Putnam patriot., 1912-05-10
WHEN SPRING
 CAME
By JEANNE o. LOIZEAUX
Copyright, 1912, by Associated Literary
 PreSs)

It came tardily, with a sudden burst, after long rigid cold, a winter of dis content, the dreariest in William Fall ings young life. From the past Octo- Der when he had ceased to be, so far as Betty was concerned, he had sim ply set his teeth and endured things, grinding out routine work in the of flee as though fiends pursued. For the rest, he ate and slept-when he could He knew work was his only salvation. though he had now nothing to make money for. Betty was not going to marry him. Washburn had won out with her.
 Not that she had ever promised to marry Failing. In fact he had not asked her. The word love had not been spoken between them. But he had been so happily confident the whole beautiful summer and autumn that she cared just as he did. They had been inseparable to such an ex- tent that Jerry Washburn had appar- ently given up his long pursuit Of the girl and had gone "back east" Wash burn had money, and ability, too.
 Now Failing cursed himself for not having made sure of the girl in words. He had not spoken because he was working so desperately to be made junior partner in his business, so that he might have something definite to offer her.
 The shock had come in October One evening he had taken Betty out on the lake, and they had spent hours of delight in the flooding moonlight The next morning the senior partner had called him into the Throne Room" and after much pompous prel- ude made him junior partner with fourth interest in the business, and an increase of salary that made his heart leap Betty-wards Excited, ex- ultant, he had tried to thank the se- nior partner, but the wise old chap had waved him away.
 You'll be no good for some time get out of here and take vacation! Of with you!" Failing had snatched his hat. Then he ran out to the street and walked towards Betty's home. He had to feel the ground under his feet he could not have endured street carl
 When he reached the big old place and had rung the bell, the little maid admitted him. Miss Betty was out for a walk Would he see anyone else! She would be back in an hour or SO. William Failing could bear the sight of no one else just then, and he couldn't wait deeorously. so he went out again. He would walk about; per haps he would meet her. His head and his heart were high.
 And never through long life would he forget the heart-sickness of the rest. Down the street he had swung all radiant with joy, and turning corner had almost run over little Evle Cross, Betty's house guest, for whom he had never cared much. Her big eyes were almost feverishly bright, but her cheeks were pale and she was manifestly excited. To pass time he turned and walked with her little.
 You're a laggard in love!" she flung at him. "Lochinvar has come out of the east and captured your far lady. He came last night, and invited himself to breakfast this morning. He dragged her off before he really de- gently could I went off by myself, but I saw them coming in the woods just now" Then she chattered on about anything. everything. Failing left her as soon as he could. So Washburn was back, Well, ne was sorry for the fellow Failing gave Evies chaff no credence. Al most uneonsciously he made his way through the wood to the crooked path she loved so we'll
 Then, quite suddenly, he had seen what made his heart stand still. He turned away after heart-sick instant Washburn, Drowned and big, was lean ing over Betty, his Betty, kissing both her small hands. Failing had never dared as much Evie's words came to him. and he strode away, blinded by hurt and anger.
 William Failing had gone straight home and packed his things. Then he made a call at the office and bank. bought ticket, and by night was on his way to Colorado for months va cation in the wilds, taking his misery with him.
 Finally he had come grimly back to work as though 1end-pursued. He heard no word of her, and could not to save her life have asked question about her.
 The long winter had dragged along. He had the winter through accepted
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