The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-10-09
STUDYING BOTANY.

When first GIenHeld PedrBe Went to the
reading room at the British museum, he
was so weighed down with the thought of
his own insignifcance and the ponderous
amount of books that were already in the
world that he almost gave up the idea of
writing at all, for it was not as a strug-
Cling author yearning to earn his bread
that he came TO consult some of the mil
lion odd volumes, but because, being an
authority on the botany of his own county,
he had been asked to write a paper on that
subject.
The subdued voices of the officials, the
deadened footballs on the soft flooring, re-
buked his enthusiasm. Then the tangle
of catalogues on that center tablet
1t was through one of those lists that
Glenfeld first made the acquaintance of
Ursula Holyroyd.
She was trying to pull about 20 pounds
weight of morocco bound catalogue from
its place, and standing at the next space
he went to the assistance of beauty in dis
tress.
After that they met frequently, and
Glenfield began to find that his subject re-
quired constant attendance at the library,
and wrote to his mother at Glenfield manor
that the books of reference at the museum
were invaluable, and he could not tell
when he would be home-at any rate, not
until the pheasants required his attention.
Many quist talk they had together as
they wandered about the great galleries,
exchanging theories and ideas, for Ursula
was a delightfully."- refined and educated
woman, and though spending half her life
working up wearisome statistics for firm
of publishers thereby earning the money
which was necessary to eke out the small
pension possessed by her mother she was
as bright and happy as if engaged in the
most congenial employment.
In her fathers lifetime she had spent
many pleasant season at Malta or Gibral-
tar or wherever the squadron touched and
her father, a captain in the navy, could
make temporary home for his wife and
daughter.
Glenfield had persuaded her to come into
the Egyptian gallery one day, and pass
ing smile seemed to illumine the stony
face of pharaoh as he sat, hands on
knees looking down on the love drama
going on at his feet, which was enacted
much the same in his day.
Chow I should love to see the land
where all these wonders came FRONT % said
Ursula. 81 know 1 have been lucky in
seeing so much Of the world but always
longed for father to be stationed at Alex
andria. I fear 1 am morbid, but num-
mics have fascination for me-
81 should like to take you to Egypt, "
said Glenfeld, watching the bright face at
his side.
She looked up, surprised at his words
'fYou forget. Struggling authors like
you and cannot do such things. One
cannot go to Cairo for few pounds
He had never told her he was poor. She
had simply taken the fact for granted, Sec
ing that he pored over the musty volumes
day after day until the opportunity came
for rest and stroll with her
MAY come and call upon your moth
er?'' he said presently. 81 should much
like to meet her and hear of your brother,
who was on board the MOonstone as gun
merry lieutenant when your father was cap
tain. -
The following morning he received
letter from his mother reminding him of
the guests he had already invited for the
pheasant shooting, commencing on the fol-
: lowing day.
1t was six weeks before he could again
come up to town.
Ursula. - he said as he grasped the lit
tie hand she held out to him, 'child, tell
me what is the matter. What has hap
pened?"
She could not trust her voice. Only she
looked down at the black dress she wore
in mute answer to his question.
Together they paced the long, deserted
galleries, and she told him the story of her
mothers short illness and death
No word escaped her of the awful desc
1ation in her heart nor of her poverty,
which was very real and terrible now. At
her mothers death the pension had been
stopped.
But, you see, I have my work left to
distract my thoughts, and I must work
harder than ever now," was all she said,
and he guessed the rest.
They were in the gem room, and the
sparkle of the diamonds and the sunny
gold of the topaz seemed in their costly
splendor to mock at the pitiful little tale
of acknowledged bereavement and unac-
knowledged poverty.
Ursula, > he said. looking down into
the eyes which rivaled the sapphires in
their depth and purity, twill you give me
b the right to comfort you. Will you be my
wife?''
At last she looked at him, and he knew
before the words were spoken that all the
pearls and rubies which surrounded them
could not buy the happiness which was to
be his-a free gift.-Exchange.