The Washington herald., 1907-08-18

brother tone, while his whole being was
afiame to take the sobbing girl in his
arms. draw her head 20 his breast, and let
her cry her heart out there; and probably
1t would have been the best and wisest
thing he could have done. In the outrush
of lOve-excited feeling the barriers of
pride and doubt were submerged for the
time-a little more and they might have
been wholly swept away; but once let
the food abate. and they would rear
themselves again. II is hard that a man
should suffer for the best that is IN him.
and if the young man had been less ten
DERBY reverent in his love, less chivalrous-
~ determined that the girl should have
fair play, that she should not be forced
to decision while half beside herself
with pain and passion, he might have
stormed her maiden fortress then and
there. and borne the prize away. But the
friendly, hearty, cOmmon-sense tone, as Il
sounded to Isobels ears. was an excel
lent tonic for her excited, Over-wrought
fancy. Already that fOrmless, visionary
dread was shrinking away before IT, Ike
a dream fading in daylight
Il knew. of course. YOU would think
me foolish, she began. drawing away
little from the arm which be had ven
tured 10 put around the slight, shaken
shoulders
Well" said Basil, with a laugh, I'D
rather have your foolishness, as you call
il, than other peoples wisdom"
But it's not all foolishness," broke in
Isobel. suddenly raising her head. the
quick flash in her eyes seeming TO dry
her tears. Il wish ii were. but you can't
deny it."
~. 7o,.. In, q ,,,. ,l+,,,,,.t.., o,
said Basil But will you let me say
something. or try 10 say it. for I'm no
good at putting things into words"
"Oh. say what you like; but to most
people it Is not difficult to find fault. I
have learned that much already" in
light, hard tone.
Il am not going 70 find fault. Isobel,"
and there was something in his voice
which made the girls bright head droop
a little, while the hand, which she had
half withdrawn. trembled back into his
clasp. Il wish ] could put 1t as I feel it.
but sometimes. in the old days, I used to
think it-suCh a pity that somehow you
got so little good OF things-of your life;
then, when l saw you again upon the
terrace" Gin spite of himself HIS voice
shook a Ittle). Il thought I had never
realized what happiness meant till I had
looked IN your face"
Yes. l was happy-then," said Isobel.
in a low voice. mist filming the dry
brightness Of her eyes.
Then why shouldn't you be happy
still?" said Basil, stOutly. Things are the
same as they were then. except for the
nonsense that has been talked. II people
tell you you are changed. what does it
matter? Be yourself; that should DE
enough. I don't trouble about your old
self or your portrait any more. You've
outgrown them both; that's all I know
you wouldn't want TO be your old self
again, even If you could; you seem 20
have got into a brighter, wider world
somehow"
DO you think so?"-with a smile Of shy
pleasure. But every one doesn't think
that-he doesn't" with a sudden change
of voice.
TRY not to think too much Of that"
gently. IT'S easy 10 say that, I know,
but If you had seen your father as I saw
him, when you were away, you would not
wonder at him now. nor at anything he
says or does" Basil was trying 10 con
vince himself now as well as Isobel, and.
therefore, succeeded with neither. Per-
haps he felt this. for he changed his
ground. If you've lost a good deal
we'll. then, a great deal-try TO think how
much more you have gained, and that the
gain VIII go on growing-I know it will.
Won't that help your meeting her eyes.
Yes, but do you really think it will?'
Her eyes kindled melted a faint flush
rose in her face.
I am sure II will" said Basil, hastily,
and looking away as hastily. He was
beginning to feel that he had made pref
ty severe demand upon himself.
But il must have been as hard for
my mother'-Isobel suddenly harked back
to the old subject-'and yet she"
Your mother. All. that is because she
is what she is. exclaimed Basil relieved
at finding a subject upon which he could
let himself go. Il think people need 10
be like her to be the better for great
trouble. I don't think II improves US
mere ordinary mortals, though we are al
ways told il does sO-'sweet are the uses
of adversity'-and all the rest Of IT,"
Then ii is TO be hoped we shall es-
cape it," began Isobel. with smile,
when the door suddenly opened, and Lady
Stormont came hastily in. in a state of
distressed excitement, painfully at vari-
ance with her usual gracious calm.
1T is no use Basil; my husband will
not even hear Of it. l am quite helpless;
I shall soon not be able even to mention
her name-ah, Isobel"-the note Of strain
in her voice giving place to one of con-
sternatiOn as she saw that the young man
vas not alone, but was standing beside
her daughter in an attitude somewhat
suggestive Of other feelings than cousin
". Her usual tact and insight suddenly
failed her.
Have you she faltered, half hope
fully. half reproachfully. and then her
eyes too. Were caught by the empty
space upon the wall. and she stopped
abruptly.
Isobel saw the hot embarrassment leap
10 her cousins face, and then her eyes