St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-02-12


with Larry and those nearest them,
but young Creston was not deceived.
When they returned to the parlor, he
secured for her a dim corner near a
window overlooking the garden. The
moist OdOr of spring rose from the
ground, the sky was placid and star
lit He did not bore her with idle talk,
and the girl was grateful.
Mr.. Harlowe was very kind to this
niece whose independence tried his
soul, and his carriage was ordered to
take Der home.
Mr.. Creston was closing the carriage
door when Edith, with sudden COM
junction for her languor, exclaimed:
Cant drop you at your rooms, Mr..
CrestonY
The young man laughed lightly.
I'm afraid it would be rather out of
your way, but if l may I'll ride as far
as your fat"
So he knew she had fiat. When
they turned into the dim, quiet side
street, an odd whim seized the girl.
you've never seen our little den,
Mr.. Creston? l know it's rather late
and utterly unconventional, but won't
you stop bit? Somehow l dread my
own company this evening"
The invitation was accepted with
alacrity. A few minutes later they
were seated in the glow of the lamp,
Edith leaning restfully against the
soft folds of her cloak. While Creston's
quick glance took in the dainty room,
whose every appointment had come
from the home Edith had loved and
lost, the girl was whimsically wonder
ing what would happen if her COM
panion, Mrs. Cornelius, in dun colored
wrapper and crimpers, should sudden
ly appear in the doorway and ask
about the dinner, as was her custom.
But Mrs. Cornelius slept, and Creston
turned from his polite scrutiny of the
room to study Ediths face.
"You are nearly worn out, Miss Har-
love-" he remarked abruptly. "Do you
have your vacation earlyY
I'm August, l believe, though the
schedules not made out yet"
"Humph! August is a long way off.
Why don't you cut it all and go with
your aunt to-
Edith was aroused on the instant.
$50 uncle has been talking to you,
and you've gone over to the enemy"
"Not so bad as that" replied Creston
cheerily. 81 shall always be on your
side, of course, but then 1 think you
are bit unjust to your uncle and aunt
when they really want you for their
sake as well as yours"
ooh, but you don't understand" pro-
tested the girl. "Why, if | were to
make my home with them my salary
would not pay for my dinner gowns
alone"
And you must work"
81 must work. l would be utterly I'M
happy if | were dependent on any one.
love work. indeed | do"
Creston rose and drew his fine figure
to its full height before the tiny fire
place and mantel. From this vantage
point he gazed wistfully upon the
graceful figure reclining in the wicker
chair. But when she looked up at him
the wistful expression had disappear
ed, and in its stead shone a light al
most masterful.
81 think that even the most indie
pendent Of you business women need
some one to look after you occasion
ally"
Edith flushed.
"Thank you for the suggestion, and
may add that l think you have done
your full share in-er-looking after
me"
In fash he read her meaning. She
thought he was reminding her Of the
incident at the 81" station-of her own
carelessness and his so called bravery.
"Beieve me, did not mean that. l
was only thinking how wan and tired
and disheartened you look"
She held out her hand, with a smile
that yelled tears.
81 am tired and horrid tonight, and
you were very kind to come in and
save me from myself. Will you come
back some evening when am more
amiable?"
John Harlowe met his niece on low
er Broadway.
"Hello, Edith! Back from your va
cation? Come in and have lunch with
me-"
After they had taken possession of
table among the palms and ordered
the most cooling combination on the
menu Mr.. Harlowe glanced keenly at
the sunburned face of his niece.
look as if you'd been living on the
beach. Been having beastly weather
in town. BY the way, young Creston's
had luck. Rowland went over to the