The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1884-11-12

that woman had not intruded on his do
main, but when he saw how tired worn
and spiritlcss the obnoxious person
looked he relented somewhat and went
through an introduction (writtcn on the
tablets with as much graciousness as he
could command. He noticed Miss Hyde
only answered remarks by movement
of the head, and heard Mrs. Grey ex-
planning in her kindly way all about his
own affection" Deaf and dumb, poor
thing. Not bit of trouble, but he does
smoke dreadfully."
Laura was given the little room re-
jected by him and was as quiet neigh
Dor as a man could wish.
A man of Mr. Spenccr's habits could
not be expected to take much interest in
ancighbor. The only thing that struck
him was tnat she seemed to be that rare
tongue. lie gave her but little of his
thought; merely bowed when passing on
the stairway or in the hall.
For some time she moved about the
house listlessly, with tired, worn look
that added to her twenty-four years ; but
with good food, fresh air and rest she
began in few weeks to feel the in
fluence of the place, and her expression
changed to brighter, rested one, which
at least made her pleasant to look at.
The only thing that puzzled Mr.. Spen-
Ger was, he had never heard her voice.
He had heard Mrs. Grey hold long con-
versations with her on many subjects of
domestic economy. Once or twice he
himself had been the topic of conversa-
ton, but not one word in reply did he
hear Miss Hyde say. She surely must
have said something, for Mrs. Grey said,
Laura, you are too hard on him He
isn't an old man, about thirty-fve, and
not so selfish as you may think if we only
knew him. And, my dear, he can't take
the same interest in things that man
who isn't deaf could. I've no doubt he
would lend you any of his books if he
knew you wanted them" There was a
reply to this which he did not catch, for
it brought laugh and reply from Mrs
Grey, who said: "Well, it may be as you
say, when men spend all their time think
ing and working for themselves they
forget that Others may suffer for what
they have in abundance and think moth
ing of it." Not long after this conversa-
tion took place Mr.. Spencer started for a
long day on the river, equipped with fish
ing rods and lunch basket. In the even
ing as he was returning home,
when yet two miles from it, row.
ing leisurely, he saw Miss Hyde
walking along the river bank, stopping
now and then to look about her. He
pulled to the shore, and presenting his
tablets, on which were written "Will
you not row home, Miss Hyde, the rest
of the wayl You look warm and tired.n
She answered by writing: 81 will be
glad of chance to go so pleasantly. l
have lost my way, think" With his
assistance she got in. AS she sat draw
ing her hand through the water he got
q look at her. Looks were all he got,
for not word was exchanged during
the ride. "She thinks me deaf and
dumb, he said to himself, land l shall
not undeceive her, but await further de
velOpments.
She pointed to the sunset, nodded her
head and smiled, to which he answered
in the same way. Various objects of
interest were discussed in this silent
manner, so that when he came to the
moo ing place he concluded that it was
rather pleasant to have some one as a
companion.
After this they were on familiar
terms, so that when September came
their acquaintance had progressed
rapidly through the medium of the
tablets. On Miss Hyde's returning to
her school he could hardly persuade
himself that he should miss one
of the obnoxious sex so much
He considered it rather strange that she
had never told him in any of their "dia-
logues" where her home was. She had
not done so because he had never asked,
but said to herself, "If he cared to know
he would ask. / will not force my conf
dence on any one" When she went
neither knew where the home of the
other was, and they parted, as they sup
posed, never TO see each other again.
She returned to her school rested and re-
stored. He stayed until the last of Oc-
tober, when he followed, and, as the
physician had said, had entirely rccov-
cred.
Thanksgiving afternoon the matinee
was"Ollvette, and as he was little out OF
spirits, the natural feeling of men with
out family ties on holidays, Mr.. Spencer
concluded to go.
After being shown to his seat he idly
looked over the house, but saw no ac-
qualntances. Just behind him he heard
a soft, familiar voice say: "Sue, it is he"
"Who," asked Sue. ''Why, Mr. Spen-
Ger, the deaf and dumb gentleman who
was so kind to me last summer. But
how strange he should come to an opera
when he can't hear.n "Oh, not at all,
said the giddy Sue" should think it
would be no end of fun to see them all
prancing about the stage, rolling their
eyes, wringing their hands, and stand
ing on tiptoe TO catch the high notes,
and all the time hear nothing:n and Sue
went off into giggle at the absurdity of
it.
"Sue,n said Laura. ''it 10 heartless to
laugh and talk so about ones Affections, -
ktO 1aubauv ~ Gua oneWarad ttIIa lOOkc