Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-07-29

vine hammock. Now IL was the COZ
onel who had twined that hammock ana
the memory should have been solace;
but the Firebush, the Firebush, ana
that frightened glance! He paused
Beyond the hills sleepy sun was gain
ering in its rays from a world OF
shadows; mist rolled down toward
the laurels, the whip-poor-will OF the
garden was loudly calling and mimic
echo came from the hammock.
"Jocelyn." the colonel said anxlousiy,
may | come for a moment, only
moment%
She stood up and went to meet him
her eyes downcast.
GIVE me Maleofm's address, was all
he said, and she looked UP in swift
questioning, and read his face, and
flushed.
oh" she murmured, letting her eyes
fall again, you are making a mis-
take"
You do not want my heip?'
"Oh, dear me" cried Jocelyn and gave
a low nervous laugh, what mamma |
have, to be sure
The colonel thought so too; but be
was puzzled
"You did not want her to tell me?-"
be began.
Il wanted her to tell you that the sill
ly old bush was before-before-"
"Well?" earnestly.
Before you" with little grasp.
so she did. l quite understand,
said the colonel, and bowed his head.
"Ch, dear me-" repeated Jocelya and
she gave a faint sob and blushed again.
dear me-"
Il prize your confidence most
gently.
Perhaps my influence would help
Malcolm with your mother Shall |
try?"
mo, thank YOU" pouting and fight
ing back tears. ''NdA'
Good by them" said the colonel.
you are going?" very low.
What else?"
But Jocelyn did not say what else,
she watched him walk away, and
smiled through wet lashes; and ever
so sweetly she whispered after him:
ooh, great, wonderful, stupid one,
stupid one, stupid one!"
Passing madam's town house one
evening a week later the colonel found
it lighted. Once, twice, three times he
hesitated and then went up the steps,
Jocelyn herself opened the door, and
there was royal welcome in her eyes
though they were shy of meeting his.
Every one has gone to Lohengrir,"
she said. Il am so glad" joyously,
that l stayed"
Good child" with his rare smile.
Give me all the crumbs you can"
She took him to a coy corner fire
and a cushioned chair. Now" she
said, standing before him with ner
hands clasped behind her. Nov, tell
me why you are so-subdued," falter-
ing a bit. rs it the crumb die.?"
He watched the fire in silence for
time. The glow of it did not hide the
wilderness of his face.
What brings you to town." lie
asked at length, so soon?"
Il could not stay away any longer
and there came dancing lights to her
eyes-"from my-lover!"
"Ah," and the colonel turned aw.E
his face, you have seen him."
Yes demurely.
And you are happy"
"Yes-s," hesitating, but flushing most
gloriously.
"He is a fine fellow" said the generous
colonel, rather hoarse and low, II congrat-
ulate You both"
He is most wonderful" cried Jocelyn
He is, oh, l cannot say how great and
good; but l know, and l am proud rear
ing her young head; proud"
Well" smiling a faint apology that his
praise had been made mild. You see
have known him but such short time"
known whonI?" absently.
why, Malcolm"
"Oh, yes dmpling; Malcolm" But
then she went nearer him and grew white
in sudden earnestness. Should one put
any trust" she asked abruptly falterng-
~, 'in one who has changed? One who
has made great mistaken
"One must forgive a mistake" the COL
onel answered gently, but" studying her
face in keen anxiety, who has changed"
You would forgiven" asked Jocelyn.
Il would not forgive Malcolm" replied
the colonel. He got to his feet in sudden
passionate wrath. suspicion had come
to him; was Malcolm the tickle one? IF"
he exclaimed, and choked
Not Malcolm, murmured the girl and |
bent her bright head, mot Malcolm, but |
--me?'
"Jocelyn!"
THAT" hurriedly, sis what mamma |
forgot to ask, If you could forgive the |
silly old Firebush"
EMS.