The Holly chieftain., 1900-08-03
III (xxC y the Horrors
of War
DESERT, ; ! . w:s:1... as.

ono walked tnfOuBn the QuA0TAu8Ae
and out into the broad, level street
1t was day in April and balmy and
warm with the breath of newly-ar-
rived spring. The sun shone warmly
In Margaret's eyes as she took her
westward way. and for a moment the
girls heart thrilled with the hope and
Joy that the mere sense OF living
brings to all young creatures in spring.
She had gone to the end OF Forest
road. and was just turning into the
meadows, whose budding trees ana
greening grass seemed to Margaret the
most beautiful thing she had ever
seen. when q rapid step sounded be-
hind her. and the next moment voice
spoke her name.
You are going home. Miss Craw-
ford. see. Is 1t not charming day?"
Margaret might be proud and self
contained, but she was not a. COM
plete mistress of herself as people sup
posed, else she would have been able
to keep back that deep blush that
rushed to her cheeks. and to conquer
the wild. sudden beating Of her heart.
"Yes, 1t is lovely-the first really
spring-like day we have had" she
said. as she quietly gave him her hand.
Paul Cleland walked by her side as II
he had right to do so. and almost in
silence they went on towards the Mid
die Walk" as 1t is called. OF the
Meadows.
Though Cleland was tall man,
whose upright figure and long strides
were more like those Of soldier than
student, Margaret was nearly as tall
as he. She was finely built for wo
man, and the dignity and grace OF her
carriage were almost queenly. Her
fair, pale face, with Its features clear
ly cut as a cameo; Its dark-gray eyes,
shaded by long. straight, dark lashes;
its penciled, level eyebrows; its mouth.
both proud and sweet, was contrast
to Cleland's dark, strong-featured,
square chin and brow-not exactly a
handsome face, bat the face OF strong
man.
so you will know all tomorrow"
he said at last, as II he were pursuing
thread of thought. Il suppose you
do not feel at all anxious as to the re-
sult?"
Il confess to feeling little anx-
ious." Margaret answered. II have
been expecting to pass; but now am
beginning to see what dreadful thing
it would be II did not. 1t is SO easy
to fail sometimes"
.
you will not fail. Don't let that
thought worry you" said Cleland
quickly. He paused moment then,
with one swift glance down at the
graceful, fair head crowned with its
dark sailor hat, said, in lower and
deeper voice: This is a matter of
great Importance to you. see. May
ask, in the event Of your passing,
what you are going to do?"
Il am going to remain in Edin-
burgh for time. DR.. Knight has
promised to use his influence to get me
into one of the hospitals" Margaret
answered, readily enough. When 1
feel that have gained as much knowl-
edge as l can there. am going back
to Lancashire-Bolton or Bury. prob
ably-there to start for myself"
"And SO am never to see you any
more?" Cleland asked, in dangerous
ly quiet voice.
Margaret started a little; the shadow
of quiver passed over her lips.
Il don't think that. follows. Dr. Gle
land" she said. trying to speak as
quietly and as composedly as before
"As long as am in Edinburgh, IL
hope may still see you occasionally.
You have been very good to me-you
have helped me great deal. Do not
think am ungrateful to you for all
your kindness-undeserved and disin-
terested kindness as 1t has BEEN"
II do not want you to be ungrate-
full, and l don't want you to think
anything l did to help you was disin-
terested." he exclaimed, his voice sud
denly becoming passionate with emo
tion. They were in a very quiet part
now-in the narrow lane. with ivy
covered wall on one side and a railing
on the other, which led up towards the
terrace in which Margaret had her
lodgings. He paused, compelling hcr
to do the same, faced her, and. sudden
ly taking both her hands in his. held
them close. Margaret, Margaret,
can't you guess the truth? love you
with all my heart! / have loved you.
l think, from the first time saw you
Do you remember one night two ses-
sions ago when had Just started lee
turing? 1t was Sunday night, and
was at st. Giles; there was famous
preacher there. BY chance. as 1t
seemed-but 1t was not chance. Mar