The Minneapolis journal., 1902-08-28

in his honest heart, and that was to help
her. How he would do it hadn't been
| revealed, but, with his usual directness,
| he had followed her to find out
On the mountain top the band played,
and gay groups Of people moved In every
direction.
Brooks came upon Miss Hilderbrand,
solitary In the midst Of the crowd. The
glow of the sunset was on her, and as he
came up she smiled unsteadiiy.s
I'm sorry you've heard it, leave to-
morrow. I hoped it would not be found
out, but of course everybody will KNOW"
I'm not everybody" said Brooks stout
ly Il came because I want to comfort
lonely Things. What can do?''
Miss Hilderbrand's glance went over
| Brooks stout figure and came back to his
| clear eyes. The two faces were in sharp
| contrast. In his the rugged strength Of q
| more simple civilization; in the girls the
| suggestion Of extreme culture. -.....r
I'm glad you came" she said quite
simply. I'll like to remember it when I've
become a dressmaker. That's what Two
| been up here deciding-what to do with
myself now that the mopey's swept away.
| Dressmaking Is my only real talent, and"
| with another attempt at a smile, I'm
thought to be such on accomplished young
| woman"
But there's McAdoo." Brooks spoke
that name with difficulty. Among tho
| men there was one he detested, and It
was Miss Hilderbrand's flance. Haven't
you taken him into your arrangements?"
He hasn't taken me into his arrange
ments," she said
Brooks stared at her as though he had
| lost his senses.
i've been Tilted" She looked across
the valleys filling with mist and not at
Brooks.
| Habits are hard to break" she spoke
| to herself as much as to him. 1T had
gone on so long it was a habit. If we
had cared for each other, we would have
i been married long ago.
| She turned to Brooks. But 1t hurts
| ones pride to be thrown overheard on
| the day one loses the money" she said.
| I'm depressed at the dressmaking, too,"
| she apologized.
How'd a companion do?" asked Brooks
cautiously.
MOT at an,' said the girl 'Tve mean
| temper
The old person has the disposition Of a
cherub.''
II can't read and sing abominably."
| "'Twouldn't be required
| What would?'
''Whatever pleased you"
But" half petulantIy, II don't like old
ladies'
This is an old gentleman"
"Twouldn't do; highly improper"
| 80, yes, it would. It's eminently re-
Specialize Brooks got to his feet and
began speaking rapidly.
Look here" he said, II know VOW
, don't care for me, but you are the finest
!, girl I ever saw I'm too old to learn all
loves little tricks, but you won't expect
much foolishness. I never had time for It
, when was youngster, and can't prom
ise much as a lover but can make your
5 life easier and leave you respectable pile
of money at my death"
, And what would you gain?' Miss Hill
| lori nd the question when th0
, silence had become audible. She had
, paled perceptbly.
! THE right to make you happy" said
Brooks.
! The girl was silent. Her critical eye
D saw Brooks, who was neither young nor
/ handsome, at his best
r Don't you think I wouldn't gain any
thing?" said the man. The silence was
! making him anxious.
+ But you couldn't love me-" plaintively.
n you think love nonsense, and women
0 need it,
Brooks got possession of hand not fal
y away. II could learn" he protested ar
= IDENTIFY :
f And everybody would say I married
: you for your money"
Let 'em!' stoutly. "A lot OF old gos-
e sips!"
MISS eoHdnt aeneider are e Ehe na SAD
, certain mischief that was new to her was
+ in her averted face. 1--WE just been
Tilted, and would be so lonely While you
t were learning
j Brooks slipped his arm about her. They
we're away from the people, and, anyway,
0 it didn't matter. He turned her face to
e meet his eager one.
II don't have to learn. It's come to me.
f You shan't say MOI Why, I love you
Tke-like fury!'' His voice thrilled with
his earnestness.
The girl laughed contentedly.
You are a nice old gentleman" she
said. "even if you are forty. I haven't
been asked about it, and 1 guess !
3 shouldn't say SO, but I'm awfully fond OF
, vol"