The Trevor Family;*

in such an honest , manly way—his every word and his whole manner showing her how deepl y this love had taken hold on his heart— 'that Rose found herself wishing that her lover would plead thus , and that he were more like tho man whom she now was compelled to refuse . Rose was too embarrassed to attempt to check the tide of speech , and it was not until he had ceased that she answered :

" Mr . Glyndon , yon have pleaded your love for nie in an honest , manly way that wins my highest esteem . But . aside from any feeling on my part , there is an insuperable barrier to my receiving your love . My mother , whether justly or not , is so much prejudiced against secret organisations that , as early as three years since , she exacted a promise from me never to marry a member of any of the ordersand youI believeare one . "

, , , "Yes , " responded Glyndon , "and , Miss Rose , if that prejudice on your mother ' s part cannot be overcome—for I love you too well to ask you to violate your promise—you and I could never wed . You would despise me if I were to give up my connection with the Order , even for your love , when I tell

you briefly why I honour it as I do . Three years ago , at the age of twentyone , I found myself , the only son of wealthy parents , surrounded by and intimate with the fast young men of my native town . My supply of pocket money was practically unlimited , for my father , absorbed in business , kept but little account of my expenditures , and my mother , who has a fortune in her own right , indulged my every wish . Utterly unrestrained , I was fast becoming

dissipated , drank deeply at times , even gambled in a fashionable way , and my whole life was a round of gilded follies . The change , however , was more below the surface than above , ancl did not attract my parents' attention . But my mind was becoming dimmed and my heart callous , ancl I found myself among my dissolute companions listening to vulgar jest ancl song , from which , in a healthier mental conditionI should have shrunk with loathing . Among ,

, the men wdioni I most admired in our town was Dr . Bobbins , our family physician . Passing by his office one day , I stepped idly in , and seeing a new and beautiful Masonic chart on the wall , I remarked to him : " ' Doctor , I should like to be a Mason , now that I am of the proper age . ' " ' And of proper habits , Frank ? ' asked the doctor , with a meaning smile .

" I had not become insensible to shame , ancl the hot blushes came to my cheek ; but the doctor added , kindl y : "' Come into the back office , Frank . I have long been wanting to have a friendly chat with you . Speaking of Masonry , your grandfather was a high officer in the Order . Your father is a member . If the son desires to he , he must prepare himself for it . ' " " Miss Rose , I remained an hour in the office of that goodfatherly

physi-, cian , and came forth a changed man . A long and friendly interview with my father followed . The easiest way to rid myself of my dissipated companions was to travel . I was away from home a year . When I returned I made application , was received , ancl , in clue time , became a member of the Order . But it was on my route home that I saw you on the cars , returning from a visit at the county seat . I said in my heartthere is a girl worth the

, winning , and I came here to win you . I do not despair of doing so . " "Mr . Glyndon , " said Rose , deeply affected , "I owe it to 3 * 011 to speak plainly . A gentleman whose attentions I have been receiving for two years past asked but to-day my mother ' s permission to seek my hand , and has her sanction . Although not engaged to him , I know such a union " would please my motherand I—"

, Rose hesitated , and Frank Glyndon spoke : " You refer to Mr . Crawley . I trust I am too honourable , Miss Rose , to say one word against a rival . Mr . Crawley makes no friends , repels all approaches , and yet I can see how and wh y he should win your mother ' s favour . But , Miss Rose , b y the love I bear you , as I would not have you wed