Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-05-22

smile on Mauvain's lips, produced by the
thought that his friend had succeeded in
wounding me in vulnerable part.
s. Yes, Harold, said Mauvain, human. ;
q. Taken from the life, said Harold,
showing his sketch, and they both laughed
at it.
"Unable to control myself, I plucked
the book from Harold's hand, and tearing
the sketch into hundred pieces, flung it
TO the air.
s.'You are right, Nauvain, said Harold,
very human.
"fB By the way, Rant, said Mauvain, adj
dressing me as though nothing of disturb
ing nature had occurred, you have not
told me whether this child of yours is a
boy or a girl.
.'A girl, ! answered.
ga child, too exclaimed Harold,
softly.
.s' Harold, said AIauvain, I am in
want of friend to execute delicate CON-
mission for me. May select you as that
friend?'
''You may command me, Mauvain, re-
piled Harold, in utter Indifference, in any
way you please
"'In obliging me, you shall Oblige your
self
So Pray, said Harold, do not think of
me. Think only Of yourself.
81 gave the young man sharp look,
wondering whether this homethrust were
accidental or intentional, but l could not
read his face. Its only expression was an
expression of WEAKNESS.
go You need rest, continued Mauvain,
repose you have been burning the candle
at both ends, Harold
"' What does it matter, Mauvain !? asked
Harold & it must be burnt out to-day or
tomorrow. A year or two more or less is
Of the smallest Importance.
IF you have no care for yourself,
Harold, your friends must have some for
you
"'It is kind of them, murmured Har-
old, of you especially, Mauvain, who have
SO much pleasure to think of. But / am
really not worth the trouble.
$50 perfect was his manner. whether it
were real or assumed, that despite the an
CRY feelings he had excited in me, I could
not help regarding him with interest.
Often and again you have sighed for
Harold
''' have searched for it all my life.
"'I wish you to go for me to a country
v here its spirit dwells. The voyage will
do you good You viii thank me-
"'I do not doubt it. A long voyage,
You will be absent. should say, not
more than three months.
"'I will 60, said Harold, to the ends o
the earth to serve you. You would do the
same for me.
"'I am not SO sure, Harold. You will
have companions
"'Yes!'
"'This man, said Mauvain, pointing to
me.
81 shall be charmed. You are too
considerate.
{" And his daughter.
A double inducement.
60 am under an obligation to this man,
and he has indicated how can repay it.
Harold, he saved my life
Really.
&c There are certain things against him,
but his word is to be trusted. For in
stance, if he says he hates you, you may be
certain he means it. And what he may do
against you, he will do in the light Of day.
You give him high character, Maui
vain, and take him at your word. l have
no objection to an honest tiger. What l
object to-if object to anything, which l
am not sure, it is so troublesome to OBJ
iect-is the rat or the fox.
"'You will act as my deputy, Harold 2
"'On one condition, Mauvain. I am
really sorry to make it, but it is necessary.
There are matters upon which l am deli
cately sensitive, and in which l have no
control over myself, 1t is not my fault;
came into the world so. As did our friend
here, with certain imperfections, which he
would have avoided had it been in his
power. These things are beyond US; we
must accept them, Excuse me for making
a long speech but you know l have
horror of cross eye in man or woman.
"Aauvain listened, amused, and nodded
his head; he was no stranger to his
friends whims.
"'Then, continued Harold, in the same
languid tone, Il fly from red hair; faint
at the sight of rat and would sooner
die than live with woman without eye
brows'
What is your condition, Harolds p
"'I must see the child before bind
myself irrevocably.'
"'What do you say, Ranf, said Mau-
vain.
81 did not hesitate; l knew that in
this languid young gentle
man, who scarcely spoke above his breath,
was my equal.
al CONSENT replied.
as Is there time this EVENING"
"'No; if your friend will meet me here
tomorrow morning l will take him to see
my child.
't'I will be here said Harold.
$50 it was arranged, and they left me,
and watched their forms fading in the
green twilight until they were lost to my
sight.
Before noon Harold presented himself