Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-24

II have been thinking. Hetty," the professor
began, and paused, embarrassed, at a loss for
words.
lies; that is what you generally are occu-
pied in doing" said Miss Hetty demurely.
There was the least little sparkle of mischief in
her eyes,
"well. perhaps so; too much. I am afraid"
returned the professor, trihe surprised. Il
have forgotten a good many things, wrapped
up in my books-my duty among Others, and
my duty to you, Hetty, in particular Rachel
tells me you are two-and-twenty."
Twenty-Five last month"
'Twenty-two! And you were a child only
Yesterday! Surely it was but the other day
that you were running about the house in
short frocks 1t seems impossibler' CALCULATED
the poor professor sadly.
grow up?''
1T has seemed impossible to me, I am
afraid, while you have been growing up all the
dear; you are not really child-now."
NO, Hetty rejoined, gravely and quietly. 1t
smote her guardian with a pang. How much,
indeed, must be have neglected her when a
young girl could speak 80 seriously-almost
sadly. Well, he would not be neelectful any
more.
You are outgrowing us, my DEAR" he said
gently, taking her hand in his in fatherly, if
some what wistful. manner. "You need some
thing brighter and younger in your life. There
Is only one thing have no cause to reproach
myself with; have never refused invitations
for you and you have had good many oppor-
tunities OF seeing people of your own age.
what you need is to live among them, to have
companionship. 1 want to see you happy.
Hetty."
Thank you," she rejoined The professor
listening anxiously, felt a curious contraction
OF the heart. 1t was all true, then; she &C
cepted his statements as fact; she had long ago
recognized it in her own mind as such.
Il have been thinking great deal of you,
my dear, since Rachel pointed this out to me;
and as feel myself to be very ignorant have
been reading as well as thinking. Shall / tell
you the result of my studies?"
Hetty's pretty lips were curved.
On, certainly" she returned CURLY, with a
very slight pretence at interest.
1T appears to be universally agreed that in
all ages OF the world, Hetty, woman finds her
proper sphere, the round of duty most con-
genial to her, the hsppiest, fullest life," said
the professor simply, dropping for the moment
the more bookish phrases, in the home-in
married life, my dear"
He had uttered it now; he had suggested the
parting with her that would leave the house
empty. Yes, quite empt,; never to be young
ana bright and sunshiny any more He had
begun to be well aware by this time that all the
sunshine would 20 with her But he had done
his duty, and 1t might be that she did not care
SO much for the life he had alluded to as others
of her sex.
What do you think about it, my child?" he
asked, for Hetty had yet responded, and a
slight giddiness had come over the professor
as he told himself he was not used to changes
II think" said Hetty with sudden lovely,
overwhelming flush of color, and, after one
sunny, wiiful glance at him with downcast
eyes, that Your philosophers for once are
right"
There was short silence. II am sorry nv
dear, said the professor, patiently, breaking
1t as last THAT this kind of thing never oc-
Cured to me before. l did not know you were
not happy here"
Il am happy! I have always been happy
here! cried Hetty Indignantly; and tears, half
brown eyes. 1T was only that you said-that
you thought-that home life was a pleasant
thing in the abstract"
Il hope you may find it pleasant and a
happy thing, but not in the abstract" returned
her guardian. with smile that was rather visit
full. You have made the house very happy.
and l shall miss you wofully. Rachel will miss
you"
1T is all very much in the abstract at pres
ent, think, Hetty rejoined. her red lips TAX
ing scornful curve again. ''Still l was glad
you would miss me-"
my child" said Mr.. Rochester simply-he
put out his hand as he spoke and took hers in
close, protecting clasp-''it would not be kind
to You to tell you how much shall miss your
Then l will never leave" said Hetty quiz
sigh escaped her.
ION the contrary I hope and trust YOU NAV.
Life holds something brighter far for YOU than
this, " returned the professor; and be released
the little hand he held.
ut was very kind of you to leave your books
Tor the express purpose of making depressing
| remarks. Mr.. Rochester" said Hetty, with sud.
den, inexplicable GOODNESS. What very en-
| gaglng child she was and how well her wllful
ways became heri A child! no, a woman! He
| must not forget that fact again.
II had no thought OF depressing you heaven
knows! came to talk over a few persons with
you. Rachel tells me that she believes that
almost all the young men of our acquaintance
entertain more or less admiration for YOU.
was not aware of it. | am sure"-his ward
WINGED at this statement in. its simplicity
though at the same time find nothing To
wonder at in it. Can you not choose one OF
| them? should rejoice to see you happy"
You have come to recommend some one? II
| is very kind" said Hetty scornfullv
''Some thought of the kind was in my mind
have been reviewing our friends. l am anx.
ious, my dear, that your choice should fall on
some one in every way worthy of you, that
| may feel / have done my duty both by your
poor father and yourself. 1 think" continued
| the professor, with an effort now, that Fred.
erick wherefore is, perhaps, worthy OF
| thought"
And why Fred Wilberforce?'' Hetty asked
disdainfully, with almost schoolgirl pertness
"His tastes and habits seem quiet his family
| is good. l don't know that you would have
much wealth, but should like you to consider
| character, my child, before money. He is a
| few years older than you'll have considered
| that you may not like that-but if you could
| overlook the disparity for the sake Of other
| things should like to see you in home OF
| your own"
THANK you; you are very kind. II is quite
| beside the subject to mention, suppose, that
| l detest Fred Wilberforce?" said Hetty curtly.
"Detest him! Really, was not aware. NV
dear child. say no more about it. am sorry.
| in that case. ! ever mentioned the young mans
| name. He is q good deal older than YOU Ger.
| tainly. Let US consider Charles Warrington
instead: in fact, 1 should have put him first il
| it had not been for his scientific tastes:
| thought that you had really had SO much OF
that kind of thing here that it must prejudice
you against him. He is q very good son, be.
| lieve: a little quiet, but your own age, and
have never heard anything but good Of him
| Hetty. Do you think you could like Charles
| Warrington? You would not be living far
from as, then; am selfish you see. 1t would
| be delightful thing to Us both to have you
run in and out when you could"
| III there is any one could dislike more than
| Fred Wilberforce it is Chas. Warrington" re.
| turned Hetty. I'm glad you like him. What
| you see in him fail to understand"
The professors countenance became Der.
| picked. II seem very unfortunate in nv choice
| of suggestion" he said mildly. "Perhaps VIM.
Hooper or Thos. Hastings; you might like one
| of those better?"
"Thank you; Tn going into the garden.
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