Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-02-01
ETHE SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1. 1885,

most eyes look different ways; we try
to make allowances for that. But l
thought l ought to tell you"
'Why me, COnrad?'
The young ecclesiastic gave him the va
cant look of the deaf.
''Why tell me more than anOther?" re-
peated March.
"You? OIL do not know. You was
asking, was you nOt?"
81 asked about your customs among the
unmarried
well, that was it. Yeu seemed inter-
ested."
Il was. 1t explains a great deal"
eyes, l suppose. l felt 1t was right to
make it clear to you. You have always
looked at us friendly, as YOU might say.
You would never have us il derisiOn like
some. L thought you ought to knew" he
repeated, incOnclusiyely, and turned his
troubled face away.
March stopped short in the path, and
taking his companions shoulder brought
him gently to face him.
Conrad, YOU mean mOTe.'
The brother bowed his tlaXen head, and
the crimson died his tair German skin.
"DO not, Brother March"
Il must. | want the truth now. You
have all stood by and let me 20 on making
a fool of myself before you too long. l
don't know what I've done. Pm not con-
scious of any wrong. But if there is one
let me know that l may remedy it, or at
least meet you fairly. This laundering in
the dark is intolerable. Don't think that
keeping the light from me is a charity;
it's cruelty. You have the light, Conrad;
turn it on"
Il would rather not, Brother March"
"Then there is something. You admit
that
"N-no, notsexactly. There is nothing
that you are wrong in. l meant to tell
YOU" cried Conrad, in distress, "that is
true. But l cannot now. Indeed | ask
your pardon. Brother March, tor not haV-
ing been more fair with you, as YOU might
say. [ did almost deceive you, suppose.
l cannot see as it is much better just not
to tell the truth than TO speak falsely. But
| could not tell you; | did not know how
you would take it, and, anyway, it was not
Tor you to trouble about it,"
'Not for me? Idon't understand. For
whom, then?'
sob, must not say"
March turned Impatiently and walked
on.
''You are right, Conrad. You are not
fair"
Conrad was sadly silent, He took off
his broad hat and mOpped his forehead.
| They strobe on for a moment without
speaking. AS they went into one OF the
narrow tributary paths the blare OF trum-
pets abruptly smOte the air, ana funeral
| cOncourse appeared at the further end OF
the avenue next them. A young girl was
apparently to be buried. March remem-
bered he mad heard the bands harmonious
requiem for a death from the church tower
day or two betOre-fOr behind the musi-
clans eight maidens, preceded by the Ed
| ress of their choir, walked beside the bier.
| Their white raiment which was not less
the costume OF the mOurners behind, was
delicateiY interpretatiYe Of the current
sense of the event. Even the usual col
ored ribbon which fastened the cap was
( displaced in the case OF those most direct
/ ~ interested by a tie OF white. The two
| drew aside and watched the solemn pro-
! cessiOn. Arrived at the grave the COM
pany separated IS usual, the
men taking their stand upon
! one side, the women remaining upon
/ the other. The band ceased as the
| bearers deposited the pail by the grave,
! and a sweet soprano suddenly raised her
voice in a hymn which all presently
! joined in singing. In the trees above the
| robins maintained their own chirTuping
! chorus, and one of them which had been
| running along near the open pit dipping
nOsely at the humid earth perched conf
!
| tie removed from the gathering, and twit-
tering for an instant in the face of the
mOurners flew swiftly away. March
! touched COnrad's arm, and by a mutual
! impulse they withdrew silently by the
! path up which they had come, while the
! sad, final words in Mr. KeatOr's gentle
voice followed them through the stiffness.
Both were moved by the incident; in Its
! light their cOllOquy cheapened and faded,
50 that recurrence to it seemed a kind Of
improperly. AS they paused outside
/ the gate farthest from the church:
Are you going to the Gemein Hans"
/ asked Conrad.
i don't know. It's Easter even, isn't
it? Yes"
DO not"
WHAT"
''Do not" repeated Conrad, precisely.
March regarded him With interest for a
| moment.
Explain yourself, Conrad" he said,
calmly.
Conrad glanced hastily at him.
81 would rather not, Brother March,"
! returned he.
you have said that before.n
81 know it; | cannot help it," cried he,
wringing his hands.
''YOu can scarcely expect me to heed an
! unreasOned request like that" he told him,
| graVelY. Caesar himself refused to do
that" added he, with forced lightness.
Il was afraid it would be this way,'' eX-
! claimed the young man. Il do not know
| what can say"
''You might tell me what you mean for
/ one tbing,' said March, kindly.
Il do not see howl can" moaned Con-
/ rad.
March moved nearer and confronted
| him.
is it wrong that l should be there?
! What is it?'
$40, l cannot rightly say that"
There is no danger, surely.V
"NO, no-0h, no." he answered, YEARLY.
Conrad demanded March, with
weight.
isn't it my duty to be there?'
''Oh, l don't know" cried he, with help
| less honesty. you might think so.''
'Then, come" said March, briefly.