Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-20

the siren coufitry without it. SnIps, too, are good, with masts to tie oneself to and sails and rudder and a gust of wind to wait one quickly past the is- land. Tn fact, one cannot take too many precautions when in those en- chanted waters.
 Matters began to look dark to me. Love had dawned in Mary's breast, that was sure, and for the first time, with all it's fierce sweetness; not that it had reached its noon, or anything like it. Tn truth, it might, hoped, die in the dawning, for my lady was as ca pricious as May day, but it was love love as plain as the sun at rising. She sought Brandon upon all occasions and made opportunities to meet him not openly, at any rate; not with Bran don's knowledge, nor with any conniy- ance on his part, but apparently caring little what he or any one else might see. Love lying in her heart had made her a little more shy than formerly in seeking him, but her straightforward way of taking whatever she wanted made her transparent little attempts at coneealment very pathetic.
 AS lQT bIiIliOOlI, lLS Slid1C uGu tered his- heart, too, poor fellow, as surely as love had dawned in Mary's. He knew the hopeless misery such a passion would bring him, and helped tho good Lord, in so far as he could, to answer his prayer and lead him not into temptation. As soon as he saw tho truth he avoided Mary as much as possible.
 As I said, we had spent several even ings with Mary after we came home from Windsor, at all of which her pref erence was shown in every movement. Some women are so expressive under strong emotion that every gesture, Q turn of the head, glance of the eyes, the lifting of 9 hand or the boise of the body speaks with tongue of elo. quence, and such was Mary Her eyes would glow with soft fire when they rested upon him, and her whole person told all too plainly what, in truth, it seemed she did not care to hide. When others were present, she would restrain herself somewhat, but with only Jane and myself she could hardly maintain a seeEnly reserve. During all this time Brandon remained cool and really seemed unconscious of his wonderful attraction for her. It is hard to under stand why he did not see it, but real ly believe he did not. Although he was quite at ease in her presence, too much so. Mary sometimes thought and, strangely enough, sometimes told him in fit of short lived, quickly repented anger that always set him laughing, yet there was never word or gesture that could hint of undue familiarity.
 After these last two meetings, al though the invitations came frequent ly, none was accepted. Brandon had contriyed to have his duties, ostensibly vat least, occupy his evenings and did honestly what his judgment told him was the one thing to do-that is, re- main away from a fire that could give no genial warmth, but was sure to burn him to the quick. I saw this only too plainly, but never a word of it was spoken between us.
 The more I3saw of this man the more respected him. and this curbing of his affections added to my already high es- teem. The effort was doubly wise in Brandon's case. After a time Mary began to suspect his attempts to avoid her, and she grew cold and distant through pique. Her manner, however, had no effect upon Brandon, who did not, or at least appeared not to. notice it. This the girl could not endure, and, lacking strength to resist her heart, soon returned to the attack.
 fro BE CoNTINUED.l