The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-03-18
HE DID NOT LEAVE.

Rose Forest and Alec Beaton had beer
engaged six years, and both had only just
reached their majority. 1t had been one
of those family arranged affairs that are
always intended SO kindly and often, alas,
end SO disastrously.
They had been brought ND side by side,
and whsn, one summer vacation, they were
told they must eventually marry one an
other they Scoid not see any objection On
any particular reason for such an arrange
ment.
In the six years that passed they saw
very little of one another, and now Alec
was at theological college, and Rose was
enjoying round of gayety in London.
Among the many who sought her society
was Alec's elder brother, David, a soldier
by profession and a soldier of the truest
worth.
People had often wondered why he had
never married, but his whole attention had
been devoted to his profession and now at
the age of 40 he was recognized as a staid
old bachelor.
'How often do you and Alec write to
one another3' he asked Rose one day.
sob, we have no regular time. I write
to him when I think have anything to
say that interests him. But that isn't
very often, you know, " she smiled roguish-
ly. "He wouldn't care to hear of our
ceaseless round of frivolity."
, 8
don't blush. 1 have seen some of your
stories, and they are charming. Don't
you tell him about those interests?''
''No. You see, David, he lives such a
different life altogether. He only cares for
theological books
'What will you do when you are mar
ried?'' he asked.
She started slightly. "I never think
about it. 1t always seems to mo so far
off. But when the day comes, think /
shall be ready
"But you should think about it, he
said gently. Surely the joys of wifehood
are worthy of some consideration Have
you no picture of what your home will beP"
She had risen while he spoke and came
close to him, with startled, parted lips
"Oh, David, wish you wouldn't talk
like this. You-you Brighten me.''
''Poor little grill 1 did not mean to do
that. am a meddlesome old fellow, but
the happiness of those I care for is very
near my heart. Goodby.''
And Rose, trying to forget his words,
found she could not forget him-found
that for many a week she had worn her
prettiest dresses to please him; that she
had welcomed him and looked for his COM
ing as she had waited for no other.
She began to realize when he touched
her hand, when he stood by her side as she
sang, when he sat next to her at dinner
anu CtIk0O 10 no On0 o1So, budb bI10 us
missed the thought of their future rela-
tionship, that she dreamed instead of the
home he had pictured and all she longed
to do for him.
1t was the last day of the year, and they
were returning from a midnight service,
and Rose was walking by Colonel Beaton's
side. They were silent for some time, and
then he made up his mind to tell her of
the step he had determined to take.
''Do you know, little sister"-how I'M
naturally the word came, but he said it
edo you know this may be the last time
shall spend a New Years eve with you for
many long year?''
She stumbled and clutched his arm.
He pressed her hand close to his breast,
and the gas lamp sh owed him her face was
white and drawn with sudden pain.
II must go away" he said hoarsely. 81
dare not stay, Rose. Do you care very
much, my ehild?''
SIT will kill mel'' she cried.
Alec arrived the next day, and David
was to leave in the afternoon. When he
called in the morning, he was shown by
request into the room where the engaged
couple awaited him.
'My dear BROTHER Alec began, 'syou
come just at the right moment to give US
your counsel. Rose has told me that she
has discovered she has no desire to marry
me; that, in fact, she is in love with some
one else, and am on the point of throw
ing up my calling, because hold no priest
should marry, and because believed our
betrothal was insoluble.''
David did not go away that day.-Lon-
don News.