The Trevor Family;*

CHAPTER IV . THERE had been so many verbal contracts that had never been made the subject of book entry , so much of buying and selling without exchange of receipts and accounts , that the settlement of Hermon Trevor ' s estate progressed slowly at first , but with the sterling common sense and practical knowledge of Esquire Faxon it soon became apparent that the home and store

and some village lots could be saved , but that the mill property would be absorbed by the indebtedness . In truth , at the end of a year the widowfonnd that she must dismiss Crawley , and rely on Robert ancl Rose , who , with the help of a single subordinate , must manage the store and keep the books . A brief note to the clerk brought him to the cottage . Mrs . Trevor met him in the parlour .

" I have sent for you , Mr . Crawley , " said she , " to say that the business will not justify me in retaining you longer , ancl I shall be compelled , however reluctantly , to ask you to find a situation elsewhere . I need not add that you can have my unqualified endorsement as a gentleman and man of business if it will be of service . " Joel 'Crawley hesitated a momentancl then answered :

, "Isee , as you do , my dear madam , the necessit y of strict economy in your business , and Miss Rose has now become so well acquainted with the books that she can manage them satisfactorily . But , madam . I had dared to hope that you would , at no distant time , give me the right to take a direct personal interest in your business , an interest based on my love for Bose . " " And have you spoken to Rose of this ? " asked Mrs . Trevor .

" No , madam , " answered Crawley , with a bow that would have clone honour to a Chesterfield . And then lie added , with a difference in his tone that -would have been flattery to a stronger-minded woman than Mrs . Trevor : " I could not , my dear madam , take the advantage of being in your service to plead my cause with your daughter without your full consent . Loving her ardently , as I do , such is my regard for your feelings that , if my suit is not agreeable to youI will go my wayand silently submit . Mrs . Trevor fate

, , , my is in your hands ! " Ten minutes after Joel Crawley left the cottage , fully empowered to lay siege to the hand ancl heart of Rose Trevor . With this fact Rose was made acquainted when she returned home to tea . On the same evening , after tho lamps were lighted , there was a rap at the door , and ' a gentleman was ushered into the parlour , and wished "to see Miss

Rose . " " Mr . Crawley has come for his answer , " said Rose to herself , and for the first time the young girl shrunk from meeting her admirer , She could not account for nor analyse her feelings , but she seemed impressed with the idea that she was approaching a crisis in her life , ancl one that she unaccountably dreaded to meet . She would have put off the interview , but she had no excuse for so doing , ancl her hand trembled as she opened the door , onl y to meet the manly form and hear the cheerful voice of Frank Glyndon !

CHAPTER V . THK glad surprise brought a warm glow to her brow and cheek , enhancing her beauty . She liked Glyndon , ancl did not hesitate to show it in her manner . But she knew that , under existing circumstances , there could be nothing but friendship between them . She was , therefore , exceedingly pained when , after a few minutes conversation on commonplaces , Frank drew his chair near to hers , and began breathing of love in her ear , And this he did