Page:Love's trilogy.djvu/316

 S06 'GOD'S PEACE'

suddenly the courteous man of the world. He shook my hand cordially, smiled amiable, and joked about his own vehemence.

But as I walked home I pitied my old town. It has had its good time with the old vicars; they understood it; they modified their gospel to its needs. They did not object themselves to take a hand at whist ; they did not snap their fingers at a glass of good wine. They rejoiced to see the young people step gaily in the dance, and they did not condemn when a not quite unsullied bride wore the myrtle-wreath before the altar.

It seems to me the air has become oppressive ; there is no more joy in the sunshine, and the wind makes me shiver. You dear old gay and healthy town now strikes the hour of your evil visitation !

Not until I reached sunny Rough-Hill could I shake off my depression. There a pleasure awaited me which filled me with foolish fancies, and made my heart beat a regular storm march.

On my table stood a bouquet of roses. A boy had brought it with no other message than that they were to be placed on the strange gentleman's writing-table.

From whom could they come but from her? Then she had not forgotten me ; she is still think- ing of me, and has even sent me a greeting. For a moment my joy is darkened by the thought that the flowers might have come from ray old friend in the institution. No, that is impossible; such beautiful flowers do not grow in the old town.