Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1886-09-25

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My companions ,vere Branksome and
Fosdyke.
1t seemed as though they were anxious to
make some amends for the shameful treat
mont l had already received ON board the
Golden Hawk. Fosdyke hal un endless
store of interesting anecdotes relating to
criminal cases and the peculiarities of
famous judges and counsel; while Drank
some's talk was what l had found it to be at
acknowledgements with a wit and an
Intelligence such us very few men with
whom | have ever been in contact awe DOS
sessed.
But all conversation was stopped by the
arrival of the letter bag. Ridiculous as l
knew that it must be to expect anything else,
l confess that l was disappointed when l
found that there was nothing for me in the
bag. had secretly chung to the hope that
Mauleverer might have betrayed my posi-
ton to Daisy, in which case l felt assured
that she would seek some means of commu-
nicating with me.
But though there was no letter for me, therO
was news from Great Lorton Hall. My in"
stinct told me which of the letters that
l saw Branksome turn over when he received
the parcel from the steward was that which
concerned me most deeply. Yes, l remem-
bered the large, square envelope Daisy had
used when she wrote to me, md across the
table l could even identity my d~arling's
handwriting.
Icould not take my eyes off Branksome's
face as he read this letter-the first which he
opened. 1t was not very long, but evidently
it gave the doctor something to reflect
upon. He read it q second time, and APP
p~arently pondered its contents carefully in
his own mind. Suddenly he looked up and
caught my eyes fixed intently upon him.
"Ah!" he said, with a smile, II can UNDER
stand how much you must wish to see what
Daisy has written. Well, there are no
secrets, so far as l can see, which need pre-
vent you reading her letter." and he tossed
it lightly across to me.
1t was written in a tone of affection and
confidence, and it related some of the events
which had happened at the hall since Drank
some left. AS the letter had been written
only some three or four days after his de-
parture Daisy had not much to tell. But
to my surprise and relief the news she told,
SO far as it concerned herself, was good.
Her uncle. she said, had altered consider
ably during the last Two or three days.
The passion and irritability which had
marked his temper for some time had al
most entirely disappeared. "He is becoming
moro like his dear old self, and he no longer
treats me in the strange, cruel way in which
he did at first. o, I do pray so earnestly
that this happy change may continue. God
grant that he may yet give me back his love,
and that the cloud which has arisen between
us may pass away. You know, dear doctor,
what I mean when I say that-or rather you
know what l do not near. I shall never
prove untrue to Mr.. Fenton. 1 hava prom
ised him to be faithful, and though l may
never marry at all, l shall never marry any
but him."
My eyes sparklod with delight as 1 read
the dear words. l could tell that both
Branksome and Fosdyke were watching me,
but | could not restrain the smile of joy that
broAe upon my lips.
"Where can he bel" she continued. II am
surprised that l should not nave heard from
him again; and sometimes l fear that he is
Ill, or that some misfortune of another kind
has befallen him.. When you return to
England do befriend me, dear doctor, and
try to ascertain where he is. l am forced to
trust everything in your hands now. You
will not desert us botha" There was a post
cript to the letter which I confess l read
with little interest compared with that with
which l perused those passages that more
Immediately concerned myself. 1t ran as
follows:
II should have told you sooner that my
uncle has not been very we'll of late. He
has not had the doctor again, however. He
is taking the medicine tho doctor prescribed
when he first saw him."
l hoped that Branksome would allow me
to keep this letter, in which there was so
much that had the deepest interest for me.
But was disappointed. When he saw that
l had read it through he held out his hand
and received it from me.
snow, MIR. Fenton," he said presently. II
nm going to reason with you. Daisy's letter
proves, l think, that Mr.. Mauleverer is re-
covering his senses. You, who have seen
aim when in his ordinary state of mind,
must know how gentle and amiable he is
when free from mental excitement or dis
turbnnce. want to plead with you for his
forgiveness. Can you not see that when he
Is himself again there will be no man living
who will be more Mortified at the thought Of
the outrage of which he has made you the
victim than he will be-"
nssen;el to what Branksome said.
swell, then, be generous to him, Remem-
Der his close connection with Daisy, and for
give him for his conduct. not merely by
word of mouth, but in your Utmost heart"
II am quite ready to do that; indeed, I
thought had already done So"
"No, there is only one way in which you
can show at this moment that you are not
unforgiving. That is by remaining on the
yacht. Yes, I see that you do not like the
suggestion, but before you reject it consider
che or two points. First, then, you will un-
questionably show a ~magnanimous spirit
which can hardly fail to impress Mr.. Maui
leverer in your favor when he recovers en-
tirely from the excitement from which he
has lately suffered; next. you will be com
plying with what I know under such cir
cumstances would be Daisy's wish. Do you
not see in her letter how she recommends
you to my protection' Well, I am ready to
protect you, so far as I can do SO. if you will
follow my advice. Lastly, I believe that
You will be able to get to England sooner
by remaining with US than by any other
way"
1 wavered-and was lost. The truth Is
that had no grievance a~aainst Branksome