The Washington herald., 1906-12-09

good-humored merrymaking. Genevra
had played and sung, and received the
ensuing compliments with a modesty
born as much of embarrassment as of
nature. Mr.. and Mrs. Pilger were
pleased with their investment in her
education. Mr.. Hopper was pleased
with her in every way. He had even
remarked upon the beauty of her
throat, to her unspeakable confusion.
The last witticism had been laughed at,
the last glance of pleased qualification
exchanged, and after a fond goodnight
embrace from her aunt, a goOd-natured
pat from her uncle. Genevra found her
self IN her room alone. She sank to
her knees by the bedside, too anguish
ed for tears. feeling hemmed in by
horror.
Mr.. Hopper's sentiments became
quickly known. He sent masses of ex-
pensive flowers; bonbOns enough to
make a girls boarding school happy
There were automobile trips when he
followed them TO their summer cot
tage." In fact, his woOing would have
grown very ardent had it not been for
Genevra's unwavering refusal 10 60
anywhere unchaperoned. AS a conse-
quenee her aunt. rather reluctantIy, ae-
companied them always And surely
her high spirits and fun made her a
better companion for Mr.. Hopper than
his inamOrita ever could have been
When the fall season came and with
the return to town, a merry -go-round
Of dinners, theaters. and dances, his
continual escort became almost unbear-
able. Never was there an evening
meal free from hts presence. If they
Joined a party. Mr. Hopper had her in
charge. If they dined privately, he was
the fourth at table
Yet. so far as his companionship was
concerned, none other at hand would
have been preferable. The women they
knew were all of type, elaborateIy
cOiffed gorgeously dressed. perfumed
and the men their natural, masculine
c0unterpaFts. Genevra writhed IN o
society which repealed her. fearing in
any way to betray the repulsion
And, worst Of all, though nothing had
been said. she knew that she was event
ually expected to marry him. Just what
she should 90 when the moment Of the
crisis came she would not even consider
the thought was too painful; but many an
hour the girl spent alone. in the early
morning. or, indeed, waking in the dark
night, trying to devise a plan for earning
her own living If an hour of COmpulsion
should come.
one clear, cold Sunday morning dull
unhappiness drove her out of the house
before her uncle or aunI had arisen.
People were coming to dinner and 10
remain all afternoon. There would be
little more wine than was necessary,
high gayety and ragtime music Partly
to nerve herself for the coming day. part
ly TO get away from her own introspec-
ton, Genevra walked far and fast. Re
turning, she passed a church of the same
denomination that she had attended at
school. The services were commencing.
the sound of the organ swelled even TO
the street. A longing filled her heart, and
she went in. Before she came out she
mad become a member of the congrega-
ton Girls do such things quickly some
times when the assistant pastor is young.
alert, and skilled in the ways Of women,
and all this was the Rev Arthur Grant
Her action occasioned some surprise at
home, but no disfavOr. It was when she
began spending weekday afternoons at
the settlement as well as Sunday morn
ings al the church that Mr. and Mrs. Pill
ger made decided protest. Genevra heard
their words without reply. and repeated
them 10 the Rev. Arthur Grant who lis
tened. much disturbed at the thought Of
losing his pretty and capable assistant.
If you go. Miss Genevra," he said.
looking straight into her eyes. we shall
never find any one 10 take your place
You give more time and are more vaIua-
bic than any Of the other girls; in fact.
you are the only one who really puts her
heart in the work. And-the children are
not the only ones who viii miss you
There are-others will miss you, too"
He was a young man, and only assist |
ant rector. and some things are hard to
say.
7 viii come anyway until Christmas" "
said Genevra, with determination. T
will make them let me stay that long.
They will, I am sure And afterward"-
the thought choked her, and she turned
away
The time was short till Christmas. /
and Genevra fingered a little longer !
every day. while the young minister
never failed to look in for a little while
at least TO see how mis- charges were
no matter how many other
duties called him. 1t did his heart good /
to see this luxury -enwrapped young
woman pour out such loving kindness !
to the swarm Of children, mostly un- /
clean. all affectiOnate, that clung to |