Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1899-05-31

Bul IN all these seven lIOuiuS al
Somerson has come often to orr little
cottage, when no necessity of work
called him. lie is very careful not 10
come in the evening. or give any occa-
sion for unkind gossip, yet how much
he has frightened our lives. How
many books he has brought for our
leisure time. how much new music lies
upon the piano, our one luxury, how
often rare fruit has been upon our sim
pie table.
And when ne talks of his home he
consults our tastes in such words, with
such hints. that | am sure he hopes
Mildred will preside over 1t. Why else
do her fayorite colors reign in one en-
tire suite of rooms? Why was the H.
brary fitted up exactly like one that
look my fancy in book l read, and
of which | spoke?
Sometimes | fancy my brother-ln-
law to be will offer me a home also in
his splendid house, but | cannot live
there, when they are married.
MY hand trembles over those words,
when | have known for many long
weeks what was to be the end! 1t is
because am sorry for both. where all
the love is on one side, only weary
heart sick submission on the other.
Oh the pity of it, the true, tender
heart unanswered, Better, far better,
10 toll on alone. bearing the burden Of
10 I'm
at the price of Truth, to promise love
and honor. when love has died.
| had written so far when shadow
fell upon my paper, and looking up
saw Herbert Somerson standing stand
ing between me and the window. His
tall, erect figure, the very personifica-
ton of strength and manliness cut Off
the light from my page, but his good,
noble face was full of kindness, as his
eyes smiled upon me. | thought what
"a good brother he meant to be TO his
ugly little sister. and then l was sorry
for his wasted love.
"Are you very busy" he asked.
''No, see, our great pile of sewing is
quite ready for your servant to come
for it," l said, pointing to the heap of
neatly folded linen on the table.
"Never mind the work just now" he
answered, very gently; yet | fancied
saw shadow of annoyance in his
eyes. Can you walk out with me for
a little while? | have something | wish
very much to say to you'
1t was coming. He wanted the grave
elder sister to influence Mildred, to tell
him if he might hope to win her. My
heart seemed to suffocate me with its
heavy pulsations. Suppose he were
to ask me if Mildred could be won to
love him. How could l be true to my
sister and not do a bitter wrong to
him?
| put on my hat and shawl, and we
went out. The cool September winds
were already whirling about the early
falling leaves, and the trees were put
ting ON crimson and gold foliage To
my surprise, Mr.. Somerson did not turn
into the shady lane that leads to all
the pleasant walks hereabout, but
crossed the road, and after short
walk opened his own garden gate. He
had not yet gone to live in his new
home, but | had heard that every de
tail was complete.
II want you to see my house." he
said as he led me up the broad steps,
"and tell me If your taste can suggest
any further improvements"
"Mildred's taste he MEANS" |
thought, "only he did not like to ask
her directly"
He led me from room to room,
through the great, lofty drawing
rooms, the library, cosy sittipg-rooms,
dining-room, pointing out where my
taste or suggestion had been followed
in furnishing or decoration.
One full suite of rooms, finished in
blue satin and cool, gray reps, he open
ell for my inspection, saying:
do you think this fills Mildred's
idea?"
Perfectly" | answered.
"Her pure, blonde beauty will shine
here" he answered, ''if | can win the
dearest wish of my heart"
| could not answer. | had known
that it was coming, coming soon, and
vet my tongue seemed TO cling to the
roof of my mouth, and my eyes We're
dim and useless. Very gent
ly Mr.. Somerson led me down stairs to
the conservatory, where n tiny foun-
tain tinkled in marble basin, and rare
flowers made the air heavy with fra
GRANGE.
do you like my homer" Mr.. Som
erson asked.
1T is perfect | forced myself to
say.
"Will you come, then, and share it
with me-" he asked, taking my hands,
/ knew he would ask me. Mildreds
sister would be his sister, too. | must
refuse, though, and yet it seemed so
Mildred l said, and then l choked.
and could not finish my speech.
"Of course Mildred will be welcome
here" he said. "haVp Won NOT Som bar