CHAPTER XXXIII. AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY. Richard and Ethel had been together frequently since their return from New York. On errands of mercy, in almost daily contact in Mr. Warren's home, on occasional rides for rest into the country, planning the furnishings of the mission, they had been as brother and sister. He saw more and more that Ethel was like Mrs. Warren in ability and character as well as in figure and looks. She was as open-natured as a child. The unselfishness which he had acquired with a struggle seemed to be her natural expression. In meeting people it never seemed to enter her mind whether they were rich or poor, cultured or unlettered, and this gave her a peculiar power over all. Richard had felt the charm of her spirit, and her presence always quickened his deepest motives to larger activity. Ethel felt the strength of his purified nature and masterful love for humanity. Their friends had spoken among themselves with a smile of 313 what would come, but these two knew not their words and were not themselves conscious of other than interest natural to those of life's purposes and tastes. A few days after his meeting with Kate, Richard drove to the village of Intervale to get the mail and to do some errands for his brother. On his way back he opened the weekly paper and glanced over the headings. Suddenly his eyes caught the word "Warren." "A Runaway. A frightened team dashes into the carriage of Mr. James Warren. Miss Ethel Warren thrown out. The nature of the injuries unknown at the time of going to press. He felt faint. "How would Mr. and Mrs. Warren live, if after those years of separation, she should now be taken from them?" was the thought which tore through his mind. "And-and-how should I live?" A sense of unutterable loneliness came over him. It was some moments before he realized what it meant. "Ethel! Ethel!" he cried. "I cannot go on without you. I did not realize how completely you have become a part of my life and work." He must go He drove rapidly home. to the city at once. Soon his arrangements were made and his brother was driving him to the nearest station, four miles away. The telegraph operator, recognizing his brother, asked, "Is this Mr. Richard Harrison?" "It is." "I have two telegrams for you-one came yesterday and one today." Richard read: Ethel hurt by runaway team today. She is unnerved, but unless there is some internal injury, will be well in a few days. JAMES WARREN. The second read: Ethel all right. Nerves unstrung. Otherwise well. We will drive out Saturday. JAMES WARREN. The relief was so great that he could not speak. His brother noticed that his hand trembled and his eyes filled with tears as he handed the messages to him to read. This was Tuesday and the days seemed long before Saturday morning dawned. Richard looked forward to her coming and yet dreaded the day. His love for her, |