Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1906-05-04
THE LAST OF
HER ROSES
IcOpyright. Isas, by Joseph B. Bo-lss1
BY ]. ]. BELL
tAuthos Of Wee k.ccseeecx."l


Maj. Carruthers showed signs of un-
soldieriy hesitation. Instead of pulling |
the bell-handle he pulled his gray
mustache 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
kie. and presently he was asking a
maid, who glanced admiringly at his
broad shoulders and bronzed counter
ance. il 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"
Si6hC0 cnE has AOASO1tCA
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 a friendly
hand.
Mai CarrutherS was surprised and
relieved. He had anticipated an awk-
ward meeting. and at best polite rec
ignition 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 awfully good of you." he cried.
boyishly, and then laughed. He could
not help it
81 should have known you by your
laugh. anyhow" she said. smiling. and
motioning him to seat
And l should have known you by
your voice"
Then he became grave. Its 20
years in December-20 years-since
last saw you
is it so much: can hardly believe
it"
Neither can |, when I look at you,
Hilary"
You were always abroad any time
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. 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 out
that she was as sweet and desirable to
him as ever.
I'm &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 int
a conversation on the past-the past
as 1t had interested both of them Il
was natural enough that they should
come to speak of Jack Cunningham;
but the major was a little surprised
that his companion referred to hel
dead lover without great sadness
though with all gentleness- Her fin
gers did not tremble as she took tht
photograph from the mantelpiece AND
handed 1t to her visitor.
Poor old Jack he said. softly. q.
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 ;
moment he went on: Jack was on
of those clever fellows who would hav,
come to the top If he had lived. III
got ahead of me In everything, Hilary.
II think you are undertaking your
self. jim" she said, kindly.
mo. It's the truth. But only ono
was jealous of his success"
There was a silence, which wa
broken at last by Miss Neville. ssWoul,
YOU like to see the companion pilot,
TO Jack's?" she asked. with a fain
smile.
Yes. looked In vain for 1t on tn
mantelpiece."
Excuse me moment, then, and II
get it for you"
stay, Hilary" said the major. fol
lowing her to the door. "Is 1t the sam
as this?" And he took a worn leathe
case from his breast pocket. us 1t tn
same as this?" he asked. opening tn
case
Mics Neville stared for a momen,
Her face flushed crimson and the
turned very pale. "Oh, no. MOI" sh
whispered. and fed.
what have I done." he muttered
aHaye L offended herr" He locke