The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-28

architect and few years later started
in business on his own account in the
provincial town OF Manchester.
Manchester was a growing place,
hence its selection, and already Eus-
tace haf secured the building of q
church, fsdes some less important
commj hs. He rented a house in a
sedate ..s6roughfare off High street,
the ground floor being used as an office,
the rest of the building as a dwelling
place. Several of the residents had
called upon him and during the Christ
mas season he had received a good
many invitations, most of which were
declined with thanks. So that people
were beginning to leave him to his own
devices rather to his satisfaction
than otherwise.
He was a somewhat grave-looking
man of 30; tall, well-proportioned.
darkhaired, handsome, but a certain
taciturnity eould not be denied to him,
and his aloofness had dssipated the
expectations naturally formed In such
a place from the advent of O. man,
still far from middle-aged, unmarried,
good-looking and prosperous.
On the morning of Feb. ID, Eustace
left his office at IL o'clock and walked
One or two houses in the course of erec-
tion concerned him, though his pace
slackened as he neared The Hollies,
the residence Of Mr.. I.arnell, the bank
er, and his only daughter, Bertha, AS
fortune would have 1t, the gate opened
as Eustace approached; he lifted his
hat, and after momentary hesitation,
Bertha stopped, holding forth her hand.
She was tall and fair, about 2S years
of age, with bright blue eyes end
pleasing figure. With all her gayety,
Bertha often betrayed an undercurrent
of greater depths, and If Eustace could
be said to have drifted into friendship
with any one in Manchester, it was
with the Larnells.
Are you going my way?" he ven
tured to ask, and he took the proffered
hand.
You are going to look after the new
church, of course" she said. How
quickly it is getting on"
They turned away from the gate Of
The Hollies side by side
II rather wanted an opportunity to
speak to you," he remarked, and for a
moment Bertha's face grew crimson.
"Then," she returned, ut is fortunate
I chanced to come out so early. But
it is a glorious morning. We usually
get foretaste of spring in February"
you will think 1t strange topic"
he said. II feel that it is. But, the
truth is. If may say so, 1 know no.
body in the town quite so we'll as
you"
II am growing rather curious!" Ber-
tha exclaimed, nervously.
THE fact is" he explained, 81 re-
a VAL
entine, / suppose 1t was meant for
a ridiculous thing!"
"Well," she said, with a laugh, sit is
st. Valentines day, you know, Mr..
Davenport"
More honored in the breach than the
observance, as far as I am concerned" :"
he answered. II thought, perhaps, you
could tell me who sent it. You have
lived here all your life. You know
everybody in the place"
oh" she asked, but would that be
uiite fair, even If / knew?"
of course not"
Eustace unbuttoned his overcoat and
TX from it's pocket a rather large
Ielope. Opening this, he drew forth
Embossed card, on which We're writ
several lines of doggerel. In effect
Hey reproached him for neglecting
1.-THE flowers which grew at his feet"
and contained a mocking appeal. that
he should at least deign to admire their
beauty so sweet"
What dreadful nonsense!" said Ber-
tha with q laugh. However, you will
never be able to resist such an appeal!'
But what does it mean?" he de-
manded.
"Of course" Bertha explained, you
know that you have earned the repu-
tation of a hermit? You never so any,
where"
Il have been TO The Hollies several
times"
Yes" she admitted shyly, "but--do
YOU know what they call you2"
- II haven't the slightest notion"
"Jaques--the melancholy Jaques."
"Do strike you as a very melancholy
person?" he asked.
She laughed happily, without ans
wering for few moments.
SHOULD you like me to be candid?"
she said presently.
IF you please"
'You rather suggest that King Henry
who lost his son in the white Ship,
and was never afterward seen to
smile"
Eustace looked down at the path.
Perhaps have had loss, too" he
said.
' oh she cried quickly. II am sorry
II spoke so thoughtlessly Forgive me-
please. I am very sorry"
81 don't attach the slightest import
hce to this thing" he said, putting
he valentine in his pocket Il see
have been a little misanthropic, and
is merely a jocular remonstrance
should not have troubled you abou
T. only the handwriting is familiar tC
ne"
mot to mel" she exclaimed.
II hoped that it might be. OF course