Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1885-04-19
The fact i. l wanted to say something to

The fact is, 1 wanted to say something to
you" -. VIZ
DR.. Maclean felt his ears grow hot. Was
the impetuous fellow going to confide in
him an attachment for Phemie, and ask his
leave to persue itf Of course, the doctor,
having little eke 20 interest him. had taken
notes Of progress Of this friendship
The two walked away side by side, slow
", and at last the younger man spoke
eagerly. 81 wanted to see you about
about Picnic" he said. 'She seems to
me so Young, and it is such dull life here
for her. OF course, it would not be quite
conventional for me to ask you to let her
90 back to Halifax with me now, but some
day soon do, hope you will let her visit
Ut" 80,
The doctor did not reply; he was little
Young Derrick cleared his throat nerv-
ously. "But ! am going to be married
soon," he said, land hope You will let her
come and visit-us."
There was o nervous information in his
voice; it actually trembled when he said
ms" If DR.. Maclean had looked up at
him he would have seen that the young tel
lows face was quite radiant. But the doc
;or did not look up; he was too much occu
MED in irving to conceal the palior and
choking sensation that suddenly overcame
him.
He could not have told why, but at that
moment he felt as if the greatest misfortune
bis life had yet held had come upon him.
He seemed to live through a whole lifetime
of emotions before he had broken that
strange silence. When he did speak it was
in a harsh, strained voice.
why didn't you tell us this betoreT
His companion looked at him in surprise
in unfeigned surprise; the contrast be-
tween his face, in which there was soft
tenderness of expression that made it look
graver and handsomer than usual, and the
doctors own worn gray courtenance, struck
the latter sharply. He felt that he knew
how he was looking.
He could hardly believe that the meaning
of his look could fail to strike the young
man; but it did. He answered quite
simply;
ii don't talk about it much, because she
because lam so awfully happy about
il. 1t did not occur to me that you would
DC interested, though | always meant to tell
you" -, ;.
DR.. Maclean shook himself out Of his dis
ressed feeling with vigorous effort.
"Oc course not" he said. Il mean, at
east that of course we should be interest
ID, and somehow | never thought OF your
be,pg in love"
Nor" said the young man, incredulously
have felt awfuIly inclined to tell you all
since knew you better. tried to tell Phe-
ME once, but then | fancied she did not
care TO interest herself so much in my affairs
But want her and Rose to be friends |
should like all my friends to be my wife s
100"
He said the words my wife with proud
ntonation; then he colored and turned his
face away | wish you knew her, he said:
But before the doctor had time to respond
this wish the coach came rafting down to
IS usual starting point sndsthere was only
inc for Mr.. Derrick 10 scramble into a seat,
afrer squeezing his hosts hand fercely and
,aying hopefully, Then | shall see you at
Christmas. Goodbye; | shall look for ward
20 Christmas.
When the doctor had seen the coach out
, { sight he walked very slowly home, his
chin on his breast, his mind full Of troubled
reflections. Who'd have thought itY' he
said; who would ever have thought itH
And this is one OF his friendships, | sup
pose"
He found opportunity to disclose the news
TO his daughters that same day. 1t lay like
a nightmare upon him, and he wanted to re-
ieve himself of the terrible fear that his
uneasness had warranted. Young people
like Picnic might understand things differ
emily. The girl had been going about all
day singing, with light in her eyes and a
beautiful flush of color in her cheeks. Mr.
Derrick is going to write and give me his
impressions OF the 'Trossachs in Winter,
she told Bride. She was as gleetul as pos
sible, and late in the afternoon she had been
out on long ramble, and brought hack a
great load Of tinted bracken and brilliant
Autumn leaves She was arranging these
in vase when her father came in and sat
down by the fire. Janet and Bride were
seated there sewing.
Their lamp was on small table near, and
the larger table, by which Picnic stood
with her treasures, was lighted only By the
faint day light and the glow of the fire.
DR.. Maclean cast wisttul glance at the
alert little figure. Phemie was trilling q
little song to herself in low pretty voice.
She seemed to have developed this faculty
lately, along with other bright characteristics
Of youth.
"Well girls" began the father seating
himsel "how do we feel without our guest|
1--WE miss him." said Janet, softly; and
Bride added, THE house feels quiet without
him"
YES" said the doctor, "he'd plenty Of life
and spirit. He told me some news about
himself today"
He saw Phemie turn toward him; he
knew she was listening breathleSsly.
"He says he's going 10 be married, said
he doctor, trying to impart a jocular tone
. his voice
TO be marriedY' said Bride. She let
her work fall in her lap. Her father went
on hurredly, looking straight into the fire
Yes, was rather surprised he hadn't told
Us before | had no idea of the depth Of re-
serve he was capable of until he spoke to me
this morning 81 suppose with faint
laugh "he did not feel as he knew US well
enough to entrust US with his secrets"
Then why did be tell you now?' asked
Bride.
She ani her father were both subduing
their voices to an Unconditional pitch. They
both knew by the dead silence, the utter
absence of stir or rustic that Picnic was
listening intently.
Because be had kind OF plan in his
head for Phemie.' said her father. Tnen he
turned with laugh to his youngest haugh-
ter. He seems to have made great friends
with you, eh? He thought that when be was
married perhaps | would allow her to pay
him and his wife visit"
There was silence again that utter awk-
ward silence that is so dreadful betwe N peo-
pie near and dear; then Phemie's voice
broke it. ut was-very kind-o' him"
sha said