The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1908-11-19

gazing out OF Cn0 WlfluOW IL
4 was in the early part of No !,
vember. The lawn, and in the
distant view the meadow, were glori-1
fled by light robe Off natures virgin
white. A small stream cOursed thru
the meadow; it's narrow banks were
ained by small trees now denuded of
their foliage and glimpses of the spark
ding water were visible to Cecil as she
absently surveyed the scenery that pre-
sented itself from her vantage position
at the open window. The November
breeze as it famed her rosy cheeks
gave mute evidence and foretaste of
chilly, cold days drawing nearer. The
sunbeams played, seemingly, among
the loose curls of her beautiful, dark
brown hair. The gentle breeze waved
the loose folds of thel house gown to
and fro as tho bent on severing 1t from
the slender form, or entWining it more
firmly about the wilowy, young figure.
These pranks of the sun and breezes
caused Nellie Davis, seated in COM
Portable rocker nearby, to gaze curl
ousIy at Cecil. Being of form and figure
similar to Cecil, with the same abun-
dant dark-brown hair; with liberal
supply of natures gifts to woman, and
equally as attractive, she sat curiously
gazing at her own characteristic like
ness embodied in her dearest friend.
Mentally she wondered why CeciPs
eyes were ebony colored, occasionally
dlashing like diamonds, above which
were delicate, silky lashes, while her
own eyes were blue. Again, she men-
tally wondered why her charming
friend was daily becoming distant like.
Cecil, too, was engaged in the mental
pastime of wondering about an appar-
ent change in Nellie.
Several months previously Cecil's
parents had moved to Robely, large
city ninety miles from Hadley The
two girls had been lifelong chums, and
constantly together prior to Cecils
leaving Hadley. Because of the sepa.
cation they had mourned together but
as they bade each other gOod-by, the
day Cecil lest for her new home, they
consoled each other with promises OF
oft-repeated visits. And now Cecil had
come to spend month with Nellie
Already she had been at the Davis
home for several days. Her welcome
was unquestioned but she was greatly
surprised at Nelie's changed manner
To find Nellie in sad mood was un
accountable to Cecil. Patiently sht
had waited for some condolences, as il
the days gone by, for some hint sha
would enable her to understand th'
changed manner which was 50 appar
ent to her and still seemingly upnOticet
by the girls parents. But SO far sh'
was still mystified. However, know
I ing her friend 50 we'll she concluded t
learn the cause of the marked change
Suddenly she turned her dark eyes to
ward Nellie, interrupting the latter
fascinated gaze, and in tender, emo
&ional tone of voice asked: "W hat il
the world is the matter with you, Nel
die? What ails your"
"Why!"
because" said Cecil, in a modulate
tone of mimicry, "yOu have been &C,
aug so queer since came. You're nc
at all like you used to be. Now, whs
is the matterY'
"Oh, don't know" Nellie evasivel
replied.
"Yes you do" persisted Cecil. "Com
out with it"
Nellie looked entreatingly at hi
friend but Cecil was Obdurate. Thel
was no indication of relenting in thos
eyes that seemed to command COM
dence, that spoke of determinatiU
to know, and yet conveyed kindl
sympathetic interest. AS their ey'
met one seemed challenging the Othe
the black orbs unrelenting, the bll
eyes faltering. Silence reigned betwee
them until Cecil laid her hand OH Nc
lies luxurious hair and repeated b.
words: .Come, dear. tell mel"
The blue eyes filled with tears whi'
coursed unheeded down the pa
cheeks. dripping lightly into the gir