The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-06-02


tagc Maj. Carruthers showed
signs Of unsoldierly h. sta
ton. Instead Of pulling the
bell handle he pulled his gray
mustache and looked back undoubtedly
at the garden gate through which he
had passed ere his courage failed him.
He who had been eager many a time
TO meet the enemy, was now nervous
and afraid at the prospect of meeting
an old friend.
..Ths will never do" he said to him.
gers on the bell-handle. A faint TIM
kle. and presently he was asking a
maid, who glanced admiringly at his
broad shoulders and Dronzed counte-
nance, II Miss Neville was at home.
Mai. carruthers found himself in a
small drawing-room, the furniture OF
which was old-fashioned yet arranged
without primness. a dainty touch was
everywhere evident, and. though the
season was late in autumn. flowers
abounded. He noticed photographs OF
people as he had met them 20 years be-
fore, and he observed with sigh that
his own likeness had no place among
them. And he also searched in vain
for one of Miss Neville.
He singled out one on the mantle-
piece. It was that of brother officer
in his first campaign. Poor old jacks"
sighed the major; "she has forgotten
me. and she has remembered you.
though you've been in your grave
score Of years. I wonder II you were
really engaged to her before
He turned suddenly. for the door had
opened and Miss Neville was coming
forward to greet him.
DO you know me, Hilary" he stam-
mered.
know you? OF course, JIM was
her reply, as she held out friendly
hand.
Mai. Carruthers was surprised and
relieved. He had anticipated an awk-
ward meeting, and at best polite rec
ignition. of himself as an old acquaint-
aEce whose appearance was sort of
resurrection. but here was Hilary Ne
vile receiving him as though he had
parted from her only yesterday.
Its awfully good OF you" he cried,
boyishly, and then laughed. He could
not help 1t.
Il should have known you by your
laugh. anyhow" she said. smiling. and
motioning him to a seat.
And should have known you by
your voice"
Then he became grave. ITS 20 years
in December-2o years-since last
saw YOU"
rs it so much? can hatdly believe
it."
Neither can ], when I look at you,
Hilary"
"Ah Jim! l forgot myself when I
said 1t didn't seem 20 years. Miss
Neville flushed slightly. How did you
discover me in this out-of-the- way
corner?" she asked, rising to ring for
tea.
Carruthers rose also, and somehow
their hands met on the bell. lin
staying at the castle for week or so,
and CHANGED to hear you were living
but without learning your where
abouts," he said, resuming his seat.
TITS not SO long since l settled here,
and for long time previous my ad-
dress was uncertain"
you were always abroad any time
happened to be home on leave.'
Eyes. For years I had q desire to
travel. Now. I'm rather tired of it all.
and am quite content to vegetate at
Lavender Cottage. suppose the con-
tentment is sign OF age!" she said,
smiling.
"Nonsense!" exclaimed her visitor.
He was forced to admit that time had
changed her. but his heart cried out
that she was as sweet and desirable to
him as ever.
I'm 49," she said, bluntly, thinking
to shock him.
mot till January" he returned, SIM
ply. And I'm So" he added. stoutly.
The maid entered with the tea tray,
and on her departure they dropped into
a conversation on the past-the past
as 1t had interested both of them. It
was natural enough that they should
Como TO speak Of Jack Cunningham;