Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1893-01-06

was decided halt in his gait. Shrink
ing evidently from notice, he yet made
an effort to aid in entertaining his sisters
guests, and conversed in low, sweet
voice, almost womanly in its delicate
modulations.
It was not until the next day that
Frank, sauntering through the garden
with Elose. spoke of his uncle.
''No," he said, in answer to her ques
ticn, ''he did not liuk here before you
went abroad. He was practlcing medi-
cine then in Boston, but he was injured
by a fall, and he lost his property in
some unfortunate investments; so mother
insisted upon his coming bere, to take
care of her while was in Europe. Since
then 1t has been easy to persuade HIM to
stay. He enjoys the seclusion, and he is
close student, contributing largely to
medical literature, though he has ceased
to practice. He cannot trust his nerves
since his accident, and doctor dare not
be nervous"
"Does he suffer muchT
"Not physically, but think he does
mentally. He was ambitious and an en-
thusiast in his profession. It was hard
to be cut short in what promised to be
an unusually successful career"
every hard" said Eloise, with great
sigh, ut is as bad as being woman
with no great object to live for"
Frank looked slightly bewlldered, but
made no reply. Eloise had never con-
fded to him the longings of her heart
to be great artist or great singer, nor
the weary disgust to her that it was to
know she must be only fashionable
young lady, with plenty of money o; her
own and fortune OF her fathers in
prospect.
81 carnot even be Lady Bountiful, :"
thought this disgusted young lady, "for
there are no very poor people about here
that know of, and papa would not let
me go near them if there were."
But Franks account of his uncle
reused her interest, oad she longed to
let him know how keenly she sympa-
thized with him.
1t was not easy to break through his
reserve, but certainly no better oppor-
tunities could be found than those af-
forded by summer sojourn In the same
country house; and scarcely knowing
how the intimacy commenced, Doctor
Gerrish aud Eloise became friends.
Eloise would have Indignantly denied
the possibility of her flattering any one,
and vet there was the most delicate fiat
terry in her respectful Difference to
Doctor Gerrish's opinions, her habit OF
turning to him for sympathy in her
opinions, her evident pleasure in his So
ciety. She sang his favorite song and
wore bis favorite colors; and when he
would talk to her of his pursuits, his
book in progress, she felt strange sense
of elation at being thought worthy OF
his confidence.
Alterations were being made at Luttrell
Place, where Mr.. Luttrell talked of es.
tablishiug himself for the future; but
they were not urged forward very rapidly.
The house and grounds belonged to
Eloise, being portion of her mothers
property bequeathed to her; and Mr..
Luttrell often spoke of going abroad
again, as if the settling down at Luttrell
Place was not entirely decided upon.
"It is as we'll to have the place in or
der" he told Eloise. "You and Frank
may object to living here, you know,
though Mrs. Weldon would be model
mother in-law."
And Eloise had answered only by a
burning blush and dropping eyes.
More than once she had met any refer
cnce to that taclt engagement in the same
way, but Mr.. Luttrell had asked no
questions.
In the fall they went to their own
home, and Frank became daily visitor,
while there was seldom a week passsd
when Eloise did not drive over in her
pony carriage to call on Mrs. Weldon.
She was unlike the calm, self-possessed
woman who had returned from Europe,
in those days. She was restless and pre-
occupied, neglecting her usual pursuits,
and often shutting herself up in her
room for hours together, coming out
with red eyes and pale cheeks, but never
speaking of illness or sorrow.
Christmas came, and there was ball
at Weldon Park, which would be fol-
lowed, it was understood, by similar
entertainment at Luttrell Place on New
Years Eve. 1t was between these two
festivities that Mrs. Weldon came, one
day, to visit Eloise.
| The dear little woman was terribly
troubled and took her grief to headiuar-
tiers. Quite by accident, she had dis
covered that her crippled brother had
given his heart to the beautiful girl who
had so gently won his confidence, and
the hopelessness of his attachment was
appalling to his warm-hearted sister. 1t
was the strangest thing to ask, but she
did ask Eloise to stay away from Weldon
Park until after her marriage.
"Then my brother and will go
abroad until he is himself again." she
said, sand know you will keep his Sc
cret. You will never let him know !
betrayed his confidence, Eloisea' she
pleaded.
"I will never let him know"
"He feels the fact of his poverty and
his deformity SO keenly," said Mrs. Wei
don, .'that he would never dream of
speaking of his love; but he has true,
noble heart, and it will not be easy for
him to conquer the passion he feels.
Poor Stephen! He has had hard life. y
Eloise echoed the sigh, but made no
comment, and Mrs. Weldon departed,
| only half satisfied with herself. She