Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-11

CONTINUED FROM YEsTERpAY.1
In the fever of the moment took his
hand. 1t lay cold and still in mine; it
mutely warned me that had sullen and
secret nature to deal with.
There must be no concealment be-
tween u.s. resumed. "You have enter
ed my house, by your own confession, un-
der false pretenses. 1t is your duty to me,
and your duty to yourself, to speak out"
The mans inveterate reserve-cast off
for the moment only-renewed its hold on
him. lie considered, carefully considered
his next words before he permitted them
to pass his lips.
"A person is in the way of my prospects
in life" he began slowly, with his eyes
cast down ON his book. "A person pro-
vokes me horribly. feel dreadful temp
tations Oike the man you spoke of in your
sermon) when l am in the persons COM
pany. Teach ME to resist temptation l
am afraid of myself if see the person
again. You are the only man who can
help me. Do it while you can"
He stopped, and passed his handkerchief
over his forehead
"Will that do?' he asked-still with his
eyes on his book.
at will not do" answered. "You are
so far from really opening your heart to
me, that you won't even let me know
whether it is man or woman who stands
in the way of your prospects in lite. You
use the word person. over and over
again-rather than he or SHE when you
speak Of the provocation which is trying
you. How can help a man who has so
little confidence in me as that p
He twisted and untwisted his handker-
chief in his hands. He tried, tried desper-
atelv, to say more than he had said yet.
No. The words seemed to stick in his
throat Not one of them would pass his
lips.
"Give me time" he pleaded piteously.
II can't bring myself to it, all at once. l
mean well. Upon my soul I mean we'll.
But am slow at this sort of thing, Wait
till tomorrow"
Tomorrow came-and again he put it
off. Zone more day ~ he said. "You
don't know how hard it is to speak plainly
am half afraid. l am half ashamed.
Give me one more day."
had hitherto only disliked him. Try
as might (and did) to make merciful al
lowance for his reserve, began to de-
spisc him now.
The day of the deferred confession
came, and brought an event with it, for
which both he and l alike were unpre-
pared Would he really have confided in
me but for that event? lie must either
have done it, or abandoned the purpose
which led him into my house.
We met as usual at the breakfast table.
My housekeeper brought in my letters of
the morning To my surprise, instead of
leaving the room again as usual. she
walked round to the other side of the ia
BILE, and laid letter before my senior pu-
pil-the first letter since his residence with
me, which had been delivered TO hirr un-
der my roof.
He started. and took up the letter. lie
looked at the address. A spasm of sup
pressed fury passed across his face his
breath came quickly; his hand trembled as
it held the letter. So far, said nothing.
l waited to see whether he would open the
envelope in my presence or not.
He was afraid to open ii in my presence.
He got on his feet: he said in tones SO
low that could barely hear him, "Please
excuse me for minute" and left the
room.
waited for half an hour-for a quarter
of an hour after that and then sent to
ask if he had forgotten his breakfast.
In minute more heard his footstep in
the hall. He opened the breakfast room
door and stood on the threshold with a
small travelling bag in his hand.
IL beg your pardon he said, still stand
ing at the door, ~ must ask for leave of
absence for day or two. Business in
London"
''Can | be of any use to you ?" "l am
afraid your letter has brought you bad
news.
Yes he said shortly. bad news
have no time for breakfast"
"Wait a few minutes, urged. "Wait
long enough to treat me like your friend
to tell me what your trouble is before
you 60
He made no reply. lie stepped into the
hall and closed the door--then opened it a
little way, without showing himself.
business in London" he repeated, as
if he thought it highly important to inform
me OF the nature of his errand. The door
closed for second time. He was gone
went into my study and carefully con-
sdered what had happened.
The result OF my reflections is easily de-
scribed. was determined on discontin-
uing my relations with my senior pupil
In writing to his father (Which did, with
all due courtesy and respect, by that day s
posD mentioned as my reason for arriv-
ing at this decision First, that had found
il impossible to win the confidence of his
son Secondly, that his son had that morn
ing suddenly and mysteriously left my
house for London, and that must decline
any further responsibility toward him, as
the necessary consequence.
had put my letter in the post-bag, and
was beginning to feel little easier af-
ter having written it, when my house.
keeper appeared in the study, with very
grave face, and with something hidden APP
parently in her closed hand.
"Would you please look, Sir, at what
we have found in the gentleman's bed
room since he went away this morning."
l knew the housekeeper to possess a
woman's full share of that amiable weak.
ness of the sex which goes by the name
of curiosity" had also.. in various in
direct ways, become aware that my senior
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