The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-04-15

"Oh. dear! Oh, dear!" sighed Miss Ros-
sitter. 'sWhat shall I do? You have only
known each other week!'
"a day would have been long enough on
nv part!" cried, looking rapturously at
my lovely Viola.
lit is so sudden" continued Miss Rossi1er.
II never dreamed of such thing. In old
days matters were managel much moro
decorously. I thought, Mr.. Vane, you
would be at least three months in making
her acquain tance. Oh, dear! I am much
to blamsl'
The old soul seemed so distressed that
Viola ran over and kissed her.
sob! what will Eustace say! He vii
blame me terribly. He is SO masterful, you
know, Viola"
"Who is Eustacef" I asked. I thought
that Vio,a's face grew thoughtful as she
heard the name.
"Mr Grant, my guardian and good
friend" she said.
ssThen must see him. Where can find
nimq
HE is away" said Miss Rossiter, plant"
lively. "Oh, I am SO much to blame!
ought to have made alb sorts of inquiries
about you, Mr.. Vane."
"Your friend eau make them on his re-
turn. When will that BET"
'cNo one knows. Tomorrow, perhaps;
next month, next year. One never can say
Oh, dear! Oh, dearr'
laughed and drew Viola away. We were
so happy that we forgot all about Miss Ros-
siters plaintive sighs, and J. Itroublei nothing
about Violas guardian. did not even ask
what manner Of man he was.
But two days afterward I knew. In the
evening called as usual at Miss Rossiter's
Viola heard my knock and met me in the
hall.
'Eustace came Back to-day. He is here
now," she said joyfully.
I kissed her and followed her into tho
room to make the acquaintance of her guar
dian Although she had called him by his
Christian name, fully expected to find him
a sober, niddle-agcd mau; but in the easy
chair, lonnging as if the place belonged to
him, and talking volubly to Miss Rossiter.
saw str ongly- built, suuburnel man who
could be but few years my senior. He rose
as 1 entered and Viola shyly introduced lis.
He was tall-taller than l was His
shoulders were broad; his limbs long and
muscular. A man who, If not handsome,
would certainly be noticed anywhere The
thought which succeeded my astonishment
at his unexpected appearances was, "By
what right is this man the guardian Of the
woman love2"
He gaze me his hand; but not, faucied,
cordially. He looked me full in the face,
and knew that he was trying to gather
from my looks some knowledge OF myself.
Then suddenly l saw surprised expression
Oh his face-saw thu corners of his mouth
droop as in half-suppressed scorn; and from
that moment my feelings toward him were
those Of mistrust and dislike.
He staid so late that was the one to
make the first move. For once I was not
sorry to leave Viola The appearance Of
this man among US, the close terms of in
timacy upon which it was clear he stood
with Miss Rossiter and Viola, cast kind
of gloom upon me- chafed at the thought
that my happiness was in any way depend
ent upon his favor. ! grew moody aud
silent, and for me the evening was dull
one. ----" r -.-..--ra -
But not for my friends This Grant was
evidently brilliant and clever talker. He
narrated, in an amusing way, his expert
ences in some out Of the way Alpine village
in which, for some reason which did not
transpire, he had been staying Yet at
times I fancied that his merriment was
forced. and again and again saw his keen
eyes turned on me with searching glance,
which annoyed me beyond measure.
When at last I rose, he followed my
example. Viola, as was her custom, accom-
panied me to the door Of the house, but this
evening I noticed, or fancied noticol, a
certain reluctance and hesitation in her
manner Eustace Grant passed. on in front
of US. He opened the door and stood on the
step. Fingered for a moment to bid Viola
last good night.
Presently GRANT turned, as if inpatient at
my delay. There was lamp exactly oppo-
site the house and the hall was also il
lumined. / could, therefore, see the mans
face distinctly, and there was an indescrib-
able look in his eyes which told me the
whole truth. This Eustace Grant, whoever
he was, loved Viola even as I loved her!
All my Jealous and miStrustful nature
surged to the surface. I grasped Viola's
hand and hastily drew her into little sit
tins-room close by. She looked at me in q
startled manner.
Viola" said, "who is this mans'
Dearest, told you; Eustace Grant, my
SuuloietH
"Who is hel what is his professions"
"Ah that is secret as yet He will tell
you soma day; for, Julian, you will love
him like brother when you know him."
'Never! Listen, Viola. That man is in
love with you"
She made no answer, and by thu light
which passed through the half-opened door
Isaw soft expression Of pity and regret
upon her sweet face.
"You know itF' asked.
She sighed. II am afraid it is so, or has
been So Poor Eustacc"
The ntonation of the last two words car
ried comfort to my heart. 1t told me that
need fca no rival. Iembraced Viola, and
left her. Grant was still on the doorstep
He was evidently waiting for me. paused
in the Soad, looking out for vacant han.
! som.
do you mind walking little distance
with ME, Mr. Vane2" said Grant.
II have some distance to 60. l.would
rather drive"