The Port Gibson reveille., 1903-01-29

THE THIRTY-FIRSF DAY


with a stole satisfaction. For three
weeks now he had denied himself the
exhilaratlng influence Of Eleanor Dun
cans society. He was indeed holding
firmly to his promise-the promise nc
had given to his highest self on the
day that Roy Hadley, all unconscious
OF the wound he was innicting, impui-
sively confded to him his love for
Eleanor.
Even while he marvelled at Hadley's
blindness, Pearson had resolutely ue-
termlned TO be loyal 70 the friendship
which. begun at college, had strength
ened into a sturdy bond seemingly In
possible Of dissolution.
Roy Hadley should be given a fair
chance. as far as Pearson's absence
from the field was concerned. Thus
the latter had resolved. Thus he had
acted, even to the present day-the
twenty-first day since he had made
this promise.
Twenty-one days without glimpse OF
her! They were 21 months-nay
years-instead Of days.
Pearson began to wonder at his su-
perb self-control and TO congratulate
himself upon the heroic strength OF
his invincible will. The fact that his
unruly thoughts revelled in sweet
imaginings did not as yet impress him
as being inconsistent. So he STEPPED
his soul In dreams Of her and let deli
cious memories have their sway.
It was not until the 25th day that
his spiritual indulgence Of his love
impressed him with a sense Of disloy-
atty. The startling accusation OF an
aggressive conscience awakened with
IN him a fire OF rebellion.
Il may chain my body" he protest
ed. ''but not my thoughts. my longings
the very impulses Of my being! They
belong to Eleanor They will always
belong to her-to crush them would be
10 crush life ITSELF"
The 26th day, nevertheless, found
him struggling against the dear imag-
inings which heretofore had fed his
love and compensated in some de-
gree for the sacrifice he was making.
Unconsciously at first, then with direct
intent, he strove to curb even the ten
der secret thoughts which, following
the lead Of HIS longing, winged their
fight toward Eleanor by day and
night.
Meanwhile he avoided too frequent
meetings with Hadley, nor did he en-
courage further condolences. He at
least need not force himself to endure
another ordeal OF that nature.
Then came the 31st day, when Pear
son. looking heavily about him, won
dered at the blank Jesolation that had
settled upon the earth. For four en-
tire days he had succeeded In keep
ing Eleanor out Of his thoughts. But
where now was the motive for living?
Ambition, incentive. inspiration-all
had left him. His heart was Of lead,
his soul of stone.
Again rebellion shook him. 1T Is
because have shut her out Of my life!
II is wrong-wrong! love her-loye
heri"
The old influence swept upon him
once more, magnetizing his thoughts,
thrilling his world with color.
Il was in the early afternoon that he
strolled through the park in the vici-
nifty Of Eleanor's home. OF course,
he would not for the world break that
sacred promise OF HIS by yenturing
near her residence. He merely wished
70 breathe the pure air and witness the
beautiful miracle Of awakening spring.
BY no effort OF will could he resist
the onslaught Of dear memories that
attacked him as he paced the pebbly
paths and let the magic of that ex-
quisite day thrill through him. Elean-
or, Eleanor. The image OF her shone
everywhere. Radiant blue sky, deli
cious air, budding green things, vast
sweeps Of velvety turfs, fragrance, sun
shine-and Eleanor! It was all
Eleancrl
He walked on and on, In q tumult Of
happiness. At turn IN the path a
sudden glorious premonition throbbed
through him. He looked up. The i'm
age Of his brain resolved itself into the
real image. Coming down the path
toward him was the flesh and blood
Eleanor. radiantly sweet In her dainty
spring attire.
There was no mistaking the fact that
her eyes grew luminous at sight Of
him.
"Youl" she cried. Where have you
been all this timer One whole MONTH"
Pearson murmured some unintelli-
gible apology. He was aware Of but
one thing now--the intoxication Of aer
actual presence.
For shame, sir fear, after all,
you are at heart a selfish recluse."
There was a bench near by and they
rnconsciously moved toward II and
seated themselves. Pearson looked at
her and tried TO think OF a fitting re-
ply 10 her accusation. A soft haze
hung palpltating before his eyes. Out
Of this haze her face smiled upon him.
"You have. Of course, seen Hadley?"
nc at longth questioned
"Oh yes-he comes very often. But
you-you have not.treated me as he
has. You have forgotten me. Con-
fossly