The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1883-10-12

my pursuits were among books, and not
among people. had made the science
of geology my study, and at twenty
seven found myself in a comfortable po-
sition as assistant professor in one of our
best colleges, the salary of which, with
my own income added, making me so
far at ease that | resolved to devote my
summer vacation to tour in Europe.
Equipped with bag and hammer,
August found me making pedestrian
tour of Switzerland, with special view
tc the study of its glacial system and
lithology. | avoided the well travelled
ways, thus escaping the society of all
other tourists, and was therefore utterly
amazed when one evening, as | drew
near the little house which was my tenn
porary abiding place, "A tall form strobe
toward me out of the darkness and
hearty voice cried out:
".Jim Jim Hillm
"What is it?" replied, with a half
nervous start.
"Ahl thought it was my old friend.
Have you forgotten Tom Byrnew
OF course not, for | had met him occa-
sionally since we were boys, and l was
heartily glad to see my former comrade,
always one of the best of companions.
% saw your name on the book at the
inn," he explained; "was sure it must
be you. At any rate | thought would
start out to meet you
60 But how came you here p inquired,
'in this out of the way corner of the
world"
because it is out of the way. Mabel
and | are making trip in search of the
picturesque. You know she is quite an
artist p
SO Mabel was with him. My heart
gave a curious thump, and for a moment
| could hardly make a sensible reply.
YES" he went on; "she is so devo-
ted to her art that it seems to quite alb
sorb her life. She has not thought of
marriage. and does not care in the least
for the ordinary run of society. She will
be glad to see you, though" he added,
consolingly, las you are a man of sci
cnce.'
We walked back together to the little
inn. and presently was shaking hands
with beautiful and stately woman,
whose bright, dark eyes flashed with the
strange intensity and fire that l had
never seen in any other eyes but those of
Mabel Byrne.
She greeted me very cordially, and
after we three had taken an evening
meal together there followed delightful
evening in the little parlor that Tom and
his sister had secured.
For once in my life felt myself quite
at ease in ladys society. In the first
place there was Tom to keep me in coun-
tcnance by Il predominancc of my own
sex in the company, then Mabel did not
expect me to talk of airy nothings, that
light foam of the social whirlpool which
never yet had been able to skim. She
spoke first of my scientific pursuits she
showed so much knowledge of the sub
jcct that really found myself talking
with carncstness and enthusiasm Of the
formation of the country, and especially
of the glacial system and the curious
marks of its action borne by the speci-
mems had collected.
She. in her turn, contributed to the
evenings interest by telling me of her
work, and showing me her sketches
: which were really Of a very high order
of artistic merit. There was no school
girl weakness in her handling of the
brush, but force and poetic thought
that had won her already honorable
recognition in the world of art.
And you have never heard of Mabcl's
paintings until now ~ asked Tom.
NO" | confessed. "You know !
have been quite absorbed in my special
studies"
) :" Yes, and You have not seen Mabel
for ever so long. have you!'
"No," replied, "not since that sum
mcr ten years ago, when | was at my
/ grandmothcr's.
Jolly times we had, too" said Tom,
| refcctiyely. Remember that party at
Mrs. Edwards ~
A sudden rush of blood to my face
utterly confused me. | stammercd re-
ply, and Tom, to my relief, went or
with some rambling "reminiscences. II
was some seconds before dared to look
at Mabel. Surely she was blushing, too
The next morning we all went on {
t trip up the slopes of the mountain
Mabel in short, gray suit, alpine hat, and
t stout boots; Ton carrying her drawing
| materials. Thus we made this and many
/ another delightful expedition.
Y Life took on new colOrs for me. There
0 was radiance and glory about it that
Y had never dreamed of before. Ever!
t day found fresh reason for admirine
my beautiful companion, and our walk
l through the deep valleys and up thu
e rough mountain sides were to me lik,
a enchanted journeys through realm o
It fairies. In this lovcliest country in tn
t world, with this most glorious woman b,
II my side, was, indeed, as one TRANSPORTED
h by the light of the grand passion tina
l took possession of my soul.
e At first | knew not what had befallel
a me. thought only that my pleasure il
n Mabcl's society sprang from similarit
t. of tastes and pursuits, and the charm O
If her conversation; but gradually wok
to the overwhelming fact that | love
|, her with the one great love of my life
80 that seemed to me now to date from tn
d days of long ago, to have been Away
with me- and to stretch out into tn
a. future to make it transcendently glori