The Van Buren press., 1897-04-24

Lucy I1dtts was VII
girl. but pleasure kept her awake long
time that night.
I'm afraid it will make her angry.
though. she thought, regretfully.
The little incident did disturb Mrs.
Stevens momentarily, but she set 1t
side for the time.
In the days that followed it trans
pired that Pills homecoming had
changed life for Lucy. Instead of
spending her evenings in the shop,
which was kept open after tea, she
stayed in the living room. except when
the bell called her out. Philip wouldn't
have it any other way. His presence
had amalgamated the members OF the
household into family circle. They
| actually began to play games in that
back room, and Billy cracked jokes and
laughed his high, quayering laugh I'M
reproyed.
Luey's depressed face grew expires
sive. She spoke without being spoken
to. Games and chatter were no pleas
ure to Mrs. Stevens, and she was afraid
of their effect on Billy's niece. She
wanted talk with her son every even
ing, but she wanted it tete-a-tete. She
noticed with annoyance that he grew
to look about in dissatisfied, expec-
tant way until Lucy appeared, and that
he saved the most interesting event of
the day to relate when the girls appre-
eiatiAe eyes and ears were by.
Mrs. Stevens began to be actually
afraid that Lucy would take notions.
She bestirred herself in church matters
and bore her son off on some pretext
in the evening as frequently as possible.
The day after a sociable or a call she
would take pains to relate to Lucy how
popular Phil was, and how much notice
the prettiest and most desirable young
women in the place took Of him.
One day when he found Lucy alone
in the shop he surprised her utterly by
asking her TO be his wife. She changed
color rapidly, but said NO"
| Il expected this" he returned, and
he was pale; but had to try. You are
the most honest girl | ever knew, and
you don't love me-"
| eS, L 40. DuIst liOn Iooi LUZ .
tempted heart; then, as he took step
toward her-"but not enough = not
enough" she added, swiftly retreating.
Not enough TO marry me? Why"
YES | do! oh, please don't touch
me-" Pills arms fell at his sides, and
his flushed face gazed at her in be-
wlderment. The two breathed fast in
moment of silence; then the young
man had an inspiration.
lis it mother?"
For answer Lucy nodded emphatieal-
~ and fled from the room.
She did not sleep much that night.
She could only dread vaguely some sort
of family explosion the next day which
would throw her out upon the world;
for let Philip argue as he might after
being worsted by his mother, she did
not intend to capitulate. She did not
feel that her life with him could, under
the circumstances, he self-respeetful
and happy.
Ills behavior during the week that
followed was entirely unlike anything
for which she had prepared herself He
was in the best of spirits, and infected
the whole household with his happi-
ness. He submitted without demur to
being carried OFF by his mother in the
evening. 1t was enough that Lucy loved
him He waited upon her in a hundred
undemonstrative ways, and the oc-
casional look that flashed from his eyes
into hers assured her that, far from
having accepted defeat, he was biding
his time without a particle of doubt as
TO the outcome.
Lucy did not share his hopefulness.
In spite OF her pride in him and the
great wonder that he loved her, her fu-
ture looked dark. Uncle Billy was
usually left at home with her when
mother and son went abroad, and they
always talked about Philip, Mr.. Stey-
ems little suspecting what profound
echoes we're awakened in his niece's
heart by his words Of praise.
One evening, however, the arbiter OF
his fate decreed that Billy should put
on his best suit and go to church So
ciable. Lucy was left alone to tend the
shop, Philip allowing his protestations
to be silenced.
"Only a little while longer" he said,
as he held her hand a moment before
parting.
81 wish you wouldn't expect what is
hopeless" she answered, looking down.
Would you rather please her than
me? ?" he asked, his controlled feelings
making his voice stern.
Lucy tried to answer, and stam-
mered: lin afraid | can't make you
understand"
What are you waiting for, Philip?
Come along!" his mothers voice sound
ed from the door.
Left alone, feeling OF depression
came over Lucy. She sat down behind
the counter of the shop and took out
her crocheting; but the fine work was
hard on eyes which persisted in swim
ming.
Some rowdyish boys went by, shout
ing and singing.
"This neighborhood gets worse and
worse" she thought.
She was a courageous girl, and the
loneliness that settled upon her to-
night did not proceed from any appre-
hension for her safety. When about
$3.50 couple of rough men entered the
little shop, her mind was so full of Phil
Up that she rose with an distracted air
to serve them.
They stared at her curiously, and she
returned the look patiently. She
wished they would go and let her go on
thinking.
Il want to get a $50 bill changed"