Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-07-07

should have preferred finishing then
then, but ! was In the habit of obeyint
my employers commands explicitly II
all matters of business, so / laid dowt
my pen and pushed the letters back.
was sure he had purpose in his action
and believed that purpose had TO d,
with the Corn,iis; and was not mis-
taken.
80 those arc your friends from whom
you had the letter, oh?" he remarked,
rather abruptly.
eyes, SIR" replied, that was Mr..
Cornell and his son"
well, the old gentleman appears 10
be verysfriendly old fellow" he OBJ
served, with sarcastic smile.
"l'm sure" ! replied with n tinge OF
warmth, that he's moJ excellent
man, and MS generous and kind-hearted
as he can be-"
ION, yes, ] suppose he's very well in
that respect. Now, how about the son?
Hes generous and kind-hearted, too,
think you said?"
"llc is" answered.
And n most excellent man, l be-
lieve?n
nc certainty H.
well, sometimes people deceive
their appearances.
What do you mean by that?" I
asked.
why, simply that didn't see any
thing remarkable in the young man.
But then, perhaps, | am not good ut
reading character from outward APP
pearnnces, and especially where these
country pumpkins are in IT,"
! bit my lip In very vexation. WHY
would Mr.. Bernard persist In speaking
slightingly of Charles Cornell? Why
should he show dislike OF him when
he certainly had no cause TO feel II?
Why need he refer to him In terms SO
uncomplimentnry and SO entirely inap-
propriatc to his looks and character? IL
seemed tn me unwarranted and rude, to
say the least, because Charles Cornell
was not an enemy to Mr.. Bernard, and
he was friend to me.
'l'm sure" ! said, with an unusual
show Of spirit for me, iii you see any
thing in Charles Corncll's outward ap-
peurnncc that contradicts what | have
said of him, you are not capable OF
reading his character from them. |
speak the truth Of him, and | speak
from actual knowledge"
"Why, dear me-" he exclaimed, sour.
ly, Zone would think you warm
champion Of the young farmer to hear
you so readily defend him. A woman
must feel very deep interest in a man
when she shows such spirit in his de-
fcnsc. Now, without any intention of
Boosting, and not wishing to remind
you OF what have done, venture to
say that have been rs mindful of YOU
and as generous In my conduct toward
you MS this Cornell has. DO you deny
that"
"Nc, sir; do not deny that you nave
been very good To me, and that you
have favored me far beyond my de-
serts. do not want you to think me
ungrnteful enough to ever be unmind-
full Of the debt Of gratitude owe you"
There, there" he cried, holding up
his hand. that is enough. told You
that did not speak TO remind YOU OF
anything have done. make no merit
OF the little favors and services | have
been able to render you. But | am
jealous"
"Jcalous?" | repeated, wonderinply.
ayes, ! nm," he answered. II have
tried to be n true friend to you in every
way, and believe have showed as
much interest in you rs this farmer ever
has. Yet you ure quick to speak his
praises, or raise in arms for his defense,
while as for newell, you don't have
much TO say"
81 have had no occasion TO speak of
your kindnesics," said, NOR TO arise
IN arms in your defense. appreciate
i all though, assure you"
THAT'S all right, he replied. "What.
ever have done has not been done for
.he sake of praise, only did my duty,
md do not want you TO speak of it.
What | object TO Is that you should Law
rs much stress on the little services this
Cornell has rendered you. Anyone else
night have done twice as much and not
elected one-hulf so much gratitude. |
lovc shown that by contrast, think"
lie was silent for n minute or SO,
looking down at the floor
md drumming his desk absently with
MS fingers. Ills air and tone were
quite serious - far more serious,
hought, than the occasion and subject
demanded.
What | mean" he continued, pres
'ntly, lis that you give Charles Cornell
90 much credit. I'm convinced that
our gratitude is not altogether simple
-ratitude, but that there Is u deeper
ointment which inspires your feelings.
Excuse me for speaking plainly. / am
'ositive that you love Charles Cornell"
It appeared TO me that Mr.. BERNARD
vas going entirely too far, and | did
lot hesitate to tell him so.
at may seem so to you," he contin-
led, but think differently. dislike
o speak Of these things, and II / did
lot feel it my duty would not. I
odd myself to some extent responsible
or your conduct while you are in my
mploy. You came to MS for friend
hip, intrusting yourself to our care,
nd | should consider that | was
derelict in the discharge /
I n lSinsmans duty II failed to make {
very possible effort To train your
thoughts into the right channels. Now,
believe you have given Cornell a
lace in your affections that friend Is
enied, and do not approve of II. As
told you once before there is higher
nd brighter destiny for you than that
I becoming farmers wife. told
on that wealth and all the pleasures s
nd luxuries that wealth can give
'ould be laid at your feet, and repeat
now. They will, and with them will c
the heart OF man overlooking with
lVe and devotion This IL No d,.,,s. v