The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-06-28

l ever asked any woman before, and
you answer by questions about Arthur
Winston"
81 beg your pardon, Mr.. Van Al
styne," | returned, humbly, for if
| lost his interest altogether, I
trembled to think of the prompt pay
ing pupils whom he might influence
to leave me. For even then I com
pretended the extreme selfshness Of
the mans nature.
His face cleared.
s'You will give me your answer
soon?" he asked eagerly. Here we
night, Louise?"
shuddered. Upon that one point
I had always been as adamant. had
never permitted Mr.. Van Alstyne to
call upon me. never would, unless
II felt cold chill of aversion run
over me.
''Oh, no; not tonight" I cried. eel
sic is not we'll; and besides, never
receive gentlemen callers, Mr. Van
Alstyne."
''Then, when am to look for your
answer?" he persisted.
II have answered you, sir. do not
love you, and, of course
''Stop! Reflect little. I will leave
you alone for week-a whole week
During that time I shall expect you
to make up your mind To- day is
Thursday-next Thursday you will
give me your answer"
every WE'LL" I returned, but feel
ing quite we'll what that answer
would be.
Seven days. Seven whole DAYS of
respite and relief from his presence.
Invent into our shabby sltting-room
feeling almost glad. Icame to halt
in helpless horror. Elsie lay upon
the worn sofa very ill-that was evil
dent at a glance. It was diphtheria-
that dread scourge. The landlady
gave me immediate notice to have my
sister removed to a hospital where
such diseases were treated. I could
only obey her, and the transfer was
made at once. By offering my SER
vice free, was received at the insti-
tuition to nurse my sister and assist
.,
course, were lost to me forever, and I
took up my place at Elsie's sick bed,
thoroughly crushed in mind and body.
Days passed in this dreary retreat.
The seventh day of my reprieve had
come and gone, but Mr.. Van Alstyne
did not trouble me with his presence.
He did not call to inquire after Elsie,
Or to ask me to become his wife. But
Arthur Winston was one of the visit
ing students at the hospital, and I
soon learned to find in him help and
comfort He remained at the hos
pital altogether, and gave all
his time and attention to diph-
liberia cases, and especially Elsie's
case. Under his care and skill she
began to improve; and, strange to
say, 1 did not take the disease.
Elsie looked upon Doctor Winston
as he was called-with reverence, for
she knew his skill had saved her life.
And IL had long ago began to look
upon him with something more than
reverence; for all the love of my heart
was poured forth at his shrine. I
knew that he loved me, but we were
both very poor, and marriage seemed
folly for us to contemplate.
One day, while going to the nearest
drug store on an errand for Elsie, I
met Mr.. Van Alstyne face to face. He
| recoiled-then held out his hand.
''She is better??" he asked. 81 could
not risk my own life by coming to
you, Louise, but now that your sister
is better"
EDO not trouble yourself to come at
ALL" interposed haughtily. "Your
conduct has proven your selfish base
ness. And, besides, detest you, and
would not marry you were you the
last man in the world" AIM.
+ He fell back with muttered impre-
cation. But I waited for nothing
more, and fastened back to the hospi-
tai.
I met Arthur Winston in the hall
outside the ward where Elsie lay.
Some thing in my face made him start;
then he took my hand and led me to
private room.
''Here, dear, sit down and rest
yourself" he said, in that sweet,
gentle way which always wins
with a woman. ''Something has
occurred to annoy you. Tell me, will
you?"
And I did. I began at the begin
ming, and told Arthur my whole story.
His face was very pale when had
finished.
my love of loves!" he cried. ooh,
Louise, have loved you so long and
dearly. have loved you ever since
the time-how long ago it seems
when we used to meet on the street.
That Van Alstyne is wicked man.
There is some Interior reason, some
hidden object in his asking you to
marry him-I am convinced of it,.
A golden hour followed, and when
we parted 1 had promised to be
Arthur's wife poverty and all-in a
days time. Elsie was nearly we'll
all danger over; no reason for delay.
And besides, I was afraid of MIR. Var
Alstyne-secretly afraid.
Rut after all he co11d NOT harr,, m a