Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1916-05-26

hard to match. Seen together, they
were wonderfully in tone. Alix grew
grave under inspection, Collingsford
nervous. "There is no news" he
| asked.
None" said Alix and a far-away
look came into her eyes as if her mind
were off, thousands Of miles, intent
on a search of it's own.
Collingeford broke the spell. He
| jumped up and said he had come for
| just one thing-to take her out for a
walk. 1t was one Of those nippy ear
ly winter afternoons cut out to fit
walk. Alix must put on her things.
She did and together they walked the
long length of the avenue and out into
the park.
By that time they had decided it was
quite a warm afternoon after all-al-
most warm enough to sit down. They
tried it. Collingeford sat half turned
on the bench and devoured Alix with
his eyes. And just as he was going to
say a word AliX gave him a full, meas
uring look and said, almost hastily, ut
is too cold, after all. Quite chilly. 1t
was our walking so fast deceived u.s."
She rose and started tentatively to-
ward the gate. Come on, Honorable
Percy" she said playfully.
Collingeford caught up with her and
said modify, "If you call me Honor
able Percy again shall dub you Hon
est Alix"
They were walking down the ave-
nue.. Honest Alix isn't half bad"
he continued thoughtfully. The race
has got into the habit of yoking the
other peoples pennies but it's good
old word that stands for trustworthy,
sincere, truthful and all tie other ad-
jectives that fit straight riding"
Speaking of riding, Mr.. Collinge-
ford, you're riding for a fall" Alix
glanced at him meaningly.
How did you know?" he stammered
and then went on rather sullenly,
Anyway, you're wrong. Pm not. But
l was just going to-" He prodded vi
ciously at the cracks in the pavement
with his stick.
Don't" said Alx. Don't do that,
1 mean. You'll break your stick and
it's the one 1 like"
Collingeford turned a flushed face
to her. Look here, Alix," he said,
you are honest and sincere and all
those things l said. Don't let's hedge
not just now. If your bad luck
doesn't let up-if you learn anything
anything you don't want to know
can't say it right out-would you
d'you think you ever would"
Alix did not smile. He was too
much in earnest and she liked him too
much-was too much at one with him
not to feel what he was going
through. 81 like your Honest Alix, u
she said, after pause, land I'm go,
ing to let her do the talking for a mo.
ment. If l learned absolutely that
that Gerry can never come back to me-
there is no man that l would turn to
quicker than to you" Collingeford
gave her a grateful look and the flush
under his tan deepened. Don't mis-
understand me-" she went on 81 like
you a whole lot, but 1 have never
thought Of marrying anyone but Ger
ry. I'd like to marry Gerry. I've new,
er married him yet. Not really"
They walked on for some time in 81
ience. Colingeford's thoughts had
raced away southwards and Alix
followed them unerringly. Don't
make one horrible mistake, Percy,
she said when she was sure. Don't
imagine that I could ever love the
bearer of i'll tidings."
Collingeford flushed, this time with
shame. mo, of course not" he STAN
mered.
"You see-or can't you see" she
went on, that all this new life OF
mine I've hung on to single hook OF
faith. could not break out from this
probation for any other man. l dc
not mean that a woman can love but
once-not necessarily. But do think
that ones life must spring from a new
chrysalis to meet new love fairly
Second loves at first sight have tang
Of the bargain counter and the ready
made. Love Is not chance tenant
He must build or grow into new
home"
They walked on in a full silence
ColliDgeford's shoulders dropped. Fol
the first time in his life he felt old
You are right-you are always right,
he said at last. II shall 20 away
somewhere where it's easy to sweat
Somewhere where it's easy tC
sweatw exclaimed AK. "What an
ugly thought"
ITS only Bodsky," said Collingeford
reminiscently. "Bodsky says you can
drown any woman's memory in sweat
Good old Bod! wonder where shall
find him"
oh" said Aix, "if It's Rodskys
one mustn't quarrel with it simply be-
cause it is ugly. But"
But whatg" said Collingeford.
Il was going to say, But what naked
language Perhaps it is one of those
truths one shrinks from because il
starts in by slapplng ones face. Any