Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-02-07


sincere and unwordly man he fell in
love with her deeply and for all time.
Beulah was honestly unconscious of
it, though she might have known it
had she stopped to reason out his
thoughtfulness for her. his gentle air
of protection and Difference and his
deep, silent delight in her society. She
was not in any way self conscious. and
love had never touched her.
Her distaste for her approaching
marriage was absorbing her mind to
the exclusion of all 6se. Hobson was
the only one who understood the situa-
ton, and he found a vast amount of
quiet, cynical amusement in it. He
said nothing to Beuah, whose engage
ment to him had been the fruition of
a scheming mothers work, because he
expected her to allow him great lati-
tude in his own affairs.
On the night of Beulah's birthday
there was dinner at the house. While
it was in progress Fackerel was strid-
ing up and down a secluded path on
the lawn having it out with himself.
He knew at last just where he stood
and how he felt toward Beulah. anH
he determined rightly or wrongly tina.
she should know something of his fee,
ings for her.
After Il time he grew calmer. Look.
ing up, he saw Beuah coming straight
to him over the lawn, her white gown
cleaning against the dark background
of the trees.
'N on haven't even congratulated me
Mr.. Fackerel,' she began, and now
my birthday is nearly over"
1--WE been hoping all day for the
chance. Miss Warning. IL want to beg
you to accept this in remembrance of
some one to whom you have been very
kind
He he'd out to her small square
box. and she took it wonderingly.
How nice Of you, Why. Mr. Fack-
erel," she exclaimed as she opened the
box and saw the exquisite pendant of
diamonds. how perfectly beautiful
and how good of you. but
But whatf' he asked as she paused
irresolutely.
Il cannot accept so costly a gift,
and-from YOU" she said.
II want you to have it," he persist
ed, ito remember me, if you will,
when l am gone"
Gone" she repeated. "Why, surely
you are not going away?"
Tomorrow, and this is our
But why do you go?" she interrupt
ed. suddenly growing white and visit
full. 81 don't want you to 60. l need
you. r.
II trust 1 don't intruder" broke in
Hobson's cool. sneering voice. you
make a charming tableau"
Fackerel scarcely needed him. He
was too much dazed at the significance
Of Beulah's last trembling speech to
think or to care to think what Hob
sons presence meant. A sudden hope
fulness sprang up within him, and no
could scarcely keep back the eager
words upon his lips. Beulah, with the
cleaning pendant still in her hand,
looked from her betrotheds sneering
face to the others, white and intent,
and knew at last what the fierce.
sweet pain at her heart portended.
Having clandestine meetings with
my promised wife is something I could
easily overlook" the sneerlng voice
went on But prediction for max
Ing expensive presents by one who has
access to my safe is another matter.
You can consider yourself discharged,
Fackerel."
Robert am ashamed Of you." ex-
claimed Beulah, hastily placing herself
between the two men as Fackerel
made step forward. you can con-
slider our engagement broken" draw
Ing his ring from her finger and
thrusting it into his hand. Have the
goodness to leave me-"
"I'll look over your accounts at once,
Fackerel," he threatened as he turned
and walked away over the lawn
"Beulah," began Fackerel abruptly,
81 don't know how to say it well, but
l love you with all my heart, and l
want you to say that you care for me.
Do your
She stepped up to him and put her
two hands on his shoulders, and so for
a long minute she stood looking
straight into Fackerel's eyes.
"As l never dreamed of caring for
any one on earth, my dear" she whis-
pered.
Her Husband-You were a good look
ing woman when married you.
She-YeS: | had the advantage OF