The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1899-09-21

"No!" said Rachel She spoke firm
ly. Perhaps. she thought afterward, al
though she did not mean to. she spoke
harshly.
They walked on for some time with
out word. They were nearing Rachels
home, and she was anxious to end the
scene
As they turned off the avenue into
one of the quiet streets Rollin spoke
suddenly and with more manliness than
he had yet shown. There was distinct
note of dignity in his voice that was
new to Rachel,
Miss Wiuslow. ,sk you to be my
wife. Is there any hope for me that you
will ever CONSENT"
None in the least. Rachel spoke
decidedly.
"Will you tell me whyf" He asked
the question us if he had a right to u
truthful answer.
~ do not feel toward you as wom-
an ought to feel toward the man she
ought to marry"
"In other words You do not love
me2"
81 do not, ard cannot"
"Why1" That was another question
and Rachel was little surprised that
ho should ask it.
"Because'- She hesitated for fear
the might say too much in an attempt
10 speak the exact truth.
'"T.ll me just why. You cant hurt
ne mare than You have done already. !"
"Well, I don't and can't love you
because you have no purpose in life.
What do you ever do to make the world
better, You spend your time in club
life, in amusements, in travel, in lux
ury. What is there in such life to at
tract q womanH'
"Not much, l guess, said Rollin,
with little laugh. "Still, l don't
know that / am any worse than the
rest of the men around me. I'm not so
bad as some. Glad to know your rea-
son. :"
He suddenly stopped. took off his hat,
bowed gravely and turned back. Rachel
went on home and hurried into her
room, disturbed in many ways by the
event which had SO unexpectedly thrust
/ itself into her experience.
When she had time to think 1t all
over, she found herself condemned by
the very Judgment she had passed on
Rollin Page. What purpose had she In
| life2 She had been abroad and studied
music with one of the famous teachers
of Europe. She had come home to Ray,
mond and had been singing in the First
church choir now for year. She was
we'll paid. Up to that Sunday two weeks
ago she had been quite satisfied with
herself and her position. She had shared
her mothers ambition and anticipated
growing triumphs in the musical world
What possible career was before her ex
cept the regular career Of every singer
She asked the question again and, II
the light Of her recent reply to Rollin
asked again if she had any very great
purpose in life herselfS What would
Jesus dor There was fortune In hel
voice. She knew it, not necessarily al
matter of personal pride or profes
sional egotism. but simply as a fact
and she was obliged to acknowledge
that until two weeks ago she had pur
posed to use her voice to make money
and win admiration and applause. Wa
that much higher purpose, after all
than Rollin Page lived forf
She sat in her room a long time anC
finally went down stairs resolved t.
have frank talk with her motheI
about the concert company's offer ant
her new plan, which was gradual.
shaping in her mind. She had alread.
had one talk with her mother and knew
that she expected Rachel to accept tn
offer and enter ON O successful career a
public singer.
"Mother," Rachel said. coming a
once to the point, as much as she dread
ed the interview, II have decided no
to go out with the company. l have
good reason for it.
Mrs. Winslow was a large, handsom
woman. fond Of much company, ambi
tious for distinct place in society ant
devoted. according to her definitions o
success. to the success Of her children
Her youngest boy, Lewis, ten year
younger than Rachel, was ready t
graduate from . military academy II