Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-25

that began to suspect she had already
executed her threat of telling Pauline
everything; and l felt inclined to at
tribute my failure to the old woman's
officiousness in making premature
revelation. All might have gone well
had been given another week or
fortnight to win my wife's heart. be-
gan to believe that she was growing
unhappy; that my presence troubled
her. Not that she evinced any wish
to avoid me; indeed, she came so surely
at my beck and call as to suggest a
shadow of the obedience she had always
given during those days upon which
I now dreaded to dwell. But l felt
she would be happier and more at ease
in my absence. So resolved to depart.
could not go without explaining
some things to her. l need not pain
her by alluding to our relationship, but
| must inform her that she was not the
heiress she believed. l must tell her
she had plenty to live upon without say
ing that |, her husband, would supply
it. When this was arranged, farewell
forever!
As soon as l had finished my pre-
L
the house where Pauline lodged. As
yet she knew nothing of my purpose. l
held her hand rather longer than usual,
and by desperate effort forced words
to my lips.
Il am come to say goodbye. 60 to
London to-day"
She answered not a word, but felt
her hand tremble in my own. Her eyes
could not see.
Yes, l have loitered here long
enough" 1 continued, attempting to
speak easily; "a great many things call
me to town"
Pauline was not looking in the best Of
health this morning. Her cheek was
paler than it had been since my arrival.
She looked languid and depressed.
Doubtless my presence had worried her.
Poor girl. she would soon be relieved Of
that,
Seeing that paused for her to speak
she found her voice, but even that
seemed to have lost some of its freshness
and tone
when do you go?" was all that she
said. Not word about my return!
by the midday coach. l have still
some hours left. As it is the last time,
shall we walk to the Clearing togeth-
erp"
"Do you wish it2''
| "If YOU have no objection. Besides,
Iwant to speak to you about yourself
about business matters" added, to
| show that she need not fear the inter
view.
II will come" she said, quitting the
room hurriedly.
1 waited. Presently Priscilla ap-
peared. She was looking daggers at
me-undeserved, at least from her.
Her voice was harsh and raspy, bring
ing back to nv mind familiar sound
| of early childhood, when l had COM
| mitted some petty crime which excited
her ire.
Miss Pauline begs you will walk on
and not wait for her. She will Join you
at the Clearing presently"
took my hat and prepared to do as
commanded. Priscilla had said moth
ing which showed she knew of my ap-
preaching departure, but as l was
passing out of the house she said, in a
tone OF WltHeTlnS ScOTn.
Master Gilbert, you're q bigger fool
than thought you were"
Such an observation, even from an
old servant, could not be passed by. l
| turned to demonstrate. Priscilla SIM
ply slammed the door almost against my
| nose.
walked away-the thing in the face
| of nv other troubles was not worth a
thought. Of course could not expect
Priscilla to enter into my feelings and
appreciate the delicacy of my position.
Besides, must see her and have long
talk with her before left.
The Clearing, as we called it, was a
place on the hillside, not far away. We
had stumbled upon it, almost by acci-
dent, during our walks. A seldom
trodden path through the wood led to
a spot from which the trees and under
| growth had been cleared. From it there
was a delightful view of the opposite
hills and the stream winding through
the valley. 1t was favorite resort OF
mine. Here / sat for hours talking to
Pauline, and here in my dreams had
poured forth the words of love longed
to speak-and here l was to say good.
bye forever.
NV frame Of mind was a sad one
when l reached the Clearing. l threw
myself down on the sloping ground and
turned my eyes up the path by which
| she must come A fallen trunk at my
back formed rest for my head-tht
trees around were rustling in the sof
| breeze-the monotonous rush of the
stream below was soothing and lullins
"a few white clouds sailed slowly
across the sky. 1t was q drowsy,
ireamy, beautiful morning. had
scarcely slept for the last two or three
nights. Pauline fingered. Is it any
wonder that my eyes closed and for
awhile all sorrow and disappointment
we're chased away by the sleep l so
sorely needed?
Was it sleep? Yes, because one must
sleep in order to dream. All! if that
dream were reality life would be worth
having. dreamed that my wife was
beside me, that she took my hand and
pressed her lips to it passionately, that
her cheek was almost touching mine,
that could feel her soft, sweet breath.
So real did it seem that turned on my
hard rustic pillow toward the dream,
and then Of course it vanished.
Iopened my eyes. In front Of me
stood Pauline. Those grand dark eyes
of hers no longer veiled by the lashes,
but open and looking into mine. l saw
them but for a second, but that was
long enough for the look l had sur
prised to send the blood throbbing
through my veins-to make me spring
to my feet-to embolden me to take her
suddenly and swiftly in my arms-to
| cover her sweet face with kisses, ejacu-
lating the only words that one can find
at such time: Il love you! l love you!
1 love your
For no man yet has seen in a
woman's eyes the look | saw in Paul
ines unless that woman loves him
| above all the world.
Pauline! Pauline" ! cried; "do
you love me?"
A trembling which I knew was OF
joy passed over her.
L