Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-23


 lead in his work. He often walked to school with Polly and went to church with her every Sunday night. There had been not word of love between them, however, since they came to the village until one evening she said:
 T am very unhappy, and wish I were home"
 ''Whyy'
 She was not able to answer for moment.
 T know I am unworthy of you," she whispered.
 His lungs shook him with deep and tremulous inspiration. For little he could not answer.
 That Is why you do not love me?" she whispered again.
 T do love you" he said, with a strong effort to control himself, but I am not worthy to touch the hem of your gar ment"
 Tell me why. Sidney
 Some day-I do not know when-I will tell you all. And if you can love me after that we shall both be happy"
 Tell me now" she urged.
 'I cannot" said he. But if you only trust me, Polly, you shall know. If you will not trust me-
 He paused, looking at the snow path.
 Good night" he added presently.
 They kissed and parted, each going to the company of bitter tears
 As of old, Trove had many friend schoolfellows who came of an evening now and then for his help in some knotty problem All saw change in him. He had not the enthusiasm and good cheer of former days, and some ceased to visit him. Moreover, they were free to say that Trove was get ting big head. For one thing, he had become rather careless about his clothes, new trait in him, for he had the gift of pride and the knack of neat ness.
 A new student sought his acquaint- ance the very first week of the term, that rather foppish young man who got off the cars at Hillsborough the day of their first coming. He was from Buff falo and. although twenty-two years of age, was preparing to enter college. His tales of the big city and his frank good fellowship made him welcome guest Soon he was known to all as Dick, his name being Richard Roberts. It was not long before Dick knew ev- erybody and everybody knew Dick, in cluding Polly, and thought him fine fellow. Soon Trove came to know that when he was detained a little after school Dick went home with Polly. That gave him no concern, however, until Dick ceased to visit him and he saw change in the girl,
 One day two letters came for Trove. They were in girlish penmanship and bore no signature, but stung him to the quick.
 For heavens sake get new hat" said one.
 You are too handsome to neglect your clothes.'' said the other
 As he read them his cheeks were burning with his shame He went for his hat and looked it oyer carefully. It was faded, and there was little rent in the crown His boots were tapped and mended. his trousers threadbare at the knee, and there were two patches on his coat
 T hadn't thought of it," said he, with a sigh. Then he went for talk with Darrel
 Did you ever see a more shabby | looking creaturef" he inquired as Dar- rel came to meet him. T am so asham- ed of myself I'd like to go lie in your wood box while I talk to you.'
 What hempen ,homespun have we swaggering hereT" Darrel quoted in a rallying voice.
 ''Pll tell you" Trove began.
 Nay. first a roundel." said the tink- | CT, as he began to shuttle his feet to the | measure of an old fairy song.
 If one were on his way to the gal | lows, you would make him laugh" said Trove, smiling. "An I could, so would l." said the | old man. "A smile. boy, hath in it some relish O salvation Now, tell | me, what is thy troubieT 'i =t I'm going to leave school" said | Trove. An wherefore;" I'm sick of this pinching poverty. | Look at my clothes. I thought could [ make them do. but I can't" | He put the two notes in Darrels hand. The tinker wiped his spectacles and then read them both.
 Tut. tut. boy!" said he presently. with very grave look. Have ye for gotten the tatters that were as badge of honor an success; Weeks ago I | planned to find thee better garments; but. on my word. had no heart for 1t. | Nay. these old ones had become dear to me. was proud Q them. Aye. boy. proud O them. When 1 saw the first ! patch on thy coat. said I. 1t is the lit- tie ensign O generosity Then came another. an. said I. That is for honor m true love- an these bare threads there Is no loom can weave the like O them. Nay. boy" Darrel added. lifting an arm of the young man and kissing I one of the patches. ''be not ashamed O 1 these. They're beautiful. aye. beautiful | They stand for the dollars ye gave . Polly" Trove turned away. wipins his eyes. He looked down at his coat and trousers and began 10 wonder if he | were. indeed. worthy to wear them. Tim not good enough for them." said 1e. but you've pt1t new heart into me.