The Princeton union., 1899-09-28
PRINCETON UNIoN:s TUESDAY,, SEPTEMBER 2s, 1890

woman IN all Raymond with great am
bitions for her daughters success as a
singer, Mrs. Winslow was that woman.
''Oh, you will sec it in a different
light after wisn thought Of it! Nv
DEAR" continued Nine. Page, rising
from the table, "you will live to regret
it if you do not accept the concert CON-
panys offer or something like it,
Rachel said something that contained
hint OF the struggle she was still hav-
ing, and after a little she went away,
feeling that her departure was to be
followed by a painful conversation be-
tween Virginia and her grandmother.
AS she afterward learned, Virginia
passed through a 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 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-
GUS puff Of his cigar, tossed it into the
street and walked along with a pale
face.
Rachel was surprised, but not star
tied. She had known Rollin as a. boy,
and there had been a time when they
had used each others first name famil-
iarly. Lately, however, something in
Rachel's manner had put an 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 often!" said Rachel,
with smile.
care you thinking Of me now?"
eyes, that is-yes, I am
"What?''
''Do you want me to be absolutely
truthful?'
''Of course
''Then I was thinking that wished
you were not here.''
Rollin bit his lip and looked gloomy.
hn1 hoI
wished.
"Now, look here, Rachel-oh, know
that's forbidden, but I've got to speak
some time-you know how feel What
makes you treat me so hard? You used
to like me a little, you know
''Did I? Of course we used to get on
very well as boy and girl, but we 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
mad been disturbed 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.
II wish I were 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, she thought, he might as we'll know
the truth one time as another
"You know well enough, Rachel,
how feel toward you. Isn't there any
hope2 I could make you happy. I've
loved you a good many years.
"Why, how old do you think ann
broke in Rachel, with nervous laugh.
She was shaken out of her usual poise
Of manner.
"You know what mean," went on
Rollin doggedly, land you have no
right to laugh at me just because I
want you to marry me-"
"I'm not, but it is useless for you to
speak-Rollin, said Rachel after lit
tie hesitation and then using his name
in such frank, simple way that he
could attach no meaning to it beyond
the familiarity Of the family acquaint-
ance "It is impossible" She was still
little agitated by the fact of receiving
proposal Of marriage on the avenue,
but the noise on the street and side
walk made the conversation as private
as if they were in the house.
"Would you-that is-do you think
If you gave me time I would''-
"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 a word. They were nearing Rachel's
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
hote Of dignity in his voice that was
new to Rachel