The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-03-14

child to him, and ne tnOugnb oi GHiS
only as something the future might de-
velOp
AS she had said, he worked very
hard: but toll could not Danish the
sshaunted thought" of his life. 1t grew
stronger instead of fading, as he had
thought it might. His nights were
sleepless hours of sad unrest. He
feared for health and reason. At last
he resolved to try what charm there
might be in absence; to leave London.
in which he could not dwell; forbidding
himself to meet the woman he so hope
lesslv adored, and availing himself of
an offer which promised to be step
ping stone to his professional success,
but a barrier of miles of land and water
between himself and Amy Atkins.
cts a good Offer" he said. 81 shall
make money and get on"
''You are doing we'll here" said Aaron,
doubtfully.
.sIn one sense, yes" said Julian; sin
another, no. A man must not peril his
health or his reason. If danger
threatens them from any quarter, he
must shun it,"
Aaron asked no explanation. He
looked grave, and he held Julian's hand
longer than usual when they parted
that was all.
The DAYS flew by. Julian was ready
for his departure. Aaron Pennel one
morning sat in Julian's room and talked
as people do when their minds are on
some subject which they hesitate to
mention.
At last he asked: "Have you hidden
goodbye to Amy Atkins?"
Julian flushed and shook his head.
sIt does not matter" he said, in
somewhat melancholy tone. ''We shall
not probably meet again, nor will she
care"
81 think she would" said Aaron.
'You will hurt her by going off in such
a manner | feel certain of that"
Julian shook his head again.
81 know she will not care" he said.
"Why should She?
Because you do not care for her?"
asked Aaron. ''You are the only man
know who feels in that way towards
Amy Atkins"
81 am not ladies' man," said Julian;
but he turned his head away to say the
words.
In moment more Aaron spoke again:
''Julian, you know | am neither BASH
full man nor a coward in most cases; but
every man becomes one or both, under
some circumstances. | have favor to
ask of you. You remember your prom
Use to refuse me nothing l could ask of
you. The time has come when l have
need of your aid. Will you give it to
me?"
Tell me what you want me to do"
said Julian, simply, giving his friend
his hand. Aaron took it tenderly.
81 want you to see Miss Atkins" he
said 81 want you to tell her some
ting which l have not the cohrage to
tell her for myself - / have admitted
cowardice, as you know, Julian-to tell
her a love story, in fact, and see what
she says to it. 1 could ask this of no
one else. Will you do it?"
Julian stood dismayeo. He-he, of
all men, to undertake such a task as
this!-he who loved Amy Atkins so mad
ly! He stood bewildered. So Aaron.
the handsome, brilliant, splendid fellow,
her mate in wealth, position and APP
pearance, loved the girl ALSO If so, she
could not fail to love him in return.
They were made for each other. That
fancy that Aaron admired Ada was a
mere dream, too. The little wOman's
heart, sweet little Ada, was thus I'M
harmed. Aaron and Amy - Aaron and
Amy! Yet it was all right; he had no
doubt about it, 1t was natural; but why
choose him for gO-between?
81 do not refuse, Aaron" he faltered,
mindful Of his promise, but white with
despair; ''but you need not fear. She
will love you. You are not one to sue
in vain"
Il am coward" said Aaron; sin such
a case as this am coward. You are
good fellow, Julian, and you will do
it,
''But how?" asked Julian. 81 know
nothing of such things 1 have never
told any woman of my own love. Ishall
harm yours in telling. [ will do il but
) you must give me the words-the how
the when. 1t will be-terriblep'
He was deadly white now-not only
pale; but Aaron went on unheeding:
''Tell her story-this! You know a
man who has loved her long, but who
has never dared to say so. He feels
, that his own deserts are too small to en-
entitle him to hope; but, on the eve of
parting, he can restrain himself NO
longer; he must tell her that life is
nothing without her; that her love is
the only thing worth striving for; he
: must ask her in this strange way. be.
cause he has not courage enough to do
otherwise; to bid him hope or despair.
Then she will ask who this lover is. and
you may tell her; but not until then,
: mind you-no; until all the story of the
!, , love is told. And you will bring me the
answer"
Julian turned a CHASTITY face toward
him and replied: eff live!"
'And you will tell the tale Just So
, just as have told you?" asked Aaron.
, Again Julian answered: eff I livew
! Then he left Aaron and sought Miss
Atkins.
. She held out her hand, but he onlv
. bowed and seated himself beside her.
r In moment more he said: II have
come upon an errand that will surprise
, you, Miss Atkins. 1 am commissioned
. to tell you a story"
r "That of some poor persona" sh,
D asked. "You have only to say that yo,
know him to be in need and worthy"
+ ut is the story of one who asks
. gift" he said; ''but not gift of aims
:: gift more precious than gold could be-:
] and here, as he spoke the thoughts O
D his own soul in another's service. hi