AFTER AWHILE.
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��a reconciliation, but George was firm, and I have never seen or heard from him since. I can not enquire for him, and al- though Dr. Ellis and I are very good friends and have been for years, his name is never mentioned between us.
And now, Allie, do you think you ever wish to flirt with Dr. Ellis or any one else again? You have known him for years, for your father and he have long been warm friends, and as you know, he often visited at your old home. I have seen the affection he felt for you as a child gradually assuming a different form. If you can return his love, I shall be very glad, but I do not wish to urge you. Do you think you ever can, Allie ?"
There was no response but a subdued sob, and looking down, Miss Merton found Allie weeping bitterly.
"Do not weep, Allie, but let me tell you this. Unless you care for Dr. Ellis do not encourage him. He is now nearly forty-five years of age and I hardly sup- pose you can care for a man so much old- er than yourself. It has been very hard for me to tell you this little story, but I was resolved to do it. Dr. Ellis cares for you more than you think for, so be very careful.
Now go and bathe your face, and we will go to walk and try and throw off these gloomy thoughts my story has called up," continued the good lady as she raised the flushed face from its resting place.
The days passed rapidly away. Pic- nics, parties, rides, etc., followed each other in rapid succession. Nearly every day, if pleasant, was passed by the young people in pursuit after pleasure. As has already been seen, Dr. Ellis admired the pretty Allie, and his admiration was fast verging into love.
It had been a long time since he had called at the cottage, although he had met Allie at the picnics, for no picnic or party was thought complete without him.
At length, as Allie sat reading one af- ternoon, she heard a rumble of carriage wheels, and looking up from her book, she saw the doctor just driving up to the gate. A flush dyed her face as she arose, and, passing out of the door, walked lei-
��surely down the flower-bordered path to the gate. It had always been her wont to run lightly forth to meet him, for she had always regarded him as an elder brother, and had never thought of him in the light of a suitor. Now, her aunt's words came back to her and she raised her eyes to his face with an eager, ques- tioning gaze, as he came forward with outstretched hands to greet her.
Certainly he did not look his age, for the shining jet-black hair was guiltless of a silver thread, and his long, wavy beard was as black as his hair, while he always wore a pleasant smile, and his brown eyes ever beamed kindly upon all.
"Truly, he is a better-looking middle- aged gentleman than he was a young one" said Lizzie Merton to herself as she glanced through the sitting room win- dow. "I wish Allie might care for him, for he would make her very happy," sighed the lady as her thoughts went back into the past which had been so full of sorrow for her.
"I am going to ride with the Doctor, Auntie," said Allie, as she re-entered the sitting room.
"Very well, my dear," was the reply and then Allie was gone again. A few moments later Miss Merton saw the Doctor assist her to a seat in his carriage, spring in beside her and drive rapidly away. Out through the village and away towards the south he drove. At length checking his horses and turning with a smile to his companion, he said :
"Allie, I would like to know why you look so serious to-day, will you tell me? Several times of late, when you look at me, I have noticed that you seem to be very busily engaged in thought. Do you see that I am growing old and feel sorry that I must soon become an old man, or what is it?" he asked, smiling down into the upturned face by his side.
"You growing old, Dr. Ellis ! I have never thought of such a thing. I don't know as I can tell you and it would not interest you if I could," she replied.
He was silent for several moments and then he said softly —
"Allie, if I were not so old, I should ask you a question to-day ; can you im- agine what it would be?"
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