The Wichita daily eagle., 1894-01-02

to help him, to bear the test that had
come SO soon; for he told her in cold
words that she must have rightly inter
preted his silence, that he found his
love SO lessened that duty to both de-
manded that he speak. He should de-
| vote himself to his work and race for
fame untrammeled. She could help
him best by freely giving him the lib
erty desired. and he would always be
"her friend"
None but those who have been thus
called upon to exchange the name of
lover for friend" can know the deeps
Asal sounded in those hours
They found her there-Mrs. Saybrook
first-when she came to see why her
| favorite boarder was not at tea. Mrs
SaybroolS, who knew Of the girls long
and loyal waiting. and who shared her
nephew's distrust OF AsaPs choice,
| slipped to the dining-room. DIR. Say
brook met her glance from the door
way and followed her with teeth firmly
set, to raise Asal and set to work to
restore her to consciousness. But the
tightly-ciasped letter revealed to his un-
seeking eyes that merciless friend %
Look after her, aunt, she is coming
to-" he said, at last, and turned from
| the inner room to set his eyes upon the
vase of flowers. still fresh and golden
as the day Asal had placed them there.
''The villain. The dastard!'
The next moment the wet-stemmed
beauties lay spluttering. quivering and
! shriveling upon the red Goals of the
| CRATE.
That was an end of 1t with Asal-
the end of her dream, not the end of
her agony. When she came back to
health and strength-for hearts are
made too strong always to break, they
can ache and endure-when she came
back. under Mrs. Saybrook's care, it
was different Asal
1.-The scoundrel!' calculated DR.. Say
brook, as he watched her. Il knew it
when he came down here. He meant it
then. His engagement then was with
Alleen Pritchard. She is rich, and Mel
vile Claiming thinks to have her money
to hoist him on toward fame. Their cards
are out now. The contemplate cur! I
wish I could have part in it,
"You must tell her tonight, aunt ]
do not know what will be the result of
this second piece of perfdy upon her"
Mrs. Say brook told her as gently Al
possible when they were alone.
Thank you," said Asal, after a long
silence. which Mrs. Saybrook appeared
not to note as she busted herself about
the room, and she kissed her as she
fitted out to speak to the doctor as he
stormed in at tea-tine.
'She knows it. Look in upon her
after tea
DR.. Saybrook stood long time in
the hall that night. The usually de-
cisive man seemed woefully uncertain
as he fingered nervously an envelope.
| At last he mounted the stairs to
Asars sitting-room.
His aunt's voice bade him enter. and
he stepped across the threshold with
an altered step and CHEEKY tone.
miss Grey, will you let me begin
upon your laurel wreath?"
"My laurel wreath?" she echoed,
smiling back at him bravely.
''Yes. / have been taking liberties
Aunt found upon your desk. when you
were i'll, manuscript already adj
dressed. I forwarded it. and come to
bring you the first leaf"
! He placed the envelope in her hands
and watched with keen professional
eye the utter lack Of interest she exhib-
tied as she opened it. She looked up
finally with weary air and held it out
to him with the same indifference.
Il know the contents. 1t was sent
to me as an inclosure. You see I, in
deed, took liberties as 1 sent IT thus.
1t had to come back once for luck, and
as I had started it felt bound to keep
it going, so I received the first bugle-
note, Miss Grey" he went on. 81 am
very proud to congratulate you. This
is only a beginning"
She had not noticed She had not
thought of the matter since that day
when the earth seemed to have slipped
from beneath her feet She sat now
thinking as he poked in the crate,
while Mrs Saybrook flicked away some
imaginary dust from the table.
'You are very kind" said she at last,
turning over the letter with an absent
air. "You are very kind" she repeat
ed at the sound of her own voice, rous-
ing herself to meet his look. ''If ever
do win what the writer is kind enough
to prophesy here for me shall feel
that 1 owe it to you"
~ want you to. l did Il for that"
DR.. Say ybrook stopped to gulp down his
conscience at this partial untruth, and
Mrs Saybrook clipped out at the door.
Miss Grey-Asai-I want to see you
famous" he hurriedly continued. turn
ing to her. poker in hand. 'If you
will only give me the right to help
push forward I'll spend my daysin your
service"
He had not meant to say 1t now. and
he stopped in confusion at sight of her
hand tremblingly raised.
Not new," he hastily apologized fn
explana tion. 81 did not mean now to ask
the right-some day-only let me serve
you now"
Asal,s hand fell She felt rather
than heard that he did not touch her
wound he ask nothing only 10 servo
ler.
"Asal, you have genius" he con-
:inued. Develop it shall be proud
+ you win let me be your friend and
i