Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-06-17

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 as 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 as he felt, he was anx-
ious to be at home again. He started
from the hammock and began pacing
up and down. Suddenly there came
the swish OF womans skirts around
the corner OF the house. and Margaret
Curtis appeared. holding a mysterious
package in her hands. With a laugh
she threw herself into cnair and ex-
claimed
"Well. those hotel people have at last
found your precious manuscript. Some
body put 1t 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 1t 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 as ! had fancied.
Perhaps | shall finish 1t some day. but
not now am planning to write some
thing quite different this winter. 1t
will be 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 1t
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 and 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 how
to love"
AS he spoke, he leaned toward her.
but the girl sprang to her feet and
stood looking at him with little
shadow Of doubt In her eyes.
"But-you have known me so short a
time-are you sure?'
Am sure?' Meredith laughed JOY
fully. "Am ] sure that the sun Is In
heaven? Am l sure that the grass Is
green and at the skies are blue? AS
to the question Of time-can you who
know what the weeks have done for
me physically doubt that they could
develop in my heart strong endur-
ing love? What say you. MargaretT'
He was standing close beside her
now and was trying to look into her
eyes.
what are you going to say to meF
lie repeated his question with the
insistance Of a strong vigorous man, a
man who would not be denied his an
swer. -
AS she felt his eyes upon her the
waves Of color again flooded her face.
Again she hesltated and. turning
away, said, with little tremble In her
voice:
IL must get back to the hotel l
have some packing to do"
"May l not come with you"
The mans voice was deep with emo
ton.
"Yes-you may come"
The words were low, but DR.. Nero
dith heard them. and with qn:rE
stride he was at Margaret's side. and
together they passed through the gate
and out into the highway.