The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-01-10
BY Charles NJ. Sheldon.
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together the three discussed their future
plans. Rollin was apparently entirely
free from embarrassment in Rachel $
presence while Virginia was with them
only his manner with her was almost
precise, if not cold. The past seemed to
he entirely absorbed in his wontleTfcl
conversion. He had not forgotten It,
but he seemed to be completely car.si:t
np for this present time in the l:l,:..:;','
Of this new life.
After awhile Rolin was called oH'
and Rachel and Virginia began to talk
.tuf other things.
.sBy the way, what has become Of
Jasper Chases"
Virginia asked the question limo.
gently enough, but Rachel blushed. and
Virginia added, with smile: Il sup
3pose he is writing another book. Is he
gelng to put you into this one, Rachel?
You know I always suspected Jasper
Chase of doing that very thing in his
first story"
ssvirginia Rachel spoke with the
Eankness that had always existed be-
4ween the two friends-"Jasper Chase
told me the other night that he-in fact
he proposed to ome-or he would If
Rachel stopped and sat with her
hands clasped on her lap, and there
were tears in her eyes
ssVirginia, I thought little while
ago that I loved him. as he said he
loTed me, bat when he spoke my heart
felt repelled, and I said what I ought
to have said. told him no. [ have not
seem him since That was the night Of
the first conversions at the Rectangle.
tsI am glad for you. said Virginia
quietly
.eWhy?" asked Rachel. little star
He'd
Because I have never really liked
Jasper Chase. He is too cold and 90
not like to judge mm, but I have al
ways distrusted his sincerity in taking
the pledge at the church with the rest. >
Rachel looked at Virginia thought
fully.
.I have aever given my heart to MIN,
y am sure. He touched my emotions
and I admired his skill as writer. !
have thought at times that l cared
good deal for him. think perhaps if
ne had spoken to me at any other time
than the one he chose / could easily
have persuaded myself thatI loved him.
but not now. Rachel paused suddenly.
and when she looked up at Virginia
again there were tears on her face. Vir-
einia came to her and put her arm
about her tenderly.
When Rachel had left the house. Vir-
ginia sat IL the hall thinking over the
confidence her friend had just shown
her. There was something still to be
told. Virginia felt sure from Rachel's
manner. but she did not feel hurt that
Rachel had kept back something. She
was simply conscious Of more on Ra-
chefs mind than she had revealed
Very soon Rollin came back, and he
and Virginia arm in arm. as they had
lately been in the habit Of doing, walked
up and down the long hall
1t was easy for their talk to settle
finally upon Rachel because of the place
she was to occ>--y IN the plans which
were being made for the purchase Of
the property at the Rectangle.
did you ever know girl OF such
really gifted powers in vocal music who
was willing to give her whole life to
the people. as Rachel is going to co.
She is going to give music lessons IL
the city have private pupils to make
her living and then give the people in
the Rectangie the benefit Of her culture
and her voice
1T is certainly a very good example
of self sacrifice replied Rcllin a little
stifay
Virginia looked at him little
sharply
But don't you think it is very
unusual example. Can You iln&gine
here Virginia named half a dozen ia
mocs opera sinSers-''d dong anything
of this sort?'
No: can t. Roll;n answered
DrieUy -N5lsGei Gun Ailid2iile -nt9S
he spoke the name of the girl with
the red parasol who kad begged Nir,
ginia to take tie girls TO the Rectans!e
doing what you are doing Fir
ginia
ANY more ts.an can imagine Mr.
Virginia spoke the name OF young
society going about to the
clubs doing yoar work. Rollin-
The two walked on in silence for the
length Of the hall
Coming back to Rachel bega.
Virginia, .Rollin why do you treat
her with such {. distant. precise mas.-
ner? | think Rollin-parS:oll he if !
hurt you-that she is annoyed by 1t
You used co be on easy terms. Con I
think Rachel likes this change
Rollin suddenly stopped he seemed
deeply agitated He took his arm from
Virginia and walked Gown to the end
of the han Then he returned. With his
arms behind him, and. stopping near
his sister be said
Virginia have you not learned my
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