Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-03-01
CHAPTER NH.

ltB lS2ANl hoft-
They were sitting in the courtyard, my
mother and my wife. They looked the EN-
bodiment of serene happiness. Their large
fans-the use of the fan came like an in
spiration 10 Philippa my mother acquired
it after much practice-were lanCuidly way-
ing to and fro. Philippa's rounded arm was
outstretched; her fair left hand was in the
clear water which fell from the fountain
and filled white marble basin, in which
the gold carp darted about in erratic tacks.
She was moving her fingers gently back
ward and forward; startling the timid fish.
and half smiling at their terror. 1t seemed
to me, that my mother was demonstrating
at the uproar she was creating in the brill
liant coated republic.
The picture is still in my mind. That pic
ture! can sit now in my chair, lay down
my pen, and ean up every picture of that
time. Nothing, save the grief, has ever, or
ever will, fade from my memory.
1t was well for both of US that l had
fought out the battle with myself in solitude,
where no eye could see me, where | could
see no one. Even as it was, knowing what
change my news must work, paused and
ghost of the days temptation rose before
me. But it rose too late. The die was cast.
IUlllppd Sttil IliN fiiotlltE eyes
followed hers. l braced myself up. and
went toward them with as jaunty manner
as could assume. My mother began a
mock TRADE on my shameful desertion of
Philippa and herself. Her words carried
no meaning to my ears My eyes met those
of my wife.
With her made no attempt at conceal
ment. Where was the good? The worst, the
i,,I Ar,-y
told her the truth.
/ saw her sweet face catch fire with alarm.
saw her lips quiyer. l saw the look Of
anguish fash into her eyes; yet knew that
was helpless, utterly helpless.
She rose. l made some conventional eI-
cuse, and went to my room. In moment
Philippa was at my side.
Basil, husband, love" she whispered,
'it has conner
laid my head on the table and sohbed
aloud. Philippa's arms were wreathed
around my neck.
Dearest, l knew it must come. L have
known it ever 50 long. Basil, do not weep.
Once more, tell you am not worth such
love as yours"
covered her dear face with kisses. /
strained her to my heart. lavished words
Of love upon her. She smiled family, then
sighed hopelessly-a sigh which almost
broke my heart.
Tell me all, my love-" she said, calmly.
Let me know the very worst"
Icould not speak; for the life of me the
words would not come. With trembling
hands drew ont the newspaper, and point
ed to the fatal lines. She read them with
calm which almost alarmed me.
Il knew it must be-" was all she said.
threw myself on my knees before her. l
embraced her. | was half diStraught. Save
for my wild CALCULATIONS of undying love-
there was silence for many minutes between
us.
Presently, with great force she raised my
head and looked at me with her sweet and
sorrOwful eyes.
Basil, my dearest, yOu have been wrong.
The right is right, the wrong is wrong. See
what you have done! Had you not striven
to save me, only | should have had to answer
for this. Now it is you and me, and perhaps a
thlrd-an innocent, stilinieSs life, that will
be wrecked"
Spare me! Spare me!' said. "As you
love me. spare me!'
She kissed me. Dearest forgive me. j
should not blame you. Only | am to blame"
lhen. with q sudden change III her voice,
When do we start for England, BaSil?"
Although | expected this question. l trem-
bed and shuddered as | heard it. Too well
l knew what England meant. 1t neant
Philippa's standing in open court in priS-
oner's dock, the center of q gasping crowd,
self-accused of the murder of her husband!
And as pictured this, once more, and for
the last time, the temptation shook me.
Ispoke, but averted my eyes from hers.
could not meet tbs N. My voice was husky
and strange; it sounded like the voice of
another man. A sort of undercurrrnt of
thought ran thrJus h me, that if Philippa
would but share it, | could bear any burden,
any diShonOr.
''LiStenr' l said, in quick accents. I'VE
are far away, safe. We love each other. We
can be happy. Let the man take his chance
What does anything matter, 50 long as we
love and are tOe ether"'
felt that her eyes were seeking mine. l
felt change in the clasp of her hand. l
knew that she was nobler and better than L.
BASIL" she said. softly. and speaking