Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-06

what you have done for us--of your knightly services, MT. Winslow."
 "Winslow," Gonzaga started vio' lently as he realized her mistake. The halo of which she had spoken was an optical delusion common to the fever, and so binding as to account for her error-weak, too. and i'll as she was.
 Another trick of fate to aid him. His quick wit saw the possible advan- tage for him in the role of the favored Winslow. And Lavender had> not heard her mothers words: she need not know that he spoke in other char acter.
 Louder this time, and for the bene- fit of the listening girl. he said: Per haps my halo is brightest because I bring good news. We are trying to arrange for your return home; do you want to go?"
 The thin face, outlined in perfect profile against the pillow. relaxed in . smile of infantine sweetness; the eyes glowed with eagerness as though be- hind each a tiny cresset burned. But the spark went out, as. quick upon the heels of delight, came the sense of duty--the habit of sacrifice.
 T cannot leave the rest" she mur. mured.
 And what if they go too? What if you all go home together?"
 "Ah, that would be the answer to prayer"
 And you will get we'll faster if we promise to take you back?"
 She nodded slowly, with perfect trust and a happy sigh of content, and then sank again to the pillow.
 During this dialogue, Lavender had drawn closer, standing tense and up right against the wall, her ears strained for the words which seemed freighted with new, strange mean ing.
 As Gonzaga pronounced the pronoun we" she gave an involuntary start, and took step nearer. But before she could speak. Gonzaga, anxious to close the interview while yet 1t re- dounded to his favor, bowed over Mrs. Creighton's hand and withdrew.
 Lavender followed him past the sen- tinel on the threshold. who moved readily enough this time, to let the ob- noxious visitor pass out. At the open ing of the irregular row of stones which served as fence, they paused.
 Lavender was the first to break si- lence. "Was it right to raise mothers hopes with such definite promise? It will be all the harder to disappoint her."
 Why must she be disappointed? There is way"
 She was not looking directly into his eyes, or she must have read their message. Her own were upon the sumach bushes opposite. saving their cardinal glory for a later day when they alone, might shine in . brown and barren wood.
 She shook her head: "There is no way. Father has tried to sell the farm. meeting only ridicule where men may have land for the asking. The work. so far, has added little to the value. You see, we have figured it out prac- tically," she ended with sigh. add great expense we came--we have no way to return"
 Except with me-"
 At his words. she gave him startled glance, and then-her eyes slowly dropped before his, as she realised his meaning. .....
 He was bending close. his look de- vourins her, as if with the very force of his passion he could bend her will to his.
 In the long pause which followed Lavender had time to regain self possession, and her voice was calm now. almost cold: Am I, then, to un- derstand that you will take my mother back home if will marry you?"
 Her matter-of-fact tone and man. ner for a moment chilled his srdor. Did his offer appear to her only in the light of a cold-blooded proposi- tion? Could he not make her desire 1t too?
 His heart sank as he read the an- swer in her eyes-cold. blue and clear like violets buried in a glacier.
 But again the old recklessness con sumed him; she was cold. but she was beautiful
 That is my offer. fair one. your mothers comfort-her life, perhaps. may be saved; it rests with you
 Then suddenly another argument occurred to him. ''I may say without vanity that seem to have found favor in your mothers sight. You will ad- nit the cordiality of her manner to- night? Again say. it rests with you"
 A curious jay peeped and twittered at them from dead larch near. She watched the bird soar away like flash of blue flame. then said: You say it rests with me, and in the same breath declare it to be her wish. That is c paradox. senor. since her wish must ever be my law"
 She paused a moment. then added. T wonder if this offer of yours is an answer to prayer7 Nay, hear me to the end. For my mothers sake. pray daily. hourly. for q way a way to take her back home where. they tell me. she may win new lease