The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-05-04

uncomfortable. But do let me say it just this once, tonight because 1t is such a wonderful night, and I am so glad to be alive, and all my heart is warm and soft, and so very, very full of gratitude that it aches to let it out''
 Her voice was wooingly soft and tender. She was sitting on the win dow-seat, her arms about her knees, and her earnest face lit by eyes that were just wells of depth and melting ness in the gloom. The young man turned his head and looked at her. His back being towards such light as remained, his face was hardly visible to her at all.
 "You say" he began, and broke off. You say that you would like me to tell you things. Ought not that to be mutual, if we are friends? Ought you not to tell me things as well?"
 Vernon let her lips part in a sweet little laugh. Why" she said, II don't think you want to hear a girls nonsense, do your"
 He said, in low rapid way, quite unlike his usual manner, There's one thing I want to know, badly enough, so now let us test your kind promises of friendship. What is there be- tween you and that man out there fn ha married to him?"
 Her hands dropped to her sides and grasped the cushions as she gaz- ed upon the dark oval which was Jem's face in deep surprise.
 'T needn't have tried so hard to encourage you," she remarked -dryly, You have blurted out a question I would not have dared to put to you"
 You see," said Jem, intensely, that's what our friendship amounts to, when put to the proof. Suppose were to demand an answer to that question, as the reward for what you are pleased to call my service to you this afternocn?"
 She caught her hands together up to her breast, where her heart was beating a trifle wildly. ''Oh Jem," she faltered. "Oh Jem, don't want to hurt your feelings, but
 But you don't trust me with your secrets ?"
 There was a tense pause, while the girl, looking down, strove for the least offensive way of putting the thing which was in her mind.
 You see," she slowly replied, not raising her eyes, "I-I couldn't bear the idea that Mrs. Trent--should get to know-'
 He turned upon her, raging, as she felt. His hands clutched the sill as he leaned inwards Should get to know through me? To know your affairs through me-" She risked only a nod.
 He sprang up from his seat beside her, shaking himself like a. dog emerging from water. Thanks" he said in a strained, odd way, thrusting his hands in his pockets, and hunch- ing his shoulders. Thanks. You have told me something now, with a vengeance, haven't you? Something that will last me g. long time.'' Je paused, but she dare not speak, for it seemed as if the force of what he was feeling must burst into further and more blasting utterance She re- ceived the impression that his whole being was filled with wind of prophecy-that in a moment he would open his mouth and make her under stand something which she now was at a loss to interpret. But to her aston ishment, after a struggle which in reality lasted but few seconds, he said, in the exhausted tones of one who has run the whole gamut of emo- ton, Whats the use of talking? Goodnight
 With which he turned on his heel and marched away, at such a. pace that though she called after him, he did not hear.
 Well, he has a queer temper" thought the girl, in complete mgsti- fication. "Why on earth should he be so keen to know about Lionel? He has never even seen him.
 CHAPTER XXII.
 The Irrayoooh1a Ctf<