Catching up
a book, she crept down the back way and on out to a vine covered arbor
that stood in a secluded corner of the garden.
Miss Farwell had been in her retreat but a few minutes when the sound of
a step on the gravel walk startled her. Then the doorway was darkened by
a tall, broad-shouldered figure, and a voice said, "May I come in?"
The gray eyes flashed once in his direction. Then she calmly opened her
book, without a further glance, or a sign to betray her knowledge of his
presence.
"May I come in?" he asked again.
She turned a page seeming not to hear.
Once more the man repeated the same words slowly--sadly.
The young woman turned another page of her book.
Then suddenly the doorway was empty. She rose quickly from her place and
started forward. Then she stopped.
Charity met him on his way to the gate.
"Have you finished that important business so soon?" she asked sharply.
Then with concern at the expression of his face she exclaimed, "Tell me,
won't you, what is the matter!"
He tried to laugh and when he spoke, his voice was not his voice at all.
The daughter of the church turned to watch her minister as he passed
through the gate, out of the yard and down the street. Then she went
slowly down the path to the arbor, where she found a young woman crouched
on the wooden bench weeping bitter tears;--a book on the floor at her
feet.
Quickly Charity drew back. Very quietly she went down the walk again.
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