The age-herald., 1900-08-26
FRIEND.
BY MARGARET PULLING.


 Basil Reid had just left Oxford, and was proceeding towards Fairholme, his native village, as fast as an express train could take him.
 It was three years since he had seen his little friend and former playmate, Mollie Duncombe. but his allegiance had not once swerved from her. She was his ideal of all that was pure and womanly; and he felt sure that this period of foreign education could not have altered her. He meant ask ing her to be his wife as soon as possible, and his heart glowed within him he dreamed he heard her softly-uttered &C., ceptance of his vows.
 As the train slowed up for Farhofme. Basil looked eagerly out, though in truth he'did not expect to see Mollie, for he had not written to say exactly when he should arrive; but his heart gave a glad bound of joy when he saw that she was really there, and looking more lovely than ever Had she come on the chance of seeing him? He hoped so but the next minute he noticed that she was greeting strange girl who had stepped from a neighboring com pertinent, and that she had not even mo- ticed him. For an instant he felt piqued, but quickly representing himself for his lack of sense, advanced, with extended hand, to speak to her.
 What you here, Basil?" she exclaimed, while lovely blush suffused her face. This is a pleasant surprise, for l fancied it was tomorrow you were coming"
 'I did say so at first, but l altered my mind I could not stay away day longer, and his admirfng glance told plainly what he meant, and caused the sweet color again to flood MoIlie's cheeks.
 "Let me introduce my friend, Miss Sey- mour,'' she said, hastily, to cover her con- fusion and Basil turning. found himself confronted by tall, striking looking girl, in strange contrast to Mollies petite stiyle of loveliness. Miss Seymour possessed fauftlessly regu- lar features, remarkable for their extra ordinary intensity of expression. Her lips were firm and thin and the delicate chin almost stern in outline.
 In the swift glance by which she took in Basil Reids appearance she decided that never had she yet beheld a man whom she so much admired, and her first instinct was to use all her powers of witchery to enslave him.
 To Basil her style of beauty did not ap- peal at all. He had eyes only for his little sweetheart with the bright brown hair, the softly-tinted, fower-like face, and the deep, earnest, dark gray eyes, The quick blushes which came and went on Mollie's told him a tale which made him oblivious of all else, and anxious only to get her to himself for few moments and let his fate be settled.
 He put the ladies in their carriage, and then, as it was starting, whispered softly so that only Molle could hear: 1.-The old tree-tomorrow-ten o'clock"
 She looked up and their eyes met. It was sufficient answer, and he walked gaily away, treading as if on air, and dreaming Heaven knows what fond and perchance foolish dreams.
 The next morning came; and long before Ina tad Dac ot fba ing place.
 But he could not sit down now. He paced to and fro in a perfect fever of inn patience until he beheld the flutter of Mol lies dress among the trees. He strode for ward to meet her, and before she had time to guess what was coming, seized her in his strong arms and kissed her passion ately on lips, cheeks and bright brown hair
 ''Basil!" she cried, struggling faintly
 "My darlingi" he murmured, you do not mind, do you? You will be my little, precious wife? Say, do you love me as love you, and as I have always done?"
 Mole's only answer was to nestle clos CT, and it was perfectly satisfactory, for long silence of utter bliss ensued
 He was the first to speak. "These years have seemed so long without you, dearest one. Have you often thought of me?'
 Always" she answered, fervently.
 we shall never tire of each other, darl-' Ing, as they say SOIIe peOpie uO, TOT we have always loved, have we not? At least, can safely speak for myself"
 And for me, also," she whispered. ''There is other man worth looking at beside you"
 He laughed and drew her closer to him. 'And now tell me what you have been do- ing, and who is this Miss Seymour? I fore see that she will be dreadfully in our way, if she is going to make a long visit"
 A suspicion of a sigh broke from Mollie, but she chased it away with sunny smile. s'Poor Florrie." she said. q made her ac- quaintance at school in Brussels, and we became great chums. Her people were very rich, or so she thought, and she was brought up in every luxury. Then came a smash Her father was made a bankrupt and she and all her brothers and sisters have to earn their own living. l was so sorry for her, so persuaded mother to en- gage her as companion for me-"
 Basirs face fell, but cleared speedily as he said Well. you won't need a lady companion for long, little one, you must be my wife before September.
 Miss Seymours inward rage on hearing the news was dreadful, but she managed very fairly to conceal it, and congratu- lated Molie with apparent heartiness, while in reality she only longed for an opportuni- fly of ruinig the young lovers happiness and ting them forever
 The next week, MT. and Mrs. Duncombe gave large dinner party to celebrate the engagement, and county magnates from far and near were invited.
 All went we'll until dessert, when, to Mol lies great uneasiness, she saw that Basil took wine. He had been an abstainer all the days of his boyhood, and she knew that there had been members of his family who were confirmed drunkards Her feelings on the subject were very strong, and sh felt a thrill of terror as she saw her beloved raise the glass to his lips.
 After dinner Basil noticed her manner, and rallied her on her loss of gaiety. Amy one would think you are not happy, dear one," he whispered But as he bent over her she could detect the fumes of the wines he had drunk, and she involuntarily shrunk away little.
 ''What is the matter, Mollie? Are you i'll, or can I have offended you?"
 "Oh. Basil, thought you never touched wine!
 "Is that all?" he queried with a sigh of aEI Ill