[Illustration: "SHE FELT MY PRESENCE AND LOOKED UP QUICKLY. "]

The Works of E. P. Roe

_VOLUME FOURTEEN_

A DAY OF FATE

_ILLUSTRATED_

1880

PREFACE

"Some shallow story of deep love. "

--Shakespeare

CONTENTS

_BOOK FIRST_

CHAPTER IAIMLESS STEPS

CHAPTER IIA JUNE DAY DREAM

CHAPTER IIIA SHINING TIDE

CHAPTER IVREALITY

CHAPTER VMUTUAL DISCOVERIES

CHAPTER VIA QUAKER TEA

CHAPTER VIIA FRIEND

CHAPTER VIIITHE MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES

CHAPTER IX"OLD PLOD"

CHAPTER XA BIT OF EDEN

CHAPTER XI"MOVED"

CHAPTER XIIONE OF NATURE'S TRAGEDIES

CHAPTER XIIITHE LIGHTNING AND A SUBTLER FLAME

CHAPTER XIVKINDLING A SPARK OF LIFE

CHAPTER XVMY FATE

_BOOK SECOND_

CHAPTER ITHE DAY AFTER

CHAPTER II"IT WAS INEVITABLE"

CHAPTER IIIRETURNING CONSCIOUSNESS

CHAPTER IVIN THE DARK

CHAPTER VA FLASH OF MEMORY

CHAPTER VIWEAKNESS

CHAPTER VIIOLD PLOD IDEALIZED

CHAPTER VIIIAN IMPULSE

CHAPTER IXA WRETCHED FAILURE

CHAPTER XIN THE DEPTHS

CHAPTER XIPOOR ACTING

CHAPTER XIITHE HOPE OP A HIDDEN TREASURE

CHAPTER XIIITHE OLD MEETING-HOUSE AGAIN

CHAPTER XIVLOVE TEACHING ETHICS

CHAPTER XVDON'T THINK OF ME

CHAPTER XVI"RICHARD"

CHAPTER XVIIMY WORST BLUNDER

CHAPTER XVIIIMRS. YOCOMB'S LETTERS

CHAPTER XIXADAH

CHAPTER XXTHANKSGIVING DAY

CHAPTER XXIRIPPLES ON DEEP WATER

_BOOK FIRST_

CHAPTER I

AIMLESS STEPS

"Another month's work will knock Morton into 'pi, '" was a remark thatcaught my ear as I fumed from the composing-room back to my privateoffice. I had just irately blamed a printer for a blunder of my own, and the words I overheard reminded me of the unpleasant truth that Ihad recently made a great many senseless blunders, over which I chafedin merciless self-condemnation. For weeks and months my mind had beentense under the strain of increasing work and responsibility. It wasmy nature to become absorbed in my tasks, and, as night editor of aprominent city journal, I found a limitless field for labor. It wastrue I could have jogged along under the heavy burden withcomparatively little wear and loss, but, impelled by both temperamentand ambition, I was trying to maintain a racer's speed. From casualemployment as a reporter I had worked my way up to my presentposition, and the tireless activity and alertness required to win andhold such a place was seemingly degenerating into a nervousrestlessness which permitted no repose of mind or rest of body. Iworked when other men slept, but, instead of availing myself of theright to sleep when the world was awake, I yielded to an increasingtendency to wakefulness, and read that I might be informed on theendless variety of subjects occupying public attention. The globe wasbecoming a vast hunting-ground, around which my thoughts ranged almostunceasingly that I might capture something new, striking, or originalfor the benefit of our paper. Each day the quest had grown more eager, and as the hour for going to press approached I would even becomefeverish in my intense desire to send the paper out with a breezy, newsy aspect, and would be elated if, at the last moment, material wasflashed in that would warrant startling head-lines, andcorrespondingly depressed if the weary old world had a few hours ofquiet and peace. To make the paper "go, " every faculty I possessed wasin the harness. 

The aside I had just overheard suggested, at least, one very probableresult. In printer's jargon, I would soon be in "pi. "

The remark, combined with my stupid blunder, for which I had blamed aninnocent man, caused me to pull up and ask myself whither I washurrying so breathlessly. Saying to my assistant that I did not wishto be disturbed for a half hour, unless it was essential, I went to mylittle inner room. I wished to take a mental inventory of myself, andsee how much was left. Hitherto I had been on the keen run--acondition not favorable to introspection. 

Neither my temperament nor the school in which I had been trainedinclined me to slow, deliberate processes of reasoning. I looked myown case over as I might that of some brother-editors whose journalswere draining them of life, and whose obituaries I shall probablywrite if I survive them. Reason and Conscience, now that I gave them achance, began to take me to task severely. 

"You are a blundering fool, " said Reason, "and the man in thecomposing-room is right. You are chafing over petty blunders whileignoring the fact that your whole present life is a blunder, and theadequate reason why your faculties are becoming untrustworthy. Eachday you grow more nervously anxious to have everything correct, givingyour mind to endless details, and your powers are beginning to snaplike the overstrained strings of a violin. At this rate you will soonspend yourself and all there is of you. "

Then Conscience, like an irate judge on the bench, arraigned me. "Youare a heathen, and your paper is your car of Juggernaut. You areceasing to be a man and becoming merely an editor--no, not even aneditor--a newsmonger, one of the world's gossips. You are an Athenianonly as you wish to hear and tell some new thing. Long ears arebecoming the appropriate symbols of your being. You are too hurried, too eager for temporary success, too taken up with details, to formcalm, philosophical opinions of the great events of your time, andthus be able to shape men's opinions. You commenced as a reporter, andare a reporter still. You pride yourself that you are not narrow, unconscious of the truth that you are spreading yourself thinly overthe mere surface of affairs. You have little comprehension of thedeeper forces and motives of humanity. "

It is true that I might have pleaded in extenuation of these rathersevere judgments that I was somewhat alone in the world, living inbachelor apartments, without the redeeming influences of home andfamily life. There were none whose love gave them the right or themotive to lay a restraining hand upon me, and my associates in laborwere more inclined to applaud my zeal than to curb it. Thus it hadbeen left to the casual remark of a nameless printer and an instanceof my own failing powers to break the spell that ambition and habitwere weaving. 

Before the half hour elapsed I felt weak and ill. The moment I relaxedthe tension and will-power which I had maintained so long, strongreaction set in. Apparently I had about reached the limits ofendurance. I felt as if I were growing old and feeble by minutes asone might by years. Taking my hat and coat I passed out, remarking tomy assistant that he must do the best he could--that I was ill andwould not return. If the Journal had never appeared again I could notthen have written a line to save it, or read another proof. 

Saturday morning found me feverish, unrefreshed, and more painfullyconscious than ever that I was becoming little better than the presseson which the paper was printed. Depression inevitably followsweariness and exhaustion, and one could scarcely take a more gloomyview of himself than I did. 

"I will escape from this city as if it were Sodom, " I muttered, "and aJune day in the country will reveal whether I have a soul for anythingbeyond the wrangle of politics and the world's gossip. "

In my despondency I was inclined to be reckless, and after merelywriting a brief note to my editorial chief, saying that I had brokendown and was going to the country, I started almost at random. After afew hours' riding I wearied of the cars, and left them at a smallvillage whose name I did not care to inquire. The mountains andscenery pleased me, although the day was overcast like my mind andfortunes. Having found a quiet inn and gone through the form of adinner, I sat down on the porch in dreary apathy. 

The afternoon aspect of the village street seemed as dull and devoidof interest as my own life at that hour, and in fancy I saw myself, abroken-down man, lounging away days that would be like eternities, going through my little round like a bit of driftwood, slowly circlingin an eddy of the world's great current. With lack-lustre eyes I"looked up to the hills, " but no "help" came from them. The air wasclose, the sky leaden; even the birds would not sing. Why had I cometo the country? It had no voices for me, and I resolved to return tothe city. But while I waited my eyes grew heavy with the blessed powerto sleep--a boon, for which I then felt that I would travel to theUltima Thule. Leaving orders that I should not be disturbed, I went tomy room, and Nature took the tired man, as if he were a weary child, into her arms. 

At last I imagined that I was at the Academy of Music, and that theorchestra were tuning their instruments for the overture. A louderstrain than usual caused me to start up, and I saw through the openwindow a robin on a maple bough, with its tuneful throat swelled tothe utmost. This was the leader of my orchestra, and the whole countrywas alive with musicians, each one giving out his own notes withoutany regard for the others, but apparently the score had been writtenfor them all, since the innumerable strains made one divine harmony. From the full-orbed song from the maple by my window, down to thefaintest chirp and twitter, there was no discord; while from thefields beyond the village the whistle of the meadow-larks was somellowed and softened by distance as to incline one to wonder whethertheir notes were real or mere ideals of sound. 

For a long time I was serenely content to listen to the myriad-voicedchords without thinking of the past or future. At last I found myselfidly querying whether Nature did not so blend all out-of-door soundsas to make them agreeable, when suddenly a catbird broke the spell ofharmony by its flat, discordant note. Instead of my wonted irritationat anything that jarred upon my nerves, I laughed as I sprang up, saying, "That cry reminds me that I am in the body and in the same old world. That bird is near akin to the croaking printer. "

But my cynicism was now more assumed than real, and I began to wonderat myself. The change of air and scene had seemingly broken a maligninfluence, and sleep--that for weeks had almost forsaken me--hadyielded its deep refreshment for fifteen hours. Besides, I had notsinned against my life so many years as to have destroyed theelasticity of early manhood. When I had lain down to rest I had feltmyself to be a weary, broken, aged man. Had I, in my dreams, discovered the Fountain of Youth, and unconsciously bathed in it? Inmy rebound toward health of mind and body I seemed to have realizedwhat the old Spaniard vainly hoped for. 

I dressed in haste, eager to be out in the early June sunshine. Therehad been a shower in the night, and the air had a fine exhilaratingquality, in contrast with the close sultriness of the previousafternoon. 

Instead of nibbling at breakfast while I devoured the morning dailies, I ate a substantial meal, and only thought of papers to bless theirabsence, and then walked down the village street with the quick gladtread of one whose hope and zest in life have been renewed. FragrantJune roses were opening on every side, and it appeared to me that allthe sin of man could not make the world offensive to heaven thatmorning. 

I wished that some of the villagers whom I met were more in accordwith Nature's mood; but in view of my own shortcomings, and still morebecause of my fine physical condition, I was disposed toward a largecharity. And yet I could not help wondering how some that I saw couldwalk among their roses and still look so glum and matter-of-fact. Ifelt as if I could kiss every velvet petal. 

"You were unjust, " I charged back on Conscience; "this morning provesthat I am not an ingrained newsmonger. There is still man enough leftwithin me to revive at Nature's touch;" and I exultantly quickened mysteps, until I had left the village miles away. 

Before the morning was half gone I learned how much of my old vigorhad ebbed, for I was growing weary early in the day. Therefore Ipaused before a small gray building, old and weather-stained, thatseemed neither a barn, nor a dwelling, nor a school-house. A man wasin the act of unlocking the door, and his garb suggested that it mightbe a Friends' meeting-house. Yielding to an idle curiosity I mounted astone wall at a point where I was shaded and partially screened by atree, and watched and waited, beguiling the time with a branch ofsweetbriar that hung over my resting-place. 

Soon strong open wagons and rockaways began to appear drawn by sleek, plump horses that often, seemingly, were gayer than their drivers. Still there was nothing sour in the aspect or austere in the garb ofthe people. Their quiet appearance took my fancy amazingly, and thepeach-like bloom on the cheeks of even well-advanced matrons suggesteda serene and quiet life. 

"These are the people of all others with whom I would like to worshipto-day, " I thought; "and I hope that that rotund old lady, whose facebeams under the shadow of her deep bonnet like a harvest moon througha fleecy cloud, will feel moved to speak. " I plucked a few buds fromthe sweet-briar bush, fastened them in my button-hole, and promptlyfollowed the old lady into the meeting-house. Having found a vacantpew I sat down, and looked around with serene content. But I soonobserved that something was amiss, for the men folk looked at eachother and then at me. At last an elderly and substantial Friend, witha face so flushed and round as to suggest a Baldwin apple, arose andcreaked with painful distinctness to where I was innocently infringingon one of their customs. 

"If thee will follow me, friend, " he said, "I'll give thee a seat withthe men folks. Thee's welcome, and thee'll feel more at home to followour ways. "

His cordial grasp of my hand would have disarmed suspicion itself, andI followed him meekly. In my embarrassment and desire to show that Ihad no wish to appear forward, I persisted in taking a side seat nextto the wall, and quite near the door; for my guide, in order to showhis goodwill and to atone for what might seem rudeness, was bent onmarshalling me almost up to the high seats that faced thecongregation, where sat my rubicund old Friend lady, whose aspectbetokened that she had just the Gospel message I needed. 

I at once noted that these staid and decorous people looked straightbefore them in an attitude of quiet expectancy. A few little childrenturned on me their round, curious eyes, but no one else stared at theblundering stranger, whose modish coat, with a sprig of wild roses inits buttonhole, made him rather a conspicuous contrast to the othermen folk, and I thought--

"Here certainly is an example of good-breeding which could scarcely befound among other Christians. If one of these Friends should appear inthe most fashionable church on the Avenue, he would be well stared at, but here even the children are receiving admonitory nudges not to lookat me. "

I soon felt that it was not the thing to be the only one who wasirreverently looking around, and my good-fortune soon supplied amplemotive for looking steadily in one direction. The reader may justlythink that I should have composed my mind to meditation on my manysins, but I might as well have tried to gather in my hands the reinsof all the wild horses of Arabia as to curb and manage my errantthoughts. My only chance was for some one or something to catch andhold them for me. If that old Friend lady would preach I was sure shewould do me good. As it was, her face was an antidote to theinfluences of the world in which I dwelt, but I soon began to dreamthat I had found a still better remedy, for, at a fortunate angle frommy position, there sat a young Quakeress whose side face arrested myattention and held it. By leaning a little against the wall as well asthe back of my bench, I also, well content, could look straight beforeme like the others. 

The fair profile was but slightly hidden by a hat that had aperceptible leaning toward the world in its character, but the browwas only made to seem a little lower, and her eyes deepened in theirblue by its shadow. My sweet-briar blossoms were not more delicate intheir pink shadings than was the bloom on her rounded cheek, and thewhite, firm chin denoted an absence of weakness and frivolity. Theupper lip, from where I sat, seemed one half of Cupid's bow. I couldbut barely catch a glimpse of a ripple of hair that, perhaps, had notbeen smoothed with sufficient pains, and thus seemed in league withthe slightly worldly bonnet. In brief, to my kindled fancy, her youthand loveliness appeared the exquisite human embodiment of the Junemorning, with its alternations of sunshine and shadow, its roses andtheir fragrance, of its abounding yet untarnished and beautiful life. 

No one in the meeting seemed moved save myself, but I felt as if Icould become a poet, a painter, and even a lover, under theinspiration of that perfect profile. 

CHAPTER II

A JUNE DAY-DREAM

Moment after moment passed, but we all sat silent and motionless. Through the open windows came a low, sweet monotone of the wind fromthe shadowing maples, sometimes swelling into a great depth of sound, and again dying to a whisper, and the effect seemed finer than that ofthe most skilfully touched organ. Occasionally an irascible humble-beewould dart in, and, after a moment of motionless poise, would dart outagain, as if in angry disdain of the quiet people. In its irate humand sudden dartings I saw my own irritable fuming and nervousactivity, and I blessed the Friends and their silent meeting. Iblessed the fair June face, that was as far removed from the seethingturmoil of my world as the rosebuds under her home-windows. 

Surely I had drifted out of the storm into the very haven of rest andpeace, and yet one might justly dread lest the beauty which bound myeyes every moment in a stronger fascination should evoke an unrestfrom which there might be no haven. Young men, however, rarely shrinkfrom such perils, and I was no more prudent than my fellows. Indeed, Iwas inclining toward the fancy that this June day was the day ofdestiny with me; and if such a creature were the remedy for mymisshapen life it would be bliss to take it. 

In our sweet silence, broken only by the voice of the wind, thetwitter of birds beguiling perhaps with pretty nonsense the hours thatwould otherwise seem long to their brooding mates on the nests, andthe hum of insects, my fancy began to create a future for the fairstranger--a future, rest assured, that did not leave the dreamer acalm and disinterested observer. 

"This day, " I said mentally, "proves that there is a kindly andsuperintending Providence, and men are often led, like children in thedark, to just the thing they want. The wisdom of Solomon could nothave led me to a place more suited to my taste and need than have myblind, aimless steps; and before me are possibilities which suggestthe vista through which Eve was led to Adam. "

My constant contact with men who were keen, self-seeking, and oftenunscrupulous, inclined me toward cynicism and suspicion. My editoriallife made me an Arab in a sense, for if there were occasion, my handmight be against any man, if not every man. I certainly received manymerciless blows, and I was learning to return them with increasingzest. My column in the paper was often a tilting-ground, and whetheror no I inflicted wounds that amounted to much, I received some thatlong rankled. A home such as yonder woman might make would be a bettersolace than newspaper files. Such lips as these might easily draw thepoison from any wound the world could make. Wintry firelight would bemore genial than even June sunlight, if her eyes would reflect in intomine. With such companionship, all the Gradgrinds in existence wouldprose in vain; life would never lose its ideality, nor the worldbecome a mere combination of things. Her woman's fancy would embroidermy man's reason and make it beautiful, while not taking from itsstrength. Idiot that I was, in imagining that I alone could achievesuccess! Inevitably I could make but a half success, since the finerfeminine element would be wanting. Do I wish men only to read ourpaper? Am I a Turk, holding the doctrine that women have no souls, nominds? The shade of my mother forbid! Then how was I, a man, tointerpret the world to women? Truly, I had been an owl of the night, and blind to the honest light of truth when I yielded to the counselof ambition, that I had no time for courtship and marriage. In mystupid haste I would try to grope my way through subjects beyond aman's ken, rather than seek some such guide as yonder maiden, whoseintuitions would be unerring when the light of reason failed. Intheory, I held the doctrine that there was sex in mind as truly as inthe material form. Now I was inclined to act as if my doctrine weretrue, and to seek to double my power by winning the supplementalstrength and grace of a woman's soul. 

Indeed, my day-dream was becoming exceedingly thrifty in itscharacter, and I assured ambition that the companionship of such awoman as yonder maiden must be might become the very corner-stone ofsuccess. 

Time passed, and still no one was "moved. " Was my presence the causeof the spiritual paralysis? I think not, for I was becoming consciousof reverent feeling and deeper motives. If the fair face was my Gospelmessage, it was already leading me beyond the thoughts of success andambition, of mental power and artistic grace. Her womanly beauty beganto awaken my moral nature, and her pure face, that looked as free fromguile as any daisy with its eye turned to the sun, led me to ask, "What right have you to approach such a creature? Think of her needs, of her being first, and not your own. Would you drag her into theturmoil of your world because she would be a solace? Would you disturbthe maidenly serenity of that brow with knowledge of evil and misery, the nightly record of which you have collated so long that you arecallous? You, whose business it is to look behind the scenes of life, will you disenchant her also? It is your duty to unmask hypocrisy, andto drag hidden evil to light, but will you teach her to suspect anddistrust? Should you not yourself become a better, truer, purer manbefore you look into the clear depths of her blue eyes? Beware, lestthoughtlessly or selfishly you sully their limpid truth. "

"If she could be God's evangel to me, I might indeed be a better man, "I murmured. 

"That is ever the way, " suggested Conscience; "there is always an 'if'in the path of duty; and you make your change for the better depend onthe remote possibility that yonder maiden will ever look on you asother than a casual stranger that caused a slight disturbance in thewonted placidity of their meeting hour. "

"Hush, " I answered Conscience, imperiously; "since the old Friend ladywill not preach, I shall endure none of your homilies. I yield myselfto the influences of this day, and during this hour no curb shall beput on fancy. In my soul I know that I would be a better man if she iswhat she seems, and could be to me all that I have dreamed; and were Itenfold worse than I am, she would be the better for making me better. Did not Divine purity come the closest to sinful humanity? I shallapproach this maiden in fancy, and may seek her in reality, but itshall be with a respect so sincere and an homage so true as to rob mythoughts and quest of bold irreverence or of mere selfishness. SupposeI am seeking my own good, my own salvation it may be, I am not seekingto wrong her. Are not heaven's best gifts best won by giving all forthem? I would lay my manhood at her feet. I do not expect to earn heror buy her, giving a quid pro quo. A woman's love is like the grace ofheaven--a royal gift; and the spirit of the suitor is more regardedthan his desert. Moreover, I do not propose to soil her life with theevil world that I must daily brush against, but through her influenceto do a little toward purifying that world. Since this is but a dream, I shall dream it out to suit me. 

"That stalwart and elderly Friend who led me to this choice point ofobservation is her father. The plump and motherly matron on the highseat, whose face alone is a remedy for care and worry, is her mother. They will invite me home with them when meeting is over. Already I seethe tree-embowered farmhouse, with its low, wide veranda, and old-fashioned roses climbing the lattice-work. In such a fragrant nook, orperhaps in the orchard back of the house, I shall explore thewonderland of this maiden's mind and heart. Beyond the innate reserveof an unsophisticated womanly nature there will be little reticence, and her thoughts will flow with the clearness and unpremeditation ofthe brook that I crossed on my way here. What a change they will befrom the world's blotted page that I have read too exclusively oflate!

"Perhaps it will appear to her that I have become smirched by thesepages, and that my character has the aspect of a printer at the closeof his day's tasks. 

"This source of fear, however, is also a source of hope. If she hasthe quickness of intuition to discover that I know the world too well, she will also discern the truth that I would gladly escape from thatwhich might eventually destroy my better nature, and that hers couldbe the hand which might rescue my manhood. To the degree that she is agenuine woman there will be fascination in the power of making a manmore manly and worthy of respect. Especially will this be true if Ihave the supreme good-fortune not to offend her woman's fancy, and toexcite her sympathy; without awakening contempt. 

"But I imagine I am giving her credit for more maturity of thought anddiscernment than her years permit. She must be young, and herexperiences would give her no means of understanding my life. She willlook at me with the frank, unsuspecting gaze of a child. She willexercise toward me that blessed phase of charity which thinketh noevil because ignorant of evil. 

"Moreover, while I am familiar with the sin of the world, and havecontributed my share toward it, I am not in love with it; and I canwell believe that such a love as she might inspire would cause me todetest it. If for her sake and other good motives, I should resolutelyand voluntarily; turn my back on evil, would I not have the right towalk at the side of one who, by the goodhap of her life, knows noevil? At any rate, I am not sufficiently magnanimous to forego theopportunity should it occur. Therefore, among, the lengthening shadowsof this June day I shall woo with my utmost skill one who may be ableto banish the deeper shadows that are gathering around my life; and ifI fail I shall carry the truth of her spring-time beauty and girlishinnocence back to the city, and their memory will daily warn me tobeware lest I lose the power to love and appreciate that which is herpre-eminent charm. 

"But enough of that phase of the question. There need be no failure inmy dream, however probable failure may be in reality. Let me imaginethat in her lovely face I may detect the slight curiosity inspired bya stranger passing into interest. She will be shy and reserved atfirst; but as the delicious sense of being understood and admiredgains mastery, her thoughts will gradually reveal her heart like theopening petals of a rose, and I can reverently gaze upon the richtreasures of which she is the unconscious possessor, and which I maywin without impoverishing her. 

"Her ready laugh, clear and mellow as the robin's song that woke methis morning, will be the index of an unfailing spring ofmirthfulness--of that breezy, piquant, laughing philosophy which givesto some women an indescribable charm, enabling them to render gloomand despondency rare inmates of the home over which they preside. WhenI recall what dark depths of perplexity and trouble my mother oftenhid with her light laugh, I remember that I have never yet had achance even to approach her in heroism. In my dream, at least, I cangive to my wife my mother's laugh and courage; and surely Nature, whohas endowed yonder maiden with so much beauty, has also bestowed everysuitable accompaniment. Wherefore I shall discover in her eyestreasures of sunshine that shall light my home on stormy days andwinter nights. 

"As I vary our theme of talk from bright to sad experiences, I shallcatch a glimpse of that without which the world would become a desert--woman's sympathy. Possibly I may venture to suggest my own need, andemphasize it by a reference to Holy Writ. That would be appropriate ina Sunday wooing. Surely she would admit that if Adam could not endurebeing alone in Eden, a like fate would be far more deserving of pityin such a wilderness as New York. 

"Then, as a sequel to her sympathy, I may witness the awakening ofthat noble characteristic of woman--self-sacrifice--the generousimpulse to give happiness, even though at cost to self. 

"As the winged hours pass, and our glances, our words, our intuitions, and the subtle laws of magnetism that are so powerful, and yet soutterly beyond the ken of reason, reveal us to each other, I detect inthe depths of her blue eyes a light which vanishes when I seek it, butreturns again--a principle which she does not even recognize, muchless understand, and yet which she already unconsciously obeys. Herlooks are less frank and open, her manner grows deliciously shy, shehesitates and chooses her words, but is not so happy in their choiceas when she spoke without premeditation. Instead of the wonted bloomon her cheek her color comes and goes. Oh, most exquisite phase ofhuman power! I control the fountain of her life; and by an act, aword, a glance even, can cause the crimson tide to rise even to herbrow, and then to ebb, leaving her sad and pale. Joy! joy! I have wonthat out of which can be created the best thing of earth, and the typeof heaven--a home!"

At this supreme moment in my day-dream, an elderly Friend on the highseat gave his hand to another white-haired man who had, for the lasthour, leaned his chin on his stout cane, and meditated under theshadow of his broad-brimmed hat, and our silent meeting was over. Thepossessor of the exquisite profile who had led me through a flight ofromance such as I had never known before, turned and looked directlyat me. 

The breaking of my dream had been too sudden, and I had been caughttoo high up to alight again on the solid ground of reality with easeand grace. The night-editor blushed like a school-girl under herglance, at which she seemed naturally surprised. She, of course, couldimagine no reason why her brief look of curiosity should cause meconfusion and bring a guilty crimson to my face. I took it as a goodomen, however, and said mentally, as I passed out with the others, "My thoughts have already established a subtle influence over her, drawing her eyes and the first delicate tendril of interest toward oneto whom she may cling for life. "

CHAPTER III

THE SHINING TIDE

As I was strenuously seeking to gain possession of my wits, so that Icould avail myself of any opportunity that offered, or could be madeby adroit, prompt action, the stalwart and elderly Friend, who hadseemed thus far one of the ministers of my impending fate, again tookmy hand and said:

"I hope thee'll forgive me for asking thee to conform to our ways, andnot think any rudeness was meant. "

"The grasp of your hand at once taught me that you were friendly aswell as a Friend, " I replied. 

"We should not belie our name, truly. I fear thee did not enjoy oursilent meeting?"

"You are mistaken, sir. It was just the meeting which, as a weary man, I needed. "

"I hope thee wasn't asleep?" he said, with a humorous twinkle in hishonest blue eyes. 

"You are quite mistaken again, " I answered, smiling; but I should havebeen in a dilemma had he asked me if I had been dreaming. 

"Thee's a stranger in these parts, " he continued, in a manner thatsuggested kindness rather than curiosity. 

"Possibly this is the day of my fate, " I thought, "and this man thefather of my ideal woman. " And I decided to angle with my utmost skillfor an invitation. 

"You are correct, " I replied, "and I much regret that I have wanderedso far from my hotel, for I am not strong, "

"Well, thee may have good cause to be sorry, though we do our best;but if thee's willing to put up with homely fare and homely people, thee's welcome to come home with us. "

Seeing eager acquiescence in my face, he continued, without giving metime to reply, "Here, mother, thee always provides enough for onemore. We'll have a stranger within our gates to-day, perhaps. "

To my joy the Friend lady, with a face like a benediction, turned athis words. At the same moment a large, three-seated rockaway, with aruddy boy as driver, drew up against the adjacent horse-block, whilethe fair unknown, who had stood among a bevy of young Quakeresses likea tall lily among lesser flowers, came toward us holding a little girlby the hand. The family group was drawing together according to myprophetic fancy, and my heart beat thick and fast. Truly this was theday of fate!

"Homely people" indeed! and what cared I for "fare" in the very hourof destiny!

"Mother, " he said, with his humorous twinkle, "I'm bent on makingamends to this stranger who seemed to have a drawing toward thy sideof the house. Thee didn't give him any spiritual fare in the meeting-house, but I think thee'll do better by him at the farmhouse. When Itell thee that he is not well and a long way from home, thee'll givehim a welcome. "

"Indeed, " said the old lady, taking my hand in her soft, plump palm, while her face fairly beamed with kindness; "it would be poor faiththat did not teach us our duty toward the stranger; and, if I mistakenot, thee'll change our duty into a pleasure. "

"Do not hope to entertain an angel, " I said. 

"That's well, " the old gentleman put in; "our dinner will be rathertoo plain and substantial for angels' fare. I think thee'll be thebetter for it though. "

"I am the better already for your most unexpected kindness, which Inow gratefully accept as a stranger. I hope, however, that I may beable to win a more definite and personal regard;" and I handed the oldgentleman my card. 

"Richard Morton is thy name, then. I'll place thee beside Ruth Yocomb, my wife. Come, mother, we're keeping Friend Jones's team from theblock. My name is Thomas Yocomb. No, no, take the back seat by mywife. She may preach to thee a little going home. Drive on, Reuben, "he added, as he and his two daughters stepped quickly in, "and giveFriend Jones a chance. This is Adah Yocomb, my daughter, and this islittle Zillah. Mother thought that since the two names went togetherin Scripture they ought to go together out of it, and I am the lastman in the world to go against the Scripture. That's Reuben Yocombdriving. Now thee knows all the family, and I hope thee don't feel asmuch of a stranger as thee did;" and the hearty old man turned andbeamed on me with a goodwill that I felt to be as warm and genuine asthe June sunshine. 

"To be frank, " I exclaimed, "I am at a loss to understand yourkindness. In the city we are suspicious of strangers and stand alooffrom them; but you treat me as if I had brought a cordial letter ofintroduction from one you esteemed highly. "

"So thee has, so thee has; only the letter came before thee did. 'Benot forgetful to entertain strangers'--that's the way it reads, doesn't it, mother?"

"Moreover, Richard Morton, " his wife added, "thee has voluntarily comeamong us, and sat down with us for a quiet hour. Little claim to thefaith of Abraham could we have should we let thee wander off to getthy dinner with the birds in the woods, for the village is milesaway. "

"Mother'll make amends to thee for the silent meeting, " said Mr. Yocomb, looking around with an impressive nod. 

"I trust she will, " I replied. "I wanted to hear her preach. It washer kindly face that led to my blunder, for it so attracted me from myperch of observation on the wall that I acted on my impulse andfollowed her into the meeting-house, feeling in advance that I hadfound a friend. "

"Well, I guess thee has, one of the old school, " laughed her husband. 

The daughter, Adah, turned and looked at me, while she smiledapprovingly. Oh, blessed day of destiny! When did dream and reality sokeep pace before? Was I not dreaming still, and imagining everythingto suit my own fancy? When would the perverse world begin to assertitself?

Sitting just before me, on the next seat, so that I could often seethe same perfect profile, was the maiden that I had already wooed andwon in fancy. Though she was so near and in the full sunlight, I coulddetect no cloudiness in her exquisite complexion, nor discover a faultin her rounded form. The slope of her shoulders was grace itself. Shedid not lean back weakly or languidly, but sat erect, with a quiet, easy poise of vigor and health. Her smile was frank and friendly, andyet not as enchanting as I expected. It was an affair of facialmuscles rather than the lighting up of the entire visage. Nor did herfull face--now that my confusion had passed away and I was capable ofclose observation--give the same vivid impression of beauty made byher profile. It was pretty, very pretty, but for some reasonsdisappointing. Then I smiled at my half-conscious criticism, andthought, "You have imagined a creature of unearthly perfection, andexpect your impossible ideal to be realized. Were she all that youhave dreamed, she would be much too fine for an ordinary mortal likeyourself. In her rich, unperverted womanly nature you will find thebeauty that will outlast that of form and feature. "

"I fear thee found our silent meeting long and tedious, " said Mrs. Yocomb, deprecatingly. 

"I assure you I did not, " I replied, "though I hoped you would have amessage for us. "

"It was not given to me, " she said meekly. Then she added, "Those notused to our ways are troubled, perhaps, with wandering thoughts duringthese silent hours. "

"I was not to-day, " I replied with bowed head; "I found a subject thatheld mine. "

"I'm glad, " she said, her face kindling with pleasure. "May I ask thenature of the truth that held thy meditations?"

"Perhaps I will tell you some time, " I answered hesitatingly; thenadded reverently, "It was of a very sacred nature. "

"Thee's right, " she said, gravely. "Far be it from me to wish to lookcuriously upon thy soul's communion. "

For a moment I felt guilty that I should have so misled her, butreassured myself with the thought, "That which I dwelt upon was assacred to me as my mother's memory. "

I changed the subject, and sought by every means in my power to leadher to talk, for thus, I thought, I shall learn the full source ofwomanly life from which the peerless daughter has drawn her nature. 

The kind old lady needed but little incentive. Her thoughts flowedfreely in a quaint, sweet vernacular that savored of the meeting-house. I was both interested and charmed, and as we rode at a quietjog through the June sunlight felt that I was in the hands of a kindlyfate that, in accordance with the old fairy tales, was bent on givingone poor mortal all he desired. 

At last, on a hillside sloping to the south, I saw the farmhouse of mydream. Two tall honey locusts stood like faithful guardians on eachside of the porch. An elm drooped over the farther end of the piazza. In the dooryard the foliage of two great silver poplar or aspen treesfluttered perpetually with its light sheen. A maple towered highbehind the house, and a brook that ran not far away was shadowed by aweeping willow. Other trees were grouped here and there as if Naturehad planted them, and up one a wild grape-vine clambered, itsunobtrusive blossoms filling the air with a fragrance more deliciouseven than that of the old-fashioned roses which abounded everywhere. 

"Was there ever a sweeter nook?" I thought as I stepped out on thewide horse-block and gave my hand to one who seemed the beautifulculmination of the scene. 

Miss Adah needed but little assistance to alight, but she took my handin hers, which she had ungloved as she approached her home. It was hermother's soft, plump hand, but unmarked, as yet, by years of toil. Iforgot we were such entire strangers, and under the impulse of myfancy clasped it a trifle warmly, at which she gave me a look ofslight surprise, thus suggesting that there was no occasion for theact. 

"You are mistaken, " I mentally responded; "there is more occasion thanyou imagine; more than I may dare to tell you for a long time tocome. "

A lady who had been sitting on the piazza disappeared within thehouse, and Adah followed her. 

"Now, mother, " said Mr. Yocomb, "since thee did so little for friendMorton's spiritual man, see what thee can do for the temporal. I'lltake the high seat this time, and can tell thee beforehand thatthere'll be no silent meeting. "

"Father may seem to thee a little irreverent, but he doesn't mean tobe. It's his way, " said his wife, with a smile. "If thee'll come withme I'll show thee to a room where thee can rest and prepare fordinner. "

I followed her through a wide hall to a stairway that changed its mindwhen half-way up and turned in an opposite direction. "It suggests thefreedom and unconventionality of this home, " I thought, yielding to mymood to idealize everything. 

"This is thy room so long as thee'll be pleased to stay with us, " shesaid, with a genial smile, and her ample form vanished from thedoorway. 

I was glad to be alone. The shining tide of events was bearing mealmost too swiftly. "Can this be even the beginning of true love, since it runs so smoothly?" I queried. And yet it had all come aboutso simply and naturally, and for everything there was such adequatecause and rational explanation, that I assured myself that I hadreason for self-congratulation rather than wonder. 

Having seen such a maiden, it would be strange indeed if I had notbeen struck by her beauty. With an hour on my hands, and thoughts thatcalled no one master, it would have been stranger still if I had notbeen beguiled into a dream which, in my need, promised so much that Iwas now bent on its fulfilment. Kind Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb had butcarried out the teachings of their faith, and thus I was within thehome of one who, developing under the influences of such a mother andsuch surroundings, would have the power beyond most other women ofcreating another home. I naturally thought that here, in this lovelyand sheltered spot, and under just the conditions that existed, mightbe perfected the simple, natural flower of womanhood that thenecessities of my life and character required. 

I was too eager to prove my theories, and too strongly under thepresentiment that my hour of destiny had come, to rest, and so gladlywelcomed the tinkle of the dinner-bell. 

The apparent mistress of my fate had not diminished her unconsciouspower by exchanging her Sunday-morning costume for a light muslin, that revealed more of her white throat than the strict canons of hersect would warrant perhaps, but none too much for maidenly modesty andartistic effect. Indeed, the gown harmonized with her somewhat worldlyhat. I regarded these tendencies as good omens, however, felicitatingmyself with the thought that while her Quaker antecedents would alwaysgive to her manner and garb a beautiful simplicity, they would nottrammel her taste with arbitrary custom. Though now more clearlysatisfied that the beauty of her full face by no means equalled thatof her profile, I was still far more than content with a perfection offeatures that sustained a rigorous scrutiny. 

"Richard Morton, " said Mrs. Yocomb, "let me make thee acquainted withEmily Warren. "

I turned and bowed to a young woman, who seemed very colorless andunattractive to my brief glance, compared with the radiant creatureopposite me. It would appear that I made no very marked impression onher either, for she chatted with little Zillah, who sat beyond her, and with Reuben across the table, making no effort to secure myattention. 

If Mrs. Yocomb's powers as a spiritual provider were indicated by thetable she had spread for us, the old meetinghouse should be crowdedevery Sunday, on the bare possibility that she might speak. From thehuge plate of roast-beef before her husband to the dainty dish of wildstrawberries on the sideboard, all was appetizing, and although it wasthe day of my destiny, I found myself making a hearty meal. Mybeautiful vis-a-vis evidently had no thoughts of destiny, and provedthat the rich blood which mantled her cheeks had an abundant andhealthful source. I liked that too. "There is no sentimental nonsenseabout her, " I thought, "and her views of life will never bedyspeptic. "

I longed to hear her talk, and yet was pleased that she was notgarrulous. Her father evidently thought that this was his hour andopportunity, and he seasoned the ample repast with not a little homelywit and humor, in which his wife would sometimes join, and again curband deprecate. 

I began to grow disappointed that the daughter did not manifest someof her mother's quaint and genial good sense, or some sparkle andpiquancy that would correspond to her father's humor: but the fewremarks she made had reference chiefly to the people at the meeting, and verged toward small gossip. 

I broached several subjects which I thought might interest her, butcould obtain little other response than "Yes, " with a faint risinginflection. After one of these unsuccessful attempts I detected aslight, peculiar smile on Miss Warren's face. It was a mischievouslight in her dark eyes more than anything else. As she met my puzzledlook it vanished instantly, and she turned away. Everything in mytraining and calling stimulated alertness, and I knew that smile wasat my expense. Why was she laughing at me? Had she, by an intuition, divined my attitude of mind? A plague on woman's intuitions! What manis safe a moment?

But this could scarcely be, for the one toward whom my thoughts hadflown for the last three hours, and on whom I had bent glances thatdid her royal homage, was serenely unconscious of my interest, or elsesupremely indifferent to it. She did not seem unfriendly, and Iimagined that she harbored some curiosity in regard to me. My dress, manner, and some slight personal allusions secured far more attentionthan any abstract topic I could introduce. Her lips, however, were soexquisitely chiselled that they made, for the time, any utteranceagreeable, and suggested that only tasteful thoughts and words couldcome from them. 

"Now, mother, " said Mr. Yocomb, leaning back in his chair afterfinishing a generous cup of coffee, "I feel inclined to be a goodChristian man. I have a broad charity for about every one excepteditors and politicians. I am a man of peace, and there can be nopeace while these disturbers of the body politic thrive by settingpeople by the ears. I don't disparage the fare, mother, that theegives us at the meetinghouse, that is, when thee does give us any, butI do take my affirmation that thee has prepared a gospel feast for ussince we came home that has refreshed my inner man. As long as I am inthe body, roast-beef and like creature comforts are a means of graceto me. I am now in a contented frame of mind, and am quite disposed tobe amiable. Emily Warren, I can even tolerate thy music--nay, let mespeak the truth, I'd much like to hear some after my nap. Thee needn'tshake thy head at me, mother, I've caught thee listening, and if theebrings me up before the meeting, I'll tell on thee. Does thee realize, Emily Warren, that thee is leading us out of the straight and narrowway?"

"I would be glad to lead you out of a narrow way, " she replied, in atone so quiet and yet so rich that I was inclined to believe I had notyet seen Miss Warren. Perhaps she saw that I was becoming conscious ofher existence, for I again detected the old mirthful light in hereyes. Was I or Mr. Yocomb's remark the cause?

Who was Emily Warren anyway, and why must she be at the farmhouse at atime when I so earnestly wished "the coast clear?" The perverse worldat last was asserting its true self, and there was promise of adisturbance in my shining tide. Moreover, I was provoked that the oneremark of this Emily Warren had point to it, while my perfect flowerof womanhood had revealed nothing definitely save a good appetite, andthat she had no premonitions that this was the day of her destiny. 

CHAPTER IV

REALITY

"Father, " said my fair ideal abruptly, as if a bright idea had juststruck her, "did thee notice that Friend Jones's rockaway had beenpainted and all fixed up? I guess he rather liked our keeping himthere before all the meeting. "

"Mother, I hope thee'll be moved to preach about the charity thatthinketh no evil, " said her father gravely. 

The young girl tossed her head slightly as she asserted, "AramintaJones liked it anyway. Any one could see that. "

"And any one need not have seen it also, " her mother said, with apained look. Then she added, in a low aside, as we rose from thetable, "Thee certainly need not have spoken about thy friend's folly. "

The daughter apparently gave little heed to her mother's rebuke, and atrivial remark a moment later proved that she was thinking ofsomething else. 

"Adah, thee can entertain Richard Morton for a time, while motherattends to the things, " said her father. 

The alacrity with which she complied was flattering at least, and sheled me out on the piazza, that corresponded with my day-dream. 

"Zillah, " called Mrs. Tocomb to her little girl, "do not bother EmilyWarren. She may wish to be alone. Stay with Adah till I am through. "

"Oh, mother, please, let me go with Emily Warren. I never have a goodtime with Adah. "

"There, mother, let her have her own way, " said Adah, pettishly. "Emily Warren, thee shouldn't pet her so if thee doesn't want to bebothered by her. "

"She does not bother me at all, " said Miss Warren quietly. "I likeher. "

The little girl that had been ready to cry turned to her friend aradiant face that was eloquent with the undisguised affection ofchildhood. 

"Zillah evidently likes you, Miss Warren, " I said, "and you have giventhe reason. You like her. "

"Not always a sufficient reason for liking another, " she answered. 

"But a very good one, " I urged. 

"There are many better ones. "

"What has reason to do with liking, anyway?" I asked. 

The mirthfulness I had noted before glimmered in her eyes for amoment, but she answered demurely, "I have seen instances that gavemuch point to your question, but I cannot answer it, " and with aslight bow and smile she took her hat from Zillah and went down thepath with an easy, natural carriage, that nevertheless suggested thecity and its pavements rather than the country. 

"What were you two talking about?" asked Adah, with a trace of vexedperplexity on her brow, for I imagined that my glance followed MissWarren with some admiration and interest. 

"You must have heard all we said. "

"Where was the point of it?"

"What I said hadn't any point, so do not blame yourself for not seeingit. Don't you like little Zillah? She seems a nice, quiet child. "

"Certainly I like her--she's my sister; but I detest children. "

"I can't think that you were detested when you were a child. "

"I don't remember: I might have been, " she replied, with a slightshrug. 

"Do you think that, as a child, you would enjoy being detested?"

"Mother says it often isn't good for us to have what we enjoy. "

"Undoubtedly your mother is right. "

"Well, I don't see things in that way. If I like a thing I want it, and if I don't like it I don't want it, and won't have it if I canhelp myself. "

"Your views are not unusual, " I replied, turning away to hide mycontracting brow. "I know of others who cherish like sentiments. "

"Well, I'm glad to meet with one who thinks as I do, " she saidcomplacently, and plucking a half-blown rose that hung near her, sheturned its petals sharply down as if they were plaits of a hem thatshe was about to stitch. 

"Here is the first harmonic chord in the sweet congeniality of which Idreamed, " I inwardly groaned; but I continued, "How is it that youlike Zillah as your sister, and not as a little girl?"

"Oh, everybody likes their brothers and sisters after a fashion, butone doesn't care to be bothered with them when they are little. Besides, children rumple and spoil my dress, " and she looked down atherself approvingly. 

"Now, there's Emily Warren, " continued my "embodiment of June. ""Mother is beginning to hold her up to me as an example. Emily Warrenis half the time doing things that she doesn't like, and I think she'svery foolish. She is telling Zillah a story over there under thattree. I don't think one feels like telling stories right afterdinner. "

"Yes, but see how much Zillah enjoys the story. "

"Oh, of course she enjoys it. Why shouldn't she, if it's a good one?"

"Is it not possible that Miss Warren finds a pleasure in givingpleasure?"

"Well, if she does, that is her way of having a good time. "

"Don't you think it's a sweet, womanly way?"

"Ha, ha, ha! Are you already smitten with Emily Warren's sweet, womanly ways?"

I confess that I both blushed and frowned with annoyance anddisappointment, but I answered lightly, "If I were, would I be oneamong many victims?"

"I'm sure I don't know, " she replied, with her slight characteristicshrug, which also intimated that she didn't care. 

"Miss Warren, I suppose, is a relative who is visiting you?"

"Oh, no, she is only a music teacher who is boarding with us. Motherusually takes two or three boarders through the summer months, that isif they are willing to put up with our ways. "

"I suppose it's correct to quote Scripture on Sunday afternoon. I'msure your mother's ways are those of pleasantness and peace. Do youthink she would take me as a boarder?"

"I fear she'll think you would want too much city style. "

"That is just what I wish to escape from. "

"I think city style is splendid. "

"Why?"

"Oh, the city is gay and full of life and people. I once took walksdown Fifth Avenue when making a visit in town, and I would beperfectly happy if I could do so every day. "

"Perfectly happy? I wish I knew of something that would make meperfectly happy. Pardon me, I am only a business man, and can't beexpected to understand young ladies very well. I don't understand whywalking down Fifth Avenue daily would make you happy. "

"Of course not. A man can't understand a girl's feelings in suchmatters. "

"There is nothing in New York so beautiful as this June day in thecountry. "

"Yes, it's a nice day: but father says we need more rain dreadfully. "

"You have spoiled your rose. "

"There are plenty more. "

"Don't you like roses?"

"Certainly. Who does not like roses?"

"Let me give you another. See, here is one that has the hue of yourcheeks. "

"I suppose a city pallor like Emily Warren's is more to your taste. "

"I am wholly out of humor with the city, and I do not like that whichis colorless and insipid. I think the rose I have just given you verybeautiful. "

"Thanks for your roundabout compliment, " and she looked pleased. 

"I suppose your quiet life gives you much time for reading?"

"I can't say that I enjoy father and mother's books. "

"I doubt whether I would myself, but you have your own choice?"

"I read a story now and then; but time slips away; and I don't do muchreading. We country girls make our own clothes, and you have no ideahow much time it takes. "

"Will you forgive me if I say that I think you make yours veryprettily?"

Again she looked decidedly pleased; and, as if to reward me, shefastened the rose on her bosom. "If she would only keep still, " Ithought, "and I could simply look at her as at a draped statue, Icould endure another half-hour; but every word she speaks is like thenote of that catbird which broke the spell of harmony this morning. Ihave not yet seen a trace of ideality in her mind. Not a lovable traithave I discovered beyond her remarkable beauty, which mocks one withits broken promise. What is the controlling yet perverse principle ofher life which makes her seem an alien in her own home? I am glad shedoes not use the plain language to me, since by nature she is not aFriend. "

Miss Yocomb interrupted my thoughts by saying:

"I thought my dress would be much too simple and country-like for yourtaste. I can see myself that Emily Warren's dress has more style. "

Resolving to explore a little, I said:

"I know a great many men in town. "

"Indeed!" she queried, with kindling interest. 

"Yes, and some of them are fine artists; and the majority havecultivated their tastes in various ways, both at home and abroad: butI do not think many of them have any respect for what you mean by'style. ' Shop-boys, clerks, and Fifth Avenue exquisites give theirminds to the arbitrary mode of the hour; but the men in the city whoamount to anything rarely know whether a lady's gown is of the latestcut. They do know, however, whether it is becoming and lady-like. Thesolid men of the city have a keen eye for beauty, and spend hundredsof thousands of dollars to enjoy its various phases. But half of thetime they are anathematizing mere style. I have seen fashion transforma pretty girl into as near an approach to a kangaroo as naturepermitted. Now, I shall be so bold as to say that I think your costumethis afternoon has far better qualities than mere style. It isbecoming, and in keeping with the day and season, and I don't care afig whether it is the style or not. "

My "perfect flower of womanhood" grew radiant, and her lips parted ina smile of ineffable content. In bitter disappointment I saw that myartifice had succeeded, and that I had touched the key-note of herbeing. To my horror, she reminded me of a pleased, purring kitten thathad been stroked in the right direction. 

"Your judgment is hasty and harsh, " I charged myself, in half-angryaccusation, loth to believe the truth. "You do not know yet that acompliment to her dress is the most acceptable one that she canreceive. She probably takes it as a tribute to her good taste, whichis one of woman's chief prerogatives. "

I resolved to explore farther, and continued:

"A lady's dress is like the binding of a book--it ought to besuggestive of her character. Indeed, she can make it a tastefulexpression of herself. Our eye is often attracted or repelled by abook's binding. When it has been made with a fine taste, so that itharmonizes with the subject under consideration, we are justlypleased; but neither you nor I believe in the people who value booksfor the sake of their covers only. Beauty and richness of thought, treasures of varied truth, sparkling wit, droll humor, or downrightearnestness are the qualities in books that hold our esteem. A bookmust have a soul and life of its own as truly as you or I; and thecostliest materials, the wealth of a kingdom, cannot make a true bookany more than a perfect costume and the most exquisite combination offlesh and blood can make a true woman. " (I wondered if she werelistening to me; for her face was taking on an absent look. Consciousthat my homily was growing rather long, I concluded. ) "The book thatreveals something new, or puts old truths in new and interestinglights--the book that makes us wiser, that cheers, encourages, comforts, amuses, and makes a man forget his stupid, miserable self, is the book we tie to. And so a man might well wish himself knotted toa woman who could do as much for him, and he would naturally bepleased to have her outward garb correspond with her spiritual beautyand worth. "

My fair ideal had also reached a momentous conclusion, for she said, with the emphasis of a final decision:

"I won't cut that dress after Emily Warren's pattern. I'll cut it tosuit myself. "

I had been falling from a seventh heaven of hope for some time, but atthis moment I struck reality with a thump that almost made me sick andgiddy. The expression of my face reminded her of the irrelevancy ofher remark, and she blushed slightly, but laughed it off, saying:

"Pardon me, that I followed my own thoughts for a moment rather thanyours. These matters, no doubt, seem mere trifles to you gentlemen, but they are weighty questions to us girls who have to make a littlego a great way. Won't you, please, repeat what you said about thatlady who wrote a book for the sake of its binding? I think it's apretty idea. "

I was so incensed that I answered as I should not have done. "She wasremarkably successful. Every one looked at the binding, but were soonsatisfied to look no farther. "

I was both glad and vexed that she did not catch my meaning, for shesaid, with a smile:

"It would make a pretty ornament. "

"It would not be to my taste, " I replied briefly. "The beautifulbinding would hold out the promise of a good book, which, not beingfulfilled, would be tantalizing. "

"Do you know the lady well?"

"Yes, I fear I do. "

"How strangely you look at me!"

"Excuse me, " I said, starting. "I fear I followed your example and wasthinking of something else. "

But I let what I was thinking about slip out. 

"It was indeed a revelation. My thoughts will not interest you, Ifear. The experience of a man who saw a mirage in the desert came intomy mind. "

"I don't see what put that into your head. "

"Nor do I, now. The world appears to me entirely matter-of-fact. "

"I'm glad to hear you say that. Mother is always talking to me aboutspiritual meanings and all that. Now I agree with you. Things are justwhat they are. Some we like, and some we don't like. What more isthere to say about them? I think people are very foolish if theybother themselves over things or people they don't like. I hope motherwill take you to board, for I would like to have some one in the housewho looks at things as I do. "

"Thanks. Woman's intuition is indeed unerring. "

"I declare, there comes Silas Jones with his new top-buggy. You won'tmind his making one of our party, will you?"

"I think I will go to my room and rest awhile, and thus I shall not bethat chief of this world's evils--the odious third party. " And I rosedecisively. 

"I'd rather you wouldn't go, " she said. "I don't care specially forhim, and he does not talk half so nicely as you do. You needn't go onhis account. Indeed, I like to have half a dozen gentlemen around me. "

"You are delightfully frank. "

"Yes, I usually say what I think. "

"And do as you please, " I added. 

"Certainly. Why shouldn't I when I can? Don't you?"

"But I came from the wicked city. " "So does Emily Warren. "

"Is she wicked?"

"I don't know; she keeps it to herself if she is; and, by the way, sheis very quiet, I can never get her to talk much about herself. Sheappears so good that mother is beginning to quote her as an example, and that, you know, always makes one detest a person. I think there issome mystery about her. I'm sorry you will go, for I've lots ofquestions I'd like to ask you now we are acquainted. "

"Pardon me; I'm not strong, and must have a rest. Silas Jones willanswer just as well. "

"Not quite, " she said softly, with a smile designed to be bewitching. 

As I passed up the hall I heard her say, "Silas Jones, I'm pleased tosee thee. "

I threw myself on the lounge in my room in angry disgust. 

"O Nature!" I exclaimed, "what excuse have you for such perverseness?By every law of probability--by the ordinary sequence of cause andeffect--this girl should have been what I fancied her to be. This, then, forsooth, is the day of my fate! It would be the day of doom didsome malicious power chain me to this brainless, soulless, heartlesscreature. What possessed Nature to make such a blunder, to begin sofairly and yet reach such a lame and impotent conclusion? To the eyethe girl is the fair and proper outcome of this home and beautifulcountry life. In reality she is a flat contradiction to it all, reversing in her own character the native traits and acquired gracesof her father and mother. 

"As if controlled and carried forward by a hidden and malign power, she goes steadily against her surrounding influences that, like thewinds of heaven, might have wafted her toward all that is good andtrue. Is not sweet, quaint Mrs. Yocomb her mother? Is not the genial, hearty old gentleman her father? Has she not developed among scenesthat should ennoble her nature, and enrich her mind with ideality?There is Oriental simplicity and largeness in her parents' faith. Abraham sitting at the door of his tent, could scarcely have donebetter. Hers is the simplicity of silliness, which reveals what awoman of sense, though no better than herself, would not speak of. Itis exasperating to think that her eyes and fingers are endowed with asense of harmony and beauty, so that she can cut a gown and adorn herlovely person to perfection, and yet be so idiotic as to make aspectacle of herself in her real womanhood. As far as I can make out, Nature is more to blame than the girl. There is not a bat blinking inthe sunlight more blind than she to every natural beauty of this Juneday; and yet her eyes are microscopic, and she sees a host of littlethings not worth seeing. A true womanly moral nature seems never tohave been infused into her being. She detests children, her littlesister shrinks from her; she speaks and surmises evil of the absent;to strut down Fifth Avenue in finery, to which she has given her wholesoul, is her ideal of happiness--there, stop! She is the daughter ofmy kind host and hostess. The mystery of this world's evil is sadlyexemplified in her defective character, from which sweet, truewomanliness was left out. I should pity her, and treat her as if shewere deformed. Poor Mrs. Yocomb! Even mother-love cannot blind her tothe truth that her fair daughter is a misshapen creature. " After alittle, I added wearily, "I wish I had never seen her; I am the worsefor this day's mirage, " and I closed my eyes in dull apathy. 

CHAPTER V

MUTUAL DISCOVERIES

I must have slept for an hour or more, for when I awoke I saw throughthe window-lattice that the sun was declining in the west. Sleep hadagain proved better than all philosophy or medicine, for it hadrefreshed me and given something of the morning's elasticity. 

I naturally indulged in a brief retrospect, conscious that whilenothing had happened, since the croaking printer's remark, that Iwould care to print in the paper, experiences had occurred thattouched me closer than would the news that all the Malays of Asia wererunning amuck. I felt as if thrown back on to my old life and work inprecisely their old form. My expedition into the country and romancehad been disappointing. It is true I had found rest and sleep, and forthese I was grateful, and with these stanch allies I can go on with mywork, which I now believe is the best thing the world has for me. Ishall go back to it to-morrow, well content, after this day'sexperience, to make it my mistress. The bare possibility of beingyoked to such a woman as in fancy I have wooed and won to-day makes meshiver with inexpressible dread. Her obtuseness, combined with hermicroscopic surveillance, would drive me to the nearest madhouse Icould find. The whole business of love-making and marriage involvestoo much risk to a man who, like myself, must use his wits as a swordto carve his fortunes. I've fought my way up alone so far, and may aswell remain a free lance. The wealthy, and those who are content toplod, can go through life with a woman hanging on their arm. Rich Ishall never be, and I'll die before I'll plod. My place is in themidst of the world's arena, where the forces that shall make thefuture are contending, and I propose to be an appreciable part ofthose forces. I shall go back the wiser and stronger for this day'sfolly, and infinitely better for its rest, and I marched down themoody stairway, feeling that I was not yet a crushed and broken man, and cherishing also a secret complacency that I had at last outgrownmy leanings toward sentimentality. 

As I approached the door of the wide, low-browed parlor, I saw MissWarren reading a paper; a second later and my heart gave a bound: itwas the journal of which I was the night editor, and I greeted itsfamiliar aspect as the face of an old friend in a foreign land. It wasundoubtedly the number that had gone to press the night I had brokendown, and I almost hoped to see some marks of the catastrophe in itscolumns. How could I beguile the coveted sheet from Miss Warren'shands and steal away to a half-hour's seclusion?

"What! Miss Warren, " I exclaimed, "reading a newspaper on Sunday?"

She looked at me a moment before replying, and then asked:

"Do you believe in a Providence?"

Thrown off my guard by the unexpected question, I answered:

"Assuredly; I am not quite ready to admit that I am a fool, even afterall that has happened. "

There was laughter in her eyes at once, but she asked innocently:

"What has happened?"

I suppose my color rose a little, but I replied carelessly, "I havemade some heavy blunders of late. You are adroit in stealing away froma weak position under a fire of questions, but your stratagem shallnot succeed, " I continued severely. "How can you explain the fact, toopatent to be concealed, that here in good Mrs. Yocomb's house, and ona Sunday afternoon, you are reading a secular newspaper?"

"You. Have explained my conduct yourself, " she said, assuming a finesurprise. 

"I?"

"You, and most satisfactorily. You said you believed in a Providence. I have merely been reading what he has done, or what he has permitted, within the last twenty-four hours. "

I looked around for a chair, and sat down "struck all of a heap, " asthe rural vernacular has it. 

"Is that your definition of news?" I ventured at last. 

"I'm not a dictionary. That's the definition of what I've been readingthis afternoon. "

"Miss Warren, you may score one against me. "

The mischievous light was in her eyes, but she said suavely:

"Oh, no, you shall have another chance. I shall begin by showingmercy, for I may need it, and I see that you can be severe. "

"Well, please, let me take breath and rally my shattered wits before Imake another advance. I understand you, then, that you regardnewspapers as good Sunday reading?"

"You prove your ability, Mr. Morton, by drawing a vast conclusion froma small and ill-defined premise. I don't recall making any suchstatement. "

"Pardon me, you are at disadvantage now. I ask for no better premisethan your own action; for you are one, I think, who would do only whatyou thought right. "

"A palpable hit. I'm glad I showed you mercy. Still it does not followthat because I read a newspaper, all newspapers are good Sundayreading. Indeed, there is much in this paper that is not good readingfor Monday or any other day. "

"Ah!" I exclaimed, looking grave, "then why do you read it?"

"I have not. A newspaper is like the world of which it is a briefrecord--full of good and evil. In either case, if one does not likethe evil, it can be left alone. "

"Which do you think predominates in that paper?"

"Oh, the good, in the main. There is an abundance of evil, too, but itis rather in the frank and undisguised record of the evil in theworld. It does not seem to have got into the paper's blood andpoisoned its whole life. It is easily skipped if one is so inclined. There are some journals in which the evil cannot be skipped. From theleading editorial to the obscurest advertisement, one stumbles on iteverywhere. They are like certain regions in the South, in which thereis no escape from the snakes and malaria. Now there are low places inthis paper, but there is high ground also, where the air is good andwholesome, and where the outlook on the world is wide. That is thereason I take it. "

"I was not aware that many young ladies looked, in journals of thischaracter, beyond the record of deaths and marriages. "

"We studied ancient history. Is it odd that we should have a faintdesire to know what Americans are doing, as well as what theBabylonians did?"

"Oh, I do not decry your course as irrational. It seems rather--rather--"

"Rather too rational for a young lady. "

"I did not say that; but here is my excuse, " and I took from a tablenear a periodical entitled "The Young Lady's Own Weekly, " addressed toMiss Adah Yocomb. 

"Have not young men their own weeklies also--which of the two classesis the more weakly?"

"Ahem! I decline to pursue this phase of the subject any further. Toreturn to our premise, this journal, " and I laid my hand on the oldpaper caressingly. "It so happens that I read it also, and thus learnthat we have had many thoughts in common; though, no doubt, we woulddiffer on some of the questions discussed in it. What do you think ofits politics?"

"I think they are often very bad. "

"That's delightfully frank, " I said, sitting back in my chair a littlestiffly. "I think they are very good--at any rate they are mine. "

"Perhaps that is the reason they are so good?"

"Now, pardon me if I, too, am a trifle plain. Do you consider yourselfas competent to form an opinion concerning politics as gray-headedstudents of affairs?"

"Oh, certainly not; but do I understand that you accept, unquestioningly, the politics of the paper you read?"

"Far from it: rather that the politics of this paper commendthemselves to my judgment. "

"And you think 'judgment' an article not among a young woman'spossessions?"

"Miss Warren, you may think what you please of the politics of thispaper. But how comes it that you think about them at all? I'm surethat they interest but comparatively few young ladies. "

Her face suddenly became very grave and sad, and a moment later sheturned away her eyes that were full of tears. "I wish you hadn't askedthat question; but I will explain my seeming weakness, " she said, in alow, faltering voice. "I lost my only brother in the war--I wasscarcely more than a child; but I can see him now--my very ideal ofbrave, loyal manhood. Should I not love the country for which hedied?"

Politics! a word that men so often utter with contempt, has beenhallowed to me since that moment. 

She looked away for a moment, swiftly pressed her handkerchief to hereyes, then turning toward me said, with a smile, and in her formertones:

"Forgive me! I've been a bit lonely and blue this afternoon, for theday has reminded me of the past. I won't be weak and womanish anymore. I think some political questions interest a great many womendeeply. It must be so. We don't dote on scrambling politicians; but aman as a true statesman makes a grand figure. "

I was not thinking of statecraft or the craftsmen. 

"By Jove!" I exclaimed mentally, "this girl is more beautiful than my'perfect flower of womanhood. ' Night-owl that I am, I am just gainingthe power to see her clearly as the sun declines. "

I know my face was full of honest sympathy as I said, gently andreverently:

"Tell me more of your brother. The thoughts of such men make mebetter. "

She shot a quick, grateful glance, looked down, trembled, shook herhead as she faltered:

"I cannot--please don't; speak of something far removed. "

The feeling was so deep, and yet so strongly curbed, that itsrepression affected me more deeply than could its manifestation. Hersorrow became a veiled and sacred mystery of which I could never bewholly unconscious again; and I felt that however strong and brilliantshe might prove in our subsequent talk, I should ever see, back ofall, the tender-hearted, sensitive woman. 

"Please forgive me. I was cruelly thoughtless, " I said, in a voicethat trembled slightly. Then, catching up the paper, I continued, withattempted lightness, "We have found this journal, that we mutuallyread, a fruitful theme. What do you think of its literary reviews?"

Mirth and tears struggled for the mastery in her eyes; but sheanswered, with a voice that had regained its clear, bell-like tone:

"In some I have seen indisputable proof of impartiality and freedomfrom prejudice. "

"In what did that proof consist?"

"In the evident fact that the reviewer had not read the book. "

"You are severe, " I said, coloring slightly. 

She looked at me with a little surprise, but continued:

"That does not happen very often. It is clear that there are severalcontributors to this department, and I have come to look for theopinions of one of them with much interest. I am sure of a careful andappreciative estimate of a book from his point of view. His one faultappears to be that he sees everything from one perspective, and doesnot realize that the same thing may strike other intelligent peoplevery differently. But he's a fixed and certain quantity, and a goodpoint to measure from. I like him because he is so sincere. He sitsdown to a book as a true scientist does to a phase of nature, toreally learn what there is in it, and not merely to display a littlelearning, sarcasm, or smartness. I always feel sure that I knowsomething about a book after reading one of his reviews, and alsowhether I could afford to spend a part of my limited time in readingit. "

"I have singled out the same reviewer, and think your estimatecorrect. On another occasion, when we have more time, I am going toask how you like the musical critic's opinions; for on that subjectyou would be at home. "

"What makes you think so?"

"Miss Yocomb told me that you taught music in the city, and music isabout the only form of recreation for which I have taken time in mybusy life. There are many things concerning the musical tendencies ofthe day that I would like to ask you about. But I hear the clatter ofthe supper dishes. What do you think of the editorial page, and itsmoral tendencies? That is a good Sunday theme. "

"There is evidence of much ability, but there is a lack of earnestnessand definite purpose. The paper is newsy and bright, and, in the main, wholesome. It reflects public opinion fairly and honestly, but doeslittle to shape it. It is often spicily controversial, sometimestiresomely so. I do a good deal of skipping in that line. I wish itsquarrels resulted more from efforts to right some wrong; and there isso much evil in our city, both in high and low places, that ought tobe fought to the death. The editor has exceptional opportunities, andmight be the knight-errant of our age. If in earnest, and on the rightside, he can forge a weapon out of public opinion that few evils couldresist. And he is in just the position to discover these dragons. Anddrive them from their hiding-places. If, for instance, the cleverparagraphist in this column, whose province, it seems, is to commentat the last moment on the events of the day, were as desirous ofsaying true, strong, earnest words, as bright and prophetic ones, inwhich the news of the morrow is also outlined-why, Mr. Morton, what isthe matter?"

"Are you a witch?"

She looked at me a moment, blushed deeply, and asked hesitatingly:

"Are-are you the paragraphist?"

"Yes, " I said, with a burst of laughter, "as truly as yours is theonly witchcraft in which I believe-that of brains. " Then putting myfinger on my lips, I added, _sotto voce_: "Don't betray me. Mr. Yocombwould set all his dogs on me if he knew I were an editor, and I don'twish to go yet. "

"What have I been saying!" she exclaimed, with an appalled look. 

"Lots of clever things. I never got so many good hints in the sametime before. "

"It wasn't fair in you, to lead me on in the dark. "

"Oh, there wasn't any 'dark, ' I assure you. Your words werecoruscations. Never was the old journal so lighted up before. "

There were both perplexity and annoyance in her face as she lookeddubiously at me. Instantly becoming grave, I stepped to her side andtook her hand, as I said, with the strongest emphasis:

"Miss Warren, I thank you. I have caught a glimpse of my work andcalling through the eyes of a true, refined, and, permit me to add, agifted woman. I think I shall be the better for it, but will make noprofessions. If I'm capable of improvement this column will show it. "

Her hand trembled in mine as she looked away and said:

"You are capable of sympathy. "

Then she went hastily to the piano. 

Before she could play beyond a bar or two, little Zillah bounded in, exclaiming:

"Emily Warren, mother asks if thee and Richard Morton will come out totea?"

"I may be in error, but is not a piano one of the worldly vanities?" Iasked, as she turned to comply. "I did not expect to see one here. "

"Mrs. Yocomb kindly took this in with me. I could scarcely livewithout one, so you see I carry the shop with me everywhere, and am solinked to my business that I can never be above it. "

"I hope not, but you carry the business up with you. The shop may be, and ought to be, thoroughly respectable. It is the narrow, mercenaryspirit of the shop that is detestable. If you had that, you wouldleave your piano in New York, since here it would have no money value. '

"You take a nice view of it. "

"Is it not the true view?"

In mock surprise she answered:

"Mr. Morton, I'm from New York. Did you ever meet a lady from thatcity who was not all that the poets claimed for womanhood?"

CHAPTER VI

A QUAKER TEA

"Richard Morton, " said Mrs. Yocomb genially, "thee seems listeningvery intently to something Emily Warren is saying, so thee may takethat seat beside her. "

"Richard Morton, " said Mr. Yocomb from the head of the table, "hasthee made the acquaintance of Emily Warren?"

"No, sir, but I am making it. "

"So am I, and she has been here a week. "

"I should esteem that one of the highest of compliments, " I said; thenturning to her, I added, in an aside, "You found me out in half anhour. "

"Am I such a sphinx?" she asked Mr. Yocomb with a smile; while to meshe said, in a low tone: "You are mistaken. You have had something tosay to me almost daily for a year or more. "

"I am not acquainted with the article, and so can't give an opinion, "Mr. Yocomb replied, with a humorous twinkle in his eye. "If theresemblance is close, so much the better for the sphinxes. "

"Now, father, thee isn't a young man that thee should be complimentingthe girls, " his wife remarked. 

"I've persuaded Silas Jones to stay, " said Adah, entering. 

"Silas Jones, I hope thee and thy parents are well, " Mrs. Yocombanswered, with a courtesy somewhat constrained. "Will thee take thatseat by Adah? Let me make thee acquainted with Richard Morton andEmily Warren. "

We bowed, but I turned instantly to Miss Warren and said. 

"Do you note how delightfully Mrs. Yocomb unites our names? I take itas an omen that we may become friends in spite of my shortcomings. Youshould have been named first in the order of merit. "

"Mrs. Yocomb rarely makes mistakes, " she replied. 

"That confirms my omen. "

"Omens are often ominous. "

"I'm prepared for the best. "

"Hush!" and she bowed her head in the grace customary before meals inthis house. 

I had noted that Mr. Yocomb's bow to Mr. Jones was slightly formalalso. Remembering the hospitable traits of my host and hostess, Iconcluded that the young man was not exactly to their taste. Indeed, acertain jauntiness in dress that verged toward flashiness would notnaturally predispose them in his favor. But Adah, although disclaimingany special interest in him, seemed pleased with his attentions. Shewas not so absorbed, however, but that she had an eye for me, andexpected my homage also. She apparently felt that she had made a veryfavorable impression on me, and that we were congenial spirits. Duringthe half hour that followed I felt rather than saw that this factamused Miss Warren exceedingly. 

For a few moments we sat in silence, but I fear my grace was asgraceless as my morning worship had been. Miss Warren's manner wasreverent. Were her thoughts also wandering? and whither? She certainlyheld mine, and by a constraint that was not unwelcome. 

When she lifted her expressive eyes I concluded that she had donebetter than merely comply with a religious custom. 

"The spirit of this home has infected you, " I said. 

"It might be well for you also to catch the infection. "

"I know it would be well for me, and wish to expose myself to it tothe utmost. You are the only obstacle I fear. "

"I?"

"Yes. I will explain after supper. "

"To explain that you have good cause to ask for time, "

"Richard Morton, does thee like much sugar in thy tea?" Mrs. Yocombasked. 

"No-yes, none at all, if you please. "

My hostess looked at me a little blankly, and Adah and Silas Jonesgiggled. 

"A glass of milk will help us both out of our dilemma, " I said, with alaugh. 

"An editor should be able to think of two things at once, " Miss Warrenremarked, in a low aside. 

"That depends on the subject of his thoughts. But don't breathe thatword here, or I'm undone. "

"Richard Morton, " said Mr. Yocomb, "I hope thee feels the better formother's ministrations since we came home. Will thee pass thy platefor some more of the same kind?"

"Mrs. Yocomb has done me good ever since I followed her into themeeting-house, " I replied. "I am indeed the better for her dinner, andI ought to be. I feared you would all be aghast at the havoc I made. But it is your kindness and hospitality that have done me the mostgood, i would not have believed yesterday afternoon that my fortunescould have taken so favorable a turn. "

"Why, what was the matter with you then?" asked Adah, with wide-eyedcuriosity; and little Zillah looked at me with a pitying and puzzledglance. 

"A common complaint in the city. I was committing suicide, andyesterday became conscious of the fact. "

"Mr. Morton must have hit on an agreeable method of suicide, since hecould commit it unconsciously, " Miss Warren remarked mischievously. "Iread in Emily Warren's newspaper this afternoon, " said Silas Jones, with awkward malice, "of a young fellow who got a girl to marry him bypretending to commit suicide. He didn't hurt himself much though. "

The incident amused Adah exceedingly, and I saw that Miss Warren'seyes were full of laughter. Assuming a shocked expression, I said:

"I am surprised that Miss Warren takes a paper so full of insidiousevil. " Then, with the deepest gravity, I remarked to Silas Jones, "Ihave recently been informed, sir, on good authority, that each oneinstinctively finds and reads in a newspaper that which he likes orneeds. I sincerely hope, my dear sir, that the example you have quotedwill not lead you to adopt a like method. "

Adah laughed openly to her suitor's confusion, and the mouths of theothers were twitching. With the complexion of the rose at his button-hole Mr. Jones said, a trifle vindictively:

"I thought the paragraph might refer to you, sir, you seem so slightlyhurt. "

"I don't like to contradict you, but I cannot be this ingenious youthwhose matrimonial enterprise so deeply interests you, since I am notmarried, and I was hurt severely. "

"Thee had been overworking, " said Mrs. Yocomb kindly. 

"Working foolishly rather. I thought I had broken down, but sleep andyour kindness have so revived me that I scarcely know myself. Are youaccustomed to take in tramps from New York?"

"That depends somewhat upon the tramps. I think the right leadings aregiven us. "

"If good leadings constitute a Friend, I am one to-day, for I havebeen led to your home. " "Now I'm moved to preach a little, " said Mr. Yocomb. "Richard Morton, does thee realize the sin and folly ofoverwork? If thee works for thyself it is folly. If thee toils for thegood of the world, and art able to do the world any good, it is sin;if there are loved ones dependent on thee, thee may do them a wrongfor which there is no remedy. Thee looks to me like a man who has beenover-doing"

"Unfortunately there is no one dependent on me, and I fear I have nothad the world's welfare very greatly at heart. I have learned that Iwas becoming my own worst enemy, and so must plead guilty of folly. "

"Well, thee doesn't look as if thee had sinned away thy day of graceyet. If thee'll take roast-beef and common-sense as thy medicine, thee'll see my years and vigor. "

"Richard Morton, " said his wife, with a gentle gravity, "never let anyone make thee believe that thee has sinned away thy day of grace. "

"Mother, thee's very weak on the 'terrors of the law. ' Thee's alwaysfor coaxing the transgressors out of the broad road. Thee'slatitudinarian; now!"

"And thee's a little queer, father. "

"Emily Warren, am I queer?"

"You are very sound and sensible in your advice to Mr. Morton, " shereplied. "One may very easily sin against life and health beyond thepoint of remedy. I should judge from Mr. Morton's words that he is indanger. "

"Now, mother, thee sees that Emily Warren believes in the terrors ofthe law. "

"Thee wouldn't be a very good one at enforcing them, Emily, " said Mrs. Yocomb, nodding her head smilingly toward her favorite. 

"The trouble is, " said Miss Warren a little sadly, "that some lawsenforce themselves. I know of so many worn-out people in New York, both men and women, that I wish that Mr. Yocomb's words were printedat the head of ail our leading newspapers. "

"Yes, " said Mr. Yocomb, "if editors and newspaper writers were only aseager to quiet the people as they are to keep up the hubbub of theworld, they might make their calling a useful one. It almost takesaway my breath to read some of our great journals. "

"Do you not think laziness the one pre-eminent vice of the world?"tasked. 

"Not of native-born Americans. I think restlessness, nervous activity, is the vice of our age. I am out of the whirl, and can see it all themore clearly. Thee admits that thy city life was killing thee--I knowit would kill me in a month. "

"I would like to have a chance to be killed by it, " said Adah, with asigh. 

"Thy absence would be fatal to some in the country, " I heard SilasJones remark, and with a look designed to be very reproachful. 

"Don't tell me that. Melissa Bunting would soon console thee. "

"Thee stands city life quite well, Emily, " said Mrs. Yocomb. 

"Yes, better than I once did. I am learning how to live there andstill enjoy a little of your quiet; but were it not for my longsummers in the country I fear it would go hard with me also. "

"You have suggested my remedy, " I said. "My business does not permitmuch chance for rest, unless it is taken resolutely; and, like manyother sinners, I have great reforms in contemplation. "

"It must be a dreadful business that came so near killing you, " Adahremarked, looking at me curiously. "What can it be?"

Mrs. Yocomb glanced at her daughter reprovingly, but Miss Warren'seyes were dancing, and I saw she was enjoying my rather blank lookimmensely. 

T decided, however, that honesty and audacity would be my best allies, and at the same time I hoped to punish Adah a little through hercuriosity, "I must admit that it is a dreadful business. Deeds of darkness occupymuch of my time; and when good, honest men, like your father, areasleep, my brain, and hand are busiest. Now you see what a suspiciouscharacter your father and mother have harbored in their unquestioninghospitality. "

The young lady looked at me with a thoroughly perplexed and halfalarmed expression, "My gracious!" she exclaimed. "What do you do?"

"You do not look as if 'inclined to mercy, '" I replied. "Mr. Yocomband Miss Warren believe in the terrors of the law, so I have decidedto make a full confession to Mrs. Yocomb after supper. I think that Iam one of the 'transgressors' that she could 'coax. '"

After a momentary and puzzled glance at my laughing critic, Mrs. Yocomb said:

"Emily Warren knows thy secret. "

"So you have told Emily Warren, but will not tell us, " Adahcomplained, in a piqued tone and manner. 

"Indeed, you are mistaken. Miss Warren found me out by intuition. I amlearning that there is no occasion to tell her things: she sees them. "

Mr. Yocomb's face wore a decidedly puzzled look, and contained alsothe suggestion of an apt guess. 

"Well, " he said, "thee has shown the shrewdness of an editor, and aYankee one at that. "

Miss Warren now laughed outright. 

"Thee thinks, " he continued, "that if thee gets mother on thy sidethee's safe. I guess I'll adopt a common editorial policy, and sitsafely on the fence till I hear what mother says to thy confession. "

"Are you laughing at me?" I asked Miss Warren, with an injured air. 

"To think that one of your calling should have got into such adilemma!" she said, in a low tone. "It's delicious!"

"My cheeks may become bronzed, but never brazen, Miss Warren. Myguilelessness should touch your sympathies. "

"Well, " said Adah, with rather a spiteful look at Miss Warren, "I'mglad I've not got a prying disposition. I talked with you half theafternoon and did not find you out. "

Even Mrs. Yocomb laughed at this. 

"Now, Miss Warren, " I said, turning to her with a triumphant look, "Ihope you feel properly quenched. "

"Is there any record of your crime, or misfortune, or whatever it maybe, in Miss Warren's newspaper?" asked Silas Jones, with a slightsneer. 

"Yes, sir, of both, if the truth must be told, " I replied. "That isthe way she found me out. "

This unexpected admission increased the perplexity all around, andalso added to Miss Warren's merriment. 

"Where is the paper?" said Adah, quickly. 

At this peculiar proof of his daughter's indifference Mr. Yocombfairly exploded with laughter. He seemingly shared his wife'sconfidence in Miss Warren to that degree that the young lady'sknowledge of my business, combined with her manner, was a guaranteeagainst anything seriously wrong. Moreover, the young girl's laugh wassingularly contagious. Its spontaneity and heartiness wereirresistible, and I feared that her singing would not be half somusical. 

"Richard Morton, " said Mrs. Yocomb, rising, "if thee wishes to freethy mind, or conscience, or heart, I will now give thee anopportunity. "

"My fate is in your hands. If you send me back to my old life and workI will go at once. "

"Ah!" exclaimed Miss Warren, in mock gravity, "now there is a touch oftragedy in your words. Must we all hold our breaths till you return, absolved or condemned?"

"And were I condemned would you breathe freely?"

"Yes, indeed I would, if Mrs. Yocomb condemned you. But after my senseof justice was satisfied I might be moved to pity. "

"And you think I may become a pitiable object?"

"You would be, indeed, if Mrs. Yocomb condemned you. "

"Lead on, " I exclaimed, with a gesture of mock tragedy; "this is thehour of destiny. "

CHAPTER VII

A FRIEND

"Richard Morton, " said Mrs. Yocomb, as she sat down encouragingly nearme in the low-studded parlor, "thee does not look into my eyes as ifthee had a great burden on thy conscience. "

"I have a great fear in my heart, " I said. 

"The two should go together, " she remarked a little gravely; "andstrength will be given thee to cast away both. "

The spirit of jesting left me at once, and I know that I looked intoher kind motherly face very wistfully and appealingly. After a momentI asked:

"Mrs. Yocomb, did you ever treat an utter stranger so kindly before?"

"I think so, " she said, with a smile. "Emily Warren came to us anentire stranger and we already love her very much. "

"I can understand that. Miss Warren is a genuine woman--one after yourown heart. I was not long in finding that out. But I am a man of theworld, and you must have noted the fact from the first. "

"Richard Morton, supposing thee is a sinner above all others inGalilee, where do I find a warrant for the 'I am better than thou'spirit?"

She said these words so gently and sincerely that they touched my verysoul, and I exclaimed:

"If evil had been my choice a thousand years, you might me from it. "

She shook her head gravely as she said:

"Thee doesn't understand. Weak is the arm of flesh. "

"But kindness and charity are omnipotent. "

"Yes, if thee turns to Omnipotence for them. But far be it from me tojudge thee, Richard Morton. Because thee does not walk just where I amwalking is no proof that thou art not a pilgrim. "

"I must tell you in all sincerity that I am not. My brain, heart, andsoul have been absorbed by the world, and not by its best thingseither. Fifteen years ago, when scarcely more than a child, I was leftalone in it. I have feared it inexpressibly, and with good reason. Ihave fought it, and have often been worsted. At times I have hated it;but as I began to succeed I learned to love it, and to serve it withan ambition that gave me so little respite that yesterday I thoughtthat I was a broken and worn-out man. If ever the world had a slave, Iam one; but there have been times during this June day when Iearnestly wished that I might break my chains; and your serene, kindlyface, that is in such blessed contrast to its shrewd, exacting, andmerciless spirit, gave hope from the first. "

"So thee has been alone in the world since thee was a little boy, " shesaid, in a tone that seemed the echo of my dead mother's voice. 

"Since I was twelve years of age, " I replied, after a moment, andlooking away. I could not meet her kind eyes as I added: "My mother'smemory has been the one good, sacred influence of my life; but I havenot been so true to it as I ought to have been--nothing like so true. "

"Has thee no near friends or relatives?"

"I have acquaintances by the hundred, but there is no one to whom Icould speak as I have to you, whom I have known but a few hours. A manhas intuitions sometimes as well as a woman. "

"How strange it all is!" said Mrs. Yocomb, with a sigh, and lookingabsently out of the window to where the sun glowed not far above thehorizon. Its level rays lighted up her face, making it so beautifuland noble that I felt assured that I had come to the right one forlight and guidance. "Every heart seems to have its burden when thewhole truth is known, " she added, meditatively. "I wonder if any areexempt. Thee seemed indeed a man of the world when jesting at thetable, but now I see thy true self Thee is right, Richard Morton; theecan speak to me as to thy friend. "

"I fear your surmise is true, Mrs. Yocomb; for in two instances to-dayhave I caught glimpses of burdens heavier than mine. " She looked at mehastily, and her face grew pale. I relieved her by quietly continuing:

"Whether you have a burden on your heart or not, one thing I know tobe true--the burdened in heart or conscience would instinctively turnto you. I am conscious that it is this vital difference between yourspirit and that of the world which leads me to speak as I do. Exceptas we master and hold our own in the world, it informs us that we areof little account--one of millions; and our burdens and sorrows aretreated as sickly sentimentalities. There is no isolation more perfectthan that of a man of the world among people of his own kind, withwhom manifestations of feeling are weaknesses, securing promptridicule. Reticence, a shrewd alertness to the main chance of thehour, and the spirit of the entire proverb, 'Every man for himself, 'become such fixed characteristics that I suppose there is danger thatthe deepest springs in one's nature may dry up, and no Artesian shaftof mercy or truth be able to find anything in a man's soul save aridselfishness. In spite of all that conscience can say against me--andit can say very much--I feel sure that I have not yet reached thathopeless condition. "

"No, Richard Morton, thee has not. "

"I honestly hope I never may, and yet I fear it. Perhaps the turning-point has come when I must resolutely look my old life and itstendencies in the face and as resolutely work out such changes as truemanhood requires. If you will permit a metaphor, I feel like ashipmaster whom a long-continued and relentless gale has driven intoan unexpected and quiet harbor. Before I put to sea again I would liketo rest, make repairs, and get my true bearings, otherwise I may makeshipwreck altogether. And so, impelled by my stress and need, Iventure to ask if you will permit me to become an inmate of your homefor a time on terms similar to those that you have made with MissWarren. That you may very naturally decline is the ground of the fearto which I referred. "

"Richard Morton, " said the old lady heartily, "thee's welcome to staywith us as long as thee pleases, and to come whenever thee can. Theleadings in this case are plain, and I shall pray the kind HeavenlyFather that all thy hopes may be realized. "

"One has been realized truly. You cannot know how grateful I am. "

"Thee's welcome, surely, and father will tell thee so, too. Come, " andshe led me out to the further end of the veranda, where Mr. Yocomb satwith Miss Warren, his daughters, and Silas Jones grouped near him. 

"Well, " exclaimed Adah eagerly, "what is Mr. Morton's calling? Itmust, indeed, be a dreadful business, since you have had such a longand serious time. "

Mrs. Yocomb looked at me a little blankly. 

"I declare, " I exclaimed, laughing, "I forgot to tell you. "

"Forgot to tell!" cried Adah. "Why, what on earth did you tell? Thereis nothing about you in this paper that I can find. "

Mr. Yocomb looked perplexed, and I saw Miss Warren's quick glance atMrs. Yocomb, who smiled back reassuringly. 

"Father, " she said, "Richard Morton wishes to stay with us for a time, I have told him that he was welcome, and that thee would tell him so, too. I think thee will. Thee may ask him any questions thee pleases. Iam satisfied. "

"Thee is mistress of thy home, mother, and if thee's satisfied I am. Richard Morton, thee's welcome. Thee was wise to get mother on thyside. "

"So I instinctively felt ever since I saw her at the meeting-housedoor. "

"Perhaps mother gave thee a bit of a sermon?"

"She has given me two things that a man can't be a man without--hopeand courage. "

"Well, thee does kind of look as if thee had plucked up heart. "

"You, too, are catching the infection of this home, " Miss Warren said, in a low voice, as she stood near me. 

"So soon? I feel that I shall need an exposure of several weeks. Thereis now but one obstacle in the way. "

"Ah, yes! I remember what you said. It's time you explained. "

"Not yet. " And I turned and answered Adah's perplexed and frowningbrow. 

"You will find me in that paper, Miss Adah, as one of its chieffaults. I am one of its editors, and this fact will reveal to you thecalling from which I and many others, no doubt, have suffered. Thusyou see that, after all, I have revealed my secret to you only. Toyour mother I revealed myself. I hope, sir, you will not reverse yourdecision?" I said to Mr. Yocomb. 

The old gentleman laughed heartily as he answered, "I have had my sayabout editors in general. Mother and--I may add--something in thy ownmanner, has inclined me to except present company. But I'll read thypaper since Emily Warren takes it, so thee'd better beware. "

I saw that Adah was regarding me with complacency, and seemedmeditating many other questions. I had fully decided, however, thatwhile I should aim to keep her goodwill I would not permit her to makelife a burden by her inane chatter, or by any sense of proprietorshipin me. She must learn, as speedily as possible, that I was not one ofher "half-dozen young men. "

"Richard Morton, thee can keep thy room, and I hope thee will not findour quiet, homely ways irksome, since we cannot greatly change them, "said my hostess. 

"I have a request to make, Mrs. Yocomb, " I replied earnestly; "and Ishall derive no pleasure or benefit from my sojourn with you unlessyou grant it. It is, that your family life may go on just the same asif I were not here. As surely as I see that I am a source of restraintor extra care and trouble, you will drive me out into the wildernessagain. You know why I wish to stay with you, " I added meaningly. 

"We shall take thee at thy word, " said Mrs. Yocomb, with a smile onher lips but a very wistful, kindly light in her eyes. 

"Reuben, tell Richard Morton the truth, " said his father. "Would itgive thee a great deal of trouble or much pleasure to take Dapple anddrive to the village for friend Morton's valise?"

The youth, who was a good-natured and manly boy, to whom Sundayspassed a trifle slowly, sprang up with such alacrity that I laughed asI said, "No need of words, Reuben, but I owe you a good turn all thesame. " Then turning to Miss Warren, I continued:

"You have been here a week. Will your conscience permit you to teachme a little topography? It would be no worse than reading thatnewspaper. "

"Indeed, I think it might be better. It will be a useful task, atleast; for, left to yourself, you might get lost, and make Mr. Yocombno end of trouble. Did you not tell me, sir (to our host), that on oneoccasion you had to hunt some one up with fish-horns, lanterns, etc. ?"

"Yes, and he was from New York, too, " said Mr. Yocomb. 

"If I get lost, leave me to my fate. There will be one editor theless. "

"Very true; but I'd rather have thee on thy paper than on myconscience. So Emily Warren, thee look after him, and show him theright and proper ways, for I am now too old to enjoy a night hunt, even with the music of fish-horns to cheer us on. I ask thee, Emily, for some of thine instead when thee comes back. "

CHAPTER VIII

THE MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES

"Is it a task, then, to show me the right paths and proper ways?" Iasked, as we strolled away, leaving Adah looking as if--in hercuriosity to know more of the new species, a night editor--she wishedSilas Jones in the depths of the Dead Sea. 

"That may depend on how apt and interesting a scholar you prove. I'm ateacher, you know, and teaching some of my scholars is drudgery, andothers a pleasure. "

"So I'm put on my good behavior at once. "

"You ought to be on your good behavior anyway--this is Sunday. "

"Yes, and June. If a man is not good now he'll never be. And yet suchpeople as Mrs. Yocomb--nor will I except present company--make meaware that I am not good--far from it. "

"I am glad Mrs. Yocomb made just that impression on you. "

"Why?"

"Because it proves you a better man than your words suggest, and, whatis of more consequence, a receptive man. I should have little hope forany one who came from a quiet talk with Mrs. Yocomb in a complacentmood or merely disposed to indulge in a few platitudes on thesweetness and quaintness of her character, and some sentimentalitiesin regard to Friends. If the depths of one's nature were not stirred, then I would believe that there were no depths. She is doing me muchgood, and giving me just the help I needed. "

"I can honestly say that she uttered one sentence that did findsoundings in such shallow depths as exist in my nature, and I ought tobe a better man for it hereafter. "

"She may have found you dreadfully bad, Mr. Morton: but I saw from herface that she did not find you shallow. If she had, you would not havetouched her so deeply. "

"I touched her?"

"Yes. Women understand each other. Something you said--but do notthink I'm seeking to learn what it was--moved her sympathies. "

"Oh, she's kind and sympathetic toward every poor mortal. "

"Very true; but she's intensely womanly; and a woman is incapable of abenevolence and sympathy that are measured out by the yard--so much toeach one, according to the dictates of judgment. You were so fortunateas to move Mrs. Yocomb somewhat as she touched your feelings; and youhave cause to be glad; for she can be a friend that will make lifericher. "

"I think I can now recall what excited her sympathies, and may tellyou some time, that is, if you do not send me away. "

"I send you away?"

"Yes, I told you that you were the one obstacle to my remaining. "

She looked at me as if perplexed and a little hurt. I did not reply atonce, for her countenance was so mobile, so obedient to her thoughtand feeling, that I watched its varied expressions with an interestthat constantly deepened. In contrast to Adah Yocomb's her face wasusually pale; and yet it had not the sickly pallor of ill-health, butthe clear, transparent complexion that is between the brunette and theblonde. Her eyes were full, and the impression of largeness, when shelooked directly at you, was increased by a peculiar outward curve oftheir long lashes. 

Whether her eyes could be called blue I could not yet decide, and theyseemed to darken and grow a little cold as she now looked at me; butshe merely said, quietly:

"I do not understand you. "

"This was your chosen resting-place for the summer, was it not, MissWarren?"

"Yes. "

"Well, then, what right have I, an entire stranger, to come blunderingalong like a June beetle and disturb your rest? You did not lookforward to associations with night editors and like disreputablepeople when you chose this sheltered nook of the world, and nestledunder Mrs. Yocomb's wing. You have the prior right here. "

As I spoke, her face so changed that it reminded me of the morning ofthis eventful day when I first looked out upon its brightness, and asI ceased her laugh rang out heartily. 

"So after all your fate is in my hands. "

"It is. You have pre-empted this claim. "

"Suppose I am a little non-committal, and should say, You may spendthe evening, you may stay till to-morrow; would you be content?"

"No, indeed, but I would have to submit. "

"Well, this is rich. Who ever heard of an editor--and the shrewd, alert, night editor at that--in such a dilemma! Do you realize what anunwise step you have taken? Mr. Yocomb justly complimented yourshrewdness in getting Mrs. Yocomb on your side, and having won herover you were safe, and might have remained in this Eden as long asyou chose. Now you place it within the power--the caprice even--of anutter stranger to send you out into the wilderness again. "

I said, with a smile, "I am satisfied that you differ from your motherEve in one respect. "

"Ah! in what respect?"

"You are not the kind of woman that causes banishment from Eden. "

"You know very little about me, Mr. Morton. "

"I know that. "

She smiled and looked pleased in spite of herself. 

"I think I'll let you stay till--till to-morrow, " she said, with anarch side glance; then added, with a laugh, "What nonsense we aretalking! As if you had not as good a right to be here as I have. "

"I beg your pardon. I spoke in downright sincerity. You found thisquiet place first. In a large hotel, all kinds of people can meetalmost as they do on Broadway; but here we must dwell together as onefamily, and I feel that I have no right to force on you anyassociation without your leave, especially as you are here alone. In acertain sense I introduce myself, and compel you to meet me sociallywithout your permission. You may have formed a very different plan foryour summer's rest. "

"It is rather rare for a music-teacher to receive so muchconsideration. It bewilders me a little. "

"Pardon me. I soon discovered that you possessed woman's highestrank. "

"Indeed! Am I a princess in disguise?"

"You are more than many princesses have been--a lady. And, as I saidbefore, you are here alone. "

She turned and looked at me intently, and I felt that if I had notbeen sincere she would have known it. It was a peculiar and, Ieventually learned, a characteristic act. I am now inclined to thinkthat she saw the precise attitude of my mind and feeling toward her;but my awakening interest was as far removed from curiosity as is ournatural desire to have a melody completed, the opening strains ofwhich are captivating. 

Her face quickly lost its aspect of grave scrutiny, and she lookedaway, with a slight accession of color. 

"Do you want to stay very much?" she asked. 

"Miss Warren, " I exclaimed, and my expression must have been eager andglad, "you looked at me then as you would at a doubtful stranger, andyour glance was searching. You looked as only a woman can--as one whowould see her way rather than reason it out. Now tell me in sinceritywhat you saw. "

"You know from my manner what I saw, " she said, smiling and blushingslightly. 

"No, I only hoped; I have not a woman's eyesight. "

She bit her lip, contracted her wide, low brow for a moment, thenturned and said frankly:

"I did not mean to be rude in my rather direct glance. Even though amusic-teacher, I have had compliments before, and I have usually foundthem as empty and insincere as the people who employed them. I amsomewhat alone in the world, Mr. Morton, and I belong to that class oftimid and rather helpless creatures whose safety lies in theirreadiness to run to cover. I have found truth the best cover for me, situated as I am. I aim to be just what I seem--neither more nor less;and I am very much afraid of people who do not speak the truth, especially when they are disposed to say nice things. "

"And you saw?"

"I saw that bad as you are, I could trust you, " she said, laughing; "afact that I was glad to learn since you are so bent on forcing yoursociety upon us all for a time. "

"Thank Heaven!" I exclaimed, "I thought yesterday that I was abankrupt, but I must have a little of the man left in me to havepassed this ordeal. Had I seen distrust in your eyes and consequentreserve in your manner, I should have been sorely wounded. "

"No, " she replied, shaking her head, "when a man's character is suchas to excite distrust, he could not be so sorely wounded as yousuggest. "

"I'm not sure of that, " I said. "I think a man may know himself to beweak and wicked, and yet suffer greatly from such consciousness. "

"Why should he weakly suffer? Why not simply do right? I can endure acertain amount of honest wickedness, but there is a phase of moralweakness that I detest, " and for a moment her face wore an aspect thatwould have made any one wronging her tremble, for it was pure, strong, and almost severe. 

"I do believe, " I said, "that men are more merciful to the foibles ofhumanity than women. " "You are more tolerant, perhaps. Ah! there'sDapple, " and she ran to meet the spirited horse that was coming fromthe farmyard. Reuben, driving, sat confidently in his light openwagon, and his face indicated that he and the beautiful animal hecould scarcely restrain shared equally in their enjoyment of young, healthful life. I was alarmed to see Miss Warren run forward, since atthe moment Dapple was pawing the air. A second later she was pattinghis arched neck and rubbing her cheek against his nose. He looked asif he liked it. Well he might. 

"Oh, Reuben, " she cried, "I envy you. I haven't seen a horse in townthat could compare with Dapple. "

The young fellow was fairly radiant as he drove away. 

She looked after him wistfully, and drew a long sigh. 

"Ah!" she said, "they do me good after my city life. There's life foryou, Mr. Morton--full, overflowing, innocent life--in the boy and inthe horse. Existence, motion, is to them happiness. It seems a pitythat both must grow old and weary! My hand fairly tingles yet from mytouch of Dapple's neck, he was so alive with spirit. What is it thatanimates that great mass of flesh and blood, bone and sinew, makinghim so strong, yet so gentle. At a blow he would have dashedeverything to pieces, but he is as sensitive to kindness as I am. Isometimes half think that Dapple has as good a right to a soul as Ihave. Perhaps you are inclined toward Turkish philosophy, and think sotoo. "

"I should be well content to go to the same heaven that receives youand Dapple. You are very fearless, Miss Warren, thus to approach arearing horse. "

Her answer was a slight scream, and she caught my arm as if forprotection. At the moment I spoke a sudden turning in the lane broughtus face to face with a large matronly cow that was quietly ruminatingand switching away the flies. She turned upon us her large, mild, "Juno-like" eyes, in which one might imagine a faint expression ofsurprise, but nothing more. 

My companion was trembling, and she said hurriedly:

"Please let us turn back, or go some other way. "

"Why, Miss Warren, " I exclaimed, "what is the matter?"

"That dreadful cow! Cows are my terror. "

I laughed outright as I said, "Now is the time for me to displaycourage, and prove than an editor can be the knight-errant of the age. Upon my soul, Miss Warren, I shall protect you whatever horn of thisdilemma I may be impaled upon. " Then advancing resolutely toward thecow, I added, "Madam, by your leave, we must pass this way. "

At my approach the "dreadful cow" turned and ran down the lane to thepasture field, in a gait peculiarly feminine. 

"Now you know what it is to have a protector, " I said, returning. 

"I'm glad you're not afraid of cows, " she replied complacently. "Ishall never get over it. They are my terror. "

"There is one other beast, " I said, "that I am sure would inspire youwith equal dread. "

"I know you are going to say a mouse. Well, it may seem very silly toyou, but I can't help it. I'm glad I wasn't afraid of Dapple, for younow can think me a coward only in streaks. "

"It does appear to me irresistibly funny that you, who, alone andsingle-handed, have mastered this great world so that it is under yourfoot, should have quailed before that inoffensive cow, which isharmless as the milk she gives. "

"A woman, Mr. Morton, is the mystery of mysteries--the one problem ofthe world that will never be solved. We even do not understandourselves. "

"For which truth I am devoutly thankful. I imagine that instead of aweek, as Mr. Yocomb said, it would require a lifetime to getacquainted with some women. I wish my mother had lived. I'm sure thatshe would have been a continuous revelation to me. I know that she hada great deal of sorrow, and yet my most distinct recollection of heris her laugh. No earthly sound ever had for me so much meaning as herlaugh. I think she laughed when other people would have cried. There'sa tone in your laugh that has recalled to me my mother again and againthis afternoon. "

"I hope it is not a source of pain, " she said gently. 

"Far from it, " I replied. "Memories of my mother give me pleasure, butI rarely meet with one to whom I would even think of mentioning hername. "

"I do not remember my mother, " she said sadly. 

"Come, " I resumed hastily, "you admit that you have been dull andlonely to-day. Look at that magnificent glow in the west. So assuredlyended in brightness the lives of those we loved, however clouded theirday may have been at times. This June evening, so full of glad sounds, is not the time for sad thoughts. Listen to the robins, to that saucyoriole yonder on the swaying elm-branch. Beyond all, hear that thrush. Can you imagine a more delicious refinement of sound? Let us give wayto sadness when we must, and escape from it when we can. I wouldprefer to continue up this shady lane, but it may prove too shadowy, and so color our thoughts. Suppose we return to the farmyard, whereMr. Yocomb is feeding the chickens, and then look through the oldgarden together. You are a country woman, for you have been here aweek; and so I shall expect you to name and explain everything. At anyrate you shall not be blue any more to-day if I can prevent it. Yousee I am trying to reward your self-sacrifice in letting me stay tillto-morrow. "

"You are so considerate that I may let you remain a little longer. "

"What is that fable about the camel? If he once gets his head in--"

"He next puts his foot in it, is the sequel, perhaps, " she replied, with the laugh that was becoming to me like a refrain of music that Icould not hear too often. 

CHAPTER IX

"OLD PLOD"

"Emily Warren, why does thee bring Richard Morton back so soon?" askedMr. Yocomb, suspending for a moment the sweep of his hand that wasscattering grain. 

"You are mistaken, sir, " I said; "I brought Miss Warren back. Ithought she would enjoy seeing you feed the poultry, the horses, andespecially the cows. "

"Thee's more self-denying than I'd a been, " he resumed, With hishumorous twinkle. "Don't tell mother, but I wouldn't mind taking awalk with Emily Warren myself on a June evening like this. "

"I will take a walk with you whenever you wish, " laughed Miss Warren;"but I'll surely tell Mrs. Yocomb. "

"Oh! I know I'd get found out, " said the old man, shaking his headruefully; "I always do. "

"I'm sure you would if Miss Warren were here, " I added. "I'm at a lossto know how early in the day she found me out. "

"Well, I guess thee's a pretty square sort of a man. If thee'd beenstealing sheep Emily Warren wouldn't laugh at thee so approvingly. I'mfinding out that she rather likes the people she laughs at. At least, I take that view, for she laughs at me a great deal. I knew from EmilyWarren's laugh that thee hadn't anything very bad to tell mother. "

"I admit that, at the time, I enjoyed being laughed at--a rather rareexperience. "

"You needn't, either of you, plume yourselves that you areirresistibly funny. I laugh easily. Mr. Yocomb, why do you feed thechickens so slowly? I have noticed it before. Now Reuben and Hiram, the man, throw the corn all down at once. "

"They are in more of a hurry than I am. I don't like to do anything ina hurry, least of all to eat my dinner. Now, why should thesechickens, turkeys and ducks gobble everything right down? The cornseems to taste good to them; so, after a handful, I wait till theyhave had a chance to think how good the last kernel was before theyget another. You see I greatly prolong their pleasure. "

"And in these intervals you meditate on Thanksgiving Day, I suppose, "she said. 

"Emily Warren, thee's a good Yankee. I admit that that young gobblerthere did suggest a day on which I'm always very thankful, and withgood reason. I had about concluded before thee came that, if we wereboth spared--i. E. , that gobbler and I--till next November, I wouldprobably survive him. "

"How can you have the heart to plan against that poor creature's lifeso coolly? See how he turns his round, innocent eyes toward you, as ifin gratitude. If he could know that the hand that feeds him would chopoff his head, what a moral shock he would sustain! That upturned beakshould be to you like a reproachful face. "

"Emily Warren, we expect thee to eat thy Thanksgiving dinner with us;and that young gobbler will probably be on the table. Now what part ofhim will thee take on that occasion?"

"A piece of the breast, if you please. "

"Richard Morton, is not Emily Warren as false and cruel as I am?"

"Just about. "

"Is thee not afraid of her?"

"I would be if she were unfriendly. "

"Oh, thee thinks everybody in this house is friendly. Emily Warren, thee must keep up our good name, " he added, with a mischievous nodtoward her. 

"Mr. Yocomb, you are forgetting the chickens altogether. There aresome staid and elderly hens that are going to bed in disgust, you havekept them waiting so long. "

"See how quick they'll change their minds, " he said, as he threw downa handful of corn. "Now isn't that just like a hen?" he added, as theyhastened back. 

"And just like a woman also, I'm sure you want to suggest, " said MissWarren. 

"I suppose thee never changes thy mind. "

"I'm going to change the subject. Poultry with their feathers on don'tinterest me very much. The male birds remind me of a detestable classof conceited men, that one must see daily in the city, whose gallantryis all affectation, and who never for a moment lose sight ofthemselves or their own importance. That strutting gobbler there, Mr. Morton, reminds me of certain eminent statesmen whom your paperdelights to honor, and I imagine that that ridiculous creatureembodies their idea of the American eagle. Then the hens have such asimple, unthinking aspect. They act as if they expected to be crowedover as a matter of course; and thus typify the followers of thesestatesmen, who are so pre-eminent in their own estimation. Theirexalted perches seem to be awarded unquestioningly. "

"So you think, Miss Warren, that I have the simple, unthinking aspecttypified by the physiognomy of these hens?"

"Mr. Morton, I was generalizing. We always except present company. Remember, I disagree with your paper, not you; but why you look up tothese human species of the gobbler is something I can't understand, and being only a _woman_, that need not seem strange to you. "

"Since I must tell you the truth on all occasions, _nolens volens_, you have hit on a subject wherein I differ from my paper. Human phasesof the gobbler are not pleasant. "

"But the turkey phase _is, very_, " said Mr. Yocomb, throwing ahandful of corn down before his favorite, which, like certaineminent statesmen, immediately looked after his own interests. 

"Mr. Yocomb, please, let me help you feed the horses, " said MissWarren, leading the way into the barn, where on one side were mows forhay and grain, and, on the other, stalls for several horses. The sleekand comfortable animals seemed to know the young girl, for they thrustout their black and brown noses toward her and projected their earsinstead of laying them back viciously, as when I approached; and oneold plow-horse that had been much neglected, until Miss Warren beganto pet him, gave a loud ecstatic whinny. 

"Oh, you big, honest old fellows!" she exclaimed, caressing one andanother, "I'd rather teach you than half my pupils. "

"In which half do you place me?" I asked. 

"You? oh, I forgot; I was to teach you topography. I will assign youby and by, after you have had a few lessons. "

"A man ought to do as well as a horse, so I hope to win your favor. "

"I wish all men did as well as Mr. Yocomb's horses. They evidentlyfeel they have the family name and respectability to keep up. Mr. Yocomb, what is it that smells so sweetly?"

"That is the red-top clover we cut last week. "

"Oh, isn't it good? I wouldn't mind having some myself, " and shesnatched down a fragrant handful from the mow. "Here, Old Plod, " shesaid, turning to the plow-horse, "the world has rather snubbed you, asit has honest worth before. Mr. Yocomb, you and Reuben are much toofond of gay horses. "

"Shall I tell Reuben that thee'd rather ride after Old Plod, as theecalls him?"

"No, I thank you; I'll go on as I've begun. I'm not changeable. "

"Now, Friend Morton, is not Emily Warren as bad as I am about gayhorses?"

"I'm inclined to think she is about as bad as you are in allrespects. "

"Emily Warren, thee needn't put on any more airs. Richard Mortonthinks thee isn't any better than I am, and there's nothing under thesun an editor doesn't know. "

"I wish he were right this time, " she said, with a laugh and sighcuriously blended. "It seems to me, Mr. Yocomb, that you have grownhere in the country like your clover-hay, and are as good andwholesome. In New York it is so different, especially if one has nohome life; you breathe a different atmosphere from us in more respectsthan one. This fragrant old barn appears to me more of a sanctuarythan some churches in which I have tried to worship, and its dimevening light more religious. " "According to your faith, " I said, "noshrine has ever contained so precious a gift as a manger. "

"According to _our_ faith, if you please, Mr. Morton. "

By an instinct that ignored a custom of the Friends, but exemplifiedtheir spirit, the old man took off his hat as he said, "Yes, friendMorton, according to _our_ faith. The child that was cradled in amanger tends to make the world innocent. "

"The old barn has indeed become a sanctuary, " I thought, in the briefsilence that followed. Miss Warren stepped to the door, and I saw aquick gesture of her hands to her eyes. Then she turned and said, inher piquant way:

"Mr. Yocomb, our talk reminds me of the long grace in Latin which thepriests said before meals, and which the hungry people couldn'tunderstand. The horses are hinting broadly that oats would be moreedifying. If it were Monday, I'd wager you a plum that they would allleave your oats to eat clover-hay out of my hand. "

"We'll arrange about the bet to-morrow, and now try the experiment, "said Mr. Yocomb, relapsing into his genial humor at once. 

I was learning, however, that a deep, earnest nature was hidden bythis outward sheen and sparkle. Filling his four-quart measure fromthe cobwebbed bin, he soon gave each horse his allowance. 

"Now, Richard Morton, thee watch her, and see that she doesn't coaxtoo much, or come it over them with any unlawful witchery. Take thehay thyself, Emily, and we'll stand back. "

I went to the further end of the barn, near Old Plod, and stood whereI could see the maiden's profile against the light that streamedthrough the open door. Never shall I forget the picture I then saw. The tall, ample figure of the old Quaker stood in the background, andhis smile was broad and genial enough to have lighted up a dungeon. Above him rose the odorous clover, a handful of which Miss Warren heldout to the horse in the first stall. Her lips were parted, her eyesshining, and her face had the intent, eager interest of a child, whileher attitudes and motions were full of unstudied and unconsciousgrace. 

The first horse munched stolidly away at his oats. She put thetempting wisp against his nose, at which he laid back his ears andlooked vicious. She turned to Mr. Yocomb, and the old barn echoed to alaugh that was music itself as she said:

"You have won your plum, if it is Sunday. I shall try all the otherhorses, however, and thus learn to value correctly the expressions ofaffection I have received from these long-nosed gentlemen. "

One after another they munched on, regardless of the clover. Step bystep she came nearer to me, smiling and frowning at her want ofsuccess. My heart thrilled at a beauty that was so unconventional andso utterly self-forgetful. The blooming clover, before it fell at asweep of the scythe, was the fit emblem of her then, she looked soyoung, so fair, and sweet. 

"They are as bad as men, " she exclaimed, "who will forgive any wrongrather than an interruption at dinner. "

She now stood at my side before Old Plod, that thus far, in hissingle-minded attention to his oats, had seemingly forgotten herpresence; but, as he lifted his head from the manger and saw her, hetook a step forward, and reached his great brown nose toward her, rather than for the clover. In brief, he said, in his poor dumb way:

"I like you better than hay or oats. "

The horse's simple, undisguised affection, for some reason, touchedthe girl deeply; for she dropped the hay and threw her arm around thehorse's head, leaning her face against his. I saw a tear in her eye asshe murmured:

"You have more heart than all the rest put together. I don't believeany one was ever kind to you before, and you've been a bit lonely, like myself. " Then she led the way hastily out of the barn, saying, "Old Plod and I are sworn friends from this time forth; and I shalltake your advice, Old Plod. "

I was soon at her side, and asked:

"What advice did Old Plod give you?"

For some inexplicable reason she colored deeply, then laughed as shesaid:

"It's rarely wise to think aloud; but impulsive people will do itsometimes. I suppose we all occasionally have questions to decide thatto us are perplexing and important, though of little consequence tothe world. Come; if we are to see the old garden, we must make themost of the fading light. After my interview with Old Plod, I can'tdescend to cows and pigs; so good-by, Mr. Yocomb. "

CHAPTER X

A BIT OF EDEN

"This is my first entrance into Eden, " I said, as we passed throughthe rustic gate made of cedar branches and between posts green withAmerican ivy. 

"Like another man, you won't stay here long. "

"Like Adam, I shall certainly go out when you do. "

"That will be before very long, since I have promised Mr. Yocomb somemusic. "

"Even though a Bohemian editor, as you may think, I am conscious of aprofound gratitude to some beneficent power, for I never could havechosen so wisely myself. I might have been in Sodom and Gomorrah--forNew York in contrast seems a union of both--receiving reports of thecrimes and casualties of the day, but I am here with this garden inthe foreground and music in the background. "

"You don't know anything about the music, and you may yet wish it sofar in the background as to be inaudible. "

"I admit that I will be in a dilemma when we reach the music, for nomatter how much I protest, you will know just what I think. "

"Yes, you had better be honest. "

"Come, open for me the treasures of your ripe experience. You havebeen a week in the country. I know you will give me a rosebud--a rareold-fashioned one, if you please, with a quaint, sweet meaning, for Isee that such abound in this garden, and I am wholly out of humor withthe latest mode in everything. Recalling your taste for homely, honestworth, as shown by your passion for Old Plod, I shall seek a blossomamong the vegetables for you. Ah, here is one that is sweet, white, and pretty, " and I plucked a cluster of flowers from a potato-hill. "By the way, what flower is this?" I asked demurely. 

She looked at it blankly for a moment, then remarked, with a smile, "You have said that it was sweet, white, and pretty. Why inquirefurther?"

"Miss Warren, you have been a week in the country and don't know apotato-blossom. "

"Our relations may be changed, " she said, "and you become theteacher. "

"Oh, here comes Zillah. We will settle the question according toScripture. Does it not say, 'A little child shall lead them'? Who areyou so glad to see, little one, Miss Warren or me?"

"I don't know thee very well yet, " she said shyly. 

"Do you know Miss Warren very well?"

"Oh, yes, indeed. "

"How soon did you come to know her well?"

"The first day when she kissed me. "

"I think that's a very nice way of getting acquainted. Won't you letme kiss you good-night when you get sleepy. "

She looked at me with a doubtful smile, and said, "I'm afraid thymustache will tickle me. "

The birds were singing in the orchard near, but there was not a notethat to my ear was more musical than Miss Warren's laugh. I stoopeddown before the little girl as I said:

"Suppose we see if a kiss tickles you now, and if it don't now, youwon't mind it then, you know. "

She came hesitatingly to me, and gave the coveted salute with adelicious mingling of maidenly shyness and childish innocence andfrankness. 

"Ah!" I exclaimed, "Eden itself contained nothing better than that. Tothink that I should have been so honored--I who have written therecords of enough crimes to sink a world!"

"Perhaps if you had committed some of them she wouldn't have kissedyou. "

"If I had to live in a ninety-nine story tenement-house, as so manydo, I think I would have committed them all. Well, I may come to it. Life is a risky battle to such as I, but I'm in heaven now. "

"You do seem very happy, " she said, looking at me wistfully. 

"I am very happy. I have given myself up wholly to the influences ofthis day, letting them sway me, lead me whithersoever they will. Ifthis is a day of destiny, no stupid mulishness of mine shall thwartthe happy combination of the stars. That the Fates are propitious Ihave singular reason to hope. Yesterday I was a broken and dispiritedman. This evening I feel the influence of all this glad June life. Good Mrs. Yocomb has taken me in hand. I'm to study topography with ateacher who has several other bumps besides that of locality, andZillah is going to show us the garden of Eden. "

"Is this like the garden of Eden?" the little girl asked, looking upat me in surprise. 

"Well, I'm not sure that it's just like it, but I'm more than contentwith this garden. In one respect I think it's better--there are nosnakes here. Now, Zillah, lead where you please, I'm in the followingmood. Do you know where any of these birds live? Do you think any ofthem are at home on their nests? If so, we'll call and pay ourrespects. When I was a horrid boy I robbed a bird's nest, and I oftenhave a twinge of remorse for it. " "Do you want to see a robin's nest?"asked Zillah excitedly. 

"Yes, indeed. "

"Then come and walk softly when I do. There's one in that lilac-bushthere. If we don't make a noise, perhaps we can see mother robin onthe nest. Sh--, sh--, very softly; now lift me up as father did--there, don't you see her?"

I did for a moment, and then the bird flew away on a swift, silentwing, but from a neighboring tree the paternal robin clamored loudlyagainst our intrusion. Nevertheless, Zillah and I peeped in. 

"Oh, the queer little things!" she said, "they seem all mouth andswallow. "

"Mrs. Robin undoubtedly thinks them lovely. Miss Warren, you are notquite tall enough, and since I can't hold you up like Zillah, I'll geta box from the tool-house. Isn't this the jolliest housekeeping youever saw? A father, mother, and six children, with a house six inchesacross and open to the sky. Compare that with a Fifth Avenue mansion!"

"I think it compares very favorably with many mansions on the Avenue, "she said, after I returned with a box and she had peered for a momentinto the roofless home. 

"I thought you always spoke the truth, " I remarked, assuming a look ofblank amazement. 

"Well, prove that I don't. "

"Do you mean to say that you think that a simple house, of which thisnest is the type, compares favorably with a Fifth Avenue mansion?"

"I do. "

"What do you know about such mansions?"

"I have pupils in some of the best of them. "

"I hear the voices of many birds, but you are the _rara avis_ of themall, " I said, looking very incredulous. 

"Not at all; I am simply matter-of-fact. Which is worth the more, afurnished house or the growing children in it?"

"The children ought to be. "

"Well, many a woman has so much house and furniture to look after thatshe has no time for her children. The little brown mother we havefrightened away can give nearly all her time to her children; and, bythe way, they may take cold unless we depart and let her shelter themagain with her warm feathers. Besides, the protesting paterfamilias onthe pear-tree there is not aware of our good-will toward him and his, and is naturally very anxious as to what we human monsters intend. Themother bird keeps quiet, but she is watching us from some leafy coverwith tenfold his anxiety. "

"You will admit, however, that the man bird is doing the best he can. "

"Oh, yes, I have a broad charity for all of his kind. "

"Well, I am one of his kind, and so shall take heart and bask in yourgeneral good-will. Stop your noise, old fellow, and go and tell yourwife that she may come home to the children. I differ from you, MissWarren, as I foresee I often shall. You are not matter-of-fact at all. You are unconventional, unique--" "Why not say queer, and give yourmeaning in good plain English?"

"Because that is not my meaning. I fear you are worse--that you areromantic. Moreover, I am told that girls who dote on love in a cottageall marry rich men if the chance comes. " She bit her lip, colored, andseemed annoyed, but said, after a moment's hesitation, "Well, whyshouldn't they, if the rich men are the right men?"

"Oh, I think such a course eminently proper and thrifty. I'm notfinding fault with it in the least. They who do this are a littleinconsistent, however, in shunning so carefully that ideal cottage, over which, as young ladies, they had mild and poetic raptures. Now, Ican't associate this kind of thing with you. If you had 'drawings orleadings, ' as Mrs. Yocomb would say, toward a Fifth Avenue mansion, you would say so in effect. I fear you are romantic, and are under thedelusion that love in a cottage means happiness. You have a veryhonest face, and you looked into that nest as if you liked it. "

"Mr. Morton, " she said, frowning and laughing at the same time, "I'mnot going to be argued out of self-consciousness. If we don't knowwhat we know, we don't know anything. I insist upon it that I amutterly matter-of-fact in my opinions on this question. State thesubject briefly in prose. Does a family exist for the sake of a home, or a home for the sake of a family? I know of many instances in whichthe former of these suppositions is true. The father toils and wearshimself out, often gambles--speculating, some call it--and notunfrequently cheats and steals outright in order to keep up hisestablishment. The mother works and worries, smooths her wrinkled browto curious visitors, burdens her soul with innumerable deceits, andenslaves herself that her house and its belongings may be as good or alittle better than her neighbor's. The children soon catch the samespirit, and their souls become absorbed in wearing apparel. They arecomplacently ignorant concerning topics of general interest andessential culture, but would be mortified to death if suspected ofbeing a little off on 'good form' and society's latest whims in mode. It is a dreary thraldom to mere things in which the soul becomes asmaterial, narrow, and hard as the objects which absorb it. There is notime for that which gives ideality and breadth. "

"Do you realize that your philosophy would stop half the industries ofthe world? Do you not believe in large and sumptuously furnishedhouses?"

"Yes, for those who have large incomes. One may live in a palace, andyet not be a slave to the palace. Our home should be as beautiful asour taste and means can make it; but, like the nest yonder, it shouldsimply serve its purpose, leaving us the time and means to get all thegood out of the world at large that we can. "

A sudden cloud of sadness overcast her face as she continued, after amoment, half in soliloquy:

"The robins will soon take wing and leave the nest; so must we. Howmany have gone already!"

"But the robins follow the sun in their flight, " I said gently, "andthus they find skies more genial than those they left. "

She gave me a quick, appreciative smile as she said:

"That's a pleasant thought. "

"Your home must be an ideal one, " I remarked unthinkingly. 

She colored slightly, and laughed as she answered:

"I'm something like a snail; I carry my home, if not my house, aroundwith me. A music-teacher can afford neither a palace nor a cottage. "

I looked at her with eager eyes as I said, "Pardon me if I am undulyfrank; but on this day I'm inclined to follow every impulse, and sayjust what I think, regardless of the consequences. You make upon me adecided impression of what we men call comradeship. I feel as if I hadknown you weeks and months instead of hours. Could we not have beenrobins ourselves in some previous state of existence, and have flownon a journey together?"

"Mrs. Yocomb had better take you in hand, and teach you sobriety. "

"Yes, this June air, laden with the odors of these sweet old-styleroses and grape-blossoms, intoxicates me. These mountains lift me up. These birds set my nerves tingling like one of Beethoven's symphonies, played by Thomas's orchestra. In neither case do I know what the musicmeans, but I recognize a divine harmony. Never before have I beenconscious of such a rare and fine exhilaration. My mood is the productof an exceptional combination of causes, and they have culminated inthis old garden. You know, too, that I am a creature of the night, andmy faculties are always at their best as darkness comes on. I may seemto you obtuseness itself, but I feel as if I had been endowed with aspiritual and almost unerring discernment. In my sensitive and highlywrought condition, I know that the least incongruity or discord insight or sound would jar painfully. Yes, laugh at me if you will, butnevertheless I'm going to speak my thoughts with no more restraintthan these birds are under. I'm going back for a moment to theprimitive condition of society, when there were no disguises. You arethe mystery of this garden--you who come from New York, where you seemto have lived without the shelter of home life, to have obtained yourlivelihood among conventional and artificial people, and to whom thefalse, complicated world must be well known, and yet you make no morediscord in this garden than the first woman would have made. You arein harmony with every leaf, with every flower, and every sound; withthat child playing here and there; with the daisies in the orchard;with the little brown mother, whose children you feared might takecold. Hush!" I said, with a deprecatory gesture, "I will speak mymind. Never before in my life have I enjoyed the utter absence ofconcealment. In the city one must use words to hide thoughts moreoften than to express them, but here, in this old garden, I intend toreproduce for a brief moment one of the conditions of Eden, and tospeak as frankly as the first man could have spoken. I am not jestingeither, nor am I irreverent. I say, in all sincerity, you are themystery of this garden--you who come from New York, and from a life inwhich your own true womanhood has been your protection; and yet if, asof old, God should walk in this garden in the cool of the day, itseems to me you would not be afraid. Such is the impression--givenwithout reserve--that you make on me--you whom I have just seen, as itwere!"

As she realized my sincerity she looked at me with an expression ofstrong perplexity and surprise. 

"Truly, Mr. Morton, " she said slowly, "you are in a strange, unnaturalmood this evening. "

"I seem so, " I replied, "because absolutely true to nature. See howfar astray from Eden we all are! I have merely for a moment spoken mythoughts without disguise, and you look as if you doubted my sanity. "

"I must doubt your judgment, " she said, turning away. 

"Then why should such a clearly defined impression be made on me? Forevery effect there must be a cause. "

She turned upon me suddenly, and her look was eager, searching, andalmost imperious in its demand to know the truth. 

"Are you as sincere as you are unconventional?" she asked. 

I took off my hat, as I replied, with a smile, "A garden, Miss Warren, was the first sacred place of the world, and never were sincerer wordsspoken in that primal garden. "

She looked at me a moment wistfully, and even tearfully. "I wish youwere right, " she said, slowly shaking her head; "your strange mood hasinfected me, I think; and I will admit that to be true is the struggleof my life, but the effort to be true is often hard, bitterly hard, inNew York. I admit that for years truthfulness has been the goal of myambition. Most young girls have a father and mother and brothers toprotect them: I have had only the truth, and I cling to it with theinstinct of self-preservation. "

"You cling to it because you love it. Pardon me, you do not cling toit at all. Truth has become the warp and woof of your nature. Ah! hereis your emblem, not growing in the garden, but leaning over the fenceas if it would like to come in, and yet, among all the roses here, where is there one that excels this flower?" And I gathered for hertwo or three sprays of sweetbrier. 

"I won't mar your bit of Eden by a trace of affectation, " she said, looking directly into my eyes in a frank and friendly manner; "I'drather be thought true than thought a genius, and I will makeallowance for your extravagant language and estimate on the ground ofyour intoxication. You surely see double, and yet I am pleased that inyour transcendental mood I do not seem to make discord in this oldgarden. This will seem to you a silly admission after you leave thisplace and recover your everyday senses. I'm sorry already I made it--but it was such an odd conceit of yours!" and her heightened color andglowing face proved how she relished it. 

It was an exquisite moment to me. The woman showed her pleasure asfrankly as a happy child. I had touched the keynote of her characteras I had that of Adah Yocomb's a few hours before, and in her supremeindividuality Emily Warren stood revealed before me in the garden. 

She probably saw more admiration in my face than she liked, for hermanner changed suddenly. 

"Being honest doesn't mean being made of glass, " she said brusquely;"you don't know anything about me, Mr. Morton. You have simplydiscovered that I have not a leaning toward prevarication. That's allyour fine words amount to. Since I must keep up a reputation fortelling the truth, I'm obliged to say that you don't remind me of Adamvery much. "

"No, I probably remind you of a night editor, ambitious to be smart inprint. "

She bit her lip, colored a little. "I wasn't thinking of you in thatlight just then, " she said. "And--and Adam is not my ideal man. "

"In what light did you see me?"

"It is growing dusky, and I won't be able to see you at all soon. "

"That's evasion. "

"Come, Mr. Morton, I hope you do not propose to keep up Eden customsindefinitely. It's time we returned to the world to which we belong. "

"Zillah!" called Mrs. Yocomb, and we saw her coming down the gardenwalk. 

"Bless me! where is the child!" I exclaimed. 

"When you began to soar into the realms of melodrama and forget thegarden you had asked her to show you, she sensibly tried to amuseherself. She is in the strawberry-bed, Mrs. Yocomb. "

"Yes, " I said, "I admit that I forgot the garden; I had good reason todo so. "

"I think it is time we left the garden. You must remember that Mrs. Yocomb and I are not night editors, and cannot see in the dark. "

"Mother, " cried Zillah, coming forward, "see what I have found;" andher little hands were full of ripe strawberries. "If it wasn't gettingso dark I could have found more, I'm sure, " she added, "What, giving them all to me?" Miss Warren exclaimed, as Zillah heldout her hands to her favorite. "Wouldn't it be nicer if we all hadsome?"

"Who held you up to look into the robin's nest?" I askedreproachfully. 

"Thee may give Richard Morton my share, " said the little girl, tryingto make amends. 

I held out my hand, and Miss Warren gave me half of them. 

"Now these are mine?" I said to Zillah. "Yes!"

"Then I'll do what I please with them. "

I picked out the largest, and stooping down beside her, continued:"You must eat these or I won't eat any. "

"Thee's very like Emily Warren, " the little girl laughed; "thee getsaround me before I know it. "

"I'll give you all the strawberries for that compliment. "

"No, thee must take half. "

"Mrs. Yocomb, you and I will divide, too. Could there possibly be amore delicious combination!" and Miss Warren smacked her lipsappreciatively. 

"The strawberry was evolved by a chance combination of forces, " Iremarked. 

"Undoubtedly, " added Miss Warren, "so was my Geneva watch. "

"I like to think of the strawberry in this way, " said Mrs. Yocomb. "There are many things in the Scriptures hard to understand; so thereare in Nature. But we all love the short text: 'God is love. ' Thestrawberry is that text repeated in Nature. "

"Mrs. Yocomb, you could convert infidels and pagans with a gospel ofstrawberries, " I cried. 

"There are many Christians who prefer tobacco, " said Mrs. Yocomb, laughing. 

"That reminds me, " I exclaimed, "that I have not smoked to-day. I fearI shall fall from grace to-morrow, however. "

"Yes, I imagine you will drop from the clouds by tomorrow, " MissWarren remarked. 

"By the way, what a magnificent cloud that is rising above the horizonin the southwest. It appears like a solitary headland in an azuresea. "

"Ah--h!" she said, in satirical accent. 

"Mrs. Yocomb, Miss Warren has been laughing at me ever since I came. Imay have to claim your protection. "

"No! thee and father are big enough to take care of yourselves. "

"Emily Warren, is thee and Richard Morton both lost?" called Mr. Yocomb from the piazza. "I can't find mother either. If somebody don'tcome soon I'll blow the fish-horn. "

"We're all coming, " answered Mrs. Yocomb, and she led the way towardthe house. 

"You have not given me a rose yet, " I said to Miss Warren. 

"Must you have one?"

"A man never uses the word 'must' in seeking favors from a lady. "

"Adroit policy! Well, what kind of a one do you want?"

"I told you long ago. "

"Oh, I remember. An old-fashioned one, with a pronounced meaning. Hereis a York and Lancaster bud. That has a decided old-style meaning. "

"It means war, does it not?"

"Yes. "

"I won't take it. Yes I will, too, " I said, a second later, and I tookthe bud from her hand. "You know the law of war, " I added: "To thevictor belong the spoils. "

She gave me a quick glance, and after a moment said, a trifle coldly, "That remark seems bright, but it does not mean anything. "

"It often means a great deal. There, I'm out of the garden and in theordinary world again. I wonder if I shall ever have another bit ofEden in my life. "

"Oh, indeed you shall. I will ask Mr. Yocomb to give you a day'sweeding and hoeing there. "

"What will you do in the meantime?"

"Sit under the arbor and laugh at you. "

"Agreed. But suppose it was hot and I grew very tired, what would youdo?"

"I fear I would have to invite you under the arbor. "

"You fear?"

"Well, I would invite you if you had been of real service in thegarden. "

"That would be Eden unalloyed. "

"Since I am not intoxicated, I cannot agree with you. "

CHAPTER XI

"MOVED"

"Mr. Yocomb, " I said, as we mounted the piazza, "what is the cause ofthe smoke rising above yonder mountain to the east of us? I havenoticed it several times this afternoon, and it seems increasing. "

"That mountain was on fire on Saturday. I hoped the rain of last nightwould put it out, but it was a light shower, and the fire is underheadway again. It now seems creeping up near the top of the mountain, for I think I see a faint light. "

"I do distinctly; the mountain begins to remind me of a volcano. "

"The moon will rise before very long, and you may be treated to agrand sight if the fire burns, as I fear it will. "

"This is a day of fate, " I said, laughing, "and almost any event thatcould possibly happen would not surprise me. "

"It has seemed a very quiet day to me, " said the old gentleman. "Neither mother nor any one on the high seat had a message for us thismorning, and this afternoon I took a very long nap. If thee had notcome and stirred us up a little, and Emily Warren had not laughed atus both, I would call it almost a dull day, as far as any peaceful daycan be dull. Such days, however, are quite to my mind, and thee'lllike 'em better when thee sees my age. "

"I'm inclined to think, " I replied, "that the great events of lifewould rarely make even an item in a newspaper. "

Mrs. Yocomb looked as if she understood me, but Miss Warren remarked, with a mischievous glance:

"Personals are generally read. "

"Editors gossip about others, not themselves. "

"You admit they gossip. "

"That one did little else seems your impression. "

"News and gossip are different things; but I'm glad your conscience sotroubles you that you exaggerate my words. "

"Emily Warren, thee can squabble with Richard Morton all day to-morrowafter thy amiable fashion, but I'm hankering after some of thy music. "

"I will keep you waiting no longer, sir, and would have come before, but I did not wish you to see Mr. Morton while he was in a verylamentable condition. "

"Why, what was the matter with him?" asked Adah, who had just joinedus in the lighted hall; "he seems to have very queer complaints. "

"He admits that he was intoxicated, and he certainly talked verystrangely. "

"Miss Adah, did I talk strangely or wildly this afternoon?"

"No, indeed, I think you talked very nicely; and I told Silas Jonesthat I never met a gentleman before who looked at things so exactly asI did. "

This was dreadful. I saw that Miss Warren was full of suppressedmerriment, and was glad that Mrs. Yocomb was in the parlor lightingthe lamps. 

"I suppose Mr. Jones was glad to hear what you said, " I remarked, feeling that I must say something. 

"He may have been, but he did not look so. "

"Mr. Yocomb, you have your daughter's testimony that I was sober thisafternoon, and since that time I have enjoyed nothing stronger thanmilk and the odor of your old-fashioned roses. If I was in alamentable condition in the garden, Miss Warren was the cause, and sois wholly to blame. "

"Emily Warren, does thee know that thy mother Eve made trouble in agarden?"

"I've not the least intention of taking Mr. Morton out of the garden. He may go back at once, and I have already suggested that you wouldgive him plenty of hoeing and weeding there. "

"I'm not so sure about that; I fear he'd make the same havoc in mygarden that I'd make in his newspaper. "

"Then you think an editor has no chance for Eden?"

"Thee had better talk to mother about that. If there's any chance forthee at all she'll give thee hope. Now, Emily Warren, we are allready. Sing some hymns that will give us all hope--no, sing hymns offaith. "

Adah took a seat on the sofa, and glanced encouragingly at me, but Ifound a solitary chair by an open window, where I could look outacross the valley to the burning mountain, and watch the stars comeout in the darkening sky. Within I faced Miss Warren's profile and thefamily group. 

I had not exaggerated when I told Miss Warren that I was conscious ofa fine exhilaration. Sleep and rest had banished all dragged and jadedfeelings. For hours my mind had been free from a sense of hurry andresponsibility, which made it little better than a driving machine. Inthe mental leisure and quiet which I now enjoyed I had grownreceptive--highly sensitive indeed--to the culminating scenes of thismemorable day. Even little things and common words had a significancethat I would not have noted ordinarily, and the group before me wasnot ordinary. Each character took form with an individuality assharply defined as their figures in the somewhat dimly lighted room, and when I looked without into the deepening June night it seemed anobscure and noble background, making the human life within more realand attractive. 

Miss Warren sat before her piano quietly for a moment, and her facegrew thoughtful and earnest. It was evident that she was not about toperform some music, but that she would unite with her sincere andsimple friends, Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb, in giving expression to feelingsand truths that were as real to her as to them. 

"How perfectly true she is!" I thought, as I noted the sweet, childlike gravity of her face. Then, in a voice that proved to be asympathetic, pure soprano, well trained, but not at all great, shesang:

 "My faith looks up to Thee. "

Their faith seemed very real and definite, and I could not helpfeeling that it would be a cruel and terrible thing if that pronoun"Thee" embodied no living and loving personality. The light in theirfaces, like that of a planet beaming on me through the open window, appeared but the inevitable reflection of a fuller, richer spirituallight that now shone full upon them. 

One hymn followed another, and Reuben, who soon came in, seemed tohave several favorites. Little Zillah had early asked for those sheliked best, and then her head had dropped down into her mother's lap, and Miss Warren's sweet tones became her lullaby, her innocent, sleeping face making another element in a picture that was outliningitself deeply in my memory. 

Adah, having found that she could not secure my attention, had falleninto something like a revery. Very possibly she was planning out thedress that she meant to "cut to suit herself, " but in their repose herfeatures became very beautiful again. 

Her face to me, however, was now no more than a picture on the wall;but the face of the childlike woman that was so wise and gifted, andyet so simple and true, had for me a fascination that excited mywonder. I had seen scores of beautiful women--I lived in a city wherethey abounded--but I had never seen this type of face before. Thetruth that I had not was so vivid that it led to the thought that, like the first man, I had seen in the garden the one woman of theworld, the mistress of my fate. A second later I was conscious of asickening fear. To love such a woman, and yet not be able to win her--how could one thereafter go on with life! Beware, Richard Morton! Onthis quiet June evening, in this home of peace and the peaceful, andwith hymns of love and faith breathed sweetly into your ears, you maybe in the direst peril of your life. From this quiet hour may come theunrest of a lifetime. Then Hope whispered of better things. I said tomyself, "I did not come to this place. I wandered hither, or was ledhither; and to every influence of this day I shall yield myself. Ifsome kindly Power has led me to this woman of crystal truth, I shallbe the most egregious fool in the universe if I do not watch and waitfor further possibilities of good. "

How sweet and luminous her face seemed in contrast with the vaguedarkness without! More sweet and luminous would her faith be in themidst of the contradictions, obscurities, and evils of the world. Thehome that enshrined such a woman would be a refuge for a man's temptedsoul, as well as a resting-place for his tired body. 

"Sing 'Tell me the Old, Old Story, '" said Mr. Yocomb, in his warm, hearty way. Was I a profane wretch because the thought would come thatif I could draw, in shy, hesitating admission, another story as old asthe world it would be heavenly music?

Could it have been that it was my intent gaze and concentrated thoughtthat made her turn suddenly to me after complying with Mr. Yocomb'srequest? She colored slightly as she met my eyes, but said quietly, "Mr. Morton, you have expressed no preference yet. "

"I have enjoyed everything you have sung, " I replied, and I quietlysustained her momentary and direct gaze. 

She seemed satisfied, and smiled as she said, "Thank you, but youshall have your preference also. "

"Miss Warren, you have sung some little time, and perhaps your voiceis tired. Do you play Chopin's Twelfth Nocturne? That seems to me likea prayer. "

"I'm glad you like that, " she said, with a pleased, quick glance. "Iplay it every Sunday night when I am alone. "

A few moments later and we were all under the spell of that exquisitemelody which can fitly give expression to the deepest and tenderestfeelings and most sacred aspirations of the heart. 

Did I say all? I was mistaken. Adah's long lashes were drooping, herface was heavy with sleep, and it suggested flesh and blood, and fleshand blood only. 

Miss Warren's eyes, in contrast, were moist, her mouth tremulous withfeeling, and her face was a beautiful transparency, through whichshone those traits which already made her, to me, pre-eminent amongwomen. 

I saw Mrs. Yocomb glance from one girl to the other, then close hereyes, while a strong expression of pain passed over her face. Her lipsmoved, and she undoubtedly was speaking to One near to her, though sofar, seemingly, from most of us. 

A little later there occurred one or two exquisite movements in theprayer harmony, and I turned to note their effect on Mrs. Yocomb, andwas greatly struck by her appearance. She was looking fixedly intospace, and her face had assumed a rapt, earnest, seeking aspect, as ifshe were trying to see something half hidden in the far distance. Witha few rich chords the melody ceased. Mr. Yocomb glanced at his wife, then instantly folded his hands and assumed an attitude of reverentexpectancy. Reuben did likewise. At the cessation of the music Adahopened her eyes, and by an instinct or habit seemed to know what toexpect, for her face regained the quiet repose it had worn at themeeting-house in the morning. 

Miss Warren turned toward Mrs. Yocomb, and sat with bowed head. For afew moments we remained in perfect silence. There was a faint flash oflight, followed after an interval by a low, deep reverberation. Thevoices in nature seemed heavy and threatening. The sweet, gentlemonotone of the woman's voice, as she began to speak, was divine incontrast. Slowly she enunciated the sentences:

"What I do, thou knowest not now: but thou shalt know hereafter. "

After a pause she continued: "As the dear young friend was playing, these words were borne in upon my mind. They teach the necessity offaith. Thanks be to the God of heaven and earth, that He who spakethese words is so worthy of the faith He requires! The disciple of oldcould not always understand his Lord; no more can we. We often shrinkfrom that which is given in love, and grasp at that which woulddestroy. Though but little, weak, erring children, we would impose onthe all-wise God our way, instead of meekly accepting His way. Surely, the One who speaks has a right to do what pleases His divine will. Heis the sovereign One, the Lord of lords; and though He slay me, yetwill I trust in Him. 

"But though it is a King that speaks, He does not speak as a king. Heis talking to His friends; He is serving them with a humility andmeekness that no sinful mortal has surpassed. He is proving, by theplain, simple teaching of actions, that we are not merely Hissubjects, but His brethren, His sisters; and that with Him we shallform one household of faith, one family in God. He is teaching the sinof arrogance and the folly of pride. He is proving, for all time, thatserving--not being served--is God's patent of nobility. We should notdespise the lowliest, for none can stoop so far as He stooped. "

Every few moments her low, sweet voice had, as an accompaniment, distant peals of thunder, that after every interval rolled nearer andjarred heavier among the mountains. More than once I saw Miss Warrenstart nervously, and glance apprehensively at the open window where Isat, and through which the lightning gleamed with increasingvividness. Adah maintained the same utterly quiet, impassive face, andit seemed to me that she heard nothing and thought of nothing. Hereyes were open; her mind was asleep. She appeared an exquisitebreathing combination of flesh and blood, and nothing more. Reubenlooked at his mother with an expression of simple affection; but onefelt that he did not realize very deeply what she was saying; but Mr. Yocomb's face glowed with an honest faith and strong approval. 

"The Master said, " continued Mrs. Yocomb, after one of the littlepauses that intervened between her trains of thought, "'What I do, thou knowest not now. ' There He might have stopped. Presuming is thesubject that asks his king for the why and wherefore of all that hedoes. The king is the highest of all; and if he be a king in truth, hesees the furthest of all. It is folly for those beneath the throne toexpect to see so far, or to understand why the king, in his far-reaching providence, acts in a way mysterious to them. Our King iskingly, and He sees the end from the beginning. His plans reachthrough eternities. Why should He ever be asked to explain to such aswe? Nevertheless, to the fishermen of Galilee, and to us, He does say, 'Thou shalt know hereafter. '

"The world is full of evil. We meet its sad mysteries on every side, in every form. It often touches us very closely--" For a moment somedeep emotion choked her utterance. Involuntarily, I glanced at Adah. Her eyes were drooping a little heavily again, and her bosom rose andfell in the long, quiet breath of complete repose. Miss Warren wasregarding the suffering mother with the face of a pitying angel. 

"And its evils _are_ evil, " resumed the sad-hearted woman, in atone that was full of suppressed anguish; "at least, they seem so, andI don't understand them--I can't understand them, nor why they arepermitted; but He has promised that good shall come out of the evil, and has said, 'Thou shalt know hereafter. ' Oh, blessed hereafter! whenall clouds shall have rolled away, and in the brightness of my Lord'spresence every mystery that now troubles me shall be made clear. DearLord, I await Thine own time. Do what seemeth good in Thine own eyes;"and she meekly folded her hands and bowed her head. For a moment ortwo there was the same impressive silence that fell upon us before shespoke. Then a louder and nearer peal of thunder awakened Zillah, whoraised her head from her mother's lap and looked wonderingly around, as if some one had called her. 

Never had I witnessed such a scene before, and I turned toward thedarkness that I might hide the evidence of feelings that I could notcontrol. 

A second later I sprang to my feet, exclaiming, "Wonderful!"

Miss Warren came toward me with apprehension in her face, but I sawthat she noted my moist eyes. 

I hastened from the room, saying, "Come out on the lawn, all of you, for we may now witness a scene that is grand indeed. "

CHAPTER XII

ONE OF NATURE'S TRAGEDIES

I had been so interested in Mrs. Yocomb's words, their effect on thelittle group around her, and the whole sacred mystery of the scene, that I had ceased to watch the smoking mountain, with its increasinglylurid apex. In the meantime the fire had fully reached the summit, onwhich stood a large dry tree, and it had become a skeleton of flame. Through this lurid fire and smoke the full moon was rising, its silverdisk discolored and partially obscured. 

This scene alone, as we gathered on the piazza and lawn below it, might well have filled us with awe and wonder; but a more impressivecombination was forming. Advancing from the southwest, up the star-litsky, which the moon was brightening momentarily, was a cloud whoseblackness and heaviness the vivid lightning made only the moreapparent. 

"I am an old man, " said Mr. Yocomb, "but I never saw anything so grandas this before. "

"Mother, mother, " said little Zillah, "I'm afraid. Please take meupstairs and put me to bed. " And the mother, to whom the scene in theheavens was a glorious manifestation of the God she loved rather thanfeared, denied herself of what was almost like a vision, for the sakeof the child. 

"It's awful, " said Adah; "I won't look at it any longer. I don't seewhy we can't have nice quiet showers that one can go to sleep in;" andshe disappeared within the house. Reuben sat down on the piazza, inhis quiet, undemonstrative way. Miss Warren came down and stood closeto Mr. Yocomb's side, as if she half unconsciously sought the goodman's protection. 

Incessant lightnings played from some portion of the cloud, zigzaggingin fiery links and forkings, while, at brief intervals, there would bean exceptionally vivid flash, followed more and more closely byheavier and still heavier explosions. But not a leaf stirred aroundus: the chirp of a cricket was sharply distinct in the stillness. Thestars shone serenely over our heads, and the moon, rising to the leftout of the line of the smoke and fire, was assuming her silverybrightness, and at the same time rendering the burning mountain morelurid from contrast. 

"Herbert, Herbert, now I know how brave you were, " I heard Miss Warrenexclaim, in a low, awed tone. 

I saw by the frequent flashes that she was very pale, and that she wastrembling. 

"You mean your brother, " I said gently. 

With her eyes fixed on the threatening and advancing cloud as iffascinated by it, she continued in the same tone, that was full ofindescribable dread: "Yes, yes, I never realized it so fully before, and yet I have lain awake whole nights, going, by an awful necessity, over every scene of that terrible day. He stood in his place in theline of battle on an open plain, and he watched battery after batterycome down from the heights above and open fire. He stood there till hewas slain, looking steadily at death. This cloud that is coming makesme understand the more awful storm of war that he faced. Oh, I wishthis hadn't happened, " and there was almost agony in her tone. "I'mnot brave as he was, and every nearer peal of thunder shakes my verysoul. "

Mr. Yocomb put his hand tenderly on her shoulder as he said:

"My dear, foolish little child--as if thy Father in heaven would hurtthee!"

"Miss Warren, " I said earnestly, "I have too little of Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb's faith; but it seems impossible that anything coming fromheaven could harm you. "

She drew closer to Mr. Yocomb's side, but still looked at the cloudwith the same wide-eyed dread, as if spellbound by it. 

"To me, " she resumed in her former tone, that only became more hurriedand full of fear as the tempest approached, "these awful storms are nopart of heaven. They are wholly of earth, and seem the counterparts ofthose wild outbreaks of human passion from which I and so many poorwomen in the past have suffered;" and a low sob shook her frame. "Iwish I had more of good Mr. Yocomb's spirit; for this appalling cloudseems to me the very incarnation of evil. Why _does_ God permit suchthings?"

With a front as calm and serene as that of any ancient prophet couldhave been, Mr. Yocomb began repeating the sublime words, "The voice ofThy thunder was in the heavens; the lightnings lightened the world. "

"Oh, no, no!" cried the trembling girl, "the God I worship is not inthe storm nor in the fire, but in the still small voice of love. Youmay think me very weak to be so moved, but truly I cannot help it. Mywhole nature shrinks from this. " I took her hand as I said warmly, "Ido understand you, Miss Warren. Unconsciously you have fully explainedyour mood and feeling. It's in truth your nature, your sensitive, delicate organism, that shrinks from this wild tumult that is coming. In the higher moral tests of courage, when the strongest man mightfalter and fail, you would be quietly steadfast. "

She gave my hand a quick, strong pressure, and then withdrew it as shesaid, "I hope you are right; you interpret me so generously that Ihope I may some day prove you right. "

"I need no proof. I saw your very self in the garden. "

"How strange--how strange it all is!" she resumed, with a manner thatbetokened a strong nervous excitability. "Can this be the same world--these the same scenes that were so full of peace and beauty an hourago? How tremendous is the contrast between the serene, lovely Juneday and evening just passed and this coming tempest, whose sullen roarI already hear with increasing dread! Mr. Morton, you said in jestthat this was a day of fate. Why did you use the expression? It hauntsme, oppresses me. Possibly it is. I rarely give way to presentiments, but I dread the coming of this storm inexpressibly. Oh!" and shetrembled violently as a heavier peal than we had yet heard filled thewide valley with awful echoes. 

"Not even a sparrow shall fall to the ground without your Father. Weare safe, my child. God will shield thee more lovingly than I;" and hedrew her closer to him. 

"I know what you say is true, and yet I cannot control this mortalfear and weakness. "

"No, Miss Warren, you cannot, " I said; "therefore do not blameyourself. You tremble as these trees and shrubs will be agitated in afew moments, because you cannot help it. "

"You are not so moved. "

"No, nor will that post be moved, " I replied, with a reckless laugh. "I must admit that I am very much excited, however, for the air isfull of electricity. I can't help thinking of the little robins in ahome open to the sky. "

Her only answer was a low sob, but not for a moment did she take herwide, terror-stricken gaze from the cloud whose slow, deliberateadvance was more terrible than gusty violence would have been. 

The phenomena had now become so awful that we did not speak again forsome moments. The great inky mass was extending toward the eastward, and approaching the fire burning on the mountain-top, and the moonrising above and to the left of it; and from beneath its black shadowcame a heavy, muffled sound that every moment deepened andintensified. 

Suddenly, as if shaken by a giant's hands, the tree-tops above usswayed to and fro; then the shrubbery along the paths seemed full ofwild terror and writhed in every direction. 

Hitherto the moon had shone on the cloud with as serene a face as thatwith which Mr. Yocomb had watched its approach, but now a scud ofvapor swept like a sudden pallor across her disk, giving one the oddimpression that she had just realized her peril, and then an abyss ofdarkness swallowed her up. For a few moments longer the fire burnedon, and then the cloud with its torrents settled down upon it, and theluridly luminous point became opaque. 

The night now alternated between utter darkness and a glare in whichevery leaf and even the color of the tossing roses were distinct. 

After the first swirl of wind passed, there fell upon nature round usa silence that was like breathless expectation, or the cowering from ablow that cannot be averted, and through the stillness the sound ofthe advancing tempest came with awful distinctness, while far backamong the mountains the deep reverberations scarcely ceased a moment. 

Broken masses of vapor, the wild skirmish line of the storm, passedover our heads, blotting out the stars. The trees and shrubbery werebending helplessly to the gust, and Miss Warren could scarcely standbefore its violence. The great elm swayed its drooping branches overthe house as if to protect it. The war and whirl of the tempest wasall about us, the coming rain reminded one of the resounding footstepsof an innumerable host, and great drops fell here and there likescattering shots. 

"Come in, my child, " said Mr. Yocomb; "the storm will soon be passed, and thee and the robins shall yet have quiet sleep to-night. I've seenmany such wild times among the mountains, and nothing worse thanclearer skies and better grain followed. You will hear the robinssinging--"

A blinding flash of lightning, followed by such a crash as I hope Imay never hear again, prevented further reassuring words, and he hadto half support her into the house. 

I had never been in a battle, but I know that the excitement whichmastered me must have been akin to the grand exaltation of conflict, wherein a man thinks and acts by moments as if they were hours andyears. Well he may, when any moment, may end his life. But the thoughtof death scarcely entered my mind. I had no presentiment of harm tomyself, but feared that the dwelling or outbuildings might be struck. 

Almost with the swiftness of lightning came the calculation:

"Estimating distance and time, the next discharge of electricity willbe directly over the house. If there's cause, which God forbid, may Ihave the nerve and power to serve those who have been so kind!"

As I thought, I ran to an open space which commanded a view of thefarmhouse. Scarcely had I reached it before my eyes were blinded for asecond by what seemed a ball of intense burning light shot verticallyinto the devoted home. 

"O God!" I gasped, "it is the day of fate. " For a moment I seemedparalyzed, but the igniting roof beside the chimney roused me at once. 

"Reuben!" I shouted. 

A flash of lightning revealed him still seated quietly on the piazza, as if he had heard nothing. I rushed forward, and shook him by theshoulder. 

"Come, be a man; help me. Quick!" and I half dragged him to aneighboring cherry-tree, against which I had noticed that a ladderrested. 

By this time he seemed to recover his senses, and in less than amoment we had the ladder against the house. Within another moment hehad brought me a pail of water from the kitchen. 

"Have two more pails ready, " I cried, mounting the low, sloping roof. 

The water I carried, and rain, which now began to fall in torrents, extinguished the external fire, but I justly feared that the woodworkhad been ignited within. Hastening back at perilous speed, I said toReuben, who stood ready: "Take one of the pails and lead the way tothe attic and the rooms upstairs. "

The house was strangely and awfully quiet as we rushed in. 

I paused a second at the parlor door. Miss Warren lay motionless uponthe floor, and Mr. Yocomb sat quietly in his great armchair. 

A sickening fear almost overwhelmed me, but I exclaimed loudly, "Mr. Yocomb, rouse yourself; I smell fire; the house is burning!"

He did not move nor answer, and I followed Reuben, who was half-way upthe stairs. It took but a few seconds to reach the large, old-fashioned garret, which already was filling with smoke. 

"Lead the way to the chimney, " I shouted to Reuben in my terribleexcitement. "Do not waste a drop of water. Let me put it on when Ifind just where the fire is. "

Through the smoke I now saw a lurid point. A stride brought methither, and I threw part of the water in my pail up against it. Thehissing and sputtering proved that we had hit on the right spot, whilethe torrents falling on the roof so dampened the shingles that furtherignition from without was impossible. 

"We must go down a moment to breathe, " I gasped, for the smoke waschoking us. 

As we reached the story in which were the sleeping apartments, Icried:

"Great God! Why don't some of the family move or speak?"

Hitherto Reuben had realized only the peril of his home; but now herushed into his mother's room, calling her in a tone that I shallnever forget. 

A second later he uttered my name in a strange, awed tone, and Ientered hesitatingly. Little Zillah apparently lay sleeping in hercrib, and Mrs. Yocomb was kneeling by her bedside. 

"Mother!" said Reuben, in a loud whisper. 

She did not answer. 

He knelt beside her, put his arm around her, and said, close to herear, "Mother! why don't you speak to me?" She made no response, and Isaw that she leaned so heavily forward on the bed as to indicate utterunconsciousness. 

The boy sprang up, and gazed at me with wild questioning in his eyes. 

"Reuben!" I said quickly, "she's only stunned by the lightning. Willyou prove yourself a man, and help me in what must be done? Life maydepend upon it. "

"Yes, " eagerly. 

"Then help me lift your mother on the bed; strong and gentle, now--that's it. "

I put my hand over her heart. 

"She is not dead, " I exclaimed joyously; "only stunned. Let us go tothe attic again, for we must keep shelter this wild night. "

We found that the smoke had perceptibly lessened; I dashed the otherpail of water on the spot that had been burning, then found that Icould place my hand on it. We had been just in time, for there waslight woodwork near that communicated with the floor, and the atticwas full of dry lumber, and herbs hanging here and there, that wouldhave burned like tinder. Had these been burning we could not haveentered the garret, and as it was we breathed with great difficulty. The roof still resounded to the fall of such torrents that I felt thatthe dwelling was safe, unless it had become ignited in the lowerstories, and it was obviously our next duty to see whether this wasthe case. 

"Reuben, " I said, "fill the pails once more, while I look through thehouse and see if there's fire anywhere else. It's clear that all whowere in the house were stunned--even you were, slightly, on thepiazza--so don't give way to fright on their account. If you do as Ibid, you may do much to save their lives; but we must first make surethe house is safe. If it isn't, we must carry them all out at once. "

He comprehended me, and went for the water instantly. 

I again looked into Mrs. Yocomb's room. It was impregnated with astrong sulphurous odor, and I now saw that there was a discolored linedown the wall adjoining the chimney, and that little Zillah's cribstood nearer the scorching line of fire than Mrs. Yocomb had been. Butthe child looked quiet and peaceful, and I hastened away. 

My own room was dark and safe. I opened the door of Miss Warren'sroom, and a flash of lightning, followed by complete darkness, showedthat nothing was amiss. 

I then opened another door, and first thought the apartment on fire, it was so bright; but instantly saw that two lamps were burning, andthat Adah lay dressed upon the bed, with her face turned toward them. By this common device she had sought to deaden the vivid lightning. Her face was white as the pillow on which it rested; her eyes wereclosed, and from her appearance she might have been sleeping or dead. Even though almost overwhelmed with dread, I could not help noting herwonderful beauty. In my abnormal and excited condition of mind, however, it seemed a natural and essential part of the strange, unexpected experiences of the day. 

I was now convinced that there was no fire in the second story, andthe thought of Miss Warren drew me instantly away. I already had astrange sense of self-reproach that I had not gone to her at once, feeling as if I had discarded the first and most sacred claim. I metReuben on the stairway, and told him that the second story was safe, and asked him to look through the first story and cellar, and then togo for a physician as fast as the fleetest horse could carry him. 

CHAPTER XIII

THE LIGHTNING AND A SUBTLER FLAME

On entering the parlor, I found Mr. Yocomb standing up and lookingaround in a dazed manner. He did not seem to know me, and in my deepanxiety I did not heed him. Kneeling beside Miss Warren, I found thather pulse was very feeble. I lifted her gently upon the sofa, andthrew open a window, so that the damp, gusty wind, full of spray fromthe rain, might blow in upon her. 

Mr. Yocomb laid his hand heavily on my shoulder, and asked, in a thickvoice, "What does it all mean?"

I saw that he was deathly pale, and that he tottered. Taking his arm, I supported him to a lounge in the hall, and said, "Mr. Yocomb, youwere taken ill. You must lie down quietly till the physician comes. "

He seemed so confused and unable to think that he accepted myexplanation. Indeed, he soon became so ill from the effects of theshock that he could not rise. 

Again I knelt at Miss Warren's side, and began chafing her hands; butthe cool wind and spray did the most to revive her. She opened hereyes, looked at me fixedly a few moments, and then tried to rise. 

"Please keep quiet, " I said, "till I bring you some brandy;" and Ihastened to my room, tore open my valise, and was soon moistening herlips from a small flask. After swallowing a little she regained self-possession rapidly. 

"What happened?" she asked. 

"I fear you swooned. "

She passed her hand over her brow, and looked around as if in search, of some one, then said, "Where is Mrs. Yocomb?"

"She is in her room with Zillah. "

"Please let me go to her;" and she again essayed to rise. 

"Miss Warren, " I said gently, "I have no right to ask a favor of you, but I will thank you very much if you will just remain quietly on thissofa till you are better. You remember we had a frightful storm. Inever knew such heavy thunder. "

"Ah! there it is again, " she said, shuddering, as a heavy peal rolledaway to the north. 

"Miss Warren, you said once to-day that you could trust me. You can. Iassure you the storm is past; there is no more danger from it, butthere is danger unless you do as I bid you. Remain quietly here tillyou have recovered from--from your nervous prostration. I happen tohave some knowledge in a case of this kind, and I know that muchdepends on your being quiet for an hour or more. You need not bealarmed if you do as I bid you. I will see to it that some one iswithin call all the time;" and I tried to speak cheerfully anddecisively. 

She smiled as she said, "Since you have assumed the role of doctor, I'll obey, for I know how arbitrary the profession is. "

Then she again reclined wearily on the sofa, and I went out, closingthe door. 

I found Reuben beside his father, who certainly needed care, for theterrible nausea which attends recovery from a severe shock fromelectricity had set in. 

"Reuben, " I urged, "_do_ go for the doctor; I'll do everything foryour father that I can, but we must have a good physician at once. Go in your buggy as fast as you can drive in the dark--can't you takea lantern?--and bring the doctor with you. First tell him what hashappened, so that he can bring the proper remedies. Be a man, Reuben;much depends on you to-night. "

Within five minutes I heard the swift feet of Dapple splash out uponthe road. The night was growing still and close, and the gustsoccurred at longer intervals. The murky cloud had covered the sky, utterly obscuring the moonlight, and there was a steady and heavy fallof rain. 

After Reuben had gone, a terrible sense of isolation and helplessnessoppressed me. I remembered strange tales of lightning and its effectsthat I had heard. Would the mother and her two daughters survive? WasMr. Yocomb seriously ill? But I found that the anxiety which torturedme most was in behalf of the one who gave the best promise of speedyrecovery; and it was my chief hope that she would remain quietly whereI had left her till the physician arrived. I had pretended to a fargreater knowledge than I possessed, since in truth I had had verylittle experience in illness. If Miss Warren should leave the parlor, and thus learn that the farmhouse might become the scene of an awfultragedy, the effect upon her would probably be disastrous in theextreme. 

These and like thoughts were coursing swiftly through my mind as Iwaited upon Mr. Yocomb, and sought to give him relief. 

"Ice!" he gasped; "it's in cellar. "

I snatched up the candle that Reuben had left burning on the hall-table, and went for it. The place was strange, and I was not as quickand deft as many others would have been, and so was absent somemoments. 

Great was my surprise and consternation when I returned, for MissWarren stood beside Mr. Yocomb, holding his head. 

"Why are you here?" I asked, and my tone and manner betokened deeptrouble. 

"I'm better, " she said, quietly and firmly. 

"Miss Warren, " I remonstrated, "I won't answer for the consequences ifyou don't go back to the parlor and remain there till the doctorcomes. I know what I'm about. "

"You don't look as if master of the situation. You are haggard--youseem half desperate--"

"I'm anxious about you, and if--"

"Mr. Morton, you are far more anxious about others. I've had time tothink. A swoon is not such a desperate affair. You guessed rightly--athunderstorm prostrates me, but as it passes I am myself again. "

After aiding Mr. Yocomb to recline feebly on the lounge, she came tothe table where I was breaking the ice, and said, in a low tone:

"Something very serious has happened. "

I could not look at her. I dared not to speak even, for I wasoppressed with the dread of a worse tragedy. With her morbid fear oflightning she might almost lose her reason if now, in her weak, unnerved condition, she saw its effect on Mrs. Yocomb and Adah. 

"Mother, " moaned Mr. Yocomb; "why don't mother come?"

"She's with Zillah upstairs, " I faltered. "Zillah's ill!"

"Then why does not Adah come to her father?" Miss Warren questioned, looking at me keenly. 

I felt that disguise was useless. 

"Mr. Morton, your hand so trembles that you can scarcely break theice. Something dreadful has happened--there's the smell of smoke andfire in the house. Tell me, tell me!" and she laid her handappealingly on my arm. 

"Oh, Miss Warren, " I groaned, "let me shield you. If further harmshould come to you to-night--"

"Further harm will come unless you treat me as a woman, not as achild, " she said firmly. "I know you mean it kindly, and no doubt Ihave seemed weak enough to warrant any amount of shielding. "

At this moment there came a peal of thunder from the passing storm, and she sank shudderingly into a chair. As it passed she sprang up andsaid:

"I can't help that, but I can and will help you. I understand it all. The house has been struck, and Zillah, Adah, and Mr. Yocomb have beenhurt. Let me feed Mr. Yocomb with the ice. Are you sure he should haveice? I would give him brandy first if I had my way, but you said youknew--"

"Miss Warren, I don't know--I'm in mortal terror in behalf of thefamily; but my chief dread has been that you would come to know thetruth, and now I can't keep it from you. If you can be brave andstrong enough to help me in this emergency, I will honor you and thankyou every day of my life. "

"Mother! mother! why doesn't mother come?" Mr. Yocomb called. 

Miss Warren gave me a swift glance that was as reassuring as sunlight, and then went quietly into the parlor. A moment later she was givingMr. Yocomb brandy and water, and quieting him with low, gentle words. 

"You remember, Mr. Yocomb, " she said, "that Zillah was greatlyfrightened by the storm. You would not have the mother leave the childjust yet. Mr. Morton, will you go upstairs and see if I can be of anyassistance? I will join you there as soon as I have made Mr. Yocomb alittle more comfortable, " and she went to the parlor and brought outanother pillow, and then threw open the hall-door in order that herpatient might have more air, for he respired slowly and laboriously. Her words seemed to quiet him, and he gave himself into her hands. Ilooked at her wonderingly for a moment, then said, in a low tone:

"You are indeed a woman and a brave one. I recognize my superiorofficer, and resign command at once. "

She shook her head as she gave me a glimmer of a smile, but urged, ina whisper, "Hasten, we must not lose a moment. "

I swiftly mounted the stairs, relieved of my chief anxiety. 

Through the open door I saw Adah's fair white face. She had notstirred. I now ventured in and spoke to her, but she was utterlyunconscious. Taking her hand I was overjoyed to find a feeble pulse. 

"It may all yet be well. God grant it, " I muttered. 

"He will, " said Miss Warren, who had joined me almost immediately;"this is not a day of fate, I trust;" and she began moistening Adah'slips with brandy, and trying to cause her to swallow a little, while Ichafed her pretty hands and rubbed brandy on her wrists. 

"It seems to me as if an age, crowded with events, had elapsed since Istarted on my aimless walk this morning, " I said, half in soliloquy. 

"That you were directed hither will be cause for lasting gratitude. Was not the house on fire?"

"Yes, but Reuben was invaluable. He was out on the piazza, and so wasnot hurt. "

"Was Mrs. Yocomb hurt?" she asked, looking at me in wild alarm. 

"Please do not fail me, " I entreated; "you have been so brave thusfar. Mrs. Yocomb will soon revive, I think. You were unconscious atfirst. "

She now realized the truth that Mrs. Yocomb was not caring for Zillah, and hastened to their room, impelled by an overmastering affection forthe woman who had treated her with motherly kindness. 

I followed her, and assured her that her friend was living. It neededbut a moment to see that this was true, but little Zillah scarcelygave any sign of life. Both were unconscious. 

The young girl now looked at me as if almost overwhelmed, and said, ina low shuddering tone, "This is awful--far worse than I feared; I dowish the doctor was here. "

"He must be here soon. I know you won't give way. In great emergenciesa true woman is great. You may save--"

A thunder-peal from the retreating storm drowned my words. She grewwhite, and would have fallen had I not caught her and supported her toa chair. 

"Give me--a few moments, " she gasped, "and I'll be--myself again. Thisshock is awful. Why, we would all have burned up--had you not put thefire out, " and her eyes dilated with horror. 

"We have no time for words, " I said, brusquely. "Here, take thisbrandy, and then let us do everything in our power to save life. Iscarcely know what to do, but something must be done. If we can onlydo the right thing, all may yet be well. "

In a moment the weakness passed, and she was her brave, quiet selfonce more. 

"I won't fail you again, " she said resolutely, as she tried to force alittle brandy between Mrs. Yocomb's pallid lips. 

"You are a genuine woman, " I replied heartily, as I chafed Mrs. Yocomb's wrists with the spirits; "I know how terrible the ordeal hasbeen for you, and most young ladies would have contributed to theoccasion nothing but hysterics. "

"And you feared I would. "

"I feared worse. You are morbidly timid in a thunder-storm, and Idreaded your learning what you now know beyond measure. "

"You were indeed burdened, " she said, looking at me with strongsympathy. 

"No matter. If you can keep up and suffer no ill consequences fromthis affair, I believe that the rest will come through all right. After all, they are affected only physically, but you--"

"I have been a little weak-minded. I know it. But if it doesn'tthunder any more I'll keep up. Ever since I was a child the sound ofthunder paralyzed me. Thank God, Mrs. Yocomb is beginning to revive. "

"I will leave her in your care, and see if I can do anything for Mr. Yocomb. I thus show that I trust you fully. "

As I passed out I heard a faint voice call, "Mother!"

Going to the door of Adah's room I saw that she was conscious, andfeebly trying to rise. As I entered she looked at me in utterbewilderment, then shrank with instinctive fear from the presence of aseeming intruder. I saw the impulse of her half-conscious mind, andcalled Miss Warren, who came at once, and her presence seemedreassuring. 

"What's the matter?" she asked, with the same thick utterance that Ihad noted in Mr. Yocomb's voice. It seemed as if the organs of speechwere partially paralyzed. 

"You have been ill, my dear, but now you are much better. The doctorwill be here soon, " Miss Warren said soothingly. 

She seemed to comprehend the words imperfectly, and turned herwondering eyes toward me. 

"Oh, that the doctor would come!" I groaned. "Here you have two onyour hands, and Mr. Yocomb is calling. "

"Who's that?" asked Adah, feebly pointing to me. 

"You remember Mr. Morton, " Miss Warren said quietly, bathing thegirl's face with cologne. "You brought him home from meeting thismorning. "

The girl's gaze was so fixed and peculiar that it held me a moment, and gave the odd impression of the strong curiosity of one waking upin a new world. Suddenly she closed her eyes and fell back faint andsick. At that moment, above the sound of the rain, I heard the quicksplash of a horse's feet, and hastened down to greet the doctor. 

In a few hasty words I added such explanation of the catastrophe asReuben's partial account rendered necessary, and by the time I hadfinished we were at Mrs. Yocomb's door. Mr. Yocomb seemed sufficientlyat rest to be left for a while. 

"This is Miss Warren, " I said. "She will be your invaluable assistant, but you must be careful of her, since she, too, has suffered veryseverely, and, I fear, is keeping up on the strength of her bravewill, mainly. "

The physician, fortunately, was a good one, and his manner gave usconfidence from the start. 

"I think I understand the affair sufficiently, " he said; "and the bestthing you can do for my patients, and for Miss Warren also, Mr. Morton, is to have some strong black coffee made as soon as possible. That will now prove an invaluable remedy, I think. "

"I'll show you where the coffee is, " Miss Warren added promptly. "Unfortunately--perhaps fortunately--Mrs. Yocomb let the woman whoassisted her go away for the night. Had she been here she might havebeen another burden. "

Even though I had but a moment or two in the room, I saw that thedoctor was anxious about little Zillah. 

As Miss Warren waited on me I said earnestly, "What a godsend youare!"

"No, " she replied with a tone and glance that, to me, were sweeter andmore welcome than all the June sunshine of that day. "I was here, andyou were sent. " Then her eyes grew full of dread, reminding me of thegaze she had bent on the storm before which she had cowered. "Thehouse was on fire, " she said; "we were all helpless--unconscious. Yousaved us. I begin to realize it all. "

"Come, Miss Warren, you now are 'seeing double. ' Here, Reuben, " I saidto the young fellow, who came dripping in from the barn. "I want tointroduce you in a new light. Miss Warren doesn't half know you yet, and I wish her to realize that you are no longer a boy, but a brave, level-headed man, that even when stunned by lightning could do as muchas I did. "

"Now, Richard Morton, I didn't do half as much as thee did. How'smother?" and he spoke with a boy's ingenuousness. 

"Doing well under the care of the doctor you brought, " I said; "and ifyou will now help me make this dying fire burn up quickly, she willhave you to thank more than any one else when well again. "

"I'm going to thank you now, " Miss Warren exclaimed, seizing both ofhis hands. "God bless you, Reuben! You don't realize what you havedone for us all. "

The young fellow looked surprised. "I only did what Richard Mortontold me, " he protested, "and that wasn't much. "

"Well, there's a pair of you, " she laughed. "The fire put itself out, and Dapple went after the doctor. " Then, as if overwhelmed withgratitude, she clasped her hands and looked upward, as she said, inlow, thrilling tones: "Thank God, oh thank God! what a tragedy we haveescaped!"

"Yes, " I said, "it might have been a day of fate indeed. Life wouldhave been an unendurable burden if what you feared had happened. What's more, I would have lost my faith in God had such a home and itsinmates been destroyed. The thought of it makes me sick, " and I sankinto a chair. 

"We must not think of it, " she cried earnestly, "for there's much tobe done still. There, I've helped you all I can here. When thecoffee's ready, call me, and I'll come for it. Get on dry clothes assoon as you can, Reuben, for you can be of great service to usupstairs. I'm astonished at you, Mr. Morton, you haven't any nerve atall--you who have dealt in conflagrations, murders, wars, pestilences, earthquakes, writing them up in the most harrowing, blood-curdlingstyle; you have absolutely turned white and faint because the inmatesof a farmhouse were shocked. I won't believe you are an editor at allunless you call me within five minutes. "

Whether because her piquant words formed just the spur I needed, orbecause she had a mysterious power over me which made her will mine, Ithrew off the depression into which I had reacted from my overwhelmingexcitement and anxiety, and soon had my slowly kindling fire burningfuriously, dimly conscious in the meantime that deep in my heartanother and subtler flame was kindling also. 

CHAPTER XIV

KINDLING A SPARK OF LIFE

I soon had coffee made that was as black as the night without. Insteadof calling Miss Warren, I took a tray from the dining-room, andcarried it with several cups upstairs. 

"Bring it here!" called the doctor. 

I entered Mrs. Yocomb's room, and found that she had quite fullyrevived, and that Reuben had supported his father thither also. Hereclined on the lounge, and his usually ruddy face was very pale. Bothhe and his wife appeared almost helpless; but the doctor had succeededin arresting, by the use of ice, the distressing nausea that hadfollowed consciousness. They looked at me in a bewildered manner as Ientered, and could not seem to account for my presence at once. Nordid they, apparently, try to do so long, for their eyes turned towardlittle Zillah with a deeply troubled and perplexed expression, as ifthey were beginning to realize that the child was very ill, and thatevents of an extraordinary character had happened. 

"Let me taste the coffee, " said the doctor. "Ah! that's the kind--black and strong. See how it will bring them around, " and he made Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb each swallow a cup of it. 

"Miss Warren, " he called, "give some of this to Miss Adah, if she isquiet enough to take it. I cannot leave the child. "

Miss Warren came at once. Her face was clouded and anxious, and shelooked with eager solicitude toward the still unconscious Zillah, whose hands Reuben was chafing. 

"I think Miss Adah will soon be better, " she replied to the doctor'sinquiring glance, and she went back to her charge. 

"Take some yourself, " said the physician to me, in a low tone. "I fearwe are going to have a serious time with the little girl. "

"You do not realize, " I urged, "that Miss Warren needs keeping upalmost as truly as any of them. "

"You'll have to take care of her then, " said the doctor hastily; "sheseems to be doing well herself, and doing well for others. Take hersome coffee, and say that I said she must drink it. "

I knocked at Adah's door and called, "Miss Warren, the doctor says youmust drink this coffee. "

"In a few moments, " she answered, and after a little time she cameout. 

"Where's your cup?" she asked. "Have you taken any?"

"Not yet, of course. "

"Why of course? If you want me to drink this you must get some atonce. "

"There may not be enough. I don't know how much the doctor may need. "

"Then get a cup, and I'll give you half of this. "

"Never, " I answered promptly. "Do as the doctor bade you. "

She went swiftly to Mrs. Yocomb's room and filled another cup. 

"I pledge you my word I won't touch a drop till you have taken this. You don't realize what you have been through, Mr. Morton. Your hand sotrembled that you could scarcely carry the cup; you are all unnerved. Come, " she added gravely, "you must be in a condition to help, for Ifear Zillah is in a critical condition. "

"I'm not going to break down, " I said resolutely. "Give it to Reuben. Poor fellow, he was very wet. "

She looked at my clothes, and then exclaimed:

"Why, Mr. Morton, don't you know you are wet through and through?"

"Am I?" and I looked down at my soaked garments. 

"I don't believe you have a dry thread on you. "

"I've been too excited to think of it. Of course, I got wet on theroof; but what's a summer shower! Your coffee's getting cold. "

"So is yours. "

"You have the doctor's orders. "

"I would be glad if my wishes weighed a little with you, " she said, appealingly. 

"There, Miss Warren, if you put it that way I'd drink gall andvinegar, " and I gulped down the coffee. 

She vanished into Adah's room, saying, "You must take my word for itthat I drink mine. I shall sip it while waiting on my patient. "

Having insisted on Reuben's taking some also, I returned to thekitchen and made a new supply. Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb's extremeprostration, both mental and physical, perplexed me. Their idolizedchild was still unconscious, and yet they could only look on inwondering and perplexed anxiety. I afterward learned that a partialparalysis of every faculty, especially of memory, was a common effectof a severe shock of electricity. It was now evident that Miss Warren, from some obscure cause, escaped harm from lightning. The words I hademployed to reassure her turned out to be true--she had merelyswooned--and thus, on recovery, had full possession of all herfaculties. 

"I would be glad if my wishes weighed a little with you, " she hadsaid. In wonder at myself, I asked, "What weighs more with me? By whatright is this maiden, whom I have met but to-day, taking such absolutecontrol of my being? Am I overwrought, morbid, fanciful, deluded by anexcited imagination into beliefs and moods that will vanish in theclear sunlight and clearer light of reason? or has the vivid lightningrevealed with absolute distinctness the woman on whom I can lean inperfect trust, and yet must often sustain in her pathetic weakness?The world would say we are strangers; but my heart and soul and everyfibre of my being appear to recognize a kinship so close that I feelwe never can be strangers again. It is true the lightning fuses thehardest substances, making them one; however, I am beginning to thinkthat my hitherto callous nature has been smitten by a diviner fire. Ifso, Heaven grant that I'm not the only one struck. 

"Well, it's a queer world. When I broke down, last Friday night, andsat cowering before the future in my editorial sanctum, I littledreamed that on Sunday night I should be making coffee in a good oldQuaker's kitchen, and, what is still more strange, making a divinityout of a New York music-teacher!"

A moment later I added, "That's a stupid way of putting it. I'm notmaking a divinity out of her at all. She is one, and I've had the witto recognize the truth. Are her gentlemen friends all idiots that theyhave not--"

"What! talking to yourself, Mr. Morton? I fear the events of this dayare turning your head. " And Miss Warren entered. 

"Speak of an angel--you know the saying. " "Indeed! The only word Iheard as I entered was 'idiot. '"

"Pardon me, you overheard the word 'idiots, ' so can gather nothingfrom that. "

"No, your mutterings are dark indeed. I see no light or sense in them;but the doctor came to Adah's door and asked me for more coffee. "

"How is Miss Adah?"

"Doing nicely. She'll sleep soon, I think. "

"I do hope little Zillah is recovering. "

"Yes, Reuben put a radiant face within the door, a few minutes since, and said Zillah was 'coming to, ' as he expressed it. Adah is doing sowell that I feel assured about the others. Now that she is becomingquiet, I think I can leave her and help with Zillah. "

"And you're not exhausting yourself?"

"I've not yet reached the stage of muttering delirium. Mr. Morton, will you permit me to suggest that you go to your room and put on dryclothes. You are not fit to be seen. Moreover, there is a mark athwartyour nose that gives to your face a sinister aspect, not becoming inone whose deeds of darkness this night will bear the light of allcoming time. It might be appropriate in a printing-office; but I don'tintend to have little Zillah frightened. Oh, I'm so glad and gratefulthat we have all escaped! There, that will do; give me the tray. "

"Beg your pardon: I shall carry it up myself. What on earth would Ihave done without you in this emergency?"

"Come, Mr. Morton, I'm not used to being disobeyed. Yes, you did lookas helpless as only a man can look when there's illness; and there'sno telling what awful remedies you might have administered before thedoctor came. I think I shall take the credit of saving all our lives, since you and Reuben won't. "

She pushed open the door of Mrs. Yocomb's room, and her face changedinstantly. 

Little Zillah lay on the bed and was still unconscious. Mrs. Yocombhad been moved into an armchair, and every moment comprehension of thetruth grew clearer, and her motherly solicitude was intensified. 

Reuben evidently was frightened, and the doctor's brow was knittedinto a frown of perplexity. 

"We thought she was coming to, " said Reuben to Miss Warren, "but she'sgone back worse than ever. "

"Mr. Morton, I wish you to give to all a cup of that coffee and takesome yourself, " said the physician, in a quiet but authoritativevoice. "Mr. Yocomb, you must not rise; you will be ill again, and Inow need all the help I can get with this child. We must tryartificial respiration, spraying the chest with cold water, and everypossible means. "

"Would to God that I could help thee!" cried Mrs. Yocomb. 

"You can help by keeping absolutely quiet. Mr. Morton, in thisemergency you must become as a brother or one of the family. "

"I am one with them to-night, " I said earnestly; "let me help you inany way. "

"You three must rub her with flannel and spirits, while I lift herarms slowly up and down to try to induce respiration. "

The poor limp little body--how sacred it seemed to me!

We worked and worked till the perspiration poured from our faces. Every expedient was tried, until the physician at last desisted andstood back for a moment in anxious thought. 

Then, in a tone broken with anguish, Mr. Yocomb exclaimed:

"Would to God the bolt had fallen on my head, and not on this dearlittle lamb. "

In bitter protest against it all I cried, "The bolt has fallen on yourheart, Mr. Yocomb. How is it that God has thunderbolts for lambs?"

"Richard Morton, thee's unjust, " began Mrs. Yocomb, in a voice thatshe tried to render quiet and resigned. "Who art thou to judge God?'What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know--' Oh, my child, my child!" broke out her wailing cry, and motherhood triumphed. 

Reuben was sobbing over his sister with all the abandon of boyishgrief, but Miss Warren stood before the little form, apparentlylifeless, with clasped hands and dilated eyes. 

"I can't--I won't give her up, " she exclaimed passionately, and dartedfrom the room. 

I followed wonderingly. She was already in the kitchen, and had founda large tub. 

"Fill this with hot water, " she said to me. "No! let me do it; I'lltrust no one. Yes, you may carry it up, but please be careful. I'llbring some cold water to temper it. Doctor, " she exclaimed, re-entering the room, "we must work till we know there is no chance. Yes, and after we know it. Is not hot water good?"

"Anything is good that will restore suspended circulation, " hereplied; "we'll try it. But wait a moment. I've employed a nice test, and if there's life I think this little expedient will reveal it. " Heheld the child's hand, and I noted that a string had been tied aroundone of the small white fingers, and that he intently watched the partof the finger beyond the string. I comprehended the act at once, andrecognized the truth that there would be little hope of life if thistest failed. If there was any circulation at all the string would notprevent the blood flowing out through the artery, but it would preventits return, and, therefore, if there was life a faint color wouldmanifest itself in the finger. I bent over and held my breath in myeager scrutiny. 

"The child's alive!" I exclaimed. 

By a quick, impressive gesture the physician checked my manifestationof feeling and excitement as he said:

"Yes, she's alive, and that's about all. We'll try a plunge in the hotbath, and then friction and artificial respiration again. "

We set to work once more with double zeal under the inspiration ofMiss Warren's words and manner, but especially because assured thatlife still lingered. In less than a quarter of an hour there was aperceptible pulse. At last she was able to swallow a little stimulant, and the faint spark of life, of which we scarcely dared to speak lestour breath might extinguish it, began to kindle slowly. When at lastshe opened her eyes, Miss Warren turned hers heavenward with a fulnessof gratitude that must have been sweet to the fatherly heart of God ifthe words be true, "Like as a father pitieth his children. "

Mrs. Yocomb threw herself on her knees by the bedside, sobbing, "ThankGod! thank God!"

Reuben was growing wild with joy, and the father, overwhelmed withemotion, was struggling to rise, when the doctor said, in low, decidedtones:

"Hush! Nothing must be said or done to excite or surprise her. Mr. AndMrs. Yocomb, as you love your child, control yourselves. You, Mr. Morton, would seem strange to her, and, with Reuben, had better leaveus now. Miss Warren will help me, and I think all will be well. "

"Don't overtax Miss Warren, " I urged, lingering anxiously at the doora moment. 

She gave me a smiling, reassuring nod, as much as to say that shewould take care of herself. 

"God bless her!" I murmured, as I sought my room. "I believe she hassaved the child. "

CHAPTER XV

MY FATE

Having lighted the lamp in my room, I looked around it with adelicious sense of proprietorship. Its quaint, homely comfort was justto my taste, and now appeared doubly attractive. Chief of all, it wasa portion of the home I had had some part in saving, and weinstinctively love that which ministers to our self-complacency. Anold house seems to gain a life and being of its own, and I almostimagined it conscious of gratitude that its existence had not beenblotted out. Mrs. Yocomb's cordial invitation to come and stay when Icould gave me at the time a glad sense that I had found a countryrefuge to which I could occasionally escape when in need of rest. Ifelt now, however, as if the old walls themselves would welcome me. Asto the inmates of the home, I feared that their grateful sense of theservices I was so fortunate as to render might make their boundlesssense of obligation embarrassing to me. It would be their dispositionto repay an ordinary favor tenfold, and they would always believe thatReuben and I had saved their lives, and the old home which no doubthad long been in their family. 

"Well, I'll never complain of fortune again, " I thought, "since I'vebeen permitted to do for these people what I have;" and I threw myselfdown on the lounge, conscious of the warm, comfortable glow impartedby dry clothes and the strong coffee, still more conscious of an innersatisfaction that the threatening events of the night had ended justas I could have wished. 

"Since it was to be, thank God I was here and was able to act for thebest, " I murmured. "The June sunshine and the lightning have thrownconsiderable light on my future. I said to Emily Warren, 'What could Ihave done without you in this emergency?' With still greater emphasisI feel like asking, What would life be without you? It seems absurdthat one person should become essential to the life of another in afew brief hours. And yet, why absurd? Is it not rather in accord withthe deepest and truest philosophy of life? Is the indissoluble unionof two lives to result from long and careful calculations of the prosand cons? In true marriage it seems to me the soul should recognizeits mate when meeting it. "

It thus may be seen that I was no exception to that large class whoaccept or create a philosophy pleasing to it, and there is usuallyenough truth in any system to prevent its being wholly unreasonable. 

I heard a step in the hall, and as I had left my door open so that atany sound I could spring up, I was so fortunate as to intercept theobject of my thoughts. Her face was full of deep content, but verypale. To the eager questioning of my manner, she replied:

"The doctor says Zillah is doing as well as we could expect. Oh, I'mso glad!" "Miss Warren, you don't know how pale you are. When are_you_ going to rest? I've been lying down, and my conscience troubledme as I thought of you still working. "

"I never imagined that editors had such tender consciences, " she said, with a low laugh, and she vanished into Adah's room. 

I knew she wouldn't stay long, and remained at the end of the hall, looking out of the window. The lightning flashes had grown faint anddistant, but they were almost incessant, and they revealed that theclouds were growing thin toward the west, while near the horizon astar glimmered distinctly. 

"Miss Warren, " I called, as she came out of Adah's room, "I've a goodomen to show you. Do you see that star in the west? I think themorning will be cloudless?"

"But those flashes prove that the storm is causing fear and loss toother and distant homes. "

"Not at all. It is, no doubt, causing 'better grain and clearerskies, ' as Mr. Yocomb said. Such an experience as we have had to-night, while having its counterparts not infrequently, take the worldover, is by no means common. "

"Oh, I hope we may have no more heavy thunderstorms this summer. Theyare about the only drawback to this lovely season. "

"You are perfectly safe so long as you remain here, " I laughed; "youknow the lightning never strikes twice in the same place. "

"I hope to stay here, but for better reasons than that. "

"So do I. "

"I should think you would. You, certainly, are no longer homeless. Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb will adopt you in spite of yourself as soon as theyrealize it all. The string of the latch will always hang outside ofthe door for you, I can tell you; and a nice place it will be for acity man to come. "

"And for a city woman, too. Mrs. Yocomb had adopted you before allthis happened, and I don't believe she'll forget that you really savedlittle Zillah's life. "

"The dear little thing!" she exclaimed, tears starting to her eyes. "How pathetic her little unconscious form was!"

"To me, " I replied earnestly, "it was the most exquisite and sacredthing I ever saw. I don't wonder you felt as you did when you said, 'Ican't--I won't give her up, ' for it seemed at the moment almost as ifmy life depended on her life, so powerful was her hold on my sympathy. The doctor spoke truer than he thought, for it seems as if thelightning had fused me into this family, and my grief would have beenalmost as great as Reuben's had little Zillah not revived. "

"I feel as if it would have broken my heart, " and her tears fell fast. Dashing them away she said, "I cry as well as laugh too easily, andI'm often so provoked that I could shake myself. I must say that Ithink we're all becoming well acquainted for people who have met sorecently. "

"Oh, as for you, " I replied, "I knew you well in some previous stateof existence, and have just met you again. "

"Mr. Morton, " she said, turning on me brusquely, "I shall not be quitesure as to your entire sanity till you have had a long sleep. You haveseemed a little out of your head on some points ever since ourextended acquaintance began. You have appeared impressed or oppressedwith the hallucination that this day--is it to-day or to-morrow?"

"It's to-day for a little while longer, " I replied, looking at mywatch. 

"Well, then, that to-day was 'a day of fate, ' and you made me nervouson the subject--"

"Then I'm as sane as you are. "

"No, I hadn't any such nonsense in my mind till you suggested it, buthaving once entertained the idea it haunted me. "

"Yes, and it haunts you still, " I said, eagerly. 

"What time is it, Mr. Morton?"

"It lacks but a few moments of midnight. "

"No, " she said, laughingly, "I don't believe anything more will happento-day, and as soon as the old clock downstairs strikes twelve I thinkthe light of reason will burn again in your disordered mind. Good-night. "

Instead of going, however, she hesitated, looked at me earnestly amoment, then asked:

"You said you found me unconscious?"

"Yes. "

"How did you revive me?"

"I carried you to the sofa under the window, which I opened. I thenchafed your hands, but I think the wind and spray restored you. "

"I don't remember fainting before; and--oh, well, this wholeexperience has been so strange that I can't realize it. "

"Don't try to. If I'm a little out of my head, your soul will be outof your body if you don't take better care of yourself. You might aswell be killed by lightning as over-fatigue. That doctor seems tothink you are made of india-rubber. "

"I've laughed to myself more than once at your injunctions to thedoctor since Zillah revived. We've had such a narrow escape that Ifeel as if I ought not to laugh again for a year, but I can't help it. I won't thank you as I meant to--it might make you vain. Good-night, "and she gave my hand a quick, strong pressure, and went swiftly backto Mrs. Yocomb's room. 

Had my hand clasped only flesh and blood, bone and sinew? No, indeed. I felt that I had had within my grasp a gratitude and friendly regardthat was so full and real that the warm-hearted, impulsive girl wouldnot trust herself to express it in words. Her manner, however, was sofrank and unconstrained that I knew her feelings to be only those ofgratitude and friendly regard, seeing clearly that she entertained nosuch thoughts as had come unbidden to me. 

In spite of my fatigue, the habit of my life and the strong coffeewould have banished all thought of sleep for hours to come, if therehad been no other cause, but the touch of a little hand had put moreglad awakening life within me than all the stimulants of the world. 

I went downstairs and looked through the old house to see that all wasright, with as much solicitude as if it were indeed my own home. Excepting the disorder I had caused in the kitchen and hall, it hadthe midnight aspect of quiet and order that might have existed for acentury. 

"I would not be afraid of the ghosts that came back to this home, " Imuttered. "Indeed, I would like to see Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb'sancestors; and, now I think of it, some one of them should wear ajaunty, worldly hat to account for Adah. By Jove! but she wasbeautiful as she lay there, with her perfect physical life suspendedinstantaneously. If the lightning would only create a woman within theexquisite casket, the result would well repay what we have passedthrough. Her mother would say, as I suppose, that another and subtlerfire from heaven were needed for such a task. "

As I came out into the hall the great clock began to strike, in theslow, dignified manner befitting its age--

"One, two, three--twelve. "

The day of fate had passed. I knew Emily Warren was laughing at mesoftly to herself as she and the physician watched with the patientsin Mrs. Yocomb's room. 

I was in no mood to laugh, for every moment the truth was growingclearer that I had met my fate. 

I looked into the parlor, in which a lamp was burning, and conjured upthe scene I had witnessed there. I saw a fair young face, with eyesturned heavenward, and heard again the words, "My faith looks up toThee. "

Their faith had been sorely tried. The burning bolt from heaven seemeda strange response to that faith; the crashing thunder a wild, harshecho to the girl's sweet, reverent tones. 

"Is it all chance?" I queried, "or all inexorable law? Who or what isthe author of the events of this night?" As if in answer, Mrs. Yocomb's text came into my mind: "What I do thou knowest not now, butthou shalt know hereafter. "

"Well, " I muttered, "perhaps there is as much reason in theirphilosophy as in any other. Somebody ought to be in charge of all thiscomplex life and being. "

I went out on the piazza. The rain was still falling, but softly andlightly. A freshening breeze was driving the thin, lingering cloudsbefore it, and star after star looked out, as if lights were beingkindled in the western sky. The moon was still hidden, but the vaporwas not dense enough to greatly obscure her rays. In the partial lightthe valley seemed wider, the mountains higher, and everything morebeautiful, in contrast with the black tempest that had so recentlyfilled the scene. 

I sat down on the piazza to watch with those who were watching withthe child. I made up my mind that I certainly should not retire untilthe physician departed; and in my present mood I felt that mymidsummer night's dream would be to me more interesting than that ofWill Shakespeare. Hour after hour passed almost unnoted. The nightbecame serene and beautiful. The moon, like a confident beauty, atlast threw aside her veil of clouds, and smiled as if assured ofwelcome. Raindrops gemmed every leaf; and when the breeze increased, myriads of them sparkled momentarily through the silver light. Asmorning approached the air grew so sweet that I recognized the truththat the new flowers of a new day were opening, and that I wasinhaling their virgin perfume. 

I rose and went softly to the ivy-covered gateway of the old garden, and the place seemed transfigured in the white moonlight. Even thekitchen vegetables lost their homely, prosaic aspect. I stole to thelilac-bush, and peered at the home that had been roofless through allthe wild storm. My approach had been so quiet that the little brownmother sat undisturbed, with her head under her wing; but the paternalrobin, from an adjacent spray, regarded me with unfeigned surprise andalarm. He uttered a note of protest, and the mother-bird instantlyraised her head and fixed on me her round, startled eyes. I stole awayhastily, smiling to myself as I said:

"Both families will survive unharmed, and both nests are safe. "

I went to the spot where I had stood with Emily Warren at the time Ihad half-jestingly, half-earnestly indulged my fancy to reproduce abit of Eden-like frankness. Under the influence of the hour and mymood I was able to conjure up the maiden's form almost as if she werea real presence. I knew her far better now. With her I had passedthrough an ordeal that would test severely the best and strongest. Shehad been singularly strong and very weak; but the weakness had left nostain on her crystal truth, and her strength had been of the best andmost womanly kind. As in the twilight, so in the white moonlight, sheagain made perfect harmony in the transfigured garden. 

"There is but one woman in the world for me, " I murmured, "as truly asthere was only one for the first lonely man. I know not how it is withher, but I hope--oh, what would life now be to me without this hope!--that she cannot have inspired this absolute conviction that she isessential to my being without some answering sympathy in her ownwoman's heart. But whether this is true or not, or whether it ever canbe true, _I have met my fate_. "

As I returned from the garden I saw that the dawn was coming, and Isat down and watched it brighten with the feeling that a new and happylife was also coming. 

THE END OF BOOK FIRST

_BOOK SECOND_

CHAPTER I

THE DAY AFTER

The epochs of one's life are not divided according to the calendar, nor are they measured by the lapse of time. Within a few brief hours Ihad reached a conclusion that left no shadow of doubt on my mind. As Isat there in the beautiful June dawn I turned a page in my history. The record of future joys and ills would have to be kept in doubleentry, for I felt with absolute conviction that I could entertain noproject and decide no question without instinctively and naturallyconsulting the maiden who had quietly and as if by divine rightobtained the mastery of my soul. But a day since I would have saidthat my present attitude was impossible, but now it seemed both rightand inevitable. The doubt, the sense of strangeness and remotenessthat we justly associate with a comparative stranger, had utterlypassed away, and in their place was a feeling of absolute trust andrest. I could place in her hands the best treasures of my life, without a shadow of hesitancy, so strongly had I been impressed withher truth. 

And yet it all was a beautiful mystery, over which I could havedreamed for hours. 

I had not shunned society in the past, and had greatly admired otherladies. Their voices had been sweet and low, as a woman's tones shouldbe, and their glances gentle and kind, but not one of them hadpossessed the power to quicken my pulse or to disturb the quietslumber of my heart; but this woman spoke to me as with authority fromheaven. "My whole being, " I murmured, "bows down to her by aconstraint that I could scarcely resist, and no queen in the despoticpast ever had a more loyal subject than I have become. To serve her, even to suffer for her and to stand between her and all evils theworld could inflict, are privileges that I covet supremely. My regardis not a sudden passion, for passion is selfish and inconsiderate. Mylove is already united with honor and reverence, and my strongestimpulse is to promote her happiness before my own. The thought of heris an inspiration toward a purer, better manhood than I have yetknown. Her truth and innate nobility produce an intense desire tobecome like her, so that she may look into my eyes and trust also. "

I scarcely know how long my bright-hued dream would have lasted, butat length the door of Mrs. Yocomb's room opened, and steps were on thestairs. A moment later the physician came out, and Miss Warren stoodin the doorway. 

"They are all sleeping quietly, " he said, in answer to my inquiry. "Yes; all danger in Zillah's case is now passed, I think; but she'shad a serious time of it, poor little thing!"

"There's no need of your walking home to-night, " protested MissWarren. "We can make you comfortable here, and Reuben will gladlydrive you over in the morning. "

"It's morning now, " he said, smiling, "and I'll enjoy the walk in thefresh air. I'll call again before very long. Good-day!" and he walkedlightly down the path, as if all were very satisfactory to him. 

"What are you doing here, Mr. Morton?" Miss Warren asked, assuming anexpression of strong surprise. 

"Helping to watch. "

"What a waste! You haven't done Zillah a bit of good. "

"Didn't you know I was here?"

"Yes; but I hope you don't think that I need watching?"

"I was within call. " "So you would have been if sleeping. I could haveblown the great tin horn if it had been necessary to waken you, andyou had remained undisturbed by other means. "

"Oh, well, then, if it made no difference to you, I'll merely say I'ma night editor, and kept awake from habit. "

"I didn't say it made no difference to me, " she answered. "You oughtto have known better than to have made that speech. "

"Miss Warren, " I urged anxiously, "you look white as a ghost in thismingling of moonlight and morning. When _will_ you rest?"

"When the mind and heart are at rest a tired body counts for little. So you're not afraid of ghosts?"

I looked at her intently as I replied: "No, I would like to be hauntedall my life. "

It was not wholly the reflection of the dawn that tinged the pallor ofher face as I spoke these words. 

After a moment's hesitation she apparently dismissed a thought, andmaintained her old frank manner. 

"Oh, how beautiful, how welcome the morning is!" she exclaimed, comingout on the piazza. "To think that this is the same world that we sawlast night--it's almost impossible. "

"Mr. Yocomb's words will yet prove true, " I said, "and clearer skiesand better grain will be the result of the storm. "

"Oh, I'm so glad, I'm so very glad, " she murmured. "This morning islike a benediction;" and its brightness and beauty glowed in her face. 

"I can tell you something that will please you greatly, " I continued. "I have visited the little home in the garden that was open to lastnight's sky. The father and mother robins are well, and I'm sure allthe little ones are too, for the mother robin had her head under herwing--a thing impossible, I suppose, if anything was amiss with thechildren. "

"Oh, I'm so glad!" she again repeated, and there was a joyous, exquisite thrill in her tones. 

At that moment there came a burst of song from the top of the pear-tree in the garden, and we saw the head of the little householdgreeting the day. 

Almost as sweetly and musically my companion's laugh trilled out:

"So it wasn't the day of fate after all. "

Impelled by an impulse that for the moment seemed irresistible, I tookher hand as I said earnestly:

"Yes, Miss Warren, for me it was, whether for a lifetime of happinessor of disappointment. "

At first she appeared startled, and gave me a swift, searching glance;then a strong expression of pain passed over her face. She understoodme well, for my look and manner would have been unmistakable to anywoman. 

She withdrew her hand as she said gently:

"You are overwrought from watching--from all that's happened; let usboth forget that such rash words were spoken. "

"Do not think it, " I replied, slowly and deliberately. "I have learnedto know you better since we have met than I could in months or yearsamid the conventionalities of society. In you I recognize my fate asvividly and distinctly as I saw you in the lightning's gleam lastnight. Please hear and understand me, " I urged, as she tried to checkmy words by a strong gesture of dissent. "If you had parents orguardians, I would ask them for the privilege of seeking your hand. Since you have not, I ask you. At least, give me a chance. I can neverprove worthy of you, but by years of devotion I can prove that Iappreciate you. "

"Oh, I'm so sorry, so very sorry you feel so, " she said, and there wasdeep distress in her tones; "I was in hopes we should be life-longfriends. "

"We shall be, " I replied quietly. She looked at me hesitatingly amoment, then said impulsively:

"Mr. Morton, you are too honorable a man to seek that which belongs toanother. There, " she added, flushing deeply, "I've told you what I'veacknowledged to no one--scarcely to myself. "

I know that the light of hope faded out of my face utterly, for I feltill and faint. If in truth she belonged to another, her absolute truthwould make her so loyal to him that further hope would be not onlyvain but an insult, which she would be the first to resent. 

"I understand you too well, " I began despondently, "to say anotherword. Miss Warren. I--I wish--it seems rather odd I should have feltso toward you when it was no use. It was as inevitable as our meeting. The world and all that's in it is an awful muddle to me. But God blessyou, and if there's any good God, you will be blessed. " I shivered asI spoke, and was about to leave the piazza hastily, when her eager andentreating tones detained me. 

"Mr. Morton, you said that in spite of all we should be friends; letme claim my privilege at once. I'm sure I'm right in believing thatyou're overwrought and morbid, from the strange experiences you havejust passed through. Do not add to your exhaustion by starting off onanother aimless walk to-day; though you may think it might lead you toa better fate, it cannot bring you to those who care so deeply foryou. We'll be merry, true-hearted friends after we've had time to restand think it all over. "

"True-hearted, anyway, " I said emphatically. "What's more, I'll besane when we meet again--entirely matter-of-fact, indeed, since Ialready foresee that I shall be troubled by no more days of fate. Good-by now; go and sleep the sleep of the just; I'll rest quietlyhere;" and I held out my hand. 

She took it in both of hers, and said gently: "Mr. Morton, I believeyou saved my--our lives last night. "

"I had some hand in it--yes, that should be happiness enough. I'llmake it answer; but never speak of it again. "

"When I cease to think of it I shall cease to think at all, " she said, in strong emphasis; and with a lingering wistful glance she passedslowly in and up the winding stairway. 

I watched her as I would a ship that had left me on a desolate rock. 

"She is one that could not change if she would, " I thought. "It's allover. No matter; possibly I saved her life. "

I sat down again in a rustic chair on the piazza, too miserable anddisheartened to do more than endure the pain of my disappointment. Indeed there was nothing else to do, for seemingly I had set my hearton the impossible. Her words and manner had made but one impression--that she had given her love and faith to an earlier and more fortunatesuitor. 

"It would be strange if it were otherwise, " I muttered. "I was the'idiot, ' in thinking that her gentlemen friends were blind; but Iprotest against a world in which men are left to blunder so fatally. The other day I felt broken down physically; I now know that I'mbroken and disabled in all respects. The zest and color have whollygone out of life. If I ever go back to my work I shall find mycounterpart in the most jaded and dispirited stage-horse in the city. Miss Warren will have no more occasion to criticise light, smartparagraphs. Indeed, I imagine that I shall soon be restricted to theobituary notices, and I now feel like writing my own. Confound thesebirds! What makes them sing so? Nature's a heartless jade anyway. Lastnight she would have burned us up with lightning, and this morningthere would have been not a whit less of song and sunshine. Oh, well, it's far better that my hopes are in ashes than that this house shouldbe. I, and all there is of me, is a small price to pay for this homeand its inmates; and if I saved her little finger from being scorched, I should be well content. But why the devil did I feel so toward herwhen it was of no use! That fact irritates me. Is my whole nature alie, and are its deepest intuitions and most sacred impulses falseguides that lead one out into the desert to perish? In the crisis ofmy life, when I had been made to see that past tendencies were wrong, and I was ready for any change for the better, my random, aimlesssteps led to this woman, and, as I said to her, the result wasinevitable. All nature seemed in league to give emphasis to theverdict of my own heart, but the moment I reached the conviction thatshe was created for me and I for her, I am informed that she wascreated for another. I must therefore be one of the odd ones, for whomthere is no mate. Curse it all! I rather feel as if another man weregoing to marry my wife, and I must admit that I have a consumingcuriosity to see him. 

"But this can't be. Her heart must have recognized the true kinship inthis other man--blast him! no, bless him, if she marries him--forshe's the last one in the world to enter into merely legal relations, unsanctioned by the best and purest instincts of her womanly nature. 

"It's all the devil's own muddle. "

And no better conclusion did I reach that dismal morning--the mostdismal I can remember, although the hour abounded in beauty and theglad, exuberant life that follows a summer rain. I once heard apreacher say that hell could be in heaven and heaven in hell. Ithought him a trifle irreverent at the time, but now half believed himright. 

My waking train of thought ended in a stupor in which I do not think Ilost for a moment the dull consciousness of pain. I was aroused by astep upon the gravel-path, and, starting up, saw the woman who servedMrs. Yocomb in the domestic labors of the farmhouse. She stopped andstared at me a moment, and then was about to continue around the houseto the kitchen entrance. 

"Wait a moment, my good woman, " I said; "and you'll now have a chanceto prove yourself a good woman, and a very helpful and considerateone, too. The house was struck by lightning last night. "

"Lord a massy!" she ejaculated, and she struck an attitude with herhands on her hips, and stared at me again, with her small eyes andcapacious mouth opened to their utmost extent. 

"Yes, " I continued, "and all were hurt except Reuben. The doctor hasbeen here, and all are now better and sleeping, so please keep thehouse quiet, and let us sleep till the doctor comes again. Then have agood fire, so that you can get ready at once whatever he orders forthe patients. "

"Lord a massy!" she again remarked very emphatically, and scuttled offto her kitchen domains in great excitement. 

I now felt that my watch had ended, and that I could give the oldfarmhouse into the hands of one accustomed to its care. Therefore Iwearily climbed the stairs to my room, and threw myself, dressed, onthe lounge. 

After a moment or two Miss Warren's door opened, and her light steppassed down to the kitchen. She, too, had been on the watch for thecoming of the domestic, and, if aware that I had seen the woman, didnot regard me as competent to enlighten her as to her duties for theday. The kitchen divinity began at once:

"Lord a massy, Miss Em'ly, what a time yer's all had! The strange mantold me. There hain't no danger now, is there?"

In response to some remark from Miss Warren she continued, in shrillvolubility:

"Yes, he told me yer's all struck but Reub'n. I found him a-sittin' onthe stoop, and a-lookin' all struck of a heap himself. Is that the waylightning 'fects folks? He looked white as a ghost, and as if hedidn't keer ef he was one afore night. 'Twas amazin'--" and here MissWarren evidently silenced her. 

I heard the murmur of her voice as she gave a few brief directions, and then her steps returned swiftly to her room. 

"She can be depended upon, " I sighed, "to do all she thinks right. Shemust have been wearied beyond mortal endurance, and worried by my rashand unlooked-for words, and yet she keeps up till all need is past. Every little act shows that I might as well try to win an angel ofheaven as sue against her conscience, she is so absolutely true. You're right, old woman; I _was_ 'struck, ' and I wish it had beenby lightning only. "

Just when I exchanged waking thoughts for hateful dreams I do notremember. At last I started to my feet, exclaiming:

"It's all wrong; he shall not marry my wife!" and then I sat down onthe lounge and tried to extricate myself from the shadows of sleep, and thus become able to recognize the facts of the real world that Imust now face. Slowly the events of the previous day and night cameback, and with them a sense of immeasurable loss. The sun was low inthe west, thus proving that my unrefreshing stupor had lasted manyhours. The clatter of knives, and forks indicated preparations forsupper in the dining-room below. I dreaded meeting the family and allwords of thanks, as one would the touching of a diseased nerve. Morethan all, I dreaded meeting Miss Warren again, feeling that we bothwould be under a wretched constraint. My evil mood undoubtedly hadphysical causes, for my mouth was parched, my head throbbed and ached, and I felt so ill in body and mind, so morbid and depressed, that Iwas ready to escape to New York without seeing a soul, were the thingpossible. 

The door opened softly, and I saw Reuben's ruddy, happy face. 

"Oh, I'm so glad thee's awake, " he said. "They're all doing well. Adah's got well so fast that she actually looks better than EmilyWarren. Even Zillah's quite bright this evening, only she's so weakshe can't sit up much, but the doctor says it'll wear away. Theedoesn't look very extra, and no wonder, thee did so much. Father, mother, and Emily Warren have been talking about thee for the last twohours, and Adah can't ask questions enough about thee, and how theefound her. She says the last thing she saw was thee on the lawn, andthee was the first thing she saw when she came to, and now she saysshe can't help seeing thee all the time. Emily Warren said we must letthee sleep as long as thee would, for that, she said, was what theeneeded most of all. "

"She's mistaken, " I muttered, starting up. "Reuben, " I continuedaloud, "you're a good, brave fellow. I'll come down to supper as soon, as I can fairly wake up. I feel as stupid as an owl at midday, but I'mexceedingly glad that all are doing well. "

When he left me I thought, "Well, I will keep up for two or threehours, and then can excuse myself. To-morrow I can return to New York, since clearly this will be no place for me. Miss Warren thinks that alittle sleep will cure me, and that I will be sane and sensible nowthat I am awake. She will find me matter-of-fact indeed, for I feellike a bottle of champagne that has stood uncorked for a month; butmay the devil fly away with me if I play the forlorn, lackadaisicallover, and show my wounds. "

I bathed my face again and again, and made as careful a toilet ascircumstances permitted. 

In their kind-hearted simplicity they had evidently planned a sort offamily ovation, for as I came out on the piazza, they were all thereexcept Miss Warren, who sat at her piano playing softly; but as Mr. Yocomb rose to greet me she turned toward us, and through the openwindow could see us and hear all that passed. The old gentleman stillbore marks of his shock and the illness that followed, but there wasnothing weak or limp in his manner as he grasped my hand and beganwarmly:

"Richard Morton, last night I said thee was welcome; I now say thishome is as truly thine as mine. Thee saved mother and the childrenfrom--" and here his voice was choked by emotion. 

Mrs. Yocomb seized my other hand, and I saw that she was "moved" nowif ever, for her face was eloquent with kindly, grateful feeling. 

"Please don't, " I said, so sharply as to indicate irritation, for Ifelt that I could not endure another syllable. Then, slapping Reubenbrusquely on the shoulder, I added, "Reuben was quite as helpful as I:thank him. Any tramp from New York would try to do as much as I did, and might have done better. Ah, here is Zillah!" And I saw that thelittle girl was propped up on pillows just within the parlor window, where she could enjoy the cool evening air without too great exposure. "If she'll give me another kiss we'll call it all square and say nomore about it, " and I leaned over the window-sill. 

The child put her arms around my neck and clung to me for a moment. There could have been no better antidote for my mood of irritableprotest against my fate than the child's warm and innocent embrace, and for a moment it was balm indeed. 

"There, " I cried, kissing her twice, "now I'm overpaid. " Raising myeyes, I met those of Miss Warren as she sat by her piano. 

"Yes, " she said, with a smile, "after that I should think you would bemore than content. "

"I certainly ought to be, " I replied, looking at her steadily. 

"Zillah's very grateful, " Miss Warren continued. "She knows that youwatched with her till morning. "

"So did other night-owls, Zillah, and they were quite as useful as Iwas. "

She reached up her hand and pulled me down. "Mother said, " she began. 

"You needn't tell a stranger what mother said, " and I put my finger onher lips. 

"Thee's no more of a stranger than Emily Warren, " said the little girlreproachfully. "I can't think of thee without thinking of her. "

I raised my eyes in a quick flash toward the young lady, but she hadturned to the piano, and her right hand was evoking a few low chords. 

"Miss Warren can tell you, " I said, laughing, "that when people havebeen struck by lightning they often don't think straight for a longtime to come. "

"Crooked thinking sometimes happens without so vivid a cause, " MissWarren responded, without looking around. 

"Zillah's right in thinking that thee can never be a stranger in thishome, " said Mrs. Yocomb warmly. 

"Mrs. Yocomb, please don't think me insensible to the feelings whichare so apparent. Should I live centuries, the belief that I had servedyou and yours after your kindness would still be my pleasantestthought. But you overrate what I have done: it was such obvious dutythat any one would have done the same, or else his ears should havebeen cropped. It gives me a miserably mean feeling to have you thankme so for it. Please don't any more. "

"We forget, " said Miss Warren, advancing to the window, "that Mr. Morton is versed in tragedies, and has daily published more dreadfulaffairs. "

"Yes, and has written 'paragraphs' about them that no doubt seemedquite as lurid as the events themselves, suggesting that I gloatedover disasters as so much material. "

"Mr. Morton, isn't it nearly as bad to tell fibs about one's self asabout other people?"

"My depravity will be a continuous revelation to you, Miss Warren, " Ireplied. 

With a low laugh she answered, "I see you make no secret of it, " andshe went back to her piano. 

I had bowed cordially to Adah as I joined the family group, and hadbeen conscious all the time of her rather peculiar and fixed scrutiny, which I imagined suggested a strong curiosity more than anything else. 

"Well, Richard Morton, " said Mr. Yocomb, as if the words wereirrepressible, "thee knows a little of how we feel toward thee, ifthee won't let us say as much as we would like. I love this old homein which I was born and have lived until this day. I could never buildanother home like it if every leaf on the farm were a bank-note. But Ilove the people who live here far more. Richard Morton, I know how itwould all have ended, and thee knows. The house was on fire, and allwithin it were helpless and unconscious. I've seen it all to-day, andReuben has told us. May the Lord bless thee for what them hast donefor me and mine! I'm not going to burden thee with our gratitude, buttruth is truth, and we must speak out once for all, to be satisfied. Thee knows, too, that when a Friend has anything on his mind it's gotto come; hasn't it, mother? Richard Morton, thee has saved us all froma horrible death. "

"Yes, Mr. Morton, " said Miss Warren, coming again to the window andlaughing at my crimson face and embarrassment, "you _must_ face thattruth--there's no escaping it. Forgive me, Mr. Yocomb, for laughingover so serious a subject, but Reuben and Mr. Morton amuse me greatly. Mr. Morton already says that any tramp from New York would have donethe same. By easy transition he will soon begin to insist that it wassome other tramp. I now understand evolution. "

"Emily Warren, thee needn't laugh at Richard Morton, " said Reuben alittle indignantly; "thee owes more to him than to any other manliving. "

She did not turn to the piano so quickly now but that I saw her faceflush at the unlooked-for speech. 

"That you are mistaken, Reuben, no one knows better than Miss Warrenherself, " I replied irritably. 

She turned quickly and said, in a low tone, "You are right, Mr. Morton. Friends do not keep a debit and credit account with eachother. I shall not forget, however, that Reuben is right also, eventhough I may seem to sometimes, " and she left the room. 

I was by the open window, and I do not think any one heard her wordsexcept Zillah, and she did not understand them. 

I stood looking after her, forgetful of all else, when a hand laidupon my arm caused me to look around, and I met Adah's gaze, and itwas as fixed and intent as that of a child. 

"She doesn't owe thee any more than I do, " she said gravely. "I wish Icould do something for thee. "

"Why do you say 'thee' to me now?--you always said 'you' before, " Iasked. 

"I don't know. It seems as if I couldn't say 'you' to thee any more, "and a delicate color stole into her face. 

"We all feel as if thee were one of us now, " explained Mrs. Yocombgently, "and I trust that life will henceforth seem to Adah a moresacred thing, and worthy of more sacred uses. " And she passed into thehouse to prepare for supper. 

Mr. Yocomb followed her, and Reuben went down to the barn. 

"If you live to grow like your mother, Miss Adah, you will be the mostbeautiful woman in the world, " I said frankly, for I felt as if Icould speak to her almost as I would to Zillah. 

Her eyes drooped and her color deepened as she shook her head andmurmured:

"I'd rather be Emily Warren than any other woman in the world. "

Her words and manner so puzzled me that I thought she had not fullyrecovered from the effects of the shock, and I replied, in an off-handway:

"After a few weeks of teaching stupid children to turn noise intomusic you would gladly be yourself again. "

She paid no heed to this remark, but, with the same intent, exploringlook, asked:

"Thee was the first one I saw when I came to last night?"

"Yes, and you were much afraid of me. "

"I was foolish--I fear mother's right, and I've always been foolish. "

"Your manner last night was most natural. I was a stranger, and ahard-looking customer, too, when I entered your room. "

"I hope I didn't look very--very bad. "

"You looked so like a beautiful piece of marble that I feared you weredead. "

"Thee wouldn't have cared much. "

"Indeed I would. If you knew how anxious I was about Zillah--"

"Ugh!" she interrupted, with an expression of strong disgust, "I mighthave been a horrid, blackened thing if it hadn't been for thee. "

"Oh, hush!" I cried; "I merely threw a couple of pails of water on theroof. Please say no more about it. "

She passed her hand over her brow, and said hesitatingly:

"I'm so puzzled--I feel so strangely. It seems an age sinceyesterday. "

"You've had a very severe shock, Miss Adah. "

"Yes, that may be it; but it's so strange that I was afraid of thee. "

"Why, Miss Adah, I was wet as a drowned rat, and had a black markacross my nose. I would have made an ideal burglar. "

"That oughtn't to have made any difference; thee was trying to save mylife. "

"But you didn't know it. "

"I don't believe I know anything rightly. I--I feel so strange--justas if I had waked up and hadn't got anything clear. But I know thismuch, in spite of what Reuben said, " she added impulsively; "EmilyWarren doesn't owe thee any more than I do. " And she turned like aflash and was gone. 

"Poor child, " I muttered, "she hasn't recovered so fully as theothers. "

I had been holding one of Zillah's hands during the interview, and shenow pulled me down and whispered:

"What's the matter with thee, Richard Morton?"

"Heaven grant you may never know, little one. Good-by. " I had scarcelyleft the piazza, however, before Mrs. Yocomb called:

"Richard Morton, thee must be famished. Come to supper. "

CHAPTER II

"IT WAS INEVITABLE"

I ought to have had a ravenous appetite but I had none at all. I oughtto have been glad and thankful from the depths of my heart, but I wasso depressed that everything I said was forced and unnatural. My headfelt as if it were bursting, and I was enraged with myself and thewretched result of my bright dream. Indeed I found myself inclined toa spirit of recklessness and irritation that was wellnighirresistible. 

Miss Warren seemed as wholly free from any morbid, unnaturaltendencies as Mr. Yocomb himself, and she did her utmost to make thehour as genial as it should have been. At first I imagined that shewas trying to satisfy herself that I had recovered my senses, and thatmy unexpected words, spoken in the morning, were the result of a moodthat was as transient as it was abnormal. I think I puzzled her; Icertainly did not understand myself any better than did poor Adah, whose mind appeared to be in solution from the effects of thelightning, and I felt that I must be appearing worse than idiotic. 

Miss Warren, resolutely bent on banishing every unnatural constraint, asked Mr. Yocomb:

"How is my genuine friend, Old Plod? Did the lightning wake him up?"

"No, he plods as heavily as ever this morning. Thee only can wake himup. "

"You've no idea what a compliment that is, " she said, with a lowlaugh. "Old Plod inspires me with a sense of confidence and stabilitythat is very reassuring in a world full of lightning flashes. "

"Yes, " I said, "he is safe as a horse-block, and quite asexhilarating. Give me Dapple. "

She looked at me quickly and keenly, and colored slightly. Sheevidently had some association in her mind with the old plow-horsethat I did not understand. 

"Exhilaration scarcely answers as a steady diet, Mr. Morton. "

"Little chance of its lasting long, " I replied, "even in a worldovercharged with electricity. "

"I prefer calm, steady sunshine to these wild alternations. "

"I doubt it; 'calm, steady sunshine' would make the world as dry andmonotonous as a desert. "

"That's true, Richard Morton, " said Mr. Yocomb. "I like peace andquiet more than most men, but even if we had all burned up last night, this part of the world would have been wonderfully the better for thestorm. I reckon it was worth a million or more dollars to the county. "

"That's the right way to look at it, Mr. Yocomb, " I said carelessly. "The greatest good to the greatest number. Individuals are of noaccount. "

"Your philosophy may be true, but I don't like it, " Miss Warrenprotested. "A woman doesn't generalize. "

"Thy philosophy is only half true, Richard Morton. God cares for eachone of His children, and every one in my house counts for much to me. "

"There's no getting ahead of thee, mother. If we want to talk heresy, Richard Morton, we must go off by ourselves. "

"I think God showed His love for us in a queer way last night, " saidAdah, abruptly. 

Both her father and mother looked pained at this speech, and Mrs. Yocomb said gravely:

"Thee'll see things in the true light some day, I hope. The lightningbolt may have been a message from Heaven to thee. "

"It seems to me that Zillah got more of the message than I did, andshe didn't need any, " said the matter-of-fact Adah, "At any rate Ihope Richard Morton may be here if I ever get another message. "

"I shall surely be struck next time, " I laughed, a trifle bitterly;"for according to Mrs. Yocomb's view I need a message more than any ofyou. "

It was evident that neither Adah nor I was in a frame of mind thatMrs. Yocomb could commend. 

"As you suggested, Mr. Morton, if some other tramp from New York hadbeen present, what a thrilling narrative you could write for yourpaper, " Miss Warren began. Seemingly she had had enough of clouds theprevious evening, and was bent on clear skies to-night. 

She found me incorrigible, however, for I said briefly:

"Oh, no, it would only make an item among the crimes and casualties. "

Undaunted, she replied: "And such might have been its appropriateplace had not the doctor arrived so promptly. The casualty had alreadyoccurred, and I'm quite sure you would have finished us all withoriginal remedies if left to yourself. "

"I agree with you, Miss Warren; blunders are worse than crimes, andI've a genius for them. "

"Well, I'm not a genius in any sense of the word. Miss Adah and I lookat things as they are. One would think, Mr. Morton, accepting yourview of yourself, that you could supply your paper with all the crimesand casualties required, as the result of the genius you claim. "

"Stupid blunders would make stupid reading. "

"Oh, that column in your paper is very interesting, then?"

"Why shouldn't it be? I've never had the bad taste to publish in itanything about myself. "

"I fail to find any logic in that remark. Have you a conscience, Mr. Morton?"

"The idea of an editor having a conscience! I doubt whether you haveever seen New York, Miss Warren, you are so unsophisticated. "

"Emily, thee shouldn't be afraid of lightning when thee and RichardMorton are so ready to flash back and forth at one another. "

"My words are only heat lightning, very harmless, and Mr. Morton'spartake of the aurora in character--they are cool and distant. "

"I hope they are not so mysterious, " I replied. 

"Their cause is, quite. "

"I think I understand the cause, " said Mrs. Yocomb as we rose from thetable; and she came and took my hand. "Richard Morton, thee has fever;thy hands are hot and thy temples are throbbing. "

I saw that Miss Warren was looking at me with an expression that wasfull of kind, regretful interest; but with the perversity of a childthat should have been shaken, I replied, recklessly:

"I've taken cold, I fear. I sat on the piazza like an owl last night, and I learned that an owl would have been equally useful there. I fearI'm going to be ill, Mrs. Yocomb, and I think I had better make aprecipitate retreat to my den in New York. "

"Who'll take care of thee in thy den?" she asked, with a smile thatwould have disarmed cynicism itself. 

"Oh, they can spare a devil from the office occasionally, " I saidcarelessly; but I felt that my remark was brutal. In answer to herlook of pained surprise I added, "Pardon me that I used the vile slangof the shop; I meant one of the boys employed in the printing-rooms. Mrs. Yocomb, I have now satisfied you that I'm too much of a bear todeserve any gentler nurse. I truly think I had better return to townat once. I've never been very ill, and have no idea how to behave. It's already clear that I wouldn't prove a meek and interestingpatient, and I don't want to lose your good opinion. "

"Richard Morton, if thee should leave us now I should feel hurt beyondmeasure. Thee's not thyself or thee wouldn't think of it. "

"Richard Morton, thee cannot go, " said Mr. Yocomb in his hearty way. "If thee knew mother as I do, thee'd give right in. I don't often putmy foot down, but when I do, it's like old South Mountain there. Ah, here comes the doctor. Doctor Bates, if thee doesn't prescribe severalweeks of quiet life in this old farmhouse for Friend Morton, I'llstart right off to find a doctor who will. "

"Please stay, and I'll gather wild strawberries for thee, " said Adah, in a low tone. She had stolen close to my side, and still had thewistful, intent look of a child. 

"You might do worse, " Doctor Bates remarked. 

"You'll never make him believe that, " laughed Miss Warren, whoevidently believed in tonic treatment and counter-irritants. "He wouldmuch prefer sultry New York and an imp from the printing-rooms. "

"Thee may drive Dapple all thee wishes if thee'll only stay, " saidReuben, his round, boyish face shadowed with unwonted anxiety. 

We were standing in the hallway, and Zillah heard our talk, for herlittle figure came tottering out of the parlor in her trailingwrapper, and her eyes were full of tears. 

"Richard Morton, if thee doesn't stay I'll cry myself sick. "

I caught her up in my arms and carried her back to the sofa, and Iwhispered in her ear:

"I'll stay, Zillah; I'll do anything for you. "

The child clapped her hands gleefully as she exclaimed:

"Now I've got thee. He's promised me to stay, mother. "

"Yes, " said the physician, after feeling my pulse, "you certainlymust, and you ought to be in bed this moment. Your pulse indicates avery high fever. What's more, you seem badly run down. I shall put youunder active treatment at once; that is, if you'll trust me. "

"Go ahead, doctor, " I said, "and get me through one way or the otherbefore very long. Because these friends are so good and kind is noreason why I should become a burden to them, " and I sank down on thesofa in the hall. 

"Thee'll do us a great wrong if thee ever thinks that, RichardMorton, " said Mrs. Yocomb earnestly. "Adah, thee see that his room isready. I'm going to take thee in hand myself;" and she bustled off tothe kitchen. 

"You couldn't be in better hands, Mr. Morton, " said the physician;"and Mrs. Yocomb can do more for you than I can. I'll try and help alittle, however, and will prescribe for you after I've seen Zillah;"and he and Mr. Yocomb went into the parlor, while Reuben, with atriumphant chuckle, started for the barn. 

Now that I was alone for a moment, Miss Warren, who had been standingin the doorway, and a little aloof, came to me, and her face was fullof trouble as she said hurriedly, in a low tone:

"I fear I'm to blame for this. You'll never know how sorry I am. I_do_ owe you so much! Please get well quickly or I'll--" and shehesitated. 

"You are the only one who did not ask me to stay, " I saidreproachfully. 

"I know it; I know, too, that I'd be ill in your place if I could. "

"How could I help loving you!" I said impetuously. "There, forgiveme, " I added hastily as I saw her look of pain and almost fright. "Remember I'm ill, delirious it may be; but whatever happens, alsoremember that I said I wouldn't change anything. Were it all to doover again I'd do the same. It was inevitable: I'm sane enough to knowthat. You are not in the least to blame. "

She hung on my last words as if I were giving her absolution from amortal sin. 

"It's all a mistake. Oh, if you but knew how I regret--"

Steps were approaching. I shook my head, with a dreary glimmer of asmile. 

"Good-by, " I said in a whisper, and wearily closed my eyes. 

Everything soon became very confused. I remembered Mr. Yocomb'shelping me to my room. I saw Adah's intent, wistful look as I tried tothank her. Mrs. Yocomb's kind, motherly face changed into the featuresof my own mother, and then came a long blank. 

CHAPTER III

RETURNING CONSCIOUSNESS

I seemed to waken as if from a long, troubled sleep. At first I wasmerely conscious that I was awake, and I wondered how long I hadslept. Then I was glad I was awake, and that my confused and hatefuldreams, of which no distinct memory remained, had vanished. The onlything I could recall concerning them was an indefinite and oppressivesense of loss of some kind, at which I had vaguely and impotentlyprotested. 

I knew I was awake, and yet I felt too languid to open my eyes. I waslittle more than barely conscious of existence, and I rather enjoyedthis negative condition of complete inertia. The thought floatedthrough my mind that I was like a new-born child, that knows nothing, fears nothing, thinks nothing, but simply breathes, and I felt sotired and "gone" that I coveted an age of mere respiration. 

But thought slowly kindled in a weak, fitful fashion. I first becameslightly curious about myself. Why had I slept so profoundly? Why wasI so nerveless and stupid after such a sleep?

Instead of answering these questions, I weakly wandered off intoanother train of thought. "My mind seems a perfect blank, " I said tomyself. "I don't remember anything; I don't know where I am, and don'tmuch care; nor do I know what my experience will be when I fully rousemyself. This is like beginning a new existence. What shall be thefirst entry on the blank page of my wakening mind? Perhaps I hadbetter rouse up and see whether I am truly alive. "

And yet I did not rise, but just lay still, heavy with a strange, painless inertia, over which I puzzled in a vague, weak way. 

At last I was sure I heard a child crying. Then there was a voice, that I thought I had heard before, trying to hush and reassure thechild, and I began to think who they were, and yet I did not seem tocare enough to open my eyes to see. 

I next heard something like a low sob near me, and it caused a faintthrill among my sluggish nerves. Surely I had heard that sound before, and curiosity so far asserted itself that I opened my eyes and lookedwonderingly around. 

The room was unfamiliar, and yet I was certain I had seen it on someprevious occasion. Seated at a window, however, was a lady who soonabsorbed my whole weak and wavering attention. My first thought was:"How very pretty she is!" Then, "What is she looking at so steadfastlyfrom the window?" After a moment I mentally laughed at my stupidity. "She's looking at the sunset. What else should she be looking at? CanI have slept all day?"

I saw her bosom heave with another convulsive sob, and that tears fastfollowed each other down her cheeks. I seemed to have the power ofnoting everything distinctly, but I couldn't understand or account forwhat I saw. Who was that sweet-faced girl? Beyond a doubt I had seenher before, but where? Why was she crying? Why was she in my room?

Then I thought, "It must be all imaginary; I doubt whether I am awakeyet. If she were only smiling instead of crying, I would like to dreamon forever. How strangely familiar her face is! I must have seen itdaily for years, and yet I can't recognize it. "

The loud whinny of a horse seemed to give my paralyzed memory animpetus and suggestion, by means of which I began to reconstruct thepast. 

"That's Old Plod!" I exclaimed mentally. "And--and--why, that's MissWarren sitting by the window. I remember now. We were in the barntogether, and I was jealous of the old horse--how absurd! Then we werein the garden, and she was laughing at me. How like a dream it all is!It seemed as if she were always laughing, and that the birds mightwell stop singing to listen. Now she is crying here in my room. I halfbelieve it's an apparition, and that if I speak it will vanish. Perhaps it is a warning that she's in trouble somewhere, and that Iought to go to her help. How lovely she looks, with her hands lying inher lap, forgetful of the work they hold, and her tearful eyes fixedon the glowing west! Her face is very pale in contrast. Surely she'sonly a shadow, and the real maiden is in need of my aid;" and I madean effort to rise. 

It seemed exceedingly strange that I could scarcely lift my hand; butmy slight movement caused her to look around, and in answer to my gazeof eager inquiry she came softly and hesitatingly toward me. 

"Miss Warren, " I said, "can it be you in very truth?"

"Yes, " she replied, with a sudden and glad lighting up of her face, "but please don't talk. "

"How you relieve me, " I tried to say joyfully, but I found I couldonly whisper. "What the mischief--makes my voice--so weak? Do youknow--that I had the odd--impression--that you were an apparition--andhad come to me--as a token--that--you were in trouble--and I tried torise--to go to your aid--then it seemed yourself--that looked around. But you _are_ in trouble--why can't I get up and help you?"

She trembled, and by her gesture tried to stop my words. 

"Will you do what I ask?" she said, in a low, eager tone. 

I smiled as I replied, "Little need of your asking that question. "

"Then please try to get well speedily; don't talk, but just keep everylittle grain of strength. Oh, I'm so glad you are in your right mind. You have been very ill, but will soon get well now if only careful. I'll call Mrs. Yocomb. "

"Please don't go, " I whispered. "Now that I know you--it seems sonatural--that you should be here. So I've been ill--and you have takencare of me;" and I gave a deep sigh of satisfaction. "I did not knowyou at first--idiot!--but Old Plod whinnied--and then it all began tocome back. "

At the word "Old Plod" she turned hastily toward the door. Then, as ifmastered by an impulse, she returned, and said, in a tone thatthrilled even my feeble pulse:

"Oh, live! in mercy live, or else I can never forgive myself. "

"I'll live--never fear, " I replied, with a low laugh. "I'm not such afool as to leave a world containing you. "

A rich glow overspread her face, she smiled, then suddenly her facebecame very pale, and she even seemed frightened as she hastily leftthe room. 

A moment later Mrs. Yocomb came in, full of motherly solicitude. 

"Kind Mrs. Yocomb, " I murmured, "I am glad I'm in such good hands. "

"Thank God, Richard Morton, " she said, in low, fervent tones, "thee'sgoing to get well. But don't speak a word. "

"Wasn't that Zillah crying?"

"Yes, she was heart-broken about thee being so sick, but she'll laughnow when I tell her thee's better. Take this, and sleep again. "

"Bless her kind heart!" I said. 

Mrs. Yocomb laid her finger on my lips. I saw her pour out something, which I swallowed unquestioningly, and after a moment sank into aquiet sleep. 

CHAPTER IV

IN THE DARK

"Yes, Mrs. Yocomb, good nursing and nourishment are all that he nowrequires, " were the reassuring words that greeted my waking later inthe evening. I opened my eyes, and found that a physician was feelingmy pulse. 

I turned feebly toward my kind hostess, and smilingly whispered:

"There's no fear of my wanting these where you are, Mrs. Yocomb; butdon't let me make trouble. I fear I've made too much already. "

"The only way thee can make trouble, Richard, is to worry about makingtrouble. The more we can do for thee the better we shall be pleased. All thee's got to do is to get well and take thy time about it. "

"That's just like you. How long have I been ill?"

"That's none of thy business at present. One thing at a time. Thedoctor has put thee in my hands, and I'm going to make thee mind. "

"I've heard that men were perfect bears when getting well, " I said. 

"Thee can be a bear if thee feels like it, but not another word to-night--not another syllable; am I not right, doctor?"

"Yes, I prescribe absolute quiet of mind and body; that and goodliving will bring you around in time. You've had a narrow graze of it, but if you will mind Mrs. Yocomb you will yet die of old age. Good-night. "

My nurse gave me what she thought I needed, and darkened the room. Butit was not so dark but that I saw a beautiful face in the doorway. 

"Miss Warren, " I exclaimed. 

"It was Adah, " said Mrs. Yocomb quietly; "she's been very anxiousabout thee. "

"You are all so kind. Please thank her for me, " I replied eagerly. "Mother, may I speak to Richard Morton?" asked a timid voice from theobscurity of the hallway. 

"Not to-night, Adah--to-morrow. " "Forgive me if I disobey you thisonce, " I interrupted hastily. "Yes, Miss Adah, I want to thank you. "

She came instantly to my side, and I held out my hand to her. Iwondered why hers throbbed and trembled so strangely. 

"It's I who should thank thee: I can never thank thee enough. Oh, Ifeared I might--I might never have a chance. "

"There, Adah, thee mustn't say another word; Richard's too weak yet. "

Her hand closed tightly over mine. "Good-by, " she breathed softly, andvanished. 

Mrs. Yocomb sat down with her knitting by a distant and shaded lamp. 

Too weak to think, or to realize aught except that I was surrounded byan atmosphere of kindness and sympathy, I was well content to liestill and watch, through the open window, the dark foliage wave to andfro, and the leaves grow distinct in the light of the rising moon, which, though hidden, I knew must be above the eastern mountains. Ihad the vague impression that very much had happened, but I would notthink; not for the world would I break the spell of deep quietude thatenthralled every sense of my body and every faculty of my mind. 

Mrs. Yocomb, " I said at last, "it must be you who creates thisatmosphere of perfect peace and restfulness. The past is forgotten, the future a blank, and I see only your serene face. A subdued lightseems to come from it, as from the shaded lamp. "

"Thee is weak and fanciful, Richard. The doctor said thee must bequiet. "

"I wish it were possible to obey the doctor forever, and that thisexquisite rest and oblivion could last, I am like a ship becalmed on asummer sea in a summer night. Mind and body are both motionless. "

"Sleep, Richard Morton, and when rested and well, may gales fromheaven spring up and carry thee homeward. Fear not even rough winds, if they bear thee toward the only true home. Now thy only duty is torest. "

"You are not going to sit up to-night, Mrs. Yocomb. "

She put her finger on her lips. 

"Hush!" she said. 

"Oh, delicious tyranny!" I murmured. "The ideal government is that ofan absolute and friendly power. "

I had a vague consciousness of being wakened from time to time, and oftaking something from Mrs. Yocomb's hand, and then sinking back intoan enthrallment of blessed and refreshing slumber. With everyrespiration life and health flowed back. 

At last, as after my first long sleep in the country, I seemed to hearexquisite strains of music that swelled into richer harmony until whatseemed a burst of song awoke me. Opening my eyes, I looked intentlythrough the open, window and gladly welcomed the early day. The airwas fresh, and I felt its exhilarating quality. The drooping branchesof the elm swayed to and fro, and the mountains beyond were bathed inlight. I speedily realized that it was the song of innumerable birdsthat had supplied the music of my waking dream. 

For a few moments I gazed through the window, with the same perfectcontent with which I had watched the foliage grow distinct in themoonlight the previous evening, and then I looked around the room. 

I started slightly as I encountered the deep blue eyes of Adah Yocombfixed on me with an intent, eager wistfulness. "Can I do anything forthee, Richard Morton?" she asked, rising from her chair near the door. "Mother asked me to stay with thee awhile, and to let her know if theewoke and wanted anything. "

"With you here this bright morning, how could I want anything more?" Iasked, with a smile, for her young, beautiful face comported so wellwith the early morning of the summer day as to greatly please both myeye and fancy. The color of the early morning grew richer in her faceas she replied:

"I'm glad thee doesn't want me to go away, but I must go and have thybreakfast brought up. "

"No, stay; tell me all that's happened. I seem to have forgotteneverything so strangely! I feel as if I had known you all a long time, and yet that can't be, for only the other day I was at my office inNew York. "

"Mother says thee's too weak to talk yet, and that I must not answerquestions. She says thee knows thee's been sick and thee knows thee'sgetting well, and that must do till thee's much stronger. "

"Oh, I feel ever so much stronger. Sleep and the good things yourmother has given me have made a new man of me. "

"Mother says thee has never been sick, and that thee doesn't know howto take care of thyself, and that thee'll use thy strength right up ifwe don't take good care of thee. "

"And are you going to take care of me?"

"Yes, if thee pleases. I'll help mother. "

"I should be hard to please were I not glad. I shall have so nice atime getting well that I shall be tempted to play sick. "

"I'll--I'll wait on thee as long as thee'll let me, for no one owesthee more than I do. "

"What in the world do you owe me?" I asked, much perplexed. "If youare going to help me to get well, and will come to my room daily witha face like this summer morning, I shall owe you more than I can everrepay. "

"My face would have been black enough but for thee; but I'm glad theethinks I look well. They are all saying I look pale and am growingthin, but if thee doesn't think so I don't care, " and she seemed aglowwith pleasure. 

"It would make a sick man well to look at you, " I said, smiling. "Please come and sit by me and help me to get my confused brainstraight once more. I have the strangest sense of not knowing what Iought to know well. You and your kind father and mother brought mehome from meeting. Your mother said I might stay here and rest. MissWarren was here--she was singing in the parlor. Where is Miss Warren?"

"She has gone out for a walk, " said the girl a little coldly. 

Her manner perplexed me, and, together with my thought of Miss Warren, there came a vague sense of trouble--of something wrong. I tried toraise my hand to my brow, as if to clear away the mist that obscuredmy mind, and my hand was like lead, it was so heavy. 

"A plague on my memory!" I exclaimed. "We were in the parlor, and MissWarren was singing. Your mother spoke--would that I might hear heragain!--it's all tolerably clear up to that time, and then everythingis confused. "

"Adah, how's this?" said Mrs. Yocomb reproachfully. "Thee was not tolet Richard Morton talk. "

"I only am to blame, Mrs. Yocomb: I would talk. I'm trying to get thepast straightened out; I know that something happened the otherevening when you spoke so beautifully to us, but my memory comes up tothat point as to an abyss, and I can't bridge it over. "

"Richard Morton, doesn't thee believe that I'm thy friend?"

"My mind would indeed be a total blank if I doubted that. "

"Well, then, do what I ask thee: don't question, don't think. Isn't itsufficient to know that thee has been ill, and that thy life dependson quiet? Thee can scarcely lift thy hand to thy head; thy words areslow and feeble. Can't thee realize that it is thy sacred duty to restand grow strong before taking up the cares and burdens that lifebrings to us all? Thee looks weak and exhausted. "

"I am indeed weak enough, but I felt almost well when I awoke. "

"Adah, I fear I can't trust thee as a nurse, " her mother begangravely. 

"Please don't blame her; it was wholly my fault, " I whispered. "I'llbe very good now, and do just what you bid me. "

"Well, then, thee must take what I have prepared, and thy medicine, and sleep again. "

"Good-by, Adah, " I said, smiling. "Don't look so concerned; youhaven't done me a bit of harm. Your face was as bright and welcome asthe sunshine. "

"If it hadn't been for thee--" she began. 

Mrs. Yocomb raised a warning finger, and the girl stole away. 

"Can--can I not see Miss Warren this morning?" I asked hesitatingly. 

"Thee must sleep first. "

The medicine she gave evidently contained a sedative, or else sleepwas the remedy that Nature instinctively grasped, for it gave backpart of the strength that I had lost. 

When I awoke again I felt wonderfully the better for a long rest thathad not been broken, but made more beneficial from the fact that I wasslightly roused from time to time to take stimulants and nourishment. The heat and glare of the summer day had passed. This I could perceiveeven through the half-closed window-blinds. At first I thought myselfalone, but soon saw that Reuben was seated in the furthest corner, quietly carving on some woodwork that interested his boyish fancy. Hisround, fresh face was like a tonic. 

"Well, old fellow, " I laughed, "so you are playing nurse?"

"Is thee awake for good, Richard Morton?" he asked, springing up. 

"I hope so. "

"'Cause mother said that as soon as thee really waked up I must callher. "

"Oh, wait a moment, and tell me all the news. "

"Mother said I mustn't tell thee anything but to get well. "

"I'm never going to get well. "

"What!" exclaimed the boy, in consternation. 

"Your mother and Miss Adah take such good care of me that I am goingto play sick the rest of my life, " I explained, laughing. "How isDapple?"

"Oh, thee's only joking, then. Well, all I ask of thee is to get welljust enough to drive Dapple around with me. He'll put life into thee--never fear. When I get hold of the reins he fairly makes my handstingle. But there, mother said I shouldn't let thee talk, but tell herright away, " and he started for the door. 

"How is Miss Warren? Is she never coming to see me?"

"Emily Warren's been dreadfully anxious about thee. I never saw anyone change so. But to-day she has been like a lark. She went with meto the village this morning, and she had almost as much spirit andlife as Dapple. She's a jolly good girl. I like her. We're all so gladthee's getting well we don't know what to do. Father said he felt likejumping over a five-bar fence. Only Adah acts kind of queer and glum. "

"I think I hear talking, " said Mrs. Yocomb, entering. 

"Dear Mrs. Yocomb, " I laughed, "you are the most amiable andbeneficent dragon that ever watched over a captive. "

"Thee wants watching. The moment my back's turned thee's intomischief, and the young people are just as bad. Reuben, I might betterhave left Zillah here. "

"Do let her come, " I exclaimed; "she'll do more good than medicine. "

"Well, she shall bring thee up thy chicken broth; that will please herwonderfully. Go away, Reuben, and tell Zillah to bring the broth--notanother word. Does thee feel better, Richard?"

"Oh, I am almost well. I'm ashamed to own how hungry I am. "

"That's a good sign--a very good sign. "

"Mrs. Yocomb, how did I become so ill? I'm haunted by the oddest senseof not remembering something that happened after you spoke to us theother evening. "

"There's nothing strange in people's being sick--thee knows that. Thenthee had been overworking so long that thee had to pay the penalty. "

"Yes, I remember that. Thank Heaven I drifted into this quiet harborbefore the storm came. I should have died in New York. "

"Well, thee knows where to come now when thee's going to have anotherbad turn. I hope, however, that thee'll be too good a man to overworkso again. Now thee's talked enough. "

"Can I not see Mr. Yocomb, and--and--Miss Warren this evening?"

"No, not till to-morrow. Father's been waiting till I said he couldcome; but he's so hearty-like that I won't trust him till thee'sstronger. "

"Is--is Miss Warren so hearty-like also? It seems to me her laughwould put life into a mummy. "

"Well, thee isn't a mummy, so she can't come till to-morrow. "

She had been smoothing my pillow and bathing my face with cologne, thus creating a general sense of comfort and refreshment. Now shelifted my head on her strong, plump arm, and brushed my hair. Tearscame into my eyes as I said brokenly:

"I can remember my mother doing this for me when I was ill once and alittle fellow. I've taken care of myself ever since. You can have noidea how grateful your manner is to one who has no one to care for himspecially. "

"Thee'll always have some one to care for thee now; but thee mustn'tsay anything more;" and I saw strong sympathy in her moist eyes. 

"Yes, " I breathed softly, "I should have died in New York. "

"And thee said an imp from the printing-house could take care ofthee, " she replied, with a low laugh. 

"Did I say that? I must have been out of my head. "

"Thee'll see that all was ordered for the best, and be content whenthee gets strong. People are often better every way after a good fitof sickness. I believe the Good Physician will give His healing touchto thy soul as well as thy body. Ah, here is Zillah. Come in, littlegirl. Richard wishes to see thee. "

Bearing a bowl in both hands, she entered hesitatingly. 

"Why, Zillah, you waiting on me, too! It's all like a fairy tale, andI'm transformed into a great prince, and am waited on right royally. I'm going to drink that broth to your health, as if you were a greatlady. It will do me more good than all the drugs of all the doctors, just because you are such a good little fairy, and have bewitched it. "

The child dimpled all over with pleasure as she came and stood by myside. 

"Oh, I'm so glad thee's getting well!" she cried. "Thee talks queer, but not so queer as thee did before. Thee--"

A warning gesture from her mother checked her, and she looked a littlefrightened. 

"That will do, Zillah. After Richard has taken this I'm not going tolet him talk for a long time. "

"Do you want to make me all well, Zillah?" I asked, smiling into hertroubled and sympathetic face. 

She nodded eagerly and most emphatically. 

"Then climb on a chair and give me a kiss. "

After a quick, questioning look at her mother, she complied, laughing. 

"Ah, that puts life into me, " I said. "You can tell them all that youdid me more good than the doctor. I'll go with you to see the robinssoon. "

"I've got something else for thee downstairs, " she whispered, "something that Emily Warren gathered for thee, " and she was gone in aflash. 

A moment later she stood in the doorway, announced in advance by theperfume of an exquisite cluster of rosebuds arranged in a dainty vaseentwined and half hidden with myrtle. 

"Put the vase on the table by Richard, and then thee mustn't come anymore. "

"Thee surely are from the Garden of Eden, " I exclaimed. "These andyour kiss, Zillah, will make me well. Tell Miss Warren that I am goingto thank her myself. Good-by now, " and she flitted out of the room, bright with the unalloyed happiness of a child. 

"Dear me, " said Mrs. Yocomb, "thee must indeed get strong fast, for Ido have such a time keeping the young people out of thy room. Reubenasks a dozen times a day if he can see thee, and father's nearly asbad. No more shall see thee to-day, I promise thee. Now thee must resttill to-morrow. "

I was well content, for the roses brought a presence very near. Intheir fragrance, their beauty, their dewy freshness, their superiorityto other flowers, they seemed the emblem of the maiden who had madeharmony in the garden when Nature was at her best. The scene, as wehad stood there together, grew so vivid that I saw her again almost inreality, her face glowing with the undisguised, irrepressible pleasurethat had been caused by my unexpected tribute to the absolutetruthfulness of her character. Again I heard her piquant laugh; thenher sweet, vibratory voice as she sang hymns that awakened other thanreligious emotions, I fear. By an odd freak of fancy the flowersseemed an embodied strain from Chopin's nocturne that she had played, and the different shades of color the rising and falling of themelody. 

"What do they mean?" I murmured to myself. "At any rate I see no Yorkand Lancaster buds among them. "

"Is thee so very fond of roses that thee gazes so long and intently atthem?" Mrs. Yocomb quietly asked. 

I started, and I had still sufficient blood to crimson my pallid face. 

Turning away I said, "They recalled a scene in the garden where theygrew. It seemed to me that Miss Warren had grown there too, she was solike them; and that this impression should have been made by a girlbred in the city struck me as rather strange. "

"Thy impression was correct--she's genuine, " Mrs. Yocomb repliedgravely, and her eyes rested on me in a questioning and sympatheticway that I understood better as I thought it over afterward. 

"Yes, " I said, "she made just that impression on me from the first. Wemet as strangers, and in a few hours, without the slightest effort onher part, she won my absolute trust. This at first greatly surprisedme, for I regret to say that my calling has made me distrustful. Isoon learned, however, that this was just the impression that sheshould make on any one capable of understanding her. "

A deep sigh was my companion's only answer. 

"Mrs. Yocomb, " I continued, earnestly, "was I taken ill while you werespeaking? I have a vague, tormenting impression that somethingoccurred which I cannot recall. The last that I can remember was yourspeaking to us; and then--and then--wasn't there a storm?"

"There may have been. We've had several showers of late. Thee had beenoverdoing, Richard, and thee felt the effects of the fever in thysystem before thee or any of us knew what was the matter. Thy mindsoon wandered; but thee was never violent; thee made us no trouble--only our anxiety. Now I hope I've satisfied thee. "

"How wondrously kind you've all been to such a stranger! But Miss Adahmade reference to something that I can't understand. "

Mrs. Yocomb looked perplexed and annoyed. "I'll ask Adah, " she said, gravely. "It's time thee took this medicine and slept. "

The draught she gave me was more quieting than her words had been, forI remembered nothing more distinctly until I awoke in the brightnessof another day. 

CHAPTER V

A FLASH OF MEMORY

I found my spirits attuned to the clear sunshine of the new day, andcongratulated myself that convalescence promised to be so speedy. Again I had the sense that it was my body only that was weak andexhausted by disease, for my mind seemed singularly elastic, and Ifelt as if the weight of years and toil had dropped away, and I wasentering on a new and higher plane of existence. An unwontedhopefulness, too, gave buoyancy to my waking thoughts. 

My first conscious act was to look for my flowers. They had beenremoved to a distant table, and in their place was a larger bouquet, that, for some reason, suggested Adah. "It's very pretty, " I thought, "but it lacks the dainty, refined quality of the other. There's toomuch of it. One is a bouquet; the other suggests the bushes on whichthe buds grew, and their garden home. "

From the sounds I heard, I knew the family was at breakfast, andbefore very long a musical laugh that thrilled every nerve withdelight rang up the stairway, and I laughed in sympathy withoutknowing why. 

"Happy will the home be in which that laugh makes music, " I murmured. "Heaven grant it may be mine. Can it be presumption to hope this, whenshe showed so much solicitude at my illness? She was crying when myrecovery was doubtful, and she entreated me to live. Reuben's wordssuggested that she was depressed while I was in danger, and buoyantafter the crisis had passed. That she feels as I do I cannot yet hope. But what the mischief do she and Adah mean by saying that they owe meso much? It's I who owe them everything for their care during myillness. How long _have_ I been ill? There seems to be something thatI can't recall; and now I think of it, Mrs. Yocomb's account lastnight was very indefinite. "

My further musings were interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Yocombwith a steaming bowl that smelt very savory. 

"Mrs. Yocomb, " I cried, "you're always welcome; and that bowl is, too, for I'm hungry as a cub. "

"Glad to hear it, " said Mr. Yocomb's hearty voice from the doorway. "I'll kill for you a young gobbler that Emily Warren thinks is likethe apple of my eye, if you will promise to eat him. "

"No, indeed, " I answered, reaching out my hand. "He is already devotedto Miss Warren's Thanksgiving dinner. May he continue to gobble untilthat auspicious day. "

"What! do you remember that?" and Mr. Yocomb cast a quick look ofsurprise at his wife. 

"Yes, I remember everything up to a certain point, and then all comesto a full stop. I wish you would bridge over the gap for me. "

"Richard, " interposed Mrs. Yocomb, quickly, "it wouldn't do thee anygood to have father tell thee what thee said when out of thy mind fromfever. I can tell thee, however, that thee said nothing of which theeneed be ashamed. "

"Well, I can't account for it. I must have been taken very suddenly. One thing is clear: you are the kindest people I ever heard of. Youought to be put in a museum. "

"Why, Friend Morton, is it queer that we didn't turn thee out of doorsor give thee in charge of the poormaster?"

"I certainly am the most fortunate man in the world, " I said, laughing. "I had broken myself down and was about to become very ill, and I started off in the dark and never stopped till I reached theshelter of Mrs. Yocomb's wing. If I should tell my experience in NewYork there'd be an exodus to the country among newspaper men. "

"Thee mustn't do it, " protested Mr. Yocomb, assuming a look of dismay. "Thee knows I'm down on editors: I make thee an exception. "

"I should think you had; but they would not expect to be treated onehundredth part so well as you have treated me. "

"Well, bring thy friends, editors or otherwise. Thy friends will bewelcome. "

"I fear I'll be selfish; I feel as if I had made too rich a discoveryto show it to others. "

"Now, father, thee's had thy turn, and must go right out and letRichard take his breakfast and his medicine. I'm bent on making Dr. Bates say I'm the best nurse in town, and between such a livelypatient and such a lively family I have a hard time of it. "

"Well, thee knows I always mind, mother, " said the old gentleman, putting on a rueful look. "I do it, thee knows, to set the children anexample. Good-by now; mother will make thee as hearty as I am ifthee'll mind her. "

"Oh, I'm well enough to see _everybody_ to-day, " I said with emphasis, and I imagine that Mrs. Yocomb gave as definite a meaning to myindefinite term as I did. 

"No one can stay long yet, but if thee continues to improve so nicely, we can move thee downstairs part of the day before very long. "

"At that prospect I'll mind as well as Mr. Yocomb himself, " I criedgladly. "Mr. Yocomb, they are spoiling me. I feel like a great pettedboy, and behave like one, I fear; but having never been ill, I don'tknow how to behave. "

"Thee's doing very well for a beginner. Keep on--keep on, " and hisgenial visage vanished from the doorway. 

After I had my breakfast, Zillah flitted in and out with her mothertwo or three times. 

"Mother says I can look at thee, but I mustn't talk;" and shewouldn't. 

Then Adah, with her wide-brimmed hat hanging on her arm, brought me adainty little basket of wild strawberries. 

"I promised to gather them for thee, " she said, placing them on mytable. 

"You did? I had forgotten that, " I replied. "I fear my memory isplaying me sad tricks. You have just gathered them, I think?"

"What makes thee think so?"

"Because their color has got into your cheeks. "

"I hope thee'll like them--the strawberries, I mean. "

I laughed heartily as I answered, "I like both. I don't see how eithercould be improved upon. "

"I think thee likes a city pallor best, " she replied, shaking herhead. 

I imagine that a faint tinge of the strawberry came into my face, forshe gave me a quick glance and turned away. 

"Adah, " said Mrs. Yocomb, entering, "thee can take thy sewing and sithere by the door for a while. Call me if Richard wants anything. Thedoctor will be here soon. "

"Would thee like to have me stay?" she asked timidly. 

"Indeed I would. Mrs. Yocomb, can I eat these strawberries? I'vedevoured them with my eyes already. "

"Yes, if the doctor says so, and thee'll promise not to talk much. "

I made no promise, for I was bent on talking, as convalescents usuallyare, I believe, and Adah forgot her sewing, and her blue eyes restedon me with an intentness that at last grew a little embarrassing. Shesaid comparatively little, and her words had much of their olddirectness and simplicity; but the former flippancy and coloring ofsmall vanity was absent. Her simple morning costume was scrupulouslyneat, and quite as becoming as the Sunday muslin which I had soadmired, and she had fastened at her breastpin a rose that reminded meof the one I had given her on that wretched Sunday afternoon when sheunconsciously and speedily dispelled the bright dream that I had wovenaround her. 

"For some reason she has changed very much, " I thought, "and I'm gladit's for the better. "

Zillah came in, and leaned on her lap as she asked her a question ortwo. "Surely the little girl would not have done that the first day Imet her, " I mused, then added aloud:

"You are greatly changed, Miss Adah. What has happened to you?"

She blushed vividly at my abrupt question, and did not answer for amoment. Then she began hesitatingly:

"From what mother says, it's time I changed a little. "

"I think Zillah likes you now as she does Miss Warren. "

"No, she likes Emily Warren best--so does every one. "

"You are mistaken. Zillah could not have looked at Miss Warrendifferently from the way in which she just looked at you. You have noidea what a pretty picture you two then made. "

"I did not think about it. "

"I imagine you don't think about yourself as much as you did. Perhapsthat's the change I'm conscious of. "

"I don't think about myself at all any more, " and she bent low overher work. 

Dr. Bates now entered with Mrs. Yocomb, and Adah slipped quietly away. 

After strong professions of satisfaction at my rapid convalescence, and giving a medicine that speedily produced drowsiness, he toodeparted. 

I roused up slightly from time to time as the day declined, andfinding Reuben quietly busy at his carving, dozed again in adelicious, dreamy restfulness. In one of these half-waking moments Iheard a low voice ask:

"Reuben, may I come in?"

Sleep departed instantly, and I felt that I must be stone dead beforeI could be unmoved by those tones, now as familiar as if heard all mylife. 

"Yes, please come, " I exclaimed; "and you have been long in coming. "

Reuben sprang up with alacrity as he said, "I'm glad thee's come, Emily. Would thee mind staying with Richard for a little while? I wantto take Dapple out before night. If I don't, he gets fractious. "

"I will take your place for a time, and will call Mrs. Yocomb if Mr. Morton needs anything. "

"I assure you I won't need anything as long as you'll stay, " I began, as soon as we were alone. "I want to thank you for the rosebuds. Theywere taken away this morning; but I had them brought back and placedhere where I could touch them. They seemed to bring back that Juneevening in the old garden so vividly that I've lived the scene overand over again. "

She looked perplexed, and colored slightly, but said smilingly, "Mrs. Yocomb will think I'm a poor nurse if I let you talk too much. "

"Then talk to me. I promise to listen as long as you will talk. "

"Well, mention an agreeable subject. "

"Yourself. What have you been doing in the ages that have elapsedsince I came to life. It seems as if I had been dead, and I can'trecall a thing that happened in that nether world. I only hope Ididn't make a fool of myself. "

"I'm sorry to say you were too ill to do anything very bad. Mr. Morton, you can't realize how glad we all are that you are gettingwell so fast. "

"I hope I can't realize how glad YOU are, and yet I would like tothink that you are very glad. Do you know what has done me the mostgood to-day?"

"How should I know?" she asked, looking away, with something liketrouble in her face. 

"I heard your laugh this morning while you were at breakfast, and itfilled all the old house with music. It seemed to become a part of thesunshine that was shimmering on the elm-leaves that swayed to and frobefore my window, and then the robins took it up in the garden. By theway, have you seen the robin's nest that Zillah showed us?"

"Yes, " she replied, "but it's empty, and the queer little things thatZillah said were all 'mouth and swallow' are now pert young robins, rollicking around the garden all day long. They remind me of Reubenand Dapple. I love such fresh young life, unshadowed by care orexperience. "

"I believe you; and your sympathy with such life will always keep youyoung at heart. I can't imagine you growing old; indeed, truth isnever old and feeble. "

"You are very fanciful, Mr. Morton, " she said, with a trace ofperplexity again on her face. 

"I have heard that that was a characteristic of sick people, " Ilaughed. 

"Yes; we have to humor them like children, " she added, smoothing herbrow as if this were an excuse for letting me express more admirationthan she relished. 

"Well, " I admitted, "I've never been ill and made much of before, since I was a little fellow, and my mother spoiled me, and I've noidea how to behave. Even if I did, it would seem impossible to beconventional in this house. Am I not the most singularly fortunate manthat ever existed? Like a fool I had broken myself down, and wasdestined to be ill. I started off as aimlessly as an arrow shot intothe air, and here I am, enjoying your society and Mrs. Yocomb's care. "

"It is indeed strange, " she replied musingly, as if half speaking toherself; "so strange that I cannot understand it. Life is a queertangle at best. That is, it seems so to us sometimes. "

"I assure you I am glad to have it tangled for me in this style, " Isaid, laughing. "My only dread is getting out of the snarl. Indeed, I'm sorely tempted to play sick indefinitely. "

"In that case we shall all leave you here to yourself. "

"I think _you_ have done that already. "

"What would your paper do without you?" she asked, with her browslightly knitted and the color deepening in her cheeks. 

"Recalling what you said, I'm tempted to think it is doing betterwithout me. "

"You imagine I said a great deal more than I did. "

"No, I remember everything that happened until I was taken ill. It'sstrange I was taken so suddenly. I can see you playing Chopin'snocturne as distinctly as I see you now. Do you know that I had thefancy that the cluster of roses you sent me was that nocturneembodied, and that the shades of color were the variations in themelody?"

"You are indeed very fanciful. I hope you will grow more rational asyou get well. "

"I remember you thought me slightly insane in the garden. "

"Yes; and you promised that you would see things just as they areafter leaving it. "

"I can't help seeing things just as they seem to me. Perhaps I do seethem just as they are. "

"Oh, no! To a matter-of-fact person like myself, you are clearly veryfanciful. If you don't improve in this respect, you'll have to take acourse in mathematics before returning to your work or you willmislead your readers. "

"No, I'm going to take a course of weeding in the garden, and you wereto invite me into the arbor as soon as I had done enough to earn mysalt. "

"I fear you will pull up the vegetables. "

"You can at least show me which are the potatoes. "

In spite of a restraint that she tried to disguise, she broke out intoa low laugh at this reminiscence, and said: "After that revelation ofignorance you will never trust me again. "

"I will trust you in regard to everything except kitchen vegetables, "I replied, more in earnest than in jest. "A most important exception, "she responded, her old troubled look coming back. "But you are talkingfar too much. Your face is slightly flushed. I fear you are growingfeverish. I will call Mrs. Yocomb now. "

"Please do not. I never felt better in my life. You are doing me goodevery moment, and it's so desperately stupid lying helplessly here. "

"Well, I suppose I must humor you a few moments longer, " she laughed. "People, when ill, are so arbitrary. By the way, your editorialfriends must think a great deal of you, or else you are valuable tothem, for your chief writes to Mr. Yocomb every day about you; so dosome others; and they've sent enough fruit and delicacies to be thedeath of an ostrich. "

"I'm glad to hear that; it rather increases one's faith in humannature. I didn't know whether they or any one would care much if Idied. "

"Mr. Morton!" she said reproachfully. 

"Oh, I remember my promise to you. If, like a cat, I had lost my ninthlife, I would live after your words. Indeed I imagine that you werethe only reason I did live. It was your will that saved me, for Ihadn't enough sense or spirit left to do more than flicker out. "

"Do you think so?" she asked eagerly, and a rich glow of pleasureoverspread her face. 

"I do indeed. You have had a subtle power over me from the first, which I cannot resist, and don't wish to. "

"I must go now, " she said hastily. 

"Please wait, " I entreated. "I've a message for Mrs. Yocomb. "

She stood irresolutely near the door. 

"I wish you to tell her--why is it getting dark so suddenly?"

"I fear we're going to have a shower, " and she glanced apprehensivelytoward the window. 

"When have I seen that look on your face before?" I asked quickly. 

"You had a message for Mrs. Yocomb?"

"Yes. I wish you would make her realize a little of my unboundedgratitude, which every day increases. In fact, I can't understand thekindness of this family, it is so hearty, so genuine. Why, I was anentire stranger the other day. Then Adah and--pardon me--you also usedexpressions which puzzle me very much. I can't understand how I becameill so suddenly. I was feeling superbly that Sunday evening, and theneverything became a blank. Mrs. Yocomb, from a fear of disquieting me, won't say much about it. The impression that a storm or somethingoccurred that I can't recall, haunts me. You are one that couldn'tdeceive if you tried. "

"You needn't think I've anything to tell when Mrs. Yocomb hasn't, " sheanswered, with a gay laugh. 

"Miss Warren, " I said gravely, "that laugh isn't natural. I neverheard you laugh so before. Something _did_ happen. "

A flash of lightning gleamed across the window, and the girl gave aninvoluntary and apprehensive start. 

Almost as instantaneously the events I had forgotten passed through mymind. In strong and momentary excitement I rose on my elbow, andlooked for their confirmation in her troubled face. 

"Oh, forget--forget it all!" she exclaimed, in a low, distressedvoice, and she came and stood before me with clasped hands. 

"Would to God I had died!" I said, despairingly, and I sank back faintand crushed. "I had no right to speak--to think of you as I did. Good-by. "

"Mr. Morton--"

"Please leave me now. I'm too weak to be a man, and I would not loseyour esteem. "

"But you will get well--you promised me that. "

"Well!" I said, in a low, bitter tone. "When can I ever be well? Good-by. "

"Mr. Morton, would you blight my life?" she asked, almost indignantly. "Am I to blame for this?"

"Nor am I to blame. It was inevitable. Curses on a world in which onecan err so fatally. "

"Can you not be a brave, generous man? If this should go against you--if you will not get well--you promised me to live. "

"I will exist; but can one whose heart is stone, and hope dead, _live?_ I'll do my best. No, yon are not to blame--not in the least. Take the whole comfort of that truth. Nor was I either. That Sunday_was_ the day of my fate, since for me to see you was to love you byevery instinct and law of my being. But I trust, as you said, you willfind me too honorable to seek that which belongs to another. "

"Mr. Morton, " she said, in tones of deep distress, "you saved thishome; you saved Mrs. Yocomb's life; you--you saved mine. Will youembitter it?"

"Would to God I had died!" I groaned. "All would then have been well. I had fulfilled my mission. "

She wrung her hands as she stood beside me. "I can't--oh, I can'tendure this!" she murmured, and there was anguish in her voice. 

I rallied sufficiently to take her hand as I said: "Emily Warren, Iunderstand your crystal truth too well not to know that there is nohope for me. I'll bear my hard fate as well as I can; but you must notexpect too much. And remember this: I shall be like a planethereafter. The little happiness I have will be but a pale reflectionof yours. If you are unhappy, I shall be so inevitably. Not a shadowof blame rests on you--the first fair woman was not truer than you. I'll do my best--I'll get up again--soon, I trust, now. If you everneed a friend--but you would not so wrong me as to go to another--Iwon't be weak and lackadaisical. Don't make any change; let thisepisode in your life be between ourselves only. Good-by. "

"Oh, you look so ill--so changed--what can I say--?"

Helpless tears rushed into her eyes. "You saved my life, " she breathedsoftly; but as she turned hastily to depart she met our hostess. 

"Oh, Mrs. Yocomb, " she sobbed, "he knows all. "

"Thee surely could not have told him--"

"Indeed I did not--it came to him like a flash. "

"Mrs. Yocomb, by all that's sacred, Miss Warren is not to blame foranything--only myself. Please keep my secret; it shall not trouble anyone;" and I turned my face to the wall. 

"Richard Morton. "

"Dear Mrs. Yocomb, give me time. I'm too sorely wounded to speak toany one. "

"A man should try to do what is right under all circumstances, " shesaid, firmly, "and it is your first and sacred duty to get well. It istime for your medicine. "

I turned and said desperately, "Give me stimulants--give me anythingthat will make me strong, so that I may keep my word; for if ever aman was mortally weak in body and soul, I am. "

"I'll do my best for thee, " she said, gently, "for I feel for thee andwith thee, as if thee were my own son. But I wish thee to remember nowand always that the only true strength comes from Heaven. "

CHAPTER VI

WEAKNESS

Soul and body are too nearly related for one to suffer without theother's sympathy. Mrs. Yocomb mercifully shielded me that evening, merely saying that I had seen enough company for one day. My sleepthat night resulted from opiates instead of nature's impulses, and sowas unrefreshing, and the doctor was surprised to find a change forthe worse the following morning. For two or three days the scalewavered, and I scarcely held what I had gained. Mrs. Yocomb rarelyleft me, and I believe that I owe my life not only to her excellentnursing, but even more to her strong moral support--her gentle butunspoken sympathy. I knew she understood me, and that her mercy wasinfinite for my almost mortal weakness; for now that the inexplicablebuoyancy which that chief of earthly hopes imparts was gone, I sankinto an abyss of despondency from which I feared I could never escape. Her wisdom and intuitive delicacy led her to select Reuben as herchief assistant. I found his presence very restful; for, so far fromsuspecting, he could not understand a wound often more real andpainful than any received on battlefields. I now could not haveendured Adah's intent and curious scrutiny, and yet I deeplyappreciated her kindness, for she kept my table laden with delicatefruits and flowers. 

The dainty little vase was replenished daily also with clusters ofroses--roses only--and I soon recognized rare and perfect buds that atthis late season only a florist could supply. The pleasure they gavewas almost counterbalanced by the pain. Their exquisite color andfragrance suggested a character whose perfection daily made mydisappointment more intolerable. At last Mrs. Yocomb said:

"Richard Morton, is thee doing thy best to get well? Thee's incurringa grave responsibility if thee is not. Emily Warren is quite alone inthe world and she came to me as to a mother when thee was taken ill, and told me of thy unfortunate attachment. As thee said, she is not toblame, and yet such is her kindly and sensitive nature that shesuffers quite as much as if she were wholly to blame. Her life almostdepends on thine. She is growing pale and ill. She eats next tonothing, and I fear she sleeps but little. She is just waiting inmiserable suspense to see if thee will keep thy word and live. Ibelieve thee _can_ live, and grow strong and good and noble, if theewill. "

"Oh, Mrs. Yocomb, how you must despise me! If you but knew how Iloathe myself. "

"No, I'm sorry for thee from the depths of my heart. If thee's doingthy best, I've not a word to say; but thee should know the truth. AsEmily said, thee has the power either to embitter her life or to addvery much to its happiness. "

"Well, " I said, "if I have not the strength to overcome this unmanly, contemptible weakness, I ought to die, and the sooner the better. IfI'm worth life, I shall live. "

If ever a weak, nerveless body yielded to an imperious will, mine did. From that hour, as far as possible, I gave my whole thought torecovery, and was as solicitous as I before had been apathetic. Nocaptain could have been more so in regard to his ship, which he fearsmay not outride a storm. 

I appealed to Dr. Bates to rack his brains in the preparation of themost effective tonics, I took my food with scrupulous regularity; andin the effort to oxygenize my thin pale blood, drew long respirationsof the pure summer air. Mrs. Yocomb daily smiled a warmer and morehearty encouragement. 

Under the impetus of a resolute purpose the wheels of life began tomove steadily and at last rapidly toward the goal of health. I soonwas able to sit up part of the day. 

As I rallied, I could not help recognizing the richer coloring thatcame into the life at the farmhouse, and the fact touched me deeply. 

"What is my suffering compared with the happiness of this home?" Ithought. "It would have been brutally selfish to have died. "

I now had my letters brought to me. My paper--my first love--was dailyread, and my old interest in its welfare kindled slowly. 

"Work, " I said, "is the best of antidotes. It shall be my remedy. Menare respected only as they stand on their feet and work, and I shallwin her respect to the utmost. "

Reuben and Adah read to me. The presence of the former, like that ofhis father and mother, was very restful; but Adah began to puzzle me. At first I ascribed her manner to an extravagant sense of gratitude, and the romantic interest which a young girl might naturally take inone who had passed with her through peril, and who seemingly had beendangerously ill in consequence; but I was compelled at last to seethat her regard was not open, frank, and friendly, but shy, absorbing, and jealous. It gave her unmingled satisfaction that I did not ask forMiss Warren, and she rarely spoke of her. When she did she watched mekeenly, as if seeking to read my thoughts. Reuben, on the contrary, spoke freely of her; but, from some restraint placed upon him by hismother probably, did not ask her to relieve him in his care of meagain. 

After I began to sit up, Miss Warren would not infrequently come to mydoor, when others were present, and smilingly express her gladnessthat I was improving daily. Indeed there would often be quite gayrepartee between us, and I think that even Adah was so blinded by ourmanner that her suspicions were allayed. It evidently puzzled her, andReuben also, that I had apparently lost my interest in one who hadsuch great attractions for me at first. But Adah was not one to seeklong and deeply for subtle and hidden causes of action. She had aquick eye, however, for what was apparent, and scanned surfacesnarrowly. I fear I perplexed her as sorely as she did me. 

In spite of every effort to remain blind to the truth, I began to fearthat she was inclined to give me a regard which I had not sought, andwhich would embarrass me beyond measure. 

That a man can exult over a passion in a woman which he cannot requiteis marvellous. That he can look curiously, critically, andcomplacently on this most sacred mystery of a woman's soul, that hecan care no more for her delicate incense than would a grim idol, isproof that his heart is akin to the stony idol in material, and hisnature like that of the gross, cruel divinity represented. The vanitythat can feed on such food has a more depraved appetite than the SouthSea Islander, who is content with human flesh merely. It would seemthat there are those who can smile to see a woman waste the richesttreasures of her spiritual life which were designed to last andsustain through the long journey of life--ay, and even boast of herimmeasurable loss, of which they, wittingly or unwittingly, have beenthe cause. 

The oddest part of it all is that women can love such men instead ofregarding them as spider-like monsters that, were the doctrine oftransmigration true, would become spiders again as soon as compelledto drop their human disguise. 

But women usually idealize the men they love into something verydifferent from what they are. Heaven knows that I was not a saint; butI am glad that it caused me pain, and pain only, as I saw Adah shylyand almost unconsciously bending on me glances laden with a pricelessgift, which, nevertheless, I could not receive. 

Her nature was too simple and direct for disguises, and when sheattempted them they were often so apparent as to be comicallypathetic. And yet she did attempt them. There was nothing bold andunmaidenly in her manner, and as I look back upon those days I thankGod that I was never so graceless and brutal as to show or feelanything like contempt for her gentle, childlike preference. Verypossibly also my own unfortunate experience made me more considerate, and it was my policy to treat her with the same frank, undisguisedaffection that I manifested toward Zillah, with, of course, thedifferences required by their different ages. 

Adah was no longer repulsive to me. The events of that memorable nightof storm and danger, and the experiences that followed, had apparentlyawakened her better nature, which, although having a narrow compass, was gentle and womanly. Her old flippancy was gone. My undisguisedpreference for Miss Warren after I had actually made her acquaintance, and my persistent blindness to everything verging toward sentiment, had perhaps done something toward dispelling her belief that beautyand dress were irresistible. Thus she may have been led honestly tocompare herself with Emily Warren, who was not only richly endowed buthighly cultivated; at any rate her small vanity had vanished also, andshe was in contrast as self-distrustful and hesitating in manner asshe formerly had been abrupt and self-asserting. Moreover she hadeither lost her interest in her neighbor's petty affairs, or else hadbeen made to feel that a tendency to gossip was not a captivatingtrait, and we heard no more about what this one said or that one woreon her return from meeting. While her regard was undoubtedly sincere, I felt and hoped that it was merely a sentiment attendant on herwakening and fuller spiritual life, rather than an abiding and deepattachment; and I believed that it would soon be replaced by otherinterests after my departure. For my own sake as well as hers I haddecided to leave the farmhouse as speedily as possible, but I soonbegan to entertain the theory that I could dispel her dreams better byremaining a little longer, and by proving that she held the same placein my thoughts as Zillah, and could possess no other. There would thenbe no vain imaginings after I had gone. 

I rather wanted to stay until I had fully recovered my health, for Iwas beginning to take pride in my self-mastery. If I could regain myfooting, and stand erect in such quiet, manly strength as to changeMiss Warren's sympathy into respect only, I felt that I would achievea victory that would be a source of satisfaction for the rest of life. That I could do this I honestly doubted, for seemingly she hadenthralled my whole being, and her power over me was wellnighirresistible. 

I knew that she understood Adah even better than I did, and it seemedher wish to afford the girl every opportunity, for she never came toask how I was when Adah was present; and the latter was honest enoughto tell me that it was Miss Warren who had suggested some of thesimple yet interesting stories with which my long hours ofconvalescence were beguiled; but in her latent jealousy she could nothelp adding:

"Since Emily Warren selected them, thee cannot help liking them. "

"I certainly ought to like them doubly, " I had quietly replied, looking directly into her eyes, "since I am indebted for them to twofriends instead of one. "

"There's a great difference in friends, " she said significantly. 

"Yes, indeed, " I replied, smiling as frankly as if I had been talkingto Zillah; "and your mother is the best friend I have or ever expectto have. "

Adah had sighed deeply, and had gone on with her reading in a girlish, plaintive voice that was quite different from her ordinary tones. 

Unconsciously she had imbibed the idea--probably from what she oftenheard at meeting--that anything read or spoken consecutively must bein a tone different from that used in ordinary conversation, and shealways lifted up her voice into an odd, plaintive little monotone, that was peculiar, but not at all disagreeable. It would not have beennatural in another, but was perfectly so to her, and harmonized withher unique character. The long words even in the simple stories wereoften formidable obstacles, and she would look up apprehensively, andcolor for fear I might be laughing at her; but I took pains to gazequietly through the window in serene unconsciousness. She alsostumbled because her thoughts evidently were often far away from herbook, but at my cordial thanks when finishing the story her face wouldglow with pleasure. And yet she missed something in my thanks, or elsesaw, in the quiet manner with which I turned to my letters or paper, that which was unsatisfactory, and she would sigh as she left theroom. Her gentle, patient efforts to please me, which oddly combinedmaidenly shyness and childlike simplicity, often touched the depths ofmy heart, and the thought came more than once, "If this is more than agirlish fancy, and time proves that I am essential to her happiness--which is extremely doubtful--perhaps I can give her enough affectionto content a nature like hers. "

But one glimpse of Emily Warren would banish this thought, for itseemed as if my very soul were already wedded to her. "The thought ofanother is impossible, " I would mutter. "She was my fate. "

Four or five of the days during which I had been sufficiently strongto sit up had passed away, and I was able to give more of my time tomy mail and paper, and thus to seem preoccupied when Adah came toread. I found Zillah also a useful though unconscious ally, and Ilured her into my room by innumerable stories. Reuben and Mr. Yocombwere now very busy in their harvest, and I saw them chiefly in theevening, but they were too tired to stay long. Time often hung wofullyheavy on my hands, and I longed to be out of doors again; but Mrs. Yocomb was prudently inexorable. I am sure that she restrained Adah agreat deal, for she grew less and less demonstrative in manner, and Iwas left more to myself. 

Thus a week passed. It was Saturday morning, and between the harvestwithout and preparations for Sunday within, all the inmates of thefarmhouse were very busy. The forenoon had wellnigh passed. I hadexhausted every expedient to kill time, and was looking on thelandscape shimmering in the fierce sunlight with an apathy that wasdull and leaden in contrast, when a low knock caused me to look up;but instead of Adah, as I expected, Miss Warren stood in the doorway. 

"They are all so busy to-day, " she said hesitatingly, "that I thoughtI might help you pass an hour or two. It seems too bad that you shouldbe left to yourself so long. "

To my disgust, I--who had resolved to be so strong and self-poised inher presence--felt that every drop of blood in my body had rushed intomy face. It certainly must have been very apparent, for her colorbecame vivid also. 

"I fear I was having a stupid time, " I began awkwardly. "I don't wantto make trouble. Perhaps Mrs. Yocomb needs your help. "

"No, " she said, smiling, "you can't banish me on that ground. I'vebeen helping Mrs. Yocomb all the morning. She's teaching me how tocook. I've succeeded in proving that the family would have a fit ofindigestion that might prove fatal were it wholly dependent on myperformances. "

"Tell me what you made?" I said eagerly. "Am I to have any of it formy dinner?"

"Indeed you are not. Dr. Bates would have me indicted. "

She looked at me with solicitude, for although I had laughed with herI felt ill and faint. Despairingly, I thought, "I cannot see her andlive. I must indeed go away. "

"So you are coming downstairs to-morrow?" she began. "We shall giveyon a welcome that ought to make any man proud. Mrs. Yocomb is allaglow with her preparations. "

"I wish they wouldn't do so, " I said, in a pained tone. "I'd muchrather slip quietly into my old place as if nothing had happened. "

"I imagined you would feel so, Mr. Morton, " she said gently; "but somuch has happened that you must let them express their aboundinggratitude in their own way. It will do them good, and they will be thehappier for it. "

"Indeed, Miss Warren, that very word gratitude oppresses me. There isno occasion for their feeling so. Why, Hiram, their man, could nothave done less. I merely happened to be here. It's all the other waynow. If ever a man was overwhelmed with kindness, I have been. How canI ever repay Mrs. Yocomb?"

"I am equally helpless in that respect; but I'm glad to think thatbetween some of our friends the question of repaying may be forgotten. I never expect to repay Mrs. Yocomb. "

"Has she done so much for you, also?"

"Yes, more than I can tell you. "

"Well, " I said, trying to laugh, "if I ever write another paragraph itwill be due to her good nursing. "

"That is my chief cause for gratitude, " she said hurriedly, the colordeepening again in her cheeks. "If you hadn't--if--I know of yourbrave effort to get well, too--she told me. "

"Yes, Miss Warren, " I said quietly, "I am now doing my best. "

"And you are doing nobly--so nobly that I am tempted to give you astrong proof of friendship; to tell you what I have not told any oneexcept Mrs. Yocomb. I feel as if I had rather you heard it from methan casually from others. It will show how--how I trust you. "

My very heart seemed to stand still, and I think my pallor alarmedher; but feeling that she had gone too far, she continued hurriedly, taking a letter from her pocket:

"I expect my friend to-night. He's been absent, and now writes that hewill--"

I shrank involuntarily as if from a blow, and with her face full ofdistress she stopped abruptly. 

Summoning the whole strength of my manhood, I rallied sufficiently tosay, in a voice that I knew was unnatural from the stress I was under:

"I congratulate you. I trust you may be very happy. "

"I had hoped--" she began. "I would be if I saw that you were happy. "

"You are always hoping, " I replied, trying to laugh, "that I maybecome sane and rational. Haven't you given that up yet? I shall bevery happy to-morrow, and will drink to the health of you both. "

She looked at me very dubiously, and the trouble in her face did notpass away. "Let me read to you, " she said abruptly. "I brought with meHawthorne's 'Mosses from an Old Manse. ' They are not too familiar, Itrust?"

"I cannot hear them too often, " I said, nerving myself as if fortorture. 

She began to read that exquisite little character study, "The GreatStone Face. " Her voice was sweet and flexible, and varied with thethought as if the words had been set to music. At first I listenedwith delight to hear my favorite author so perfectly interpreted; butsoon, too soon, every syllable added to my sense of unutterable loss. 

Possibly she intuitively felt my distress, possibly she saw it as Itried to look as stoical as an Indian chief who is tortured on everyside with burning brands. At any rate she stopped, and saidhesitatingly:

"You--you do not enjoy my reading. "

With a rather grim smile I replied: "Nothing but the truth will answerwith you. I must admit I do not. "

"Would--would you like to hear something else?" she asked, in evidentembarrassment. 

"Nothing is better than Hawthorne, " I said. "I--I fear I'm not yetstrong enough. " Then, after a second's hesitation, I spoke outdespairingly: "Miss Warren, I may as well recognize the truth at once, I never shall be strong enough. I've overrated myself. Good-by. "

She trembled; tears came into her eyes, and she silently left theroom. So abrupt was her departure that it seemed like a flight. 

After she had gone I tottered to my feet, with an imprecation on myweakness, and I took an amount of stimulant that Dr. Bates would neverhave prescribed; but it had little effect. In stony, sullen protest atmy fate, I sat down again, and the hours passed like eternities. 

CHAPTER VII

OLD PLOD IDEALIZED

Adah brought me up my dinner, and I at once noted that she was in aflutter of unusual excitement. Her mother had undoubtedly prepared herfor the arrival of the expected guest, and made known also hisrelations to one of whom she had been somewhat jealous, and it wouldseem that the simple-hearted girl could not disguise her elation. 

I was in too bitter a mood to endure a word, and yet did not wish tohurt her feelings; therefore she found me more absorbed in my paperand preoccupied than ever before. 

"Thank you, Miss Adah, " I said, cordially but briefly. "Editors arewretched company; their paper is everything to them, and I'vesomething on my mind just now that's very absorbing. "

"Thee isn't strong enough to work yet, " she said sympathetically. 

"Oh, yes, " I replied, laughing bitterly; "I'm a small edition ofSamson. Besides, I'm as poor as Job's impoverished turkey, and mustget to work again as soon as possible. "

"There is no need of thee feeling that way; we--" and then she stoppedand blushed. 

"I know all about 'we, '" I laughed; "your hearts are as large as thiswide valley, but then I must keep my self-respect, you know. You haveno idea how happy you ought to be in such a home as yours. "

"I like the city better, " she replied, blushing, and she hastily leftthe room. 

My greed for work departed as abruptly. "Poor child!" I muttered. "'Life is a tangle, ' as Miss Warren said, and a wretched one, too, formany of us. "

Mrs. Yocomb soon after came in, and looked with solicitude at myalmost untasted dinner. 

"Why, Richard, " she said, "thy appetite flags strangely. Isn't thydinner to thy taste?"

"The fault is wholly in me, " I replied. 

"Thee doesn't look so well--nothing like so well. Has Adah saidanything to trouble thee?" she asked apprehensively. 

"No, indeed; Adah is just as good and kind as she can be. She'sbecoming as good as she is beautiful. Every day increases my respectfor her;" and I spoke earnestly and honestly. 

A faint color stole into the matron's cheek, and she seemed pleasedand relieved, but she remarked quietly:

"Adah's young and inexperienced. " Then she added, with a touch ofmotherly pride and solicitude, "She's good at heart, and I think istrying to do right. "

"She will make a noble woman, Mrs. Yocomb--one that you may well beproud of, or I'm no judge of character, " I said, with quiet emphasis. "She and Zillah have both been so kind to me that they already seemlike sisters. At any rate, after my treatment in this home I shallalways feel that I owe to them a brother's duty. "

The color deepened in the old lady's face, that was still so fair andcomely, and tears stood in her eyes. 

"I understand thee, Richard, " she said quietly. "I thought I lovedthee for saving our lives and our home, but I love thee more now. Still thee cannot understand a mother's heart. Thee's a truegentleman. "

"Dear Mrs. Yocomb, you must learn to understand me better or I shallhave to run away in self-defence. When you talk in that style I feellike an arrant hypocrite. I give you my word that I've been swearingthis very forenoon. "

"Who was thee swearing at?" she asked, in much surprise. 

"Myself, and with good reason. "

"There is never good reason for such wickedness, " she said gravely, but regarding me with deep solicitude. Presently she added, "Thee hashad some great provocation?"

"No; I've been honored with unmerited kindness and trust, which I haveill requited. " "Emily Warren has been to see thee?"

"Yes. "

"Did she tell thee?"

"Yes; and I feel that I could throttle that man. Now you know what aheathen savage I am. "

"Yes, " she said dryly, "thee has considerable untamed human nature. "Then added, smiling, "I'll trust him with thee, nevertheless. I'minclined to think that for her sake thee'd do more for him than forany man living. Now wouldn't thee?"

"Oh, Satan take him! Yes!" I groaned. "Forgive me, Mrs. Yocomb. I'm sounmanned, so desperate from trouble, that I'm not fit for decentsociety, much less your company. You believe in a Providence: why wasthis woman permitted to enslave my very soul when it was of no use?"

"Richard Morton, " she said reproachfully, "thee is indeed unmanned. Thee's wholly unjust and unreasonable. This gentleman has been EmilyWarren's devoted friend for years. He has taken care of her littleproperty, and done everything for her that her independent spiritwould permit. He might have sought an alliance among the wealthiest, but he has sued long and patiently for her hand--"

"Well he might, " I interrupted irritably. "Emily Warren is the peer ofany man in New York. "

"Thee knows New York and the world in general well enough to be awarethat wealthy bankers do not often seek wives from the class to whichEmily belongs, though in my estimation, as well as in thine, no otherclass is more respectable. But I'm not blinded by prejudice, and Ithink it speaks well for him that he is able to recognize and honorworth wherever he finds it. Still, he knew her family. The Warrenswere quite wealthy, too, at one time. "

"What is his name?" I asked sullenly. 

"Gilbert Hearn. " "What, Hearn the banker, who resides on FifthAvenue?"

"The same. "

"I know him--that is, I know who he is--well. " Then I added bitterly, "It's just like him; he has always had the good things of this world, and always will. He'll surely marry her. "

"Has thee anything against him?"

"Yes, infinitely much against him: I feel as if he were seeking tomarry my wife. "

"That's what thee said when out of thy mind, " she exclaimedapprehensively. "I hope thee is not becoming feverish?" "Oh, no, Mrs. Yocomb, I've nothing against him at all. He is pre-eminentlyrespectable, as the world goes. He is shrewd, wonderfully shrewd, andalways makes a ten-strike in Wall Street; but his securing Miss Warrenwas a masterstroke. There, I'm talking slang, and disgracing myselfgenerally. " But my bitter spirit broke out again in the words, "Neverfear; Gilbert Hearn will have the best in the city; nothing less willserve him. "

"Thee is prejudiced and unjust. I hope thee'll be in a better mood to-morrow, " and she left my room looking hurt and grieved. 

I sank back in my chair in wretched, reckless apathy, and from thedepths of my heart wished I had died. 

After a little time Mrs. Yocomb came hastily in, looking half ashamedof her weakness, and in her hands was a bowl of delicious broth. 

"My heart relents toward thee, " she said, with moist eyes. "I ought tohave made more allowance for one whose mother left him much too early. Take this, every drop, and remember thy pledge to get well and be agenerous man. I'll trust thee to keep thy word, " and she departedbefore I could speak. 

"Well, I should be a devil incarnate if I didn't become a man afterher kindness, " I muttered, and I gulped down the broth and my evilmood at the same time. 

At the end of an hour I could almost have shaken hands with GilbertHearn, who prospered in all that he touched. 

As the sun declined I heard the rustle of a silk on the stairway. Amoment later Miss Warren mounted the horseblock and stood waiting forReuben, who soon appeared in the family rockaway. 

I thought the maiden looked a trifle pale in contrast with her lightsilk, but perhaps it was the shadow of the tree she stood under; but Imuttered, "Even his critical taste can find no fault with that formand face; she'll grace his princely home, and none will recognize thetruth more clearly than he. "

She hesitatingly lifted her eyes toward my window, and I started back, forgetting that I was hidden by the half-closed blind; but my facesuffused with pleasure as I said to myself:

"Heaven bless her! she does not forget me wholly, even on thethreshold of her happiness. "

At that moment Old Plod, passing through the yard in his earlySaturday release from toil, gave a loud whinny of recognition. Theyoung girl started visibly, sprang lightly down from the block andcaressed her great heavy-footed pet, and then, without another glanceat my window, entered the rockaway, and was driven rapidly toward thedistant depot at which she would welcome the most fortunate man in theworld. 

I now felt sure that I had guessed her associations with the old plow-horse, and, sore-hearted as I was, I laughed long and silently overthe quaint fancy. 

"Truly, " I muttered, "the courtly and elegant banker would not feelflattered if he knew about it. How in the world did she ever come tounite the two in her mind?"

But as I thought it all over I was led to conclude that it was naturalenough. The lonely girl had no doubt found that even in the bestsociety of a Christian city she must ever be warily on her guard. Shewas beautiful, and yet poor and apparently friendless; and, as she hadintimated, she had found many of the young and gay ready to flatter, and with anything but sincere motives. The banker, considerably hersenior, had undoubtedly proved himself a quiet, steadfast friend. Hewas not the fool to neglect her as did those stupid horses, for anyoats the world could offer, and she always found him, like Old Plod, ready to drop everything for her, and well he might. "No matter howdevoted he has been, he can never plume himself on any magnanimity, " Isaid to myself. "She probably finds him a trifle formal and sedate, and rather lacking in ideality, just as Old Plod is very stolid tillshe appears; but then he is safe and strong, and very kind to afriendless girl, who might well shrink from the vicissitudes of herlot, and would naturally be attracted by the protection and positionwhich he could offer. In spite of the disparity of years, a womanmight easily love a man who could do so much for her, and the bankeris still well preserved and handsome. Of course Emily Warren does lovehim: all the wealth of Wall Street could not buy her. Yes, in a worldfull of lightning flashes she has made a thrifty and excellent choice. I may as well own it, in spite of every motive to prejudice. GilbertHearn is not my ideal man by any means. Good things are essential tohim. He would feel personally aggrieved if the weather was bad for twodays in succession. He is very charitable and public-spirited, and helikes our paper to recognize the fact: I have proof of that too. Almsgiven in the dark are not exactly wasted--but I'm thinking scandal. Heso likes to let his 'light so shine. ' He's respectability personified, and the toil-worn girl will be taken into an ark of safety. 

"I suppose I ought to be magnanimous enough to think that it's all forthe best, since he can do infinitely more for her than I ever could. She will be the millionaire's wife, and I'll go back to my dingylittle office and write paragraphs heavy enough to sink a cork ship. Thus will end my June idyll; but should I live a century I will alwaysfeel that Gilbert Hearn married my wife. "

CHAPTER VIII

AN IMPULSE

For nearly an hour I sat listlessly in my chair and watched theshadows lengthen across the valley. Suddenly an impulse seized me, andI resolved to obey it. 

"If I can go downstairs to-morrow, I can go just as well to-night, " Isaid, "and go I will. She shall not have a shadow on her first eveningwith her lover, and she's too good-hearted to enjoy it wholly if shethinks I'm moping and sighing in my room. Moreover, I shall not let myshadows make a background for the banker's general prosperity. Statelyand patronizing he cannot help being, and Miss Warren may lead him tothink that he is under some obligation to me--I wish he might neverhear of it--but, by Vulcan and his sledge! he shall have no cause topity me while he unctuously rubs his hands in self-felicitation. "

As far as my strength permitted, I made a careful toilet, and sat downto wait. As the sun sank below the horizon, the banker appeared. "Veryappropriate, " I muttered; "but his presence would make it dark atmidday. "

Miss Warren was talking with animation, and pointing out thesurrounding objects of interest, and he was listening with awonderfully complacent smile on his smooth, full face. 

"How prosperous he looks!" I muttered. "The idea of anything goingcontrary to his will or wishes!"

Then I saw that a little girl sat on the front seat with Reuben, andthat he was letting her drive, but with his hand hovering near thereins. 

Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb came out and greeted Mr. Hearn cordially, and hein return was very benign, for it was evident that, in their place andstation, he found them agreeable people, and quite to his mind. 

"Why doesn't he take off his hat to Mrs. Yocomb as if she were aduchess?" I growled. "That trunk that fills half the rockaway doesn'tlook as if he had come to spend Sunday only. Perhaps we are destinedto make a happy family. I wonder who the little girl is?". 

The banker was given what was known as the parlor bedroom, on theground floor, and I heard Adah taking the little girl to her room. 

Miss Warren did not glance at my window on her return. "She would havebeen happy enough had I remained here and sighed like a furnace, " Imuttered grimly. "Well, idiot! why shouldn't she be?"

She had evidently lingered to say something to Mrs. Yocomb, but I soonheard her light step pass up to her room. 

"Now's my chance, " I thought. "Mrs. Yocomb is preparing for supper, and all the rest are out of the way, " and I slipped down the stairswith noiseless and rather unsteady tread. Excitement, however, lent mea transient strength, and I felt as if the presence of the bankerwould give me sinews of steel. I entered the parlor unobserved, andtaking my old seat, from which I had watched the approach of thememorable storm, I waited events. 

The first one to appear was the banker, rubbing his hands in a waythat suggested a habit of complacency and self-felicitation. Hestarted slightly on seeing me, and then said graciously:

"Mr. Morton, I presume?"

"You are correct, Mr. Hearn. I congratulate you on your safe arrival. "

"Thanks. I've travelled considerably, and have never met with anaccident. Glad to see you able to be down, for from what I heard Ifeared you had not sufficiently recovered. "

"I'm much better to-day, sir, " I replied, briefly. 

"Well, this air, these scenes ought to impart health and content. I'mgreatly pleased already, and congratulate myself on finding sopleasant a place of summer sojourn. It will form a delightful contrastto great hotels and jostling crowds. " I now saw Miss Warren, throughthe half-open door, talking to Mrs. Yocomb. They evidently thought thebanker was conversing with Mr. Yocomb. 

Instead of youthful ardor and bubbling happiness, the girl's face hada grave, sedate aspect that comported well with her coming dignities. Then she looked distressed. Was Mrs. Yocomb telling her of my profaneand awful mood? I lent an inattentive ear to Mr. Hearn's excellentreasons for satisfaction with his present abode, and in the depths ofmy soul I thought, "If she's worrying about me now, how good-heartedshe is!"

"I already foresee, " Mr. Hearn proceeded, in his full-orbed tones, "that it will also be just the place for my little girl--safe andquiet, with very nice people to associate with. "

"Yes, " I said emphatically, "they are nice people--the best I everknew. "

Miss Warren started violently, took a step toward the door, thenpaused, and Mrs. Yocomb entered first. 

"Why, Richard Morton!" she exclaimed, "what does thee mean by thisimprudence?"

"I mean to eat a supper that will astonish you, " I replied, laughing. 

"But I didn't give thee leave to come down. "

"You said I could come to-morrow, so I haven't disobeyed in spirit. "

Miss Warren still stood in the hall, but seeing that I had recognizedher, she came forward and gave me her hand as she said:

"No one is more glad than I that you are able to come down. "

Her words were very quiet, but the pressure of her hand was so warm asto surprise me, and I also noted that what must have been a vividcolor was fading from her usually pale face. I saw, too, that Mr. Hearn was watching us keenly. 

"Oh, but you are shrewd!" I thought. "I wish you had cause tosuspect. "

I returned her greeting with great apparent frankness and cordialityas I replied, "Oh, I'm much better to-night, and as jolly as MarkTapley. "

"Well, " ejaculated Mrs. Yocomb, "thee _has_ stolen a march on us, butI'm afraid thee'll be the worse for it. "

"Ah, Mrs. Yocomb, " I laughed, "your captive has escaped. I'm going tomeeting with you to-morrow. "

"No, thee isn't. I feel as if I ought to take thee right back to thyroom. "

"Mr. Yocomb, " I cried to the old gentleman, who now stood staring atme in the doorway, "I appeal to you. Can't I stay down to supper?"

"How's this! how's this!" he exclaimed. "We were going to give thee agrand ovation to-morrow, and mother had planned a dinner that mightcontent an alderman. "

"Or a banker, " I thought, as I glanced at Mr. Hearn's ample waistcoat;but I leaned back in my chair and laughed heartily as I said:

"You cannot get me back to my room, Mrs. Yocomb, now that I know I'veescaped an ovation. I'd rather have a toothache. "

"But does thee really feel strong enough?"

"Oh, yes; I never felt better in my life. "

"I don't know what to make of thee, " she said, with a puzzled look. 

"No, " I replied; "you little knew what a case I was when you took mein hand. "

"I'll stand up for thee, Friend Morton. Thee shall stay down tosupper, and have what thee pleases. Thee may as well give in, mother;he's out from under thy thumb. "

"My dear sir, you talk as if you were out, too. I fear our mutiny maygo too far. To-morrow is Sunday, Mrs. Yocomb, and I'll be as good as Iknow how all day, which, after all, is not promising much. "

"It must be very delightful to you to have secured such good friends, "began Mr. Hearn, who perhaps felt that he had stood too long in thebackground. "I congratulate you. At the same time, Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb, " with a courtly bend toward them, "I do not wonder at yourfeelings, for Emily has told me that Mr. Morton behaved veryhandsomely during that occasion of peril. "

"Did I?" I remarked, with a wry face. "I was under the impression thatI looked very ridiculous, " and I turned a quick, mischievous glancetoward Miss Warren, who seemed well content to remain in thebackground. 

"Yes, " she said, laughing, "your appearance did not comport with yourdeeds. "

"I'm not so sure about that, " I replied, dryly. "At any rate, I muchprefer the present to reminiscences. "

"I trust that you will permit me, as one of the most interestedparties, to thank you also, " began Mr. Hearn, impressively. 

"No, indeed, sir, " I exclaimed, a little brusquely. "Thanks do notagree with my constitution at all. "

"Hurrah!" cried Reuben, looking in at the parlor window. 

"Yes, here's the man to thank, " I resumed. "Even after being struck bylightning he was equal to the emergency. "

"No, thee don't, Richard, " laughed Reuben. "Thee needn't think thee'sgoing to palm that thing off on me. We've all come to our senses now. "

For some reason Miss Warren laughed heartily, and then said to me, "You look so well and genial to-night that I do begin to think it wassome other tramp. "

"I fear I'm the same old tramp; for, as Reuben says, we have all cometo our senses. "

"Thee didn't lose thy senses, Richard, till after thee was sick. 'Twasmighty lucky thee wasn't struck, " explained the matter-of-fact Reuben. 

"You must permit me to echo the young lad's sentiment, " said Mr. Hearn, feelingly. "It was really a providence that you escaped, andkept such a cool, clear head. "

I fear I made another very wry face as I looked out of the window. Reuben evidently had not liked the term "young lad, " but as he saw myexpression he burst out laughing as he said:

"What's the matter, Richard? I guess thee thinks thee had the worst ofit after all. "

"So thee has, " broke out Mr. Yocomb. "Thee didn't know what an awfulscrape I was getting thee into when I brought thee home from meeting. Never was a stranger so taken in before. I don't believe thee'll evergo to Friends' meeting again, " and the old gentleman laughed heartily, but tears stood in his eyes. 

In spite of myself my color was rising, and I saw that Mrs. Yocomb andMiss Warren looked uncomfortably conscious of what must be in my mind;but I joined in his laugh as I replied:

"You are mistaken. Had I a prophet's eye, I would have come home withyou. The kindness received in this home has repaid me a thousandtimes. With a sick bear on their hands, Mrs. Yocomb and Miss Adah werein a worse scrape than I. "

"Well, thee hasn't growled as much as I expected, " laughed Mrs. Yocomb; "and now thee's a very amiable bear indeed, and shall have thysupper at once, " and she turned to depart, smiling to herself, but metin the doorway Adah and the little stranger--a girl of about the sameage as Zillah, with large, vivid black eyes, and long dark hair. Zillah was following her timidly, with a face full of intense interestin her new companion; but the moment she saw me she ran and spranginto my arms, and, forgetful of all others, cried gladly:

"Oh, I'm so glad--I'm so glad thee's well!"

The impulse must have been strong to make so shy a child forget thepresence of strangers. 

I whispered in her ear, "I told you that your kiss would make mewell. "

"Yes; but thee said Emily Warren's roses too, " protested the littlegirl. 

"Did I?" I replied, laughing. "Well, there's no escaping the truth inthis house. "

I dared not look at Miss Warren, but saw that Mr. Hearn's eyes were onher. 

"Confound him!" I thought. "Can he be fool enough to be jealous?"

Adah still stood hesitatingly in the doorway, as if she dared nottrust herself to enter. I put Zillah down, and crossing the room in afree, frank manner, I took her hand cordially as I said:

"Miss Adah, I must thank you next to Mrs. Yocomb that I am able to bedown this evening, and that I am getting well so fast. You have beenthe best of nurses, and just as kind and considerate as a sister. I'mgoing to have the honor of taking you out to supper. " I placed herhand on my arm, and its thrill and tremble touched my very soul. In mythoughts I said, "It's all a wretched muddle, and, as the banker said, mysterious enough to be a providence"; but at that moment the ways ofProvidence seemed very bright to the young girl, and she saw Mr. Hearnescorting Miss Warren with undisguised complacency. 

As the latter took her seat I ventured to look at her, and if ever awoman's eyes were eloquent with warm, approving friendliness, herswere. I seemingly had done the very thing she would have wished me todo. As we bowed our heads in grace, I was graceless enough to growl, under my breath, "My attentions to Adah are evidently verysatisfactory. Can she imagine for a moment--does she take me for aweather-vane?"

When grace was over, I glanced toward her again, a trifle indignantly;but her face now was quiet and pale, and I was compelled to believethat for the rest of the evening she avoided my eyes and allreferences to the past. 

"Why, mother!" exclaimed Mr. Yocomb from the head of the table, "thycheeks are as red--why, thee looks like a young girl. "

"Thee knows I'm very much pleased to-night, " she said. "Does theeremember, Richard, when thee first sat down to supper with us?"

"Indeed I do. Never shall I forget my trepidation lest Mr. Yocombshould discover whom, in his unsuspecting hospitality, he washarboring. "

"Well, I've discovered, " laughed the old gentleman. "Good is alwayscoming out of Nazareth. "

"It seems to me that we've met before, " remarked Mr. Hearn, graciouslyand reflectively. 

"Yes, sir, " I explained. "As a reporter I called on you once or twicefor information. "

"Ah, now it comes back to me. Yes, yes, I remember; and I alsoremember that you did not extract the information as if it had been atooth. Your manner was not that of a professional interviewer. Youmust meet with disagreeable experiences in your calling. "

"Yes, sir; but perhaps that is true of all callings. "

"Yes, no doubt, no doubt; but it has seemed to me that a reporter'slot must frequently bring him in contact with much that isdisagreeable. "

"Mr. Morton is not a reporter, " said Adah, a trifle indignantly; "he'sthe editor of a first-class paper. "

"Indeed!" exclaimed Mr. Hearn, growing much more benign; "why, Emily, you did not tell me that. "

"No, I only spoke of Mr. Morton as a gentleman. "

"I imagine that Miss Warren thinks that I have mistaken my calling, and that I ought to be a gardener. "

"That's an odd impression. Mr. Yocomb would not even trust you toweed, " she retorted quickly. 

"I have a fellow feeling for weeds; they grow so easily and naturally. But I must correct your impressions, Miss Adah. I'm not the dignitaryyou imagine-only _an_ editor, and an obscure night one at that. "

"Your night work on one occasion bears the light very well. I hope itmay be the earnest of the future, " said Mr. Hearn impressively. 

I felt that he had a covert meaning, for he had glanced more than onceat Miss Warren when I spoke, and I imagined him a little anxious as toour mutual impressions. 

"I feel it my duty to set you right also, Mr. Hearn, " I replied, withquiet emphasis, for I wished to end all further reference to thatoccasion. "Through Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb's kindness, I happened to be aninmate of the farmhouse that night. I merely did what any man wouldhave done, and could have done just as well. My action involved nopersonal peril, and no hardship worth naming. My illness resulted frommy own folly. I'd been overworking or overworked, as so many in mycalling are. Conscious that I am not in the least heroic, I do notwish to be imagined a hero. Mrs. Yocomb knows what a bear I've been, "I concluded, with a humorous nod toward her. 

"Yes, I know, Richard, " she said, quietly smiling. 

"After this statement in prose, Mr. Hearn, you will not be led toexpect more from me than from any ordinary mortal. "

"Indeed, sir, I like your modesty, your self-depreciation. "

"I beg your pardon, " I interrupted a little decisively; "I hope you donot think my words had any leaning toward affectation. I wished tostate the actual truth. My friends here have become too kind andpartial to give a correct impression. "

Mr. Hearn waved his hand very benignly, and his smile was graciousnessitself as he said:

"I think I understand you, sir, and respect your sincerity. I've beenled to believe that you cherish a high and scrupulous sense of honor, and that trait counts with me far more than all others. "

I understood him well. "Oh, you _are_ shrewd!" I thought; "but I'dlike to know what obligations I'm under to you?" I merely bowed atrifle coldly to this tribute and suggestive statement, and turned theconversation. As I swept my eyes around the table a little later, Ithought Miss Warren looked paler than usual. 

"Does she understand his precautionary measures?" I thought. "He'dbetter beware--she would not endure distrust. "

CHAPTER IX

A WRETCHED FAILURE

The excitement that had sustained me was passing away, and I feltmyself growing miserably weak and depressed. The remainder of the mealwas a desperate battle, in which I think I succeeded fairly. I talkedthat it might not be noticed that I was eating very little; joked withMr. Yocomb till the old gentleman was ruddy and tremulous withlaughter, and made Reuben happy by applauding one of Dapple'sexploits, the history of which was easily drawn from him. 

I spoke often to both Adah and Zillah, and tried to be as frank andunconscious in one case as the other. I even made the acquaintance ofMr. Hearn's little girl--indeed, her father formally presented her tome as his daughter Adela. I knew nothing of his domestic history, andgained no clew as to the length of the widowhood which he now proposedto end as speedily as possible. 

I was amused by his not infrequent glances at Adah. He evidently had akeen eye for beauty as for every other good thing of this world, andhe was not so desperately enamored but that he could stealthily andcritically compare the diverse charms of the two girls, and I imaginedI saw a slight accession to his complacency as his judgment gave itsverdict for the one toward whom he manifested proprietorship by amanner that was courtly, deferential, but quite pronounced. A strangerpresent could never have doubted their relationship. 

A brief discussion arose as to taste, in which Mr. Hearn assumed theground that nothing could take the place of much observation andcomparison, by means of which effects in color could be accuratelylearned and valued. In reply I said:

"Theories and facts do not always harmonize any more than colors. MissAdah's youth and rural life have not given her much opportunity forobservation and comparison, and yet few ladies on your Avenue havetruer eyes for harmony in color than she. "

"Mr. Morton being the judge, " said the banker, with a profound andsmiling bow. "Permit me to add that Miss Adah has at this moment onlyto glance in a mirror to obtain an idea of perfect harmony in color, "and his eyes lingered admiringly on her face. 

I was worsted in this encounter, and I saw the old gleam ofmirthfulness in Miss Warren's eyes. How well I remembered when I firstsaw that evanescent illumination--the quick flash of a bright, genialspirit. She delights in her lover's keen thrusts, " was now my thought, "and is pleased to think I'm no match for him. She should rememberthat it's a poor time for a man to tilt when he can scarcely siterect. " But Adah's pleasure was unalloyed. She had received twodecided compliments, and she found herself associated with me in thenew-comer's mind, and by my own actions. 

"I frankly admit, " I said, "that I'm a partial judge, and perhaps avery incompetent one. " Then I was stupid enough to add: "But newspapermen are prone to have opinions. Mr. Yocomb was so sarcastic as to saythat there was nothing under heaven that an editor did not know. "

"Oh, if you judge by her father's authority, you are on safe ground, and I yield at once. "

He had now gone too far, and I flushed angrily as we rose from thetable. I saw, too, that Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb did not like it either, and that Adah was blushing painfully. It was one of those attemptedwitticisms that must be simply ignored. 

My anxiety now was to get back to my room as speedily as possible. Again I had overrated myself. The excitement of the effort was gone, and my heart was like lead. I, too, would no longer permit my eyes torest even a moment on one whose ever-present image was only too vividin spite of my constant effort to think of something else; for socomplete was my enthrallment that it was intolerable pain to see herthe object of another's man's preferred attentions. I knew it was allright; I was not jealous in the ordinary sense of the word; I merelyfound myself unable longer, in my weak condition, to endure in herpresence the consequences of my fatal blunder. Therefore I saw withpleasure that I might in a few moments have a chance to slip back tomy refuge as quietly as I had left it. Mrs. Yocomb was summoned to thekitchen; a farm laborer was inquiring for her husband, and he andReuben went out toward the barn. Adah would have lingered, but the twochildren pulled her away to the swing. 

Mr. Hearn and Miss Warren stood by me a moment or two as I sat on thelounge in the hall, and then the former said: "Emily, this is just thetime for a twilight walk. Come, and show me the old garden;" and hetook her away, with an air of proprietorship at which I sickened, tothat place consecrated by my first conscious vision of the woman thatI hoped would be my fair Eve. 

The moment they were off the porch I tottered to the stairway, andmanaged to reach the turn of the landing, and there my strengthfailed, and I held on to the railing for support, feeling ill andfaint. A light step came quickly through the hall and up the stairway. 

"Why, Mr. Morton!" exclaimed Miss Warren, "you are not going up sosoon?"

"Yes, thank you, " I managed to say cheerily. "Invalids must beprudent. I'm only resting on the landing a little. "

"I found it rather cool and damp, and so came back for a shawl, " sheexplained, and passed on up to her room, for she seemed a littleembarrassed at meeting me on the stairs. In her absence I made adesperate effort to go on, but found that I would fall. I must waittill she returned, and then crawl up the best I could. 

"You see I'm prudence personified, " I laughed, as she came back. "I'mtaking it so leisurely that I have even sat down about it. "

"Are you not overtaxing yourself?" she asked gently. "I fear--"

"Oh, no, indeed--will sleep all the better for a change. Mr. Hearn iswaiting for you, and the twilight isn't. Don't worry; I'll surpassSamson in a week. "

She looked at me keenly, and hesitatingly passed down the duskystairway. Then I turned and tried to crawl on, eager to gain my roomwithout revealing my condition; but when I reached the topmost stairit seemed that I could not go any further if my life depended on it. With an irritable imprecation on my weakness, I sank down on thetopmost step. 

"Mr. Morton, " said a low voice, "why did you try to deceive me? Youhave gone far beyond your strength. "

"You here--you of all others, " I broke out, in tones of exasperation. "I meant that your first evening should be without a shadow, and havefailed, as I now fail in everything. Call Reuben. "

"Let me help you?" she pleaded, in the same hurried voice. 

"No, " I replied harshly, and I leaned heavily against the wall. Sheheld out her hand to aid me, but I would not take it. 

"I've no right even to look at you--I who have been doubly enjoined tocherish such a 'scrupulous sense of honor. ' I'd better have died athousand times. Call Reuben. "

"How can I leave you so ill and unhappy!" and she made a gesture ofprotest and distress whose strong effect was only intensified by theobscurity. "I had hoped--you led me to think to-night--"

"That I was a weather-vane. Thank you. "

Steps were heard entering the hall. 

"Oh! oh!" she exclaimed, in bitter protest. 

"Emily, " called the banker's voice, "are you not very long?"

I seized her hand to detain her, and said, in a fierce whisper: "Neverso humiliate me as to let him know. Go at once; some one will findme. "

"Your hand is like ice, " she breathed. 

I ignored her presence, leaned back, and closed my eyes. 

She paused a single instant longer, and then, with a firm, decisivebearing, turned and passed quietly down the stairway. 

"What in the world has kept you?" Mr. Hearn asked, a trifleimpatiently. 

"Can you tell me where Reuben is?" she answered, in a clear, firmvoice, that she knew I must hear. 

"What does thee want, Emily?" cried Reuben from the piazza. 

"Mr. Morton wishes to see you, " she replied, in the same tone that shewould have used had my name been Mrs. Yocomb's, and then she passedout with her affianced. 

Reuben almost ran over me as he came bounding up the stairs. 

"Hold on, old fellow, " I whispered, and I pulled him down beside me. "Can you keep a secret? I'm played out--Reuben--to speak elegantly--and I don't wish a soul to know it. I'm sitting very--comfortably onthis step--you see--that's the way it looks--but I'm stuck--hardaground--you'll have to tow me off. But not a word, remember. Lift meup--let me get my arm around your neck--there. Lucky I'm not heavy--slow and easy now--that's it. Ah, thank the Lord! I'm in my refugeagain. I felt like a scotched snake that couldn't wriggle back to itshole. Hand me that brandy there--like a good fellow. Now I won't kelpyou--any longer. If you care--for me--never speak of this. "

"Please let me tell mother?"

"No, indeed. "

"But doesn't Emily Warren know?"

"She knows I wanted to see you. "

"Please let me do something or get thee something. "

"No; just leave me to myself a little while, and I'll be all right. Goat once, that's a good fellow. "

"Oh, Richard, thee shouldn't have come down. Thee looks so pale andsick that I'm afraid thee'll die yet; if thee does, thee'll break allour hearts, " and the warm-hearted boy burst out crying, and ran andlocked himself in his room. 

I was not left alone very long, for Mrs. Yocomb soon entered, saying:

"I'm glad thee's so prudent, and has returned to thy room. Thee actedvery generously to-night, and I appreciate it. I had no idea theecould be so strong and carry it out so well. Emily was greatlysurprised, but she enjoyed her first evening far more than sheotherwise could have done, for she's one of the most kind-hearted, sensitive girls I ever knew. I do believe it would have killed her ifthee hadn't got well. But thee looks kind of weak and faint, as far asI can see. Let me light the lamp for thee. "

"No, Mrs. Yocomb, I like the dusk best. The light draws moths. Theywill come, you know, the stupid things, though certain to be scorched. One in the room at a time is enough. Don't worry--I'm a little tired--that's all. Sleep is all I need. "

"Is thee sure?" "Yes, indeed; don't trouble about me. You won't knowme in a few days. "

"Thee was a brave, generous man to-night, Richard. I understood theeffort thee was making, and I think Emily did. A good conscience oughtto make thee sleep well. "

I laughed very bitterly as I said, "My conscience is gutta-percha to-night, through and through, but please say no more, or I'll have toshock you again. I'll be in a better mood to-morrow. "

"Well, good-night. Thee'll excuse a housekeeper on Seventh-dayevening. If thee wants anything, ring thy bell. "

She came and stroked my brow gently for a moment, and then breathedsoftly:

"God bless thee, Richard. May the Sabbath's peace quiet thy heart to-morrow. "

CHAPTER X

IN THE DEPTHS

I awoke late Sunday morning and found Reuben watching beside me. 

"Thee's better, isn't thee?" he asked eagerly. 

"Well, I ought to be. You're a good fellow, Reuben. What time is it?--nearly night again, I hope. "

"Oh, no, it's only about eleven; they're all gone to meeting. I made'em leave you in my care. Adah would have stayed, but mother told hershe was to go. Emily Warren's grandfather wanted to go spooning off inthe woods, but she made him go to meeting too. I don't see how sheever came to like him, with his grand airs. "

"She has good reasons, rest assured. "

"Well, he ain't the kind of a man I'd go for if I was a girl. "

"Miss Warren is not the girl to go for any man, Reuben. He had to seekher long and patiently. But that's their affair--we have nothing to dowith it. "

"I thought thee was taken with her at first, " said Reuben innocently. 

"I do admire Miss Warren very much--now as much as ever. I admire agreat many ladies, especially your mother. I never knew a truer, kinder lady. "

"And if it had not been for thee, Richard, she might have been burnedup, " and tears came into his eyes. 

"Oh, no, Reuben. You could have got them all out easily enough. "

"I fear I would have lost my head. "

"No, you wouldn't; you are not of that kind. Please say no more aboutthat affair. I've heard too much of it. "

"Does thee think thee'll be able to come down to dinner? Mother andfather and all of us will be awfully disappointed if thee isn't. "

"Yes, I'll come down if you'll stand by me, and help me back when Igive you the wink. I won't go down till dinner's ready; after it'sover you can help me out under some tree. I'm just wild to get out ofdoors. "

I had a consuming desire to retrieve myself, and prove that I was notweakness personified, and I passed through the ordeal of dinner muchbetter than I expected. Mr. Hearn was benignness itself, but I sawthat he was very observant. The shrewd Wall Street man had the eye ofan eagle when his interests were concerned, and he very naturallysurmised that no one could have seen so much of Miss Warren as I had, and still remain entirely indifferent; besides, he may have detectedsomething in my manner or imagined that the peculiar events of thepast few weeks had made us better acquainted than he cared to have us. 

Miss Warren's greeting was cordial, but her manner toward me was soquiet and natural that he had no cause for complaint, and I felt thatI had rather be drawn asunder by wild horses than give him a clew tomy feelings. I took a seat next to Mr. Yocomb, and we chatted quietlymost of the time. The old gentleman was greatly pleased aboutsomething, and it soon came out that Mr. Hearn had promised him fivehundred dollars to put a new roof on the meeting-house and make otherimprovements. I drew all the facts readily from the zealous Friend, together with quite a history of the old meeting-house, for I proposedto make a complimentary item of the matter in my paper, well knowinghow grateful such incense was to the banker's soul. Mr. Hearn, who satnearest to us, may have heard my questions and divined my purpose, forhe was peculiarly gracious. 

I was not able to do very much justice to Mrs. Yocomb's grand dinner, but was unstinted in my praise. The banker made amends for myinability, and declared he had never enjoyed such a repast, even atDelmonico's. I though Miss Warren's appetite flagged a little, but tothe utmost extent of my power I kept my eyes and thoughts from her. 

After dinner Reuben helped me to a breezy knoll behind the dwelling, and spreading some robes from the carriage-house under a wide-branching tree, left me, at my request, to myself. The banker now hadhis way, and carried Miss Warren off to a distant grove. I would notlook at them as they went down the lane together, but shut my eyes andtried to breathe in life and health. 

Adah read to the two little girls for some time, and then camehesitatingly toward me. I feigned sleep, for I was too weak andmiserable to treat the girl as she deserved. She stood irresolutely amoment or two, and then slowly and lingeringly returned to the house. 

My feigning soon became reality, and when I awoke Reuben was sittingbeside me, and I found had covered me well to guard against thedampness of the declining day. 

"You are always on hand when I need you most, " I said smilingly. "Ithink I will go back to my room now, while able to make a respectableretreat. "

I saw Mr. Hearn and Miss Warren entering the house, and thought thatthey had had a long afternoon together, but that time no doubt hadpassed more quickly with them than with me, even though I had sleptfor hours. When reaching the parlor door I saw Miss Warren at thepiano; she turned so quickly as almost to give me the impression thatshe was waiting to intercept me. 

"Would you not like to hear your favorite nocturne again?" she asked, with a friendly smile. 

I hesitated, and half entered the parlor. Her face seemed to light upwith pleasure at my compliance. How divine she appeared in the quaint, simple room! I felt that I would gladly give the best years of my lifefor the right to sit there and feast my eyes on a grace and beautythat to me were indescribable and irresistible; but the heavy tread ofthe banker in the adjoining room reminded me that I had no right--thatto see her and to listen would soon become unendurable pain. I hadtwice been taught my weakness. 

"Thank you, " I said, with a short, dry laugh; "I'm sorely tempted, butit's time I learned that for me discretion is certainly the betterpart of valor, " and I turned away, but not too soon to see that herface grew sad and wistful. 

"Heaven bless her kind heart!" I murmured as I wearily climbed thestairs. 

Adah brought me up my supper long before the others were through, andI felt a faint remorse that I had feigned sleep in the afternoon, eventhough my motive had been consideration for her as truly as formyself. 

"Miss Adah!" I exclaimed, "you are growing much too unselfish. Whydidn't you get your supper first?"

"I've had all I wish. I'm not hungry to-night. "

"Truly, you look as if you lived on roses; but you can't thrive longon such unsubstantial diet. It was real good of you to read to thosechildren so long. If I had been an artist, I would have made a sketchof you three. You and that little dark-eyed girl make a lovelycontrast. "

"I like her, " she said simply; "I feel as if I wanted some one to pet. Can't I read to you while you eat your supper?"

"I'd rather have you talk to me: what do you think of the littlegirl's father?"

"I haven't thought much about him. "

"I wish you could see his house in New York; it's a superb one, and onyour favorite Fifth Avenue. "

"Yes, I know, " she replied absently. 

"I should think you would envy Miss Warren. "

"I don't, " she said emphatically; "the man is more than the house. "

"I don't think you would have said that a month ago. "

"I fear not. I fear thee didn't like me that Sunday afternoon when Iwas so self-satisfied. I've thought it over. "

"Indeed, Miss Adah, I would gladly be struck by lightning myself if itwould change me for the better as greatly as you are changed. "

"It wasn't the lightning, " she said, blushing and slowly shaking herhead. "I've been thinking. "

"Ah, " I laughed, "you are shrewd. If women only knew it, there'snothing that gives beauty like thought, and it's a charm thatincreases every year. Well, " I continued, with the utmost frankness, "I do like you now, and what is more, I honestly respect you. When youcome to New York again, I am going to ask your mother to trust me asif I were your older brother, and I'll take you to see and hear muchthat I'm sure you'll enjoy. "

"Oh, that will be splendid!" she cried gladly. "I know mother will letme go with thee, because--because--well, she says thee is agentleman. "

"Do you know, Miss Adah, I'd rather have your mother say that thanhave all Mr. Hearn's thousands. But your mother judges me leniently. To tell you the honest truth, I've come lately to have a very pooropinion of myself. I feel that I would have been a much better man if, in past years, I had seen more of such people as dwell in this house. "

"Thee remembers what father said to thee, " she replied, shyly, withdowncast eyes; "this is thy home hereafter. "

"She looks now, " I thought, "as if she might fulfil the dream I woveabout her on that memorable day when I first saw her in the meeting-house. How perverse my fate has been, giving me that for which I mightwell thank God on my knees, and yet which my heart refuses, andwithholding that which will impoverish my whole life. Why must theheart be so imperious and self-willed in these matters? An elderlygentleman would say, Everything is just right as it is. It would bethe absurdity of folly for Miss Warren to give up her magnificentprospects because of your sudden and sickly sentiment; and what morecould you ask or wish than this beautiful girl, whose womanhood hasawakened and developed under your very eyes, almost as unconsciouslyas if a rosebud had opened and shown you its heart? Indeed, but abrief time since I would have berated any friend of mine who would nottake the sensible course which would make all happy. If I could butbecome 'sane and reasonable, ' as Miss Warren would say, how she wouldbeam upon me, and, the thought of my disappointment and woe-begoneaspect banished, how serenely she would go toward her bright future!And yet in taking this sane and sensible course I would be false to myvery soul--false to this simple, true-hearted girl, to whom I couldgive but a cold, hollow pretence in return for honest love. I wouldbecome an arrant hypocrite, devoid of honor and self-respect. "

"Heaven bless you, Adah!" I murmured. "I love you too well for allyour kindness and goodness to pretend to love you so ill. "

Thoughts like these passed through my mind as I thanked her for allthat she had done for me, and told her of such phases of New York lifeas I thought would interest her. She listened with so intent andchildlike an expression on her face that I could scarcely realize thatI was talking to one in whose bosom beat the heart of a woman. I feltrather as if I were telling Zillah a fairy story. 

Still I had faith in her intuition, and believed that after I was goneshe would recognize and accept the frank, brotherly regard that I nowcherished toward her. 

Reuben was not very long in joining us, and boy-like did not note thathis sister evidently wished him far away. My greeting was so cordialthat she noted with a sigh that I did not regard him as the unwelcomethird party. Then Mr. Yocomb and the little girls came to the door andasked if there was room for a crowd. Soon after Mrs. Yocomb appeared, with her comely face ruddy from exercise. 

"I've hurried all I could, " she said, "but thee knows how it is withhousekeepers; and yet how should thee know, living all thy life alonein dens, as thee said? Why, thee's having a reception. "

"I fear your guests downstairs will feel neglected, Mrs. Yocomb. "

"Don't thee worry about that, Richard, " Mr. Yocomb said, laughing. "I'm not so old, mother, but I can remember when we could get throughan evening together without help from anybody. I reckon we could do soagain--eh? mother? Ha, ha, ha! so thee isn't too old to blush yet?How's that, Richard, for a young girl of sixty? Don't thee worry aboutEmily Warren. I fear that any one of us would make a large crowd inthe old parlor. "

This was sorry comfort, and I fear that my laugh was anything buthonest, while Mrs. Yocomb stared out of the window, at which she satfanning herself, with a fixedness that I well understood. 

But they were all so kind and hearty that I could no more give way todejection than to chill and cheerlessness before a genial wood fire. They seemed in truth to have taken me into the family. Barely was Inow addressed formally as Richard Morton. It was simply "Richard, "spoken with the unpremeditated friendliness characteristic of familyintercourse. Heathen though I was, I thanked God that he had broughtme among these true-hearted people; "and may He blast me, " I muttered, "if I ever relapse into the old sneering cynicism that I onceaffected. Let me at least leave that vice to half-fledged young menand to bad old men. "

One thing puzzled me. Miss Warren remained at her piano, and it struckme as a little odd that she did not find the music of her lover'svoice preferable, but I concluded that music was one of the strongestbonds of sympathy between them, and one of the means by which he hadwon her affection. Sometimes, as her voice rose clear and sweet to myopen windows, I answered remarks addressed to me with an inaptnessthat only Mrs. Yocomb understood. 

Before very long, that considerate lady looked into my face a moment, and then said decisively:

"Richard, thee is getting tired. We must all bid thee good-night atonce. "

Adah looked almost resentfully at her mother, and lingered a littlebehind the others. As they passed out she stepped hastily back, andunclasping a rosebud from her breastpin laid it on the table besideme. 

"It was the last one I could find in the garden, " she said, breathlessly, and with its color in her cheeks. Before I could speakshe was gone. 

"It shall be treated with reverence, like the feeling which led to thegift, " I murmured sadly. "Heaven grant that it may be only the impulseof a girlish fancy;" and I filled a little vase with water and placedthe bud near the window, where the cool night air could blow upon it. 

Still Miss Warren remained at the piano. "How singularly fond of musiche is!" I thought. 

I darkened my room, and sat at the window that I might hear everynote. The old garden, half hidden by trees, looked cool and Eden-likein the light of the July moon, athwart whose silver hemisphere fleecyclouds were drifting like the traces of thought across a bright face. Motionless shadows stretched toward the east, from which the new daywould come, but with a dreary sinking of heart I felt as it eachcoming day would bring a heavier burden. 

But a little time passed before I recognized Chopin's Nocturne, towhich I had listened with kindling hope on the night of the storm. Wasit my own mood, or did she play it with far more pathos and feelingthan on that never-to-be-forgotten evening? Be that as it may, itevoked a fiercer storm of unavailing passion and regret in my mind. Inbitterness of heart I groaned aloud and insulted God. 

"It was a cruel and terrible thing, " I charged, "to mock a creaturewith such a hope. Why was such power over me given to her when it wasof no use?" But I will say no more of that hour of weak humanidolatry. It was a revelation to me of the depths of despair andwretchedness into which one can sink when unsustained by manlyfortitude or Christian principle. It is in such desperate, irrationalmoods that undisciplined, ill-balanced souls thrust themselves outfrom the light of God's sunshine and the abundant possibilities offuture good. I now look back on that hour with shame, and cannotexcuse it even by the fact that I was enfeebled in mind as well asbody by disease. We often never know ourselves or our need until afterwe have failed miserably under the stress of some strong temptation. 

I was the worse the next day for my outburst of passion, and thewretched night that followed, and did not leave my room; but I wasgrim and rigid in my purpose to retrieve myself. I appeared to beoccupied with my mail and paper much of the day, and I wrote a verycomplimentary paragraph concerning the banker's gift for the meeting-house. Mr. Hearn and Miss Warren were out riding much of the time. Isaw them drive away with a lowering brow, and was not disarmed of mybitterness because I saw, through the half-closed blinds, that theyoung girl stole a swift glance at my window. 

Adah was pleased as she saw how I was caring for her gift; but Ipuzzled and disheartened her by my preoccupation and taciturnity. Shetook the children off on a long ramble in the afternoon, and heapedcoals of fire on my head by bringing me an exquisite collection offerns. 

The next morning I went down to breakfast resolving to take my placein the family, and make no more trouble during the brief remainder ofmy stay, for I proposed to go back to the city as soon as I had shownenough manhood to satisfy my pride, and had made Miss Warren believethat she could dismiss her solicitude on my account, and thus enjoythe happiness which apparently I had clouded. As I saw her pale faceagain I condemned my weakness unsparingly, and with the whole force ofmy will endeavored to act and appear as both she and Mr. Hearn wouldnaturally wish. 

"Richard, " said Reuben, after breakfast, "I've borrowed a low phaeton, and I'm going to take thee out with Dapple. He'll put life in thee, never fear. He'd cure me if I were half dead. "

He was right; the swift motion through the pure air braced me greatly. 

When we returned, the banker sat on the piazza. Adah was near, withsome light sewing, and the connoisseur was leisurely admiring her. Well he might, for in her neat morning gown she again seemed theembodiment of a June day. She rose to meet me, with a faint accessionto her delicate color, and said:

"The ride has done thee good; thee looks better than thee has any dayyet. "

"Reuben's right, " I said, laughing; "Dapple would bring a fossil tolife, " and the young fellow drove chuckling down toward the barn, making Dapple rear and prance in order to show off a little before Mr. Hearn. 

I sat down a few moments to rest. Miss Warren must have heard ourvoices; but she went on with an intricate piece of music in which shewas displaying no mean skill. I did not think Mr. Hearn was as muchinterested in it as I was. His little girl came out of the house andclimbed into Adah's lap. She evidently liked being petted, and was nota little spoiled by it The banker continued to admire the picture theymade with undisguised enjoyment, and I admitted that the most criticalcould have found no fault with the group. 

After exerting myself to seem exceedingly cheerful, and laughingheartily at a well-worn jest of Mr. Hearn's, I went to my room andrested till dinner, and I slept away the afternoon as on the previousday. 

My plan was now to get sufficiently strong to take my departure by thefollowing Monday, and I was glad indeed that the tonic of out-of-doorair promised an escape from a position in which I must continuallyseem to be what I was not--a cheerful man in the flood tide ofconvalescence. Were it not that my kind friends at the farmhouse wouldhave been grievously hurt, I would have left at once. 

As I returned from my ride the next day, Mr. Hearn greeted me with anewspaper in his hand. 

"I'm indebted to you, " he said, in his most gracious manner, "for avery kindly mention here. So small a donation was not worth theimportance you give it, but you have put the matter so happily andgracefully that it may lead other men of means to do likewise at thevarious places of their summer sojourn. You editors are able to wielda great deal of influence. "

I bowed, and said I was glad the paragraph had been worded in a waynot disagreeable to him. 

"Oh, it was good taste itself, I assure you, sir. It seemed thenatural expression of your interest in that which interests your goodfriends here. "

When I came down to dinner I saw that there was an unwonted fire inMiss Warren's eyes and unusual color in her cheeks. Moreover, Iimagined that her replies to the few remarks that I addressed to herwere brief and constrained. "She is no dissembler, " I thought;"something has gone wrong. "

After dinner I went to my room for a book, and as I came out I met herin the hall. 

"Mr. Morton, " she said, with characteristic directness, "if you hadgiven a sum toward a good object in a quiet country place, would youhave been pleased to see the fact paraded before those having nonatural interest in the matter?"

"I have never had the power to be munificent, Miss Warren, " I replied, with some embarrassment. 

"Please answer me, " she insisted, with a little impatient tap of thefloor with her foot. 

"No, " I said bluntly. 

"Did you think it would be pleasing to me?"

"Pardon me, " I began, "that I did not sufficiently identify you withMr. Hearn--"

"What!" she interrupted, blushing hotly, "have I given any reason fornot being identified with him?"

"Not at all--not in one sense, " I said bitterly. "Of course you areloyalty itself. "

She turned away so abruptly as to surprise me a little. 

"You had no more right to think it would be pleasing to him than tome, " she resumed coldly. 

"Miss Warren, " I said, after a moment, "don't turn your back on me. Iwon't quarrel with you, and I promise to do nothing of the kindagain;" and I spoke gravely and a little sadly. 

"When you speak in that way you disarm me completely, " she said, withone of the sudden illuminations of her face that I so loved to see;but I also noted that she had become very pale, and as my eyes methers I thought I detected the old frightened look that I had seen whenI had revealed my feelings too clearly after my illness. 

"She fears that I may again speak as I ought not, " I thought; andtherefore I bowed quietly and passed on. Mr. Hearn was reading thepaper on the piazza. I took a chair and went out under the elm, notfar away. In a few moments Miss Warren joined her affianced, and satdown with some light work. 

"Emily, " I heard the banker say, as if the topic were uppermost in hismind, "I'd like to call your attention to this paragraph. I think ourfriend has written it with unusual good taste and grace, and I'vetaken pains to tell him so. "

I could not help hearing his words; but I would not look up to see herhumiliation, and turned a leaf, as if intent on my author. 

After a moment she said, with slight but clear emphasis:

"I can't agree with you. "

A little later she went to the piano; but I never heard her play sobadly. A glance at Mr. Hearn revealed that his dignity and complacencyhad received a wound that he was inclined to resent. I strolled awaymuttering:

"She has idealized him as she did Old Plod, but after all it's not avery serious foible in a man of millions. "

Before the day passed she found an opportunity to ask:

"Why did you not tell me that Mr. Hearn had spoken to you approvinglyof that paragraph?"

"I would not willingly say anything to annoy you, " I replied quietly. 

"Did you hear him call my attention to it?"

"I could not help it. "

"You did not look up and triumph over me. "

"That would have given me no pleasure. "

"I believe you, " she said, in a low tone; but she devoted herself soassiduously to the stately banker that he became benignness itself. Ialso observed that Mr. Yocomb looked in vain for the paper after tea. "I happened to destroy the copy, " I said very innocently. 

CHAPTER XI

POOR ACTING

The last week that I proposed to spend at the farmhouse was passingquietly and uneventfully away. I was gaining steadily though notrapidly in physical strength, but not in my power to endure mydisappointment with equanimity, much less with resignation. In thedelirium of my fever I kept constantly repeating the words--so Mrs. Yocomb told me--"It's all wrong. " Each successive day found thesewords on my lips again with increasing frequency. It seemed contraryto both right and reason that one should so completely enslave me, andthen go away leaving me a bound and helpless captive. The convictiongrew stronger that no such power over me should have been given toher, if her influence was to end only in darkening my life andcrippling my power to be a forceful man among men. I felt withinstinctive certainty that my burden would be too heavy to leave methe elastic spring and energy required by my exacting profession. Ahopeful, eager interest in life and the world at large was the firstnecessity to success in my calling; but already I found a leadenapathy creeping over me which even the powerful motives of pride, andmy resolute purpose to seem cheerful that she might go on to herbright future unregretfully, were not sufficiently strong to banish. If I could not cope with this despondency in its inception, how couldI face the future?

At first I had bitterly condemned my weakness; but now I began torecognize the strength of my love, which, so far from being a meresudden passion, was the deep, abiding conviction that I had met theonly woman I could marry--the woman whom my soul claimed as its mate, because she possessed the power to help me and inspire me to tirelesseffort toward better living and nobler achievement. Her absolute truthwould keep me true and anchored amid the swift, dark currents of theworld to which I was exposed. I feared, with almost instinctivecertainty, that I would become either a brooding, solitary man or elsea very ambitious and reckless one, for I was conscious of no reservestrength which would enable me to go steadfastly on my way under thecalm and inexorable guidance of duty. 

Such was my faith in her that I had no hope whatever. If she loved andhad given her troth to another man, it would not be in her nature tochange, therefore my purpose had simplified itself to the effort toget through this one week at the farmhouse in a manner that wouldenable me to carry away the respect of all its inmates, but especiallythe esteem of one to whom I feared I seemed a rash, ill-balanced man. So carefully had I avoided Miss Warren's society, and yet so freelyand frankly, apparently, had I spoken to her in the presence of heraffianced, that his suspicions were evidently banished, and he treatedme with a gracious and patronizing benignity. He saw no reason why heshould not turn on me the light of his full and smiling countenance, which might be taken as an emblem of prosperity; and, in truth, I gavehim no reason. So rigid was the constraint under which I kept myselfthat jealousy itself could not have found fault. 

With the exception of the two momentary interviews recorded in theprevious chapter, we had not spoken a syllable together, except in hispresence, nor had I permitted my eyes to follow her with a wistfulglance that he or she could intercept. Even Mrs. Yocomb appeared tothink that I was recovering in more senses than one, and by frequentromps with the children, jests and chaffing with Mr. Yocomb andReuben, by a little frank and ostentatious gallantry to Adah, which nolonger deceived even her simple mind, since I never sought herexclusive society as a lover would have done, I confirmed theimpression. 

And yet, in spite of all efforts and disguises, the truth will oftenflash out unexpectedly and irresistibly, making known all that wehoped to hide with the distinctness of the lightning, which revealedeven the color of the roses on the night of the storm. 

The weather had become exceedingly warm, and Miss Warren's somewhatportly suitor clung persistently to the wide, cool veranda. Adah satthere frequently also; sometimes she read to the children fairystories, of which Adela, Mr. Hearn's little girl, had brought a greatstore, and she seemed to enjoy them quite as much as her eager-eyedlisteners; but more often she superintended their doll dressmaking, over which there were the most animated discussions. The banker wouldlook on with the utmost content, while he slowly waved his palm-leaffan. Indeed the group was pretty enough to justify all the pleasure hemanifested. 

The rustic piazza formed just the setting for Adah's beauty, and herlight summer costume well suggested her perfect and womanly form, while the companionship of the children proved that she was almost asguileless and childlike as they. The group was like a bubbling, sparkling spring, at which the rather advanced man of the world sippedwith increasing pleasure. 

Miss Warren also gave much of her time to the children, and beguiledthem into many simple lessons at the piano. Zillah was true to herfirst love, but Adela gave to Adah a decided preference; and when theyentered on the intense excitement of making a new wardrobe for each ofthe large dolls that Mr. Hearn had brought, Adah had the advantage, for she was a genius in such matters, and quite as much interested asthe little girls themselves. 

In my desperate struggle with myself, I tried not even to see MissWarren, for every glance appeared to rivet my chains, and yet I gainedthe impression that she was a little restless and _distraite_. Sheseemed much at her piano, not so much for Mr. Hearn's sake as herown, and sometimes I was so impressed by the strong, passionate musicthat she evoked that I was compelled to hasten beyond its reach. Itmeant too much to me. Oh, the strange idolatry of an absorbingaffection! All that she said or did had for me an indescribable charmthat both tortured and delighted. Still every hour increased myconviction that my only safety was in flight. 

My faithful ally, Reuben, still took me on long morning drives, and inthe afternoon, with my mail and paper, I sought secluded nooks in asomewhat distant grove, which I reached by the shady lane, of which Ihad caught a glimpse with Miss Warren on the first evening of myarrival. But Friday afternoon was too hot for the walk thither. Thebanker had wilted and retired to his room. Adah and the children wereout under a tree. The girl looked up wistfully and invitingly as Icame out. 

"I wish I were an artist, Miss Adah, " I cried. "You three make alovely picture. "

Remembering an arbor at the further end of the garden, I turned mysteps thither, passing rapidly by the spot where I had seen my Eve whowas not mine. 

I had entered the arbor before I saw it was occupied, and wassurprised by the vivid blush with which Miss Warren greeted me. 

"Pardon me, " I said, "I did not know you were here, " and I was aboutto depart, with the best attempt at a smile that I could muster. 

She sprang up and asked, a little indignantly: "Am I infected with apestilence that you so avoid me, Mr. Morton?"

"Oh, no, " I replied, with a short, grim laugh; "if it were only apestilence--I fear I disturbed your nap; but you know I'm a bornblunderer. "

"You said we should be friends, " she began hesitatingly. 

"Do you doubt it?" I asked gravely. "Do you doubt that I wouldhesitate at any sacrifice--?"

"I don't want sacrifices. I wish to see you happy, and your mannernatural. "

"I'm sure I've been cheerful during the past week. "

"No, you have only seemed cheerful; and often I've seen you look asgrim, hard, and stern as if you were on the eve of mortal combat. "

"You observe closely, Miss Warren. "

"Why should I not observe closely? Do you think me inhuman? Can Iforget what I owe you, and that you nearly died?"

"Well, " I said dejectedly, "what can I do? It seems that I have playedthe hypocrite all the week in vain. I will do whatever you ask. "

"I was in hopes that as you grew well and strong you would throw offthis folly. Have you not enough manhood to overcome it?"

"No, Miss Warren, " I said bluntly, "I have not. What little manhood Ihad led to this very thing. "

"Such--such--"

"Enthrallment, you may call it. "

"No, I will not; it's a degrading word. I would not have a slave if Icould. "

"Since I can't help it, I don't see how you can. I may have been apoor actor, but I know I've not been obtrusive. "

"You have not indeed, " she replied a little bitterly; "but you have nocause for such feelings. They seem to me unnatural, and the result ofa morbid mind. "

"Yes, you have thought me very ill balanced from the first; but I'mconstrained to use such poor wits as I possess. In the abstract itstrikes me as not irrational to recognize embodied truth andloveliness, and I do not think the less of myself because I reachedsuch recognition in hours rather than in months. I saw your very selfin this old garden, and every subsequent day has confirmed thatimpression. But there's no use in wasting words in explanation--Idon't try to explain it to myself. But the fact is clear enough. Bysome necessity of my nature, it is just as it is. I can no more helpit than I can help breathing. It was inevitable. My only chance wasnever meeting you, and yet I can scarcely wish that even now. Perhapsyou think I've not tried, since I learned I ought to banish yourimage, but I have struggled as if I were engaged in a mortal combat, as you suggested. But it's of no use. I can't deceive you any morethan I can myself. Now you know the whole truth, and it seems thatthere is no escaping it in our experience. I do not expect anything. Iask nothing save that you accept the happiness which is your perfectright; for not a shadow of blame rests on you. If you were not happy Ishould be only tenfold more wretched. But I've no right to speak toyou in this way. I see I've caused you much pain; I've no right evento look at you feeling as I do. I would have gone before, were it notfor hurting Mrs. Yocomb's feelings. I shall return to New York nextMonday; for--"

"Return to New York!" she repeated, with a sudden and deep breath; andshe became very pale. After a second she added hastily, "You are notstrong enough yet; we are the ones to go. "

"Miss Warren, " I said, almost sternly, "it's little that I ask of youor that you can give. I may not have deceived you, but I have theothers. Mrs. Yocomb knows; but she is as merciful as my own motherwould have been. I'm not ashamed of my love--I'm proud of it; but it'stoo sacred a thing, and--well, if you can't understand me I can'texplain. All I ask is that you seem indifferent to my course beyondordinary friendliness. There! God bless you for your patient kindness;I will not trespass on it longer. You have the best and kindest heartof any woman in the world. Why don't you exult a little over yourconquest? It's complete enough to satisfy the most insatiablecoquette. Don't look so sad. I'll be your merry-hearted friend yetbefore I'm eighty. "

But my faint attempt at lightness was a speedy failure, for my strongpassion broke out irresistibly. 

"O God!" I exclaimed, "how beautiful you are to me! When shall Iforget the look in your kind, true eyes? But I'm disgracing myselfagain. I've no right to speak to you. I wish I could never see youagain till my heart had become stone and my will like steel;" and Iturned and walked swiftly away until, from sheer exhaustion, I threwmyself under a tree and buried my face in my hands, for I hated thewarm, sunny light, when my life was so cheerless and dark. 

I lay almost as if I were dead for hours, and the evening was growingdusky when I arose and wearily returned to the farmhouse. They wereall on the veranda except Miss Warren, who was at her piano again. Mrs. Yocomb met me with much solicitude. 

"Reuben was just starting out to look for thee, " she said. 

"I took a longer ramble than I intended, " I replied, with a laugh. "Ithink I lost myself a little. I don't deserve any supper, and onlywant a cup of tea. " Miss Warren played very softly for a moment, and Iknew she was listening to my lame excuses. 

"It doesn't matter what thee wants; I know what thee needs. Thee isn'tout of my hands altogether yet; come right into the dining-room. "

"I should think you would be slow to revolt against such a benigngovernment, " remarked Mr. Hearn most graciously, and the thoughtoccurred to me that he was not displeased to have me out of the way solong. 

"Yes, indeed, " chimed in Mr. Yocomb; "we're always all the better forminding mother. Thee'll find that out, Richard, after thee's been herea few weeks longer. "

"Mr. Yocomb, you're loyalty itself. If women ever get their rights, our paper will nominate Mrs. Yocomb for President"

"I've all the rights I want now, Richard, and I've the right to scoldthee for not taking better care of thyself. "

"I'll submit to anything from you. You are wiser than the advancedfemale agitators, for you know you've all the power now, and that wemen are always at your mercy. "

"Well, now that thee talks of mercy, I won't scold thee, but give theethy supper at once. "

"Thee always knew, Richard, how to get around mother, " laughed thegenial old man, whose life ever seemed as mellow and ripe as a juicyfall pippin. 

Adah followed her mother in to assist her, and I saw that Miss Warrenhad turned toward us. 

"Why, Richard Morton!" exclaimed Mrs. Yocomb, as I entered the lighteddining-room. "Thee looks as pale and haggard as a ghost. Thee musthave got lost indeed and gone far beyond thy strength. "

"Can--can I do anything to assist you, Mrs. Yocomb?" asked a timidvoice from the doorway. 

I was glad that Adah was in the kitchen at the moment, for I lost atonce my ghostly pallor. "Yes, " said Mrs. Yocomb heartily, "come in andmake this man eat, and scold him soundly for going so far away as toget lost when he's scarcely able to walk at all. I've kind of promisedI wouldn't scold him, and somebody must. "

"I'd scold like Xanthippe if I thought it would do any good, " shesaid, with a faint smile; but her eyes were full of reproach. For amoment Mrs. Yocomb disappeared behind the door of her china closet, and Miss Warren added, in a low, hurried whisper to me, "You promisedme to get well; you are not keeping your word. "

"That cuts worse than anything Xanthippe could have said. "

"I don't want to cut, but to cure. "

"Then become the opposite of what you are; that would cure me. "

"With such a motive I'm tempted to try, " she said, with a half-reckless laugh, for Adah was entering with some delicate toast. 

"Miss Adah, " I cried, "I owe you a supper at the Brunswick for this, and I'll pay my debt the first chance you'll give me. "

"If thee talks of paying, I'll not go with thee, " she said, a littlecoldly; and she seemingly did not like the presence of Miss Warren northe tell-tale color in my cheeks. 

"That's a deserved rebuke, Miss Adah. I know well enough that I cannever repay all your kindness, and so I won't try. But you'll go withme because I want you to, and because I will be proud of your company. I shall be the envy of all the men present. "

"They'd think me very rustic, " she said, smiling. 

"Quite as much so as a moss-rose. But you'll see. I will be besiegedthe next few days by my acquaintances for an introduction, and myaccount of you will make them wild. I shall be, however, a very dragonof a big brother, and won't let one of them come near you who is not asaint--that is, as far as I am a judge of the article. "

"Thee may keep them all away if thee pleases, " she replied, blushingand laughing. "I should be afraid of thy fine city friends. "

"I'm afraid of a good many of them myself, " I replied; "but some aregenuine, and you shall have a good time, never fear. "

"I'll leave you to arrange the details of your brilliant campaign, "said Miss Warren, smiling. 

"But thee hasn't scolded Richard, " said Mrs. Yocomb, who was seeminglybusy about the room. 

"My words would have no weight. He knows he ought to be ashamed ofhimself, " she answered from the doorway. 

"I am, heartily, " I said, looking into her eyes a moment. 

"Since he's penitent, Mrs. Yocomb, I don't see as anything more can bedone, " she replied, smilingly. 

"I don't think much of penitence unless it's followed by reformation, "said my sensible hostess. "We'll see how he behaves the next fewweeks. "

"Mr. Morton, I hope you will let Mrs. Yocomb see a daily change forthe better for a long time to come. She deserves it at your hands, "and there was almost entreaty in the young girl's voice. 

"She ought to know better than to ask it, " I thought. My only answerwas a heavy frown, and I turned abruptly away from her appealingglance. 

"I think Emily Warren acts very queer, " said Adah, after the younglady had gone; "she's at her piano half the time, and I know from hereyes that she's been crying this afternoon. If ever a girl was engagedto a good, kind man, who would give her everything, she is. I don'tsee--"

"Adah, " interrupted her mother, "I hoped thee was overcoming thattrait. It's not a pleasing one. If people give us their confidence, very well; if not, we should be blind. "

The girl blushed vividly, and looked deprecatingly at me. 

"You meant nothing ill-natured, Miss Adah, " I said, gently; "it isn'tin you. Come, now, and let me tell you and your mother what a goodtime I'm planning for you in New York, " and we soon made the olddining-room ring with our laughter. Mr. Yocomb, Reuben, and thechildren soon joined us, and the lovers were left alone on the shadowyporch. From the gracious manner of Mr. Hearn the following morning, Ithink he rather thanked me for drawing off the embarrassing thirdparties. 

CHAPTER XII

THE HOPE OF A HIDDEN TREASURE

The next day I lured Reuben off on a fishing excursion to a mountainlake, and so congratulated myself on escaping ordeals to which I foundmyself wholly unequal. We did not reach the farmhouse till quite latein the evening, and found that Mr. Hearn and Miss Warren were outenjoying a moonlight ride. As on the previous evening, all the familygathered around Reuben and me as we sat down to our late supper, thelittle girls arranging with delight the sylvan spoil that I hadbrought them. They were all so genial and kind that I grieved to thinkthat I had but one more evening with them, and I thought of mycheerless quarters in New York with an inward shiver. 

Before very long Mr. Hearn entered with Miss Warren, and the bankerwas in fine spirits. 

"The moonlit landscapes were divine, " he said. "Never have I seen themsurpassed--not even in Europe. "

It was evident that his complacency was not easily disturbed, for Ithought that a more sympathetic lover would have noted that hiscompanion was not so enthusiastic as himself. Indeed Miss Warrenseemed to bring in with her the cold pale moonlight. Her finely-chiselled oval face looked white and thin as if she were chilled, andI noticed that she shivered as she entered. 

"Come, " cried Mr. Yocomb, in his hearty way; "Emily, thee and Mr. Hearn have had thy fill of moonlight, dew, and such like unsubstantialstuff. I'm going to give you both a generous slice of cold roast-beef. That's what makes good red blood; and Emily, thee looks as if theeneeded a little more. Then I want to see if we cannot provoke thee toone of thy old-time laughs. Seems to me we've missed it a little oflate. Thy laugh beats all thy music at the piano. "

"Yes, Emily, " said Mr. Hearn, a little discontentedly, "I think youare growing rather quiet and _distraite_ of late. When have I heardone of your genuine, mirthful laughs?"

With a sudden wonder my mind took up his question. When had I heardher laugh, whose contagious joyousness was so infectious that I, too, had laughed without knowing why? I now remembered that it was beforehe came; it was that morning when my memory, more kind than my fate, still refused to reveal the disappointment that now was crushing myvery soul; it was when all in the farmhouse were so glad at my assuredrecovery. Reuben had said that she was like a lark that day--that sheequalled Dapple in her glad life. I could recall no such day since, though her lover was present, and her happiness assured. Even he wasbeginning to note that the light of his countenance did not illumineher face--that she was "quiet and _distraite_. "

Manlike, I had to think it all out, but I thought swiftly. The echo ofhis words had scarcely died away before the light of a great hopeflashed into my face as my whole heart put the question:

"Can it be only sympathy?"

She met my eager glance shrinkingly. I felt almost as if my lifedepended on the answer that she might consciously or unconsciouslygive. Why did she fall into painful and even piteous confusion?

But her womanly pride and strong character at once assertedthemselves, for she arose quietly, saying, "I do not feel well thisevening, " and she left the room. 

Mr. Hearn followed precipitately, and was profuse in hiscommiseration. 

"I shall be well in the morning, " she said, with such clear, confidentemphasis that it occurred to me that the assurance was not meant forhis ears only; then, in spite of his entreaties, she went to her room. 

I wanted no more supper, and made a poor pretence of keeping Reubencompany, and I thought his boy's appetite never would be satisfied. Mymind was in such a tumult of hope and fear that I had to strive withmy whole strength for self-mastery, so as to excite no surmises. Mrs. Yocomb gave me a few inquiring glances, thinking, perhaps, that I wasshowing more solicitude about Miss Warren than was wise; but in factthey were all so simple-hearted, so accustomed to express all theythought and felt, that they were not inclined to search for hidden andsubtle motives. Even feigning more bungling than mine would have keptmy secret from them. Adah seemed relieved at Miss Warren's departure. Mr. Hearn lighted a cigar and sat down on the piazza; as soon aspossible I pleaded fatigue and retired to my room, for I was eager tobe alone that I might, unwatched, look with fearful yet glisteningeyes on the trace I had discovered of an infinite treasure. 

I again sat down by the window and looked into the old garden. Thepossibility that the woman that I had there seen, undisguised in herbeautiful truth, might be drawing near me, under an impulse too strongto be resisted, thrilled my very soul. "It's contrary to reason, toevery law in nature, " I said, "that she should attract me with suchtremendous gravitation, and yet my love have no counteraction. 

"And yet, " I murmured, "beware--beware how you hope. Possibly she ismerely indisposed. It is more probable that her feelings toward youare those of gratitude only and of deep sympathy. She is under theimpression that you saved her life, and that she has unwittinglyblighted yours; and, as Mrs. Yocomb said, she is so kind-hearted, sosensitive, that the thought shadows her life and robs it of zest andhappiness. You cannot know that she is learning to return your love inspite of herself, simply because she is pale and somewhat sad. Shewould think herself, as she said, inhuman if she were happy andserene. I must seek for other tests;" and I thought long and deeply. "Oh, Will Shakespeare!" I at last murmured, "you knew the human heart, if any one ever did. I remember now that you wrote:

"'A murd'rous guilt shows not itself more soon Than love that wouldseem hid. '

"Oh, for the eyes of Argus. If all the mines of wealth in the worldwere uncovered, and I might have them all for looking, I'd turn awayfor one clear glimpse into her woman's heart to-night. Go to New Yorkon Monday! No, not unless driven away with a whip of scorpions. Noeagle that ever circled those skies watched as I'll stay and watch forthe faintest trace of this priceless secret. No detective, stimulatedby professional pride and vast reward, ever sought proof of 'murd'rousguilt' as I shall seek for evidences of this pure woman's love, formore than life depends on the result of my quest. "

Words like these would once have seemed extravagant and absurd, but inthe abandon of my solitude and in my strong excitement they butinadequately expressed the thoughts that surged through my mind. Butas I grew calmer, Conscience asked to be heard. 

"Just what do you propose?" it asked; "to win her from another, whonow has every right to her allegiance and love? Change places, and howwould you regard the man who sought to supplant you? You cannot winhappiness at the expense of your honor. "

Then Reason added, with quiet emphasis, "Even though your conscienceis not equal to the emergency, hers will be. She will do what seemsright without any regard for the consequences. If you sought to wooher now, she would despise you; she would regard it as an insult thatshe would never forgive. It would appear proof complete that youdoubted her truth, her chief characteristic. "

Between them they made so strong a case against me that my heart sankat the prospect. But hope is the lever that moves the world onward, and the faint hope that had dawned on my thick night was too dear andbright a one to leave me crushed again by my old despondency, and Ifelt that there must be some way of untangling the problem. If thewall of honor hedged me in on every side, I would _know_ the factto be true before I accepted it. 

"I do not propose to woo her, " I argued; and possibly my goodresolution was strengthened by the knowledge that such a course wouldbe fatal to my hope; "I only intend to discover what may possiblyexist. I never have intentionally sought to influence her, even by aglance, since I knew of her relation to Mr. Hearn. I'm under noobligation to this prosperous banker; I'm only bound by honor in theabstract. They are not married. Mrs. Yocomb would say that I had beenbrought hither by an overruling Providence--it certainly was not aconscious choice of mine--and since I met this woman everything hasconspired to bring me to my present position. I know I'm not to blamefor it--no more than I was for the storm or the lightning bolt. What aclod I should be were I indifferent to the traits that she hasmanifested! I feel with absolute certainty that I cannot help theimpression that she has made on me. If I could have foreseen it all, Imight have remained away; but I was led hither, and kept here by myillness till my chains are riveted and locked, and the key is lost. Icannot escape the fact that I belong to her, body and soul. 

"Now suppose, for the sake of argument, that gratitude, respect, friendliness, a sense of being unprotected and alone in the world, have led to her engagement with the wealthy, middle-aged banker, andthat through it all her woman's heart was never awakened: such a thingat least is possible. If this were true, she would be no more to blamethan I, and we might become the happy victims of circumstances. I'mnot worthy of her, and never shall be, but I can't help that either. After all, it seems to me that that which should fulfil my hope is nota ledger balance of good qualities, but the magnetic sympathy of twonatures that supplement each other, and were designed for each otherin Heaven's match-making. Even now my best hope is based on the truththat she attracts me so irresistibly, and though a much smaller bodymorally, I should have some corresponding attraction for her. If herwoman's heart has become mine, what can she give him? Her very truthmay become my most powerful ally. If she still loves him, I will goaway and stay away; if it be in accordance with my trembling hope, Ihave the higher right, and I will assert it to the utmost extent of mypower. Shall the happiness of two lives be sacrificed to hisunflagging prosperity? Could it ever be right for him to lead her bodyto the altar and leave her heart with me? Could she, who is truthitself, go there and perjure herself before God and man? No! athousand times no! It has become a simple question of whom she loves, and I'll find out if Shakespeare's words are true. If she has love forme, let her bury it never so deeply, my love will be the divining-rodthat will inevitably discover it. "

Having reached this conclusion, I at last slept, in the small hours ofthe night. 

I thought I detected something like apprehension in her eyes when Imet her in the morning. Was she conscious of a secret that mightreveal itself in spite of her? But she was cheerful and decided in hermanner, and seemed bent on assuring Mr. Hearn that she was well again, and all that he could desire. 

Were I in mortal peril I could not have been more vigilantly on myguard. Not for the world would I permit her to know what was passingin my mind--at least not yet--and as far as possible I resumed my oldmanner. I even simulated more dejection than I felt, to counterbalancethe flash of hope that I feared she had recognized on the previousevening. 

I well knew that all her woman's strength, that all her woman's prideand exalted sense of honor would bind her to him, who was serenelysecure in his trust. My one hope was that her woman's heart was myally; that it would prove the strongest; that it would so assertitself that truth and honor would at last range themselves on itsside. Little did the simple, frank old Quaker realize the passionatealternations of hope and fear that I brought to his breakfast-tablethat bright Sunday. 

All that my guarded scrutiny could gather was that Miss Warren was alittle too devoted and thoughtful of her urbane lover, and that hercheerfulness lacked somewhat in spontaneity. 

It was agreed at the breakfast-table that we should all go to meeting. 

"Mrs. Yocomb, " I said, finding her alone for a moment, "won't you bemoved this morning? I need one of your sermons more than any heathenin Africa. Whatever your faith is, I believe in it, for I've seen itsfruits. "

"If a message is given to me I will not be silent; if not, it would bepresumptuous to speak. But my prayer is that the Spirit whom weworship may speak to thee, and that thou wilt listen. Unless Hespeaks, my poor words would be of no avail. "

"You are a mystery to me, Mrs. Yocomb, with your genial homely farmlife here, and your mystical spiritual heights at the meeting-house. You seem to go from the kitchen by easy and natural transition toregions beyond the stars, and to pass without hesitancy from thecompanionship of us poor mortals into a Presence that is to mesupremely awful. "

"Thee doesn't understand, Richard. The little faith I have I take withme to the kitchen, and I'm not afraid of my Father in heaven becausehe is so great and I'm so little. Is Zillah afraid of her father?"

"I suppose you are right, and I admit that I don't understand, and Idon't see how I could reason it out. "

"God's children, " she replied, "as all children, come to believe manyblessed truths without the aid of reason. It was not reason thattaught me my mother's love, and yet, now that I have children, itseems very reasonable. I think I learned most from what she said to meand did for me. If ever children were assured of love by theirHeavenly Father, we have been; if it is possible for a human soul tobe touched by loving, unselfish devotion, let him read the story ofChrist. "

"But, Mrs. Yocomb, I'm not one of the children. "

"Yes, thee is. The trouble with thee is that thee's ashamed, or atleast that thee won't acknowledge the relation, and be true to it. "

"Dear Mrs. Yocomb, " I cried in dismay, "I must either renounceheathenism or go away from your influence, " and I left precipitately. 

But in truth I was too far gone in human idolatry to think long uponher words; they lodged in my memory, however, and I trust will neverlose their influence. 

CHAPTER XIII

THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE AGAIN

Reuben and I, with Dapple, skimmed along the country roads, and myhope and spirits kindled, though I scarcely knew why. We were early atthe meeting-house, and, to my joy, I gained my old seat, in which Ihad woven my June day-dream around the fair unknown Quakeress whoseface was now that of a loved sister. What ages, seemingly, had elapsedsince that fateful day! What infinite advances in life's experiences Ihad made since I last sat there! How near I had come to theexperiences of another life! The fact made me grave and thoughtful. And yet, if my fear and not my hope were realized, what a burden wasimposed upon me with the life that disease had spared! Had I even Mrs. Yocomb's faith, I knew it would be a weight under which I would oftenstagger and faint. 

Before very long the great family rockaway unloaded its preciousfreight at the horse-block, and Adah and Miss Warren entered, followedby the little girls. In secret wonder I saw Adah pause before the samelong, straight-backed bench or pew, and Miss Warren take the placewhere I had first seen my "embodiment of June. " Mrs. Yocomb wentquietly to her place on the high seat. 

"The spell continues to work, but with an important change, " Ithought. 

In a few moments Mr. Yocomb marshalled in Mr. Hearn, and placed him inthe end of the pew next to Miss Warren on the men's side, so that theymight have the satisfaction of sitting together, as if at church. Hethen looked around for me; but I shook my head, and would not go uphigher. 

Soon all the simple, plainly apparelled folk who would attend that daywere in their places, and the old deep hush that I so well rememberedsettled down upon us. The sweet low monotone of the summer wind wasplaying still among the maples. I do believe that it was the same oldbumblebee that darted in, still unable to overcome its irate wonder ata people who could be so quiet and serene. The sunlight flickered inhere and there, and shadowy leaves moved noiselessly up and down thewhitewashed wall. Only the occasional song of a bird was wanting toreproduce the former hour, but at this later season the birds seemcontent with calls and chirpings, and in the July heat they werealmost as silent as we were. 

But how weak and fanciful my June day-dream now seemed. Then woman'sinfluence on my life was but a romantic sentiment. I had then conjuredup a pretty vista full of serene, quiet domestic joys, which were tobe a solace merely of my real life of toil and ambition. I had thoughtmyself launched on a shining tide that would bear me smoothly to aquiet home anchorage; but almost the first word that Emily Warrenspoke broke the spell of my complacent, indolent dream, and I awoke tothe presence of an earnest, large-souled woman, who was my peer, andin many respects my superior; whom, so far from being a mere householdpet, could be counsellor and friend, and a daily inspiration. Insteadof shrinking from the world with which I must grapple, she alreadylooked out upon its tangled and cruel problems with clear, intelligent, courageous eyes; single-handed she had coped with it andwon from it a place and respect. And yet, with all her strength andfearlessness, she had kept her woman's heart gentle and tender. Oh, who could have better proof of this than I, who had seen her facebending over the little unconscious Zillah, and who had heard her lowsob when she feared I might be dying. 

The two maidens sat side by side, and I was not good enough to thinkof anything better or purer than they. Adah, with her face composed toits meeting-house quiet, but softened and made more beautiful bypassing shades of thought; still it seemed almost as young andchildlike as that of Zillah. Miss Warren's profile was less round andfull, but it was more finely chiselled, and was luminous with mind. The slightly higher forehead, the more delicately arched eyebrow, thedeeper setting of her dark, changing eyes, that were placed wide apartbeneath the overhanging brow, the short, thin, tremulous upper lip, were all indications of the quick, informing spirit which made herface like a transparency through which her thoughts could often beguessed before spoken; and since they were good, noble, genialthoughts, they enhanced her beauty. And yet it had occurred to me morethan once that if Miss Warren were a depraved woman she could give toevil a deadly fascination. 

"Are her thoughts wandering like mine?" I mused. With kindling hope Isaw her face grow sad, and I even imagined that her pallor increased. For a long time she looked quietly and fixedly before her, as didAdah, and then she stole a shy, hesitating glance at Mr. Hearn by herside; but the banker seemingly had found the silent meeting a trifledull, for his eyes were heavy, and all life and animation had fadedout of his full white face. Was it my imagination, or did she slightlyshrink from him? In an almost instantaneous flash she turned a littlemore and glanced at me, and I was caught in the act of almostbreathless scrutiny. A sudden red flamed in her cheeks, but not aFriend of them all was more motionless than she at once became. 

My conscience smote me. Though I watched for her happiness as truly asmy own, the old meeting-house should have been a sanctuary even fromthe eyes of love. I knew from the expression of her face that she hadnot liked it; nor did I blame her. 

I was glad to have the silence of the meeting broken; for a venerableman rose slowly from the high seat and reverently enunciated thewords:

"'The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 

"'He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh thebow and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in thefire. 

"'Be still, and know that I am God. '

"The quiet, reverent bowing of the heart to His will is often the mostacceptable worship that we can offer, " he began, and if he had stoppedthere the effect would have been perfect; but he began to talk and toramble. With a sense of deep disappointment I dreaded lest the hourshould pass and that Mrs. Yocomb would not speak; but as the oldgentleman sat down, that rapt look was on her face that I rememberedseeing on the night of the storm. She rose, took off her deep Quakerbonnet, and laid it quietly on the seat beside her; but one saw thatshe was not thinking of it or of anything except the truth whichfilled her mind. 

Clasping her hands before her she looked steadfastly toward heaven fora few moments, and then, in a low, sweet, penetrating monotone, repeated the words:

"'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the worldgiveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither letit be afraid. '"

She paused a moment, and I gazed in wonder at her serene, upliftedface. She had spoken with such an utter absence of self-consciousnessor regard for externals as to give the strong impression that thewords had come again from heaven through her lips, and were endowedwith a new life and richer meaning; and now she seemed waiting forwhatever else might be given to her. 

Could that inspired woman, who now looked as if she might have stoodunabashed on the Mount of Transfiguration, be my genial, untiringnurse, and the cheery matron of the farmhouse, whose deft hands hadmade the sweet, light bread we had eaten this morning? I had longloved her; but now, as I realized as never before the grand compass ofher womanly nature, I began to reverence her. A swift glance at MissWarren revealed that the text had awakened an interest so deep as tosuggest a great and present need, for the maiden was leaning slightlytoward the speaker and waiting with parted lips. 

"As I sat here, " Mrs. Yocomb began, looking down upon us with a grave, gentle aspect, "these words came to me as if spoken in my soul, and Iam constrained to repeat them unto you. I'm impressed with the truththat peace is the chief need of the world--the chief need of everyhuman heart. Beyond success, beyond prosperity, beyond happiness, isthe need of peace--the deep, assured rest of the soul that is akin tothe eternal calmness of Him who spake these words. 

"The world at large is full of turmoil and trouble. The sounds of itswretched disquietude reach me even in this quiet place and at thisquiet hour. I seem to hear the fierce uproar of battle; for while weare turning our thoughts up to the God of peace, misguided men aredealing death-blows to their fellow men. I hear cries of rage, I hearthe groans of the dying. But sadder than these bloody fields of openstrife are the dark places of cruelty. I hear the clank of theprisoner's chain, and the crack of the slave-driver's whip. I seedesperate and despairing faces revealing tortured souls to whom thelight of each day brings more bitter wrongs, viler indignities, untilthey are ready to curse God for the burden of life. Sadder still, Ihear the dark whisperings of those who would destroy the innocent andcast down the simple. I hear the satanic laugh of such as are false tosacred trusts and holy obligations, who ruthlessly as swine arerending hearts that have given all the pearls they had. From thatsacred place, home, come to me hot words of strife, drunken, brutalblows, and the wailing of helpless women and children. Saddest of allearthly sounds, I hear the wild revelry of those who are not thevictims of evil in others, but who, while madly seeking happiness, areblotting out all hope of happiness, and who are committing that crimeof crimes, the destruction of their own immortal souls. Did I say thelast was the saddest of earthly sounds? There comes to me another, atwhich my heart sinks; it is the sound of proud arrogant voices, whoare explaining that faith is a delusion, that prayer is wasted breath, that the God of the Bible is a dream of old-time mystics, and thatChrist died in vain. I hear the moan of Mary at the sepulchre repeatedfrom thousands of hearts, 'They have taken away my Lord. ' O God, forgive those who would blot out the dearest hope which has eversustained humanity. Can there be peace in a world wherein we can neverescape these sad, terrible, discordant sounds? The words that I haverepeated were spoken in just such a world when the din of evil was atits worst, and to those who must soon suffer all the wrong that theworld could inflict. "

After a brief pause of silent waiting she continued:

"But is the turmoil of the world a far-away sound, like the sullenroar of angry waves beating on a shore that rises high and enduring, securing us safety and rest? Beyond the deep disquietude of the worldat large is the deeper unrest of the human heart. No life can be sosecluded and sheltered but that anxieties, doubts, fears, andforeboding will come with all their disturbing power. Often sorrowsmore bitter than death are hidden by smiling faces, and in our quietcountry homes there are men and women carrying burdens that arecrushing out hope and life: mothers breaking their hearts over waywardsons and daughters; wives desperate because the men who wooed them asblushing maidens have forgotten their vows, and have become swinishsots; men disheartened because the sweet-faced girls that they thoughtwould give them a home have become vile slatterns, busybodies, shrill-tongued shrews, who banish the very thought of peace and rest, whowaste their substance and eat out their hearts with care. Oh, theclouds of earth are not those which sweep across the sun, but thosewhich rise out of unhappy hearts and evil lives. These are the cloudsthat gather over too many in a leaden pall, and it seems as if nolight could ever break through them. There are hearts to whom lifeseems to promise one long, hopeless struggle to endure an incurablepain. Can there be peace for such unhappy ones? To just such humanhearts were the words spoken, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I giveunto you. '"

Then came one of those little pauses that were quite as impressive asthe preceding words. Although my interest was almost breathless, Iinvoluntarily looked toward one whom I now associated with everythought. 

"O God!" I exclaimed mentally, "can that be the aspect of a maidenhappy in her love and hope?" Her face had become almost white, andacross the pallor of her cheeks tear followed tear, as from a full andbitter fountain. 

"Never, in all this evil world, " the speaker resumed, "was there suchcruel, bitter mockery as these words would be if they were not true--if He who spake them had no right to speak them. And what right wouldHe have to speak them if He were merely a man among men--a part of theworld which never has and never can give peace to the troubled soul?How do we know these words are true? How do we know He had a right tospeak them? Thank God! I know, because He has kept His word to me. Thank God! Millions know, because He has proved His power to them. Thescourged, persecuted, crucified disciples found that He was with themalways, even unto the end. Oh, my friends, it is this living, loving, spiritual Presence that uplifts and sustains the sinking heart whenthe whole great world could only stand helplessly by. 'Not as theworld giveth, give I unto you. ' Yes, thank thee, Lord, 'not as theworld. ' In spite of the world and the worst it can do, in spite of ourevil and the worst it can do, in spite of our sorrows, our fears, ourpains and losses, our bitter disappointments, thou canst give peace;thou hast given peace. No storm can harm the soul that rests on theRock of Ages, and by and by He will say to the storm, 'Peace, bestill, ' and the light of heaven will come. Then there shall be no morenight. 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shallbe no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there beany more pain; for the former things are passed away. '"

The light and gladness of that blessed future seemed to have come intoher sweet, womanly face. I looked out of the window to hide tears ofwhich I was fool enough to be ashamed. 

When she spoke again her voice was low and pitiful, and her face fullof the divinest sympathy. "Dear friends, " she said, "it was not merelypeace that he promised, but his peace. 'My peace I give unto you. 'Remember, it was the man of sorrows who spoke; remember that he wasacquainted with grief; remember that years of toil and hardship werebehind him, and that Gethsemane and Calvary were before him; rememberthat one would betray him, and that all would desert him. When hespoke, the storm of the world's evil was breaking upon him morecruelly and remorselessly than it ever has on any tempted soul. Hesuffered more because more able to suffer. But beneath all was thesacred calm of one who is right, and who means to do right to the end, cost what it may. The peace that he promises is not immunity from painor loss, or the gratification of the heart's earthly desires. Hisnatural and earthly desires were not gratified; often ours cannot be. His peace came from self-denial for the good of others, from theconsciousness that he was doing his Father's will, and from theassurance that good would come out of the seeming evil. Suffer hemust, because he was human, and in a world of suffering; but he choseto suffer that we might know that he understands us, and sympathizeswith us when we suffer. To each and to all he can say, I was temptedin all points like unto thee. When we wander he goes out after us;when we fall he lifts us up; when we faint he takes us in his arms andcarries us on his bosom. O great heart of love! thy patience nevertires, never wearies. Thou canst make good to us every earthly loss;thy touch can heal every wound of the soul. Even though life be onelong martyrdom, yet through thy Presence it may be a blessed life, full of peace. 

"Because our Lord was a man of sorrows, was he in love with sorrows?or does he love to see storms gathering around his people? No. It wasnot with _his_ sorrows, but with _our_ sorrows, that he was afflicted. He so loved the world that he could not be glad when we were sad. Itis said that there is no record that Jesus ever smiled; but thoselittle children whom he took in his arms and blessed know that hesmiled. I doubt whether he ever saw a flower but that, no matter howweary from the hot day's long journey, he smiled back upon it. Theflowers are but his smiles, and the world is full of them. Still he isnaturally and very justly associated with sorrow; for when on earth hesought out those in trouble, and the distressed and the suffering soonlearned to fly to him. What was the result? Were the shadows deepened?Was the suffering prolonged? Let the sisters of Bethany answer you;let the widow of Nain answer you. Let the great host of the lame, blind, diseased, and leprous answer. Look into the gentle, serene eyesof Mary Magdalene, once so desperate and clouded by evil, and thenknow whether he brings sorrow or joy to the world. Just as the sunfollows the night that it may bring the day, so the Sun ofRighteousness seeks out all that is dark in our lives that hemay shine it away. Gladness, then, should be the rule of our lives. Nothing to him is so pleasing as gladness, if it comes from the heartof pilgrims truly homeward bound; but if sorrow comes, oh, turn not tothe world, for the best thing in it can give no peace, no rest. Simplydo right, and leave the results with him who said, even under theshadow of his cross, 'My peace I give unto you. ' Accept this message, dear friends, and 'Let not your hearts be troubled, and neither letthem be afraid. '" And she sat down quietly and closed her eyes. 

There was here and there a low sob from the women, and the eyes ofsome of the most rugged-featured men were moist. The hush thatfollowed was broken by deep and frequent sighs. Mr. Yocomb sat withhis face lifted heavenward, and I knew it was serene and thankful. Theeyes of Reuben, who was beside me, rested on his mother in simple, loving devotion. As yet she was his religion. Adah was looking alittle wonderingly but sympathetically at Miss Warren, whose bowedhead and fallen veil could not hide her deep emotion. The banker, too, looked at her even more wonderingly. At last the most venerable man onthe high seat gave his hand to another white-haired Friend beside him, and the congregation began slowly and quietly to disperse. 

"Come, Reuben, " I said, in a whisper, "let us get away, quick. "

He looked at me in surprise, but in a few moments the old meeting-house was hidden behind us among the trees. Dapple's feet scarcelytouched the ground; but I sat silent, absorbed, and almostoverwhelmed. 

"Didn't--didn't thee like what mother said?" Reuben asked, after awhile, a little hurt. 

I felt at once that he misunderstood my silence, and I put my armaround his neck as I said, "Reuben, love and honor your mother thelongest day you live. She is one among a million. 'Liked!' It matteredlittle whether I liked it or not; she made it seem God's own truth. "

"And to think, Richard, that if it hadn't been for thee--"

"Hush, Reuben. To think rather that she waited on me for days andnights together. Well, I could turn Catholic and worship one saint. "

"I'm glad she's only mother, " said the boy, with a low laugh; "and, Richard, she likes me to have a good time as much as I do myself. Shealways made me mind, but she's been jolly good to me. Oh, I love her;don't thee worry about that. "

"Well, whatever happens, " I said, with a deep breath, "I thank God forthe day that brought me to her home. "

"So do I, " said the boy; "so do we all; but confound Emily Warren'sgrandfather! I don't take to him. He thinks we're wonderfully simplefolks, just about good enough to board him and that black-eyed witchof his. I do kind of like her a little bit, she's so saucy-likesometimes. One day she commenced ordering me around, and I stood andstared at the little miss in a way that she won't forget. "

"She'll learn to coax by and by, and then you'll do anything for her, Reuben. "

"P'raps, " he said, with a half smile on his ruddy face. 

CHAPTER XIV

LOVE TEACHING ETHICS

On reaching the farmhouse I went directly to my room, and I wishedthat I might stay there the rest of the day; but I was soon summonedto dinner. In Miss Warren's eyes still lingered the evidences of herdeep feeling, but her expression was quiet, firm, and resolute. Theeffect of the sermon upon her was just what I anticipated in case myhope had any foundation--it had bound her by what seemed the strongestof motives to be faithful to the man who she believed had the right toher fealty. 

"Well, " I thought bitterly, "life might have brought her a heaviercross than marrying a handsome millionaire, even though considerablyher senior. I'm probably a conceited fool for thinking it any verygreat burden at all. But how, then, can I account--? Well, well, timealone can unravel this snarl. One thing is certain: she will donothing that she does not believe right; and after what Mrs. Yocombsaid I would not dare to wish her to do wrong. "

Mrs. Yocomb did not come down to dinner, and the meal was a quiet one. Mr. Yocomb's eyes glistened with a serene, happy light, but he atesparingly, and spoke in subdued tones. He reminded me of the quaintold scripture--"A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine. " Whatevermight be said against his philosophy, it produced good cheer andpeace. Adah, too, was very quiet; but occasionally she glanced towardMiss Warren as if perplexed and somewhat troubled. Mr. Hearn seemedwrought up into quite a religious fervor. He was demonstrativelytender and sympathetic toward the girl at his side, and waited on herwith the effusive manner of one whose feelings must have some outlet. His appetite, however, did not flag, and I thought he seemed to enjoyhis emotions and his dinner equally. 

"Mr. Morton, " he said impressively, "you must have liked that sermonexceedingly. "

"Indeed, sir, " I replied briefly, "I have scarcely thought whether Iliked it or not. "

Both he and Miss Warren looked at me in surprise; indeed all didexcept Reuben. 

"I beg your pardon, but I thought Mrs. Yocomb expressed herselfadmirably, " he said, with somewhat of the air of championship. 

"She certainly expressed herself clearly. The trouble with me is thatthe sermon is just what Mrs. Yocomb would call it--a message--and onescarcely knows how to dodge it. I never had such a spiritual blowbetween the eyes before, and think I'm a little stunned yet. "

A smile lighted up Miss Warren's face. "Mrs. Yocomb would like yourtribute to her sermon, I think, " she said. 

"What most bewilders me, " I resumed, "is to think how Mrs. Yocomb hasbeen waiting on me and taking care of me. I now feel like the peasantwho was taken in and cared for by the royal family. "

"I think our friend Mr. Morton is in what may be termed 'a frame ofmind, '" said Mr. Hearn a little satirically. 

"Yes, sir, I am, " I replied emphatically. "I believe that adequatecauses should have some effects. It does not follow, however, that myframe of mind is satisfactory to any one, least of all to Mrs. Yocomb. "

"Your contact with the truth, " said Mr. Hearn, laughing, "is somewhatlike many people's first experience of the ocean--you are much stirredup, but have not yet reached the point of yielding to the mysteriousmalady. "

I was disgusted, and was about to reply with a sarcastic complimentupon the elegance of his illustration, when a look of pain upon MissWarren's face checked me, and I said nothing. Lack of delicacy was oneof Mr. Hearn's gravest faults. While courtly, polished, and refined inexternals, he lacked in tact and nicety of discrimination. He oftensaid things which a finer-fibred but much worse man would never havesaid. He had an abundance of intellect, great shrewdness, vast willforce, and organizing power, but not much ideality or imagination. This lack rendered him incapable of putting himself in the place ofanother, and of appreciating their feelings, moods, and motives. Themost revolting thought to me of his union with Miss Warren was that hewould never appreciate her. He greatly admired and respected her, buthis spiritual eyes were too dim to note the exquisite bloom on hercharacter, or to detect the evanescent lights and shades of thoughtand feeling of which to me her mobile face gave so many hints. Hewould expect her to be like the July days now passing--warm, bright, cloudless, and in keeping with his general prosperity. 

"They will disappoint each other inevitably, " I thought, "and it'sstrange that her clear eyes cannot see it when mine can. It is perhapsthe strongest evidence of her love for him, since love is blind. Stillshe may love and yet be able to see his foibles and failings clearly;thousands of women do this. But whether the silken cord of love or thechain of supposed duty binds her to him now, I fear that Mrs. Yocomb'ssermon has made her his for all time. "

Her manner confirmed my surmise, for she apparently gave me littlethought, and was unobtrusively attentive and devoted to him. He hadthe good taste to see that further personal remarks were notagreeable; and since his last attempted witticism fell flat, did notattempt any more. Our table-talk flagged, and we hastened through themeal. After it was over he asked:

"Emily, what shall we do this afternoon?"

"Anything you wish, " she replied quietly. 

"That's the way it will always be, " I muttered as I went dejectedly tomy room. "Through all his life it has been 'anything you wish, ' andnow it would seem as if religion itself had become his ally. There isnothing to me so wonderful as some men's fortune. Earth and heavenseem in league to forward their interests. But why was she so moved atthe meeting-house? Was it merely religious sensibility? It might havebeen we were all moved deeply. Was it my imagination, or did shereally shrink from him, and then glance guiltily at me? Even if shehad, it might have been a momentary repulsion caused by his drowsy, heavy aspect at the time, just as his remark at dinner gave her anunpleasant twinge. These little back eddies are no proof that there isnot a strong central current. 

"Can it be that she was sorrowful in the meeting-house for my sakeonly? I've had strong proof of her wonderful kindness of heart. Well, God bless her anyway. I'll wait and watch till I know the truth. Isuppose I'm the worst heathen Mrs. Yocomb ever preached to, but I'mgoing to secure Emily Warren's happiness at any cost. If she trulyloves this man, I'll go away and fight it out so sturdily that sheneed not worry. That's what her sermon means for me. I'm not going topump up any religious sentiment. I don't feel any. It's like walkinginto a bare room to have a turn with a thumb-screw; but Mrs. Yocombhas hedged me up to just this course. Oh, the gentle, inexorablewoman! Satan himself might well tremble before her. There is but onethat I fear more, and that's the woman I love most. Gentle, tender-hearted as she is, she is more inexorable than Mrs. Yocomb. It's alittle strange, but I doubt whether there is anything in the universethat so inspires a man with awe as a thoroughly good, large-mindedwoman. "

I could not sleep that afternoon, and at last I became so weary of theconflict between my hope and fear that I was glad to hear Miss Warrenat the piano, playing softly some old English hymns. The day wasgrowing cool and shadowy, but I hoped that before it passed I mightget a chance to say something to her which would give a differentaspect to the concluding words of Mrs. Yocomb's sermon. I haddetermined no longer to avoid her society, but rather to seek it, whenever I could in the presence of others, and especially of heraffianced. They had returned from a long afternoon in the arbor, whichI knew must occasion Miss Warren some unpleasant thoughts, and thebanker was sitting on the piazza chatting with Adah. 

I strolled into the parlor with as easy and natural a manner as Icould assume, and taking my old seat by the window, said quietly:"Please go on playing, Miss Warren. "

She turned on me one of her swift looks, which always gave me theimpression that she saw all that was in my mind. Her color rose alittle, but she continued playing for a time. Then with her right handevoking low, sweet chords, she asked, with a conciliatory smile:

"Have you been thinking over Mrs. Yocomb's words this afternoon?"

"Not all the time--no. Have you?"

"How could I all the time?"

"Oh, I think you can do anything under heaven you make up your mind todo, " I said, with a slight laugh. The look she gave now was a littleapprehensive, and I added hastily: "I've had one thought that I don'tmind telling you, for I think it may be a pleasant one, though it mustrecall that which is painful. The thought occurred to me when Mrs. Yocomb was speaking, and since, that your brother had perfect peace ashe stood in that line of battle. "

She turned eagerly toward me, and tears rushed into her eyes. 

"You may be right, " she said, in a low, tremulous tone. 

"Well, I feel sure I'm right. I know it, if he was anything like you. "

"Oh, then I doubt it. I'm not at all brave as he was. You ought toknow that. "

"You have the courage that a veteran general most values in a soldier. You might be half dead from terror, but you wouldn't run away. Besides, " I added, smiling, "you would not be afraid of shot andshell, only the noise of a battle. In this respect your brother, nodoubt, differed from you. In the grand consciousness of right, and inhis faithful performance of duty, I believe his face was as serene asthe aspect of Mr. Yocomb when he looked at the coming storm. As far aspeace is concerned, his heaven began on earth. I envy him. "

"Mr. Morton, I thank you for these words about my brother, " she saidvery gently, and with a little pathetic quaver in her voice. "Theyhave given me a comforting association with that awful day. Oh, Ithank God for the thought. Remembering what Mrs. Yocomb said, itreconciles me to it all, as I never thought I could be reconciled. IfHerbert believed that it was his duty to be there, it was best heshould be there. How strange it is that you should think of thisfirst, and not I!"

"Will you pardon me if I take exception to one thing you say? I do notthink it follows that he ought to have been there simply because hefelt it right to be there. "

"Why, Mr. Morton! ought one not to do right at any and every cost?That seemed to me the very pith of Mrs. Yocomb's teaching, and I thinkshe made it clear that it's always best to do right. "

"I think so too, most emphatically; but what is right, Miss Warren?"

"That's too large a question for me to answer in the abstract; but isnot the verdict of conscience right for each one of us?"

"I can't think so, " I replied, with a shrug. "About every grotesque, horrible act ever committed in this world has been sanctioned byconscience. Delicate women have worn hair-cloth and walked barefootedon cold pavements in midnight penance. The devil is scarcely morecruel than the Church, for ages, taught that God was. It's true thatChrist's life was one of self-sacrifice; but was there any useless, mistaken self-sacrifice in it? If God is anything like Mrs. Yocomb, nothing could be more repugnant to him than blunders of this kind. "

She looked at me with a startled face, and I saw that my words hadunsettled her mind. 

"If conscience cannot guide, what can?" she faltered. "Is notconscience God's voice within us?"

"No. Conscience may become God's worst enemy--that is, any God that Icould worship or even respect. "

"Mr. Morton, you frighten me. How can I do right unless I follow myconscience?"

"Yes, " I said sadly, "you would, in the good old times, have followedit over stony pavements, in midnight penance, or now into any thornypath which it pointed out; and I believe that many such paths leadaway from the God of whom Mrs. Yocomb spoke to-day. Miss Warren, I'm aman of the world, and probably you think my views on these subjectsare not worth much. It's strange that your own nature does not suggestto you the only sure guide. It seems to me that conscience shouldalways go to truth for instructions. The men who killed your brotherthought they were right as truly as he did; but history will provethat they were wrong, as so many sincere people have been in everyage. He did not suffer and die uselessly, for the truth was beneathhis feet and in his heart. "

"Dear, brave, noble Herbert!" she sighed. "Oh, that God had spared himto me!"

"I wish he had, " I said, with quiet emphasis. "I wish he was with youhere and now. "

Again she gave me a questioning, troubled look through her tears. 

"Then you believe truth to be absolutely binding?" she asked, in a lowvoice. 

"Yes. In science, religion, ethics, or human action, nothing can last--nothing can end well that is not built squarely on truth. "

She became very pale; but she turned quietly to her piano as she said:

"You are right, Mr. Morton; there can be no peace--not even self-respect--without truth. My nature would be pitiful indeed did it notteach me that. "

She had interpreted my words in a way that intensified the influenceof Mrs. Yocomb's sermon. To be false to the trust that she had led heraffianced to repose in her still seemed the depth of degradation. Ifeared that she would take this view at first, but believed, if myhope had any foundation, she would think my words over so often thatshe would discover a different meaning. 

And my hope was strengthened. If she loved Mr. Hearn, why did sheturn, pale and quiet, to her piano, which had always appeared a refugeto her, when I had seemingly spoken words that not only sanctioned butmade the course which harmonized with her love imperative? Even thepossibility that in the long days and nights of my delirium I hadunconsciously wooed and won her heart, so thrilled and overcame methat I dared not trust myself longer in her presence, and I went outon the piazza--a course eminently satisfactory to Mr. Hearn, no doubt. I think he regarded our interview as becoming somewhat extended. Hehad glanced at me from time to time, but my manner had been too quietto disturb him, and he could not see Miss Warren's face. The words heoverheard suggested a theological discussion rather than anything of apersonal nature. It had been very reassuring to see Miss Warren turnfrom me as if my words had ceased to interest her, and my coming outto talk with Adah confirmed the impression made by my manner allalong, that we were not very congenial spirits. It also occurred to methat he did not find chatting with Adah a very heavy cross, for neverhad she looked prettier than on that summer evening. But now that MissWarren was alone he went in and sat down by her, saying so loudly thatI could not help hearing him, as I stood by the window:

"I think you must have worsted Mr. Morton in your theologicaldiscussion, for he came out looking as if he had a great deal to thinkabout that was not exactly to his taste; but Miss Adah will--" andthen his companion began playing something that drowned his voice. 

CHAPTER XV

"DON'T THINK OF ME"

Mrs. Yocomb appeared at supper, serene and cheerful; but she was palerthan usual, and she still looked like one who had but just descendedfrom a lofty spiritual height. No reference whatever was made to themorning. Mrs. Yocomb no longer spoke on religious themes directly, butshe seemed to me the Gospel embodied, as with natural kindly grace shepresided at her home table. Her husband beamed on her, and looked asif his cup was overflowing. Reuben's frank, boyish eyes often turnedtoward her in their simple devotion, while Zillah, who sat next toher, had many a whispered confidence to give. Adah's accent was gentleand her manner thoughtful. Miss Warren looked at her from time to timewith a strange wistfulness--looked as if the matron possessed aserenity and peace that she coveted. 

"Emily, " said Mr. Yocomb, "thee doesn't think music's wicked, doesthee?"

"No, sir, nor do you either. "

"What does thee think of that, mother?"

"I think Emily converted thee over to her side before she had beenhere two days. "

"Thee's winked very hard at my apostasy, mother. I'm inclined to thinkthee was converted too, on the third or fourth day, if thee'd own up. "

"No, " said Mrs. Yocomb, with a smile at her favorite, "Emily won myheart on the first day, and I accepted piano and all. "

"Why, Mrs. Yocomb!" I exclaimed--for I could not forego the chance tovindicate myself--"I never considered you a precipitate, ill-balancedperson. "

Miss Warren's cheeks were scarlet, and I saw that she understood mewell. I think Mrs. Yocomb guessed my meaning, too, for her smile was alittle peculiar as she remarked demurely, "Women are different frommen: they know almost immediately whether they like a person or not. Iliked thee in half a day. "

"You like sinners on principle, Mrs. Yocomb. I think it was my generaldepravity and heathenism that won your regard. "

"No, as a woman I liked thee. Thee isn't as bad as thee seems. "

"Mr. Yocomb, I hope you don't object to this, for I must assure youmost emphatically that I don't. "

"Mother's welcome to love thee all she pleases, " said the oldgentleman, laughing. "Indeed, I think I egg her on to it. "

"Good friends, " said Miss Warren, with her old mirthful look, "you'llturn Mr. Morton's head; you should be more considerate. "

"I am indeed bewildered. Miss Warren's keen eyes have detected my weakpoint. "

"A man with so stout a heart, " Mr. Hearn began, "could well afford--"and then he hesitated. 

"To be weak-headed, " I said, finishing his sentence. "I fear you aremistaken, sir. I can't afford it at all. "

"Thee was clear-headed enough to get around mother in half an hour, "said the old gentleman again, laughing heartily. "It took me severalmonths. "

"Thee was a little blind, father. I wasn't going to let thee see howmuch I thought of thee till I had kept thee waiting a proper time. "

"That's rich!" I cried, and I laughed as I had not since my illness. "How long is a proper time, Mrs. Yocomb? I remember being once toldthat a woman was a mystery that a man could never solve. I fear it'strue. "

"Who told you that?" asked Mr. Hearn; for I think he noticed my swiftglance at Miss Warren, who looked a little conscious. 

"As I think of it, I may have read it in a newspaper, " I saiddemurely. 

"I'm not flattered by your poor memory, Mr. Morton, " remarked MissWarren quietly. "I told you that myself when you were so mystified bymy fearlessness of Dapple and my fear of the cow. "

"I've learned that my memory is sadly treacherous, Miss Warren. "

"A man who is treacherous only in memory may well be taken as amodel, " remarked Mr. Hearn benignly. 

"Would you say that of one who forgot to pay you his debts?"

"What do you owe me, Mr. Morton?"

"I'm sure I don't know. Good-will, I suppose Mrs. Yocomb wouldsuggest. "

"Well, sir, I feel that I owe you a great deal; perhaps more than Irealize, as I recall your promptness on that memorable night of thestorm. "

"I was prompt--I'll admit that, " I said grimly, looking at theceiling. 

"Mr. Yocomb, how long would it have taken the house to burn up if thefire had not been extinguished?" Mr. Hearn asked. 

"The interior, " replied Mr. Yocomb very gravely, "would all have beenin flames in a very few moments, for it's old and dry. "

"Ugh!" exclaimed Adah, shudderingly. "Richard--"

I put my finger on my lips. "Miss Adah, " I interrupted, "I'd rather bestruck by lightning than hear any more about that night. "

"Yes, " said Miss Warren desperately, "I wish I could forget that nightforever. "

"I never wish to forget the expression on your face, Miss Warren, whenwe knew Zillah was alive. If that didn't please God, nothing in thisworld ever did. "

"Oh, hush!" she cried. 

"Emily, I think you cannot have told me all that happened. "

"I can't think of it any more, " she said; and her face was full oftrouble. "I certainly don't know, and have never thought how Ilooked. "

"Mr. Morton seems to have been cool enough to have been veryobservant, " said the banker keenly. 

"I was wet enough to be cool, sir. Miss Warren said I was not fit tobe seen, and the doctor bundled me out of the room, fearing I wouldfrighten Zillah into hysterics. Hey, Zillah! what do you think ofthat?"

"I think the doctor was silly. I wouldn't be afraid of thee any morethan of Emily. "

"Please let us talk and think of something else, " Miss Warren pleaded. 

"I don't want to forget what I owe to Richard, " said Reuben a littleindignantly. I trod on his foot under the table. "Thee needn't try tostop me, Richard Morton, " continued the boy passionately. "I couldn'thave got mother out alone, and I'd never left her. Where would we be, Emily Warren, if it hadn't been for Richard?"

"In heaven, " I said, laughing, for I was determined to prevent ascene. 

"Well, I hope so, " Reuben muttered; "but I don't mind being inmother's dining-room. "

Even Mrs. Yocomb's gravity gave way at this speech. 

As we rose from the table, Zillah asked innocently:

"Emily, is thee crying or laughing?"

"I hardly know myself, " she faltered, and went hastily to her room;but she soon came down again, looking very resolute. 

"Emily, " said Mr. Yocomb, "since thee and mother doesn't think music'swicked, I have a wonderful desire to hear thee sing again, 'Tell methe Old, Old Story, ' as thee did on the night of the storm. "

In spite of her brave eyes and braver will, her lip trembled. 

I was cruel enough to add, "And I would be glad to listen to theTwelfth Nocturne once more. "

For some reason she gave me a swift glance full of reproach. 

"I will listen to anything, " I said quickly. 

Mr. Hearn looked a little like a man who feared that there might besubterranean fires beneath his feet. 

"I will not promise more than to be chorister to-night, " she said, sitting down to the piano with her back toward us. "Let us havefamiliar hymns that all can sing. Miss Adah has a sweet voice, and Mr. Morton, no doubt, is hiding his talent in a napkin. There's a book foryou, sir. I'm sorry it doesn't contain the music. "

"It doesn't matter, " I said; "I'm equally familiar with Choctaw. "

"Adela and Zillah, you come and stand by me. Your little voices arelike the birds'. "

We all gathered in the old parlor, and spent an hour that I shallnever forget. I had a tolerable tenor, and an ear made fairly correctby hearing much music. Mr. Hearn did not sing, but he seeminglyentered into the spirit of the occasion. Before very long Miss Warrenand I were singing some things together. Mr. Hearn no doubt comparedour efforts unfavorably with what he had heard in the city, but thesimple people of the farmhouse were much pleased, and repeatedly askedus to continue. As I was leaning over Miss Warren's shoulder, findinga place in the hymn-book on the stand, she breathed softly:

"Have you told them you are going to-morrow?"

"No, " I replied. 

"Can you leave such friends?"

"Yes. "

"You ought not. It would hurt them cruelly;" and she made some runs onthe piano to hide her words. 

"If _you_ say I ought not to go, I'll stay--Ah, this is the one Iwas looking for, " I said, in a matter-of-fact tone; but she played themusic with some strange slips and errors; her hands were nervous andtrembling, and never was the frightened look that I had seen beforemore distinctly visible. 

After we had sung a stanza or two she rose and said, "I think I'mgetting a little tired, and the room seems warm. Wouldn't you like totake a walk?" she asked Mr. Hearn, coming over to his side. 

He arose with alacrity, and they passed out together. I did not seeher again that night. 

The next morning, finding me alone for a moment, she approached, hesitatingly, and said:

"I don't think I ought to judge for you. "

"Do you wish me to go?" I asked, sadly, interpreting her thought. 

She became very pale, and turned away as she replied, "Perhaps you hadbetter. I think you would rather go. "

"No, I'd rather stay; but I'll do as you wish. "

She did not reply, and went quickly to her piano. 

I turned and entered the dining-room where Mrs. Yocomb and Adah wereclearing away the breakfast. Mr. Yocomb was writing in his littleoffice adjoining. 

"I think it is time I said good-by and went back to New York. "

In the outcry that followed, Miss Warren's piano became silent. 

"Richard Morton!" Mrs. Yocomb began almost indignantly, "if theehasn't any regard for thyself, thee should have some for thy friends. Thee isn't fit to leave home, and this is thy home now. Thee doesn'tcall thy hot rooms in New York home, so I don't see as thee has gotany other. Just so sure as thee goes back to New York now, thee'll besick again. I won't hear to it. Thee's just beginning to improve alittle. "

Adah looked at me through reproachful tears, but she did not sayanything. Mr. Yocomb dropped his pen and came out, looking quiteexcited:

"I'll send for Doctor Bates and have him lay his commands on thee, " hesaid. "I won't take thee to the depot, and thee isn't able to walkhalf way there. Here, Emily, come and talk reason to this crazy man. He says he's going back to New York. He ought to be put in a strait-jacket. Doesn't thee think so?"

Her laugh was anything but simple and natural. 

As she said "I do indeed, " Mr. Hearn had joined her. 

"What would thee do in such an extreme case of mental disorder?"

"Treat him as they did in the good old times: get a chain and lock himup on bread and water. "

"Would thee then enjoy thy dinner?"

"That wouldn't matter if he were cured. "

"I think Mr. Morton would prefer hot New York to the remedies thatEmily prescribes, " said Mr. Hearn, with his smiling face full ofvigilance. 

"Richard, " said Mrs. Yocomb, putting both her hands on my arm, "Ishould feel more hurt than I can tell thee if thee leaves us now. "

"Why, Mrs. Yocomb! I didn't think you would care so much. "

"Then thee's very blind, Richard. I didn't think thee'd say that. "

"You cut deep now; suppose I must go?"

"Why must thee go, just as thee is beginning to gain? Thee is as paleas a ghost this minute, and thee doesn't weigh much more than half asmuch as I do. Still, we don't want to put an unwelcome constraint onthee. "

I took her hand in both of mine as I said earnestly, "God forbid thatI should ever escape from any constraint that you put upon me. Well, Iwon't go to-day, and I'll see what word my mail brings me. " And I wentup to my room, not trusting myself to glance at the real controller ofmy action, but hoping that something would occur which would make mycourse clear. As I came out of my room to go down to dinner, MissWarren intercepted me, saying eagerly:

"Mr. Morton, don't go. If you should be ill again in New York, as Mrs. Yocomb says--"

"I won't be ill again. "

"Please don't go, " she entreated. "I--I shouldn't have said what Idid. You _would_ be ill; Mrs. Yocomb would never forgive me. "

"Miss Warren, I will do what you wish. "

"I wish what is best for you--only that. "

"I fear I cloud your happiness. You are too kind-hearted. "

She smiled a little bitterly. "Please stay--don't think of me. "

"Again, I repeat, you are too kind-hearted. Never imagine that I canbe happy if you are not;" and I looked at her keenly, but she turnedaway instantly, saying:

"Well, then, I'll be very happy, and will test you, " and she returnedto her room. 

"Mrs. Yocomb, " I said quietly at the dinner-table, "I've written tothe office saying that my friends do not think I'm well enough toreturn yet, and asking to have my leave extended. "

She beamed upon me as she replied:

"Now thee's sensible. "

"For once, " I added. 

"I expect to see thee clothed and in thy right mind yet, " she said, with a little reassuring nod. 

"Your hopeful disposition is contagious, " I replied, laughing. 

"I'd like to see thee get to the depot till we're ready to let theego, " said Reuben, emphatically. 

"Yes, " added Mr. Yocomb, with his genuine laugh, "Reuben and I are inleague against thee. "

"You look like two dark, muttering conspirators, " I responded. 

"And to think thee was going away without asking me!" Zillah put in, shaking her bright curls at me. 

"Well, you all have made this home to me, true enough. The best partof me will be left here when I do go. "

At these words Adah gave me a shy, blushing smile. 

"Mr. Morton, will you please pass me the vinegar?" said Miss Warren, in the most matter-of-fact tone. 

"Wouldn't you prefer the sugar?" I asked. 

"No; I much prefer the vinegar. "

Mr. Hearn also smiled approvingly. 

"Don't be too sure of your prey, " I said, mentally. "If she's notyours at heart--which I doubt more than ever--you shall never haveher. " But she puzzled me for a day or two. If she were not happy shesimulated happiness, and made my poor acting a flimsy pretence incontrast. She and the banker took long rides together, and she wasalways exceedingly cheerful on her return--a little too much so, Itried to think. She ignored the past as completely as possible, andwhile her manner was kind to me she had regained her old-time delicatebrusqueness, and rarely lost a chance to give me a friendly fillip. Indeed I had never known her to be so brilliant, and her spiritsseemed unflagging. Mr. Yocomb was delighted and in his large appetitefor fun applauded and joined in every phase of our home gayety. Therewas too much hilarity for me, and my hope failed steadily. 

"Now that her conscience is clear in regard to me--now that I haveremained in the country, and am getting well--her spirits have come upwith a bound, " I reasoned moodily. I began to resume my old tactics ofkeeping out of the way and of taking long rambles; but I tried to becheerfulness itself in her presence. 

On Wednesday Miss Warren came down to breakfast in a breezy, airy way, and, scarcely speaking to me as I stood in the doorway, she flittedout, and was soon romping with Zillah and Adela. As she returned, flushed and panting, I said, with a smile:

"You are indeed happy. I congratulate you. I believe I've never hadthe honor of doing that yet. "

"But you said that you would be happy also?"

"Am I not?"

"No. "

"Well, it doesn't matter since you are. "

"Oh, then, I'm no longer kind-hearted. You take Reuben's view, thatI'm a heartless monster. He scarcely speaks to me any more. You thinkI propose to be happy now under all circumstances. "

"I wish you would be; I hope you may be. What's the use of my actingmy poor little farce any longer? I don't deceive you a mite. But I'mnot going to mope and pine, Miss Warren. Don't think of me so poorlyas that. I'm not the first man who has had to face this thing. I'mgoing back to work, and I am going next Monday, surely. "

"I've no doubt of it, " she said, with sudden bitterness, "and you'llget over it bravely, very bravely;" and she started off toward thebarn, where Reuben was exercising Dapple, holding him with a longrope. The horse seemed wild with life and spirit, and did I not knowthat the beautiful creature had not a vicious trait I should havefeared for the boy. Just at this moment, Dapple in his play slippedoff his headstall and was soon careering around the dooryard in themad glee of freedom. In vain Reuben tried to catch him; for thecapricious beast would allow him to come almost within grasp, and thenwould bound away. Miss Warren stood under a tree laughing till the boywas hot and angry. Then she cried:

"I'll catch him for you, Reuben. "

I uttered a loud shout of alarm as she darted out before the gallopinghorse and threw up her arms. 

Dapple stopped instantly; in another second she had her arm around hisarched neck and was stroking his quivering nostrils. Her poise wasfull of grace and power; her eyes were shining with excitement andtriumph, and, to make her mastery seem more complete, she leaned herface against his nose. 

Dapple looked down at her in a sort of mild wonder, and was as meek asa lamb. 

"There, Reuben, come and take him, " she said to the boy, who stared ather with his mouth open. 

"Emily Warren, I don't know what to make of thee, " he exclaimed. 

Never before had I so felt my unutterable loss, and I said to heralmost savagely, in a low tone, as she approached:

"Is that the means you take to cure me--doing the bravest thing I eversaw a woman do, and looking like a goddess? I was an unspeakable foolfor staying. "

Her head drooped, and she walked dejectedly toward the house, notseeming to think of or care for the exclamations and expostulationswhich greeted her. 

"Why, Emily, were you mad?" cried Mr. Hearn above the rest; and nowthat the careering horse was being led away he hastened down to meether. 

"No, I'm tired, and want a cup of coffee, " I heard her say, and then Ifollowed Reuben to the barn. 

"She's cut me out with Dapple, " said the boy, with a crestfallen air. 

Already I repented of my harshness, into which I had been led by thesharpest stress of feeling, and was eager to make amends. Since thenight of the storm honest Reuben had given me his unwavering loyalty. Still less than Adah was he inclined or able to look beneath thesurface of things, and he had gained the impression from Miss Warren'swords that she was inclined to make light of their danger on thatoccasion, and to laugh at me generally. In his sturdy championship inmy behalf he had been growing cold and brusque toward one whom he nowassociated with the wealthy middle-aged banker, and city stylegenerally. Reuben was a genuine country lad, and was instinctivelyhostile to Fifth Avenue. While Mr. Hearn was polite to his father andmother, he quite naturally laid more stress on their businessrelations than on those of friendship, and was not slow in asking forwhat he wanted, and his luxurious tastes led him to require a gooddeal. Reuben had seen his mother worried and his father inconveniencednot a little. They made no complaint, and had no cause for any, forthe banker paid his way liberally. But the boy had not reached the agewhen the financial phase of the question was appreciated, and hisprejudice was not unnatural, for unconsciously, especially at first, Mr. Hearn had treated them all as inferiors. He now was learning toknow them better, however. There was nothing plebeian in Adah'sbeauty, and he would have been untrue to himself had he not admiredher very greatly. 

It was my wish to lead the boy to overcome his prejudice against MissWarren, so I said:

"You are mistaken, Reuben; Dapple is just as fond of you as ever. Itwas only playfulness that made him cut up so; but, Reuben, Dapple is avery sensible horse, and when he saw a girl that was brave enough tostand right out before him when it seemed that he must run over her, he respected and liked such a girl at once. It was the bravest thing Iever saw. Any other horse would have trampled on her, but Dapple hasthe nature of a gentleman. So have you, Reuben, and I know you will goand speak handsomely to her. I know you will speak to her as Dapplewould could he speak. By Jove! it was splendid, and you are man enoughto know it was. "

"Yes, Richard, it was. I know that as well as thee. There isn't a girlin the county that would have dared to do it, and very few men. And tothink she's a city girl! To tell the truth, Emily Warren is all thetime making game of thee, and that's why I'm mad at her. "

"I don't think you understand her. I don't mind it, because she nevermeans anything ill-natured; and then she loves your mother almost asmuch as you do. I give you my word, Reuben, Miss Warren and I are thebest of friends, and you need not feel as you do, because I don't. "

"Oh, well, if thee puts it that way, I'll treat her different. I tellthee what it is, Richard, I'm one that sticks to my friends throughthick and thin. "

"Well, you can't do anything so friendly to me as to make everythingpleasant for Miss Warren. How is her favorite, Old Plod?" I asked, following him into the barn. 

"Old Plod be hanged! She hasn't been near him in two weeks. "

"What!" I exclaimed exultantly. 

"What's the matter with thee, Richard? Thee and Emily are both queer. I can't make you out. "

"Well, Reuben, we mean well; you mustn't expect too much of people. "

CHAPTER XVI

RICHARD

I came in to breakfast with Reuben, feeling that Dapple had been moreof a gentleman than I had, for he had treated the maiden withgentleness and courtesy, while I had thought first of myself. Shelooked up at me as I entered so humbly and deprecatingly that I wishedthat I had bitten my tongue out rather than have spoken so harshly. 

Straightforward Reuben went to the girl, and, holding out his hand, said:

"Emily, I want to ask thy forgiveness. I've been like a bear towardthee. Thee's the bravest girl I ever saw. No country girl would havedared to do what thee did. I didn't need to have Richard lecture meand tell me that; but I thought thee was kind of down on Richard, andI've a way of standing by my friends. "

With a face like a peony she turned and took both of the boy's handsas she said warmly:

"Thank you, Reuben. I'd take a much greater risk to win yourfriendship, and if you'll give it to me I'll be very proud of it. Youare going to make a genuine man. "

"Yes, Reuben, thee'll make a man, " said his mother, with a low laugh. "Thee is as blind as a man already. "

I looked at her instantly, but she dropped her eyes demurely to herplate. I saw that Mr. Hearn was watching me, and so did not look atMiss Warren. 

"Well, " said he irritably, "I don't like such escapades; and Emily, ifanything of the kind happens again, I'll have to take you to a saferplace. "

His face was flushed, but hers was very pale. 

"It won't happen again, " she said quietly, without looking up. 

"Richard, " said Mr. Yocomb, as if glad to change the subject, "I'vegot to drive across the country on some business. I will have to begone all day. Would thee like to go with me?"

"Certainly. I'll go with you to the ends of the earth. "

"That would be too far away from mother. Thee always pulls me backvery soon, doesn't thee?"

"Well, I know thee comes, " replied his wife. "Don't tire Richard out;he isn't strong yet. "

"Richard, " said Mr. Yocomb, as we were driving up a long hill, "I wantto congratulate thee on thy course toward Emily Warren. Thee's astrong-minded, sensible man. I saw that thee was greatly taken withher at first, and no wonder. Besides, I couldn't help hearing whatthee said when out of thy mind. Mother and I kept the children awaythen, and Doctor Bates had the wink from me to be discreet; but thee'sbeen a sensible man since thee got up, and put the whole thing awayfrom thee very bravely. "

"Mr. Yocomb, I won't play the hypocrite with you. I love her betterthan my own soul. "

"Thee does?" he said, in strong surprise. 

"Yes, and I ought to have gone away long ago, I fear. How could I seeher as she appeared this morning, and not almost worship her?"

The old gentleman gave a long, low whistle. "I guess mother meant mewhen she said men were blind. "

I was silent, not daring, of course, to say that I hoped she meant me, but what I had heard and seen that morning had done much to confirm myhope. 

"Well, " said the old gentleman, "I can scarcely blame thee, since sheis what she is, and I can't help saying, too, that I think thee wouldmake her happier than that man can, with all his money. I don't thinkhe appreciates her. She will be only a part of his great possessions. "

"Well, Mr. Yocomb, I've but these requests to make. Keep this toyourself, and don't interpose any obstacles to my going next Monday. Don't worry about me. I'll keep up; and a man who will have to work asI must won't have time to mope. I won't play the weak fool, for I'drather have your respect and Mrs. Yocomb's than all Mr. Hearn'smillions; and Miss Warren's respect is absolutely essential to me. "

"Then thee thinks that mother and--and Emily know?"

"Who can hide anything from such women! They look through us as if wewere glass. "

"Mother's sermon meant more for thee than I thought. "

"Yes, I felt as if it were preached for me. I hope I may be the betterfor it some day; but I've too big a fight on my hands now to do muchelse. You will now understand why I wish to get away so soon, and whyI can't come back till I've gained a strength that is not bodily. Iwouldn't like you to misunderstand me, after your marvellous kindness, and so I'm frank. Besides, you're the kind of man that would thaw anicicle. Your nature is large and gentle, and I don't mind letting youknow. "

"Richard, we're getting very frank, and I'm going to be more so. Idon't like the way Mr. Hearn sits and looks at Adah. "

"Oh, you needn't worry about him. Mr. Hearn is respectability itself;but he's wonderfully fond of good things and pretty things. His greathouse on Fifth Avenue is full of them, and he looks at Miss Adah as hewould at a fine oil painting. "

"Thee speaks charitably of him under the circumstances. "

"I ought to try to do him justice, since I hate him so cordially. "

"Well, " said the old gentleman, laughing, "that's a new way of puttingit. Thee's honest, Richard. "

"If I wasn't I'd have no business in your society. "

"I'm worried about Emily, " broke out my companion. "She was a littlethin and worn from her long season of work when she came to us lately;but the first week she picked up daily. While thee was so sick sheseemed more worried than any one, and I had much ado to get her to eatenough to keep a bird alive; but it's been worse for the last twoweeks. She has seemed much brighter lately for some reason, but theflesh just seems to drop off of her. She takes a wonderful hold of myfeelings, and I can't help troubling about her. "

"Mr. Yocomb, your words torture me, " I cried. "It is not myimagination then. Can she love that man?"

"Well, she has a queer way of showing it; but it is one of thosethings that an outsider can't meddle with. "

I was moody and silent the rest of the day, and Mr. Yocomb had thetact to leave me much to myself; but I was not under the necessity ofacting my poor farce before him. 

The evening was quite well advanced when we reached the farmhouse; butMrs. Yocomb had a royal supper for us, and she said every one hadinsisted on waiting till we returned. Mr. Hearn had quite recoveredhis complacency, and I gathered from this fact that Miss Warren hadbeen very devoted. Such was his usual aspect when everything waspleasing to him. But she who had added so much to his life hadseemingly drained her own, for she looked so pale and thin that myheart ached. There were dark lines under her eyes, and she appearedexceedingly wearied, as if the day had been one long effort. 

"She can't love him, " I thought. "It's impossible. Confound him! he'sthe blindest man of us all. Oh that I had her insight, that I mightunravel this snarl at once, for it would kill me to see her lookinglike that much longer. What's the use of my going away? I've been awayall day; she has had the light of his smiling countenanceuninterruptedly, and see how worn she is. Can it be that my hatefulwords hurt her, and that she is grieving about me only? It'simpossible. Unselfish regard for another could not go so far if herown heart was at rest. She is doing her best to laugh and talk and toseem cheerful, but her acting now is poorer than mine ever was. She istired out; she seems like a soldier who is fighting mechanically afterspirit, courage, and strength are gone. "

Mr. Hearn informed Mr. Yocomb that important business would requirehis presence in New York for a few days. "It's an enterprise thatinvolves immense interests on both sides of the ocean, and there's tobe quite a gathering of capitalists. Your paper will be full of itbefore very long, Mr. Morton. "

"I'm always glad to hear of any grist for our mill, " I said. "Mrs. Yocomb, please excuse me. I'm selfish enough to prefer the coolpiazza. "

"But thee hasn't eaten anything. "

"Oh, yes, I have, and I made a huge dinner, " I replied carelessly, andsauntered out and lighted a cigar. Instead of coming out on thepiazza, as I hoped, Miss Warren bade Mr. Hearn good-night in the hall, and, pleading fatigue, went to her room. 

She was down to see him off in the morning, and at his requestaccompanied him to the depot. I was reading on the piazza when shereturned, and I hastened to assist her from the rockaway. 

"Miss Warren, " I exclaimed, in deep solicitude, "this long, hot ridehas been too much for you. "

"Perhaps it has, " she replied briefly, without meeting my eyes. "I'llgo and rest. "

She pleaded a headache, and did not come down to dinner. Mrs. Yocombreturned from her room with a troubled face. 

I had resolved that I would not seek to see her alone while Mr. Hearnwas away, and so resumed my long rambles. When I returned, aboutsupper time, she was sitting on the piazza watching Adela and Zillahplaying with their dolls. She did not look up as I took a seat on thesteps not far away. 

At last I began, "Can I tell you that I am very sorry you have beenill to-day?"

"I wasn't dangerous, as country people say, " she replied, a littlebrusquely. 

"You look as if Dapple might run over you now. "

"A kitten might run over me, " she replied briefly, still keeping hereyes on the children. 

By and by she asked, "Why do you look at me so intently, Mr. Morton?"

"I beg your pardon. "

"That's not answering my question. "

"Suppose I deny that I was looking at you. You have not condescendedto glance at me yet. "

"You had better not deny it. "

"Well, then, to tell you the truth, as I find I always must, I waslooking for some trace of mercy. I was thinking whether I couldventure to ask forgiveness for being more of a brute than Dappleyesterday. "

"Have your words troubled you very much?"

"They have indeed. "

"Well, they've troubled me too. You think I'm heartless, Mr. Morton;"and she arose and went to her piano. 

I followed her instantly. "Won't you forgive me?" I asked; "I'verepented. "

"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Morton. You know as well as I do that I'm the oneto ask forgiveness. "

"No, I don't, " I said, in a low, passionate tone. "I fear you aregrieving about what you can't help. "

"Can't help?" she repeated, flushing. 

"Yes, my being here makes you unhappy. If I knew it, I'd go to-night. "

"And you think that out of sight would be out of mind, " she said, witha strange smile. 

"Great God! I don't know what to think. I know that I would doanything under heaven to make you look as you did the first night Isaw you. "

"Do I look so badly?"

"You look as if you might take wings and leave us at any moment. "

"Then I wouldn't trouble you any more. "

"Then my trouble would be without remedy. Marry Mr. Hearn; marry himto-morrow, if you wish. I assure you that if you will be honestly andtruly happy, I won't mope a day--I'll become the jolliest old bachelorin New York. I'll do anything within the power of man to make you yourold joyous self. "

Now at last she turned her large, glorious eyes upon me, and theirexpression was sadness itself; but she only said quietly:

"I believe you, Mr. Morton. "

"Then tell me, what can I do?"

"Come to supper;" and she rose and left me. 

I went to my old seat by the window, and the tumult in my heart was inwide contrast with the quiet summer evening. 

"You are mistaken, Emily Warren, " I thought. "You have as much as saidthat I can do nothing for you. I'll break your chain. You shall notmarry Gilbert Hearn, if I have to protest in the very church andbefore the altar. You are mine, by the best and divinest right, andwith your truth as my ally I'll win you yet. From this hour I dedicatemyself to your happiness. Heavens, how blind I've been!"

"Come, Richard, " said Mrs. Yocomb, putting her head within the door. 

Miss Warren sat in her place, silent and apathetic. She had the aspectof one who had submitted to the inevitable, but would no longerpretend she liked it. Mr. Yocomb was regarding her furtively, with aclouded brow, and Adah's glances were frequent and perplexed. I feltas if walking on air, and my heart was aglow with gladness; but I knewher far too well to show what was in my mind. My purpose now was tobeguile the hours till I could show her what truth really required ofher. With the utmost tact that I possessed, and with all the zest thathope confirmed inspired, I sought to diffuse a general cheerfulness, and I gradually drew her into the current of our talk. After supper Itold them anecdotes of public characters and eminent people, for mycalling gave me a great store of this kind of information. Ere she wasaware, the despondent girl was asking questions, and my answers piquedher interest still more; at last, quite late in the evening, Mr. Yocomb exclaimed:

"Look here, Richard, what right has thee to keep me out of my bed longafter regular hours? I'm not a night editor. Good people, you must allgo to bed. I'm master of this house. Now, don't say anything, mother, to take me down. "

Finding myself alone with Miss Warren a moment in the hall, I asked:

"Have I not done more than merely come to supper?"

She turned from me instantly, and went swiftly up the stairway. 

But the apathetic, listless look was on her face when she came down inthe morning, and she appeared as if passively yielding to a dreadednecessity. I resumed my old tactics, and almost in spite of herselfdrew her into the genial family life. Mr. Yocomb seconded me withunflagging zeal and commendable tact, while Mrs. Yocomb surpassed usboth. Adah seemed a little bewildered, as if there were something inthe air which she could not understand. But we made the socialsunshine of the house so natural and warm that she could not resistit. 

"Reuben, " I said, after breakfast, "Miss Warren is not well. A rideafter Dapple is the best medicine I ever took. Take Miss Warren outfor a swift, short drive; don't let her say no. You have the tact todo the thing in the right way. "

She did decline repeatedly, but he so persisted that she at last said:

"There, Reuben, I will go with you. "

"I think thee might do that much for a friend, as thee calls me. "

When she returned there was a faint color in her cheeks. The rapiddrive had done her good, and I told her so as I helped her from thelight wagon. 

"Yes, Mr. Morton, it has, and I thank _you_ for the drive very much. Let me suggest that Reuben is much too honest for a conspirator. "

"Well, he was a very willing one; and I see by his face, as he drivesdown to the barn, that you have made him a happy one. "

"It doesn't take much to make him happy. "

"And would it take such an enormous amount to make you happy?"

"You are much too inclined to be personal to be an editor. The worldat large should hold your interest;" and she went to her room. 

At the dinner-table the genial spell worked on; she recognized it witha quiet smile, but yielded to its kindly power. At last she apparentlyformed the resolution to make the most of this one bright day, and shebecame the life of the party. 

"Emily, " said Mrs. Yocomb, as we rose from the table, "father proposesthat we all go on a family picnic to Silver Pond, and take our supperthere. It's only three miles away. Would thee feel strong enough togo?"

Mrs. Yocomb spoke with the utmost simplicity and innocence; but theyoung girl laughed outright, then fixed a penetrating glance on Mr. Yocomb, whose florid face became much more ruddy. 

"Evidences of guilt clearly apparent, " she said, "and Mr. Morton, too, looks very conscious. 'The best laid schemes of mice and men'--youknow the rest. Oh, yes, I'd go if I had to be carried. When webs arespun so kindly, flies ought to be caught. "

"What is the matter with you all?" cried Adah. 

"Miss Adah, if you'll find me a match for my cigar you'll make mehappy, " I said hastily, availing myself of the first line of retreatopen. 

"Is that all thee needs to make thee happy?"

"Well, one thing at a time, Miss Adah, if you please. "

As the day grew cool, Reuben came around with the family rockaway. Mrs. Yocomb and Adah had prepared a basket as large as their owngenerous natures. I placed Miss Warren beside Mrs. Yocomb on the backseat, while I took my place by Adah, with Zillah between us. LittleAdela and Reuben had become good friends, and she insisted on sittingbetween him and his father. 

As we rolled along the quiet country roads, chatting, laughing, andoccasionally singing a snatch of a song, no one would have dreamedthat any shadows rested on the party except those which slantedeastward from the trees, which often hung far over our heads. 

I took pains not to feign any forced gayety, nor had I occasion to, for I was genuinely happy--happier than I had ever been before. Nothing was assured save the absolute truth of the woman that I loved, but with this ally I was confident. I was impartial in my attentionsto Adah and Zillah, and so friendly to both that Adah was as pleasedand happy as the child. We chaffed the country neighbors whom we met, and even chattered back at the barking squirrels that whisked beforeus along the fences. Mr. Yocomb seemed almost as much of a boy asReuben, and for some reason Miss Warren always laughed most at hispleasantries. Mrs. Yocomb looked as placid and bright as Silver Pond, as it at last glistened beneath us in the breathless, sunny afternoon;but like the clear surface fringed with shadows that sank far beneaththe water, there were traces of many thoughts in her large blue eyes. 

There was a cow lying under the trees where we meant to spread ourtable. I pointed her out to Miss Warren with humorous dismay. "Shallwe turn back?" I asked. 

"No, " she replied, looking into my eyes gratefully. "You have becomeso brave that I'm not afraid to go on. "

I ignored her reference to that which I intended she should forget forone day, believing that if we could make her happy she would recognizehow far her golden-haloed lover came short of this power. So I saidbanteringly, "I'll wager you my hat that you dare not get out anddrive that terrific beast away. "

"The idea of Emily's being afraid of a cow, after facing Dapple!"cried Reuben. 

"Well, we'll see, " I said. "Stop the rockaway here. "

"What should I do with your hat, Mr. Morton?"

"Wear it, and suffer the penalty, " laughed Adah. 

"You would surely win it, " retorted the girl, a little nettled. 

"I'll wager you a box of candy then, or anything you please. "

"Let it be anything I please, " she agreed, laughing. "Mr. Morton, youare not going to let me get out alone?"

"Oh, no, " and I sprang out to assist her down. 

"She wants you to be on hand in case the ferocious beast switches itstail, " cried Adah. 

The hand she gave me trembled as I helped her out, and I saw that sheregarded the placid creature with a dread that she could not disguise. Picking up a little stick, she stepped cautiously and hesitatinglytoward the animal. While still ridiculously far away, she stopped, brandished her stick, and said, with a quaver in her threatening tone, "Get up, I tell you!"

But the cow ruminated quietly as if understanding well that there wasno occasion for alarm. 

The girl took one or two more faltering steps, and exclaimed, in avoice of desperate entreaty, "Oh, please get up!"

We could scarcely contain ourselves for laughter. 

"Oh, ye gods! how beautiful she is!" I murmured. "With her arm overDapple's neck she was a goddess. Now she's a shrinking woman. Heavengrant that it may be my lot to protect her from the real perils oflife!"

The cow suddenly switched her tail at a teasing gadfly, and the girlprecipitately sought my side. 

Reuben sprang out of the rockaway and lay down and rolled in hisuncontrollable mirth. 

"Was there anything ever so ridiculous?" cried Adah; for to thecountry girl Miss Warren's fear was affectation. 

At Adah's words Miss Warren's face suddenly became white and resolute. 

"You, at least, shall not despise me, " she said to me in a low tone;and shutting her eyes she made a blind rush toward the cow. I hadbarely time to catch her, or she would have thrown herself on thehorns of the startled animal that, with tail in air, careered awayamong the trees. The girl was so weak and faint that I had to supporther; but I could not forbear saying, in a tone that she alone heard:

"Do we ever despise that which we love supremely?"

"Hush!" she answered sternly. 

Mrs. Yocomb was soon at our side with a flask of currant wine, andAdah laughed a little bitterly as she said, "It was 'as good as aplay'!" Miss Warren recovered herself speedily by the aid of thegenerous wine, and this was the only cloud on our simple festivity. Inher response to my ardent words she seemingly had satisfied herconscience, and she acted like one bent on making the most of this oneoccasion of fleeting pleasure. 

Adah was the only one who mentioned the banker. "How Mr. Hearn wouldhave enjoyed being here with us!" she exclaimed. 

Miss Warren's response was a sudden pallor and a remorsefulexpression; but Mr. Yocomb and I speedily created a diversion ofthought; I saw, however, that Adah was watching her with a perplexedbrow. The hours quickly passed, and in the deepening shadows wereturned homeward, Miss Warren singing some sweet old ballads, towhich my heart kept time. 

She seemed both to bring the evening to a close, and sat down at thepiano. Adah and I listened, well content. Having put the children tobed Mrs. Yocomb joined us, and we chatted over the pleasant trip whilewaiting for Mr. Yocomb and Reuben, who had not returned from the barn. At last Mrs. Yocomb said heartily, as if summing it all up:

"Well, Richard, thee's given us a bright, merry afternoon. "

"Yes, Richard, " Miss Warren began, as if her heart had spokenunawares--"I beg your pardon--Mr. Morton--" and then she stopped inpiteous confusion, for I had turned toward her with all my unspeakablelove in my face. 

Adah's laugh rang out a little harshly. 

I hastened to the rescue of the embarrassed girl, saying, "I don't seewhy you should beg my pardon. We're all Friends here. At least I'mtrying to be one as fast as a leopard can change his spots and theEthiopian his skin. As for you, a tailor would say you were cut fromthe same cloth as Mrs. Yocomb. "

But for some reason she could not recover herself. She probablyrealized, in the tumult of her feeling, that she had revealed herheart too clearly, and she could not help seeing that Adah understoodher. She was too confused for further pretence, and too unnerved toattempt it. After a moment of pitiful hesitation she fled with ascarlet face to her room. 

"Well, " said Adah, with a slight hysterical laugh, "I understand EmilyWarren now. "

"Pardon me, Miss Adah, I don't think you do, " I began. 

"If thee doesn't, thee's blind indeed. "

"I am blind. "

"Be assured I'm not any longer, " and with a deep angry flush she, too, left us. 

I turned to Mrs. Yocomb, and taking both of her hands I entreated, "Asyou have the heart of a woman, never let Emily Warren marry that man. Help me--help us both!"

"My poor boy, " she began, "this is a serious matter--"

"It is indeed, " I said, passionately; "it's a question of life anddeath to us both. "

"Well, " she said, thoughtfully, "I think time and truth will be on thyside in the end; but I would advise thee not to do or say anythingrash or hasty. She is very resolute. Give her time. "

Would to God I had taken her advice!

CHAPTEE XVII

MY WORST BLUNDER

I scarcely could foresee how we should get through the following day. I both longed for and dreaded it, feeling that though it might passquietly enough, it would probably be decisive in its bearing on theproblem of my life. Miss Warren would at last be compelled to face thetruth squarely, that she had promised a man what she could not give, and that to permit him to go on blindly trusting would be impossible. The moment she realized fully that she had never truly loved him, andnow never could, she would give up the pretence. Then why should shenot see that love, duty, and truth could go together? That she hadstruggled desperately to be loyal to Mr. Hearn was sadly proved by herthin face and wasted form; but with a nature like hers, when once hergenuine love was evoked, the effort to repress it was as vain asseeking to curb a rising tide. I now saw, as I looked back over thepast weeks, that her love had grown steadily and irresistibly till ithad overwhelmed all save her will and conscience; that these stood, the two solitary landmarks of her former world. And I knew they wouldstand, and that my only hope was to stand with them. Her love had goneout to me as mine had to her, from a constraint that she could notresist, and this fact I hoped would reveal to her its sacred right tolive. With every motive that would naturally bind her to a man whocould give her so much, her heart claimed its mate in one who mustdaily toil long hours for subsistence. It would be like her torecognize that a love so unthrifty and unselfish must spring from thedeepest truths and needs of her being rather than from any passingcauses. She would come to believe as I did, that God had created usfor each other. 

But it seemed as if the whole world had changed and gone awry when wesat down to breakfast the next morning. Adah was polite to me, but shewas cool and distant. She no longer addressed me in the Friendlytongue. It was "you" now. I had ceased to be one of them, in herestimation. Her father and mother looked grave and worried, but theywere as kind and cordial to me as ever. Reuben and the little girlswere evidently mystified by the great change in the social atmosphere, but were too inexperienced to understand it. I was pained by Adah'smanner, but did not let it trouble me, feeling assured that as shethought the past over she would do me justice, and that our relationswould become substantially those of a brother and sister. 

But I was puzzled and alarmed beyond measure by Miss Warren's mannerand appearance, and my feelings alternated between the deepestsympathy and the strongest fear. She looked as if she had grown old inthe night, and was haggard from sleeplessness. Her deep eyes hadsunken deeper than ever, and the lines under them were dark indeed, but her white face was full of a cold scorn, and she held herselfaloof from us all. 

She looked again as if capable of any blind, desperate self-sacrifice. 

Simple, honest Mr. Yocomb was sorely perplexed, but Ms wife's face wasgrave and inscrutable. If I had only gone quietly away and left thewhole problem to her, how much better it would have been!

I tried to speak to Miss Warren in a pleasant, natural way; heranswers were brief and polite, but nothing more. Before the meal wasover she excused herself and returned to her room. I felt almostindignant. What had I--most of all, what had her kind, true friends, Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb--done to warrant that cold, half--scornful face?Her coming to breakfast was but a form, and she clearly wished toleave us at the earliest possible moment. Adah smiled satirically asshe passed out, and the expression did not become her fair face. 

I strode out to the arbor in the garden and stared moodily at thefloor, I know not how long, for I was greatly mystified and baffled, and my very soul was consumed with anxiety. 

"She shall listen to reason, " I muttered again and again. "Thisquestion must be settled in accordance with truth--the simple, naturaltruth--and nothing else. She's mine, and nothing shall separate us--not even her perverse will and conscience;" and so the heavy hourspassed in deep perturbation. 

At last I heard a step, and looking through the leaves I saw theobject of my thoughts coming through the garden, reading a letter. Myeyes glistened with triumph. "The chance I coveted has come, " Imuttered, and I watched her intently. She soon crushed the letter inher hand and came swiftly toward the arbor, with a face so full ofdeep and almost wild distress that my heart relented, and I resolvedto be as gentle as I before had intended to be decisive andargumentative. I hastily changed my seat to the angle by the entrance, so that I could intercept her should she try to escape the interview. 

She entered, and throwing herself down on the seat, buried her face inher arm. 

"Miss Warren, " I began. 

She started up with a passionate gesture. "You have no right tointrude on me now, " she said, almost sternly. 

"Pardon me, were I not here when you entered, I would still have aright to come. You are in deep distress. Why must I be inhuman anymore than yourself? You have at least promised me friendship, but youtreat me like an enemy. "

"You have been my worst enemy. "

"I take issue with you there at once. I've never had a thought towardyou that was not most kind and loyal. 

"Loyal!" she replied, bitterly; "that word in itself is a stab. "

"Miss Warren, " I said, very gently, "you make discord in the oldgarden to-day. "

She dropped her letter on the ground and sank on the seat again. Sucha passion of sobs shook her slight frame that I trembled withapprehension. But I kept quiet, believing that Nature could care forher child better than I could, and that her outburst of feeling wouldbring relief. At last, as she became a little more self-controlled, Isaid, gravely and kindly:

"There must be some deep cause for this deep grief. "

"Oh, what shall I do?" she sobbed. "What shall I do? I wish the earthwould open and swallow me up. "

"That wish is as vain as it is cruel. I wish you would tell me all, and let me help you. I think I deserve it at your hands. "

"Well, since you know so much, you may as well know all. It doesn'tmatter now, since every one will soon know. He has written that hisbusiness will take him to Europe within a month--that we must bemarried--that he will bring his sister here to-night to help me makearrangements. Oh! oh! I'd rather die than ever see him again. I'vewronged him so cruelly, so causelessly. "

In wild exultation I snatched a pocketbook from my coat and cried:

"Miss Warren--Emily--do you remember this little York and Lancasterbud that you gave me the day we first met? Do you remember my half-jesting, random words, 'To the victor belong the spoils'? See, thevictor is at your feet. "

She sprang up and turned her back upon me. "Rise!" she said, in avoice so cold and stern that, bewildered, I obeyed. 

She soon became as calm as before she had been passionate andunrestrained in her grief; but it was a stony quietness that chilledand disheartened me before she spoke. 

"It does indeed seem as if the truth between us could never behidden, " she said, bitterly. "You have now very clearly shown yourestimate of me. You regard me as one of those weak women of the pastwhom the strongest carry off. You have been the stronger in this case--oh, you know it well! Not even in the house of God could I escapeyour vigilant scrutiny. You hoped and watched and waited for me to befalse. Should I yield to you, you would never forget that I had beenfalse, and, in accordance with your creed, you would ever fear--thatis, if your passion lasted long enough--the coming of one stillstronger, to whom in the weak necessity of my nature, I again wouldyield. Low as I have fallen, I will never accept from a man a merepassion devoid of respect and honor. I'm no longer entitled to these, therefore I'll accept nothing. "

She poured out these words like a torrent, in spite of my gestures ofpassionate dissent, and my efforts to be heard; but it was a cold, pitiless torrent. Excited as I was, I saw how intense was her self-loathing. I also saw despairingly that she embraced me in her scorn. 

"Miss Warren, " I said, dejectedly, "since you are so unjust toyourself, what hope have I?"

"There is little enough for either of us, " she continued, morebitterly; "at least there is none for me. You will, no doubt, getbravely over it, as you said. Men generally do, especially when intheir hearts they have no respect for the woman with whom they areinfatuated. Mr. Morton, the day of your coming was indeed the day of_my_ fate. I wish you could have saved the lives of the others, but not mine. I could then have died in peace, with honor unstained. But now, what is my life but an intolerable burden of shame and self-reproach? Without cause and beyond the thought of forgiveness, I'vewronged a good, honorable man, who has been a kind and faithful friendfor years. He is bringing his proud, aristocratic sister here to-nightto learn how false and contemptible I am. The people among whom Iearned my humble livelihood will soon know how unfit I am to betrusted with their daughters--that I am one who falls a spoil to thestrongest. I have lost everything--chief of all my pearl of greatprice--my truth. What have I left? Is there a more impoverishedcreature in the world? There is nothing left to me but bare existenceand hateful memories. Oh, the lightning was dim compared with thevividness with which I've seen it all since that hateful moment lastnight, when the truth became evident even to Adah Yocomb. But up tothat moment, even up to this hour, I hoped you pitied me--that youwere watching and waiting to help me to be true and not to be false. Idid not blame you greatly for your love--my own weakness made melenient--and at first you did not know. But since you now openly seekthat which belongs to another; since you now exult that you are thestronger, and that I have become your spoil, I feel, though I cannotyet see and realize the depths into which I have fallen. Even to-dayyou might have helped me as a friend, and shown me how some poor shredof my truth might have been saved; but you snatch at me as if I werebut the spoil of the strongest. Mr. Morton, either you or I must leavethe farmhouse at once. "

"This is the very fanaticism of truth, " I cried, desperately. "Yourmind is so utterly warped and morbid from dwelling on one side of thisquestion that you are cruelly unjust. "

"Would that I had been less kind and more just. I felt sorry for you, from the depths of my heart. Why have you had no pity for me? You area man of the world, and know it. Why did you not show me to what thiswretched weakness would lead? I thought you meant this kindness whenyou said you wished my brother was here. Oh that I were sleepingbeside him! I thought you meant this when you said that nothing wouldlast, nothing could end well unless built on the truth. I hoped youwere watching me with the vigilance of a man who, though loving me, was so strong and generous and honorable that he would try to save mefrom a weakness that I cannot understand, and which was the result ofstrange and unforeseen circumstances. When you were so ill I felt asif I had dealt you your death-blow, and then, woman-like, I loved you. I loved you before I recognized my folly. Up to that point we couldscarcely help ourselves. For weeks I tried to hide the truth frommyself. I fought against it. I prayed against it through sleeplessnights. I tried to hide the truth from you most of all. But I rememberthe flash of hope in your face when you first surmised my miserablesecret. It hurt me cruelly. Your look should have been one of dismayand sorrow. But I know something of the weakness of the heart, and itsfirst impulse might naturally be that of gladness, although honor musthave changed it almost instantly into deep regret. Then I believedthat you were sorry, and that it was your wish to help me. I thoughtit was your purpose yesterday to show me that I could be happy, evenin the path of right and duty, that had become so hard, though youspoke once as you ought not. But when I, unawares, and from theimpulse of a grateful heart, spoke your name last night as that of mytruest and best friend, as I thought, you turned toward me the face ofa lover, and to-day--but it's all over. Will you go?"

"Are Mr. And Mrs. Yocomb false?" I cried. 

"No, they are too simple and true to realize the truth. Mr. Morton, Ithink we fully understand each other now. Since you will not go, Ishall. You had better remain here and grow strong. Please let mepass. "

"I wish you had dealt me my death-blow. It were a merciful onecompared with this. No, you don't understand me at all. You haveportrayed me as a vile monster. Because you cannot keep yourengagement with a man you never truly loved, you inflict the tormentsof hell on the man you do love, and whom Heaven meant you to love. Great God! you are not married to Gilbert Hearn. Have not engagementsoften been broken for good and sufficient reasons? Is not the truththat our hearts almost instantly claimed eternal kindred a sufficientcause? I watched and waited that I might know whether you were his ormine. I did not seek to win you from him after I knew--after Iremembered. But when I knew the truth, you _were_ mine. BeforeGod I assert my right, and before His altar I would protest againstyour marriage to any other. "

She sank down on the arbor seat, white and faint, but made a slightrepellent gesture. 

"Yes, I'll go, " I said, bitterly; "and such a scene as this might wellcause a better man than I to go to the devil;" and I strode away. 

But before I had taken a dozen steps my heart relented, and Ireturned. Her face was again buried in her right arm and her left handhung by her side. 

I took it in both of my own as I said, gently and sadly:

"Emily Warren, you may scorn me--you may refuse ever to see my faceagain; but I have dedicated my life to your happiness, and I shallkeep my vow. It may be of no use, but God looketh at the intent of theheart. Heathen though I am, I cannot believe he will let the June daywhen we first met prove so fatal to us both: the God of whom Mrs. Yocomb told us wants no harsh, useless self-sacrifice. You are notfalse, and never have been. Mrs. Yocomb is not more true. I respectand honor you, as I do my mother's memory, though my respect nowcounts so little to you. I never meant to wrong you or pain you; Imeant your happiness first and always. If you care to know, my futurelife shall show whether I am a gentleman or a villain. May God showyou how cruelly unjust you are to yourself. I shall attempt no furtherself-defence. Good-by. "

She trembled; but she only whispered:

"Good-by. Go, and forget. "

"When I forget you--when I fail in loving loyalty to you, may Godforget me!" I replied, and I hastened from the garden with as muchsorrow and bitterness in my heart as the first man could have feltwhen the angel drove him from Eden. Alas! I was going out alone into aworld that had become thorny indeed. 

As I approached the house Mrs. Yocomb happened to come out on thepiazza. 

I took her hand and drew her toward the garden gate. She saw that Iwas almost speechless from trouble, and with her native wisdom divinedit all. 

"I did not take your advice, " I groaned, "accursed fool that I was!But no matter about me. Save Emily from herself. As you believe inGod's mercy, watch over her as you watched over me. Show her the wrongof wrecking both of our lives. She's in the arbor there. Go and staywith her till I am gone. You are my only hope. God bless you for allyour kindness to me. Please write: I shall be in torment till I hearfrom you. Good-by. "

I watched her till I saw her enter the arbor, then hastened to thebarn, where Reuben was giving the horses their noonday feeding. 

"Reuben, " I said, quietly, "I'm compelled to go to New York at once. We can catch the afternoon train, if you are prompt. Not a word, oldfellow. I've no time now to explain. I must go, and I'll walk if youwon't take me;" and I hastened to the house and packed for departurewith reckless haste. 

At the foot of the moody stairway I met Adah. 

"Are you going away?" she tried to say distantly, with face averted. 

"Yes, Miss Adah, and I fear you are glad. "

"No, " she said, brokenly, and turning she gave me her hand. "I can'tkeep this up any longer, Richard. Since we first met I've been veryfoolish, very weak, and thee--thee has been a true gentleman towardme. "

"I wish I might be a true brother. God knows I feel like one. "

"Thee--thee saved my life, Richard. I was wicked to forget that for amoment. Will thee forgive me?"

"I'll forgive you only as you will let me become the most devotedbrother a girl ever had, for I love and respect you, Adah, very, verymuch. "

Tears rushed into the warm-hearted girl's eyes. She put her armsaround my neck and kissed me. "Let this seal that agreement, " shesaid, "and I'll be thy sister in heart as well as in name. "

"How kind and good you are, Adah!" I faltered. "You are growing likeyour mother now. When you come to New York you will see how I keep myword, " and I hastened away. 

Mr. Yocomb intercepted me in the path. 

"How's this? how's this?" he cried. 

"I must go to New York at once, " I said. "Mrs. Yocomb will explainall. I have a message for Mr. Hearn. Please say that I will meet himat any time, and will give any explanations to which he has a right. Good-by; I won't try to thank you for your kindness, which I shallvalue more and more every coming day. "

For a long time we rode in silence, Reuben looking as grim andlowering as his round, ruddy face permitted. 

At last he broke out, "Now, I say, blast Emily Warren's grandfather!"

"No, Reuben, my boy, " I replied, putting my arm around him, "with allhis millions, I'm heartily sorry for Mr. Hearn. "

CHAPTER XVIII

MRS. YOCOMB'S LETTERS

I will not weary the reader with my experiences after arriving at NewYork. I could not have felt worse had I been driven into the DismalSwamp. My apartments were dusty and stifling, and as cheerless as myfeelings. 

My editorial chief welcomed me cordially, and talked business. "Afteryou had gone, " he was kind enough to say, "we learned your value. Night work is too wearing for you, so please take that office next tomine. I feel a little like breaking down myself, and don't intend towait until I do, as you did. I shall be off a great deal the rest ofthe summer, and you'll have to manage things. "

"Pile on work, " I said; "I'm greedy for it. "

"Yes, " he replied, laughing, "I appreciate that rare trait of yours;but I shall regard you as insubordinate if you don't take proper rest. Give us your brains, Morton, and leave hack work to others. That'swhere you blundered before. "

Within an hour I was caught in the whirl of the great complicatedworld, and, as I said to Mr. Yocomb, I had indeed no time to mope. Thank God for work! It's the best antidote this world has for trouble. 

But when night came my brain was weary and my heart heavy as lead. Itseemed as if the farmhouse was in another world, so diverse waseverything there from my present life. 

I had given my uptown address to Mrs. Yocomb and went home--if I mayapply that term to my dismal boarding-place--Tuesday night, feelingassured that there must be a letter. Good Mrs. Yocomb had not failedme, for on my table lay a bulky envelope, addressed in a quaint butclear hand. I was glad no one saw how my hand trembled as I opened hermissive and read:

"My Dear Richard--I know how anxious thee is for tidings from us all, and especially from one toward whom thy heart is very tender. I willtake up the sad story where thee left it. Having all the facts, theecan draw thy own conclusions. 

"I found Emily in an almost fainting condition, and I just took her inmy arms and let her cry like a child until tears brought relief. Itwas no time for words. Then I brought her into the house and gave hersomething that made her sleep in spite of herself. She awoke about anhour before Gilbert Hearn's arrival, and her nervous trepidation atthe thought of meeting him was so great that I resolved she should notsee him--at least not that night--and I told her so. This gave hergreat relief, though she said it was cowardly in her to feel so. Butin truth she was too ill to see him. Her struggle had been too longand severe, and her nervous system was utterly prostrated. I hadDoctor Bates here when Gilbert Hearn came, and the doctor is verydiscreet. I told him that he must manage so that Emily need not seethe one she so feared to meet again, and hinted plainly why, thoughmaking no reference to thee, of course. The doctor acted as I wished, not because I wished it, but on professional grounds. 'Miss Warren'sfuture health depends on absolute rest and quiet, ' he said to heraffianced. 'I not only advise that you do not see her, but I forbidit, ' for he was terribly excited--so was his sister, CharlotteBradford--and it was as much as we could do to keep them from going toher room. If they had, I believe the excitement would have destroyedeither her life or reason. Gilbert Hearn plainly intimated thatsomething was wrong. 'Very well, then, ' I said, 'bring thy own familyphysician, and let him consult with Doctor Bates, ' and this he angrilysaid he would do on the morrow. The very fact they were in the housemade the poor girl almost wild; but I stayed with her all night, andshe just lay in my arms like a frightened child, and my heart yearnedover her as if she were my own daughter. She did not speak of thee, but I heard her murmur once, 'I was cruel--I was unjust to him. '

"In the morning she was more composed, and I made her take strongnourishment, I can tell thee. Thee remembers how I used to dose theein spite of thyself. 

"Well, in the morning Emily seemed to be thinking deeply; and by andby she said: 'Mrs. Yocomb, I want this affair settled at once. I wantyou to sit by me while I write to him, and advise me. ' I felt she wasright. Her words were about as follows: (I asked her if I could tellthee what she wrote. She hesitated a little, and a faint color cameinto her pale face. 'Yes, ' she said at last, 'let him know the wholetruth. Since so much has occurred between us, I want him to knoweverything. He then may judge me as he thinks best. I have a horror ofany more misunderstanding. ')

"'You can never know, Mr. Hearn, ' she wrote, 'the pain and sorrow withwhich I address to you these words. Still less can you know my shameand remorse; but you are an honorable man, and have a right to thetruth. My best hope is that when you know how unworthy I am of yourregard your regret will be slight. I recall all your kindness to me, and my heart is tortured as I now think of the requital I am making. Still, justice to myself requires that I tell you that I mistook mygratitude and esteem, my respect and genuine regard, for a deeperemotion. You will remember, however, that I long hesitated, feelinginstinctively that I could not give you what you had a right toexpect. Last spring you pressed me for a definite answer. I said Iwould come to this quiet place and think it all over, and if I did notwrite you to the contrary within a few days you might believe that Ihad yielded to your wishes. I found myself more worn and weary from mytoilsome life than I imagined. I was lonely; I dreaded my single-handed struggle with the world, and my heart overflowed with gratitudetoward you--it does still--for your kindness, and for all that youpromised to do for me. I had not the will nor the disposition to sayno, or to put you off any longer. Still I had misgiving; I feared thatI did not feel as I ought. When I received your kind letter acceptingmy silence as consent, I felt bound by it--I was bound by it. I haveno defence to make. I can only state the miserable truth. I cannotlove you as a wife ought, and I know now that I never can. I've tried--God knows I've tried. I'm worn out with the struggle. I fear I amvery ill. I wish I were dead and at rest. I cannot ask you to thinkmercifully of me. I cannot think mercifully of myself. To meet againwould be only useless suffering. I am not equal to it. My one effortnow is to gain sufficient strength to go to some distant relatives inthe West. Please forget me. "'In sorrow and bitter regret, "'EmilyWarren. '"

I started up and paced the room distractedly. "The generous girl!" Iexclaimed, "she lays not a particle of blame on me. But, by Jove! I'dlike to take all the blame, and have it out with him here and now. Blame! What blame is there? The poor child! Why can't she see that sheis white as snow?"

Again I eagerly turned to Mrs. Yocomb's words:

"Emily seemed almost overwhelmed at the thought of his reading thisletter. She is so generous, so sensitive, that she saw only his sideof the case, and made scarcely any allowance for herself. I was alittle decided and plain-spoken with her, and it did her good. At lastI said to her, 'I am not weak-minded, if I am simple and plain. Because I live in the country is no reason why I do not know what isright and just. Thee has no cause to blame thyself so bitterly. ' 'DoesMr. Yocomb feel and think as you do?' she asked. 'Of course he does, 'I replied. She put her hands to her head and said pitifully, 'PerhapsI am too distracted to see things clearly. I sometimes fear I may losemy reason. ' 'Well, Emily, ' I said, 'thee has done right. Thee cannothelp feeling as thee does, and to go on now would be as great a wrongto Gilbert Hearn as to thyself. Thee has done just as I would advisemy own daughter to do. Leave all with me. Thee need not see him again. I am going to stand by thee;' and I left her quite heartened up. "

"Oh, but you are a gem of a woman!" I cried. "A few more like youwould bring the millennium. "

"Gilbert Hearn was dreadfully taken aback by the letter; but I must dohim the justice to say that he was much touched by it too, for hecalled me again into the parlor, and I saw that he was much moved. Hehad given his sister the letter to read, and she muttered, 'Poorthing!' as she finished it. He fixed his eyes sternly on me and said, 'Mr. Morton is at the bottom of this thing. ' I returned his gaze veryquietly, and asked, 'What am I to infer by this expression of thyopinion to me?' His sister was as quick as a flash, and she saidplainly, 'Gilbert, these people were not two little children in Mrs. Yocomb's care. ' 'Thee is right, ' I said; 'I have not controlled theiractions any more than I have those of thy brother. Richard Morton isabsent, however, and were we not under peculiar obligations to him Iwould still be bound to speak for him, since he is not here to speakfor himself. I have never seen Richard Morton do anything unbecoming agentleman. Has thee, Gilbert Hearn? If so, I think thee had better seehim, for he is not one to deny thee any explanation to which thee hasa right. ' 'Why did he go to the city so suddenly?' he asked angrily. 'I will give thee his address, ' I said coldly. 'Gilbert, ' expostulatedhis sister, --we have no right to cross--question Mrs. Yocomb. ' 'Sincethee is so considerate, ' I said to her, 'I will add that RichardMorton intended to return on Second Day at the latest, and he chose togo to-day. His action enables me to give thee a room to thyself. ''Gilbert, ' said the lady, 'I do not see that we have any reason toregret his absence. As Mrs. Yocomb says, you can see him in New York;but unless you have well founded and specific charges to make, I thinkit would compromise your dignity to see him. Editors are uglycustomers to stir up unless there is good cause. '"

"I know one, " I growled, "that would be a particularly ugly customerjust now. "

"'In Emily Warren's case, ' I said, 'it is different, '" Mrs. Yocombcontinued. "'She is a motherless girl and has appealed to me foradvice and sympathy. In her honest struggle to be loyal to thee shehas worn herself almost to a shadow, and I have grave fears for herreason and her life, so great is her prostration. She has for thee, Gilbert Hearn, the sincerest respect and esteem, and the feeling thatshe has wronged thee, even though she cannot help it, seems almost tocrush her. ' 'Gilbert, ' said his sister warmly, 'you cannot blame her, and you certainly ought to respect her. If she were not an honest-hearted girl she would never have renounced you with your greatwealth. ' He sank into a chair and looked very white. 'It's a terribleblow, ' he said; 'it's the first severe reverse I've ever had. ' 'Well, 'she replied, 'I know from your character that you will meet it like aman and a gentleman. ' 'Certainly, ' he said, with a deep breath, 'Icannot do otherwise. ' I then rose and bowed, saying: 'You will bothexcuse me if I am with my charge much of the time. Adah will attend toyour wants, and I hope you will feel at home so long as it shallplease you to stay. '"

"By Jove! but her tact was wonderful. Not a diplomat in Europe couldhave done better. The innocent-looking Quakeress was a match for themboth. "

"Then I went back to Emily, " Mrs. Yocomb wrote, "and I found her in apitiable state of excitement. When I opened the door she started upapprehensively, as if she feared that the man with whom she had brokenwould burst in upon her with bitter reproaches. I told her everything;for even I cannot deceive her, she is so quick. Her mind waswonderfully lightened, and I soon made her sleep again. She awoke inthe evening much quieter, but she cried a good deal in the night, andI surmise she was thinking of thee more than of herself or of him. Iwish thee had waited until all this was over, but I think all willcome out right. "

"Oh, the unutterable fool that I was!" I groaned; "I'm the championblunderer of the world. "

"Well, Richard, this is the longest letter I ever wrote, and I mustbring it to a close, for my patient needs me. I will write soon again, and tell thee everything. Goodnight. 

"Second Day. P. S. --I left my letter open to add a postscript. GilbertHearn and his sister left this morning. The former at last seemedquite calm and resigned, and was very polite. His sister was too. Sheamused me not a little. I do not think that her heart was greatly seton the match, and she was not so troubled but that she could take aninterest in our quiet, homely ways. I think we seemed to her like whatyou city people call _bric-a-brac_, but she was too much of a lady tolet her curiosity become offensive. She took a great fancy to Adah, especially as she saw that Adela was very fond of her, and shepersuaded her brother to leave the child here in our care, saying thatshe was improving wonderfully. He did not seem at all averse to theplan. Adah is behaving very nicely, if I do say it, and showed a greatdeal of quiet, gentle dignity. She and Charlotte Bradford had a longchat in the evening about Adela. Adah says, 'Send Richard my love';and if I put in all the messages from father, Reuben, and Zillah, theywould fill another sheet. 

"I asked Emily if she had any message for thee. She buried her face inthe pillow and murmured, 'Not now, not yet'; but after a moment sheturned toward me, looking white and resolute. 'Tell him, ' she said, 'to forgive me and forget' Be patient, Richard. Wait. "Thineaffectionately, "Ruth Yocomb. "

"Forget!" I shouted. "Yes, when I am annihilated, " and I paced my roomfor hours. At last, exhausted, I sought such rest as I could obtain, but my last thought was, "God bless Ruth Yocomb. I could kiss theground she had trodden. "

The next morning I settled down to my task of waiting and working, resolving that there must be no more nights like the last, in which Ihad wasted a vast amount of vital force. I wrote to Mrs. Yocomb, andthanked her from a full heart. I sent messages to all the family, andsaid, "Tell Adah I shall keep her love warm in my heart, and that Isend her twice as much of mine in return. Like all brothers, I shalltake liberties, and will subscribe in her behalf for the two bestmagazines in the city. Give Miss Warren this simple message: The wordsI last spoke to her shall ever be true. "

I also told Mrs. Yocomb of my promotion, and that I was no longer anight-owl. 

Toward the end of the week came another bulky letter, which Idevoured, letting my dinner grow cold. 

"Our life at the farmhouse has become very quiet, " she wrote. "Emilyimproves slowly, for her nervous system has received a severe strain. I told her that thee had sent messages to all the family, and asked ifshe did not expect one. 'I've no right to any--there's no occasion forany, ' she faltered; but her eyes were very wistful and entreating. 'Well, ' I said, 'I must clear my conscience, and since he sent theeone, I must give it. He writes, 'Say to Miss Warren in reply that thelast words I spoke to her shall ever be true. ' I suppose thee knowswhat he means, ' I said, smiling; 'I don't. ' She buried her face in thepillow again; but I think thy message did her good, for she soon fellasleep, and looked more peaceful than at any time yet. "

At last there came a letter saying, "Emily has left us and gone to acousin--a Mrs. Vining--who resides at Columbus, Ohio. She is muchbetter, but very quiet--very different from her old self. Father puther on the train, and she will have to change cars only once. 'Emily, 'I said to her, 'thee can not go away without one word for Richard. 'She was deeply moved, but her resolute will gained the mastery. 'I amtrying to act for the best, ' she said. 'He has appealed to the future:the future must prove us both, for there must be no more mistakes. ''Does thee doubt thyself, Emily?' 'I have reason to doubt myself, Mrs. Yocomb, ' she replied. 'But what does thy heart tell thee?' A deepsolemn look came into her eyes, and after a few moments she said, 'Pardon me, my dear friend, if I do not answer you fully. Indeed, Iwould scarcely know how to answer you. I have entered on an experiencethat is new and strange to me. I am troubled and frightened at myself. I want to go away among strangers, where I can think and grow calm. Iwant to be alone with my God. I should always be weak and vacillatinghere. Moreover, Mr. Morton has formed an impression of me, of which, perhaps, I cannot complain. This impression may grow stronger in hismind. It has all been too sudden. His experiences have been toointermingled with storm, delirium, and passion. He has not had time tothink any more than I have. In the larger sphere of work to which yousay he has been promoted he may find new interests that will beabsorbing. After a quiet and distant retrospect he may thank me forthe course I am taking. ' 'Emily!' I exclaimed, 'for so tender-hearteda girl thee is very strong. ' 'No, ' she replied, 'but because I havelearned my weakness I am going away from temptation. ' I then asked, 'Is thee willing I should tell Richard what thee has said?' Afterthinking for some time she answered, 'Yes, let everything be based onthe simple truth. But tell him he must respect my action--he mustleave me to myself. ' The afternoon before she left us, Adah and Reubenwent over to the village and got some beautiful rosebuds, and Adahbrought them up after tea. Emily was much touched, and kissed heragain and again. Then she threw herself into my arms and cried fornearly an hour, but she went away bravely. I never can think of itwith dry eyes. Zillah was heart-broken, and Reuben clung to her in away that surprised me. He has been very remorseful that he treated herbadly at one time. Adah and I were mopping our eyes, and father keptblowing his nose like a trumpet. She gave way a little at the lastmoment, for Reuben ran down to the barn and brought out Dapple thatshe might say good-by to him, and she put her arms around the prettycreature's neck and sobbed for a moment or two. I never saw a horseact so. He followed her right up to the rockaway steps. At last shesaid, 'Come, let us go, quick!' I shall never forget the scene, and Ithink that she repressed so much feeling that we had to express it forher. She kissed little Adela tenderly, and the child was crying too. It seemed as if we couldn't go on and take up our every-day lifeagain. I wouldn't have believed that one who was a stranger but ashort time ago could have gotten such a hold upon our hearts, but as Ithink it all over I do not wonder. Dear little Zillah reminds me ofwhat I owe to her. She is very womanly, but she is singularly strong. As she was driven away she looked up at thy window, so thee may guessthat thee was the last one in her thoughts. Wait, and be patient. Dojust as she says. "

I am glad that my editorial chief did not see me as I read thisletter, for I fear I should have been deposed at once. Its influenceon me, however, was very satisfactory to him, for if ever a man wasput on his mettle I felt that I had been. 

"Very well, Emily Warren, " I said, "we have both appealed to thefuture: let it judge us. " I worked and tried to live as if the girl'sclear dark eyes were always on me, and her last lingering glance atthe window from which I had watched her go to meet the lover that, formy sake, she could not marry, was a ray of steady sunshine. She didnot realize how unconsciously she had given me hope. 

A few days later I looked carefully over our subscription list. Herpaper had been stopped, and I felt this keenly; but as I was staringblankly at the obliterated name a happy thought occurred to me, and Iturned to the letter V. With a gleam of deep satisfaction in my eyes Ifound the address, Mrs. Adelaide Vining, Columbus, Ohio. 

"Now through the editorial page I can write to her daily, " I thought. 

Late in September my chief said to me:

"Look here, Morton, you are pitching into every dragon in the country. I don't mind fighting three or four evils or abuses at a time, butthis general onslaught is raising a breeze. "

"With your permission, I don't care if it becomes a gale, as long aswe are well ballasted with facts. "

"Well, to go back to my first figure, be sure you are well armedbefore you attack. Some of the beasts are old and tough, and haveawful stings in their tails. The people seem to like it, though, fromthe way subscriptions are coming in. "

But I wrote chiefly for one reader. He would have opened his eyes if Ihad told him that a young music-teacher in Columbus, Ohio, had a largeshare in conducting the journal. Over my desk in my rooms I had hadframed, in illuminated text, the words she had spoken to me on themost memorable day of my life:

"The editor has exceptional opportunities, and might be the knight-errant of our age. If in earnest, and on the right side, he can forgea weapon out of public opinion that few evils could resist. He is injust the position to discover these dragons and drive them from theirhiding-places. "

The spirit that breathed in these words I tried to make mine, for Iwished to feel and think as she did. While I maintained myindividuality of thought I never touched a question but that I firstlooked at it from her standpoint. I labored for weeks over aneditorial entitled "Truth versus Conscience, " and sent it like anarrow into the West. 

CHAPTER XIX

ADAH

I heard often from the farmhouse, and learned that Mr. Hearn had goneto Europe almost immediately, but that he had returned in the latterpart of September, and had spent a week with his little girl, Mrs. Bradford, his sister, accompanying him. "They seem to think Adela isdoing so well, " Mrs. Yocomb wrote, "that they have decided to leaveher here through October. Adah spends part of every forenoon teachingthe little girls. " In the latter part of November I received a letterthat made my heart beat thick and fast. 

"We expect thee to eat thy Thanksgiving dinner with us, and we expectalso a friend from the West. I think she will treat thee civilly. Atany rate we have a right to invite whom we please. We drew up apetition to Emily, and all signed it. Father added a direfulpostscript. He said, 'If thee won't come quietly, I will go afterthee. Thee thinks I am a man of peace, but there will be commotion andviolence in Ohio if thee doesn't come; so, strong-willed as thee is, thee has got to yield for once. ' She wrote father the funniest letterin reply, in which she agreed, for the credit of the Society ofFriends, not to provoke him to extremities. She doesn't know thee iscoming, but I think she knows me well enough to be sure that theewould be invited. Emily writes that she will not return to New York tolive, since she can obtain more scholars than she needs at Columbus. "

Mrs. Yocomb also added that Adah had left home that day for anextended visit in the city, and she gave me her address. 

I had written to Adah more than once, and had made out a programme ofwhat we should do when she came to town. 

Quite early in the evening I started out to call upon her, but as Idrew near the house I saw that a handsome coupe stood before the door, drawn by two horses, and that the coachman was in livery. My stepswere speedily arrested, for the door of the dwelling was opened, andMr. Hearn came out, accompanied by Adah. They entered the coupe andwere driven rapidly toward Fifth Avenue. I gave a long, low whistle, and took two or three turns around the block, muttering, "GilbertHearn, but you are shrewd. If you can't have the best thing in theworld, you'll have the next best. Come to think of it, she is the bestfor you. If this comes about for Adah, I could throw my hat overyonder steeple. "

I went back to the house, proposing to leave my card, and thus showAdah that I was not inattentive. The interior of the dwelling, likeits exterior, was plain, but very substantial and elegant. The servanthanded my card to a lady passing through the hall. 

"Oh, thee is Richard Morton?" she said. "Cousin Ruth and Adah havetold us all about thee. Please come in, for I want to make thyacquaintance. Adah will be so sorry to miss thee. She has gone out forthe evening. "

"If she will permit me, " I said, "I will call to-morrow, on my waydowntown, for I wish to see her very much. "

"Do so, by all means. Come whenever thee can, and informally. Thee'llalways find a welcome here. "

Before I was aware I had spent an hour in pleasant chat, for with theYocombs as mutual friends we had common interests. 

Mrs. Winfield, my hostess, had all the elegance of Mrs. Bradford; butthere was also a simple, friendly heartiness in her manner thatstamped every word she spoke with sincerity. I was greatly pleased, and felt that the wealthy banker and his sister could find no faultwith Adah's connections. 

She greeted me the next morning like the sister she had become in verytruth. 

"Oh, Richard!" she exclaimed, "I'm so glad to see thee. Why! thee's soimproved I'd hardly know thee. Seems to me thee's grown taller andlarger every way. "

"I fear I looked rather small sometimes in the country. "

"No, Richard, thee never looked small to me; but when I think what Iwas when thee found me, I don't wonder thee went up to thy room indisgust. I've thought a great deal since that day, and I've read sometoo. "

"If you knew how proud of you I am now, it would turn your head. "

"Perhaps it isn't very strong. So thee's going to eat thy Thanksgivingdinner at home. I shall be well out of the way. "

"You will never be in my way; but perhaps I might have been insomebody's way had I come earlier last night. "

"I thought thee was blind, " she said, an exquisite color coming intoher beautiful face. 

"Never to your interests, Adah. Count on me to the last drop. "

"Oh, Richard, thee has been so kind and helpful to me. Thee'll neverknow all that's in my heart. When I think what I was when I first knewthee, I wonder at it all. "

"Adah, " I said, taking her hand, "you have become a genuine woman. Theexpression of your face has changed, and it has become a fine exampleof the truth, that even beauty follows the law of living growth--fromwithin outward. Higher thoughts, noble principle, and unselfishnessare making their impress. After our long separation I see the changedistinctly, and I feel it still more. You have won my honest respect, Adah; I predict for you a happy life, and, what is more, you will makeothers happy. People will be the better for being with you. "

"Well, Richard, now that we are brother and sister, I don't mindtelling thee that it was thee who woke me up. I was a fool before theecame. "

"But the true, sweet woman was in your nature ready to be awakened. Other causes would soon have produced the same effect. "

"Possibly; but I don't know anything about other causes. I do knowthee, and I trust thee with my whole heart, and I'm going to talkfrankly with thee because I want to ask thy advice. Thee knows hownear to death I came. I've thought a great deal about it. Having comeso near losing life, I began to think what life meant--what it was--and I was soon made to see how petty and silly my former life hadbeen. My heart just overflowed with gratitude toward thee. When theewas so ill I would often lie awake whole nights thinking and tremblinglest thee should die. I felt so strangely, so weak and helpless, thatI stretched out my hands to thee, and thy strong hands caught andsustained me through that time when I was neither woman nor child. Thee never humiliated me by even a glance. Thee treated me with arespect that I did not deserve, but which I want to deserve. I am notstrong, like Emily Warren, but I am trying to do right. Thee changed ablind impulse into an abiding trust and sisterly affection. Thee maythink I'm giving thee a strange proof of my trust. I am going to tellthee something that I've not told any one yet. Last evening GilbertHearn took me to see his sister, Mrs. Bradford, and I spent theevening with them and little Adela. Coming home he asked me to be hiswife. I was not so very greatly surprised, for he spent every FirstDay in October at our house while Adela was with us, and he was veryattentive to me. Father and mother don't like it very much, but Ithink they are a little prejudiced against him on thy account. Ibelieve thee will tell me the truth about him. "

"Adah dear, you _have_ honored me greatly. I will advise you justas I would my own sister. What did you answer him last evening?"

"I told him that I was a simple country girl, and not suited to be hiswife. Then he said that he had a right to his own views about that. Hesaid he wanted a genuine wife--one that would love him and his littlegirl, and not a society woman, who would marry him for his money. "

"That is exceedingly sensible. "

"Yes, he said he wanted a home, and that he was fond of quiet homelife; that I came of a quiet, sincere people, and that he had seenenough of me to know that he could trust me. He said also that I couldbe both a mother and a companion to Adela, and that the child neededjust such a disposition as I had. "

I laughed as I said, "Mr. Hearn is sagacity itself. Even Solomon couldnot act more wisely than he is seeking to act. But what does yourheart say to all this, Adah?"

Her color deepened, and she averted her face. "Thee will think I'mdreadfully matter-of-fact, Richard, but I think that perhaps we aresuited to each other. I've thought about it a great deal. As I saidbefore, my head isn't very strong. I couldn't understand half thethings thee thinks and writes about. I've seen that clearly. Hewouldn't expect a wife to understand his business, and he says hewants to forget all about it when be comes home. He says he likes aplace full of beauty, repose, and genial light. He likes quiet dinnerparties made up of his business friends, and not literary people likethee. We haven't got great, inquiring minds like thee and EmilyWarren. "

"You are making fun of me now, Adah. I fear Miss Warren has thrown meover in disgust. "

"Nonsense, Richard. She loves thy little finger more than I am capableof loving any man. She is strong and intense, and she could go withthee in thought wherever thee pleases. I'm only Adah. "

"Yes, you are Adah, and the man who has the reputation of having thebest of everything in the city wants you badly, and with good reason. But I want to know what _you_ want. "

"I want to know what thee thinks of it. I want thee to tell me abouthim. Does thee know anything against him?"

"No, Adah. Even when I feared he would disappoint my dearest hope, Itold your mother that he was an honorable man. He is exceedinglyshrewd in business, but I never heard of his doing anything that wasnot square. I think he would make you a very kind, consideratehusband, and, as he says, you could do so much for his little girl. But, rich as he is, Adah, he is not rich enough for you unless you cantruly love him. "

"I think I can love him in my quiet way. I think I would be happy inthe life I would lead with him. I'm fond of housekeeping, and veryfond of pretty things and of the city, as thee knows. Then I could doso much for them all at home. Father and mother are growing old. Father lent money some years ago, and lost it, and he and mother haveto work too hard. I could do so much for them and for Zillah, and thatwould make me happy. But I am so simple, and I know so little, that Ifear I can't satisfy him. "

"I have no fear on that score. What I am anxious about is, will hesatisfy you? You can't realize how bent upon your happiness I am. "

"I thank thee, Richard. I was not wrong in coming to thee. Well, Itold him that I wanted to think it all over, and I asked him to do thesame. He said he had fully made up his mind and that his sisterheartily approved of his course, and had advised it. He said that hewould wait for me as long as I pleased. Now if thee thinks it's best, thy words would have much influence with father and mother. "

I raised her hand to my lips, and said, feelingly: "Adah, I am verygrateful for this confidence. I feel more honored that you should havecome to me than if I had been made Governor. In view of what you havesaid, I do think it's best. Mr. Hearn will always be kind andconsiderate. He will be very proud of you, and you will grow rapidlyin those qualities that will adorn your high social position. Do notundervalue yourself. Gilbert Hearn may well thank God for you everyday of his life. "

I went down to the office in a mood to write an interminableThanksgiving editorial, for it seemed as if the clouds were allbreaking away. 

CHAPTER XX

THANKSGIVING DAY

On the day before Thanksgiving one of my associates clapped me on theshoulder, and said, laughing: "Morton, what's the matter? You are asnervous as a girl on her wedding-day. I've spoken to you twice, andyou've not answered. Has one of the dragons got the best of you?"

I woke up, and said quietly, "It isn't a dragon this time. "

Oh, how vividly that evening comes back to me, as I walked swiftlyuptown! It would have been torture to have ridden in a lumbering stageor crawling street-car. I scarcely knew what I thrust into mytravelling bag. I had no idea what I ate for dinner, and only rememberthat I scalded myself slightly with hot coffee. Calling a coupe, Idashed off to a late train that passed through the village nearest tothe farmhouse. 

It had been arranged that I should come the following morning, andthat Reuben should meet me, but I proposed to give them a surprise. Icould not wait one moment longer than I must. I had horrible dreams inthe stuffy little room at the village inn, but consoled myself withthe thought that "dreams go by contraries. "

After a breakfast on which mine host cleared two hundred per cent, Isecured a light wagon and driver, and started for the world's oneMecca for me. My mind was in a tumult of mingled hope and fear, and Iexperienced all a young soldier's trepidation when going into hisfirst battle. If she had not come: if she would not listen to me. Thecold perspiration would start out on my brow at the very thought. Whata mockery Thanksgiving Day would ever become if my hopes weredisappointed. Even now I cannot recall that interminable ride withouta faint awakening of the old unrest. 

When within half a mile of the house I dismissed my driver, andstarted on at a tremendous pace; but my steps grew slower and slower, and when the turn of the road revealed the dear old place just beforeme, I leaned against a wall faint and trembling. I marked the spot onwhich I had stood when the fiery bolt descended, and some whiteshingles indicated the place on the mossy roof where it had burned itsway into the home that even then enshrined my dearest treasures. I sawthe window at which Emily Warren had directed the glance that hadsustained my hope for months. I looked wistfully at the leafless, flowerless garden, where I had first recognized my Eve. "Will hermanner be like the present aspect of that garden?" I groaned. I sawthe arbor in which I had made my wretched blunder. I had about brokenmyself of profanity, but an ugly expression slipped out (I hope thegood angel makes allowances for human nature). Recalling the vow I hadmade in that arbor, I snatched up my valise and did not stop till Ihad mounted the piazza. Further suspense was unendurable. My approachhad been unnoted, nor had I seen any of the family. Noiselessly aspossible I opened the door and stood within the hallway. I heard Mrs. Yocomb's voice in the kitchen. Reuben was whistling upstairs, andZillah singing her doll to sleep in the dining-room. I took thesesounds to be good omens. If she had not come there would not have beensuch cheerfulness. 

With silent tread I stole to the parlor door. At my old seat by thewindow was Emily Warren, writing on a portfolio in her lap. For asecond a blur came over my vision, and then I devoured her with myeyes as the famishing would look at food. 

Had she changed? Yes, but only to become tenfold more beautiful, forher face now had that indescribable charm which suffering, noblyendured, imparts. I could have knelt to her like a Catholic to hispatron saint. 

She felt my presence, for she looked up quickly. The portfolio droppedfrom her lap; she was greatly startled, and instinctively put her handto her side; still I thought I saw welcome dawning in her eyes; but atthis moment Zillah sprang into my arms and half smothered me withkisses. Her cries of delight brought Reuben tearing down the stairs, and Mrs. Yocomb, hastening from the kitchen, left the mark of herfloury arm on the collar of my coat as she gave me a motherly salute. Their welcome was so warm, spontaneous, and real that tears came intomy eyes, for I felt that I was no longer a lonely man without kindred. 

But after a moment or two I broke away from them and turned to MissWarren, for after all my Thanksgiving Day depended upon her. 

She had become very pale, but her eyes were glistening at the honestfeeling she had witnessed. 

I held out my hand, and asked, in a low voice, "May I stay?"

"I could not send you away from such friends, Mr. Morton, " she saidgently, "even had I the right, " and she held out her hand. 

I think I hurt it, for I grasped it as if I were drowning. 

Reuben had raced down to the barn to call his father, who now followedhim back at a pace that scarcely became his age and Quaker tenets. 

"Richard, " he called, as soon as he saw me, "welcome home! Thee's beena long time coming, and yet thee's stolen a march on us after all. Reuben was just going for thee. How did thee get here? There's notrain so early. "

"Oh, I came last night. A ship's cable couldn't hold me the moment Icould get away. "

"Mother, I think that's quite a compliment to us old people, " hebegan, with the humorous twinkle that I so well remembered in hishonest eyes. "Has thee seen Adah?"

"Yes, indeed, and she sent more love than I could carry to you all. She looked just lovely, and I nearly forgot to go down town thatmorning. "

Miss Warren was about to leave the room, but the old gentleman caughther hand and asked:

"Where is thee going, Emily?"

"Pardon me; I thought you would all have much to say to Mr. Morton. "

"So we have, to be sure. We won't get half through to-day, but that'sno reason for thy leaving us. We are all one family under this roof, thank God, and I'm going to thank Him to-day in good old style and nomake-believe;" and he kept her hand as she sat down by him. 

"If you knew how homesick I've often been you would realize how muchgood your words do me, " she replied gratefully. 

"So thee's been homesick, has thee? Well, thee didn't let us know. "

"What good would it have done? I couldn't come before. "

"Well, I am kind of glad thee was homesick. The missing wasn't all onour side. Why, Richard, thee never saw such a disconsolate householdas we were after Emily left. I even lost my appetite--didn't I, mother?--and that's more than I've done for any lady since EbenezerHolcomb cut me out of thy company at a picnic--let me see, how manyyears ago is it, mother?"

"Thee doesn't think I remember such foolishness, I hope, " said the oldlady; but with a rising color almost pretty as the blush I had seen sorecently on Adah's face. 

Mr. Yocomb leaned back and laughed. "See mother blush, " he cried. "Poor Ebenezer!"

"Thee'll want more than light nonsense for thy dinner by and by, so Imust go back to the kitchen. "

As she turned away she gave a sweet suggestion of the blushing girlfor whom Ebenezer had sighed in vain, and I said emphatically, "Yes, indeed, Mr. Yocomb, you may well say 'Poor Ebenezer!' How in the worlddid he ever survive it?"

"Thee's very sympathetic, Richard. "

Miss Warren looked at him threateningly. 

I tried to laugh it off, and said, "Even if he had a millstone for aheart, it must have broken at such a loss. "

"Oh, don't thee worry. He's a hale and hearty grandfather to-day. "

Miss Warren broke into a laugh that set all my nerves tingling. "Yes, "she cried, "I thought it would end in that way. "

"Why, Emily, bless thee!" said Mrs. Yocomb, running in, "I haven'theard thee laugh so since thee came. "

"She's at her old tricks, " said her husband; "laughing at Richard andme. "

I found her merriment anything but reassuring, and I muttered under mybreath: "Perdition on Ebenezer and his speedy comfort! I hope shedon't class me with him. "

Very soon Mrs. Yocomb appeared again, and said: "Father, thee musttake them all out to drive. I can't do anything straight while I hearyou all talking and laughing, for my thoughts are with you. I've putsalt into one pie already. A Thanksgiving dinner requires one's wholemind. "

"Bustle, bustle, all get ready. Mother's mistress of this house onThanksgiving Day, if at no other time. We're commanded to obey the'powers that be, ' and if the woman who can get up such a dinner asmother can isn't a 'power, ' I'd like to know where we'll find one. I'mvery meek and respectful on Thanksgiving morning. Get on thy wraps, Emily. No mutiny before dinner. "

She seemed very ready to go, for I think she dreaded being left alonewith me. I, too, was glad to gain time, for I was strangely unnervedand apprehensive. She avoided meeting my eyes, and was inscrutable. 

In a few moments we were in the family rockaway, bowling over thecountry at a grand pace. 

"Mother's shrewd, " said Mr. Yocomb; "she knew that a ride like this inthe frosty air would give us an appetite for any kind of a dinner, butit will make hers taste like the Feast of Tabernacles. Let 'em go, Reuben, let 'em go!"

"Do you call this a Quaker pace?" asked Miss Warren, who sat withZillah on the back seat. 

"Yes, I'm acting just as I feel moved. Thee's much too slow for aFriend, Emily. Now I'll wager thee a plum that Richard likes it. Doesn't thee, Richard?"

"Suppose a wheel should come off, " I suggested. "I'm awfully nervousto-day. I was sure the train would break down or run off the tracklast night; then I had horrible dreams at the hotel. "

"Why, Mr. Morton!" Miss Warren exclaimed, "what did you eat forsupper?"

"Bless me! I don't know. Come to think of it, I didn't have any. "

"Did thee have any breakfast?" asked Mr. Yocomb, who seemed greatlyamused. 

"I believe so. I went through the motions. "

"Drive slow, Reuben; Richard's afraid he'll have his neck brokenbefore dinner;" and they all had a great laugh at my expense. 

"I've won the plum this time, " cried Miss Warren. 

"Thee has indeed, and thee deserves it sure enough. "

I looked around at her, but could not catch her eyes. My efforts toemulate Mr. Yocomb's spirit were superhuman, but my success wasindifferent. I was too anxious, too doubtful concerning the girl whowas so gentle and yet so strong. She had far more quietude and self-mastery than I, and with good reason, for she was mistress of thesituation. Still, I gathered hope every hour, for I felt that her facewould not be so happy, so full of brightness, if she proposed to sendme away disappointed, or even put me off on further probation. Nevertheless, my Thanksgiving Day would not truly begin until my hopewas confirmed. 

Dinner was smoking on the table when we returned, and it was soexceedingly tempting that I enjoyed its aroma with much of Mr. Yocomb's satisfaction, and I sat down at his right, feeling that ifone question were settled I would be the most thankful man in theland. 

We bowed our heads in grace; but after a moment Mr. Yocomb arose, andwith uplifted face repeated words that might have been written for theoccasion, so wonderfully adapted to human life is the Book of God. 

 "'Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless Hisholy name. 

"'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: "'Whoforgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

"'Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee withloving kindness and tender mercies. 

"'Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth isrenewed like the eagle's. '"

 Never was there a grace so full of grace before. If a kind earthlyfather looks with joy on his happy children, so surely the divineFather must have smiled upon us. In the depths of my heart I respecteda faith that was so simple, genuine, and full of sunshine. Truly, ithad come from heaven, and not from the dyspeptic creeds of cloisteredtheologians. 

"Father, " cried Zillah, "thee looked like my picture of King David. "

"Well, I'm in a royal mood, " replied her father, "and I don't believeKing David ever had half so good a dinner as mother has provided. Sucha dinner, Richard, is the result of genius. All the cookbooks in theworld couldn't account for it, and I don't believe mother has read oneof them. "

"Thee must give Cynthia part of the credit, " protested his wife. 

"She's the woman who says 'Lord a massy, ' and insists that I wasstruck with lightning, isn't she?" and I glanced toward Miss Warren, but she wouldn't meet my eye. Her deepening color told of a busymemory, however. Mr. Yocomb began to laugh so heartily that he droppedhis knife and fork on the table and leaned back in his chair quiteovercome. 

"Father, behave thyself, " his wife remonstrated. 

At last the old gentleman set to work in good earnest. "Emily, " hesaid, "this is that innocent young gobbler that thee so commiserated. Thee hasn't the heart to eat him, surely. "

"I'll take a piece of the breast, if you please. "

"Wouldn't thee like his heart?"

"No, I thank you. "

"What part would thee like, Richard?"

"Anything but his wings and legs. They would remind me how soon I mustgo back to awful New York. "

"Not before Second Day. "

"Yes, sir, to-morrow morning. An editor's play-spells are few and farbetween. "

"Well, Richard, thee thrives on work, " said Mrs. Yocomb. 

"Yes. I've found it good for me. "

"And you have done good work, Mr. Morton, " added Miss Warren. "I likeyour paper far better now. "

"But you stopped it. "

"Did you find that out?"

"Indeed I did, and very quickly. "

"My cousin, Mrs. Vining, took the paper. "

"Yes, I know that, too. "

"Why, Mr. Morton! do you keep track of all your readers? Thecirculation of your paper cannot be large. "

"I looked after Mrs. Vining carefully, but no further. "

"I shall certainly tell her of your interest, " she said, with her oldmirthful gleam. 

"Please do. The people at the office would be agape with wonder ifthey knew of the influence resulting from Mrs. Vining's name being onthe subscription list. "

"Not a disastrous influence, I trust?"

"It has occasioned us some hot work. My chief says that nearly all thedragons in the country are stirred up. "

"And some of them have been sorely wounded-I've noted that too, " saidthe girl, flushing with pleasure in spite of herself. 

"Yes, please tell Mrs. Vining that also. Credit should be given whereit's due. "

Her laugh now rang out with its old-time genuineness. "Cousin Adelaidewould be more agape than the people of your office. I think thedragons owe their tribulations to your disposition to fight them. "

"If you could see some words in illuminated text over my desk youwould know better. "

"Mr. Yocomb, don't you think we are going to have an early winter?"she asked abruptly, with a fine color in her face. 

"I don't think it's going to be cold--not very cold, Emily. There areprospects of a thaw to-day;" and the old gentleman leaned back in hischair and shook with suppressed merriment. 

"Father, behave thyself. Was there ever such a man!" Mrs. Yocombexclaimed reproachfully. 

"I know you think there never was and never will be, Mrs. Yocomb, " Icried, controlling myself with difficulty, for the old gentleman'smanner was irresistibly droll and instead of the pallor that used tomake my heart ache, Miss Warren's face was like a carnation rose. Myhope grew apace, for her threatening looks at Mr. Yocomb contained notrace of pain or deep annoyance, while the embarrassment she could nothide so enhanced her loveliness that it was a heavy cross to withholdmy eager eyes. Reuben kindly came to our relief, for he said:

"I tell thee what it is, mother: I feel as if we ought to have Dapplein here with us. "

"Emily, wouldn't thee rather have Old Plod?" Mr. Yocomb asked. 

"No!" she replied brusquely; and this set her kind tormentor off oncemore. 

But an earnest look soon came into his face, and he said, with eyesmoist with feeling:

"Well, this is a time of thanksgiving, and never before in all my lifehas my heart seemed so full of gladness and gratitude. Richard, Icrept in this old home when I was a baby, and I whistled through thehouse just as Reuben does. In this very room my dear old fathertrimmed my jacket for me, God bless him! Oh, I deserved it richly; butmother's sorrowful looks cut deeper, I can tell thee. It was to thishome I brought the prettiest lass in the county--what am I saying?--the prettiest lass in the world. No offence to thee, Emily; theewasn't alive then. If every man had such a home as thee has made forme and the children, mother, the millennium would begin before nextThanksgiving. In this house my children were born, and here they haveplayed. I've seen their happy faces in every nook and corner, and witheverything I have a dear association. In this home we bade good-by toour dear little Ruth; she's ours still, mother, and she is at home, too, as we are; but everything in this house that our little angelchild touched has become sacred to me. Ah, Richard, there are somethings in life that thee hasn't learned yet, and all the bookscouldn't teach thee; but what I have said to thee reveals a little ofmy love for this old home. How I love those whom God has given me, only He knows. Well, He directed thy random steps to us one day lastJune, and we welcomed thee as a stranger. But thee has a differentwelcome to-day, Richard--a very different welcome. Thee doesn't liketo hear about it; but we never forget. "

"No, Richard, we never forget, " Mrs. Yocomb breathed softly. 

"Do you think, sir, that I forget the unquestioning hospitality thatbrought me here? Can you think, Mrs. Yocomb, I ever forget the wordsyou spoke to me in yonder parlor on the evening of my arrival? or thatI should have died but for your devoted and merciful care? This day, with its hopes, teaches me how immeasurable would have been my loss, for my prospects then were not bright for either world. Rest assured, dear friends, I have my memories too. The service I rendered you anyman would have given, and it was my unspeakable good-fortune to behere. But the favors which I have received have been royal; they aresuch as I could not receive from others, because others would beincapable of bestowing them. "

"You are right, Mr. Morton, " Miss Warren began impetuously, her lovelyeyes full of tears. "I, too, have received kindnesses that could notcome from others, because others would not know how to confer themwith your gentleness and mercy, Mrs. Yocomb. Oh! oh! I wish I couldmake you and your husband know how I thank you. I, too, never forget. But if we talk this way any more, I shall have to make a hastyretreat. " "Well, I should say this _was_ a thanksgiving dinner, "remarked Reuben sententiously. 

Since we couldn't cry, we all laughed, and I thanked the boy forletting us down so cleverly. The deep feeling that memories wouldevoke in spite of ourselves sank back into the depths of our hearts. The shadow on our faces passed like an April cloud, and the sunshinebecame all the sweeter and brighter. 

"If Adah were only here!" I cried. "I miss her more and more everymoment, and the occasion seems wholly incomplete without her. "

"Yes, dear child, I miss her too, more than I can tell you, " said Mrs. Yocomb, her eyes growing very tender and wistful. "She's thinking ofus. Doesn't thee think she has improved? She used to read thosemagazines thee sent her till I had to take them away and send her tobed. "

"I can't tell you how proud I am of Adah. It was like a June day tosee her fair sweet face in the city, and it would have had done yourhearts good if you could have heard how she spoke of you all. "

"Adah is very proud of her big brother, too, I can tell thee. Shequotes thy opinions on all occasions. "

"The one regret of my visit is that I shall not see her, " Miss Warrensaid earnestly. "Mrs. Yocomb, I have those roses she gave me the daybefore I left you last summer, and I shall always keep them. I toldCousin Adelaide that they were given to me by the best and mostbeautiful girl in the world. "

"God bless the girl!" ejaculated Mr. Yocomb; "she has become a greatcomfort and joy to me;" and his wife smiled softly and tenderly. 

"Adah is so good to me, " cried Zillah, "that if Emily hadn't come Iwouldn't have half enjoyed the day. "

"What does thee think of that view of the occasion, Richard?" askedMr. Yocomb. 

"Zillah and I always agreed well together, " I said; "but I wish Adahknew how much we miss her. "

"She shall know, " said her mother. "I truly wish we had all of ourchildren with us to-day; for, Richard, we have adopted thee and Emilywithout asking your consent. I think the lightning fused us alltogether. "

I looked with a quick flash toward Miss Warren, but her eyes were onthe mother, and they were full of a daughter's love. 

"Dear Mrs. Yocomb, " I replied, in a voice not over-steady, "you knowthat as far as fusing was concerned I was the worst struck of you all, and this day proves that I am no longer without kindred. "

But how vain the effort to reproduce the light and shade that filledthe quaint, simple room! How vain the attempt to make the myriadripples of that hour flow and sparkle again, each one of us meanwhileconscious of the depths beneath them!

CHAPTER XXI

RIPPLES ON DEEP WATER

After dinner was over, Reuben cried, "Come, Zillah, I'm going out withDapple, and I'll give thee a ride that'll settle thy dinner. Emily, thee hasn't petted Dapple to-day. Thee's very forgetful of one of thybest friends. "

"Do you know, " said Miss Warren to me as we followed the boy, "Reubensent Dapple's love to me every time he wrote?"

"It's just what Dapple would have done himself if he could. Did yourefuse to receive it?"

"No, indeed. Why should I?"

"Oh, I'm not jealous; only I can't help thinking that the horse hadgreater privileges than I. "

She bit her lip, and her color deepened, but instead of answering shetripped away from me toward the barn. Dapple came prancing out, andwhinnied as soon as he saw her. 

"Oh, he knows thee as well as I do, " said Reuben. "He thinks thee's ajolly good girl. Thee's kind of cut me out; but I owe thee no grudge. See how he'll come to thee now, " and sure enough, the horse came andput his nose in her hand, where he found a lump of sugar. 

"I won't give you fine words only, Dapple, " she said, and thebeautiful animal's spirited eyes grew mild and gentle as if heunderstood her perfectly. 

"Heaven grant that she gives me more than words!" I muttered. 

While Reuben was harnessing Dapple, Miss Warren entered the barn, saying:

"I feel a little remorseful over my treatment of Old Plod, and think Iwill go and speak to him. "

"May I be present at the interview?"

"Certainly. "

Either the old horse had grown duller and heavier than ever, or elsewas offended by her long neglect, for he paid her but littleattention, and kept his head down in his manger. 

"Dapple would not treat you like that, even if you hadn't a lump ofsugar in your hand. "

"Dapple is peculiar, " she remarked. 

"Do you mean a little ill-balanced? He was certainly very precipitateon one occasion. "

"Yes, but he had the grace to stop before he did any harm. "

"But suppose he couldn't stop? Did Old Plod give you any more advice?"

"Mr. Morton, you must cub your editorial habit of inquiring intoeverything. Am I a dragon?"

"I fear you more than all the dragons put together. "

"Then you are a brave man to stay. "

"Not at all. To run away would be worse than death. "

"What an awful dilemma you are in! It seems to me, however, thecoolest veteran in the land could not have made a better dinner whilein such peril. "

"I had scarcely eaten anything since yesterday morning. Moreover, Iwas loyally bound to compliment Mrs. Yocomb's efforts in the only waythat would have satisfied her. "

"That reminds me that I ought to go and help Mrs. Yocomb clear awaythe vast debris of such a dinner. "

"Miss Warren, I have only this afternoon and evening. "

"Truly, Mr. Morton, the pathos in your tones would move a post"

"But will it move you? That's the question that concerns me. Will youtake a walk with me?"

"Indeed, I think I must go now, if I would not be thought moreinsensible than a post. Wait till I put on more wraps, and do you getyour overcoat, sir, or you will take cold. "

"Yes, I'm awfully afraid I shall be chilled, and the overcoat wouldn'thelp me. Nevertheless, I'll do your bidding in this, as in allrespects. "

"What a lamblike frame of mind!" she cried; but her step up the piazzawas light and quick. 

"She could not so play with me if she meant to be cruel, for she hasnot a feline trait, " I murmured, as I pulled on my ulster. "Thisgenial day has been my ally, and she has not the heart to embitter it. So far from finding 'other interests, ' she must have seen that timehas intensified the one chief interest of my life. Oh, it would belike death to be sent away again. How beautiful she has become in herrenewed health! Her great spiritual eyes make me more conscious of thewoman-angel within her than of a flesh-and-blood girl. Human she isindeed, but never of the earth, earthy. Even when I take her hand, nowagain so plump and pretty, I feel the exquisite thrill of her lifewithin. It's like touching a spirit, were such a thing possible. Icrushed her hand this morning, brute that I was! It's been red allday. Well, Heaven speed me now!"

"What! talking to yourself again, Mr. Morton?" asked Miss Warren, suddenly appearing, and looking anything but spirit-like, with herrich color and substantial wraps. 

"It's a habit of lonely people, " I said. 

"The idea of a man being lonely among such crowds as you must meet!"

"I have yet to learn that a crowd makes company. "

"Wouldn't you like to ask Mr. Yocomb to go with us?"

"No, " I replied, very brusquely. 

"I fear your lamblike mood is passing away. "

"Not at all. Moreover, I'm a victim of remorse--I hurt your hand thismorning. "

"Yes, you did. "

"I've hurt you a great many times. "

"I'm alive, thank you, and have had a good dinner. "

"Yes, you are very much alive. Are you very amiable after dinner?"

"No; that's a trait belonging to men alone. I now understand yourlamblike mood. But where are you going, Mr. Morton? You are walking atrandom, and have brought up against the barn. "

"Oh, I see. Wouldn't you like to visit Old Plod again?"

"No, I thank you; he has forgotten me. "

"By the way, we are friends, are we not, and can be veryconfidential?"

"If you have any doubt, you had better be prudent and reticent. "

"I wish I could find some sweetbrier; I'd give you the whole bush. "

"Do you think I deserve a thorny experience?"

"You know what I think. When was there an hour when you did not lookthrough me as if I were glass. But we are confidential friends, are wenot?"

"Well, for the sake of argument we may imagine ourselves such. "

"To be logical, then, I must tell you something of which I have notyet spoken to any one. I called on Adah the evening I learned she wasin town, and I saw her enter an elegant coupe driven by a coachman instunning livery. A millionaire of your acquaintance accompanied her. "

"What!" she exclaimed, her face becoming fairly radiant. 

I nodded very significantly. 

"For shame, Mr. Morton! What a gossip you are!" but her laugh rang outlike a chime of silver bells. 

At that moment Mr. Yocomb appeared on the piazza, and he applaudedloudly, "Good for thee, Emily, " he cried, "that sounds like oldtimes. "

"Come away, quick, " I said, and I strode rapidly around the barn. 

"Do you expect me to keep up with you?" she asked, stopping short andlooking so piquant and tempting that I rejoined her instantly. 

"I'll go as slow as you please. I'll do anything under heaven you bidme. "

"You treat Mr. Yocomb very shabbily. "

"You won't make me go after him, will you?"

"Why, Mr. Morton? What base ingratitude and after such a dinner, too. "

"You know how ill-balanced I am. "

"I fear you are growing worse and worse. "

"I am, indeed. Left to myself, I should be the most unbalanced man inthe world. "

"Mr. Morton, your mind is clearly unsettled. I detected the truth thefirst day I saw you. "

"No, my mind, such as it is, is made up irrevocably and forever. Imust tell you that I can't afford to keep a coupe. "

"There is a beautiful sequence in your remarks. Then you ought not tokeep one. But why complain. There are always omnibuses within call. "

"Are you fond of riding in an omnibus?"

"What an irrelevant question! Suppose I followed your example, and askwhat you think of the Copernican system?" "You can't be ill-balancedif you try, and your question is not in the least irrelevant. TheCopernican system is true, and illustrates my position exactly. Thereis a heavenly body, radiant with light and beauty, that attracts meirresistibly. The moment I came within her influence my orbit wasfixed. "

"Isn't your orbit a little eccentric?" she asked, with averted face. "Still your figure may be very apt. Another body of greater attractionwould carry you off into space, "

"There is no such body in existence. "

"Mr. Morton, we were talking about omnibuses. "

"And you have not answered my question. "

"Since we are such confidential friends, I will tell you a profoundsecret. I prefer street cars to omnibuses, and would much rather ridein one than in a carriage that I could not pay for. "

"Well, now, that's sensible. "

"Yes, quite matter-of-fact. Where are you going, Mr. Morton?"

"Wherever you wish--even to Columbus. "

"What! run away from your work and duty? Where is your conscience?"

"Where my heart is. "

"Oh, both are in Columbus. I should think it inconvenient to have themso far off. "

I tried to look in her eyes, but she turned them away. 

"I can prove that my conscience was in Columbus; I consulted you onevery question I discussed in the paper. "

"Nonsense! you never wrote me a line. "

"I was enjoined not to in a way that made my blood run cold. But Ithought Mrs. Vining's opinions might be influenced by a member of herfamily, and I never wrote a line unmindful of that influence. "

Again her laugh rang out. "I should call the place where you wrote theCircumlocution Office. Well, to keep up your way of doing things, thatmember of the family read most critically all you wrote. "

"How could you tell my work from that of others?"

"Oh, I could tell every line from your hand as if spoken to me. "

"Well, fair critic?"

"Never compliment a critic. It makes them more severe. "

"I could do so much better if you were in New York. "

"What! Do you expect me to go into the newspaper business?"

"You are in it now--you are guiding me. You are the inspiration of mybest work, and you know it. "

We had now reached a point where the lane wound through a hemlockgrove. My hope was glad and strong, but I resolved at once to removeall shadow of fear, and I shrank from further probation. Therefore Istopped decisively, and said in a voice that faltered not a little:

"Emily, our light words are but ripples that cover depths which in mycase reach down through life and beyond it. You are my fate. I knew itthe day I first met you. I know it now with absolute conviction. "

She turned a little away from me and trembled. 

"Do you remember this?" I asked, and I took from my pocketbook thewithered York and Lancaster rosebud. 

She gave it a dark glance, and her crimson face grew pale. 

"Too well, " she replied, in a low tone. 

I threw it down and ground it under my heel; then, removing my hat, Isaid:

"I am at your mercy. You are the stronger, and your foot is on myneck. "

She turned on me instantly, and her face was aflame with her eagerimperious demand to know the truth. Taking both my hands in a tense, strong grasp, she looked into my eyes as if she would read my verysoul. "Richard, " she said, in a voice that was half entreaty, halfcommand, "in God's name, tell me the truth--the whole truth. Do yourespect me at heart? Do you trust me? Can you trust me as Mr. Yocombtrusts his wife?"

"I will make no comparisons, " I replied, gently. "Like the widow inthe Bible, I give you all I have. "

Her tense grasp relaxed, her searching eyes melted into love itself, and I snatched her to my heart. 

"What were the millions I lost compared with this dowry!" shemurmured. "I knew it--I've known it all day, ever since you crushed myhand. Oh, Richard, your rude touch healed a sore heart. "

"Emily, " I said, with a low laugh, "that June day was the day of fateafter all. "

"It was, indeed. I wish I could make you know how gladly I acceptmine. Oh, Richard, I nearly killed myself trying not to love you. Itwas fate, or something better. "

"Then suppose we change the figure, and say our match was made inheaven. "

I will not attempt to describe that evening at the farmhouse. We weremade to feel that it was our own dear home--a safe, quiet haven everopen to us when we wished to escape from the turmoil of the world. Ithank God for our friends there, and their unchanging truth. 

I accompanied Emily to Columbus, but I went after her again in thespring and for a time she made her home with Mrs. Yocomb. 

Adah was married at Mrs. Winfield's large city mansion, for Mr. Hearnhad a host of relatives and friends whom he wished present. Thefarmhouse would not have held a tithe of them, and the banker was soproud of his fair country flower that he seemed to want the wholeworld to see her. 

We were married on the anniversary of the day of our fate, and in theold garden where I first saw my Eve, my truth. She has never temptedme to aught save good deeds and brave work. 

THE END