The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-08

reflections continued (and the illustra
ton progressed slowly: IF he We're
not priest, might think
A loud ring of the door-ben inter-
rupted Miss Norval'S train of thought,
and a moment later the young clergy
man of whom she had been thinking
entered the room.
He was pale and somewhat agitated,
and she noticed that his hand was
trembling.
Il am so glad you came in just at this
moment she said, pointing to a chair.
Il was thinking of YOU
How soft and bright her eyes looked
as she spokei 1t was decidedly awk-
ward ordeal. How was he going to be
less attentive in the future?
What We're you thinking about me?''
he inquired, as he. sank down in chair
near the girl. ers
Il was thinking how good you were
to me- she answered softly.
The Rev. Mr.. Terrence felt an I'M
con Portable sensation. you know L
haven't any one to belong to me in all
this great city: nobody whose duty it
is to think OF me; so l am very grateful
to those who have been kind
Yes, of course he murmured alb
stractedly, twirling his moustache vio-
lently between his thumb and fore
finger. The young woman looked up
into her companions face in some sur
prise. He was not quite natural this
morning, she thought.
Miss Norval," he said abruptly, Il
wish to say something to you that may
surprise you.'
A flush spread over her face as her
visitor paused. I've had something
I've been wanting to tell YOU she in
terrupted.
All" groaned Bertram Terrence in
an agonized mental outburst: shes
going to tell me that she has learned
to care for me! I must let her under
stand that it's impossible, utterly i'm
possibIei''
"Who shall have first go?' asked the
riT1 a SOff Ia on hdr- rod
lips. Shall I begin?''
mo, no! 1 am not such a cad-ex-
cuse me-you must not speak, Wait
until I've said what 1 came to sayI'
The entreaty in his tone was unmis-
taxable, and Gertrude Norval watched
his face curiously.
Miss Norval, I am afraid that-that
-you-that is, that my attentions have
seemed-seemed a little pronounced. L
feel that my position as a clergyman,
you know, renders it unwise to-to-to
make myself remarked" he continue /,
in vague, uncertain sort of way,
glancing hopelessly at the pale face be-
fore him. If only she would say some
thing, he thought, he could go on more
coherently, but there was not the slight
est movement from the figure leaning
back in the red plush chair. Every de-
tail of the room seemed photographed
upon his brain as he sat stammering
out his explanation of his attitude
you See," he said desperately, it isn't
quite the thing. was afraid you might
might think-I thought perhaps-if
either one of US had any money it would
be different The young man paused
and wiped his face with his handker-
chief.
Money would not make any differ
ence-to me- said the girl, pretty lit
tie smile lowering over her mouth
How utterly unconscious she seemed
of the situationl Had she no perception?
Was it possible than she did not COM
prehend his meaning?
1.-THE difficulty is" he went on, that
in my position as assistant at St IS.
I have to be very careful of my conduct
I thought perhaps it was best to be can
did,
you were quite right. said Miss Nor
val softly
''And so you will not misunderstood
me and fancy me less your friend be-
society in the future?" The last words
were spoken rapidly, and the voice of
the speaker was hoarse from excitement.
He was not altogether without manly in
stinctS, and the ordeal had been painful.
X Certainly there could be no room for
doubt, now, in the young ladys mind.
He had thoroughly exonerated himself
from all blame, and no one would ever
dream now how hard it had been to
give up this sweet COMPROMISING. Yes,
he, Bertram Terrence, had displayed
power of self-control not possessed by
most men.
The girl looked at him steadily for
minute before she replied.
Yes. Mr.. Terrence, quite appreciate
the difficulty of your position. What a
pity you did not think of this during the
last three MONTHS she continued.
Yes he replied sadly. For your
sake, I should have been clear. I trust
that you have not-do not suffer-
There was a knock at the door
Excuse me- said the young lady, as