Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-03-05

most soobed, as she wrung his hand
md then quickly released 1t.
He laughed bitterly. 81 never called
1t hope at any time" he said. "She
has only been my dream"
She had reached the door ard was
looking out into the yard where old
Fanshaw. in his united brogans, hick-
DRY shirt and jeans pants, was oiling
the axcs OF wagon under an apple
tree. She overheard the low voices OF
his two daughters on the porch and
Mrs. Fanshaw's heavy tread in the adj
joining sitting-room.
Remember" said Mrs. Lancaster,
"that you have true friend over
there"
Thank you" he replied as she passed
ont. He escorted her, hat in hand, 20
the cart and assisted her to her seat.
Then. with twitching lip, he stood
watching the cart as it rolled away.
Evelyn was in the garden gathering
flowers FOR the dining table when her
friend returned. She held her arms
full of them when the old lady alight-
81 and came down the walk TO her.
Evelyn studied her face in astonish-
ncnt.
why, dear Mrs. Lancaster" she e1-
claimed. "you have been CRYING"
The old woman wiped her red eyes
and began 10 shed fresh tears.
"Be is so like my husband" she said,
huskily. $50 noble; such grand char
setter"
.Evelyn's face lighted up. 81 have al
ways known that, Mrs. Lancaster. Now
you must tell me all that took place
mind every word that you said and
every word he said" Evelyn drew her
down on a rustic seat; her whole body
seemed ready to listea. Mrs. Lancaster
told her of her offer to aid Ronald and
Evelyn broke out, impulsively:
And be refused TO accept it! could
have told you that"
eyes, he refused" and Mrs. I.ancas-
ter gave his reasons in detail. Evelyn
raised bunch Of pink roses to her
face; they were the color Of her cheeks
Nothing" she said, with conviction.
nothing under high heaven can keep
man down with such God-given pur-
pose as that"
For a moment the two friends were
silent. then Mrs. Lancaster caught
Evelyn's hand and pressed it tenderly.
"I made little discovery this morn
ing" she said.
Evelyn caught her eye and smiled.
still knowingly.
you have discovered that he loves
ne; knew that long time ngo, and
II has made me unspeakably happy"
II discovered further pursued Mrs.
Lancaster, that he does not hope ever
TO win You" Mrs. Lancaster's lips
twitched little. at is that which
pains me so much. He looked so grand
when he made that admission. J. al
most cried in his presence"
He does not hope?" said Evelyn.
and then she caught her breath. low
cred her head and began TO gather up
her flowers. HE does not hope?" she
repeated the words as if TO herself, and
Mrs. Lancaster rose and followed her
up the walk to the house, and as the
girl, with bowed head and rigid mien,
pnssed into the grand hall Mrs. Lancas-
ter began 10 think that Evelyn herself
had never really hoped.
Seeing that no one was in the hall,
Evelyn wheeled round suddenly.
Il have never once thought that +
that my love would be essential to his
well-beng-his happiness She said,
looking up into the cNpectanr face OF
Ter friend Blu, Mr.. Lancaster, il i .
shoud really need me. it would be rly
duty, before God, to he by his side
t. would be. ny duty in spite of my
fathers wishes. in spite of everything
on earth"
An anxious look lay in the face of the
widow as she answered.;
Il think he has thought the matter
over and decided that the idea of mar
rage is out of the question. II was
that which seemed 50 sad; poor fellow
be spoke Of you as his dream
His dream," Every muscle in
Evelyn's face moved; her eyes filed to
the brim it looked a il she wanted TO
say something else, but was prevented
by an overwhelming commotion within
herself She turned suddenly and went
Into the dining room.
TO BE CONTINUED.