The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-11-22

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Rachel to rise up like great frozen
wall between her and every conception
OF Jesus as q sacrifice. what you have
promised in II spirit of false emotion,
presume ia impossible of performance.
do you mean. grandmother, that
we cannCt possibly act as Jesus would,
or do you mean that if we try to we
shall offend the customs and prejudices
OF societyg" asked Virginia.
ut is not required. 1t is not neces-
sary. Besides. how can you act with
any
Nine. Page paused, broke off her SEN
tence and then turned to Rachel.
"Vhat will your mother say to your
decision? My dear, is it not foolish
What do you expect to do with your
voice anyway"
~ don't know what mother will saw
yet" Rachel answered. with great
shrinking from trying to give her moth
er's probable answer IF there was q
woman in all Raymond with great ana
bitions fer hes daughters success as q
singer, Mrs. WinslOw was that woman
"Oh, You will see it in a different
light after wise thought of it! NV
dear, f" continued Nine. Page, rising
from the table, 'you will live to regret
1t If You do not accept the concert COM
pany's offer or something like it."
Rachel said something that contained
hint OF the struggle she wes etill hav-
ing, and after little she went away,
feeling that her departure was t. be
followed by psinfr, convel satior be-
tween Virginia scd her grandmother.
AS she afterward learned, Virginia
passed through crisis of feeling during
that scene with her grandmother that
hastened her final decision as to the use
OF her money and her social position.
Rachel was glad to escape and be by
herself, A plan was slowly forming in
her mind, and she wanted to be alone
to think it out carefully. But before
she had walked two blocks she was an.
noyed to find Rollin Page walking be-
side her.
"Sorry to disturb your thought, Miss
Winslow, but I happened to be going
your way and had an idea you might
not object. In fact, I've been walking
here for whole block. and you haven't
Objected
II did not see you" replied Rachel
II wouldn't mind that if you only
thought Of me once in awhile" said
Rollin suddenly. He took one last nerv-
ous puff Of his cigar. tossed it into the
street and walked along with q pale
face.
Rachel was surprised, but not star
tied She had known Rollin as boy,
and there had been time when they
had used each others first name famil-
iarly. Lately. however. something in
Rachels manner had put All end to
that. She was used to his direct at
tempts at compliment and was some
times amused by them. Today che hon
estly wished him anywhere else.
\ ''Do you ever think of me. Miss
Winslow?" asked Rollin after pause.
"Oh, yes, quite oftenl" said Rachel,
with smile.
care you thinking of me now?'
eyes. that is-yes. am
"What?''
do you want me to be absolutely
truthfulT
"Of course
"Then Twas thinking that wished
you we're not here"
Rollin bit his lip and looked gloomy.
Rachel had not spoken anything as Ire
wished.
"NOw, look here. Rachel-oh, know
that's forbidden. but I've got to speak
some time-you know how l feel. What,
makes you treat me so hard? You used
to like me n little, You know"
Ibid i? OF course we used to get on
very well as boy and girl. but wa are
older now
Rachel still spoke in the light, easy
way she had used since her first annoy
ance at seeing him. She was still some
what preoccupied with her plan, which
nad been dist tcrbed by Rollins appear
ance.
They walked along in silence little
way. The avenue was full of people.
Among the persons passing was Jasper
Chase. He saw Rachel and Rollin and
bowed as he went by Rollin was
watching Rachel closely.
~ wish l We're Jasper Chase. Maybe
I'd stand some show then." he said
moodily.
Rachel colored in spite of herself.
She did not say anything and quickened
her pace little. Rollin seemed deter
mined to say something, and Rachel
seemed helpless to prevent him. After
all. che thought. he might as we'll know
the truth one time as another
lyon know well enough, Rachel,
how / feel toward you. Isn't there any
hopes ! could make you happy. I've
loved you a good many years.
why, how old do you think ans"
broke in Rachel, with q nervous laugh.
She was shaken out Of her usual poise
Of manner.
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