Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-17

burn arrived flushed with his walk. his
greatcoat fecked with snow. 1t was
strange that though Susan. their maio,
declared him to be right handsome.
Hester should find fault with him for his
prosperous look. his dark curled hair and
imposing mustache.
AT last, Hester" he said. taking and
retaining her hand. This is the moment
| have worked for.
His eyes drank in her beauty. the
girl he had known had developed into
calm. clear-eyed woman. with the bloom
of natural health. and a voice whose
gracious accents thrilled him. Mentally
he concluded that her match did not
exist in the circles he had moved in. The
sheen of her golden hair in the soft lamp
light gave the last touch to the picture.
In spite of the unexplained diffdence
felt lately as to the long-eXpected meet
ing. to which she had previously looked
forward with an interest, she admitted TO
herself she now began to feel the lnhu-
ence Of his personality. -
Faded Miss Eleanor Eastholme, her
cousin. responded to his urbane CONVEX
sation with pleasurable feelings. SUSAN
the maid, who managed to be also
friend, laughed to herself in the kltcheli
at the jokes she had heard him crack,
and judged him. moreover, 10 De quite
the gentleman.
And after tea. tete-a- tete with Hester.
he unfolded the story of his doings,, re-
serving for the last the important ltelii
that he was almost imneoiateiS ~ oe
come a partner in his finn.
But. Hester. there Is one thin2 want
ed to crown it. | want TO take you back
with me. one day. You would pc HAPPY
there, in Your true clement. And | should
be happy with such a wife beside me-
will YOU trust me with yourself!
He took her hand. not noticing the re-
luctance with which she allowed him TO
keep it in his grasp. and the next mo-
ment she ieaped TO her feet
bul
An expression of annoyance passed
over Lowburns features Then recov-
ering himself. he said. with chuckle:
Ha We +, must ,h see d JOHN Not P come 0 TO
propose. too. has he? That little legacy d
be a fine lift for John. wouldn't it?''
Like fash Hester. returned. Legacy
did you know
smaller legatees under your uncle's
will
oh replied Hester. simply. And
then. quickly again she said. Don't men,
ton it to Mr.. Whalley. | have told no
body here" and a moment later Whalley
| entered the room
Evening. John" said Lowburn. Glad
| to see YOU.
| Same here. was the reply. though
| it's surprise. | called in to see Hester
Excuse me for moment. and shall be
| going.
1T is about the Pilkingtons. Hester
| I've just been there to see Tom-you We
| heard he's ill. His wife. has her hands
full nursing him and tonights the crisis
She'd feel a lot happier and able to dc
everything if little Lottie could sleeI
| somewhere else safely. l said you'd have
| her-I felt sure you would.
Decidedly, John: I'm very glad vol
! said So
Hester was strangely stirred. Witt
| the two men before her-the one will
the polish and breeding OF the town. tn,
| other wind tanned, suggestive of fresl
/ air-she knew instinctively that they diff
fered in every fiber.
/ Frederick Lowburn, obviously. knew
what he wanted. He was the sort OF
man who would always know what he
| wanted.
what others desired he weuld always
| understand what she desired
| You look bucolic. old man. put IL
| Lowburn, with easy familiarity, at whicl