Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-01-10
CHAPTER XV.-(Continued.)

papers. The whole place was a true au-
thor's den-a glimpse even of old Grub
street times, when authors worked hord
for their daily bread. and none knew what
became of the profits of their scribbling,
and no one cared save the thieves who
sold books.
In the midst of the chaos on the desk
there lay a little dainty note, stamped
and sealed and unopened. which had been
placed there by the landlady during his
absence from home; and it was in 'ady's
handwriting, of that Sarah Eaetbell was
assured.
She was not particularly reserved
about examining it; indeed, her impulse
toward it did not allow time for those
finer feelings to develop themselves which
two years training had striven to pro-
duce. She pounced upon the note like
hawk, in fact, and took it up with trem-
bling hands, and with her big dark eyes
dilating.
MARY Holland"' she exclaimed.
She examined the letter attentively.
The handwriting was large and charac-
teristic, and clear; the monogram on the
back of the envelope was NJ. H. the post
mark was Worcester-there could he no
possibility of mistake.
w ny mas size "IItleH' eACIdtlHcd
Sarah; chow dare she write to him.
At the same moment a hand touched
her arm, and Reuben Culwicks voice
said politely:
when you have quite done with my
letter, Miss Eastbell, should feel oblig-
ed by it's return
Sarah Eastbell gave little scream of
surprise, and turned to greet her cousin.
She extended both her hands toward
him, and he did not check the impulse,
but received them in his own, and shook
them warmly, winding up proceedings by
taking his letter gently and delicately
from her.
Reuben very unceremoniously cleared
a chair of about half a hundredweight of
books, by fitting the volumes forward to
the floor, and Sarah sat down and looked
timidy and yet scrutinizingly toward
him. He did not speak to her again; he
gave her time to collect her ideas, or to
observe the effect of two years change,
of two years trouble and hard work and
worldly drudgery upon him. This gave
him time also to note how years had re-
modelled Second-cousin Sarah-hOW the
gawky girl had grown into a handsome
young woman, whom he could only iden-
tify with past forlornness by her large,
dark, wistful eyes And she saw, with a
strange heart-sinking for which she could
not account that there was startling
change in him who was facing her.
81 am very sorry" she said at last, and
In spasmodic fashion.
II am in my right place." he said with
a little laugh that was hardly natural,
ian individual totally undeserving of
your sympathy"
"Why have you never written to me or
grandmother? Why have you not come
to Sedge Hill? Why have you kept away
from those who would have been always
very proud to help you"
THAT is why | have kept away, Miss
Eastbell-because l am proud enough to
be above all help. You must not mind
what l say; | am more irritable than l
used to bel have grown to like my own
company, and to dislike visitors of all de.
grees. | am a sour kind of fellow now,
who prides himself upon saying hard
things, and so the less you see of him the
better"
You are not offended with me?" she
inquired softly. You take it as IN insult
that my blind grandmother and l are in
your fathers house. and possess your
fathers property, but We
L
interrupting her. when l knew that my
father kept his word with me, l became
less of a philosopher than l had bargain
ed for-more human, more selfish, more
of a coward-and l am only slowly get
ting over the sense of disappointment
which followed the disinheritance. l was
vain enough to think myself hero, when
/ was only poor money-loving prig."
"I-I-hardly understand" said Sarah,
bewildered at this confession.
mo, no-prybably not he said quick
~, land why should trouble you about
my feelings even if you did? -
"a word would have saved you from
this cruel drudgery."
"A word to Mrs. Eastbell, who-but
there, | have nothing to say against the,
old lady. She is still we'll, and enjoys
her affluence?"
NO" said Sarah. shaking her head
theoretically.
so l have heard" responded Reuben.
He glanced at the letter in his hand,
and Sarah said at once:
why does my grandmothers compan-
Ion write to you?"
Out of pity" he added dryly.
How is it that she is acquainted with
your address, while l have had to scheme
and search for it-why has she not told
meT'
Il must leave that for Miss Holland to
answer for herself"
will you ever come to Sedge HIP"
'As soon as l can afford it." he an
swered; when I have a decent coat on
my back, and sufficient spare cash to pay
my railway fare to Worcester-and coat
and cash are both earned by the sweat of
my brow-I will pay you a return visit"
Il have not done any good,' she mur-
INJURED, but l am glad | have seen you
very glad. Good by"
Good by"
He shook hands with her, opened the
door and allowed her to pass from his
room, He stood on the landing place End
watched her descend the murly stairs: