The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-08-31
I he Honor
 By Janaes Oliver GUIrW@0@
(Continued.)


 "Yes, the heart of Jan Thoreau is hroken!" he cried. But it has been broken by nothing that lives on the Nelson House trail. It is broken be- Cause of-yeur'
 'T?' Melisse drew back from him with breathless cry, "I-I have bro- ken''-
 CT did not say that interrupted Jean. 'I say that it is broken because of you. If only might tell your
 'Do-do, Jean! Please tell mey' She put her hands on his shoulders. Her eyes implored him. ''Tell me what I have done-what can I do, Jean?"
 ''I can say that much to you, and no 1nore,' he said quietly. "Only know this, my dear-that there is great grief eating at the soul of Jan Thoreau, and that because of this grief he is changed. I know what that grief is, but am pledged never to reveal it. It is for you to find out, and to do this, above all Ielse-let him know that you love him. INot as a sister any longer. Melisse, but ms a womanI''
 Gravois did not stay to see the effect ief his last words. Cummins and Jan came in together at supper time. The factor was in high humor. An Indian from the Porcupine had brought in two ikilver foxes that morning, and he was immensely pleased at Jan's return, a < combination of incidents which put him in the best of moods. Melisse sat opposite Jan at the table i-Ehs had twisted a sprig of red bak- ineeah into her glossy braid, and clus- tar Of fr nestled at her throat, but Jan gave no sign that he had noticed this little favor, which was meant entirely flor him.
 AHas Macveigh put in his new trap <fine7" Cummins inquired after asking 0an many questions about his trip.
 ssI don't know" replied Jan. "I didn't go to Macveigh's."
 Purposely he held his eyes from Me Msse. She understood his effort, and a quick flush gathered in her cheeks.
 Tt was MacVeigh who brought in word of you.''
 'T met him in the Cree lake country, but he said nothing of his trap lines"
 He rose from the table with Cum nins and started to follow him from the cabin Melisse came between. For a moment her hand rested upon his arm.
 You are going to stay with me- Jan," she smiled. ''I want your help with the dishes, and then we're going to play on the violin"
 She pulled him into chair as Cum mins left and tied an apron about his shoulders.
 Close your eyes and don't move" she commanded. laughing into his sur prised face as she ran into her room.
 A moment later she returned with one hand held behind her back. There came the snip of scissors and little nervous laugh close to his head.
 Its terribly long, Janw Her soft hand brushed his bearded cheek ''Ugh." she shuddered. "You must take that off your face If you don't"-
 Why?" he asked through lack of anything else to say.
 She lowered her head until her cheek pressed against his own.
 Because it feels like bristles,'' she whispered
 She reddened fiercely when he re- u1ained silent, and the scissors shipped more rapidly between her fingers.
 "Pm going to prospect the big swamp along the edge of the Barrens this summer he explained soon, laughing to relieve the tension. "A beard will protect me from the black fies'
 "You can grow another.''
 She took the apron from about his shoulders and held it so that he could see the result of her work. He looked up, smiling.
 Thank you, Melisse.''
 She went to the cupboard behind the stove and brought out her fathers shaving mug and razor.
 T insist that you shall use them" she said, stirring the soap into a lath- er and noting the indecision in his face. T am afraid of you"
 Afraid of me?'
 He stood for a moment in front of the little mirror, turning his face from side to side Melisse handed him the razor and cup. You don't seem like the Jan that I used to kfow once upon time There has been great change in you since Nince'-
 She hesitated.
 -Since when, Melissef'
 ~Since the day we came in from the mountain and I put up my hair" With timid sweetness she added, "I haven't had 1t up again, Jan.'' She caught glimpse of his lathered face in the glass staring at her with big, seeking eyes. She had washed the dishes before he finished shaving Then she took down the old violin from the wall and began to play, her low, sweet voice accompanying the in strument in a Cree melody which To- waka had taught her.
 Surprised, he faced her, his eyes glowing as there fell from her lips the gentle love song of heartbroken In- dian maiden, filled with its infinite sad ness and despair. He stood silent un- til she had finished, staring down upon her bowed head. When she lifted her eyes to him, he saw that her long lash es were wet and glistening in the lamp glow.
 She played again, her voice humming with exquisite sweetness the worthless