River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1906-05-03
THE LAST OF
HER. ROSES
-
Fly J. j. BELL
tAuthor OF ives macCreegoE."l
Copyright, 1906. By Joseph B. BOwlss,
Ey J. J. BELL
tAuthor Of IVES MacCreegor."

soidierIy hesitation. Instead of pulling
the beIl-handle he pulled his gray
mustache and looked back undoubtedly
at the garden gate through which be
had passed ere his courage failed him.
This will never dc" 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 adnliringly at his
broad shoulders and bronzed counten-
ance, if Miss Neville was at home.
Maj Carruthers found himself in
small drawing-rooIp, the furniture OF
which was ol6-fashioned yet arranged
without primness. A dainty touch was
ever where 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. It was that of q 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
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 STAN
mered.
Know you? Of course, JIM" was
her reply, as she held out friendly
hand.
Mai Carruthers was surprised and
relieved. He had anticipated an awk-
ward meeting, and at best a polite rec
Ognition of himself as an old acquaint
ance whose appearance was a sort of
resurrection, but here was Hilary
Neville receiving him as though he had
parted from her only yesterday.
Its awfuliy good of you!" he cried,
boyishly, and then laughed. He could
not help It.
II should have known you by your
laugh, anyhow" she said, smiling, and
motioning him to a seat
'And | should have known you by
your voice
Then he became grave Its %
years in December-20 years-since
last saw you"
is it so much? I can hardly believe
it."
Neither can I, when / look at you,
Hillary"
You were always abroad any time
I happened to be home on leave"
Yes. For years / had desire to
travel Now, I'm rather tired of it all.
and am quite content to vegetate at
Lavender Cottage. I 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.
I'm &c." she said, bluntly, thinking
to shock him.
mot 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
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 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 II to her visitor.
Poor old jack he said, softly. q
remember the day he and went to-
gether to have, our portraits taken.
This is 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"
Il think you are undertaking your
self, Jim." she said, kindly
mo. 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 It on the
mantelpiece.
Excuse me a moment, then, and I'll
get it for you"
stay. Hilary. said the major. fol-
lowing her to the door. rs it the same
as this?" And he took worn leather
case from his breast pocket us 1t the
same as this?" he asked, opening the
case.
Miss Neville stared for a moment.
Her face flushed crimson and then
turned very pale. 'Oh, no, MOI" she
whispered, and fled.
What have 7 done?" he muttered
''Have l offended herr" He looked
longingly at the faded photograph in
mis- hands-how often, in many a far
land, he had gazed on the girlish face!
and returned it carefully in its case
TO his pocket.
His hostess was absent for several
minutes, and when she returned she
brought no photograph.
81 must let you see it another time. !"
she said, carelessly, almost coldly.
Il have surely offended her" thought
the major, miserably. "I'll remind you.
Hillary" he said aloud, trying to speak
cheerfully. WAS it taken after the
one l showed you just now-the one 1