The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-11-03
A LITERARY AFFAIR.
BY ARTHUR B. BERWICK.

ny An TUX w. bEhWiIN.
copyright, 1909 BY American Press Asso-
ciation.l
1t was pretty town. but inordinate-
ly dun. The branches Of the trees
formed an arch over the streets they
were rather roads giving In summer a
delicious shade But few people walk
ed on them. and where there was
footstep It sounded loud. In winter
there was no sound at all, for snow
covered the ground, and even wheels
could not be heard
He went there In midsummer. He
didn't 20 from choice. He was obliged
to 90. There was deal on. and he
must manage II from this quiet spot
his work was principally waiting for
people to make up their minds to sell
what they owned aud for Instructions
The town possessed dainty little
library He went there for something
to read There was cheerful APP
pearance inside, logs blazing in
broad tiled fireplace. The librarian,
girl Of twenty. stepped to the desk.
II would like book Of some kind"
he said. "Tm cooped up here with lit
tie to do and insufferably bored"
There were books on the desk which
he took up aud scanned listlessly.
What book would you llkeT' asked
the librarian.
II haven't the slightest idea"
You'll find the card rack over
there
Couldn't you suggest somethingY'
"Fictionln
eyes"
Have ron read Robinson CrusoeY"
Eyes. when boy. Why should
read that now?''
well Crusoe was alone on bis is-
land; you are alone here. You might
get some suggestion from him as 10
how to occupy your time"
THANK you; ia rather read this.
THE Hearts Highway / could do
better in recommending books to you"
What would you suggest?"
Put Yourself In His Place."
That's impossible. You are a man,
woman. You are stranger; am
at home here"
II am a bachelor, and you, pre-
sumo. are a maid" j
How would When Mans Single
suit you?''
Il think should like It better than
Robinson Crusoe9' Would II help me?'
Possibly. When You have finished
II you might take up this one: IL lis
Never Too Late to Mend" She
blushed as she said 1t.
'Srhe one appears to be natural
sequel Of the other What's this, Red
as Rose Is SheT"
She blushed still deeper.
Eve are not getting on. ! wish q
novel to while away the time. and l
don't find one
sYou are right This conversation
can do you no good. and 1t might pro-
iuce"--
"Bitter Fruit" he interrupted.
the title Of a volume she
handed him.
She turned away. and he. going to
The card rack. fingered the cards for
awhile in silence. looking aside occn-
at the girl. who sat by the fire
Presently he selected a book.
She jnbbed II with stamp and. glanc-
Ing at the title, gave her head slight
loss. 1t was "A Passing Fancy"
Better take that, she said. handing
aim "A Bit of a Rogue"
He came again the next day and the
lext, taking out books and keeping
10 the same sort Of chat till the
autumn arrived. Then he finished bis
work and before leaving went to the
library to return what books remained
With him.
II 20 tomorrow" be said. Thanks /
'or the books. This one" laying The
Hooing OF" on the desk. 4 have en-
Dyed very much" He looked at Der
With an unmistakabIe CLINT in his eye
Il thought you would prefer 4 Mid
summer Madness"
Il warn you that Won may cast ridi-
,ule on my feelings
Once Too Often" stamping a
BOOK Of that name.
Have you considered what | said to
-ou the last time was hereF he
lsked.
yes, and regard 1.-THE stamp
anne down on-"A Filtration With
truth
How can you say that? ] told you
loved you and wished you TO be my
wife. giving you time for considera-
lon"
And my answer is that prefer this
etreat and independence to the city
md slavery TO an artificial life"
He stood regarding her lugubriously.
bis ere. falling to the desk,
lighted on book. He took It up and
landed 1t to her 1t was "A Woman's
So."
Thus far the desk had been between
hem. Hitting the latch to the gate
hat shut bin of from the interior
ie went inside. She was leaning on
be desk. He stole his arm around her
-.