The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1870-12-02
THE JOURNAL.


the gentlemen who arrived q tno
same train. There was no help ior
him and he felt as be sat down en@e
perhaps. after all, il vas the pest |
place for him; for Miss Turner was |
sitting next beyond Mn. GaIsford, SO |
that he could neither see Amy's
face. nor was he bound to exchange
anv remark with her, He had plen-
ty Of topics Of conversation With Mr..
Gaisford, who was starting with his
wife and sister-in-law next day for
home. t
When do you returnp Mr.. Gals
ford had asked, and Ruperi, glanc-
ing down, saw that Mrs. Gaisford
paused to listen to his answer.
lam going to spend the winter
abroad he said. 4 am thinking of
doing India; indeed, have sort
of half-intention of joining the In
dian Bar, and settling there for good.
He looked down again, and saw up
on Mrs. Gaisford's face a shadowy
smile, gone almost before formed,
and followed, by thoughtful look.
She absolutely exults. over It,, he
said to himself.
After dinner, Mr.. Gaisford pro
posed a stroll by the lake, and after
a short delay, while the ladies went
up for their things, The party went
out together. For awhile they stroll
ed together, looking across the lake,
upon which the moon was shining
brightly, lighting up the dark round
ed form of the Righi and the snow
crowned peaks beyond Altorf
Then they broke into pairs. Mrs.
Gaisford fingered behind a little,
and, as at the time she was speaking
to Rupert, he could not but stay
with her. He did not know wheth-
er he was glad or sorry. He loved
her still psssionately, though she
was false and cruel, and had spoilt
his life; he loved her as much as ever,
and should do so, he felt, as long as
be lived. Mr.. Gaisford and Miss
Turner stopped and leaned upon
the ratings on the low wall. With
out joining them, Mrs. Gaisford did
the same. Rupert could see her
face now, for the moon shone clear
upon it. She was very thoughtful,
earnest and troubled. How her
face bellies herr he thought. What
can she be going to sayY He would
not speak first, and there was silence
for a minute or two, till she began.
You do not look well, Mr.. Holmes
have you been ill.,
"A doctor would say no, he said
bitterly; and as he only examines
the body he would be right No, l
have had no Illness
And you really think about liv-
ing in Indla|
Yes he said shortly.
There was a pause again, and
then she began, this time in lower
tones even than before.
4 am going to ask you strange
question, Mr.. Holmes. Did you
first hear of my-my engagement to
Mr.. Gaisford that night at the ball?
Yes, Mrs. Gaisford, 1 did, Ru-
pert said coldly.
There was another long pause.
And if you had not heard it, you
would not have gone away so sud-
denly-that is, it was the knowledge
oft that made you part from me as
you did?
Yes, Mrs. Gaisford, it was so. If
it is any satisfaction to you to know
how thoroughly you succeeded, how
entirely and wholly you gained my
love, in order to throw it away,
know it now from my lips.
1 loved YOU with my whole
heart. 1 went to that ball
with the intention of asking you to
be my wife. I heard the news; but
even though the evidence seemed
unquestionable, it was not till l
heard him call you Amy that be-
lieved. I had a sharp struggle with
myself, Mrs. Gaisford, and tried
hard to cheat you out of the triumph
you had so thoroughly gained. !
hoped that you might think that
was as heartless a firt as yourself
Did I succeed?
There was slight gesture Of as
sent.
Then acted WE'LL he went on
bitterly. But give you the tri-
umph now; it is little delayed, but
not the less complete. I loved you
with all my heart and soul, you have
wrecked my happiness and spoilt
my life. You have crushed out all
motive for exertion. You have des-
troyed my faith in woman. L will
notspare myselfeven in one syllable
Mrs. Gaisford; you shall have your
due. was mad, that even when
you had done all this to me when
you had so wrecked my life, / could
not hate you. / love you now as
widely and as passionstely as ever;
I shall love you so till | die. Are
you satisfied now?
Yes she said softly; and then,
without another word, she turned
away from the lake on which she
looked the while he had been speak
ing and joined the others.
In minute she spoke gently to
her sister, and then taking her hus-
bands arm, she said:
Let us go in now, Robert; it is
getting damp
Rupert Holmes followed with Miss
Turner. He did not speak, he could
not have spoken for worlds. He
knew that bis companion once or
twice spoke to him, but he did not
catch the meaning of her words.
Presently he started, for Robert
Gaisford burst into a loud hearty
laugh. What could he he laughing
at? His wife could never be telling
the story to him? So on he walked
with dull pain to the door Of the
hotel. Then there was pause.
Are you coming in yet" Mr..
GaisfOrd asked.
No, he should take another turn
or two.
Then we must say good-by, Mr..
Holiness Miss Turner said, as your
boat starts, you said at o'clock.
Good-by. l hope you will think
better about India
Mrs. Gaisford did not speak; she
gave him her hand, and so they
stood for moment face to face. A