Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-01-29

Mr.. Carruthers, in his attempted study OF
Beatrice's disposition, found it very hard to
hit upon the word which would, SO far as he
as yet know, describe its chief characteristics.
That strong element Of sadness was mixed
up in it he felt sure. 1t was just possible that
this was introduced by the unfortunate diff.
ferences between herself and her father. Hav
ing learnt that She had been guest at Oak
bury for eight months he was shrewd enough
to make u pretty correct guess at the true
state Of affairs But there was more than sad
ness to account for. There was apathy. How
ever the Talberts viewed it-whatever high
bred charm they fancied was vouchsafed tc
Miss Clauson by tho bestowal of that reserved
calm manner of hers, Frank knew its true
nature was apathetic. 1t seemed strange that
an intellectual girl like this had no desire, or
no revealed desire, in life-no ambition social
or otherwise. From the very first he judged
her character by q high standard-quite as
high as that by which he judged her beauty.
AS their intercourse grew more familiar he
found he had no reason to abate either. Nat
urally, Frank Carruthers, fellow of - col.
lege, Oxford, was a clever man, AID after
taking so much trouble about tho matter,
should have been able to sum up weak
wonan's character correctly.
So, after a great deal OF reasoning he came
to the conclusion that he had found the word
to suit her. Beatrice was morbid. Every one
knows that the beSo cure for morbidness is tc
awaken the patient interest in his or her fel
low-creatures even one fellow-creature
will sometimes do.
Therefore, it was very kind of DR.. Carru
thers, after such an exhaustive diagnosis, tc
set about endeavoring to effect n cure. A
good acti- will sometimes bring its own re
ward
His view of the case was greatlv strengths
ened by noticing that Bec.r',c "evcr ap
peared t. better advantage than when she
had her little boy with her. 1t was the IN
terest she cook il this tiny fellow creature
which made her for the Time display thos,
qualities which all unmarried men, witt
| right ideas, SO exalt in a woman affection
! kindness aud forbcarance with children
Single men, if they are good and poetical-
synonymous terms, | hope-are apt to thinl
that woman never looks more charming
than when she has child or children will
her. Sometimes, after. marriage, they hav,
been known to express wish that the asso
citation need not be so eternal.
But although Mr.. Carruthers decided tina
Beatrice was nCrEid, lie lad still to accoun
for the appearance OF the disease in a menta
con ;titution watch ought to have been tn
last to have succumbed to it.
The more he tried to account for it tn
more h. was forced to accept, as the primar,
cause, one thin,-a thing, even i'll these earl,
days, most unpleasant and unpa.atable t
him But he could not ignore the fact tina
young ladies' who arc victims to what i
called an unfortunate attachment do some
times grow morbid and try to make thci
friends believe that life for them is at an end
So one evening, shortly after his arrival a
Lakewood House, Frank asked his hosts, o
course in the most casual, disin,ercsted way
many leading questions about Miss Clauson-
why she was not married, or at least Ell
gagged and 50 forth The Talberts returne
their OIL answer that it was time she though
about it, but perhaps she took after them
selves, and was not of marrying dlspos
ton. This Mr.. Carruthers ventured to doubt
"She may have been disappointed in love,
he said carele-Sly. All the same lie retille
from the cllrct jug the glass from which
had been drinking ls47 port.
"My dear lrau6,n said Horace, with grav
dignity, mis-, Clauson would never PERM
such thing to happen"
Certainly not, - said Herbert.
"Permit wA0ti Permit herself to fall i
love-"
"No; permit herself to be disappointed i
/ love. She Is lar lOo-lOO well DIcu lOr sue
a thing to occur. When she makes her choic
it will be one of which we all approves; s
disappointment is out OF the question"
That's highly satisfactory said Franl
"a well regulated young woman is the N
blcSt work of well, OF i;:,Gcrn times
They we're by now gett-Es accustomed
him, and although rathc. shocked at Be-
trice's being called young woman did NJ
show it,
Then her choice is not yet nader col
tinued Frank.
"Not to our knowledge, and, | may adj
not to Sir Maingay's"
Mr.. Carruthers asked no more question
He strolled out into the garden and talke
quietly to Miss Clauson until the stars shove
themselves in the sky.
Having ascertained that Miss Clauson WI
under the charge Of no other amateur do
: tor, Mr.. CaTuthers could, of course, set abol
curing her disease without any fear of on
raging professional etiquette.
' II