The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1899-01-28

the still grandeur of the evening sky.
There was something in the manner of
the man at her side which stirred her
with a new sensation toward him. The
touch of his hand on her arm, as lac
asked concerning some planet or con-
stellation, the nearness of his splendid
vigor, the intonation of his deep, grave
voice, all thrilled her with sweet, new
subtlety. The man and the woman drew
closer together as they walked and it
was late before the lesson was ended.
That night, as Miss Merton lay in
bed, forbidden thoughts which had
been creeping timidly to her mind for
several days. past came and would not
be thrust forth again. Howindignantly
had she always refused to consider the
criticisms made by her parents on the
character of Stuart Armitage; aud how
persistently had she always shut her
eyes to evidences of presentations, of
petty insincerities! How memories OF
these swarmed at the portals of her
thoughts and even forced their way in.
1t was long before sleep brought relief.
As the days went on and her son re-
NAMED at home every evening, Mrs.
Coway began to look grave. He and
Miss Merton were together now when
ever an opportunity afforded ard sew
eral times the girl felt the clear eyes
OF her hostess fixed upon her and
flushed little despite her air of un-
consciousness.
One morning Miss Merton was out
after breakfast, on one of her bird ex-
cursions, when, looking ever the stone
wall of the orchard, she saw, standing
under one of the trees, little figure
which she recognized Instantly. 1t was
May Simpson, looking up intently as
though watching some bird.
Miss Merton saw quite distinctly the
uplifted face of the girl. 1t was great
ly changed, with the rudy color all
gone, and the round childish eyes quite
sunken and strained. Then the little
bird she watched flew away, and, turn
ing around, Mary saw Miss Merton.
The poor little girl looked for mo-
ment like a shared animal; then her
eyes blazed hotly, and the color leaped
to her face. She opened her mouth as
though to speak, but her lips trembled
piteously, and she burst into tears.
Putting both hands over her face she
ran swiftly away.
Miss Merton turned from the stone
wall and walked slowly back to the
house, and up to her own room There |
she drew the photograph out of her
irawer and looked at it for some min |
ltes. For long time that face had |
reen changing, but she realized that
he change was not in the photograph.
At last she laid the picture down and
hen sat. for long time, quite still by
he window, gazing out absentiy. She
Knew now that Stuart Armitage was
10 longer the absorbing interest of her
life.
AT tea that evening Miss Merton wore
! dress cut little low in the neck, and
vas careful that the locket she wore
hould be in plain sight.
"What pretty little locket." Mrs.
conway exclaimed, catching sight of
he trinket. And the girl was glad of
he opening, for she had her little part
ii ready to play. "Oh," she said.
aughing, and hesitating little. as
hough confused, 81 always wear it."
hen she snapped it open, and Richard
onway leaned forward to see. His
ace changed, but neither the girl nor
is mother looked toward him.
TIT is friend of mine," Miss Mer-
on went on. She dropped her eyes to
er plate as she added: II have better
icture of him upstairs, which will
how you after tea" And so she did,
ut that night, for the first time in
lonths, the locket was unclasped from
er neck and laid away in its case.
A few days after this Miss Merton
Did her hostess that she could find no
xcuse for lingering longer at the
lrm. Il am perfectly cured in every
'ay," she added, with an added note in
ar voice. But if the older woman un-
she made no sign. ssWe shall
iss you, DEAR" was her simple an
yer.
The afternoon before the city girl
1T the farm she took long walk, re-
sitting some of the green hooks and
slicious resting places which she felt ,
ere IN a measure her own. But as
lie turned into one secluded wood lane
le saw it was hers no more; for there.
aiming against an old, tumble-down !.
nee, were two figures; the mans back
as turned to the intruder, but she saw .
e girls raised profile; just glimpse !.
the flushed cheek and shining eve
ID smiling lip; but revealing a story