The Red Cloud chief., 1884-02-15

~ VIZ ~ u SAANA AAopSl
''and all will be well.'
"'He can not come for weeks yet
muttered apprehension, 'and in q few
weeks much that is bad and disastrous
may happen"
Between the two moods the girl was
worn to a shadow, and sometimes al
most hysterical from her agonized men.
, tai debate as to what was best or mos,
right to do-betray her suspicious OF
her sister (fOr they were but suspicions)
at the last moment, when all might sc
soon be put right, VI maintain silence,
though all should go wrong.
CHAPTER XIV.
CONFESSION.
One afternoon. when the time OF
Philips promised arrival was drawing
near, Thekla Berghaus went to call
upon Grace Massey. She found her, as
she had expected. at home and alone.
with books spread around her and q
sheet of paper before her.
What are you doing?" asked Thick
Ia. Are you busy? Do 1 disturb
yOu?:'
.tYou never disturb me. l was doing
this work now, intending to walk up to
your house this evening, but l am glad
you came here instead. Take off your
nat, and we'll have a cup of tea."
Thekla did not decline the proffered
hospitality. She put off her hat, seat
ed herself on the sofa and said: Il am
glad l found you in. l did not want
you to come up to Our house tonight,
or at ali, until l had seen you and
spoken to YOU"
'.No! Why" asked Grace, looking
up in momentary surprise.
because you would have discovered
something which l want TO tell you
not leave YOU to find out"
"Ah!" said Grace, sweeping away
her books and writing materials as the
maid came in with the tray of afternoon
tea.
She said nothing more, but poured
ont some for Thekla, who sat looking
somewhat nervous. Grace carried the
cup to her, placed it beside her at the
corner of the table, and laying one
hand on Thekla's shoulder, said in 4 low
voice:
''Thekla, you have got engaged to
some one"
"Yes, l have" replied Thekla. sud-
denly looking up, and throwing her
arms round Grace's neck. she pressed
it tightly with one or two ~cOnvulSive
little hugs; Il have. What have YOU
to say to lt?:'
fell me first if it is Mr.. Reich
harlt?'
lit is Fritz Re.chhardt-yes."
"Tben l wish you every happiness
that you deserve, and if You get that
You will have no end OF JOY. Fritz
Reichhardt is a good fellow. l think he
deserves YOU, too. almost"
. Thank you; I'll tell him So" said
Thekla, beginning 10 stir her tea.
Both girls had hard work to abstain
from tears, partly because they Were
girls. talking about al engagement. and
partly because of q food of memories
of hopes, fears and tender thoughts,
and to which. as they both felt, it would
be terribly dangerous to make any al
lusion.
Thekla knew hat Grace had ardently
desired Philip to fall in love with her.
and ask her to marry him, and Grace
knew that she knew it. Grace knew
that Thekla had more than liked Philip;
tina: since his engagement TO Angela
Fairfax she had suffered, and that this
engagement meant, amongst other
thing, escape from a condition which
oppressed her; and Thekla knew that
Grace knew ali this. But they were
both wisely silent on the subject. Grace
poured out some tea for herself, and
said:
Il suppose it is only Just settled. and
il l had come Unexpectedly this e
inc | should have found Mr.. Reich
E:ardt there in his new and successful
roe of accepted suitor-and you wished
10 come and explain first
"YcS, that is all about it, assented
Thekla; but You will come all the
same. and see him and me in that role
you speak of. wont you2:'
With pleasure: but IN that case [
shall have to ask YOU to 90 away at
once. rude though it may seem. or |
shall have my Euclid ready for
tomorrow morning.
II 20 at once" said Thekia. rising.
"Ah. there is Mabelle Fairfax coming
home from school. How wretched the
child looks"
docs she not? My heart aches for
her. somehow"
Perhaps Angela DULLES her"
Il haven't a doubt of it: but l know
that when Angela is married to Philip
there will be no bullying. Nothing
enrages him 20 much as to see weak
things oppressed
Here Tnckla took her departure, and
Grace was left alone, to return to her
definitions with the reflection:
"She is quite right-quite. But if it
could only have been different"
CHAPTER XIV.