Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1906-05-03
THE LAST OF
HER. ROSES
By J. J. BELL
iAuthor Of "Wee MscCreegor"l


aOlQleTly neSlJdllOn. luSIetu Ol pulIlIS
the bell-handle he pulled his gray
nustache and looked back undecidedly
at the garden gate through which he
had passed ere his courage failed him.
This will never do" he said to him
self, and with an effort he laid his fin
gers on the bell-handle. A faint tin
kle, and presently he was asking
maid, who glanced admiringly at his
broad shoulders and bronzed counten-
ance, if Miss Neville was at home.
Maj Carruthers found himself in a
small drawing-room, the furniture of
which was old-fashioned yet arranged
without primness. A dainty touch was
everywhere evident, and, though the
season was late autumn, flowers
abounded. He noticed photographs of
people as he had met them 20 years be-
fore, and he observed with a sigh that
his own likeness had no place among
them.
He singled out one on the mantel
piece. 1t was that of brother officer
in his first campaign. Poor old jack"
sighed the major; "she has forgotten
me, and she has remembered you,
though you've been in your grave a
score of years. | wonder If you were
really engaged to her before"
He turned suddenly, for the door had
opened and Miss Neville was coming
forward to greet him.
do you know me, Hilary?" he stam-
mered.
Know you? OF course, Jim!" was
her reply as she held out friendly
hand
Maj. Carruthers was surprised and
relieved. He had anticipated an awk-
ward meeting, and at best polite rec
ognition of himself as an old acquaint-
ance whose appearance was sort of
resurrection, but here was Hilary
Neville receiving him as though he had
parted from her only yesterday
Its awfully good of you!" he cried,
boyishly, and then laughed He could
not help 1t.
Il should have known you by your
laugh, anyhow" she said smiling, and
motioning him to a seat.
And l should have known you by
your voice"
Then he became grave. IT'S %
years in December-20 years-since l
last saw you"
"Is it 50 much? l can hardly believe
it"
Neither can I, when look at you,
Hilary"
You were always abroad any time
I happened to be home on leave"
Yes. For years | had a desire to
travel. Now, I'm rather tired of it all,
and am quite content to vegetate at
Lavender Cottage l suppose the con-
tentment is sign of age!" she said,
NONSENSE" exclaimed her visitor.
He was forced to admit that time had
changed her, but his heart cried out
that she was as sweet and desirable to
him as ever.
"Im &c." she said, bluntly, thinking
to shock him.
Not till January" he returned, sim
ply. And I'm So" he added, stoutly.
The maid entered with the tea tray
and on her departure they dropped into
a conversation on the past-the past
as it had interested both of them. 1t
was natural enough that they should
come to speak of Jack Cunningham;
but the major was a little surprised
that his companion referred to her
dead lover without great sadness,
though with all gentleness. Her fin
gers did not tremble as she took the
photograph from the mantelpiece and
handed il to her visitor
Poor old jack he said, softly. 81
remember the day he and l went to-
gether to have our portraits taken
This is a capital likeness" He Won
dered what else he could say. After a
moment he went on: Jack was one
of those clever fellows who would have
come to the top if he had lived. He
got ahead of me in everything Hilary"
81 think you are undertaking your
self, jim" she said, kindly.
"No. It's the truth. But only once
was jealous of his success"
There was a silence, which was
broken at last by Miss Neville Would
you like to see the companion photo
TO Jack's?' she asked, with a faint
smile.
Yes | looked in vain for 1t on the
mantelpiece.
Excuse me a moment, then, and III
get it for you"
Stay, Hilary" said the major fol-
lowing her to the door. Us it the same
as this?" And he took a worn leather
case from his breast pocket as II the
same as this?" ne asked, opening the
case.
Miss Neville stared for a moment
Her face flushed crimson and then
turned very pale. ooh, no, no!" she
whispered, and fed.
What have | done?" he muttered.
Have | offended herr" lie looked
lcngingly at the faded photograph in
his hands-hOw often, IN many a far