Free press., 1907-01-12

Ihe young man smiled ruetully.
mine will keep" he said ITO tell you
the truth, I was only going down to the
Island for day on the river by myself"
While he was speaking Tara found that
they had turned half lf-unconsciously, and
that he was walking along at her side.
She hadn't the spirit to make any objec-
tion this time. She realized with a sudden
miserable pang that she felt weak and ill.,
and that she owed her loud-voiced landlady
a fortnight's rent.
'The river" she echoed dreamily-and
her companion could not guess what tragic
impulse underlay the words-.'the river
must look beautiful a day like this
all simmer and reflections. Then, with
the hospitable impulse to make conversa-
ton: 81 lived near the Island once in
my mothers lifetime. I love the river
more than ever now I'm away from it
it's so soothing and restful."
They had turned down another unpre-
tending street, and came to a standstill be-
fore the door of a shabby lodging house.
Goodbye she said wistfully, holding
out her hand-she hardly knew why-"you
won't worry about my poor dress any more,
will you? 1t just accident and
both to blame I hope you'll enjoy
your day" Her voice was in a minor key.
though she did not know it; and the mans
whole being was in sympathy with anything
in a minor key that morning. Consequent
ly he didn't at relinquish the small
hand she offered him; as he should have
done.
Its awfully nice of you to say so,' he
said earnestly. Most girls would have
been furious. II hope you won't misun-
derstand me, think me impertinent
cad but you look much if day on
the river would do you a world of good.
You're alone in Portland, aren't you? And
I'm alone, too, except for my thoughts,
which aren't exhilarating company. Would
you-wil you-renew your acquaintance
with the Island? Just let me take care
of you for a few hours. I'd feel it such
big honor if you would. I dare say I'm
suggesting something abominably outre
But I've been out in the wilds for ten years,
where we don't consider Mrs. Grundy much ;
so, if I'm presumptuous, please forgive me-"
Presumption it would certainly have been
in anyone else, Tara reflected, but in this
man it seemed merely kind and natural
Supposing she took him at his word. A
sharp longing to glide once again between
daisy -hecked fields and to hear the leaves
rustlfng on dustless trees came upon her.
She felt an unusual sensation of reckless
ness. After all, what did anything mat
ter? The man was obviously a gentleman
one day of peace and rest-and after
ward? Well, the river there was quieter
and less dirty than in the heart of a big
city.
''I do so want to make some atonement
for my share in the calamity" he went on
eagerly; "and if 1 can only bring a little
color into those pale cheeks of yours shall
count that dress well spoilt Please say
yes, and I'll go and replenish this wicked
basket whilst you change-please." He
looked very boyish in his persistence, and
for a moment a trihe less world-weary.
Tara wavered. The irresponsible mood
still had her in possession. She hdgeted
with her handbag and glanced up and down
the road; then she looked shyly at him. 81
should like it," she said rather breathlessly
'thank you for the thought-yes, I'll come .