The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-06-14

is unexpected, then"
You do not say you are glad to vel
come me back. But l remember that
you never would be conventional" he
said, taking a subtle pleasure in the con-
fusion which he could see she was trying
hard to conceal.
But those fe y words, half in mockery,
halfin challenge, pnt Leah at her ease.
Looking him directly in the face, she re-
sponded:
why should we be expected to vel
come people whom We have long learned
to liev without, and whom We never ex-
to see again? 1t is like the sudden stop
ping of train; it gives you backward
jerk that is not altogether agreeable"
True" he answered, rather sadly, Il
suppose I've lost all claim to anyone in
interest down this way. ! only hope my
brother won't think 50, too, when walk
in on him unannounced."
There was moments silence, Mark
looked at the woman before him, MOTTO
ing the changes in her. The beauty Of
nineteen had faded, bat enough of it yet
remained to make, with the added
strength and character OF later years,
face that was attractive
Il said Miss Hastings" began the
lawyer again. "Was right, or have you
laid aside the old name with other relics
ofthe past ~
There was the fsintest possible flush
on her cheek as she answered:
q have kept my name with my uncon-
vantionality.'
Il have fallen into quite a reyerie, as /
sat here, over old scenes and faces. Do
you recollect the first day taught school
here, and what peck Of trouble those
little towed-headed Briggs children gave
me? It was long struggle, but l sub
dued them before the end ofthe term
He went on reflectiyely and in an in
different tone, as if he werk talking to
some one else:
There was another pupil, though, who
gave me more trouble than any of them
and whom 1 never fully conquered.
What a little firt you were, anyway,
Leah ~
"You know never was that" she
said, grayely.
well, no, 70 do you justice, you wern't-
believe you really thought you were in
earnest for awhile. Yes, I'll do you the
justice to think you deceived yourself as
well as me"
His tone was more serious now and be
glanced furtiyely at Leah 10 see how she
was taking his words. But she remained
silent, nor could ne read her thoughts in
her lace.
Leah" he began, abruptly, Il wish
you would explain your action-there at
the last 1 never could see why-and nov,
after all these years, should just ike 10
have it cleared up. Won's you listen to
my side and tell me yours 7''
For few moments she did not reply,
but stood looking of over the hills, where
the sun was just sinking from sight.
What is the use" she said at last
at is all over longago, and We have come
toan age where We can oyerleok-and
forgive-without explanations. Weboth
misunderstood aud misjudged each other
of that have long been sure. Let it
rest at that"
But l cannot be content with that. l
thought / had put it all out Of my life,
Leah. 1t has been a busy life, and
have taken care that l should have but
little time for thought. 1 schooled my
self 10 keep all thought of you from my
mind, and for the most part l have sue
ceeded. / thought could 90 on TO the
end-but now that see You again the
years that lie between our youth and
now are rs if they had never been.
Leah, I can't believe but that you care
yet, too. Let US rectify our mistakes and
end our lives as weshould have lived
them-togethsrl
"No, no. she said, putting out her
hands as if to push the thought away.
at is too late. We have been learning
to live alone. We have each made our
own life and found a certain happiness
in it. 1t is too late TO make a change.
What have our lives in commOn-yours,
= lawyers busy and studious, passed in
great city, and touched on all sides by
interests Of whose very existence am
ignorant; mine, a quiet, country life,
spent almost in solitude, with cares and
pleasures that to you would seem petty
They would clash if brought together.
By some trick of fancy Mark Hough
ton remembered at that instant that it
was at this door they had first told their
loves. That was at sunset, too, and not
far away brown thrush was singing his
joyous yesper song.
you will thank me for what l have
said when you get back to New York, -
Leah continued, her voice trembling a
little, but her eyes looking steadily into
his.
And in his heart be felt that she was
at least as to the difficulty of
welding their two lives into one. But
for while he continued to urge her to
She only shook her head
and said gently:
at is too late. We must not add to
our folly by making q greater mistake
than that of our YOUTH
At last he turned to 20.
Il hope l shall feel one day that you
are right" he said. "Good-by."
At that moment a brown thrush on a
tree top near by broke out into a flood
Of melody. He sang as ioyOusly as if all
the world were young and the only natu-
raj conditions were happiness.
At the sound Leah turned her head
with startled look of recollection. Her
eyes met Marks.
at is not to late, Leahl7 he cried,
her hand. Listen. our old
friend advises US just as he did the first
time-!ove and be happy There IS
time enough yet, is there not?"
And some way she could no longer
fnd it in her heart TO say 'No."-Ne,c
York World