Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-04-22
THORNS and ROSES.
BY EHos. ?. MONTgoRp.

tioning. It appeared to me that he was not prompted solely by any idle curiosi- ty, but that, on the contrary, he had g purpose in view. He saw my surprise but did not remark 1t, simply repeating his question as though had not under stood him.
 "He impressed me very favorably," replied, ''as he must everyone who knows him. He is so great and noble, and so generous"
 Mir. Bernard drowned and looked dis pleased, and for little while drummed the table with his fingers, watching me from under his eyebrows.
 ''So you formed a great liking for that young farmer, eh?'' he asked, with something like a sheer.
 "Yes, did," answered, unhesitating- ly. "I formed a great liking for all three members of the family. could not do otherwise if was at all grate- full"
 / ''The young countryman, presu me, was very attentive to you?" "He was very considerate of me-"
 Exactly. Quite gallant, too, I sus- pect."
 "He was gentlemanly."
 OuSG sOS dhO dSdlh my VASAOOT drowned and looked displeased. "I dare say you thought him very gentle manly. Those country gallants are so apt to impress one that way"
 Mir. Bernard laughed when he said that, and knew from his manner that he had intended to be sarcastic. I was stung by his meaning, and for an in- stant glow of resentment flushed my face. felt acutely that he was invad- ing sacred grounds, and that his re- marks and questions were leading to information that he had no right to possess. I understood perfectly well, too, that he was prepossessed against Charles Cornell, though why he was I could not guess. He had never seen the Cornells, and he knew nothing about them save what he had learned from me; and it seemed that the more highly spoke of them the less he was inclined to like them. This was es- pecially true regarding Charles.
 "I wonder now" Mir. Bernard said, after a pause, seeing that was not going to reply to his last remark, ''I wonder now if this Cornell didn't feel impressed rather deeply with your charms"
 blushed scarlet and my cheeks burned, but said nothing. He gazed at me inquiringly for moment, then asked:
 Don't you think he was?"
 'I am not in Mir. Cornell's conf dence," replied with spirit, land therefore am not able to speak for lNm."
 "Then he has not been making soft speeches to you?' he questioned.
 'No, sir; he has not"
 "Well, now, you need not get angry, Miss Owens. do not intend to appear impertinent. am interested in you. as have said time and again, and think it my duty to advise with you. I do not say that you feel an attachment for this farmer, but I say if you do you must drop it. I would not have you become entangled with a man of that kind. You are capable of making q grand conquest, and when you marry you can have for your husband Q man who stands far above him. You must not for moment entertain thought of throwing yourself awayAon com mon farmer. Your looks and your good sense will advance you far above that,
 
 all the comforts and pleasures that they give, will be laid at your feet. You can become the wife of rich man and en- joy the iuxuries of wealth, and want you to do it"
 was amazed beyond description L.E those words, and yet more by the man. ner of their delivery. There was kind | of frenzicd earnestness in histones that thought denoted more than any ordi' nary friendly interest. l was not only amazed, but was alarmed, and dread l apprehension stole into my heart, filling it with an unaccountable fear. could not speak and I could hardly think Mir. Bernard saw that I was affirmed and hastened to reassure me, saying quietly:
 Remember, Miss Owens, that I speaL as a friend, a relative, and, in a sense as a guardian. In nothing, however shall seek to compel your acquies cence in my views. shall only try tc influence you. do not know whom you may marry, but would not have you throw yourself away. Mir. Cornel may be very well in his way, but yoJ owe it to yourself to aspire higher" ! ! steadying myself with an effort said
 "I have had no thought of marrying Mir. Cornell, and, as far as I know, h' has had no thought of marrying me. think you need not be alarmed on tha score"
 ''Is that really true?" he asked, eye ing me inquiringly.
 ''It is," replied.
 He evidently believed me, for his fac cleared up and he appeared greatly re lieved. He said nothing further regard ing Charles Cornell, but for a time en gagged in commonplace conversation touching my work at the office and oth
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