The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1909-02-06

But John seemed to grow quieter and
graver, to devote himself more stead
lily than ever to his work and his
books He even began to avoid the
younger people, and to shut himself
into his study when they had little
parties.
John, come play croquet with US"
said Kitty, coaxingly, meeting him in
the hall late one afternoon.
She had on a fresh white dress, with
a great bunch of roses under her belt.
and even one burning blood-red in the
gold of her hair, and looked a very
picture of youth and beauty, while he
stood there in Tough working garb,
brown, and stained with the soil OF
wood and field
He smiled half sadly, and just touch
ed her silken hair with one strong
brown hand
Nay, child, l would only spoil the
game with my stupid laundering"
mo. you wouldn't Please come"
pleaded the young girl.
No, not this evening. l hear Harry
calling you
He hurried past her into his study,
and she walked slowly out to where
Harry waited for her.
Come, Kitty, or it will be dark be-
fore we can play one game"
II don't care to play this evening.
I've changed my mind about it,
Then We'll take walk | want to
tell you something's down his
mallet. and joining her, with flushed.
eager face
Late that evening, as John Danger
field sat reading, or trying to read,
new magazine. his young brother
walked into the little study.
John, may l ask favor of your"
he began, abruptly, restlessly turning
the leaves of a book
Certainly, my dear fellow. What is
it?'
you have great influence with
kitty-use it for me-"
The elder brother flushed, then grew
pale: one hand gripped hard on the
open magazine.
why, Harry"
II love her, john
"And she?"
Refused me this evening Please
help me, John. I do not think she is
really Indifferent, and if you will
speak to her-I'm sure | can't live
without her"-a real culver in his
voice.
What must say?" John inquired,
in stiff, hard voice. gray shade set
Ting over his face.
"Anything-you know BEST
He shut his lips close for a moment,
fighting fierce battle with himself.
Should he-could he-and so crown all
his work, his life of self-denial, with
the sacrifice of his heart? For who
could love Kitty as he loved her?
Il will speak to her, Harry; but II
fail to win her consent?"
Il will never hold you to blame God
bless you, joint"
And the lad awrung his brothers
hand, grateful in his selfish way.
So the next morning Miss Kitty re-
ceived a summons to her guardians
study. Once, she had been fond. OF
going in there, of busting his books
and papers. of sitting quietly in the
deep window, while he read or wrote;
but now she rarely ever crossed the
threshold. She walked in that morn
ing with flushed cheeks.
What is it, John?" her bright
brown eyes looking into his, for ali
the tumult Of her quivering pulses. a.
He drew a little further back into
the shadows r.
"Come-sit down here by me, Kit
ty."
NO, I will stand here" she said,
placing herself like a culprit before
him.
You are lovely girl. Kitty"-sigh-
ing, as if he deplored the fact.
DO you think so?" she exclaimed
and blushed.
And young men will fall in love
with you"
1t is not my fault. I'm sure don't
want them to-"
For all his sore trouble, John Dan
gerfield could not help smiling.
That may be, but after awhile you
must love. too. Kitty, why did you
refuse Harry"
Because could not love him."
But why not? He is handsome
and entertaining, and he will be sue