The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1897-08-27


From these gestures I was at liberty
to infer what ! pleased. a curious ap-
prehension quickened the action of my
heart. Was / destined to | dis
missed my fears with an effort, and fol-
lowed Demetrius to the threshold of
the parlor. He pulled aside a portiere
murmured my name, bowed and re-
treated.
was alone with the mistress of the
house.
The contrast between the outward
and visible peace of my surroundings
II noted many books, a piano, piled high
with music, some valuable mezzo-tints,
chintz draperies, bowls of roses,
Elcep-compelling chairs) and the
tumult of my mind made me stammer
like an awkward schoolboy; but the
kindly welcome of Mrs. Gerard soon dis
PEELED my embarrassment. Upon her
gentle face ere tine lines of great
sorrow, but = sorrow so chastened by
time and fortitude as to convey to the
observer a pleasing rather than pain
full impression. 1 soon learned that she
had the incest appreciation of what
was good-brave deeds, kind words, en-
nobling books-and n lavender-scented
prejudice against evil. No longer
beautiful woman, she was distinguished
in appearance; her figure was still
youthful, her carriage erect, her eyes
a limpid blue beneath arching brows,
and he hands, the hands of 4 gentle
woman, long and slender, the skin soft
rs satin and cool to the touch. Upon
- Il
latcr) were innumerable faint lines,
crossing and rccrossing. the symbols of
a thousand cares, and representing
against her family debt of love which
nothing could cxtinguish. She wore,
i remember, n dress cunniDgly fash
ioned out of gray cloth; the soft neutral
tint emphasized agreeably her per-
sonality, suggesting n subtle com
promise between the sunshine and
shadow of her outward and inward
lives.
We exchanged dozen phrases, and
then the boy was summoned. To my
surprise he greeted me cavaAierly, al
most rudeIy, and plowered when spoke
of our future relations.
81 hate booiis,- he said, frowning.
ecenting ridicule. The mother sighed.
AT your age ! replied. II hated
looks myself and got little good from
them"
He regarded ne attentively, and re-
turned his glance with interest.
"What are you going to do with me.
Mr.. Livinrstou?"
"That depends upon yourself. I'm
under contract to cultivate in you the
three m's-mind, muscles. morals.
We will begin tomorrow with the mus
cles. You have, I see, capital legs. but
your arms pinched his biccps-"nrc
still undevcloped. We sust spar to-
gether. and buy n horizontal bar"
His eye frightened.
''IIe is very delicate" said Mrs.
Gerard, "and SO easily tired"
The 10y WINGED. 1 liked him better
for the protest.
''I'll make him as stout as n bull-if,"
j added, "he viii sign articles OF part
rersliip. We must work together"
Il hope" said his mother. "a few min
utes later. when the boy had left the
roorr, II hope, Mr.. Livingston. you will
be allie TO make a man of him"
''He doesn't like me. I'm handicapped
at the start"
He is hard TO please and somewhat
spoiled. fear" she continued, smiling.
That you will find us very dull people"
As she spoke peal of laughter ECHOED
through the house. a silvery laugh, care
defying. ! started and lifted my eye
brovs.
my daughter" said Mrs. Gerard. a
faint blush dyeing her cheeks; my
daughter Nancy
month passed. month containing
II enchanting days.which distilled an
e~scuce so subtle, a perfume 81 sweet.
Its n'cuis; but rns memory. Ike an