Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-04-23

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 ''Very nearly" answered.
 'Well, rest awhile, and finish them afterwards"
 should have preferred finishing them then, but I was in the habit of obeying my employers commands explicitly in all matters of business, so I laid down my pen and pushed the letters back. I was sure he had purpose in his action, and believed that purpose had to do with the Cornells; and was not mis taken. @
 ''So those are your friends from whom you had the letter, eh?" he remarked, rather abruptly.
 ''Yes, sir," replied, "that was MT. Cornell and his son."
 "Well, the old gentleman appears to be very friendly old fellow" he ob- served, with a sarcastic smile.
 "I'm sure," replied with a tinge o1 warmth, ''that he's a most excellent man, and as generous and lrind-hearted as he can be-"
 "Oh, yes, suppose he's very we'll iD that respect. Now, how about the son7 He's generous and kind-hearted, too, think you said?''
 "He is," answered.
 And a most excellent man, I be- lieve?"
 "IIe certainly is."
 "Well, sometimes people deceive their appearances"
 "What do you mean by that?" asked
 "Why, simply that didn't see any. thing remarkable in the young man. But then, perhaps, am not good at reading character from outward ap- pearances, and especially where these country pumpkins are in It."
 bit my lip in very vexation. Why would MT. Bernard persist in speaking slightingly of Charles Cornell? Why should he show dislike of him when he certainly had no cause to feel itl Why need he refer to him in terms so uncomplimentary and so entirely inap- propriate to his looks and character? It seemed to me unwarranted and rude, to say the least, because Charles Cornell was not an enemy to MT. Bernard. and he was a friend to me.
 "I'm sure," said, with an unusual show of spirit for me, eff you see any thing in Charles Corne1l's outward ap- pearance 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, lone would think you 8 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- fense. Now. without any intention of boasting, and not wishing to remind you of what have done, venture to say that have been as mindful of you and as generous in my conduct toward you as this Cornell has. Do you deny that2"
 "No, sir; l do not deny that you have been very good to me, and that you have favored me far beyond my de- serts. I do not want you to think me ungrateful enough to ever be unmind- ful of the debt of gratitude I 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 I have been able to render you. But I am jealous"
 "Jealous?'' repeated. wonderingly.
 "Yes, am." he answered. II have tried to be a. true friend to you in every way, and believe have showed aa much interest in you as this farmer ever has. Yet you arc quick to speak his praises, or raise in arms for his defense, while as for newell, you don't hav0 much to say"
 ''I have had no occasion to speak of your lzindnesses," said, thor to arise In arms in your defense. sppreciatO it all, though, assure you."
 ''That's all right" he replied. What ever have done has not been done for the sake of praise. only did my duty, and I do not want you to speak of 1t. What object to is that you should lay as much stress on the little services this Cornell has rendered you. Anyone else might have done twice as much and not elicited one-half so much gratitude. have shown that by contrast, think. "
 He was silent for minute or so. thoughtfully looking down at the floor and drumming his desk absently with his fingers. His air and tone were quite serious far more serious, I thought, than the occasion and subject demanded.
 Il W hhO AACStAS AAC SOAbAAhGOp PACS- ently, lis that you give Charles Cornell ' too much credit. I'm convinced that 1 your gratitude is not altogether simple | gratitude. but that there is a deeper sentiment which inspires your feelings. Excuse me for speaking plainly. l am positive that you love Charles Cornell '
 It appeared to me that Mir. Bernard was going entirely too far, and I did not hesitate to tell him SO.
 ''It may seem so to you," he contin. ued, "but think differently. I dislike to speak of these things, and if did not feel it my duty I would not. hold myself to some extent responsible for your conduct while you are in my employ. You came to us for friend ship, intrusting yourself to our care and I should consider that was wantonly derelict in the discharge