The herald., 1894-01-01

uOSb uOuUt6u NUN JUukuout. DUei
s0ein, that ''slmoet" was long word,
believe me.
Frank Dunbar How spotless, how
noble he appeared as | considered him;
nickname revealed his real character, as
nicknames always do. Perfection"
Dunbar Never had he varied q hair
breadth from the line of duty. Never
had he taken part in frolics-rarely in
pleasures. Work WAS his preference
work that told. He had led his class,
but this had not suficed. His exuber-
ant energy had mastered the modern
languages and the theory of music. Yet
he was never a prig. He 81 mpathized
with the weakness OF others, though he
had none himself. No one could laugh
more heartily over scrapes nor picture
Tevelry more onticingly. But when
others, after such conversation, rushed
hesdlong and needless into trouble,
Frank returned TRANQUILITY to his books.
He never preached, never sought to in
culcate his principles. That is what we
all liked in him. Often he would cay to
me, go ahead, old boy. What's the
difference? Enjoy your youth" Yet
he was o year younger than l.
He was such prudent fellow, too,
was Frank. He lived like the rest of
US, but he Disseminated between COM
fort and extrrvagance. So, while we
were generally in debt, and sometimes
in distress, he always had plenty OF
money. used to be 80 sorry for him.
He couldn't lend, for he had promised
his father, and he would grieve lest his
inability should be misconstrued.
Frank was ambitious, truly. No
young squire, emulous Of his spurs,
could have been more 90. Yet he was
dissrustful of his powers. ~ can't do
what you fellows do" he would say,
humbly. II must stick to my tread
MILL" And, while we all realized his
mental as well as moral superiority, we
liked him the better for yelling it. We
respected his honest scruples and never
sought to tempt him from his course.
How heart-single, too, was Frank.
Though not a handsome man, for be had
small eyes, red hair, and short, squat
figure, he was fascinating in manner
and speech. He attracted and retained
interest. There were msnv sides to his
nature, and that side hich would be
most consonant aud agreeable to COM
panion he intuitively revealed. We all
concurred in the opinion that he would
prove irresistible to any woman if he
should ever care to exert himself. He
had no time for romance, 30 he said.
And vet what con6dant he was never
prying. never curious; but learning ones
secret thoughts as if in epite OF himself.
Why, he knew all about Ruth had
talked of her for hours at time, and he
had been just as interested, just as
helpful, when finished as when | be-
gan. had read her letters to him: and
he would say, Good night, Ruth"
GOOD morning, Ruth, to her little pic.
ture which was enshrined in blue cab
met on the mantel of our study, just as
| did.
Ruth knew all about him, too. Why,
my letters and our talks had been full
OF him for yeare. Was that not natural,
since he was my hero, ne she was my
darling?
Besides they had met and were such
good friends. Ruth had often attended
events at the university, and during
this past summer Frank had visited me
at our island home, and had sailed with
US over the bar and through the bay and
out on the broad surges. OF all our
happy days, those when Frank had
been with US were the hsppiest. How
he had been. For once he had tried all his
gifts to their utmost, out of loyalty to
me, his friend.
And yet, Ruth had written this note
OF warning. Could she be jealoue?
laughed at the thought. Ruth was
Ruth. Besides, if such. an impossible
emotion had entered her dear little
heart, perfect love would have cast it
ata1r -,
misapprehension mistake. | kissed
the little note and laid it away in my
pocket, resolved never to think of it
not my faith be so shattered as to doubt
love also.
reached the city station at eventide,
and there was Frank awaiting me, quiet,
seif-contained as ever, but oh, 80 glad to
see me!
my dear boy What happiness to
have you with me again !" he exclaimed. :
"And how brave and bonny we have
grown, to be surep' Right foot forward,
and on to success, Ell? Well, we'll !
Oh, fortunate youth" And tears shone
in Franks eyes. |, too, was moved.
Who wouldn't be, indeed, by such man
ifest affection?
''Some of the fellows are around at
Blang's," said Frank. "A nice, quiet
place, most respectable. We might JOIN
them and renew old times."
Agreed. We went and spent such a
jolly evening of song and reminiscence
and good cheer. But the next morning
when 1 swoke with such dizzy head
there was Frank, cool and alert, peg
ging away at his desk.
II must do it, you know" he said
apologetically. Thank your stars
you're not a tortoise, and take another
doze."
The next day started briskly at my
studies, determined to master the law.
For weeks Frank and / worked steadily
eide by side. weeks OF contentment for
me, for l felt that was doing my duty
and pleasing Ruth. The little note didn't
disturb me. l never referred to it in my
daily letters. My present course seemed
its best answer. After while, though,
came Interruptions. Our merry friends
OF the first evening began to drop into
our rooms. l believed that most OF
them were not prudent companions, and
l told Frank 80.
You're right" he replied. "Still,
they are such dear, good fellows. A
little reckless, perhaps, but it's mere
froth. and beneath it is worthy sub
substance. Because we are fixed we
mustn't be Pharisaical, Ralph. We owe
duty to our old comrades, don't you
think?"
did think. and with shame, How