Winner Stories

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in his odd way, felt the defection of his favorite cousin as much
as anybody, except Raeburn himself. They had been playfellows,
they had always been like brother and sister together, and he was
astounded to think that Erica, of all people in the world, should
have deserted the cause. The letter had come by one of the evening
posts. He went out and paced up and down the square in the soft
midsummer twilight, trying to realize the facts of the case.
Presently he heard rapid steps behind him; no one walked at that
pace excepting Brian, and Tom was quite prepared to feel an arm
link itself within his.
Hallo, old fellow! exclaimed Brian. Moonlight meditations?
Where did you drop from? said Tom, evasively.
Broken leg, round the corner a publichouse row. What brutes men
are! exclaimed the young doctor, hotly.
Disappointing world altogether, said Tom with a sigh. What do
you think we have just heard about Erica?
Brian's heart almost stopped beating; he hardly knew what he
feared.
How can I tell? he answered, hoarsely. No bad news, I hope?
She's gone and turned Christian, said Tom, in a tone of deep
disgust.
Brian started.
Thank God! he exclaimed, under his breath.
Confound it! cried Tom. I'd forgot you'd be triumphant. Good
night, and he marched off in high dudgeon.
Brian did not even miss him. How could he at such a time? The
weight of years had been lifted off his soul. A consuming
happiness took possession of him; his whole being was a
thanksgiving. By and by he went home, found his father in the
study, and was about to speak, when Charles Osmond put an open
letter into his hand. While Raeburn had written to his sister,
Erica had written to her prophet a sad, happy, quaint letter
exactly like herself. Its straightforward simplicity brought the
tears to Brian's eyes.
It will be a fearful life for her now! he exclaimed. She will
never be able to endure it. Father, now at last I may surely speak
to her.
He spoke very eagerly. Charles Osmond looked grave.
My dear old fellow, of course you must do as you think best, he
replied, after a minute's pause; but I doubt if it is wise just
now.
Why, it is the very time of all others when she might be glad of
me, said Brian.
But can't you see, returned his father, that Erica is the last
girl in the world to marry a man because she was unhappy, or
because she had got a difficult bit of life in front of her? Of
course, if you really think she cares for you, it is different; but
She does not care for me, said Brian quickly; but in time I

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