Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-01-29

H has bEEN "A DftEAM, LE1 fOttUEI IL.
Curious as it may seem, 1 pressed Grant
no more to make premature revelation OF
the mystery His warning words, his
solemn assertion that I had nothing to hope
for, when joinel to the remembrance OF
Violas grief and persistency in seeking to
avoid me, had exercised great effect upon
me; so great that l began to dread the
promised disclosure Until it was made, l
could at least tell myself that some day
matters would come rignt. The look had
seen the last in Viola's eyes haunted me day
and night The last words had heard her
speak, Julian, FAREWELL" rang in my ears.
Both look aud words told ma that she loved
me, but told me that hopeless misery was
to be our lot No wonder began to wish
to postpone the knowledge of the worst!
We went to an hotel in London l was
moody and miserable-a cherries compan-
ion to the man to whom 1 now chung as for
support and strength. Somehow, lEustacs
Grant seemed to be the only creature to
whom could turn in my trouble for SYM
pathy and all. He was very good to me in
those days. He was more than a friend
more than a brother But, i'll spite of the
compassion which knew he felt for me- no
word which encouraged the faintest hope
passed his lips Sympathy is precious, but
wanted hope.
The days went by until I guessed that
Viola's departure must be near at hand
grew nervous and sleepless. Wild thoughts
CT flying back to France and seeing her
once more shot through me. To see her.
touch even her hand once more before l.
learned the fatal secret which had by now
brought myself to believe would part US
forever
ssWben does she sally l asked Grant
abruptly one night.
1.-The day after tomorrow"
From where?"
From Havre'
In forty-eight hours she would be gone.
In forty ght hours should know why she
had left me.
''Eustace," I said, before I learn what
there is to learn, there is something should
like to do. Viola is my wife. Whether she
has acted rightly Or wrongly 1 shall soon
know; but must make some provision for
her future
Eyes, said Grant. THAT you should
most certainly do"
Come with me to my solicitors to-mor-
row L will give him instructions"
Grant nodded; SO l wrote at once and
made the appointment.
Iresolved to do all | had purposed doing
before Viola left By this act I could at
least show her that. whatever the pending
revelation might be, I loved and trusted
her. I told Grant of my intentions, and
wondered he expressed so little surprise at
what, under the circumstances might be
well called generous, if not quixotic.
SIT will be just and fair" he said quietly
DO it, as you suggest, at once"
The next afternoon found us at my solic-
itor's. The large tin box, labeled Julian
Lorraine, Esq.," was pullel down. busted
and openel The notes which, two years
ago, had been taken respecting the settle
ment were looked up and produced. 1t was
arranged that Grant should be one trustee;
and my solicitor, in whom put great faith,
the other All was to be done with as little
delay as possible smiled sadly, perhaps
bitterly, as l thought it was to be done for
the sake of one who was eager to put thou
sands of miles between u.s.
l was looking through some papers,
among which 1 found one indorsed "Copy
of Julian Loraines will" | drew it out
opened it and held it toward Grant Sea"
said, there is my title to all l posses.
What a difference those few lines made to
me at the timel Now, little good, after
all, they have done meW
Shortest will ever read, Mr.. Grant,"
SAID Uno SOllclGOr, Ii every OHo mduo SO
simple will as that, lawye would starve."
Grant, without much show of interest,"
took the paper in his hand and ran his eye
over it, Suddenly he stopped Short and
stared at it like one who sees a ghost
Never before hal l seen mans face and
bearing so changed in a single second. I
was positively frightened.
What is the mattar2 | cried.
He turned to tina solicitor. ''Will you
leave US alone far one minute% he said;
only one minutes"
The solicitor looked surprised at the
brusque request; but, nevertheless, court
eousiy vacated the office.
Grant seized my arm with grip Of iron.
WHAT doss it mean-thisN he asked, in
a voice full of wild excitement AS he
spoke, he laid his forafinger on the words
''adopted son.s'
MEAN! 1t is English. 1t means what it
says,n