Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-03-02

Well, oil the change you will find in
her, Jack, Is for the better; and | have
one piece Of news that will surprise you,
perhaps, but think / will leave it for
May herself to tell, or your own eyes to
rcad.n
Why did John Westmacott start and
grow anxiously nervous for that news
and no otherY
Nay, DOCTOR" he remarked, IRE
member bow long | have been away, and
don't tantalize ne. What is itH Does 1t
concern-concern Mayp"
Yes, Jack. She is engaged to be
married"
John Westmacott gripped the reins so
sharply that the horse reared. II gave
excuse for his temporary silence; then
rather huskily came the interrogation:
"To whom, doctorY"
Your friend, Thomas Mldmay."
My friendl' muttcred the ex-pupil
between his teeth; "cursc himw Then
aloud: "How long has she been engaged,
doCtor?"
"Only since you have been on your
voyage home, dear boy, or she would
have written to tell you. You will have
to wish her joy"
"1 do, and" but this under his breath
Thin. He has robbed me of her"
1t was so. John WcstmaCOtt had come
back to the home of his childhood, the
love of his youth. In those days he
had termed her his little wife; laughingly
she had accepted the title. In nothing
had he been more serious. During all
his absence, while fighting for that fort
une he had realized, amid care and
trouble, one idea had upheld him-the
returning to England and marrying Mary
Westleigh. He had never doubted that
she knew of and reciprocated his airec-
ton. lie had come back to find his hap
pincss scattered to the winds.
How he went through the evening that
ensued he never knew. How he calmly
kissed the cheek May in all innocence
presented to cher brother; how quietly
he listened to the story of the holly
bough; aud how he took Thomas Mild
mays hand, was a mystery he never
unraveled. All seemed the act of an
other person, not himself Only when
he found himself unexpectedly alone
with May, just before leaving, did he
lose his selfcontrol. Flinging out his
hands toward her he cried bitterly:
May, why have you thus deceived
me? You knew | loved you. Why did
you not warn me of this? Why let me
return to be so cruelty disappointed
Why of all men did you select Thomas
Mildmay, who knew my secret? He is a
crafty coward to have won you from me
but he shall rue his treachery."
"JaCkw exclaimed the girl, pale and
alarmed, what do you mean?'
THAT love you, May; have always
loved you-must love you to my dying
hour"
Before she had OWNED his intent he
had taken her in his arms, pressing a
kiss on her forehead; then he had gone
and the girl, full of grief, dropped weep
ing on chair. A voice aroused her
Looking up she beheld Thomas Mlldmay
by her side. His face was very white
his brows contracted, his lips com
pressed.
MAY" he said, hoarsely. "I have
heard every word. Twas yonder," point
ing to the conservatory. " What is al
this? What does he mean by your de
ceiving him?"
"Tom, know no more than you; un
less he has taken a childish joke in seri
business. Papa shall set him right"
" No; he has called me coward, &C
cused me of worse. The task must b.
mine, and the explanation and apolog,
must be made tonight"
He moved away. She tried to sta,
him, but for once he was deaf to he
voice. The outer door banged; and
striding over the snow, Thomas Mildma,
followed John Westmacott, who, with
| persistency for which an old tutor coulC
not account, refused bed at the reCto
ry, and had started for the village.
The snow had ceased, but tempes
of wind had arisen; the leahcss tree
seemed like wands before it, and tn
waves were heard breaking in bursts lik
thunder upon the shore, not mile dis
tant. The sky was clear and drear, onl,
the earth was white. A mountain. stream
which, when the rains or SHOWS came
swelled into the dimensions of a river
intersected the road leading from tn
rectory to the village, and on this nigh
it rushed and eddied in whIrling foam
between its banks and the sea. Span
ming its flood was a rustic bridge, abou
which grew few frs and larches.
1t was here that Thomas BIildma,
overlook John Westmacott. What passe,
between them we need not minutely re
count. 1t was accusation and refutatiol
first, speedily followed by angry words
blended with threats. Then there was
blow, sharp, short struggle, and on
man quilted the spot, while the othe
laid on the rivers bank, with his face o.
the snow, motionless and still-by hi
side a spray of the holly Ma
Westleigh that morning had gathered.