Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-01-08
Just then Viola appeored.

A look of surprise flashed into her face
surprise, but not disp easure. A faint blush
crossed her cheek, and these signs told me
should win her.
Now that my foot was inside the eli adel,
I went to work fiercely, impstuously, to,
gain my desire. The days that followed are
to me too sacred to be described; but not
many passed before 1 knew that Viola's
love was my own
We went to the kindly spinster who was
responsible for Viola's safety and told her
the glad news. The old lady dropped her
knitting needles and looked bswiidered
''Oh, no, no!' she cried in Mortified
tones; "you cannot mean it!'
Vlola's blush and my words showed her
we were in solemn earnest.
ooh, dear! Oh, dear!" sighed Miss Ros-
siter "What shall l dos You have only
known each other a weekl'
"a day would have been long enough on
my partP' cried, looking rapturousIy at
my lovely Viola.
sit is so sudden" continued Miss Rossirer.
Il never dreamed of such a thing. In old
days matters were managei much more
decorously l thought, Mr.. Vane, you
would be at least three months in making
her acquain lance. Oh, dear! I am much
to blameP'
The old soul seemed so distressed that
Viola ran over and kissed her.
''Ohl what will Eustace says He vii
blame me terribly. He is so masterful, you
know, Viola"
'Who is EustaceF I asked. 1 thought
heard the name.
'Mr. Grant. my guardian and good
friend" she said.
'1hen must see him. Where can find
himf
"Re is away" said Miss Rossiter, plaint-
;vsly ooh. am SO much to blamel 7
ought to have made all Sorts or inquiries
about you, Mr. Vane"
''Your friend can make them on his re-
turn. When will that be2"
mo one knows. Tomorrow, perhaps;
next month. next year. One never can say
Oh, dear! Oh, dear!"
laughed and drew Viola away We were
SO happy that We forgot all about Miss Ros.
siter's plaintive signs, and Troubled moth ng
about Viola's 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 Rosters
Viola heard my knock and met me in the
hall
'Eustace came back to-day. He is here
now" she said joyfuily.
l kissed her and followed her into tn.
room to make the acquaintance of her guar
d an Although she had called him by his
Christian name, 1 fully expected to find him
sober, middle-aged MAI; but in the easy
chair, Longing as if the place belonged to
him, and talking volubly to Miss Rossiter,
saw trongly- built, sunburned man who
could b. but few years my senior. He rose
as en- red ami Viola shyly introduced u.s.
He was tali-tallar than l was His
shoulders were broad; his limbs long and
muscular. A man who, if not handsome,
would certainly be noticed any where The
though VIII en- succesied my establishment
at his unexpected appearance, was, 'BY
what right IS his man the guardian of the
woman I loveq
He gave me his hand; lu5 not, fancied,
cordial . He looked me full in the face,
and | knew that he was trying to gather
from my looks soms knowlelge OF myself.
Tlen suddenly i saw surprised expression
on his face-saw the corner; of his mouth
droop as in half-suppressed scorn; a al from
thao moment my feelings toward him were
those Of mistrust and dislike.
h staid so late that l was the one to
make the first move For once l was not
sorry to leave Viola. This appearance of
this man among us, the close terms of in
upO1 WHICH, IL was CAodi uo StoOO
with Miss Rossiter and Viola, cast kind
of gloom upon me. I chafed at the thought
that my happiness was in any way depend
en0 upon his favor. l grew moody and
silent, and for me the evening was dull
one.
But not for my friends. This Grant was
evidently a brilliant and clever talker. He
narrated, in an amusing way, his expert
ences in some out of the way Alpine village
in whicl, for some reason which did not
transplre, he had been staying. Yet at
times I fancied that his merriment was
forced. and again and again l saw his keen
eyes turned on me with searching glance,
which annoyed ME beyond measure.
Wnen 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 noticed, or fancied / noticeI
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 moment to bid Viola
a last good night.
Presently Grant turned, as if impatient at
nv DELAY. There was a 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 heri
ALI my Jealous and mistrustful nature
surged to the surface. l grasped Viola's
hand and hastily drew her into little sit