his _Gazette_, now and then making some
comment, or answering some query of Cousin Eunice. It was not nine yet
when he rose and said, "He was very tired; if they would excuse him, he
would go to bed."

They all went presently. She was glad to be alone in the room, glad
there was no moon, and she turned her face over on the pillow and cried
softly. After all, life was a riddle--two ways and not knowing which to
take, both having a curiously lonely ending. Could she not bear it
better alone? If he should go away as her father had done, if she should
stay here in the old house, and then Cousin Eunice would fold her hands
in that silent clasp, Rachel would slip into old womanhood, Jane would
marry, she was keeping company now. There would be other Janes and
she----

On the other hand would be love, marriage, children maybe, a pleasant
home. Living along side by side, as other people did.

She did not try to shut out either vision. Which should she take? Was
life just for one's self?

She was not morbid. It was only in religion that people took out their
very souls and examined them for lurking sins; the days' duties were
what must be accomplished, whether or no. She knew she was not very
religious, the deep things seemed beyond her grasp. And there was a
certain joyousness in her love for sunshine, flowers, people, and all
the attractive things of life. She was deeply grateful, she raised her
heart in thankfulness to God for every good gift. And now she took up
the daily duties cheerfully. It was not their fault the shadow had
fallen over them.

Some days afterward she was rambling around aimlessly, when she met a
girl friend, and they chatted about various matters.

"Oh," exclaimed the friend, "there'll be another wedding in the autumn,
and Betty Upham is keeping steady company. I used to have an idea that
you and Ben would make a match----"

"It's Jenny Willing," she interrupted. "And I am heartily glad."

"You were all such friends;" looking puzzled.

"And I hope we will go on being friends. I have always liked Jenny."

"She was awfully afraid you'd cut her out. You know he did fancy you
first. I think she would have been very unhappy if she had missed him. I
don't see what there is about you, Cynthia;" studying her intently. "You
are pretty, but there are some handsome girls in Salem. And they run
after Ed Saltonstall as if there was no other man in town. And my advice
to you is to seize on him, for I think