Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-12-30


1t comforted Olive to lay the blame
of Michael's GOODNESS on her village
bonnet. She was not without a. little
natural vanity, and had always been
accustomed to hear that she was pref
ty girl. Michael had said so, many and
many time in the earlier days of their
love-maxing. Out-spoken compliments
were in fashion at Eastmeon, and even
the ''bumplins,'' as Michael contemptu-
ously termed them, were not insensible
to the charm of pair of soft brown
eyes. These same eyes were now gaz-
ing at the reflection of their owner
through tears, but Olive resolutely
conquered the desire to weep.
Not only because she wanted to look
her prettiest did she keep the tears
back. For the sake of the good uncle,
stranger, and yet well known, she
would carry smiling face downstairs.
She had looked only for little kind
ness, but he had received her into a
warm atmosphere of love and taken
her at once to his heart. Already she
could not help comparing his tenderness
with Michael's hardness, and remem-
bering that Michael had written of him
with kind of scornful pity. Perhaps,
it was because of that very tenderness
that Uncle Wake was an unsuccessful
man. If so, Olive began vaguely to
feel that it was best to be a failure.
The little parlor looked bright enough
when she reentered it, and Michael was
struck with her improved appearance.
The girl had will of her own, and she
had put all traces of her disappoint-
ment out of sight. She still wore the
scanty gown, but her pretty shape re-
vealed itself in spite of rustic dress
making; and the soft rough hair, no
longer hidden under the Objectionable
bonnet, curled carelessly over her
white forehead. The old enchantment
began to steal over Michaels spirit
anew; he watched Olive as she talked
to the Wakes; her face, lovely in re-
pose, gained new charms when she
smiled and spoke. With care and train
ing-his training, she might yet be adj
,mired in the circles that he was strug-
Cling to enter. Anyhow she was his
own chosen sweetheart, and the best
part of his nature would cling to her to
the end.
Mrs. Wake, had taken possession of
the flowers and fingered over them with
a faint show of pleasure. She had put
some hyacinths on the supper table
and again their perfume saddened
Olive and carried her thoughts back to
| old days. Michael was here, sitting by
| her side, but she found herself longing
for younger and simpler Michael. who
had stood beside her fathers grave with
his eyes full of tears.
| But before the evening meal came to
an end the lovers were on better terms
with each other. And when Michael
rose to take his leave Uncle Wake dis
appeared into the dark shop and his
wife vanished like a phantom, leaving
the young pair alone together.
''Olive," said the young man, taking
her into his arms and looking into her
face with all the old fondness, solve,
| I can scarcely believe that this is not
dream. I shall see you every Sunday,
dear; you don't know how 1 have al
ways missed you on Sundays. Give me
kiss and convince me that you are a
real creature. I'm half afraid of wax.
ing up tomorrow and finding that you
are still miles away from me-"
For the second time she lifted he1
face to his, less frankly and gladly thar
before. She loved him as truly and
deeply as ever, but the girlish conf
dence in herself would never return
For the future she would be on hel
guard against mistakes; she had
learned to control those natural i'm
pulses of affection which had hitherto
been unchecked. And the lesson had
been mastered very quickly, for there
is no learner more rapid than loving
woman.
81 am real enough, Michael she said
quietly. ''There is no fear of my going
back to Eastmeon, even if 1 could travel
on the wings of the wind like the prin.
cess in a fairy tale. You know I an
not wanted there"
81 am glad you have left them. die
not like my future wife to live under
the same roof with Tom Challoclz ant
his girls
Peggy and Jane"
''Olive, you must forget Peggy and
Jane; it doesn't matter whether they
are good or bad. You have now to trai1
yourself for the position you will fl
| one day."
eyes, Michael, am quite willing Il
train myself" she answered meelkly.
He was pleased to regard her with al
air OF gracious approval, anu drew mel
closer into his arms.
dearest Olive" he said in an en-
couraging tone, "I will take care O
you, and help you in everything. Yo1
have only to trust in my guidance AM
you will be very happy woman"
He spoke as if her happiness was en-
tirely in his hands-as if it were tn
) easiest thing in the world to insure he
perfect contentment in the future-as
he could lift her out of the reach of life
, common ills, and its chances and changes
Nothing is more surprising than tn
confidence which some people have i
themselves. Michael Chase had Away
believed immensely in himself, and h
I felt so wise and admirable at this me
4 ment that he would have cheerfully d
rected the affairs of the nation.
"And now good night, dear" h.