Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-06-08


services, those who came from any dis
lance gathered in the churchyard, and ate
the luncheon they had brought with them.
1t was at this time that Roger came over
to greet the Lelands
He shook hands with them all, and very
soon led Desire short distance away for
a private talk. They sat down on the
grass quite near his brothers gravestone.
She could plainly read the inscription cut
in its drab surface. Roger was the first
to speak.
II had meant to wait until tonight, De.
SIRE. It is more fitting time to say what
is IN my heart, but matters are in so I'M
certain state at present l know not if
| may not be called away at any moment.
You have heard that hostilities may begin
without notice. We can no longer doubt
that open warfare will soon be made, and
God alone knows where it will end All
true men are offering their services and
their lives freely as water. 1t might APP
pear unsuitable to even so much as think
of gentler things-but the first thought Of
my life has been for you so long that 1t
cannot be otherwise now. Oh, Desire,
where shall l find words to show you my
love? Surely each day and hour these
years back have done it already. Twice
before now have begged you to listen to
my confession, have longed for the chance
to pour my love at your feet and to win
your consent to become my loving and be-
loved wife. Twice you have pressed back
the avowal, bidding me think no more Of
such thing. AS well might you bid the
shining sun to stay his course. And now,
Desire, now on the very eve of all this I'M
certain future which stares us in the face,
may not beg you to accept my devotion,
my protection, all that man can do for
the safety and happiness of the woman
dearer to him than all others are or ever
can beY'
He paused, warned by her appraised
hand.
''No, Roger" she said in the gentlest
way, Il cannot hear you, for I have no
love to give you in return. It has been be-
slowed on one whom you consider your
enemy"
His fine, dark face seemed to stiffen
in his efforts at self-control. Like beau
tiful statue he sat until he felt sure Of
himself. 1t was characteristic of the man
that his whole first thought was of her
rather than Of his own disappointment and
loss.
"God help you, Desire!' he murmured
"Do you realize what this may cost your
Eyes, Roger. 1 have suffered much al
ready"
After another long silence, during which
his face was hidden in his hands, he said:
''Tell me of-of-him, if you will, De-
sire"
hA~s tod pxyh ov ho o+o
she knew something of what he was en-
during.
do not be afraid, DEAR" he went on,
reading her thought. do not think of
me. You are not to blame that l have
loved you all your life. 1 wish much to
know something of-of him. I may be
able to serve him-for your sweet sake"
Tears blinded her and overfowed. Who
was she to receive such loyal, self-forget-
full love as this?
"Oh, Roger she cried brokenly, laying
her hand on his arm. He steeled himself
and set his teeth hard.
''TeIl me quickly, dear. 1t is nearly
time for us to go into church again.
In a few hurried words the little story
was told, and it would be hard to say
which was the sorer heart, the one that
spoke or the one that listened. AS he
walked beside her back to the singers
seats he vowed a solemn VOW that Gilbert
Merridale should escape injury so far as
he could prevent it, let what might happen
to him in consequence.
Desire stood in her place and held her
book before her, but the words swan in a
mist and her voice refused to do her bid
ding. She never once thought Of excusing
herself. Puritan maidens were trained
to evade no duty, and they learned early in
life to exert the stern self-command so
noticeable in their race. But nature was
stronger on this Sabbath afternoon than
any power of will. Other hearts besides
hers were aching bitterly, and such Il
swelling tide of silent sympathy at sight
of her emotion rose in the cherries old
meeting house as rendered criticism or
rebuke impossible. But one verse of the
closing hymn was even attempted. After
the benedction, the company separated as
ST Death himself had been visibly present
among them.
The stiffness of the grave lay over Lex
ington for the remainder Of that Sabbath
day. Even the children spoke in whispers,
respecting the grief they
saw so plainly written on the faces around
them. Each household drew together,
then sat speaking little except by tender
looks and acts of tender thoughtfulness.
AS twilight came on words of prayer
formed the natural outlet for the burdens
Of all souls rising at every family altar,
and often accompanied by hymns of praise
and supplication.
Just before dark Delight Leland slipped
noiselessly from her place in the circle
grouped around her fathers chair. Wrap
ped in a dark cloak she glided stealthily
through the garden to the very farthest
edge of the orchard where clump of al
ders bordered a rapid brook. She had
found that morning sign cut in desig-
mated tree. She expected to meet Archie
by the brookside and she was not disap-
pointed. Gilbert Merridale was with him.
Their interview was brief.
'.I'll hid her come down here now, Gill
bert, but doubt if she will do it. I fear
you do not know my sister, Desire, right