The Holbrook news., 1910-12-23

'I believe you know him." Jes turned on her suddenl-.
 "Oh. I knew him abroad. little.
 You had better retain a favorable impression. dear" Jess arms were laid with quick impulse around hel sisters bare soft throat. her cheel pressed c,ose to hers
 ''I have retained a very favorable impression" laughed Phyllis. flush ing. And am glad. so glad. that his hopes have nearly all come true.'
 They both paused as a step on the bare polished floor of the broad hall way caught their hearing, and Rory Latimer came in, boyish. courtly as always, showing not a whit in his face or manner whether he had heard their talk about him or not. For nearly an hour ne talked with Jess over the plans for the settle ment fete, talked together earnestly merrily, as. the subject changed tint and with an air of rare friendship and understanding that carried its own message to the heart of Phyllis sitting somewhat in the shadow from the yellow glow of the broad, low mission library lamp. Vividly sha recalled that joyous spring in Paris, when she and Rory and all the world had seemed so young together.
 She had always been idealistic. His work as a comic artist had seemed the very degradation of art to her. even if his salary did count up to three and five hundred a week. The color rose even now in her cheeks as she remembered the quick, burning words she had said to him. words that. scorched his ambition dead, and left only the vague hope of possible phoenix that might rise through love. It appeared from later results that the phoenix had risen. One of his un- answered letters forwarded from Paris after the motor accident had said something about the ashes of dead hopes being an excellent pig ment if properly mixed and applied.
 And it had been her love and pride miracle.
 When Jess rose to leave the room she turned her head to meet his gaze, with a curious sense of relief and fulfllment. Her belief in his possibilities had been the spur. He must have known how she loved him, even though O large part of the love was dependent on his success.
 Its simply bully to see you again. |" Rory began happily. as he moved to a seat close to her. You'll never know what a real help you were to me back there in Paris, Miss Phyllis. I've learned a good deal of things as they are since then. quite good deal. And while I've laughed at my terrible spell in love. still. at least. it brought me the first thorough criti- cism I had ever had, and it put me on the right track. I never heard whether a broken heart spoiled a racing horse or not, have you?" He laughed, laughed altogether too cheer fully for anybody with a broken heart, Phyllis thought
 q am very glad that I helped you any, Rory" she said, softly. i've always believed so in you, you know. and wanted you to be your real self.
 She lifted her long lashes and looked at him. but Rory failed to re spond.
 q knew it." he exclaimed. eagerly. That's just what I told Jess. She seemed to take up the work where you left it. I mean since I came to New York, I've been successful, but I've had few friends. and none like her." He paused a minute, and asked boyishly: Do you think I will make a good brother-in-law, Phyllis?"
 For a moment her head dropped. and she closed her eyes, her hands crushing the thick fur of the Persian cat in her lap. Jess came down the broad staircase beyond the velvet portierss humming under her breath a gay little tune the street pianos were ripping out these Indian sum- mer days. It suddenly dawned upon Phyllis the new life that had trans figured Jess.
 Isn't it lucky you didn't take pity on me, sister," laughed Rory, rising and looking down at her in brotherly fashion.
 Very, very fortunate" said Phyllis gamely. with a slow smile. For us both. Rory"