The advocate., 1895-06-05

"Ohl From his conversation, had supposed he
was determined to have nothing to do with the fair
sex. But young men will be young men, whether
they will or no. DO you live in Worcesterw
eyes, sir. But-pardon my curiosity, If Mr..
Stone has never mentioned me, cannot imagine
how you so readily guessed my name."
"Oh that was the most natural thing in the world.
You see particular man, and for some reason which
is inexpcable you feel certain his name is George,
or Henry, or Tom; and you would be surprised
should you find yourself mistaken So, too, with
women. Certain names seem naturally to belong to
particular people. By your very looks surmised
your name was Gertrude, and so it proved to be-"
''Wel, that is an interesting suggestion, The idea
had never occurred to me, but now that you have
mentioned it, believe one does have such an i'm
preston as to the names of unknown people"
1t is due to Gertrude that it should be remarked
that she not only did not believe anything Of the
kind, but regarded the Hermit's explanation
throughout as seriously open to suspicion Not only
then, but often afterwards, she wondered at his
amazement and his exclamation, Gertrude" But
good breeding required she should seem to accept
the offered explanation and as they sat and talked
of the absent man they both loved better than any
other man in the world, she felt the truth of Sgd
ney's remark, that the Hermit was good man and
she could trust him as she might father He made
inquiries which led her to talk of herself of her
mother, and of her-father; and he listened with
eager interest When at last she rose to go, he sad
taking her by the arm in fatherly way:
"Sydney has become my son, Do you become my
daughter? I will call you Gertrude as 1 call him
Sydney Shall it be SOP"
"With all my heart. But what shall call your
"You have heard of Miss Burney who wrote
EVelinaP"
eyes; and have read the delightful story"
"She has an old, trusted friend whom she calls
Daddy Crisp DO you call me Daddy HermitY
and we shall get along nicely without any cOnVen-
tionsl appellation"
"That will be excellent You shall be Daddy
Hermit, and you shall call me 'Gerty' as my Uncle
Reuben calls me- And now goodbye, Daddy Her
NIT l shall come again"
The Hermit stood in the door and looked after
her till he could see her no more. Then he went
back to his hearth buried his face in his hands and
remained mOtionless thus long time
Since that day, Gertrude had been often guest at
The Hermitage, and her long, pentup 6lia affection
which had never before had an object, went out un-
reserVedly to "Daddy Hermit" who loved her as a
real daughter
When summer came, she sometimes sat on rus
tic bench in the shady court and he would bring hel
fresh milk from his cellar to drink there and then
sit by her and entertain her with his conversation
of which she never tired. Sometimes she would re-
main in the library and read. She came at last tc
look upon The Hermitage as home, and to regard
herself as Stilwell's guest. Even old James became
recOnciled and liked to visit ''Masss Hermit" YET
she dared not mention even to her mother that she
was acquainted with the strange dweller in the
wood. Explanation might be embarrassing, for bel
mother knew nothing Of Gertrude's acquaintance
with Sydney Stone