The Washington times., 1901-08-25
lie TIMES, WASHINGTON, SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 1901

had only eyes to see. THUS did 1 talk to
him. He listened, surprised but with
darkening frown. His native hauteur had
risen. and that u0w 1aused him to turn
on his heel and walk away with a curt
Good evening, Haynes" and no more.
However l had done good service. Next
day he left the Hall for the Continent:
and only once again. ON his return three
months later. did he trouble Lois with his
advances. That was after my fathers
sudden death. and when | was struggling
alone. with heart weli-nigh fainting. to
keep home and farm together.
What | went through those aching
weeks 1t matters not: but / never see a
Michaelmas daisy now without thinking
of the crisis which came upon us at the
end of that summer quarter. Three
months rent was duel was a tenant of
Squire Thornton-and how to pay II I
knew not. To meet going expenses l had.
a month before. taken out bill of sale
on the household furniture Everything
under the roof had gone into the inven-
tory. bar a few personal belongings of
my sisters and mine and-the Minerva
bust. This stood on pedestal my father
had bought, and graced corner of our
sitting room. 1t was our habit to spend
which was why was sitting there on
the eventful night of Ruths surprising
visit.
My sister, feeling poorly-as well she
might, poor creature, with such worry
and anxiety upon her-had retired to rest
l was alone in the elbow chair, trying to
get what soothing | could from the pipe |
was smoking. when in came Ruth, with
out any warning and with an impetuous
rush which made me stare; but it was
Just like her, impulsive she ever was
and daring in all her doings She sat
down in .he chair opposite to me, and
looked me full in the face
Now, look here, George Haynes" said
she, her dark eyes all of a shine; this
cannot be- You must tide it over-we
must tide it over! The Haynes have lived
and died on this farm for generations.
pounds, the last of their race had to turn
his back on 1t. and go forth into the
world heggared mani"
1 see no alternative. Ruth" said sor-
rowfully looking admiringiy at her Her
rich, glowing beauty was a sight to see.
But can't you borrow? Have you no
friends who have faith enough in you to
or brighter days? You can never have
two seasons such as this q"
can't thing of anyone likely to risk
IT, it'll said; said. , 1T Squire may give me a
come. sooner or later
When it does come what shall do with
that? | added to myself with my eyes
on the Minerva bust. Ruth saw the look.
and glanced frowning round The fair
of us.
-Risk!' said Ruth. turning to me.
There is no risk, You are bound to pick
up again. Let me advance you the money
L have a thousand pounds in my own
right. Why should il lie ide?
stared, feeling sudden warmth all
NO rt~na 4
such a nest egg; but the offer of a loan
was still more surprising. We had not
| been very friendly for months; but / knew
nothing then of her letter writing or we
had been enemies quite
gu are most generous, Ruth; but bet
ter keep the moBsy intact The risk, |
tel you is too grsat-too great"
Though j said so, | knew It to be other
wise. With four or five hundred pounds
/ f..lt sure | could spread sail and steer
saiely out OF my sea of trouble; and. ar
Tived IN calmer waters. might head for
ings- And then-but thoughts of Lois
made my heart to bleed. Had this Ill turn
or fortune not undone me our union might
nave been possible happiness; for Mrs.
Narney, as / had reason to know, had
tateiy taken fancy to me. I had one
day stopped her pony, which had boItcd
from The, putting ogre of a traction en-
was out OF the field. she would not have
greatly opposed a betrothal between MS,
or course / could not take money of
Ruths; 1t was out of the question.
Too great, It's not that; it's because
| IN" money Is mine. II / We're a man.
now, you would not hesitate moment.
George dear" she sa1i rising and coming
behind my chair, think better of ii. Let
me heip you. We have known each other
from childhood up. and our lives have
been entwined more or less for years; and
| l-l-you know care for you more than
anyone else in the world. It's unwomanlv
! to say it; but ! do Think Georpa-tbinlr
| You will be able to repay every penny:
and-and no one need ever know Saw
| Yes. George; say Yes
her breath was on my cheek, and her
| nushed lace. as 1t leant over my shoulder
| almost touching mine I sat strangely
| moved; still, could not decide to take
| her monev
| 1T cannot be. Ruth: it cannot be. Have
| no fear for me. If | go out into the world
1t VIII be to fight a winning game; and