The Bemidji pioneer., 1900-07-05

make a thorough test of them before
consenting to the venture. shall drive
them myself, and speak out frankly
the result of the trial. In whatever
else we may differ, Elnathan and are
unit in our care for your welfare.
So, if we show ourselves and the heav-
emily span of quadrupeds at the door
today, you need not fear to accept our
invitation"
The gentle and affectionate reasslr-s
ance contrasted pleasantly with Mr..
Withers's authoritative mandate.
constance! you will hold yourself in
readiness to drive out with us this af-
ternoon. We shall call for you at three
o'clock wish you and Harriet to be
entirely prepared for the ride when
we come. Young horses do not ike to
stand in the cold :,s
An impulse she did not stay to de-
fine drew Constance to the window as
the two gentlemen descended the front
steps side by side. Mr.. Withers vas a
trifle the taller Of the two, but his
figure was angular and unbending;
Edwards supple and elegant, while
scarcely trace of family likeness ex-
listed between the swarthy visage Of the
elder, with its deep-set eyes, long up
per lip, and high. narrow forehead,
and the lively glance, clear complexion.
and spirited mouth that made Edward s
physiognomy goodly sight to more
eyes than those that met the parting
smile he cast up at the parlor window
when he gained the pavement, where
as Mr.. Withers stalked solemnly on,
apparently forgetful already that he
had home and wife, now that his. face
was set office-Ward
Shadow and sunshinen' reflected the
gazer. '"And they are not more I'M
like in countenance than in DISPOSE
| lions, aims and conduct-as dissimilar
as two upright men can be-"
| Harriet's shallow treble sounded at
| her elbow like repetition of the last
thought. mo one would ever take
them to be relatives" she said. yet
each is excellent in his way. Don't
| you think so?" ~ .~
eyes," answered Constance, moving
away.
"Only their ways are so differcnt!"
persisted the cousin. Il like Elnathan
best, of course, but Edward is the more
popular man of the two, ! believe--isn't
| he?" yE ~
II really do not know Constance
left the room uttering the falsehood.
! Harriet had trick of making her
| intensely uncomfortable whenever the
| talk between them turned upon the
brothers. @
1 b. II hate comparisons" she said to her.
4 self, when she reached her room. "And
it is forward and indelicate in her to
institute them in my hearing"
/ Convinced that the sudden heat
warming her heart and cheeks vas cx-
! cited by Harriets impertinence, she
made it her business to stop thinking
! Of the conversation and its origin sc
soon as she could dismiss it and turn
1 her attention to pleasanter things. |,
! was more innocent and agreeable work
fos instance, to write out Edwards par
! of a new duet upon fair sheet o.
paper which he could hold In his hani
4 as he stood by her at the piano, tn,
| printed copy being SO blurred as to tr.
I his eyes. He was very slightly near
4 sighted, although casual acquaintance
would not have suspected it. Sh.
copied music legibly and rapidly, ant
lately had hit upon this happy 1evic'
| OF making him some poor return fol
| the manifold services he had rendered
her. All that can do leaves me de
1 plorably in his debt" she reasoned. "
never knew what was the fullness tnt
disinterestedness Of brothers love I'm
til met him. But all brothers are no
so considerate or devoted as is he.
should understand that"
1 ~as RI TO Nc "UNrINUEnJ