Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-10

remainder of that meal / cannot
imagine. though apparently ] did not
make more Of goose OF myself than
the rest thought natural.
We reached the parlors at last IN
some way, and as soon as / could, un-
observed. stole away to the library.
where the lights were turned low and
where could sit and blush unseen in
shame and despair. What was TO be
done? What had he meant by sending
me those roses? For i felt now that
they were forced return for my I'M
sought Christmas favor. I flushed
deeper as realized how he must have
construed the gift. How could he
think otherwise than that / was seek
ing Cancellation which would never
have stopped to bring about?s Never,
never!" l was saying vehemently, half
aloud to myself. as the portiere was
pushed softly aside and some one en-
tered. kept quite still. and thought
that should not be noticed there in
the shadow of the window; but he had
sharp eyes that evening.
He stepped into the room and came
slowly toward me, and I saw that it
was indeed Theodore Weston. All my
muscles grew instantly tense, and I
was on the defensive.
Miss Weston" he spoke almost
pleadingly. II trust that you did not
run away here TO be rid of me?" / did
not answer. SO he went on. II took
the liberty of following you, believing
that l should find SO literary young
woman in the library" He need not
have added the insult Of sarcasm,
thought, and drew myself hp with
dignity, but found nothing to say.
His eyes held mine steadily. II came
to bring you a book which 1 thought
you might want-'The Ordeal of Rich
ard Feveral. l found it awaiting you
at the library yesterday, and took the
liberty of fetching it out with me-"
He mad known. then. that was here.
He must have learned it from the adj
dress on my card. lmpudence!
Thank you" / said, coldly. II did
need it for an essay. You were kind
to take so much trouble"
had hoped that he would accept the
dismissal of my tone; but not he. He
took step nearer.
II have also to thank you for your
very kind remembrance of me-" he
said more softly. and his. voice had q
new tone. Tit is more than / had
deserved or could have expected in my
widest moments Then his control
seemed to give way. Florence" he
exclaimed. did You mean anything by
the title of the little book you selected?
Did you mean }meyto understand that.T
might be. after all. called back?'"
| had not thought of this. land it was
another shock, to my prida IFcould
fro In d,
breath in my surprise and dismay. He
was a. my side in an instant.
Florence. dear he said, IT was
wrong; was to blame for it all a year
ago. have knoynz it all along, but
was too obstinate to confess it to you.
l have suffered enough heaven knows.
in this year while you were away. II
it had not been for your angelic for
giveness-"
1T was all a mistake" 1 managed
feebly to interrupt at last. as I
snatched by hand away, and rose with
sudden desire for fliSht..., s1 aid nat
mean to send you the hoax sNt yeaa;
meant for Patty; you got ~
take - u Nh
He had risen. too, and nov drew
back quickly. the light fading ftGfA isis
eyes. ;s 4
"All mistake? But my rosea-you
wore them?' he said. questioningiy, as
If with last hope.
4 did not know said. Then. az
saw his gesture of despair and taah
droop of his head, broke out sudden.
ly, Yes, did, too. 1 suspected. Won
are the only one who could have re.
membered.''
remember only too WE'LL" he said
sadly. Il was wrong all along; i siaaiSti
pe wrong now You were always
right, Florence. 1t must be a mistake:
nave no reason to believe it other.
WISE"
He had turned to go. when / got the
better OF the lump in my throat which
forbade me to speak.
Some mistakes are fortunate, I
managed to whisper. Sometimes We
are glad they happened. Then they
are not mistakes at ALL
IT was the feeblest of whispers. but
he seemed to hear it, and he did nnt
so.-Woman's Home Companion.