Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-05-29
Gales aud dSketfhes.
Yfrl's PROMISE.



"Not hunt 7" jim went away complete
ly puzzled and miserable. The change in
Eta was inexplicable. Fancy any human
creature not wishing TO hunt when she had
the money and the horses At the turn
of the street he met Hillesden.
"Gadi You're Just the man wanted. "
said Laurence. Come into my chamber
and have a chat"
While Eta had grown sad and strange
Laurence's eyes caught new sparkles, and
he had learned to carry his head higher.
Jim thought with regret of his own snub
nose and small stature. Laurence stood
over six feet in his stockings.
You are my Oldest friend, jim"
/ Il should not be here at all if it were
not for you," answered Carlton, lighting
a cigar. Il shall never forget when you
pulled me out of the Thames, and nearly
got drowned for your pains; I've not re-
paid the debt; but don't you think have
| forgotten it."
"You may have an opportunity soon OF
paving off old scores. Jim. I'm in love.
and want your good offices. I've met
the sweetest and prettiest girl in all the
world; and if can't win her. life will not
be worth living for"
.In love p" sputtered Jim, critically
examining his cigar.
You NAV we'll look astonished.
thought l was love-proOf, but | have
found out my mistake. l must marry
that girl"
..Does she care for you?" Jim's cigar
had gone out.
ii think so, l hope so-it seems to me
I ought to have as good chance as any
other man."
"Better!" said Jim. you've the cool
and sporting eye which always goes down
with girls; naturally she must love you"
DO you think sol dare say you know
of whom | am speaking. l once thought
YOU liked yourself, but in that case you
would have married her. You are an in
innate friend of hers say good word for
me, jim. to her-to Eta Doncaster."
Lord Carlton dropped his extinct cigar
No other woman in the world was the
prettlest and sweetest. no other man was
so worthy of her as Laurence, his friend
and preserver. What dilemma to be
placed in. In honor bound to keep his
engagement a secret; in gratitude bound
to assist his friend.
Lord Carlton parted from Mr.. Hillesden
in unsatisfactory silence leaving the latter
under the impression that he was cold and
unsvmpathetic. Laurence felt little dis
appointed, for he believed him to be one
of natures noblemen, whose merits were
only partially obscured by fondness for
slang Eta. he reflected. hopefully. had
renounced all her bad habits and was be-
coming gentle and decorous enough to
please the most fastidious lover.
Lord Carlton passed sleepless night,
and on the morrow invented a lawful ex-
cuse to visit Eta Mrs. Weldon was
present, stitching at an elaborate piece of
crewel work; but. perhaps. noticing a
spirit of determination in the young mans
manner, she discreetly departed and left
jim free to speak his mind. But this was
not so easy. He shuffled on his seat, got
up, paced about, sat down again, while
Eta lay back in her chair, her little white
hands clasped together in the folds of her
black velvet gown. watching him quietly.
Eta" he said. breaking the silence,
be of age in January"
Yes" said Eta, with sigh.
"May tell Weeds? l think she ought
to know"
mo. no! l forbid you-you must not
tell her."
Lord Carlton did not answer. and the
monotonous roll of the carriages outside
could be heard quite distinctly.
Eta, do you love me"
II have promised to marry you, jim"
Don't deceive me-do you love me ?
You don't know how much care. I'm a
rough fellow, know, only you always
were so kind to me and put up with my
ways. know | never was good enough
for you, and perhaps it's all my fault; but
Eta. you are changed-is it"
Eta kept her eyes on the ground and
nervOusly smoothed the laces of her
sleeve.
Eta. speak to me. see how it is"
He began to rub the fingers OF one hand
against the palm of another. and his voice
sounded in the twilight like broken Sob
I'VE had better break it off,
No. Jim | mean to marry you," she
said firmly
Then there is another thing" He
paced the room again, restlessly pulling
at his mustache. Il have not felt quite
well lately-my doctor says l ought to go
abroad-its indigestion. or rlungs. or some
thing ridiculous that's the matter; we
couldn't get married just yet, so, perhaps
it would be wise to give it up
"Jim!''
"Yes. Eta, I'm not so soft as you think
and Pm not the man to drive hard
bargain--and perhaps you will care. to
hunt, after all. and take the chestnut
mare"
Eta sprang TO her feet. took Lord Carl
toms hands in hers and leant her cheek
against his shoulder. For second Lord
Carlton thought himself fool. Jim,
how did you know? How good you are ="
The twilight deepened into night, starred
by the twinkling gas lamps in the street :;
the fire danced in mocklng flickers upon
Jim's pale face and tightly drawn lips as
he pressed Eta passiona,ely in his arms.
The temptation has been great, but the
hard battle was won. The dearest and
sweetest little woman in all the world
but not for him.
lone kiss; we are parting; it cannot
signify. Good by-my darling good by. "
He loosened her from his arms, but their
hands met again.
You will come and see US as usual p'
Jim brushed his sleeve across his ewes
and muttered some unintelligible words.
"Doctor-foreign service-better not
In another moment Eta stood TREMBLING