Part 75 (1/2)

It's all right. Your checks please; there is but little time.”

His manner was so quiet and a.s.sured, that she handed them to him hesitatingly, and a moment later stepped out on the platform.

In a few moments she called: ”Oh, Mr. Stanton, you have lost your train.”

”Not at all. I am going to Boston. There are your checks once more, and here is your train and seat,” he added, as he accompanied her to it. Then he lifted his hat, and was about to depart, when she said: ”Since you are on the same train, perhaps you will venture to take this seat near me. I never was curious about a gentleman's business before; but it strikes me as a rather odd coincidence that you are going to Boston to-day.”

”A great many people go to Boston,” he replied.

”It's for my sake you are taking this long journey, Mr. Stanton,”

she said, regretfully.

”Yes,” he replied, in the same quiet, undemonstrative manner that he had maintained towards her for some weeks past; ”this journey is for your sake, and for your sake I shall take a very different journey through life from the one I had marked out for myself. I know your sad story, Miss Burton. I expect nothing from you, I hope for nothing, and I shall never ask anything, except a little confidence on your part, so that I can render you an occasional service. Never for a moment imagine that I am cheris.h.i.+ng hopes that I know well you cannot reward.”

”Mr. Stanton, this is beyond my comprehension!”

”There seems to me nothing strange or unnatural in it,” he said.

”You found me a pleasure-loving animal, and through your influence I think I am becoming somewhat different. You have taught me that there is a higher and better world than that of sense. How good a work I can do in life I will let the years prove as they pa.s.s.

But I do not think my feelings will ever change towards you, save as time deepens and strengthens them. Van thinks all the world of you, as well he may; but his life will be very happy and full of many interest. I shall think of you alone, and the work I do for your sake until I can add another motive. Of course I believe in a heaven--such lives as your make one necessary; and I mean to find a way of getting there. In the meantime, you are my motive; but my regard for you shall be so very un.o.btrusive that I trust you will not resent it, and the thought of my unseen care and watchfulness may in time come to be a pleasant one.”