The evening Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1918-1920, 1919-09-22
cAfter the
Years
GA%D
BY ULMAR

copyright, 1919. by the Western News
paper Union.)
It was like q fair dream to Gerald
Rolfe, that bright, sunshiny afternoon,
but a vivid one, the memory and mtiu-
ence of which was to remain with him
through life. He was a manly little
fellow of ten, and for two whole bliss
full hours he had wandered about a
beautiful garden with a charming miss
two years his junior, she courteous,
then gracious, and finally indulgent
and affectionate.
Why his widowed mother had
| brought him from Belleville to call up
on Jared Marston, the rich manufac-
turer, Gerald had then no idea. He
was only glad that she had left him to
play with the little girl while she, seri-
ous-faced and at times weeping, sat on
the porch conversing with Mr.. Mars
ton, who seemed sympathetic and in
terested.
81 like you better than any boy ]
ever knew, Gerald Rolfe." said Beulah
Marston, earnestly. Il won't ever for
get YOU"
Nor I you" replied the lad staunch-
~. "See, | found two four-leaf clovers.
I'm going to press mine and keep it
always in this old memorandum book
my father always carried"
"And | shall put mine in the little
locket l wear with mammals picture in
it," said Beulah.
"Oh, papa!" she added, as her father
and his visitor approached, please
can't he stay and then come again? He
is n grand, good boy, and | love him so
much !" and both children were in
tears at the parting, and then they
chung to each other and kissed. Beulah
sobbing out her grief and disappoint-
ment.
1--WE are going to leave Belleyille to-
morrow, Gerald" said Mrs. Rolfe,
when they had arrived home. Your
poor father has left nothing and we
are going to the city. l shall visit his
grave early in the morning and l wish
you to go with me-"
1t was beside the newly-made mound
that Mrs. l.olfe drew Gerald to her
side. II have something very solemn
and sacred TO tell YOU" she said,
something you must never forget and
which will be the guiding impulse of
your life. Your father died If Il broken
heart. 1t was not because he had lost
everything, but for the reason that he
had innocently involved an estate of
two orphans of which he was trustee.
That fact drove him nearly insane.
When Mr.. Marston generously paid up
every debt it brought to your father
JOY and relief and he died blessing
this noble benefactOr. Gerald. | want
you to take n solemn vow that if ever
you can serve Jared Marston or his
family, even ut the cost of all you pos
sess. you will make the sacrifice IN
grudgingly."
Il shall never forget" pledged the
boy solemnly, and he never did. The
vow was as sacredly regarded as was
the life remembrance he had promised
little Beulah.
II 1hClAN hlNN Ihi0 NNhlN ioANl, h'hf
however. until she had seen her son Sc
cure in n promising position. At twen-
ty-One Gerald was a comparatively
wealthy man. Just after that he wCn
down to the home of the MarstOns. In
cidentally through the years he had
kept track of them. Latterly he had
learned that Mr., Marston had failed in
business. When he arrived Gerald
discovered that father and daughter
had taken up humble quarters in a lit
tie cottage. Mr.. Marston had not found
employment and Beulah was earning
their living as a teacher of music.
1t was Beulah who answered his ring
at the door bell and informed him that
her father was absent. She had grown
into a creature so lovely that Gerald
sat like one dazzled. He noted that
she fixed her eyes penetratingfy upon
him several times. Finally she said:
"Have l not known you before?"
"Many years ago, yes" he replied.
'Then you are Gerald Rolfe," spoke
Beulah. "We were little children then,
but I have not forgotten, and father
has often wondered what became of
you"
my mother died four years since"
said Gerald. 81 have come to tell your
father of the gratitude and regard of
my dear mother" and he recited that
solemn promise made at the grave of
his father. "Miss Marston, the money
your father so generously advanced,
with the interest, representing nearly
ten thousand dollars, I shall repay, and
my partners in business have author
lied me to solicit his services as an ex-
perienced man in our line.
A few weeks later the Marst0ns had
moved to the city and Gerald called at
their new home. He came to confess
his love and offer BeuIah his heart and
fortune. She regarded him thought
fully, but there was a tremor in her
voice as she murmured with a longing
smile:
"Are you very sure, Mr.. Rolfe, that
an overestimate of my fathers act of
kindness has not influenced pity, char
ity, an interest that has impelled You
towards a sense of duty, rather