Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-10
 THE LAST OF HER ROSES By !. ]. BELL iAuthor ct "wes MaeGfeesoE.
Copyright, lsos, by Joseph B. Bowles)

tcopyright. isos, by Joseph B. Bowlss)
 On the doorstep of Lavender Cottage Maj. Carruthers showed signs of un' soldierly hesitation. Instead of pulling the bell-handle he pulled his gray mustache and looked back undecidedly at the garden gate through which ht 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 g maid, who glanced admiringly at his broad shoulders and ,bronzed counten. ance, if Miss Neville was at home.
 Maj. Carruthers found himself in g small drawing-room, the furniture oi which was old-fashioned yet arranged without primness. A dainty touch wal everywhere evident, and, though ths season was late autumn, flowers abounded. He noticed photographs ol people as he had met them 20 years be fore, and he observed with sigh that his own likeness had no place among them.
 He singled out one on the mantel piece. It 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 g score of years. I wonder if you were reaHiy engaged to her beforeEstrS"
 He turned suddenly. for the door hat opened and Miss Neville was coming forward to greet him.
 Do you know me. Hilary" he stam mered.
 Know you? Of course, Jim!" wal 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 oi resurrection, but here was Hilary Neville receiving him as though he hat parted from her only yesterday.
 Its awfully good of you." he cried boyishly, and then laughed. He coult not help it.
 'I should have known you by youl laugh, anyhow" she said, smiling, ana motioning him to seat.
 And I should have known you b, your voice."
 '. Then he became grave. "It's 2t years in December-20 years-since last saw you" 1M1F .s8aaaS
 "Is it so muchi can hardly believ, it."
 Neither can I, when look at you Hilary"
 You were always abroad any tint happened to be home on leave"
 "Yes. For years had desire tc travel. Now. I'm rather tired of it all and am quite content to vegetate al Lavender Cottage. suppose the con tentment is a sign of age." she said
 "Nonsense," exclaimed her visitor He was forced to admit that time had changed her. but his heart cried oui that she was as sweet and desirable tc him as ever.
 "Fm ss." she said. bluntly, thinkint to shock him.
 Not till January" he returned. sim ply. And I'm 50.- he added, stoutly
 The maid entered with the tea tray and on her departure they dropped int a conversation on the past-the pas as it had interested both of them. | was natural enough that they should come to speak of Jack Cunningham but the major was little surprised that his companion referred to hel dead lover without great sadness though with all gentleness. Her fin gers did not trenbIe as she took tn, photograph from the msntelpiece ans handed 1t to her visitor.
 Poor old Jsek,' he said. softly. T remember the day he and went to sether to have our portraits taken This is capital likeness He won dered what else he could say. After ; moment be went on: Jack was on of those clever fellows who would hav' come to the top If he had lived. HI got ahead of me in everything. Hilary.
 T think you are undertaking your self. Jim she said. kindly.
 .sNo. It's the truth But only ono vas I jealous of his success-
 There wzs q silence. which val broken at last sy Miss Neville "woul, you Ike to SC the companion phot1 to Jsck-s.- she asked. with q fain smile.
 Yes looked h vain for It on th' nzntelpseee-
 -Exruse ne . moment. then and r7 rst l. for yol-
 -stzy. HIiary.- aid the nasor, fsl