Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-12-22

tnCn luStcueQ his eyes OH MS plaIe. Il
lived here once" he said in low
voice.
But you didn't like Mrs. Jersey"
"She was not here then"
"N,ho was heref"
any grandfather on the mothers
side. That's fifteen years ago"
Leonard looked at the handsome,
moody face OF his friend musingly. II
never knew you had grandfather"
he said mt last
40 you know anything at all about
me;' asked Brendon.
"No; now come to think Of II,
don't. | met you three years ago at
Mrs. Wards house, and we have been
friends ever since"
"Acquaintances. rather. Men are
not friends until they become con-
iidcntial with one another. Well,
Train George pushed back his chair
and wiped his mouth tonight in
Tend to turn you from n mere &c
quaintnncc into friend
Il shall be delighted" said Train,
rather bewldcrcd. won't you have
more SUPPER"
Brcndon shook his head. lighted his
pipe and again stretched himself on
the sofa Train, being curious to know
what he had to say, was on the point
Of joining him, but he was yet hun
cry, so could not bring himself to leave
the table.
Trains parents were dead and had
left him an income of $4,000 n
year. Not being very strongminded,
and being more than trfle conccited
ms TO his literary abilities, his money
speedily attracted round him mum
Der of needy hangers on. who battered
him TO the top of his bent.
Poor Leonard thought that all WON
on were angels and all men good fell
lows with Il harmless tendency TO Dor
row. He was called q fool by those
he fed, but none could call him rogue.
1t was simplicity which inspired
Brendon with n plying friendship,
and Brcndou had done much to save
him from the harpies who preyed on
this innocent In several cases he had
opened Trains eyes at the cost Of
Quarreling with those who lost by
the opening. but George was well able
to hold his own and none could say
that he benefited pecuninrily by the
trust and confidence which Leonard
reposed in him. To avert all suspicion
of this sort he had refused to become
Trains secretary and companion at an
excellent salary.
Now that Train came to think of it,
Brendon was rather mysterious per
son. He lived by writing articles for
the papers and was always well
dressed. His rooms were in Kensing-
ton. and he seemed to know many peo-
pie whom he did not cultivate Train
would have given his ears to enter the
come guest. but for the most part
George preferred TO live alone with his
pipe and his books. He was writing
novel and hoped to make success
full career as literary man, but as
he was barely thirty years Of age and
had been settled only five years in
London his scheme of life was rather
secret trouble. but what it was Train
never knew, as Brendon was n particu-
larry reticent man. Why he should pro-
pose to be frank on this especial night
Leonard could not understand. After
supper he put the question TO him.
you can depend upon me. George
Anything you tell me will never be
repeated"
Brendon nodded his thanks "AlsO. "
he cpntinued, 81 wish You to lend me
f3.J."
"a thousand If you will
"Three hundred will be sufficient.
I'll repay you when | come into my
property"
Train opened his eyes. Are you com
ing into money!" he asked
THAT I can't say " all depends.
DO you know why | suggested this
house 20 you. Leonardo" lie asked sud
denly.
ITO help me in my literary work
THAT was one reason. certainly, but
l had another and more selfish one,
connected'-GeOrge sat up to finish the
sentence -"connected with Mrs. Jer-
sey," he said quietly.
This remark was so unexpected that
Leonard did not know what to say for
n moment. II thought you did not
know her." he gasped out.
Nor do l."
"Does she know your
Not "a George Brendon or as am
now"
What do you mean!" Train was
more puzzled than ever.
| ut is Il long story. | don't know
that | can tell you the whole"
| Train looked annoyed. Trust me"
"All in all or not at ALL" finished
Rrendon. quite So" He paused and
drew hard at his pipe. Since l want
money | must trust you"
rs it only for that reason that you
consider me worthy OF your conf
! dence?" asked Leonard, much mort
/ fed.
George leaned forward and patted
him on the knee. NO. old man.
wish you 10 hXp me also"
in what wayY'
with Dorothy Ward" replied
George, looking closely at his pipe.
WAS she in your mind tonight when
that old maid was telling the cards p
asked Train, sitting up with a look of
interest.