All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR. 167
' Yet he failed,' said Allen bitterly.
' Yes, he failed.' The widow's eyes filled
with tears.
* Forgive me, mother. I will—I will re-
trieve the name ; if not in one way, then in
another. There are may ways, believe me, my
dear mother.'
' There is only one for you, Allen ; it is to
win a good name, and make money in the City
where he hoped to make it.'
lie made no reply, but presently finished
his supper, and went to his own room for the
night. There, with a beating heart, he un-
locked his desk and spread out his verses before
him. Many nights had he done this, but this
night it was diflerent ; he was going to read
them to himself for the last time ; to-morrow
he would give them to Claire. The sweet
secresy would be gone ; he would no longer
be sole guardian, so to speak, of his children.
Even for Claire's eyes to rest on them seemed
a profanation. Besides, what would she think
of them ? How would she like them ?