The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-06-30

and turned again to Mr.. James.
"Have you anything to tell me, sir--has
anything happenedp What could have
brought you to Europe so unexpectedly P"
I" 1t was on your account that came"
"Minep What is itP" 1 can think of
nothing-.no affairs-no--"
Mr.. James waited for him to conclude,
but Sears only made an impatient gesture,
growing troubled and pale.
"I believe you have found me always
willing to advance your interests in every
possible way" Mr.. James said, in his de-
liberate, passionless way.
"Always, sir--always. You have been
true FRIEND" returned Sears, with eager
haste, strangely at variance with the man
ner of his companion. But tell me what
it is you have to say--I am getting as ner-
vous as woman"
81 have come to take you away with me,
Sears.
"Where do you wish to travel?"
"To America"
"America But have no reason for re-
turning there at present-my business
keeps me here--I am writing play for one
of the London theatres"
own country"
"Excuse me sir" said Sears with some-
thing of his usual haughtiness when irri-
tated "but will you have the goodness to
be little more explicit2 there is nothing
to be gained by talking in riddles"
81 never do that, Sears, you know"
"Were you acquainted with Mrs.
Grantp" Sears asked, quickly. Did you
know her in America ?''
"Mrs. Grant p he repeated the name
with sort of icy contempt which made
Sears quiver with indignation. "I was
acquainted with her, and kD4S her in
America"
"What does this mean, Mr.. James? /
demand an explanation! am not child
to be treated in this way"
"Do you love this woman, WilliamP'
A light came over Sears face--his bosom
heaved--his proud eyes grew clear and un-
troubled-he threw his head back with a
noble pride,
"Yes," he said, 81 do love her."
"And you know who she is P''
81 know only that she is good, grand
woman, and that love her, and would
proclaim it before all the world" a
"Do you know what her past life has
been 9'' ,s tm9 I
"Her past P' repeated Sears, and Cath
arine's singular agitation recured to his
mind. A terrible shock passed over him,
but he cast back the unworthy doubt.
"NoW he exclaimed, defantly, "but
there is nothing which she need fear tc
to have known--I would stake my life upon
her goodness" p .l
"You would lose the stake !" replied
Mr.. James, in his stern Implying voice.
Walter sprang toward him, with his
clenched hand raised, as if he would have
felled him to the ground in the whirl Of
passion which those words had aroused
"Take that back" he exclaimed, 'retract
those words-an angel from heaven should
not repeat them before me p
81 would not give you needless pain,
Walter; but you must listen to me calmly
and without passion"
"You must leave Paris for time"
"WhyP"
"Because you must be removed from
that woman's influence until you are your
self again"
1" am myself, Mr. James, for the frs
time in my whole life; it is only in hel
presence that have begun to live, ant
there is no power on earth or in HEAVIER
strong enough to separate me from hei
now."
"You rave--I cannot talk with mad
man."
81 am not mad, sir; but you seem de
ternined to drive me so by your words and
manner"
William, have never yet asked you ;
favor; will you refuse the frst?"
"What is itP Let me hear what you
desire" ~
"All through your life have granted
you everything you asked, without ever
demanding your reasons--you cannot trus
me so far it seems"
"Mr. James, this is cruel--I have don,
nothing to deserve such reproaches--yor
make me frantic with your implied sus
picions Of woman whom Iprize beyonC
life itself, and then ask me to listen to yol
calmly and without passion! whatis Il
you wish me to do? You know that
/ would give my right hand to serve you'