Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-14
quivering lips seemed to entreat their

quivering lips seemed to entreat their love.
 Gerald maintained defiant air oi outward calmness. but there was a flush on his cheek, and an anxious light in his eye which flashed feyerish scrutiny between his mother and the | girl he had thrust upon her. lie was proud, grateful and happy at Sues re- ception-at the justice finally done; relieved that the wooing of her who really held his wayward affections need be no longer under the rose.
 At the close of the meal Winslow saw Gerald go alone to the place oi meeting he had signifed.
 As soon as possible he followed to where the grove of naples offered shade and silence. Here he found Gerald waiting.
 The latter greeted him with impul- sive candor: MT. Winslow, what a coward you must think mel"
 Winslow took his hand, smiling as he returned: I'm sorry came, if 1t was but to hear you villify your self.'
 But Gerald was fully bent upon making the apology to which he had nerved himself, and which he now poured forth as if anxious to have the distasteful task over.
 Through a message from Col. Boone learn of your rescue of my sister. The old gentleman has highest praise of you, too, as the traditional Hero. He says you saved his life from an Indian who lay in ambush. Alto gether, sir, see that you Lave played, not only an honorable, but a heroic part"
 Winslow laughed. "A sorry hero. MT. Creighton; no gentleman but would gladly have been of service to your sister, and as to saving the life of Col Boone-well. sir anybody who cannot hit an Indian at 20 paces is . wretched shot"
 But Gerald insisted: You are too modest; it is well that your friends know your value, even though-like me, they are slow in learning it. he added with blush, continuing hast lily: "On my sisters behalf thank you; on my own, apologize" 4"I can readily understand your prejudice, Mir. Creighton. Twas cef- tainly in a compromising position your indignation toward me was, per haps. we'll founded; you knew me slightly, you had no especial reason to trust me. But, sir" and his voice hardened, and his eyes flashed, flor the suspicion of your sister you will pardon me if have small charity"
 Gerald accepted the rebuke with surprising meekness. "I am ashamed of it." he said, "and have already asked her forgiveness"
 Then he added with touch of brotherly pride: "Lavvy is unlike the rest of her sex, in that man can humble himself to her without having to grovel on his marrow bones."
 Quick came the lovers added trib- ute: Because she is generous-she is gracious
 But, the fraternal enthusiasm al- ready spent. Gerald seemed not to hear, but hurriedly began his thanks to Winslow for the surprise given him that morning in the offer of the posi-. tion as teacher. -....,.
 You see." he said, blushing, while we have every reason to suppose that Susan's land will prove as rich as yours, I-I don't care to depend upon that" and he gave manly shake of his handsome head.
 And then there was pause while Gerald neryed himself to speak still further Absently he tore the tiny spikes of green from sword fern. When he had thrown the stem aside an officer degraded-he said: There is another matter of which have long wished to speak; it is of my regret that your trouble in the forest when when Jabez Miller was killed, was all brought about by mistake for which I was primarily to blame. For I must say in justice to the old man. that he thought he was attacking me-"
 To Gerald's astonishment, Winslow seemed in no way surprised. but asked, coldly: But why does this justify the old man-to imagine himself attack ing you?"
 Gerald colored and bit his lip. Tt does not, in fact. am only making allowance for drunken fancies. This explanation. sir" he added. curtly, for Winslow's attitude neetled him, "is given only because I wish you to know that I am very sorrow that you have suffered on my account"
 Then the reproach which had so long lowered on Winslow's tongue found utterance. "Of the physical suffering. Mir. Creighton, 1 make small account: it is over. thank God, and the knife found no deeper lodgment in my flesh than yours would have afforded. No, do not harbor that against you, but there is another-a scar that will ever abide with me scar that is written not on my shoulder which this camlet hides-but on my forehead. forever branding me in the eyes of the woman I love. It is that-that deeper mark l wear for your sake, which l find it hard to pardon.l.
 All the psnt-up indignation of weeks found vent in the words.
 Gerald listened in open wonder. then demanded promptly: You may as we'll talk to the open air. sir. as expect me to follow your railing. I am aoso- lutely guiItless of any harm to you