Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1900-02-12

followed by a painful conversation be-
tween Virginia and her grandmother.
AS she afterward learned, Virginia
passed through crisis Of feeling during
that scene 9th her grandmother that
fastened 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 De
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. -
81 did not see you," replied Rachel.
81 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 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
Rache1'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 she hon
estly wished him anywhere else.
''Do you ever think of me, Miss
Winslow?'' asked Rollin after pause
ooh, yes, quite oftenl" said Rachel,
with a smile.
care you thinking Of me now?"
eyes, that is-yes, I am"
"What?''
EDO you want me to be absolutely
TRUTHFUL
''Of course.
''Then was thinking that wished
you were not here.
Rollin bit his lip and looked gloomy.
Rachel had not spoken anything as he
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 q 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
81 wish I were Jasper Chase Maybe
I'd stand some show Them he said
modify.
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 well know
the truth one time as another
"'You know we'll enough, Rachel,
how I feel toward you. Isn't there any
hope? [ could make you happy. I've
loved you good many years
''Why, how old do you think I am %
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 q frank, simple way that he
could attach no meaning to it beyond
the familiarity of the family acquaint-
ance SIT is impossible" She was still
little agitated by the fact of receiving
a 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 would''-
'Nol" said Rachel. She spoke firm
1y. Perhaps, she thought afterward, al
though she did not mean to, she spoke
harshly.
They walked on for some time with
out 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
note of dignity in his voice that was
new to Rachel
"Miss Winslow, ask you to be my
wife. Is there any hope for me that you
will ever consent?'
''None in the least" Rachel spoke
decidedly.