Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-10

NO? But he did, Mabel-ali but
one, who ran away. Anna was there
and saw It all. Wasn't 1t poetic Jus,
tice-that he should come back 30
big. and brave, and strong? And he
was so small and helpless when they
ill-treated him. You know how
felt. believe was the only friend
he had in the whole world"
well, felt at the time. and feel
still, that I had done my duty when
| exonerated him. George was only
a foolish boy, you know. OF course.
I can understand that 1t is different
with you. Mr.. Breen said--you
know he called that day and spent
the evening with us--well, Mr..
Breen said he was notorious fight
or. always in trouble"
Bessie's small hand opened spas
medically, much as a cat shows her
claws; but 1t was gloved, and Mabel
smiled. sweetly and fearlessly.
Did ne really call on you.
Mabel" asked Bessie. How nice;
he called at our house, too; but Dick
was there and he went away-he
went right away was surprised.
And 80 he called on your"
He had something to say to me-"
replied Mabel. dreamily. Il suppose
he called to say It,"
Beseie's face paled little. and her
eyes opened wide, but she made no
direct inquiry as TO what Mr.. Breen
had to say. After moments silence
she said:
II don't think that Mr.. Breen Is
at all reliable. I think he Is very
much OF flirt---so insincere and in
consistent. Dick Is different. | re-
evening. Shall show 1t to you.
Mabel"
She drew forth letter which
Mabel took. languidly, and expert
encing a little dinlculty In reaching
in between the edges OF the envelope,
removed her left glove. She was not
left-handed. but by removing her
right glove she could not have dis
played large diamond on the third
finger of her left hand.
'Oh. Mabel exclaimed Bessie. as
she seized the hand, Isn't It beauti-
ful?" Her cheek was whittier and
her lips twitcheL.
Yes, isn't IT." responded Mabel,
az she pressed the gem to her lips.
1T came last evening. like your let
ter. from New Ycrk. Let's see what
your gladiator says.
My dear friend Bessie she read
he writes good hand. doesn't
he, Bessie. for common sailor-'My
dear friend Bessie you have prob
ably formed an estimate Of my gen.
eral character that no apology from
me will ever change. Yet 1t Is due
myself as we'll as you to offer one.
I am sincerely sorry for my conduct,
and ask your pardon. 1t must have
seemed unqualified rowdyism to You
| know that I have no reputation in
Awhile to be proud OF. but l did,
md would again. value your good
opinion. Yours truly, Richard Hal
pin"
Quite an apology" said Mabel. as
she handed the letter back; but
why should he apologize to you, Bee
sic! Did he--did he hit your"
Why, Mabel--the idea. He
thought. l suppose, that I should
blame him for poor Dicky's suffer
ing; and then, too, was his only
friend"
And ! suppose you will answer!"
Most certainly"
We'll, Bessie, when your Dick
buys the ring he must induce Mr..
Breen 10 select It, Mr.. Breen Is GER
taiuly Judge" Mabel fingered the
brilliant. and looked lovingly and
proudly at it.
bel" answered Bessie. somewhat in
coherently, II think he could choose
! for himself. There are mother and
| Anna-beckoning." she continued
brokenly. Il must leave you, Mabel;
and do come around"
/ Yes. and do come yourself. I've
80 many things to tell you. Good-by.
dear"
"Good-by. Mabel"
They kissed and parted on the cor
ner around which Dick had stalked
his officer, Mabel going back to her
home with lips tightly pressed, and
Bessie joining her mother and sister
with a look on her face that brought
anxious inquiries as to her health.
Neither girl called on the other, and
when they met again, they kissed.
talked commonplaces. and parted
without kissing. When next they
met the kiss was omitted. and the
conversation short. Next time, Bes-
sie was looking at show window
as Mabel came abreast. and on the
next occasion this happened to Ma
bel. Finally, they passed with state
~ and silent salutes.
From a masculine point Of view Il
was certainly wrong for Bessie to
give q false coloring to Dicks am
biguous apology; but she was a
woman: and women have their own
code Of honor. which we must not
question.
Instead Of writing candidly to Mr..
Breen explaining Dicks position. as
masculine ethics would have prompt
cd, Bessie wrote to Dick. and not be-
ing sure of his abiding place. sent
the letter In care of Mr.. Breen. The
ensign received II. studied the super
scription and postmark, swore softly,
and sent 1t by messenger boy to
Dick, who, with a sunburst OF court
| NJ "a h to hro