The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-03-09
must confess to a failure. and 60 and work

must confess to a failure. and so and work
with my hands
And my stay il over in a fortnight. You
won't go before then. Harold. | hope, /
want to see the fruit gathered at ~I-ongney.
and witness the merrymaking."
We'll CO." said Harold. Frightening. Il
wouldn't miss our last glimpse of the Old
days together for the brightest future in
the world alone"
Wouldn't you?'' asked the girl. cOloring.
but she looked at him direct with the eyes
he loved so well. 1t was a great effort to
restrain his feelings at this juncture. but
he put the possession by. as unmanly. II
wouldn't he repeated simply. but there
was a catch in his voice, and he turned his
head away. Whep he looked round again.
Hilda was gone.
About five days after. he received an IN
expected communication from his publish
ers. An agent had called upon them and
purchased the remainder OF tho edition.
stating that the copies were Intended for
presentation to the reference libraries and
institutes In various portions OF the country.
A reference 10 the fact had appeared In the
newspaper. and the demand for Il larger
edition had come from the booksellers.
They were prepared to send In their &C
count and offer a lump sum Cor the copy
right. or a larger royalty.
Let US 60 down the river to-day. to our
favorite nook said Harold TO Hilda: 1--WE
some good news. apd want to ask your sd-
vice"
Yes" answered the girl. demurely. and
they went.
The mellow radiance Of autumn was ev-
erywhere around them. and the majestic
river rolled at their feet. as 1t had In the
days of their childhood. Nothing had
changed since they parted at this season.
they thought. as they sat on a grassy
knoll under the mighty trees high on the
bank. watching the teams draw the wagons
along the white road across the water
Harold told his news. but. "a he warmed
to the thought OF what it might possibly
mean to him. the advice he asked was
quite of a different nature to that which
he had intended. do you think. Hilda-
that-if I-got this money. and went abroad
TO get new Impressions for another vol
ume-I might. when I came back. find my
little friend something. you know. Just a
little more Oh. Hilda. i love you. and
can't 60 away without saying IT, I'm not
a mercenary beggar. I'm willing to work
like a horse. IL you'll give me a hope"
Then you intend to go. after ALL" fall
tered the girl. Just because I've got more
money at present than you have!"
We'll. Hilda. it's a bit awkward. isn't
It? What would people think OF me?'
It's not nearly SO awkward as your
speeches. said Hilda. trying TO laugh. but
breaking into a sob. In a moment Harold's
arms were around her. and money. the
world. the future were forgotten. as the
beating of their happy hearts drowned the
rivers rolling tide In their ears
Perhaps Harold will learn some day
whoSe loving belief in him.. and f~ar-sighted
policy prompted the measure which gave a
hllip TO the sale OF his book and bright his
merits before a discerning public. At pres
ent the arch plotter was resting her head
contentedly against his shoulder. comfort
ing herself with the reflection that. II wives
are morally bound to tell their husbands
everything. sweethearts are not SO fettered
with regard to their levers.
Dearest" said Harold. pressing her to
him. as they walked TO the boat-of course
he had to sustain her by the waist. the
banks being steep and treacherous with yell
low mud-"I looked upon the ordeal of Mrs.
Pilkington's Book Tea with despair"
We'll. YOU didn't even get the BOBBY
prize" interrupted the girl. archly.
No. but 1t lead TO my winning the great