The Canton times., 1900-12-14
in his rough tweed suit, I was mentally

| Nndl Will 4hOlJ thy nilC) say
What she did say was SO different
from what I expected that was
struck dumb, and only stared at her
wondering for the hundred thausandth
time at the inconsistency of women.
She just looked at me, her eyes
bright, and her cheeks quite pink, and
she said:
Hes the handsomest man I ever
saw; he is one of Bryants of Dorchester,
| a consin of my mothers Gsn't that
/ queerO. He's as good as gold, and as
nice as he can be, and | do wish he'd
| fail in love with Maureen."
Which speech, as l have already re-
marked, struck me dumb.
There was no use reminding her:
''You said so and so week a go" She
| would have waved me aside with an
airy: "One is at liberty to change ones
mind" So /, meta phorically, took a
back seat, and waited to see what would
happen next.
What did happen was refreshing
novelty. Tom took to Bryant at once;
he also took to his books, and worked
like a beaver, morning, noon and
night-except now and again, when
he and Bryant took holiday and went
fishing. Of this art Bryant was found
to be a past master, and Toms respect
for him increased accordingly.
The other noticeable fact since his
arrival was still more extraordinary.
Maureen bscame strangely quiet
oddly shy-anew loveliness had touched
her face, and even | knew that it was
something which could not BE- account
ed for by any physical cause. 1t was
almost the difference of an 'Undine"
before she had a SOUL and after she
possessed one, or at least the difference
between child and woman.
Maureen had crossed the dividing
line, and, consciously or unconscious
". some body had won her heart.
Things went on much as usual
otherwise, but, about six months after
Bryant's arrival, he asked to see me
in the library ION business"
Ny heart sank. He was going to |
throw up the place-of course. knew |
that. He did "throw up the place."
as l had expected; but he said to me,
when he had done so: Il think it's
only fair to tell you that it's not be-
cause of any troubla have had with
Tom that l am leaving. We get on
,apita.ly. The boy has brains and grit
enough for two. He'll make his mark
oy and by" he paused.
"Out with it, mani" 1 said, impa-
-iently. Il can't stand people who
cave a sentence unfinished"
Bryant smiled broadly.
"All right" he said, "I'll go straight
o the point. I love Miss O'Connor,
'our niece and ward. l am poor
nan; although a small estate at Dor
chester belongs to me, it has been
ct for years. and l haven't enough
o keep a wife, even supposing that I
night venture to try and win Miss
rConnor. l am gstting to care for
Ter more deeply every day, and I'm
'oing away because can't stand it."
BLESS my soul!" l said, you had
'etter tell her that"
Bryant took step forward, his eyes
cry bright.
DO you mean to tell me that you
'ould sanction" he began, eagerly,
hen checked himself hastily; "but no."
e said, "it is impossible, I've hardly
ny money"
"But I've enough for two" said a
oft voice at my elbow. and, turning
ound, l found Maureen beside me.
ut seems to me-" said to Bryant,
that this is a matter to settle be-
wesn you. If Maureen wants to mar
y you, she will marry you, whether {
approve or not. I'm not sure whether 9
he wouldn't marry you whether you |
oproved or not. Anyhow. l am off t
the farm; you can fight it out be- a
veen yourselves" t
l met my wife in the passage. Her t
zee was simply a note of interroga- i
on. c
IT'S all right" l said, laconica.ly. a
Bryant and Maureen are in there" v
Then he has fallen in love with her." {
,e said. joyfully. ~ goAE h
ut looks like it," remarked b
But she paid no attention and C
ent on: 4
And he will marry her?'' s
II shouldn't be surprised" 1 said, il
nut of one thing l am certain she S
IL marry him." c
And she did.--N. Y. Weekly. O
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