a brother. And they all laughed, for the recipient was a confirmed old bachelor. "If that is all," said Mr. Harrison, “he will get over it in a little while. It is like the measles, it comes in early manhood and every one has an attack. Later in life they have the real thing." He looked fondly at Mrs. Harrison. "And she is going to leave for home in a day or two," said Mrs. Harrison. "That will help work a cure." "I don't know about that," said the first brother. "Dick is different from most boys. When he gets a thing, he's got it. You know he has said from boyhood that he is going to college and though he knows that he must work his own way, he is more determined every year. And you have promised that next year he can go. If he really falls in love with that girl, it will be more like a run of typhoid fever-long and dangerous." That night, after the work was done and the supper over, Richard went over to call upon Kate. She was going home the next day and he reasoned that he must go over and bid her good-bye. He was completely wretched at the thought of her departure and the suggestion that perhaps it meant her loss to him. Could he live without her? Reader, you may smile at his simplicity, but have you forgotten your early manhood? Mr. and Mrs. Marshall had gone to a neighbor's and Charlie was down town after the mail. Kate met him at the door. She had never looked better than when she welcomed him, with some wild flowers in her hair and a blush upon her cheek. "Uncle and Aunt and Cousin are away for a little while and I shall have to entertain you," she said. He started to say that he had come to see her, but the words stuck in his throat, and he only stammered a "thank you." year. She told him of her plans for the coming She would study a year more, and then go abroad to finish her education. He told her of his plans for college, and that he intended to make something of himself. Suddenly he arose from his chair and approached her. "You will forget me when you have gone back to your friends and your different life." "I shall never forget you," she replied. "How can I forget one who saved my life?" "I don't want you to remember me because I saved your life. You will remember me only to smile at my crude ways." He spoke almost fiercely. The color deepened in her face. "I shall remember you for what you are." She spoke the words slowly. "I would be wretched in this life without you. I have tried to put this feeling out of my heart, but I can't. I love you. When I have made a place for myself, can I come and claim you?" The better nature of this girl was touched by this sincere and great passion, and for the time her fickle plans for life vanished. "Yes, you may come." The noise of wagon wheels could be heard outside, but he caught her as he had done a few weeks before, and this time the mutual pledge was given. |