The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1912-12-20

ed mutual attraction between Ruth
Harrison and Guy Atkinson When
his dark eyes looked into her own
Ruth experienced a feeling utterly
new and strange to her. The even
beating Of her heart changed to 3 fitful
fiuttering.. and instead Of returning
his gaze with her wonted serenity her
eyes soon sought snel.e- bapeath their
own long lashes.
Guy Atkinson had heard of his coz
sins love for Ruth. for Frederic could
not keep some mention OF her out Of
his letters and the cousins had CORE
sponded for years. He was prepared
to admire her as Frederic's sweet
heart, with no thought Of danger to
himself.
There were many picnics and other
social gatherings during that summer
and Ruth often met the Californian.
Mrs. Harrison was delighted with
the way In which her daughter had
changed. She said to her husband:
THE child really seems to be grow
ing fonN Of her household duties and
never hear word about any new ef-
fort at earning money. / believe Fred
eric's faithfulness Is beginning te
touch her heart
The friendship between Ruth and
the western cousin continued through
the summer Then rather rude
awakening came to them both.
Toward the end Of the season Q
party OF young people planned for
sail down the river; the party to have
q picnic supper on q small island
which was favorite resort for such
Affairs, and take the homeward sAil by
moonlight
The program was carried csst per
fectly until the point of getting supper
on the island Here some Of the mum,
Der wanted to make fire to boil the
kettle for a pot Of tea. They all sci
to work collecting sticks and soon had
merry blazeA
Ruth and Guy were left to tend the
fire while the others were busy spread
ing their repast on a convenient knoll.
After a few moments Ruth, with the
Impotence of youth, bent over the fire
to see If the kettle was heating as rap
idly as it should
Suddenly, the hem Of her dress
touched an outlying brand and at once
blazed up. Guy was q few feet away
and saw the accident. Tearing on his
coat he quickly wrapped it about her.
and in few second the flame was
smothered. He had fallen to his knees
to reach her flaming skirt, and now
looked up into her white face.
Darling. you are safe" he said
simply then he realized the term he
had used and slow flush spread over
his face. It was matched by the scar
let OF Ruth's own.
He rose to his feet and their friends
came rushing up. Guy donned his
slightly scorched coat and Ruth's
friends assisted her to make repairs
The next morning Ruth received an
early call from the Californian. She
was wandering about the beautiful
rose garden which was the pride Of
her fathers heart when Guy found
her.
With western frankness he went at
once to the point.
Miss Harrison, wish to apologize
for speaking as ! did to you. have
known all along that you were to be-
come Frederic's wife and / did not
know until I saw your danger how
loved you Forgive me II wish you
and Frederic every joy"
For moment Ruth did not answer.
and she said slowly: Il shall never
marry your cousin. do not care for
him except as a friend" She hest
tated. Il too. made discovery yes
terday.' =
Poor, Frederic was forgotten by them
both; the light Of hope and happiness
came into Guys eye. while he asked.
trying to speak calmly:
"Can dare to ask what that dis
covery was r
Ruth lifted her gaze to his without
any OF her old timidity and the an
swer must have been in her eyes. for
she spoke no word.