The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-04-18
spoke loudly for him to Hessle.s lonely


heart.
She had needed just such a friend
so longl Yet, the frank, dark-blue
eyes which were Doctor Pell's only
beauty were often eclipsed in the
young girls mind by Paul Deslonde's
elegant form and face.
She tried to be wise; so much de-
pended on this decision of hers-all
her life's happiness Which did she
like better? She could not for the life
of her tell. Both stroye to please her
and were often very agreeable.
She wished sometimes that she could
see them from different standpoint
than as her lovers. She tried to look
into the future, imagining either her
| husband, but all was so yaguel
/ But at last came the point when
Hessie was able to decide.
She was shopping one leisure Satur-
day and went into stationer's to
make some purchases. When the
goods she had ordered were put up,
she sat down in the back of the store
to wait for her car, which would not
be due for half an hour. She was glad
to rest, too, and entertained herself
with a stereoscope.
Suddenly she neard Paul Deslonde's
voice. For the first time it struck her
that there was something sharp and
cutting in it; or, rather, she remem-
bered that she had recognized that
quality before without criticising it.
She observed Mr.. Deslonde now at
tentively. He purchased little steel
Implement ink-eraser. The sales
man wrapped and handed it to him.
Mr.. Deslonde overlooked the proffer.
"Send it up to the house at once. l
am going directly home, and shall want
to use it," he said, curtly.
Certainly, certainly" answered the
clerk, with an air of apology. 81
thought perhaps-it is so small"
Il never take my purchases; the de-
livery is your business"
"Yes-.yes, of course, Mr.. Deslondew
The gentleman went out, and the
salesman muttered something to a
fellow-clerk about "pie-crust."
But another customer came in. 1t
was broad-shouldered, florid man,
with pleasant blue eyes. He seemed
to know the salesman, and chatted
with him us he carefully selected a
nice stereoscope with several dozen
views and Il tasteful carved rack for
holding them. When the purchase
was complete and paid for the gentle
man held out his hand for the package.
"This is quite large parcel, Doctor
Pell. 1 will send it up" said the
clerk.
"NO; l will take itp' cheerfully.
"Better let me send it up, sir"
"No; the things are for my little
Nellie. She has been confined to her
room for fortnight with sickness. 1
promised them to her, and 1T would
take away half the satisfaction not to
give them to her myself. Perhaps
you'll feel so, Charley, when you have
II little girl !"
And with laugh and CHEEKY nod
DR.. Pell went out with the bulky
parcel.
\ warm color spread over Hessie's
sweet face. The tears came into her
eyes; and then and there Hester Earls-
court made the decision which inhu-
enced her whole after life.
When DR.. Pell came into her little
sitting-room that night with bunch
of English violets, she took them with
a radiant smile, held them and inhaled
their fragrance all the evening, though
a vase of Mr.. DeslOnde's finer green
house roses stood on the table.
And when, at parting, the grave,
tender, middle-aged lover took violets
and both little hands gently in his and
kissed them, she put slender arm
about the strong neck.
Yes, goodbye now; but some time
you will stay with me always; for /
love you; you are so good J.
And in all her life Hessie never for a
moment regretted her decisiOn.-ES-
ther Earle Kenneth.