The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-25
Published by Special Arrangement Copyrighted 1885, Al Rights Ressved1
A MERE INTERLUDE.
A STORY BY THOMAS HARDY.
Author of GAR r M III MADDRG CROWD UNDER III GREENWOOD TREE" "TRUM-
PET MAJOR 1.-TWO ON A TOWER" and Other Popular Novels
PART H.-CHAPTER v.

Mr.. Heddegsn forgave The GOODNESS of his
brides manner during and agter the wedding
ceremony, full well aware that there had been
considerable reluctance on her part to acqui
esce in this neighborly arrangement, and, as a
philosopher of long standing, holding that what
ever Baptista's attitude now, the conditions
would probably be much the same six months
hence as those which had ruled among other
married couples.
An absolutely unexpected shock was given to
Baptistais listless mind about an hour after the
wedding service. They had nearly finished the
midday dinner when the now husband said to her
father, "We think of starting about 2; and. the
breeze being so fair, we shall bring up inside
PenZance new pier about 6, At least"
"What-are we going to PenzanceW said Bap-
tista. II don't know anything of it."
Didn't we tell her?' asked her father Of He'd
degan.
1t transpired that, owing to the delay in her
arrival, this proposal too, among other things.
had in the hurry not been mentioned to her, ex-
cept some time ago as a general suggestion that
they would go somewhere. Heddegan had i'm
agined that any trip would be pleasant, and one
to the mainland the pleasantest of all.
She looked so distressed at the announcement
that her husband willingly offered to give it up,
though he had not had a holiday off the island
Tor a whole year. Then she pondered on the in
convenience of staying at Hugh Town. where all
the inhabitantt were bonded, by the circum-
stances of their situation, into a sort of family
party, which permitted and encouraged ON such
occasions as these oral criticism that was apt to
disturb the equanimity of newly married girls,
- -~-II - -. = -
strange situation. Hence, unexpectedly, she
agreed not to disorganize her husbands plans for
the wedding jaunr, and it was settled that. as
originally intended, they should proceed in a
neighbours sailing boat to the metropolis of the
district.
In this way they arrived at Penzance without
difficulty or mishap. Bidding adieu to Jenkin
and his man, who had sailed them over, they
strolled arm in arm off the pier, Baptista silent,
cold and obedient. Heddegan had arranged to
take her as far as Plymouth before their return,
but to 60 no further than where they had landed
that day. Their first business was to find an inn,
and in this they had unexpected difficulty, since
for some reason or other-possibly the fine
weather-many of the nearest at hand were full
of tourists and commercial travellers. He led
ueT Oh Glll he T6dCueU q tavern WHICH,, LlOuSQ
comparatively unpretending, stood in as attract
i've a spot as any in the town, and this, some
what to their surprise after their previous expert
ence. they found apparently empty. The eonsid-
crate old man, thinking that Baptista was edu-
Gated to artistic notions, though he himself was
deficient in them, had decided that it was most
desirable to have, on such an occasion as the
present, an apartment with a .'good view" (the
expression being one he had often heard in use
among TOURISTS and he therefore asked for a
favorite room on the first floor. from which a
bow-window protruded, for the express purpose
of a~ffording such an outlook.
The landlady, after some hesitation. said she
was sorry that particular apartment was engaged;
the next one, however, or any other in the house,
was unoceupied.
1.-The gentleman who has the best one will give
it up tomorrow, and then you can changeinto ii, "
she added. as Mr.. Heddegan hesitate1 about
taking the adjoining and less commanding one.
wv shall be gone tomorrow, and shant want
il" he said.
Wishing not to lose customers, the landlady
earnestly continued that since he was bent on
having the best room, perhaps the gentleman
would not object to move at once into the one
they ~despised, since, though nothing could be
seen from the window, the room was equally
large.
well, If he doesn't care for a view" said Mr..
. Heddegan, with the air of a highly artistic man
who did.
'Oh. no-I am sure he doesn't" she said. II
can promise that you shall have the room you
want. IL you would not object to go for a walk
for half an hour. / could have it ready, and your
things in it, and a nice tea laid IN the bow-window
by the time you come back2"
This proposal was deemed satisfactory by the
fussy old tradesman, and they went out Bap-
tista neryously conducted him in an opposite di-
rection to her walk of the former day in other
company, showing on her wan face, had he OBJ
: served it, how much she was beginning TO regret
her s~asrifeal step for mending matters that
morning.
She took advantage of q moment when her
husbands back was turned, to inquire casually
in ashep if anything had been heard of the gen.
tleHan who was sucked down in the eddy while
bathing.
The shopman said, Eyes, his body has been
washed ashore" and had just handed Baptista a
newspaper on which she discerned the heading,
"A s-choolmaster drowned while bathing" when
sher husband turned to join her. She might have
pursued the subject without raising suspicion;
but it was more than flesh and blood could do,
and completing a small purchase almost ran out
of the shop.
what is your terrible hurry, NEE deer9' said
Eeddez gan, fastening after.
. II don't know don't want to stay in shops"
che gasped.
And ge won't" he said. "They be s~uffocat-
ing this weather. Let's go back and have some
tayi"
They found the mueh-desired apartment
awaiting their entry. 1t was a sort of eombina-
ton bed and sitting room. and the table was
prettily spread with high tea in the bow-window,