The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-07-15

WAY.
ical man, so that there might be
strength and power when needed.
That he had learned his lesson thor
oughly could be seen at the first
glimpse Of him us he lay in the ham.
mock. The warm red blood that was
flowing through his veins was visible
even beneath the tan of his cheeks. his
hand was no longer white and bony.
and his broadened shoulders and full
chest showed that deep breathing and
vigorous exercise had Of late been his
daily portion. But now, strong and
full Of vitality rs he felt. lie WAS anx-
ious to be at home again. He started
from the hammock and began pacing
I'D and down. Suddenly there came
the swish of wolnan'S skirts around
the corner of the house. and Margaret
Curtis appeared. holding mysterious
package in her hands. With II laugh
she threw herself into q chair and eX-
claimed:
"Well, those hotel people have at last
found your precious manuscript. Some.
body put it into one of the big safes.
and they have just remembered.
"Let me see the stuff" said DR.. Mere
dith as he tore off the wrapping.
There it was-his Higher Thinking
the Basis of Nobler Living" He
glanced at page or two and then
said with good natured laugh. 1t
really isn't as bad rs ! had fancied.
Perhaps shall finish it some day, but
not now. am planning to write some
thing quite different this winter. 1t
will be a sort of preface to this and
will be entitled 'Hygienic Living the
Basis Of Higher Thinking"
He stopped for moment. Then
pulling paper from his pocket he held
it toward her and said earnestly:
II want you to help me with the
book and"-slowly, II have been hop
ing that you would let me dedicate il
something after this fashion"
Half hesitating the woman took the
paper that he offered her and. as she
read the words he had written. the
vivid coloring Of her cheeks swept
furiously over her face and neck.
For an instant there was silence be-
tween them aud then the man ex-
claimed.
"You are not surprised, Margaret?
You must have realized that. during
these last few weeks. ! have been
learning not only how to live but bow
to love-"
AS he spoke, he leaned toward her.
but the girl sprang to her feet and
stood looking at him with a little
shadow Of doubt in her eyes.
"But-you have known me so short
time-are you sure?"
"Am sure?" Meredith laughed JOY
fully. Am l sure that the sun is in
heaven? Am l sure that the grass is
| green and that the skies are blue? AS
20 the question Of tinc-caD you who
know what the weeks have done for
me physically doubt that they could
develop in my heart a strong endnr.
ing love? What say you. MarSaret:'
He was standing close beside her
now and was trying to look into her
eyes.
"What are you going to say to me"
He repeated 'his question with the
inslStance Of strong. vigorous man.
man who would not be denied bis an
Swer.
AS she felt his eyes upon her the
waves of color again flooded her face.
Again she hesitated and, turning
away, said With little trcmble in her
voice:
IL must Get back to tho hotel. l
have some packing to do"
May | not come with you:
The mans voice WAS deep with emo
ton.
"Ies-you may come"
| The words were low. but Or. Nero
dlth heard them. and with nuicl:
stride he was ut Marcarct's side. and
together thcv passed through the gate
and out into the highway.