River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1907-06-13

young, and widowhood had begun to
pail It was a life-habit with her to
rid herself of things when they palled
A servant brought a card. So! II
was to be the colonel
Picking from a tall vase one of the
IOng-stemmed lilies the colonel had
sent that morning, she went slowly
down, her soft white gown floating
about her and deepening the dusky
shadows in her hair
A great tenderness filled the heart
of the old man as she entered the
bright room, with his lily in her hand
lie came toward her eagerly; with
old-fashioned courtesy he took her
hand and led her to a chair.
He spoke of the weather and other
trivial things. She watched him and
listened. His step had not elasticity
mis- figure was no longer vigorous, the
ring was gone from his voice, and his
lips
1T pIeases me to see you with my
lily. They reminded me of your fair
sweetness when | saw them this morn
ing May hope?'
He stopped abruptly, and she
turned her face to his. She noted the
fabby lids of his eyes. Still
She opened her lips to say Eyes,
and in moment was surprised to
find she had said no
When he had gone, she went to her
or,V vCCy,, Tho liIiac npnroccoc
her; their perfume seemed heavy and
weak She buried her face gratefully
in a huge bowl of vivid red roses,
with cool soft petals and a spicy
breath. The doctor had thought them
so like her marked personality and
abundant vitality when he selected
them.
She yang.
Send Mary with these lilies to old
Mrs. Barnard. and take this bowl OF
roses to lhe library"
SO, it was to be the doctor. Would
he come n2xt, or should she give
Jack FarnhaNa his congo first?
A nervous ring was followed by the
doctors card On the tray of the i'm.
maculate maid. She was rather glad
he had come first. 1t would add a
sharp little point 20 her remarks to
Jack Farnham, if she had already
promised herself to another man.
She ran lightly down the stairs. He
was standing by table turning the
leaves of magazine.
Zine article that, on the chemistry
of foods" he remarked, when the
greetings were over.
She felt chilled. The chemistry OF
foods! Probably that was his daily
diet. How professional he was!
Those keen eyes behind the spect4cles
were likely at this moment taking her
in as subject" She knew this WAS
an injustice, but the thought came to
her all the same.
Was he considering capillary action,
when her cheeks flushed and her
eyes frightened? She moved, impa-
tient of her own thoughts.
She felt like an insect under a
microscope His presence had never
impressed her like this before. AS.
surfing herself of her own absnrdity,
she smiled back at him, and he,
pleased that he had gracefully pre-
vented the formation of ice in the at
mosphere, went on deepening her i'm.
preston.
Oh, it would never do. She could
not sit opposite those professional
eyes three times a day for the rest
Of her life. She would just be a
widow.
She broke on him almost abruptly,
not answering the sentence he had
barely finished.
Dear doctor. am sorry to pain
you. You came for an answer to-day,
and l must say no."
There is nothing I can say? Moth
ing could change your decision? 1t
will be a deep sorrow to me else" He
spoke in a measured tone, keeping q
firm hold on himself.
NO" she said mo. But. believe
me, | am sorry"
He stood up, very grave and white.
''You will pardon me. if so at once?''
Bowling over her hand. but not ven
turing to look in her face, he went
out Of her life