Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1883-12-13

the brightest days of her life, only will
an added sweetness that even those
days had not possessed.
They were driving slowly back, and
Laura was trying TO conquer REBEL
ious distaste for the dull little office
when, as they passed largo mansion
on the outskirts of the town, DIR. Var
ney said abruptly:
"Do you know Kate Howard, LaurGP''
II know who she is. A cat may look
at the queen, you know. Her father
owns the iron mills, and they live in
the beautiful house we just passed"
What do you think of her?"
81 think she is one of the most beau
tiful ladies / have ever seen, and,
imagine, one of the proudest Why dc
you ask? You seem to be interested in
her."
Il am. The truth is" he said, look
ing straight ahead of him, and speak
ing fast, 1.-THE medical convention is
not the only business that brought me
to Kingston. / have thought seriously
of asking Kate Howard to be my wife.
l met her last summer ut Long Branch,
and again in the winter, and do not
think she will say no."
There was moments silence as the
girl struggled with the sudden feeling
of bitter pain and desolation that came
over her, and strove to say the kindly
commonplace words that were expected
of her.
And then he went on:
1T may seem odd that should tell
you this, Laura, even before / have
spoken TO her, but we have been almost
brother and sister, and / would like to
have God-speed from you before | make
the plunge"
"You have il, Frank" she said brave
ly. MAY you win the woman you love.
and every good gift that life can give"'
But the delicate beautiful face was
very white when he lifted her down at
the door of the station, and her eyes
did not meet his when she babe him
goodbye. And in DR.. Varney's heart,
as he drove away, there was curious
dissatisfied feeling, that he could neither
analyse or account for.
II was not quite dissipated when he
sat that evening on the pleasant piazza
of Mr.. Howard's house, with the scent
ed breath of acacia and roses coming
up from the garden, and Kate, looking
very beautiful in her cool white muslin,
by his side. And his thoughts would
wander to little figure in simple ging-
ham dress, and delicate pale face set
in frame of soft brown hair.
Kate" he said at length, "have you
ever noticed the little girl in the tele-
graph Office down at the station?"
What question:" said Miss How
ard, arching her brows in some sur.
prise. ''Of course l know there is
young person employed there in that
capacity; equally, of course, that is all
i know about her. "
But DR.. Varney, honest fellow, never
knew when he was snubbed, and blum
dered on:
81 discovered in her yesterday the
Oldest friend l have. They lived close
TO us until few years ago, and Laura
and l were almost brother and sister.
l had quite lost sight of her until met
her yesterday"
That is very nice, but don't see how
1t concerns me-, said Miss Howard
coldly.
"She is quite alone in the world,
Kate, and thought if you would call
upon her and be friendly with her it
would make her life here so much more
pleasant"
Il call upon that grip You must be
dreaming, doctor!'
"Why notP She is true lady, and
it would be an act of charity, Kate"
81 n 81 hot
stitutes a lady and mine differ" was
the naughty response. "At all events
l have no desire to add TO the list of
my acquaintance at present, and so
must decline the honor you propose to
do me.
After cold goodnight DIR. Varney
took his leave, feeling hurt and angry,
and resolved that he would take more
time to consider it before he spoke the
words he had come to Kingston express
ly to speak.
Nor did the note he received from
Miss Howard the following morning
half playful, half apologetic-alter his
decision. He would 60 home and
think it out among his patients. 1t
was not aquestion to be decided lightly.
And then he strolled down to the sta
ton, and over TO Laura's little den.
She was busy, and did not look up
for a moment. and he had time to note
how white she was, and there were
dark circles under the pretty blue eyes,
that told of sleepless night.
She looked up with little smile of
but did not invite him in.
He waited for no invitation, how
ever, but went inside the railing, and
with the light of a new resolution on
his face, bent over her.
What have you been doing to your
self, little girl?" he said very tenderly.
81 am afraid my prescription was not .
good one. Shall give you new onep
or have you lost faith in my treatment"
you had better get Miss Towards
consent to your plan of treatment. 1t
is just possible she might object to it,"
replied Laura with u forced laugh.
Miss Howard has nothing to do
with it, Laura. Shall l tell you what
the new prescription is? 1t is 10 go
back TO the old home with me-to the
dear old mother who always loved you,
and will give you gladder welcome
than she could give anyone else-to go
as my wife. Will. you come, dearP"
She looked up with startled EXPIRES
sion, which changed to one as naughty
as Miss Howard's own.
kate Howard has rejected you, and
you come to Inc in piquc, she SAID
with choke in her voice.
Laura, have / ever given you cause
to think so badly of meP Miss Howard
did not reject me, for she has not had
the opportunity. | never really cared
for anyone but you, though you may