Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-09-17
fcon.iuued from fir,t Page. ]

long as it didn't appear there might be
chance. It's all over now. and feel that
must get away for a bit
And so, after long consultation, it was
finally settled.
1t was busy time at home, and for the
moment Gerald's presence was essential
but it was at last arranged that early in June
he should sail for Melbourne.
Aweek before leaving he went to
large dinner party. He was one Of the
last to arrive and his hostess said
II will introduce you at once. Mr.. May
field, TO the lady YIN are to take down to
dinner
MRS. Gossett-Mr Mayfield." she
said, and then turned away to repeat the
ceremony elsewhere.
Gerald bowed in silence.
The shock and the surprise took away
all power Of speech or of collected
thought
There was no occasion for an introduc-
ton, Mr.. Mayfeld,'' Maud said. gently
holding out her hand.
"We.are old acquaintances. though you
did treat us shabbily by running away
without saying goodbye"
Gerald touched the hand extended to
him, murmured something in reply to the
question, and then fell back few steps
until it should be time to offer his
arm.
..He looks ILL.,, Maud said TO herself
1T is very awkward. and he is evident
ly ashamed Of himself Poor fellow,
expect he il very unhappy. What mis-
takes we all make
Maud had been married but four months
but she spoke as if she were conscious that
she too mad made a mistake.
In the few minutes which elapsed before
dinner was announced, Gerald had recov-
cred from the shock that the meeting had
given him, and was enabled as he took
her down, to follow the lead she had
given him, and to talk to her rs to an in
different acquaintance.
The party was a large one, and the con-
yersation was not, therefore, very gen
eIal
They chaited together, upon different
subjects; the opera, the last new book,
the parliamentary struggle, the Derby
which was to he run on the morrow. Not
word was said of Iliracombe.
"Mr Gossett is not here Gerald said
looking round the table.
mo; he promised to come, but he is
So busy at the bank he could not get
away; and rs Mrs. Patterson is a cousin
of mine, was able to come alone.
When dinner was over Maud said
''You are not locking well, Mr.. May
field"
II have not been quite well, Mrs. Cos
sett, for some time
II am going to Australia. next week,
probably for some years.
Maud looked at him.
For some years, Mr.. Mayteld DO
you mean it ?"
Yes, Mrs. Gossett. have been rest
less and unsettled here for some months
so am going t. open branch OF our
business out there.
is Mrs. Mayfield here? OF course she
goes with YOU
Mrs Mayiield Do YOU think am
married, Maud?'
She did not notice the Christian name.
Are you not?
Married married, Who can have
told you sucl! monstrous thing"
For n full minute Maud did not answer
She was looking down into her plate, and
the color had all died out OF her face.
IL heard it mentioned" she said. Ger
tainly some one said so. suppose it was
u mistake. There was nothing inonstrou>
in it,
1t would be monstrous 10 me, D." Gerald
said. ''Believe me. Mrs. Gossett, who
ever may henceiorth tell YOU that Gerald
Mayheld is married. YOU can tell them il
is not 80. shall never marry-ncver."
For a time no further word was spoken.
The color did not return to her cheek. |
Presently she said
81 am going To ask you Il strange ques-
ton, one should not ask were it not that |
you are going away, and that. perhaps
perhaps we shall not meet again. 1t is rs
well To clear up MISUNDERSTANDING Why |
did you leave Iliracombe SO suddnnly |
without saying goodbye"
MAY tell you the truth? ?"
Mrs. Gossett bowed her head.
because heard-ot course there's no |
secret now--becausc | heard from Gossett |
that you were engaged to him-that YOU
had been engaged to him for months; and |
loved you so could not trust myself to |
see you again"
Again she sat silent. and without IL yes |
tSe OF color in her face. There was |
slight noise ut the head of the table. and |
sudden flush leaped into her cheek
1--WE are going she said. Don't /
come up stairs-don't see me again be- |
lore you 60. Have your promise ~
You have" he said.
Then God bless YOU, Gerald. and make |
You happy. Say anything You like to me
it is Tor the last time. II cannot he very |
wrong"
God bless you. my darling. my own
lost love- May YOU be happy =
As he spoke sre rose, gave him her I
hand. looked full in his face with a wan
look of sorrow and love. and WAS gone.
When she returned to her home. she !
went straight into tae library. at which !
her husband was still busted with books |
and papers. He looked up.
BLESS us. Maud. what is the matter ?
You look like ghost
Il have seen Gerald Mayticld." she
said. land know that you lied to us both.
You told him we Were engaged YOU told
me Ire was married. What have YOU to
say