The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-06-16

rette had made many friends, and, it seemed, few, if any, enemies. She did not go out much, being devoted to her in- valid mother; but every enc was glad of her company when she chose to give it. Altogether, Dalebury had nothing to say against the newcomers-a fact speaking volumes in their favor. After this, as we were such near neigh bors, l used frequently 10 encounter Fleurette, and would often join her and walk with her. Whether she knew that Johns secret was mine, could not say : but she met my friendly advances half way. The more saw of her, the more l wondered how could have thought her so lively and gay. Whatever she might seem to others, thers was, to me, at least, vein of thoughtful sadness in the girls character-at times even faneied it ap- preached to dependency; and felt al- most angry with her, knowing that turn of her finger would bring one of the best fellows in England to her feet. We met old John once or twice as we were walk ing together. Fleurette cast down her long lashes, and simply bowed.
 "Of course you know my brother well :" said
 "1 have ohen met him. answered F1eurette, calmly.
 And you like him, lhope:' like Dr. Penn very much" she re- piled, simply.
 He is the best fellow and the best brother in the world," said: and then told Fleurette what we had been to each other as boys; hsw John had been as (1Feft,t ( nf ,k1 dead might have been: how we loved each other now; and as 1 spoke, saw a blush on her clear, brown cheek, and al- though she said nothing, her eyes, when they next met mine, were wistful and kir 5
 .11erre::e, why do you treat John so strangely"
 Her eyes dropped. Il scarcely under stand you" she said.
 You understand fully. Why did you refuse 10 marry him:'
 "l might plead woman's privilege. If we cannot choose, we can at leas, de- cline to be the choice of any particular man.
 :. You might plead Il if you did not love him: bat you will no, plead 1t. Fleu- ret,e. l; IS because know you love h,m l ask for an answer to my question: Her fingers toyed nervously with some lilies she held. but she said nothing. ii 1 thought you did not care for him If you can tell me sony question Is answered. and am satisfied. Answer me. tleuret;e'
 She raised her head and l saw her brave brown eyes shining through her tears.
 The proudest day in my life was when .lohn Tenn asked me to be his wife the happiest day would be the day married him. and that will be never
 Never. Fleure;te:3 Never. never-never. Unless" here the girl gave a sort of shudder, and covered her eyes with her hands.
 Tell me what obstacle there can be. y said, gently.
 Il cannot. will not 1T l could no, tell lohn. why should tell you:' ! Your mother is grea, invalid, Is she not" asked. after pause.
 Yes" replied Fleure,te.
 Is i, possible you fear John would would wish you to leave her Is this the 1 reason. Fleurette
 Il will ;e.l you nothing," she said firmly.
 "Very well, Miss Fleureue.' l said. Then give you fair warning. shall never cease until find out every,hing.'
 The girls face flushed with anger ,"What right have you," she cried. ito attempt 10 pry into my private life? hate you :"
 Fleuret,e rot only had a will but a temper of her own.
 had now been ., Dalebury nearly a month, and purposed, while had time 10 spare, to make little trip to the con- tinent. intended to stay there .wc months. then return and commence work. 4 feS days before lett Dale. bury heard tha; some one was III at the house at the corner: we soon as- certained that Mrs. Dorvaux was the sufferer. and [ a, Dr. Bush, from the other end of town had been called in. l know ,his was very annoying 10 Jshn, as Dr. Bush and he were not the bes, oi friends. In his professional capacity he would, believe, have attended Fleure,te herself without show of emotion so why no, Fleurette's mother? Nothing, ot course, could be said, as we live in free country. and people may employ wha, doctor they choose.
 Evidently Mrs. Dovaux's illness was not of long duration for soon saw Fleu- re;,e about again. She looked pale and worn. probably from watching and nurs. ing her mother. My holiday a, Dale bury had now run down to its last dregs, so when we met it was to say goodbye
 Gan it never be. Fleure,te :" whisp- cred. as our hands met before parting.
 Never she replied" never. Good. bye-sooi-bye."
 1 Poor old John. poor little Fleure,,e what mystery was it that stayed ,he hap. piness of these two?
 returned home from my travels tired of idleness. Having heard of m open. ing tha, promised well. ran down io Dalebury to consult my brother Tohr and were very bad correspondents. so had no news of the little town since so- lourned there. As passed the house al the corner saw it was void. ..The,