The Irish standard., 1904-12-17

he might allow himself these visions
But they come without leave, and must
be put aside. The question which had
often risen to his lips was not the one
he might ask.
Having an invalid mother and no
money, student may say: "Will you
pass me the bread?" while his glances
speak many gentle courtesies. But he
may not say: will you share my
bread?" when there is hardly enough
for the mother.
Therefore sunshine is brightest when
the eyelids curtain the eyes. Yet is a
vision of fair possibilities not half as
real as the rain against the window.
The car had arrived at the top.
George stood on the station platform,
contemplative. Before the pleasure of
walking to the very summit he would
watch the car go down again. When it
should descend under the great red sun,
the Polyphemus eye of the mountain
world, the last link with Zermatt would
be severed for the night.
He stood with his back to large
; rock. When he arrived he had noticed
! two figures seated on it, and had idly
thought of them as chance companions
on the summit over night.
The Lilliputian hustle of departure as
the car was prepared for descending
amused him. How different this adjust
able and particular start from the hur-
ried stoppages and confused crowd of
a city car.
A belated passenger was loudly sum-
moned by the conductor. "One mo-
ment," came the answer as two ladies
passed George, hurrying toward the car.
1t was Die Tante, with Elizabeth. At
the sound of the voice he knew who it
was, and yet his eyes needed proof AS
Elizabeth passed him he laid hand
on her arm. She turned and recognized
him.
Surely the snow fields lend strange
and radiant light to the eyes which
behold them. Perhaps Elizabeth had
sat too long on the great rock.
But the car is going-now," came
from her in gasps as if she were an
swering some question.
Two other passengers were to go
down. Happily they were quarreling
over the disposition of their satchels.
Die Tante had hurriedly attained a
seat in the car and stood transfiXed,
spirit of wonder at the unforeseen.
George found speech after several
precious seconds had elapsed. He
still liant hi l,otl ,,
shawl where the blue stripes crossed
the red one. The evening air from
the glaciers was like wine.
Elizabeth, the sunrise mere will be
so wonderful, so without compare he
eagerly said. Her advent had be-
wldered him. The reality was still
part of his vision, and, like the sum
rise, wonderful beyond compare.
The car started, with Elizabeth
poised like bird on the step. George
grasped her hand to detain her.
THE beautiful mountain tops. We
must see them together he cried, as
the wheels moved. Even while he
spoke the car gained speed, and he
walled quickly beside it.
1nstinctively he pushed her firmly
on TO the platform of the car, for safe
ty, but did. not relinquish her hand.
Die Tante stood ready to jump off in
case of need. Voices called to them
in warning as the car gathered such
Roadway that George was obliged to
run.
All their past meetings and partings
were in the clasp of his hand, and he
would not let go. His hat far behind,
he followed, like Merlin. unreckoning,
on the CLEAN, on the light from her
eyes.
"Ah, love, 1 cannot" came from him
without his wish.
Elizabeth bent towards him from
the car. She had thought, thus
far, only of the miracle of his pres
ence. Now she realized that there
was danger to face. For her to loose
his hand was impossible, so firm was
his hold.
For her to jump of-no. Yet if he
were hurt! Never had his safety been
so imperative.
utlc Was llO llIue " lOSe. deC OH,
quick!" she called, loud enough to
conquer the noise of wheels, and
pulled him forward and up with all
her strength.
George came suddenly to his senses.
With brave laugh and a firm foot,
he challenged the gods and gained the
platform.
The bunch of feathers on Elizabeth's
green hat quivered like aspens as he
drew himself up, still holding her
hand If you cared for her you must
, look to see if she. too, trembled.
After all, three can live on very lit
tie if the austere spirit of seif-sacri-
flee walk among them, and the tender
hand Of a new daughter to smooth the
pillows in the sick room is worth more
than gold.-Boston Budget.