Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1884-11-28

enough for one evening. Come in
doors, and I'll promise you tlat you
shan't have to complain of me any more
tonight"
CHAPTER II.
The next morning Charles rose at
nine and came down to the coffee
room to have his cup of coffee and
roll. His friend was not there, but
at that he was scarcely surprised, for
they had sat up late the previous
night.
mad journey, after ALL" said Charles
to himself !; che was all right last night
after we came in-quite his old self
again"
However, Ernest did not come
down, and Charles finished his break
last alone. Just as he had finished u
waiter brought him a note. Il was
from Ernest.
DEAR CHARLEs:-I am off for England.
Yours, ERNEST.
Charles was thunderstruck. But
there was nothing to be done; he found
that Ernest had started early in the
morning, taking a carriage in order not
to have to wait for the diligence to
Pontorson. There were nothing for
Charles to do but to pack up his things
and prepare to return to Paris; his
little holiday had come to an untimely
end.
Meanwhile, Ernest Dumont was an
proachlng P%ontorson, where he intend
ed taking the diligence. His only lug
gage consisted of a small valise. He
was silent during the journey, to the
great satisfaction of his blue-bloused
driver, who was taciturnity itself. He
neither demanded a pourboire nor
gave any thanks when he received one.
Although Ernest had time enough on
his hands, he yet was feverishly anx-
ious to get to his destination, although
ne only vaguely knew what that desti-
nation was. The great thing was to
get out OF France. It would be easier
to endure his anxiety when far away.
The boats and trains fitted we'll, and
the same day that saw him leave
Avranches saw him safely installed in a
quiet hotel near Charing Cross. He en-
tered his name as Eugene Dubois.
Once alone he entirely belied the as
sumed gayety which he had shown
when last with his friend. He threw
himself into q chair and seemed utterly
and entirely miserable.
Now that he was far from all his
friends he began to feel the want of
them. He had voluntarily expatriated
himself; he had Intentionally cut him.
self clear from all his old ties. Not a
soul on earth knew where he was. Few,
he thought sadly enough, would care.
He was alone; it had been his wish to
be so for weeks past, and now that his
wish was fulfilled he was more miser-
able than ever.
However, he had enough sense left
to know that the only way to prevent
time from dragging along unfortunately
was to occupy himself. He had only
been in London once before; suppose
he were to have q solitary ramble?
Surely in so busy a city there must be
something to distract his thoughts.
He took his hat and passed out to the
landing. Half unconsciously he began
to descend the stairs. Notwatching his
footsteps carefully enough he thought
he had reached the landing when there
was another stair; the consequence was
that he fell head foremost into the arms
of an Englishman who was ascending.
The shock carried them both over,
and Ernest received a hard blow on the
head in the fall. He was half stunned
for a minute; when he recovered his
senses completely he found he was in
the strangers room.
"Hope you're all right?" said the
Englishman.
''Thank, you, yes; a little dizzy
that's ALL"
"Confoundedly dark Staircase" sale
the other, pouring out some brandy anc
offering it to him; ''it's a wonder people
don't break their necks."
Both men were full of apologies, fol
each had been careless. The English
man, whose name was Seymour, saw
at a glance that Ernest was French, anc
as he knew the language well he usee
it. Ernest was more glad than h
would confess to find a sort of compa
triot in the first man he had addressed
on equal terms since crossing.
The two men chatsed for some min
utes, till Ernest said he had no further
excuse for trespassing's or the other
kindness, as he was quite recovered
However, they found they were boil
going out, SO they left the hotel to
gether.
The streets were crowded and con
versation was difficult. To add t.
their discomfort it began to rain. The,
discovered that neither had any fixe.
object for his stroll, so they adjourne'
to a cafe for a little shelter and a chat
They talked for some time; each wa
in need of a companion. Seymour wa
on a visit to London from the North OF
business; Ernest wanted something t
keep his thoughts away from himself
He was afraid to be alone now that h
had come so far to be so.
The rain ceased, the clouds parted
and a white moon made the we. @oaf
and pavements glisten with a magica
light. 1t was an enchanting scene
and the young men felt its beauty
There was no need for them to hurr..
home, so they strolled along the silen
Embankment arm in arm. At las
twelve o'clock struck, and they mount
ed the steps by Waterloo Bridge, prep
aratory to returning to the hotel.
'Come on the bridge and see tn
moon and the lights in the water
said Seymour. 'It's a wonderful