and halt ap.
prehensiye, as they exchanged ord'na.
ry remarks and Henry Maclane ex.
planned his errand.
any sister occupies the house, and
will show it to you presently said
the lady. "Do you want it furnished
as yon find ii 7.
Henry Maclane looked at the fair
woman-sunny hair waving over her
forehead, clear blue eyes looking
searchingly into his at one moment
and glancing shily away the next;
lips moving nervously, as if she were
mastering some emolion--and he re.
piled, cmpha'ioalIy, "Just as ii is !"
There is n pleasant view from the
back window" said the lady, leading
the way to the rear room
"Very pleasant replied Henry
Maclane but he had given only a
glance outside, aud was gazing down
on the talr-haired woman, standing n
little lower than himself. Then he
fell 10 asking questions about her fam
lily and mutual friends and all the
time he had the mir OF lawyer who
asks indirect question hoping to ellc-
it some unknown facts.
"Mama!" called a childish voice in
the hall.
The fair lady stepped to the door,
and said, gently, "Go to the nursery,
Hal
Henry Maclane started at the sound
OF the name he always bore in his own
home. Had it been given the child
for the sweet rememberance's sake ?
The thought that this remembrance
must count for naught, If there were
husband and children, had in it the
sadness of "it might have been."
"The years must have brought
many changes to you,:: said Henry
Maclane, with view Of gaining some
personal knowledge.
"Yes," answered the lady, with
medltative look on her face, 'there
are few reminders even OF the old days
left. I have had my share of Joy
and sorrow"
Henry Maclaue noted, what he had
not seen before, that there was min
Cling Of Grape in the lady's black
dress. Perhaps she is a widow
was his thought
"My mothers death last year was
the greatest affection ] have ever
had" she said sadly.
Not q widow l" was Henry Mac.
lanes mental comment, "The loss
of her husband would have been a
greater amiction to this woman than
the loss of her MOTHER .-4
There was a pause, and Henry Mac
lane said: "You must know Mrs.
Maclane. She will give any friend
of mine warm welcome"
Certainly" replied the lady. alt
will be q pleasure to know her. Ah !
here is my sister, Mrs ELLA. Sue
don't you remember Mr.. Maclane?
'sRemember him 7 What, Hal, our
most devoted attendant and dearest
triends Upon my word, hadn't any
dearer friend in those days." exclaimed
the sister, in a voluble way he re.
membered well. "IIow glad am to
see you! The servant told me gen
t'eman was waiting to be shown the