The Yale expositor., 1903-01-16

something on his mind Ever since his
shrinking from her pronered conf.
dcnce. he had. unknown 90 Eleanor.
been a victim OF remorse and had
been trying 20 screw mp his courage so
Tar as 90 request her 20 make a state.
ment Of her perplexities. Thus II hap.
pened that there were occasional
lapses in their conversation. when
each sat tonguo-tied in the presence OF
the other, yet wholly unaware OF the
others uneasiness.
Remore proved in the end the moro
potent factor. and Uncle Phineas was
the first 10 speak. II was just after
lunch ron. when he had fortified his
tagging resolution with beer and sand.
witches.
My dear" he began. and then
halted.
As this was not HIS ordinary phrase
in addressing her. Eleanor looked at
him inquiringly. realizing that what
he had 20 say must be out OF the com.
mon run.
My dear" he resumed. IL am afraid
you got an impression the other day
the day you arrived. you remember
from my manner when you spoke to
m = OF wishing 10 ask my advice as 10
some matter-that | was-ch-not ex.
actly encouraging. You see. felt some
natural dliiidence. as told you at the
time. in meddling with affairs OF the
heart, which are rather outside the
experience OF an old bachelor like
me lie paused, and laughed ner.
yously. then, as though he were deter
mined. now that the plunge was taken.
10 face the situation squarely, he said.
with an earnest air. But. my dear. II
can really be OF service 10 you in
helping YOU reach n decision about
any matter. you must speak and let
me know what II Is. and not mind my
bearishrcss. for you are the apple OF
my eye as YOU ought 10 know. and
am more anxious that you should be
happy. and make a success OF life,
than | am for anything else In the
world. Come" he added, more blIthe.
~. gaining ease through his own sin.
ccrity. make a clean breast OF IL. Let
me know the facts in the case. and
will do the best | can to solve your
difficulties
Eleanor. who had listened 20 him at
i.st perpleXedly, was regarding him
now with blushing mcrriment.
There Is a matter | wish 20 speak
to you about. Uncle Phin. but IL isn't
IN the least OF the kind you evidently
suppose ! rather think that | quite
agree with what you said the other
day. tat in love affairs a woman had
better make up her own mind with.
out asking anybody's advice-eyea ad.
vice as sensible as yours would surely
be; and YOU must once and FOR all get
tho idea out OF your head can't
imagine how IL ever cot there-that
am In love or engaged. or thinking
about being engaged. or, In fact that
tho notion Of marriage Is anywhere
lurking In my brain. Now. II You will
promise me this. and say that you
On tel you wlat really wish 10 have
your advice about. You believe me,
don't you. Uncle PhiE?
OF course. u YOU say so. Peach
Blossom; you ought 20 bc the best
Judge" De- answered. with an equ.yo-
cal air. as ne struck a match 10 light
his mearschaum.
Eleanor leaned forward ard blew
out BE flame. and sratchod up the
matchbox from the table.
You are perycrsc, obstinate
man" sac cried. Now you shall not
have single whIf until YOU tell me
you are convinced ara speaking the
truth" She sat down on the arm OF
MS easy chair, and bending over.
looked into his eyes. what have [
said or done 20 make you imagine any.
tling so absurd? 20
why nbsurd?" he asked. restored
% eCuanimity.
"Of course II would DO absurd
don't interd 20 think OF marriage for
i've years-if ever"
'Me'hinis the woman doth protest
too much.
tTo be clntinued)