The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-03-27

Presently Mrs. Lawrence conducted
them to another room across the entry,
and offered them dry garments, an offer
gratefully accepted. Refreshed and
warmed by the change they returned to
the fire. From back room came the
odor of bread baking and the smoke of fried
bacon penetrated the chinks of the door.
Gabriel came in. He had also changed
his clothes and looked none the worse for
the days outing. He went straight to the
invalid.
How have you spent the day, sister,"
Poorly" she said, in querulous voice,
though her dull eyes frightened as he ca
ressed her hand.
at has not been a good day for Sara,
Gabriel" said their mother, who was NOV
ing about the room with that little air of
being busy the unexpected advent of guests
rouses in some women. 'She feels the
change in the weather"
Yes, feel the change in the weather."
echoed the invalid, plaintively.
The supper, served by stout, barefooted
mountain girl, was extremely simple, but
the hungry travellers declared it delicious
After it was over Gabriel went away 70 the
hotel.
Rosamond's companions slept dream
lessly that night, lulled by the drip. drip
OF rain on the roof, but she lay awake far
into the silent hours.
Such was the beginning of that season
in the mountains. Mrs. Walker and Miss
Dering made the most of their adventures
when they talked over that mountain
jaunt with their friends, but Rosamond
kept provokingly silent. 1t augered her
to have them speak of Gabriel as q guide
He was so different from any man she had
ever met before, that be, from the first,
took the deepest hold Oh her interest He
was so strong and yet so gentle, seemed
so unconscious of his noble beauty that
she could not help admiring him. He
was not an ignorant man, yet long years
of close, solitary living with nature had
given him the clear-mindedness and sim
plicity of n child.
He came often to the hotel, and Rosa
mond never missed chance thrown in
her way of talking to him. At first she
cheated herself into thinking that it was
merely to study him, but the fascina-
tons of his strong, reposeful nature, his
simple dignity, drew her irresistibly. She
called upon his mother and sister, but they
were cold, reserved women, and seemed to
shrink from visitors. One day she walked
through the woods with party of friends.
They wandered some distance from the
hotel and entered glen where the under
brush had been cleared away. The great
trees rose loftily, patches of blue sky
appeared through open spaces in the
foliage, the sunshine sifted down in golden
beams. They wandered enchanted along
the banks of little stream where ferns
grew knee-deep, and few pale flowers
doomed. The steady fall of a woodman's
ak sounded lower down the glade.
suppose We see who it as" cried lively
young girl.
''Oh. no. D." said Rosamend but the others
had started off, and III vexed silence she
followed. 1t was Gabriel. as she feared.
he was chopping logs for rail timber. his
coat laid aside, his shirt sleeves rolled up.
lie greeted his visitors with composure.
No Iiush OF shame appeared upon his brow +:
his manner lost none of its quiet dignity.
He buttoned his wristbands and put on
his coat without offering any apology for
the roughnesS of his work. Rosamond
merely bowed 10 him and held aIoof.
''Nill you not sit down, too?" he said.
when the other ladies perched, like dainty
birds, along the log.
NO, thank YOU" she hurriedly replied,
but when the others went away down the
stream to look at waterfall, she said she
would stay and await their return.
Il tried TO keep them away" she said,
IN a low tone, when left alone with
Gabriel
WHY"
Because did not think you would care
10 be disturbed, toto be seen"
"Chopping logs2 l don't mind. 1t is
rather pleasant work"
He picked up chip, still moist with
sap, and gave it to her.
1t Is sweet, taste, smell. 1t contains
the perfume of pure nature. Don't be
annoyed" gently, as We speak to children.
ii II amuses your friends TO see me at
work, let them come
Why do You stay here? How can YOU
be saiished?" she impatiently asked.
cannot think only OF myself" he
san, looking away from her. "Once l re-
eeiled against it, but now the yoke has
become easy, the burden light" smiling
! slightly.
How is your sister," she asked, after a
pause.
Il fear she is failing. She has been i'll
4 Tor a long time"
| Il called to see her. but she-I fancied
| that she did not care to have me come
/ again
| He flushed.
Poor Sara. She is not herself, and has