Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-02-15

WIN tllC DlbOu VI NltTNNu TeEEhuu. buO
knew it not. Her wrongs had gOaded her
to madness, and her madness was RESPONSE
Bile for the act, not she herself.
The mans name never crossed her lips.
For all she spoke Of him he might never
have existed, or. at the most, been but a
part of a forgotten dream. As soon as she
was well enough to rise from her bed, and
| could for hours enjoy her society, we talk
ed of many things; but never of Sir Mervyn
Ferrand and the immediate past.
But, nevertheless, there were times when
her look distressed me. Now and again
found her gazing at me with anxious, troub-
led eyes, as if trying to read something
which was hiding from her. Once she
asked me how she came to my house that
night.
"Out of the whirling snow," said as light
iy as could. You came in high state Of
fever and delirium."
'Where had been? What had 1 been
dong""
You came straight from Mrs. Wilson's
suppose. know no mere"
Then she sighed and turned her head
away; but soon found her troubled dark
eyes again fixed on my own. l could do
nothing but meet their gaze bravely, and
pray that my poor love might never, never
be able to fill those hours which were at
present blank to her.
At last, exactly fortnight from the fatal
day, We left my home. l was now what is
legally termed an accessory after the act,
and was making every effort to save the
poor girl from justice. In order to avert
suspicion, l decided it was better not to shut
up my house: SO left the faithful William
to take care Of it.and await my instructions.
At present it was advisable that any in
quirers should learn that had gone to Lon
don with my sister, and that the time Of our
return was uncertain. By and by, if all
an ordinary way. l, for one, should never
wish to visit the place again.
Philippa acquiesced in all my arrange
ments. She was quite willing to accompany
me to town. She trusted me with childish
simplicity. But, Basil, afterward-what
afterward?" she asked.
Even in the midst of the menacing peri. it
was all could do to refrain from kneeling
at her feet and telling her that my love
would solve the question of the future.
Il have surprise for you in London" l
said, as cheerfully as could. Trust your
self to me; you will not regret it."
She took my hand. Whom else have I
to trust?" she said simply. Basil, you have
been very good to me. l have made your
life miserable; it is too late to atone; but /
shall never forget these days"
Her eyes were full Of tears. kissed her
hand reverently, and told her that when 1
saw the old smile back upon her lips, all
had done would be thousand times repaid !;
but as spoke trembled at the thought Of
what might be in store for both of US.
We drove 70 Roding, and were perforce
Obliged TO take the road which passed by
Mrs. Wilson's house. Philippa half rose
from her seat and seemed to be on the point
of asking NE some question; but she chang
ed her mind, and relapsed into silence.
felt horrible dread lest the roadside objects
and landmarks should awaken recollection,
and my heart beat violently as we neared
the white heap by the hedge, that heap
which believed held our secret felt that
/ grew deadly pale. was forced to turn
my head away and look out of the opposite
window. My state of mind was not made
easier by knowing that Philippa was gazing
at me with that troubled look in her eyes,
Altogether felt that the strain was becom-
if my lie would ever again know . happy
or secure moment.
After long silence Philippa spoke. TELL
me, Basil, have you heard from that mani"
/ shook my head.
"Where is he? He was coming that night
Did he comeT'
II suppose not. Why do you ask?'
Basil, kind of horrible dream haunts
me. There was something l dreamed Of
that fearful night, something dream Of
now. Tell me what it was"
The perspiration rose to my brow. Dear
est" said, mo wonder you dream. You
are well now, but that night you were quite
ont of your senses. Your fancies are but
the remains of that delirium. Think no
more of that wretch; he is probably living
In Paris, after the manner of his kind.
Think only that life Is going to be calm and
happy"
Anything to keep the knowledge of her
fatal act from her! forced myself to talk
In light, cheerful manner. TESTED at the
appearance Of the few muffled-up country
people whom we passed on the load. l
pointed out the beauty of the trees on the
wayside, each branch of which bore foliage
OF glistening snow. l did all l could to turn
her thoughts into other channels-to drive
that strange questioning look from heT eyes.
Right glad felt when we were at last in
the train, and the first stage of our flight an
accomplished fact.
Upon reaching London, drove straight
to the hotel at which my mother was stay
ing. 1t was one of those high-priced respect
able private hotels in Jermyn street. / en-
gagged rooms for my sister and myself. l
sent Philippa to her room to rest; and then
went to find my mother. In another minute
was in her arms, and ere half an hour was
over had told her Philippa's story, andmy
love for the woman on whose behalf be-
sought her protection.
Yes, I had done right to trust her. knew
her noble nature; her utter freedom from
love she bore her son. Let me here thank
her once more for what she did for me that
day.
She heard all my outpourings In silence.
l told her all, save two things-the name Of
the man who had wronged my love, and the
fate which had overtaken him. told her,
as have dared to hope that in time to come
my love would be rewarded. I prayed her
to take my poor girl to her heart and by
treating her as daughter restore, if it were ]
possible, her salf-respect.
My mother heard me. Her sweet face
grew shade paler. Her lips quivered, and
the tears stood in her eyes. knew all that
was passing through her mind. knew how
proud she was of me, and what great things
she had hoped should do in the world. She
was woman, and, woman-like, had counted
upon her sons bettering himself by mar
riage; but, in spite Of all this, knew l was
right IN counting upon her aid. Once again,
my sweet mother, thank you.
She rose. "Let me SEQ the woman you
love. Where is she? I will 60 to her"
''She is here, in this house. All. mother,
knew you would do this for me-"
She kissed my forehead. Bring her to
me-" she said.
went out, and sent word to Philippa that |
wanted her. She soon came to me. She |
lad removed the stains of travel, and al
hough pale, looked the perfection Of grace
'ul beauty. led her to my mothers room.
She stopped short as she saw it tenanted by
/, A i,I- ko-