Bridgeton pioneer., 1885-06-18
But no shadow of the previous night

But no shadow of the previous night
was about her as, in the small morning
room, which looked on to the garden,
she sat making tea the following even
ing for Mr.. Carteret, the man of whose
advent her father had spoken. He was
a tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed man,-no
greater contrast could have been found
than between him and the fair-haired
stranger who had won his way into Mr..
Loraine's heart so long ago. And yet
this was the only man in whom Sydney
could recall her father being much in
tereSted since.
And it is selfish of me not to be very
civil to him also," she thought, "for
there are not many men who can share
his tastes"
Stirred by the thought, she reused
herself to talk. The sketches proved a
good Introductory topic.
Tomorrow, if it is fine" he said, with
a glance at the rain pouring down out
of doors. Il shall go forth and explore
the country; and if not, there are several
drawings | should be glad to take from
the house itself. The one of the opposite
building-l should imagine the older
part of the house, taken from the room
above thlS-Would make a charming
picture"
Il wish | could draw" sheinterposed,
for l should like to have Just that bit.
1t is charming. All, but" with mo-
mentary enthusiasm, 1T should be done
in summer, when the acacias are in
leaf,-Or on starlit summer night
her hands claSping and unclaSping 1T
is dream of loveliness then. l should
like to have it."
He looked at her as if surprised at
the unWonted stir in the tones, but he
saw she was not looking at him, and the
softness vanished from her eyes, when,
Il will come down and do it for you"
he said. Show me what you would like,
and will do my very best"
THANK you, you are very kind" she
answered. But, unfortunately, you
have to leave out of a picture the thou
sand scents of summer night, the
thousand gentle sounds which make it
into living reality. But it is kind of
you to offer to do it for me, and l should
value it. Some day. you know, 1 sup
pose, if l live long enough, shall have
to leave here, and a short stout man
who hunts five days a week will take
possession. And as he cannot hunt here,
| don't suppose he will love it quite as
much as | do"
1T must always be a bitter thing to
make a new hOme," he said, and felt
that it was a purely conventional phrase,
which carried not the slightest weight.
1t must, l should think, she answer
ed. But. come, as it is so wet, we will
explore the house now, and find bits
suitable for your pencil"
Il do not know why it is" was his
thought. as he followed her about the
house. Il always feel sorry for her,
though surely there is no need. Every
ono SoyS Sba ic rrO1r5 apI oo11 I,,,+ 10
not always think so. Sometimes it
seems to me as if she would willingly
take more interest. if she could. What
stands between her and life? Is it that
she is satisfied with the present, or is it
that she has paSt?"
Will you come for a Walk?" he asked
her one afternoon. 1t was late. nearly
four O'clock, but it had rained all day,
and she had not been out, and at the
suggestion she rose at once.
ut would be very pleasant. 1t has
stopped raining" looking out of the win
dow. Il will put on my hat"
=, Very little later they We're making
their way, against the clustering wind,
through the narrow village street.
Is it too rough for you?" he asked.
No, enjoy it." she declared. "We
will go above to the pine-wood: love
the sound of wind in pine-trees."
y on are sure it will not tire you?"
1t is staying at home and waiting
that tires one." she answered quickly.
DO not you also think that?"
1 should think it must be so, but that
IS rarely a mans fate"
No, it is woman's."
He turned his head quickly. Itsound-
ed to him as if the words came with
sob, but perhaps the strong wind had
caught her breath, for the road they
were toiling up was very steep. He
paused moment, however.
!, Ihere IS no use offering youan ARM"
pendent to take it, even if you were
tired"
j, Even if l were tired" she repeated.
which [ am not. But am grateful ali
the Sarna'