Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-05-29

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was certainly becoming to her, and her
dress was, to my eyes, the perfection of
grace and elegance, giving fullness to her
hgure which, as / have said before, was,
in my opinion, trihe too slight. Her
carriage was never wanting in dignity,
but l thought she bore herself with the
air OF one conscious Of being mistress of
the house. Yet there was no stiffness or
formality in her manner; little Laure
herself did not welcome me with sweeter
smiles.
l sat down by the fire and we fell to
talking about the neighbors l learned
that they had already received visitors,
though it was scarcely time to expect
them, and l was glad to hear this, not
only because it would be good for Laure
to find companions of her own age, but
for Miss Dalrymples sake also. Mixing
among people who must appreciate her
excellent qualities, 1t was ten to one that
some decent young fellow would fall in
love with her, and good might come of it.
One thing had made up my mind upon /;
il DR.. Awdrey wouldn't have her, Mr..
Lynn Yeames shouldn't. Although the
running at present looked favorable for
Lynn, the race was not won yet by many
a length, and 1 had a strong belief that
he would be found nowhere when the mar
riage bell rang.
And who else has called upon you.
Miss Dalrymple?" l asked, when Laure
left the room. HAS Mr.. Yeames paid
you another visit since we last met"
wondered whether the little frown
with which she replied in the negative
implied that she was hurt by his neglect,
or vexed at the thought Of his calling
upon her again.
II was told that he intends to redeem
his character before he again presents
himself" said l.
"I am very glad to hear It," she re-
piled, taking up her work.
However, you will be able to see him,
for he is to be a near neighbor." I fan
cied that she did not look particularly
pleased at this Inclination. He Is go
ing to live In the house over there, and
from this window you will be able to
see him, If you get up early, moving
his fields, following his team, throwing
heart and soul and money into the noble
endeavor to become worthy member OF
society and model farmer"
"But I understood that Mr.. Yeamet
was in difficulties"
what does that matter? He has found
friend who's a bigger fool than he in
some respects, willing to pay his debts
and spend a thousand a year besides te
make worthy gentleman OF him. Dc
you think he will succeed?"
She did not reply to my question, but
sat absorbed in thought. Watching her
face keenly, thought there was an ex'
preston of tender sadness in 1t. Was
she mourning in her heart for the fall OF
one whom no effort could raise up? OF
was she grieving to think of that other
friends disappointment when he should
find that all he had done was of nc
avail?
"The friend is DR.. Awdrey?" said Miss
Dalrymple, after we had sat in silence
for some moments.
Yes" | replied; that is not difficult
to discover; for believe there's not an.
other man in the whole world who would
beggar himself for others as he will"
She sat with idle hands and musinp
eyes, still and silent as one sits at times
awed by the beauty of a starry night
"And | have not told you all that he
will do to make Yeames a gentleman
he will give him two thousand year
when he wins you. If that does not en-
courage him to make himself fit subject
for matrimony, don't know what will"
"He must nave grea. respect for Mr.
Yeames," she said.
"A very strong belief in his latent good.
ness, undoubtedly" l said. "Dr. Aw-
drey is as simple and confiding as a
girl. In that category he is not the only
one who has had great respect for Mr.
Yeames"
How am I to reply to that thrust p
she asked, with a smile.
"By telling me that IL DR.. Awdrey had
as intimate an acquaintance with Mr..
Yeames as you have, his respect would
have evaporated."
"But still his faith in latent good
qualities might exist" said she.
81 know his love would remain unal-
tered and while he thinks Yeames capa-
BILE of goodness, and YOU capable of low
ing him, he will endeavor to bring about
your marriage"
"His love?" she repeated questionngly,
with little emphasis.
"His love-" | said again; ''and greater
love hath no man than this-that he lay
down his life for his friend.'"
"Do you think he loves Mr.. Yeames to
such an extent as that?"
II was not thinking Of Mr.. Yeames,"
said l; "he is not the only friend con-
cerred 1t is a friend better known, more
highly priced in his heart, for whom that
brave man would lay down his life."
The malicious smile provoked by our
little passage of arms faded from her
lips, the color left her cheek, her dark
eyes deepened as she looked at me with
intense earnestness, to read in my face