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Kilmeny of the Orchard

“ I don’t think it would do, Master,” said Thomas Gordon, shaking his head. “ Of course, I dare say you—you ”—he tried to say “ love,” but Scotch reserve balked stubbornly at the terrible word— “ you think you like Kilmeny now, but you are only a lad—and lads’ fancies change.”

“ Mine will not,” Eric broke in vehe— mently. “ It is not a fancy, Mr. Gordon. It is the love that comes once in a lifetime and once only. I may be but a lad, but I know that Kilmeny is the one woman in the world for me. There can never be any other. Oh, I’m not speaking rashly or inconsiderately. I have weighed the matter well and looked at it from every aspect. And it all comes to this— I love Kilmeny and I want what any de— cent man who loves a woman truly has the right to have—the chance to win her love in return.”

“ Well! ” Thomas Gordon drew a long breath that was almost a sigh. “ Maybe

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