Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1903-03-13


his insight the sympathy with which he
OWNED her thoughts and feelings. Ii was
a delicious sensation--this of knowing
such man.
She gave him some Of her manuscripts
to read as no had requested her to. do SO.
Not many days afterward he went up to
her room, on tho third floor, to return
them. Tho door stood ajar, revealing the
little domain furnished to look Ikea par
lor. Isabel sat in an easy chair by table
holding large lamp and gave nervous
start when she perceived Herbert's pres
enoe.
MAY / come inS" he asked. "Please
don't move. You look so comfortable"
He brought chair to the other side OF
the table and said:
"What are you reading?" as sho folded
her book over ono finger as II to keep her
place.
Emerson. am quite ashamed to own
1t to Bostonian, but 1t Is the first time. >
He smiled at her apologize tone.
~ suppose you are anxious to hear what
I think about these, and he laid the en-
yelope containing the manuscripts on the
table.
"There is decided promise in what you
have allowed me to see. l have written
down few suggestions for you to read at
your leisure. But why take such dark
view of life?"
"Isn't life sad for most of us?" she de-
manded. How can people who have never
known happiness call it goodP'
"Ah, but you will find Emerson teaches
that happiness lies in ourselves what we
are, not what we have. There Is no real
evil but sin. There should be crusade
of hopefulness inaugurated In the world
Don't you think sos'
Isabel smiled in response Herbert
went on:
"And then who would not tire Of con-
tinual sunshine? Travellers in Norway
grow almost insane sometimes because of
the monotonous daylight of it's summer.
/ My philosophy is summed up in this
whatever is is right"
"You are giving me new outlook, J"
she said thoughtfully. II am too much
engrossed in myself and think so much
l get confused. You do me good.
Her freedom from affectation charmed
Herbert. He answered warmly, If you
care to talk to me, / think you will find
sympathetic listener"
4 This was the beginning of an aoquaint-
ance that soon grew TO a familiar footing.
Herbert regularly spent two evenings of
each week with Isabel Lane, who began to
read and study under his direction and
criticism. There was great delight in
minsterng to the eager, receptive mind
that expanded daily under his influence
Moreover, she possessed that sympathetic,
Rppreciativo nature which makes woman
companionable. Herbert felt that there
might arise between them one of those
rare friendships that few men and women
are high minded enough to enjoy.
/ The feeling was different on isabelle
part. Her awakening love nature wound
itself about Herbert's personality. Owing
to her Ignorance of men and women she
attributed his interest in her work to a
smoldering passion for herself. She won
dered when he would speak. Many times
she rehearsed the scene in imagination
and grew radiantly happy.
Some weeks later Frank sat alone in his
room reading after busy day. Mr.. Her
bert was dining with friends. 1t had
rained all day, and now the water, freez-
Ing as 1t fell, formed thin coating of ice
over the pavement. The door was open,
and CHANGING to raise his eyes he saw lsa-
bel coming down stairs dressed for out
doors.
/ "Why, Miss Lane" he said, coming out
/ in the hall, you are courageous to go
out tonight. Don't you know how slip
1 perry it is9 Wait a moment. Let me go
with you"
"Oh, no, DIR. Brewer, please don't trou-
1 BILE yourself! l know you are tired.
shouldn't think of going, only promised
o friend on Newton street to spend the
night with her"
l. IL. b,rt ha ba fiy1is h.
| ed her protestation, his fatigue forgotten
/ In the thrill of JOY at the thought of sery-
+ ing this woman, to whom his whole heart
was almost unoorsoiously given.
/ ~ wish so much that l could have more
time for social things. If Herbert and
4 could even up a little, and l could have
some of his leisure, l might see more of
you,' he said when they were well on
] their way.
i Her hand was ON his arm. Once she
4 slipped and leaned heavily upon him. She
answered:
"You and Mr.. Herbert are great friends,
I suppose. Have you known him longS"
"Only since l came to Boston. He has
been awfully kind to me. My brothers
death cut me up considerably, and l was
in pretty bad shape when Herbert ran
across me and proposed l should share his
rooms this winter
\ Too soon they were at the door of her
friends house, where he left her.
After this episode Frank fell into the
way of coming In to see her in his rare
hours of leisure Isabel found these calls
very enjoyable.
4 The boarders gossiped good deal when
they found out how much attention Miss
Lane received from the two most eligible
men in the house.
/ "Those quiet women are deep" Mrs.
Martin remarked to the widow occupying
the second floor front. She did not like
the turn affairs were taking, but she knew
Isabel's stepmother and wanted to do well
by her. She thought Mr.. Herbert had
history, but as he paid promptly and was
always courteous and agreeable she decid-
ed to Keep her own counsel.
CHAPTER Ill.
The short winter day was almost over.