Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-10-15
CHAPTER XVII

one to stir out Of doors At first the
change was welcomed by every one. a
message was sent for Vera. who went
across swathed in macintosh, and Lulu
announced her intention Of putting her
dolls house tidy. Aileen settled herself
to read some new essays on the Greek
dramatists that had been waiting her pc
rusal since Christmas Moyra gave her
self up 20 the unwonted luxury OF a
mornings reading, and Bride seemed en-
crossed in some needlework.
The morning passed very happily and
easily, but the afternoon dragged. Aiieen
saw that Bride was growing restless ner
gaze travelled often TO the heavy CLOUDS,
and after each survey she heard the glri
give weary little sigh as II the prospect
had disappointed her. Aileen suspected
that the unexpected rain had interfered
with some arrangement. Yet, angry as
she was, she could not but be sorry for
the girl, who started neryously with
Frightening face and eager eyes at each
sound she heard.
There was footstep on the gravel;
the door bell rang The color flooded
Brides face and her hands shook. Prof.
Lewiston was announced. For PHYS sake
Aileez forbore 10 look at her younger
sister as they welcomed the newcomer.
Terry welcomed the professor with un-
usual cordiality.
Eve are having a little too much OF
each other be said Bride has nearly
yawned her head off, haven't you, old
galT'-ruffling her hair the wrong way
as a mark OF brotherly affection. What
have you done with yourself all day.?
Il have read, | have thought" the pro-
.essor answered, with a somewhat pa
tIetic smile Il grew very tired of my
owl company and my thoughts, so ] ven
lGfed 10 come here.s
II an very glad you did Moyra said,
and Lulu, who had left the dolls house
even worse than she had found II, drew
near and inquired what he had been
thinking about.
Moyra would have checked her, but the
professor did not resent the question. He
gfted Lulu on to his knee.
They were not very happy thoughts,
lulu. You viii never have to think them,
because all your life so far has been
spent amidst happiness and affection. To
d&y happens to be my birthday, and one
generally looks back on such anniver-
saries, and the pages are not always
pleasant reading"
Ny birthday is in the summer. / shall
soon be seven said Lulu, who did not
care about "reminiscences. How old are
your"
Lulu - Moyra and Aileen exclaimed /;
but Lewiston only smiled gravely, as If
the question amused him.
Thirty years older than you, Lulu
quite an old man, am / not?"
II don't think So" she answered re-
fectively, looking at him critically.
you're not so old as father; but think
you're older than Billy or Angus. I'm so
dreadfully bored being in the house all
day" she announced. Tell me about
when you were a little boy; when you
were as old as / amp
The request evidently pleased, though
Aileen smiled a little at the spectacle of
the great Cambridge professor racking his
brains for the pleasure of little child
1t was plain he was making the best OF
his early life as she questioned him, but
1t was not a very lively story. He had
no recollection of his parents, he had lived
with relations who were not very kind,
he said simply. until he was old enough
to go to school, and so, by dint of hard
work, TO the university.
II don't think it was very amusing"
Lulu said impatiently. and he laughed
sadly.
mo, it was far from amusing, Lulu !;
but it seems to me that 1t Is only now
when am growing old and tired that l
am realizing that | have missed every
thing that made life worth the living"
Except fame" Aileen said. Surely
you have pleasure in your great fame?'
He smiled rather bitterly.
1T is an empty glory, Miss Aileen. 1t
is good to have fame If one deserves it,
but one needs more than that" His eyes
rested for a second on Bride, sitting In
her fayorite attitude. Fame gives you
satisfaction in your youth. and it in
creases your obituary notice by line or
two. But il alone cannot make one
tear fall for you, or bring one sigh for
you, or make you linger in the memory
of those who have no affection for you
1t is laurel leaf that fades quicker than
anything else"
There was a little pause then Moyra
said her voice trembling a little:
''There is only one thing that lasts
from youth TO age, and if it is wortbilv
bestowed II increases sevenfold every
yeas, sud that is love-" s@
'And you, duckie.' said Terry. with n
boyish hug. ARE the embodiment of n
You're just bundle of love"
In the laugh that followed no one
heard the door bell ring, and there was
consequently a little commotion when
Hammond announced:
MIR. Charters and Mr.. Fenton."
Eve met on the doorstep" Bertram
said. advancing first into the circle of
the freight. How nice and cosy YOU
an look What have you been doingY
Telling tales in the gloaming?p
Talking philosophy" Terry answered.
''Sit down, you fellows. and prepare
yourselves TO stay for the evening Moyra
dear, let us have much buttered toast and
new bread for tea
With the advent of tea came the Rec
tor. the twins. snd Vera. tn three latter
very cold and hungry aft,c their exer-
tons at Gerry's bench. They were max
ing a cabinet for collection OF birds
eggs. and the girls begged that the lamps
might not be lit: they were ashamed 10
let their untidiness be seen.
1t was a very lively tea, and Moyra.
seeing that Bertram was continuing him
self almost entirely 20 Aileen and Vera,
laughed and was happy with the rest.
When the last of the tea cakes and but
tered toast bad disappeared. she suggested
better light, bat chorus of voices neg
atiyed the proposal
I'm afraid you have no poetry In
You Terry exclaimed. as he stirred the
huge FIRE vigorously. Above all things,
l love a big fire and easy chair, and some
one 10 entertain me. Now, then. who is
going 70 ensertSin me? Moyra, tell us
one Of your tales
But Moyra refused promptly and de-
cidedly, and he turned to the professor.
who also declined.
1T is no good asking YOU. Fenton. Ber-
tram. yoa are a traveller. Spin Us a
yarn
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