so suddenly awakened, had touched every noble chord of his nature. It only heightened his appreciation of the difference between love and the passion that had once stirred him. But was there any hope? She evidently had not thought of him ever as more than a member of the family. Only So had he until her accident. Still could he hope, had he any right to ask, that one of her environment should live in the surroundings of the mission? It is one thing to do good among such people; it is quite another thing to join her life to it and in a measure cut herself off from the circle which her wealth and culture has given her. Was not there a real truth underneath the stinging words which Kate once spoke to him? Of one thing he was sure, these circumstances and his relationship to her and the household forbade his giving her any hint of his feelings. She should not suspect them. So he spent the days, going over and over again such thoughts, and always coming to the same conclusion. He had not learned that love reveals itself. It is its nature as it is the sun's to shine. CHAPTER XXXIV. THE SECRET OF THE AUTUMN LEAVES. Saturday was a beautiful day. The sky was cloudless and the atmosphere crisp and invigorating. The sun came up and began to give the air a softer tone that is so welcome to the body on an autumn day. In the middle of the forenoon Richard saw the team of Mr. Warren coming at a spanking gait along the north road. His heart leaped at the sight. They soon drove in and Mr. Warren shouted to Richard as he saw him coming from the house, "My boy, this is a great country out here. I never breathed such air except at the ocean and on the mountains as we have had today. I thought we should never reach here. Ethel wanted to stop and pick every leaf she saw." The carriage was full of the golden-tinted leaves of autumn and Mr. Warren had put a wreath which Ethel had woven, around her neck. It seemed to Richard that Ethel never looked so well before. The ride had heightened the color of her cheek and the leaves detracted nothing from the charm. Richard did not know what to say. He had never lacked for words before when with her, but now his tongue refused to do its task. "You received our telegrams, of course,' continued Mr. Warren. "I hope we shall never have to pass through such an experience again." "Yes, I received both telegrams at the same time. I had read the account in the paper and was at the station on my way to the city when they reached me. I rejoice with you." "I wasn't hurt a bit, though the shock was severe at first. But I am about over it now," said Ethel lightly. They were soon in the house and visiting with the people. Richard's father and Mr. Warren talked over the early days of the country and the many changes that had taken place. Ethel and the rest of the household were interested in the things around the house and barn. The threshers were at |