Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-08-09
CHAPTER XIV.
ANOTHER PAINFUL TASK.

ANOTHER PAINFUL TASK.
The dinner that night at Hazlewood House
was a dreary affair Frank did not see his
hosts until the gong sounded. Their calls
hal kept them 20 long that they were obliged
to dress in undue haste to avoid unpunct,al
ity In their own persons, thing which would
have amounted TO kind OF moral suicide.
Ths conversation whilst Whitaker was in
the room was naturally forced. Frank could
indeed tell them of the contemplated change
In his life, but as all the while he was think
ing how Beatrice would have received the
news, bis communication was made with
none Of his usual vivacity. Horace and Her
bert were mildly astonished. They trusted
in that way which implies doubt-that il
would te for the best To give up a certainty
for an uncertainty seemed a pity; but of
course Frank knew his own business best A
remark with which Mr.. Carruthers mentally
agreed.
1t seemed quite in order with the misfor
tunes Of the house that the bottle of 1855
dhould have been shaken In some way and
appeared cloudy, not to say thick. 1t might
have been a. thick a. pea soup for all Frank
Ared.
Nothing, or next to nothing, was said dur
ing dessert about the recent painful event
Frank sat oSdy and silent He was work
ng out problems connecting Beatrices flight
with the man of the afternoon anl the visit
10 the inn For Beatrice's sake he was now
Sighting for his own hand Horace and Her
bert he eliminated from the inquiry.
His moodiness affected his hosts and upon
bis refusal to take more wine they suggested
An adjournment to the edrawing-room. Frank
Agreed readily At any rate he could sit
there and gaze at Beatrice's portrait
i'Op yO, yraan fn tn ka any furthar stops
be asked.
II think not" said Horace. Herbert and
have talked the matter over and feel there
b no more to be done. We saw a great
many people this afternoon, and l am sure
have lett general impression that Beatrice
hes gone to visit friends"
'lt was . most painful duty said Her
bert, but one we felt must be performed
In fact, it was due to ourselves to forestalI
gossip"
II am sure Frank quite understands the
situation" said Horace.
A satirical smile curled round Franks
lips. 1T must have been most painful" he
aid; you must have felt like two Spartan
boys with joint fox under their clothes
YES" said Herbert, simply; 1--WE did"
II have often heard the simile used" said
Horace, but its great strength never struck
ne until now
Carruthers gave a short, quick laugh he
oould not help it. The brothers looked sur
prissd. They could see no reason for any
approach to merriment A biting sarcasm
came to the young mans lips, but he re-
strained 1t, and in a moment was glad he
bad done so. 1t would have wounded these
two kind, mild-looking men, who, no doubt,
we're q unable to realize the anxiety raised
IN his breast by Beatrice's Aight, as he was
unable to comprehend the Importance of the
consequences which they were making such
sacrifices to s-ert. Seeing things in the
sAnDe light is a matter of constitution educa-
hon, and training.
Just then Whitaker brought in tea and
whist he handed it round Frank had leisure
70 rejoice, insomuch as he had kept his tongue
in command. But misfortune ha not yet
done with Hazlewood House. Frank, in
moving his arm, knocked down q cup and
sent its scalding contents over one of the
several delicious little Chippendale tables,
the pride Of the Talberts hearts and the envy
Of their lady friends.
The simile Of the Spartan boy and the fox
must have seemed even more appropriate to
Horace and Herbert As they smilingly assured
Frank it was Of no consequence, none what
sver They did not even ring for aid. This,
however. was because Whitaker, who had
witnessed the catastrophe, was already on
his way to the scene with an armful Of soft
cloths. He mopped and dabbed and wiped
the table as tanderly mother might per-
form the ablutions Of an infant who suffered
from some irritation of the skin. Horace
and Herbert watched him for a while, and
then, no doubt thinking their appare mt care
lessness had eased Franks mind, joined in
the rubbing and wiping They twisted up