Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-06-24

never breathed the word love to any wo.
man before, and l never shall again. l
loved you, and must continue to love you
TO the end"
"Well good-by and good luck to you i
Mind you get the appointment, said Mr..
Montagu to Talbot the following morning.
prior TO the departure OF the latter for Lon.
don, whittier he was going on business.
"Thanks but have changed my mind
as to settling in England. | intend to re-
turn TO India.
Nonsense we shan't let you go abroad
again, said his brother. in-law, lightly, for
ne did not attach much consequences to
North's remark, treating it as mere mo.
mentary expression of perversity. Only
Marion Lockhsrt understood the serious
purpose underlying his words.
''Of course not, said Mrs. Montaeu, in
echo of her husband. Well, we shall see
you back this day week you are going no
further than London, suppose ?"
"And into Kent" replied North, in a
somewhat absent tone of voice.
Kent what takes you there" in
quired Mrs. Montagu, in surprise.
Sc 1t is only upon some business of other
peoples" replied North, in tone that did
not invite further questioning. And few
minutes later q servant announced that the
dog-cart was at the door, and the young
man was borne swiftly away.
It was the characteristic of Talbot North
that he attended in the first place to the
business which he had declared to be that
Of other people. Upon his arrival in Lon
don he delayed only to take hasty
luncheon at his hotel and to write one or
two letters, and then, driving to Charing
Cross, ne took rail once more.
As the train drew near to the small vii
lage of Rushford, his destination, North
pulled email fat parcel out of the breast
pocket of his coat. Examining the seals to
make sure that they were intact, ne care
fully read the address legibly written on
one side of the parcel, and then, replacing
it in its former receptacle, fell to consider.
ing how he could best discharge the mis-
sion with which he was fraught. This was
conveying to the wife the intelligence of
the death of her husband. The event had
taken place in foreign land some twelve
months before, and North had gathered
that GOODNESS and separation had existed
between the welded pair but the dews of
death were already gathering fast over the
sick mans brow when he, Mr.. North, the
only European within reach, had been
called to the bedside and, to ease the mind
of the dying stranger, had undertaken the
charge of seeking out his wife and impart-
ing the intelligence of her loss. At length
North was about to discharge the melan.
choly trust, and for all ne knew the news
might call forth the bitterest regret and
anguish.
Mr.. North went straight to the Post.
office, as the most likely place in which to
discover the address OF Mrs. Milman. It
was at the same time aa emporium for the
sale of drapery, and the whole force OF the
mercantile establishment, as well as the
entire body OF her majestys officials, drew
near to listen to Mr.. North's inquiries
No such person as Mrs. Milman was
known.
"She was Miss Wilson" exclaimed
North, by way of assisting the memories
of these Rushford people.
go, Miss Wilson She left here years
ago :; went away when her mother died.
% Do you know of anyone who was init
mate with her, who could give me her pres
ent address :"
A great shaking of heads attested the
general ignorance.
"a This is strange" muttered North,
Every strange"
But the matter had altogether very little
interest to him /; so, giving up the quest,
he took the next train back TO town, where
he put into the hands Of g private inquiry
office the business OF discovering the lady
who had so mysteriously disappeared.
The task was very small one for these
accomplished gentlemen. Upon the morn.
ingof theifourth day, as North sat at break
fast in the coiee-room of his hotel, note
was given him containing all necessary par
ticulars. The missing person had been
traced, her past employment and history
learned, and her present address was fur
nished for Mr.. North's further purposes,
in accordance with his request.
The effect OF this letter upon North was
remarkable. He sprang up from his chair.
First, the color rushed into his face, ,then
as suddenly retreated, leaving his counten-
ance pale and set and the letter almost
dropped from his nerveless fingers, while
his eyes fixed themselves upon vacancy. 1t
was fortunate that ne happened to be alone
in the room.
At last, calling for his bill, North made
some pretext of completing his breakfast,
but his appetite was gone with his tran.
ouillity, and five minutes later he rose and
quilted the hotel.
At 8 o'clock upon that same afternoon
he was walking up the avenue to his SIS
ter's house at Freshfeld, trying to resolve
difficulty which had just presented itself
to his mind-that of accounting to his
family for his sudden appearance again in
their circle This was a gordian knot
which he utterly failed to undo, but which
was cut for him in one moment by the, SER
want who opened the door.
Master and mistress have gone from
home, sir they will not be back till some
time tomorrow, said that functionary, in
some distress over his i'll timed arrival, and
quite expecting Mr.. North to be over
whelmed with vexation.
On the contrary, Mr.. North received the
tidings with cheerful resignation, and at
once inquired for Miss Lockhsrt.
" have sent for you because ! have
something OF Importance to communicate,
said North to her, as soon as Marion had
Joined him in the drawing.room.
Something of Importance to communi-
cate ~ echoed Marion, with the vague
alarm that often seized her. "Will You
tell me quickly?"
Sit down." said North, gently, taking
her trembling hand, and leading her to
low, easy chair then seating himself nearly
opposite her, he resumed 81 only want
now to ask one or two more questions. Do
you mind telling me your present name p
She strove to answer, but for time her
quivering lips seemed as though they would
refuse their Office. At length only single
word was audible.
"Milman."
"That before? II mean your maiden
name.
Marion Lockhart Wilson"
Exactly. only wished to be sure of
making no mistake"
The sad eyes of the poor, frightened girl
asked the question her tongue could not
put-his motive in making these inquiries.
North lost no time in replying to the
glance, more pathetic than words.
81 have trust TO fulfill when ] IN