Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-12

phen's murmured thought:
"Oh. if he only knew. And I can't tell
him: can't. 1 dare not! must not!
How could l dishonor him by bearing
myself toward him as to that other
worthless - ~ All the muscles Of her
body seemed to shrink and collapse. till
she sank an inert mass at the Silver
Lady's feet.
But the other understood! There is
this about age and suffering-at least
they teach to understand She still said
no word; but her silence. and her quick
breathing. and the loving clasping of her
finger tip, brought understanding and
comfort to the stricken girl at heI
feet. -"
After long. long pause. when Ste
phen's sobbing had quite died away: when
each muscle Of her body had become rigid
on Its returning way to normal calm;
the Silver Lady began to talk of other
matters and conversation became normal
Stephens courage seemed somehow to be
restored. and she talked brightly.
Before they parted the Silver Lady
made request. She said In her natural
voice:
"Couldst thou bring that gallant man
who saved so many lives, and to whom
the Lord was SO good In the restoration
OF his sight, to see me? Thou knowest
I have made resolution not to go forth
from this calm place while may remain.
But l should like to see him before he
returns to that far north where he has
done such wonders. He is evidently q
mind coming to see a lonely woman who
Is no longer young. There is much
should like to ask him Of that land OF
which nothing was known in my own
youth. Perhaps he will not mind seeing
me alone" Stephens heart beat furious
ly. She felt suffocating with new hope.
for what could be but good from Harold g
meeting with that sweet woman who had
already brought so much comfort into her
own life? She was abashed, and yet ra-
diant: she seemed to tread on air as she
stood beside her friend saying farewell.
She did not wish to speak. So the two
women kissed and parted.
Stephen took her way in the darkness
back to Lannoy Castle like woman In q
dream.
1t had been arranged that two days
hence the Stonehouses and Harold we're
to again spend the day at Lannoy. COM
Stephen was Quiescent all the intervening
time. How she could exist in such a
negative state was a wonder to herself:
but women have wonderful moments and
wonderful powers.
When the Varilands' party arrived. Ste
phen told them of Sister Ruth's wish to
see Harold. Pearl at once proffered a
request that she also should be taken at
some other time to see the Silver Lady.
Harold acquiesced heartily. and 1t was
IL
noon he should pay the visit. Stephen
would bring him.
Strangely enough. she felt no awk-
wardness. no trepidation, as they rode up
the steep road to the mill.
When the Introduction had been eff
fected. and half an hour had been con-
sumed In conventional small talk. Ste
phen. in obedience to look from the
Silver Lady. rose up. She said, In the
most natural way she could:
Now. Sister Ruth I will leave you two
alone. if you do not mind. Harold can
tell you all you want to know about
good. he will tell You some of his adj,
ventures! Good afternoon. dear. wish
you were to be with us tonight, but
know your rule. i go for my ride. 6ul-
tan has had no exercise for five days,
and he looked at me quite reproa chfulIy
when we met this morning An revoir,
Harold. We shall meet at dinner!''
When she had gone Harold came back