The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-06-30
urg and the Tidewater and Piedmont Country

tion together on these lecture evenings,
and young Bolivar had been availing
himFelf Of all these opportunities to be
with Annie. It is not surprising. She
wss attractive in person and brilliant
In gifts We have seen how she stood
in Mathematics. and she was equally
good in language and science. And
Miss Decker, who in oil her twelve
years Of connection with the institu-
tion had graduated 80 many brilliant
performers, said that Miss Mason was
the most talented pupil she hsd ever
had Bolivar was faithful and fair
student, but stood alone in personal
worth. The pressure Of Annie's hand
had set him into ecstacy. When they
were alone in the parlors Of her cottage,
before he could begin she said, "Mr.
Bolivar. must beg your pardon for
what | did in the Hall this evening. /
did 1t on impulse, believing that you
will make as good and great man as
your brother wanted only to express
my admiration Of your character, and
hope that you will not misinterpret it "
We cannot repeat his passionate
avowal, his pleading for a reciprocal
affection from her, and her calm assur.
anOe that she was his friend, bat that
she loved another. When she had said
this. he sat for minutes in silence.
Then he looked up. pale and strong,
saying, ~ know you too we'll to press
my sut am grateful for your friend
ship, and pledge you mine. God give
me strength to bear. Give me one
kiss In pledge Of friendship now, and /
will not ask another till am dying. "
Promise me to be brave and live and
| will give it," II promise. " Their
lips met. He went out. 1t was raining.
He hurried on TO his own room. but
another hurried after him. He fed to
be alone, aud locked himself in his
room. For one hour he wrestled with
his heart in prayer, and conquered. DE
opened his door, went across the hall.
way, and tapped at Ohamberlain's door.
1t was opened gently.
tt ere was fsr.away look Of sorrow,
OF radiant sorrow, in each face. Each
was afraid Of the other. But at lenghs
Chamberlain began: My friend,I con-
gratulate / saw the kiss. " Then Boil
ivar out and explained it all. Chamber.
lain listened in silence 10 the end. his
own features tWitching in spite Of him.
self. Then he took young Bolivar 20
his bosom and the two young men pray
ed together. AS he was going out
Cham berlain said, In q half.fr' ghtened
whisper: Ibid she tell you whom she
loves? mo"
That very night the professor, who
had suspicion OF Chamberlain cheating
on examination, had spoken to him pri'
vately after the lecture, and told him
all the facts, beginning thus: Mr.
Chamberlain, tell You out Of simple
justice, that you may. II possible. clear
yourself. This panied him beyond
words. to learn that the students gen.
orally believed him fraud but the
poignancy Of his pain was In the con-
viction that Annie Mason believed him
guilty. For he loved Annie though he
had not known II till the professor was
telling him Of the scandal against him
Then as he passed her cottage he had
seen the kiss, and had believed that she
loved Bolivar. AS he ran after Bolivar
in the rain it was almost with murder
In his heart But he. too, had gone to
his room and wrestled, and had con-
quered.