Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-24
A SILENT COURT TSHIp

I his arm, and stood surveying his Sur- roundings with critical eye. Before him lay the picturesque valley with it's neat cottages and patches of. deep, dark woods. But the object on which he l fixed his attention was curiously shaped rock in the center of a field. ! against a background of delicately tint ed sky. It was shaped like the ruins of an old castle and was of gigantic pro- l portions.
 | T must paint that when it is bathed with the hues of glorious sunset,' 7 unused Donald
 After admirfng the scenery before l him for a few moments he turned and slowly resumed his climb. On reach I ing the brow of the hill he came to 8 sudden halt, and an exclamation of sur I prise rose to his lips, for before him sat young girl in front of an easel. l She did not appear to notice his ap- proach, and he stood regarding her closely for a moment. Then he stepped trifie nearer to her and paused again. thinking to attract her attention.
 beg yohr pardon, he said at last, lifting his hat T had no idea should 1nd anyone here"
 He waited for an answer, but she did not speak or look up. He moved still nearer. and his shadow fell athwart her canvas. She raised her head in startled surprise.
 He spoke again, apologetically, of fering to retire if his presence would annoy her. But she only gazed atshim blanlly, and pointed to her lips and ears, shaking her head gravely.
 Then it dawned on him suddenly that he had been talking to deaf mute. He gazed at her as if he doubted the pos ability of one so lovely being the vic tim of such 8 grave misfortune. Her head was bent over her work again. and, feeling himself dismissed, he turned aside and placed his easel a lew paces away, preparatory to com nencfng work.
 must paint that face" he mur- mured, If she comes again" And she did come again. Each suc- ceeding day found her at her easel, and she was always there before him. But all things must have an end, and at last his work was finished. He sat before his easel on the last day of his stay, absorbed in thought. when he was startled by low whistle at his side. He looked up and beheld an old chum, Avery Lynn, regarding him amusedly.
 "You?" he calculated in amazement-
 What charming company" said the other. in low tone; who is she?"
 T don't know. How came you here, Avery?"
 Never mind that now, Don. Intro duce me-"
 "I don't know who she is, I tell you" " reiterated Donald. ''OnIy she is deaf mute. ?
 By Georgei What a misfortune. She's lovely as dream. You're hard hit. Don, suppose?"
 T would give half my life if she were like other girls
 "I know the deaf and dumb alpha bet" Avery said, suggestively.
 'sFind out who she is and where she lives" said Don, eagerly.
 Was 1t fancy or the glow of the sun set or did flush creep slowly into the face ofthe girl whom they discussed?
 Tier name is Elda Leigh, r said Avery at last, land like yourself she is only a sojournsr here. I can learn no more than that"
 Again that deep flush swept over the tace of the girl, but neither saw it.
 T must go now, Don." said Avery, consulting his watch. My friends are waiting by this time. You see we were bunting and climbed the hill to get better view of the valley. Good-by." ]" And Avery waved his hand and hurried away.
 But his coming had served to bring matters to a crisis between these two who had known a silent companionship for three long weeks. Elda Leigh watched Avery until he was lost to view. Then she arose and turned toward Don. ald. It seemed to him she was about to speak, and he was hardly surprised when she addressed him.
 4fI must beg your pardon" she said 'tfor the deception have practiced upoK you
 "You understand" she continued, that did not foresee should become an eavesdropper. I saw you coming up the hill that first day. and not wishing to setire or be disturbed, I acted on the i'm, pulse of the moment, and"
 May ask, Miss Leigh he said, "why you should undeceive me on this, oul hast day together?"
 "I thought it just possible that ws night meet again, some day, and ther you would learn the truth, and perhaps have less charity for me than if made confession now"
 She believed he would seek her, Don- aid thought, otherwise she would not have feared meeting him again He had chosen to take refuge from his awkward position in cold reserve He knew any advances made at this time would be premature.
 Shall wait and carry your easel ?s ne asked. as he was about to pass her on his .wsr down fha niIl