The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-09-13

pew, and sat down silently beside as The serv-
lee proceeded IN the usual course, and was
nearly over when the Major, by an accidental
movenent Of his elbow, knocked down anntie's
little red prayer book, which was on the sloping
ledge before her. He stopped to pick il up, and
was about to replace it, but as it came in view in
the full glare of the gas light his eyes ehaneed
to fan upon it, and he started as though he had
seen gnost He laid down the book on the
desk before him, but it seemed to fascinate him.
He looked from the book to Aunt Hetty and
from Aunt Hetty to the book, as IL trying to sat
isfy himself on some point, but without success.
Iln sermon came to an end at last, and
the benediction followed; but fear the
Major had little share in it He took
advantage of the moment when all
heads were bowed to do a very unmannerly
thing He slyly put up his eye-glass, and open
ing auntie's prayer book took rapid peep at the
name inside. IL was very quickly done and
might have escaped notice, but was watching
him closely. could even read the name myself
1t was in bold manly handwriting. 4To Hes
ter; June %, I8--" 1 stared achast a. such an
act Of impertinence, and elarced az Aunt Hettty,
to see whether she would resist it; but she had
probably not noticed the offense for she made
no sign
The congregation began To- dispense, and we
passed out in our turn, the Major close behind
us We were scarcely fairly IN the street when
he spoke to auntie.
Madame, l am going to ash you very singu-
lar question; but let me assure you that have
tell me how you came by that red prayer book
that you use2n
shall never forget aunties answer, given as
quickly as If it were the most commonplace
matter, though could tell by the faintrose-
flush on her usually pale cheek how deeply she
was moved.
and twenty years ago
The Majors face was study. Surprise, de-
light and increduity seemed struggling for the
mastery. He took off his hat and stood bald
head hardly know why, but that one little
gesture seemed to tell me better than the most
passionate protestatiens would have done that
the old love had been kept treasured and sacred
thing. And I think, from the faint, sweet smile
that gathered round her mouth as she looked up
at him, that the same thought came to auntie.
And you are Hetty," he said Yes, know
you now"
You had forgotten the six and twenty years,
Major Blake knew you from the first.
And would you really have let me go with
out word or a sign2n he asked.
why notP she replied. How could know
you would wish to be reminded of old timesP
Reminded ] have never forgotten. tried
my hardest to forget and couldn't Although
you preferred another
Another What etheF9T
Young Sandys. Did you not marry himgn
Il have never seen him since"
At this stage of the conversation it struck me
that was decidedly '36e trop." Major Blake
had replaced his hat and went side by side with
auntle, who was walking slowly homeward. |
had hitherto been following behind; but reaching
aconvenientstreet corner Ilet them proceed alone
and went off, without beat Of drum, for stroll
in an opposite direction. When | reached the
boarding house halt an hour later found auntie
and the Major sitting in the courtyard, under
the shade of the great tree. The Major cour-
teously lifted his hat at my approach and said
Miss Danvers, your aunt and are very old
trends indeed, many years ago, we were en-
gagged TO be married. but an unfortunate misun-
derstanding separated us. We have lost many
happy years together. but l hope some may still
remain 10 us. trust we shall have your good
wishes