Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-10-07
FIRST NSTALLMENT.

CHAPTER IAN UNWELCOME VISITOR
We come upon them strolling hand IN
hand along a mountain pathway. The sun
of the world is setting, but to them the gor-
geous colors CT the cloud-streaked western
sky are emblematic Of a fairer dawn than
ever earth had known before, Tor the sun
of love has risen upon and for them, and
it was but now that the mists of uncer-
tainty were dissipated when mis- heart found
utterance in words, and hers gave re-
Spouse whose faltering accents belied her
trust and happiness.
We all know substantially what must
have been said; the precise form matters
little, and when 1t comes to that, think
most men make poor enough display OF
language on this momentous question. The
prearranged speech somehow won't speak
ITSELF the prepared gestures. or caresses
or what-not, have a way of failing to work,
and that man who, forgetting his grafton,
desperately stammers Il love you." and
waits with powerless arms, trembling and
choking, for the answer, is as eloquent,
and, when he deserves success, as effective
as the situation demands.
The important thing in this case was that
the young man and the young woman had
made themselves understood of one another,
else why should they have started down
the mountain hand in hand. when the sun
told them that darkness would set in 10y
the time they reached the valley.
They were peacefully happy. Love prom
ised for them no other vista than the Adj
rondacks, with its painless forests, noun
tains, streams and hundred lakes. IT
brought no hope Of wealth, no change of
circumstances save that they would hence
forth be together, and the prospect of one
day owning his own house and plot of land
was to Will Spencer simply the matter-of-
course aim cherished by all young men who
lived in Granite and found their wives
there. There were not many of them, to be
sure, but to such inhabitants as Granite
boosted rent was term for some strange
evil that existed in remote cities as pen
atty for higher civilization, although they
may not have understood it that way. 1t
was recognized that the school teacher had
to pay her northumberland creature-and
a similar tribute was eXacted from the
stray fishermen who came up in the spring
and summer from New York: but when
young man wanted a home of his own he
sailed forth and bought a piece of land or
traded for 1t. and the amount of the in
vestment was trivial even there, where
money was scarce. Such plan as hiring
house was never so much thought of.
Il suppose you'll speak to papa and NAM
ma tonight, WILL said the girl, giving his
fingers an added pressure.
Yes, Elsie" he responded, with fierce
blush and d gulp; ITS better to have it
over with"
Elsie laughed, contentedly.
'Why, you silly fellow" she said. what
are you afraid OFF,
Afraid of nothing, but it almost kind of
seems to me to ask girl is enough. for one
evening"
You're afraidv she cried, banteringly,
and then demrely, you can put it off If
you want to, but you've got to ask them. I
shall never saw word"
''Of course shall ask Them he retorted,
land this evening, too. See here, Elsie"
or IN m a
antaliZing inquiry in her voice and eyes:
He had stopped short and stood looking
down at her. She knew perfectly well what
was in his mind and heart but she was
not going to help him to say it, or offer it,
either; not she!
Il want kiss" he blurted II guess I've
got right
Her glad laughter checked his argument,
and her lips as promptly stopped his breath.
"Ah! dear" he whispered, when he could
speak, Il love you SOP
She nestled against his arm for reply.
Their love was yet too young for free ex-
preston. 1t had cost the sturdy young