The Irish standard., 1892-08-20


6 M. Cornell glanced az my face with
a curious light beaming from his eyes.
His countenance was flushed and agita-
ted.
..Do you really think that?" he ques-
toned, with unwonted eagerness.
.sWould you really like to have mother
like mine?"
81 should, indeed / replied. TO
feel her love, to share her kindness and
sympathy, and to be guided and guard
ed by her counsel would be the very
greatest of happiness.
My companion clasped my arm tight
ly, and his hand trembled. | looked up
into his face and I saw that it was
flushed and hot He was excited physi-
cally and mentally. He half drew me
to him and opened his lips to speak.
For an instant he gazed tixedly into my
eyes, and / began to tremble, too.
Then he relaxed his grasp, and, avert
ing his gaze, walked on.
/ was relieved by his change Of de-
meanor. I believed knew what he
had in mind, and for the world I would
not have had him speak it, because to
deny him would have hurt me deeply,
and should have been compelled to
say no. His conduct had been a revela-
ton to me. It brought to me knowl-
edge that filed my soul with sorrow.
I knew that Charles Cornell loved me.
To be loved by man like that ought
to have filed me with Joy instead Of
sorrow, for such love is the greatest
boon a woman's heart can desire. 1t
would have made me happy, reader,
but for the knowledge that his love was
in vain. did not and l was sure !
could not, love him in return.
During the rest of our walk not a
word was exchanged betweenus. Upon
reaching my lodging Mr.. Cornell went
in with me, and having an Introduction
to Mrs. Bond, entered into conversation
with her on general topics. He seemed
to be perfectly at ease, but he did not
address me during the hour that inter-
vened our arrival and supper. After
supper he asked me to walk with him,
and went, though trembled lest he
should again approach the subject on
which he had so nearly addressed me.
However, my fears proved groundless,
for during all our walk, which lasted for
nearly two hours, he talked naturally
and freely, combining bis conversation
chiefly to the local land troubles with
which he had to do.
He seemed to be thoroughly imbued
with the question, and attached great
Importance to the effect the western
farm mortgage system was likely t.
have on the welfare of the country. I
knew nothing whatever relative to the
matter, but / listened interestedly
while be talked, because any subject
was of interest under his discussion,
that subject he was certain not to take
up one that would have been less
agreeable.
us the prospect of compromise be-
tween the creditors and debtors any
more promising than it was when
was at your house?'' asked.
II can hardly say as to that" he re-
piled. s'There is very little change in
the relations of the two classes. Yet I
hope that the outlook is better. Some
of the creditors are reasonable men and
willing to give their debtors chance
to bridge over the difficulties arising
out of the crop failures Of the past two
wears; and some Of the debtors are
reasonable enough to meet these men
half way. But the trouble is, there arc
some men on both sides who have no
reason, but who if they cannot dictate
the terms, will have no compromise at
ALL
''such men as that Anderson" sug-
gested.
''Exactly," said he. "Anderson's lead
ership has done us vast amount OF
harm But I hope it may prove less
potent for evil now. Many Of the set
tiers have turned from him and taken
up with more moderate ideas. / think
that within year or so he will have
lost his influence almost entirely. 1t is
coming to be pretty generally under
stood now that his whole purpose is tc
use the settlers as the means to put
imself in Office, and the people are
red Of that kind Of leaders. They do
not care TO follow the leadership Of men
who espouse their cause simply to win
votes"
sspatriotism that needs to be stimu-
lated by good Office and large salary
is not the kind the people desire at
PRESENT." I observed.
''No, they have had sufficient OF that
class of patriots. But here we are at
your door. will say good night. now,
as I am sure you are tired. will see
you again tomorrow. Good night"
He fingered a moment as if he would
add something more, then turned away
and walked rapidly down the street,
casting never a glance back. stood
on the steps looking after hirn, think
ing what noble, broad-shouldered man
he looked, and what a grand husband
he would make for some woman.
felt that his wife, whoever she might
be, must be proud of him, and the
thought almost made me jealous Of the
future Mrs. Cornell. thought how
easy it might have been for me to
love him had 1 not known Will Hanley,
and very nearly regretted that it was
I'll 4~