The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-05-18

part is that 1 have to decide within
three days."
"Three daysl"
"Yes-quick work, isn't is2 She pro-
poses that l shall leave it all in her
hands,"
"Then it's settledl' she exclaimed
gloomily.
"I'm afraid it is"
"What is the name of this wonderful
placer"
81 think it is called Hatton House."
She broke into laugh.
Citation Housed" she cried, "I am
afraid auntie will be disappointed.n
"Why?" asked hopefully.
"Mr. Grierson has Just told me that
last night he completed the purchase of
the house."
"By Jovel" 1 cried. How fortu-
natelh
Grierson and Dora Paget we're some
distance ahead by now.
"They are going the long way round"
l said. "Let us turn down the lane
and meet them at Walbridge Corner.
They will know where we have gone"
Irene gave me hesitating look.
"You seem a little tired" l said,
''and it is considerably shorter-the
third side of triangle, you know"
She assented to the proposal, and We
turned into the lane.
"It will be a surprise for Mrs. Ken
yon," began. 81 wonder what she
will sayi"
Don't you think, Hugh, that in the
past we have been accustomed to pay
just trifle too much attention to what
auntie says2"
shot glance at her; her eyes were
contemplating the handle-bars.
81 suppose that is why we became
engaged" ventured.
"Do you mean to say that you didn't
love me?" she asked quickly. L thought
l detected shade OF eagerness in her
tone.
"My dear Irenel" 1 said reproach-
fully, do you think we should have be-
come engaged if we had not been at.
tracted to one another?"
eyes, yes" she said impatiently,
"but do we love one another?"
"Mrs. Kenyon apparently thinks So"
"Auntie againl 1t is always suntiel
Do we love one another? she repeated.
"Of course, cannot answer for your
feelings. For my own part, you know
that admire"--
"Admire-that's it," she said tri-
umphantly. eve admire one another.
But do you think we shall continue to
do 80 after marriage? Can we make
absolutely certain?" she asked earnest
ly.
81 can't see how it can be DONE" l
said, after little reflection.
She was thoughtful for moment.
"Then," she said slowly, "do you
think, Hugh, we are justified in run
ming such terrible risk?"
1 fought the matter out with my
conscience.
"No," said at length. "Whatever
our private feelings may be, 1 think it
is plainly our duty to"-I paused.
"What?" she cried, almost eagerly.
"Break off our engagement" said
sorrowfully. There was long pause.
"Whatever will"-she began pres
entity.
IL haven't the least idea. 1 suppose
we shall have to tell her," 1 added
doubtfully.
"I'm afraid it will be necessary. 1t
is for the best, is it notp" she added, as
if to reassure herself.
"Undoubtedly. We shall be reward
ed for being 30 sensible, some day.
Meanwhile we will remain excellent
other, but"
"From a distance" she finished,
with smile. l nodded.
We reached Welbridge Corner, and
alighting frem our machines, seated
ourselves on gressy bank to await the
others. In few minutes they rode
up.
"Well, do think you are meant"
cried Dora.
eyes, we must apologize" said.
"We took short cut to happiness-I
mean ID We,bridge." 1 pulled out my
watch. "We must hurry to be back in
time for luncheon"
We mounted, and again found my
self by Dora's side.
"YOur father invited me to come and
make a stay at your town house," 1
said, "May II"
"But Irene would not consent to
your deserving her?"
81 think she would rather be glad.
You know we admire one another;
we'll, we have been talking the matter
over, and come to the conclusion that
this is not quite sufficient, 30, by mu-
tual consent, we have terminated the
engagement"
ais that what happened in the lane?"
she exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes-and that is why think the
'hum of things followed by trip to
New Zealand, would be distinctly
agreeable. May l Gomez"
eyes," she said, with smile, "if
you promise not to devote too much
time to the club window. But Mrs.
Kenyon-what will" she added.
~ don't know" I replied; "and,
strange to say, a feeling that don't
care much is gradually taking posses
sion Of me-"
Dora laughed gayly. Show brave
you arel" she said.
Later in the day-it was after lunch
eon-the news was broken to Mrs.