Evening star., 1905-11-04

brary a log fire blazed brightly in the fire
place and sent gay little shadows dancing
over the tall bookcases. 1t was cheerful
place. Jane glanced at the fire apprecja-
lively. Then she looked up and saw the
man. He was just a wholesome. ordinary
looking man, evidently a working man, and
he flushed to the roots of his thick, light
hair he sprang to his feet and stammer-
ed Il beg your pardon.
Jane paused in quick curiosity.
The mans clothes were worn and shabby.
undoubtedly a gentleman. Besides. his
eyes were eloquent with frank admiration
OF her charming self
Jane blushed. then suddenly she smiled.
why should you?" she asked lightly.
The man pulled himself together. II fear
l frightened you-that l intrude." he an
swered, his eyes still fixed upon James
bushes
glad-I was very lonely-I believe 1
was homesick-"
Incredulous delight beamed from the
mans eyes.
And anyhow, the library Is free to ALL
finished Jane discreetly.
The man laughed more at his ease. II
happen to be John Renshaw,'' he said, ''and
I've managed to get off few days to look
up the settlement work bit. I've had
some experience with this sort of thing In
London but you co 1t rather better than
we do, l fancy
Jane glanced at the well-worn clothes.
himself to the welfare of his fellow men.
sudden distaste of her own luxurious life
overwhelmed Jane. High resolve enveloped
her.
ness-like manner.
The man stihed a sigh. She was so dis
tractlngly pretty. She had not seemed,
somehow, like that sort of a girl
Not till afterward did it occur TO Jane that
1t was an unheard of transaction for a
girl and man who were total strangers to
sit placidly together a whole evening talk
ing at random and watching the logs blaz-
ing cheerily on the hearth Not that they
said much; speech seemed unnecessary to
their sudden, mysterious companionship.
Late in the evening Jane rose suddenly.
a guilty consciousness of the relatives
ed her.
Il should have gone before" she said
nervously.
The man eyed her reproachfully. "It is
so early" he objected. He had risen ana
his eyes were very bright and eager as
they met hers. Il may see you again? You
Will come tomorrow EVENING"" he pleaded.
Jane was distinctly uneasy. The frank
admiration of this self-possessed young
working man diSconcertng.
Il am not sure" she began.
The man stepped forward impulsively
You Will Gomez" he entreated
James eyes filled and she grew pink with
confusion; she felt an unaccustomed tumult
of mind.
Yes" she faItered
But it was an altogether different young
woman who stepped inside the library cur
tains the evening following. This was a
dlgnifed young person who held her head
haughtily and gave no sign of the thrill
of satisfaction she felt she saw him
spring joyously to his feet. Thus might
a young woman unravel the net she had
woven and a presuming young man be
taught his proper sphere.
He came swiftly toward her, with sigh
OF relief. AT last!' he said contentedly;
and there was CHEEKY friendliness-and
something more-in his voice
Jane nodded coolly. You were waiting!'
she questioned. "Ah, yes-I had forgotten"
The delight faded from the mans eyes.
II could hardly hope that you would
member. 1t is enough that l should ne
replied courteously.
Jane looked UP at him and then down
again very quickly. There was something
in his face that made her heart beat furi-
ously Uppermost in her mind the
thought that no matter what he said
what she felt. she must remember her re-