The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1906-10-25

shore ann lNFttNA VII fhN f"Ah NN'N""" 4
the grove TO the station.
The whistle cf the express caused
her throat TO throb uneomforiably
1--WE los, the las, grain Of my common
sense" she thought Indignantly as she
nausoi az the station door
Parker stood on The rear platform,
smiling az her before she saw him, ~
he swung himself down and ciaspci
her hand in an unweleome fash her
old thought. abridged. rushed over her
Here is a man could love- -Four
years Of college life had swept away
the III"
She realized II as she looked into his
eyes. His old awkwardness and tho
consciousness OF his deficiencies were
gone. Ills old earncstness and honesty
looked straight at her, and the touch OF
his hand conveyed that subtle. name
less something which had always
drawn her until she had been Obliged
TO hold herself by that ~
As they passed through the station
Parker. with courtly bow, held the
swinging door open for her TO pass
CLYDE recalled the day many years ago
when she. with gentle tact had taught
the big farmer student that lesson IN
courtesy, and sudden sickening real
lzatlon OF age swept over her M she
stepped out on the path.
As she led the way 20 the boat she
talked rapidly, urged on by fright
ened desire TO reassure him that she al
WAYS regarded herself as his elder
friend and sister. When they reached
the shore she turned and announced
| briskly;
Here n our boat. and over there"
pointing, sis my home
Parker stopped aud looked down ~
her with his old. slow smile, which re-
yealed an undercurrent OF tenderness
that was a strong attribute OF his ma
| ture.
"Suppose we don't go across the
lake. he began persuasively. IT'S so
pleasant right here under this tree. !
believe that trunk curved itself over
EXPRESSLY to make n seat for you TO
rest on now" He held out his hand
to assist her.
II was odd to hear him suggesting
and directing. AS his teacher that had
always been her prerogative. The col
or flushed into her face despite her ef'
forts at perfect self control,
"Yes. II seems made for mother
confessor." she responded brightly, lay
ing her palm In his outstrctched hand'
| AS II closed over hers she was shaken
by sudden passionate protest agains'
their former relative positions or teacb
or and student-a passionate desire te
be Just girl again here among th'
aowers and sunshine.
Parker sat on the mossy bank ut ht
roots OF the tree and leaned forward
an elbow on his knee. He laid his ha'
beside him and looked at Clyde grave
ly. She settled back against the tree
trunk. glad OF an excuse to shield hel
eyes from the sun--and him.
"It's good to be with you again." h'
said simply. i.
"It brings back old times, does j
not" she laughed, when you used t'
call me down to the teachers parlor L
confessT
He smiled and studied Lake Castro
ayes. that's what I'm going to DO now.
"Its about time" gayly chiding. IT
been four years since heard your las
confession. All my other boys hav'
written me occasionally"
Parker picked up his hat and exam
ined the crown. "Yes, we oil remem
ber you, some Of US better than others
I Judge" after pause, "by the report
from the old institute fellows, that yo
are surfeited with letters
"oh, mol" Clyde's bright voice belle
. her feelings. "Pm always glad to hea
from them ALL
e An lnscrutable expression passe
$ over the mans face. you were sue
n GOOD friend 10 us ALL" he began an
paused. Impulslvely he rose, steppe
down on the narrow beach and leane
against the trunk OF the tree close "
side her, as though he would brea
through the manner which belonged
the teacher and get within the radlu
0f the woman.
"Son,c way back ut the institute
could never tell you what ] owe yo'
started In there just green countr
chap. and you well, you made IN
over There were things ] wanted
tell you before left, but some way
couldnt. | think I've commenced 90
ems OF letters to you. but they wei
never finished" lie stopped and locke
into her face, level with his. "Whei
I feel most deeply say the least
A spider dropped to clyde's shouldc
and she raised her hand to brush u Of
but Parker was quicker lie sent u
spider swinging away toward branc
while his hand slipped from her shot
der In nm unconscious cnress.
Her heart Ieaped exultantly. Imp
tlentiy she quelled the promptiDgs
her reason and welcomed the intox
- cation his presence and bis touch,
There was brief silence, and the
y Parker's words aroused her 10 the o
y realization Of her tcaeherhood. II ha'
= wanted 10 express my gratitude, TO te
= you that fully realize how much
owe YOU
!. "Don'tw The exclamation burst fro
!, Clydc's lips unbidden. She shrar
!, = from this mans gratitude as from
= blow. Her tone was 80 full OF pa
that be leaned forward with q su
d prised inquiry,
w Il did nothing. really nothing. wiki
n. requires gratitude" she hurrledly nd
=. ed. Her tone was harsh.
10 He drew back grayely. II know th
re such expressions must seem trite
IT you. All your students are grntefnl
u you, but I think none Of them bns q
same reason for gratitude That have
r. Never mind" Clyde inierrnpt'
er lightly. "wc're wasting time talSir
ul about gratitude"
n. She shook herself lmpa,ienily ~