The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-24
CHAPTER XIII.

Circumstances soon occurred to increase these
half acknowledged suspicious
"Duval seems to stand on rather familiar
terms with that pretty girl of Fairfax's" said
Mr.. Farquhar oneday to Mrs. Dorothy.
with Philippaq Well, have heard she was
very young when he went first to her fathers
house. Was it not sol She could scarcely have
been called more than baby
did you ever hear-did you ever gather from
any chance speech of hers" said Mr. Farquhar
suddenly facing Mrs. Dorothy. "that there has
been a sort of love affair between themP
"A love affair! Not exactly love affair-no!
At least, whatever may have fancied, / cannot
think so now Philippa's manner towards him
is scarcely the manners of girl who has"
But, Mr.. Farquhar interposed, lit Innsbruck
me that it is 1t is her manner. in fact, which
has convinced me of the truth of the story"
THE story" There was anxiety in Mrs.
Dorothy's face as she spoke "Was there q
storyY"
''Yes, there was story" with an air of dis
gust "Duval was the fathers constant compan-
ion, and was thrown with the girl upon all occa-
slons. 1t is said she was passionatelv in love
with him, and he was as much attached to her
as was consistent with his nature. Mark you, 1
DO not say that heard anything decidedly to
her discredit. 1t was Duval who was to blame
he was trihing with herr
docs Isobel know anything Of this?" asked
Mrs. Dorothy, for she knew Mr.. Farquhar was
aware of Mrs. DuvaPs confession to her.
II am not sure-though since we have been
here, have fancied so. In fact, l have been
rather puzzled, knitting his brows slightly. 'It
is not like Isobel to be moved by any emotion so
petty as jealousy-it would be sheerly impossi-
BILE for her to be prejudiced by such story-and
yet-and yet have observed. from the first,
that her demeanor towards the girl is far from
cordial"
II have been surprised by the same thing my
SELF" said Mrs. Dorothy.
Mr.. Farquhar hesitated moment or 80, and
wit
lis it possible" he said slowly, "that she has
heard something we have not-that there is even
less pleasant" But there he checked him
self mo; forgive me-" he added. II should
justice She is only child, after all, and it is
really terrible thing that it should seem 30
natural to think ill of her. because she is Philip
Fairfax's daughter"
"It is terrible thing, indeed, for Philipps,
said Mrs Dorothy. ''And yet one can see how
impossible it would be to accuse Isobel of petty
Jealousy. We must remember, however, some
what proudly, that if Isobel has heard more
unpleasant side of the story, it is more than
probable that she has heard it from her hus-
band"
'Pah!" said Mr.. Farquhar. eve should
scarcely rely upon her husband"
The time came when Wilfred could bear this
state of suspense no longer It was like being
on the rack.
1--WE were happy enough before these people
IL ",
now see how are drifting apart. 1 seem to
have lost all hold upor Philippa She is differ
entcreature She acts as if she did not trust me
AS if she was angry-as if she had resented
something had said or DONE"
Shall l tell you what am going to do9" he
said, after moments pause. II can't stand
this state of things any longer. For shall ask
her to marry me- You know how desperately
love her, Cousin Dorothy: and she ought to
know 1t, too, by this time. Sometimes I think
49, A,.3 l., = -
lieve it."
''You will give me your blessing, l know,
Cousin Dorothy" he said after a moment, and he
rose to leave the room. ''You will hope for a
yes for me instead of no. won't youY in
tend to ask her the first minute that fellow
Duval leaves us alone"
Meantime Philippa, exasperated beyond all
measure by Duvals conduct towards her, had
decided to take bold STEP On her way to the
library with book that day she met Duval and
stopped In the hall
II am going to replace this book" she said
"and l shall be glad if you will follow me into
the library. / have something wish to say to
you"
'You do me great honor" he answered, II am
at your service"
She vouchsafed no reply, but went on before
him. To tell the truth, he was somewhat sur
prised and wondered what was coming. When
they entered the room he closed the door and
offered her a chair.
pray take this seat" he said.
II do not wish to sit down." she answered
"Wnat have to say can say here"
Even In the SOFT dim gray of the twilight he
could sec that the blood rose to her cheeks and
that her eyes flashed
II brought you here" she said, s'to ask you
how you dare-how you dare to treat me-to
speak to me--to look at me as you are in the
habit of doing2"
'How dare2' he exclaimed, and he broke
into light laugh. 'Niy dear Philippa, you
surely forget yourself. Why should not daref"
You should not dare because it is intolerable.
You should not dare because you should assume
a virtue If you do not possess it. You should
wear an appearance of honor and truth, even if
you as false and dishonorable as you are
wicked. You have tried to make people believe
that at some time have given you the right to
address me as if there was some secret
between us. Is there any secret between us?
Was there ever one, even at the worst9 / say
the worst, because the time when trusted you
was the most humiliating part of my life. It is
the only part of my life of which am ashamed
and upon which look back to blush. No crime
Icould commit would not be punished by the
shameful recollection that / once almost be-
lieved in you-that was once weak enough to
fancy that cared for you Your familiarity is
an insult to me- / would rather that you should
lift your hand and strike me in the face
than force me to speak to you as if was some
thing to you-as if had belonged to you and
did not forget it. When saw you last told
you that had done with you forever and ever
How dare you approach me except as O stranger9
There is no stranger in the world--no man or
woman whom have ever seen, who is not nearer
to me than you"
"Pah!' he said ''this is nonsense
In spite of his insolence he was stung
''You are a coward" she exclaimed. 'Y'ou
presume because you think am helpless. But
l. am not helpless l am not helpless, because /
am not so much afraid of you as you fancy. Do
you think that shall fear to speak openly, if
you drive me to IT. It will not be pleasant
thing" curling her lip. ITO have to say to these
people who love me: Once was SO vain and
silly as to be glad that this man protested to ad-
mire me, and now he presumes upon my folly;'
but will say it, if you do not alter your man
ner towards me-"
''Why have you not said it before9' he de-
manded, insolently. She knew what his taunt
implied, but she answered him with ready Wit
Il have not said it before, because, as told
you. it is so bitter a humiliation to me, and l
have shrunk from SO far degrading myself in
their eyes. But better that than that they
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