Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-17


left alone with Violet, butt was. The
folly of the most foolish man is no
match for Providence!
why have you not congratulated
me upon my legacy, Mr.. Durham?"
she asked, abruptly. when l had
finished admiring the improvements
in the conservatory. I plucked q
couple of withered leaves abstract
edly.
upon my word, Miss Violet" I
confessed, 81 am afraid that L didn't
feel SO pleased as 1 should have done
at your good fortune"
She looked swiftly at me, and
tried to appear interested in the
palms.
81 cannot imagine you being jealous
OF another's good luck. II am
sorry she said, sadly.
81 didn't mean that, quite, Miss
Violet" 1 explained, hastily, "though
I expressed myself clumsily as usual. "
Perhaps she suggested, lyon
might like to say what you did mean
Come, 7 will give you full minute
to put it on your best English
"No reflection is necessary" an
swered, gravely. "T mean that your
wealth has taken you into another
sphere, out OF that in which we were
friendly. I was selfish enough to be
sorry to see you go" / ground my
heel on the tiled floor, and pulled off
leaf
81 suppose" she murmured, as ii
she wers speaking to herself, "that is
meant for compliment? 1t may also
be taken as all insult"
"Insult?"
'Is it not an insult to suppose that,
because have become rich, should
look down upon-upon my old
friends?" Her voice tremblel.
my dear Miss Violet" cried, CT
never supposed such thing; never
dreamed it for one moment. 1t was
only that--that -" L stopped
abruptly. There was nothing to say,
but the one thing not to be said.
"Cannot you say what you do
mean?" she demanded, with fash Of
her old impetuous manner. 1 gripped
the howerstand, on which my hand
was resting, savagely.
"No," answered, 81 cannot"
looked hungrily at her as she stood
leaning against the rustic work, with
a lucky red rose just touching her
lips. 81 wish to Cod" I added bit
terly, "that I could!" She met my
eyes fearlessly, though the pink color
flushed over her cheeks.
$780," she said, meaningly, edo
l." But 1 was doggedly silent, and
she sighed.
"There are some things" I re,
marked, feebly, after painful inter
val, (Which are better left unsaid."
She shook her head.
"There are some things" she pro
tested, (Which demand an explaua-
ton; some acts which seem so un-
kind-such q breach of friendship.
Her voice faltered, and she turned her
head away.
IT can only ask your charity" l
said, hoarsely.
"Such things" she continued,
frankie in ones mind, make ono
morbid and miserable, if they are not
explained"
"Such things as my stopping away
from here since you came into your
unexpected fortune?' She nodded.
"And you demand an explanation: ?"
She nodded again. Gwen when
tell you that explanation is best
avoided?'
EYES," she answered.; II do"
"Then, said /, sadly. 81 can only
say one thing, Violet. IT is because
I love you" She hung her head ST.
lently, and tremblei. II love you,"
repeated, $50 much that I can only
go away" She lifted mp her face,
with the tears streaming down her
cheeks, and held out her hands.
"Oh, Harry" she cried, Cant You
see?"
I groaned aloud. "NIy poor little
grill" I cried. 1T WAS afraid. 1t
cannot be-" She dried her eyes.
"You are talking nonsense" she
began, brightly; "If you love
me-
81 do"
"Of course you 90, you silly fell
low. Do you think I couldn't see?
And if I-if I can put mp with you
why, that settles the question" She
laughed nncomfortably, watching me
out OF the corners OF her eyes.
my dear, it doesn't" She stamped
her foot angrily. "violet, there is
only one honorable thing that 1 can
do-only one honorable way in which
I can preserve my self-respect and
act as man. That way"--I spoke
firmly-'is by going away, as am
going"
"You are not!" She caught hold
Of my coat, but 7 gently removed her
hands.
by everything which 1 hold sa
cred, Violet, I am. Any man who
vas worth his salt would do the
same" She knew Ivy the sound OF
my voice TINT meant il, and the colo,
loft her cheeks.
Harry" she said. p;tecusly, "dii
YOU really mean what yon said abou;
liking mo?'
every word"
'T-I meant it-,oo!" I listel he,
hand aud kissed It.
ut cannot be, dear" There wa.
nothing else 20 say.
''You care for what people woult
think mole than you care foi me-"
81 caro- for what ] knew 10 righ