Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-28

heart had been bent to the work of pro- viding splendidly for Alice, of winning professional success. The coming of the money that had lifted her beyond there gions of struggle had also caused her real disappointment, since Alice no longer needed her devoted ministrations The firm and determined resolve to keep Arthur Huntley at a distance-for the sake of Alice-had taken the place of the earlier idea of self-sacrifice. But never until tonight had she dreamed that her heart had suffered unknowing implica- ton. Tonight, leaning back in the low chair over which he had bent in leaving, she knew that she was in love,
 "To think of it!" she sighed and smiled, half satirically. 'In love at 35, and for goodness knows now long, too. I, who have diagonsed-and treated-so many love cases, to be in love myself and so suddenly learn it. But, of course, shall have to put this madness quite into the background tomorrow, and no one will ever know"
 Why" her own heart, strangely in sistent, kept asking.
 Alice" her mind made reply.
 Then, too, although she would not for worlds have owned this, her pride suf- fered at the thought of lowering her long-faunted flag Of preferred maiden hood Could she, who had so long be- lieved herself far removed from any soft ening touch of this pure human" weak ness. consent to capitulate, to yield?
 Tn the end she, too, cried herself to sleep like a lonely child, and woke, in the morning, to smile bitterly at vagaries and the tears of the previous evening, to resolve never, never to desert Alice, who would never consent, she felt sure, to share a married home with her, so long as she retained her reason. Her heart ached sorely, at bottom, but sense of exaltation upheld her: the men tai composition of the kindly but decided letter that should prevent Arthur Hunt leys coming strengthened and nerved her. She went down to breakfast quite calm and steady, but so abstracted anda self-centered that she failed to notice her sisters similar state of mind.
 Each woman, although ostensibly busted with the morning papers, thought and saw little but a mans dear face Laura, with a swiftly repressed tender fancy, was thinking how tender and manly was the man she would presently send from her forever; how unlike the less noble men of, her common acquaint- ance. How very different, with a quick natural transition of feeling, from the other men who had so9long wished to marry Alice, who had
 t'I saw Jim Benson yesterday" she said, suddenly. T suppose he is in town for the winter.
 "Yes," answered Alice, once more gotten girlish manner, ''he he was here last night before you came home. :"
 .'He was, was he? Still faithful?" be- gan Laura, in the light, half-railing tone she always used when speaking of Jim Benson But she stopped, speechless with amazement, at sight of her sisters eyes.
 tYes,'' answered Alice, bravely, al- though the hand holding her coffee cup trembled, The was, and-I may as we'll tell you Laura, although don't know how to--that newell. Laura, he wants me to marry him, and he says he won't take no for an answer. So-he's coming again this morning, and suppose 'll-have to say yes. ''
 There was a moment of tense silence, while each steadily regarded the other, then Laura laughed aloud in the manner of one to whom dear, rejected worlds of delight and glory are suddenly opening wide.
 .eWell we're going to surprise each other this morning, dearie,,@, she heard her own voice saying, somewhat to her own surprise and amazement, 'for-for I'm going to say yes to Arthur Huntley tonight"