Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1894-04-06

stealing into his cottage at night. worn
out and hacgari. He was returning
late one afternoon from one Of these
expeditions. weary, dusty and dispirit-
cd. when he met lmogene Duke coming
from the town on foot. carrying a small
basket in her hand He would have
avoided her. but she caught sight of him
and beckoned to him.
II have been to see your mother,
Matthew" she said as he slowly and
reluctantly drew near. Il have taken
her some Jelly and preserved fruit"
North drew himself up, with frown.
II thank you" he replied coldlv, but
my mother is not subject for charity,
Miss Duke. am able to support her
without assistance however benevolent
ly intended.
Matthew"
Though his hand trembled and his
chest heaved with suppressed emotion,
he turned his face resolutely from her
and would not see the panied look in
her eyes.
No." he continued, with his face
still ave-ted. Il have fooled myself
long enough. 1t is over now. Take
your way ard leave me to take mine"
What do You mean, Matthew"
asked the girl gently. Have you
ceased to regard me as a friend:"
"Friend!" he echoed bitterly. Full
we'll you know that between US two
there can be no true friendship, for
only those who are equals can be
friends. Oh, 1t was sweet thought,
and | let it delude me until-until
saw you with Ralph Monckton; then
tho scales fell from my eyes, and for
the first time ! understood it all. He
is your equal. one Of your own kind; l
am not"
You are unjust to me, Matthew"
she answered reproachfully, land you
are unjust to yourself'--
See" he interrupted vehemently,
facing her as he spoke, so that she saw
how worn and pale he had become,
would you admit me into your IA
Tiers house. take me by the hand and
present me to- your guests and say, This
man, this laborer who works for his
daily bread. is my friend?' Would you
do thati"
Though his tone was rough, and he
tried to throw into it an accent Of
irony, there was an intense, eager light
in his eyes, and he held his breath as he
leaned forward awaiting her answer.
The girl did not finch or hesitate. She
returned his gaze mildly, almost pity
ingly. as she replied:
Eyes, Matthew, would do and say
that"
His broad chest rose and fell heavily.
The blood surged to his forehead. and
there was wild. exulting expression
on his dark features.
And if were to tell you," he said
passionately, as if carried beyond his
self control. THAT love you-that l
have worshiped you from the first hour
saw you, that blessed hour when you
came to visit my sick mother, lighting
up my poor home like ray of sun
shine: if l were to tell you that since
then I have lived only for You, without
hope, without presumption, humbly,
faithfully-oh. do not turn away in an
tger, dear heart! l had meant never to
letmy secret escape my lips. meant
to die with it and bear it away with
me to that other world where they tell
rs there are neither poor nor rich, high
nor low. But my breast was too full,
and it seemed / must either speak or
die. And now-and now
He choked and became silent, his
vast frame quivering and the breath
coming between his white lips in gasps.
The girl had tried to check his tenn
pestuous words in vain. She was very
pale and stood with bent head and
dropping figure, as if smitten with a
sudden grief. With a deep sigh she
raised her swimming eyes to his at
length and gazed at him sorrowfully.
why have you told me this?" she
asked in so faint voice that he could
hardly catch the words. She would
have said more, but her emotion over
cnmo her, and putting her hand to her
eyes she wept silently. The man stood
watching her with an expression Of
helpless misery and self reproach.
Don't cry" he said hoarsely. II
can't bear it"
Gradually she recovered her calm
ness, and drying her eyes with her
! handkerchief she said to him:
"You have made me very unhappy,
Matthew, for no woman can listen to
such words as you have just spoken
without sorrow. Tiff she finds no an
swer to them in her own heart. You
must give me your promise never to re-
turn to this subject, or we must not see
each other again."
"You have my PROMISE" he an
swered gloomily. II was mad for a
moment. Do you think, in my senses,
could dream that such hand as this'
-he held up his large, toll hardened
palm-"might mate with yours1"
1T is not that-it is not that" she
exclaimed in distress. will you not
believe me when say it is not because
of any false pride on my part, but be-
cause, while l respect you, 1 have no
warmer feeling for your"
He was about to reply when he OBJ
served that she was gazing up the road
with an air of annoyance and embar-
rassment. Following her glance, he
saw Ralph Monckton approaching on
horseback at an easy canter, looking
wonderfully fresh and cool in his ele-
giant riding suit.
In an instant the mans whole being
seemed to undergo a malignant trans
formation. The softened expression
passed from his features like q mask
that has been snatched away, and the
eyes in which the tears had stood mo.
ment before glittered like those Of q
wild beast.
Tell him." he muttered, pointing al
Monckton with shaking finger, "what
has just passed between us two. He
will see the humor of it. Tell him,
too." he added sternly, THAT there are
healthier climates than Monckton mines
for such as he." And without waiting
for q reply he turned roughly away
just as Ralph Monckton drew rein op'
posite the agitated girl.
CHAPTER VII.