Evening journal., 1892-11-05
CHAPTER VIII.

-. ~
"You toot1tdr' cried Gray, his face GgIotV
Another day had come, striving to
outdo yesterday, spending like a prodi-
gal its wealth of golden sunshine.
The horses were stopped TO rest on the
brow of a mighty hill, while, awestruck,
Gray and Anita were staring at the
changing glory Of the sunset.
Anita was weary and dispirited,
cramped and tired with the long days
ride, tired above all Of Gray. His easy
familiarity, with its undertone Of laugh
ing tenderness, while it seemed natural
enough after their long years of childish
comradeship, yet chafed on her nerves;
the joking small talk with which he
continually interrupted her brooding
thoughts filed her with smothered irri-
tation. She was beginning to see the
expedition but as an impulse of childish
folly. What if she did succeed in this
scheme Of retaliation? cui bono? Would
all the jealous anger his heart could hold
give her husband back 10 her so that
her faith in him could be made whole
again2 And what availed anything else'
"Do you know" said Gray, dreamily
watching the diving sunlight that seemed
sitting itself through gold dust in one
brilliant spot behind the range, II think
that slang phrase you have here for
death-'going over the range'-was born
in a poets brainl Don't it seem as if
that range yonder might bound the
world?-as if, beyond, the full food of
sunlight might be pouring down upon
celestial city? All, well, I'm afraid we
shall find it all about as much of a take
in when we go climbing up the golden
stairs"
Don't, Grayl" little choke in her
voice To think that but a moment
since she had been calling him tiresome
in her thoughts, when one could not but
guess, seeing his thin, drawn face and
too brilliant eyes, how strong the chances
were that before very long he might be
proving himself whatever might be in
1.-The great perhaps ps"-gone lover the
range"
"And why not?" his light laugh broken
off by his hollow cough. Because I
have a sore throat do you think it be-
hooves me to assume a good-boy attitude;
1t seems to me that about half the show
of piety of the world is built up on this
basis-the instructive thrift that would
blndly provide against possible rainy
day-half admitting that the enter
prise may turn out a lottery drawing
nothing but blanks, yet taking the gam
Die, since 1t seems to cost nothing but 4
little lip service"
How can you be so cynical-se un.
just?" in shocked expostulation And
life is so wretchedly shortT
"You mean we ought to make hay
while the sun shines, 50 TO speak, and
swallow orthodoxy while we have time
can't, Nita think man must be-
happy to be rehgious-to feel that he
has something to thank God for. Bu,
for me, am not happy, Are you, NitaE
"Ah, who isl" returned Anita senten-
tiously. 1T is not necessary"
mo. but very desirable And when
some of US can see so clearly just what
is lacking to give rs perfect happiness
when it seems rs if one might almost
reach out his hand and take tit seems
little rough, don't you think"
None Of rs know what is good fol
rs, returned Anita sagely, with a shrus
, Of her shoulders.
, But we suffer just as much from baf
fled desire If we only think we know.
persisted Gray, touching up the horses
"And in that connection | have Otter
+, wondered and now | want to know,
turning to her determinedly. 'if you ha,
. been left TO make up your mind alone
4 would you have married mey"
, "Oh, Gray" in distressful embarrass
ment, what is the use of ralling NJ
that old AFFAIR."
a "And what is the harm. since it is ar
: old affair, past and done with: Call j
: an idle curiosity if you like. don't SCI
why you should mind telling me now"
Il wish you would put on your over
= coat, Gray It is growing cold" nery
+ ously buttoning her jacket
4 THAT is not answering my question.
Which you have no right to ask
1 Il know that" humbly, "but have 81
/. louged to know. One thing, searchin
y her face eagerly, you do not say yo
would not.
No, because stopping with swift
q blush as she saw whittier her word
y tended
!, "You wouldm cried Cray. his fac
aglow.
a Not at all. did not say so, sharI
Y ly. but relenting a little as she met hi
reproachful glance. There was only IT,
: smallest possibility. the merest scrap o
Il a chance. that If Uncle John had no
!, been so opposed to it. and Aunt Ami
! had not preached in its favor so continu
}. ally, that-well. perhaps ! might
? "Oh Nita. you dear, dear GIRL" wit
e passionate joy II you could under
: stand what this small admission is to me
i. you could not regret it To think tina
e you really cared enough for me-