The Grenada gazette., 1888-12-13

a lover could be too worshiptul
though can understand how he might
be too impetuous You are in quee,
mood this morning, Vsleria,"
at is breaking away, then," she
said, laughingly softly again. MIR
Delisle, too, charged me with m0odi-
ness. l am certain | did not yswn.
But am no! moody when | am with
you, gardy. At least, | don't want Il
be. Can't you leave this work for q
little whilcs There is still time for
you TO become famous. Get out the
ponies and drive me over TO the de-
serted fort, | want to gather some
mosses, aud the change will do you
good
"l saw Mr.. Delisle's team among the
trees, remarked John Grant.
"Yes, assented she.
"Didn't he ask you to take drivon"
"Oh, yes. He is very thoughtful!'
And you dcclined?'
Yes, gardy."
'But-why?'
"Out Of pure cOutrariness, may be.
Perhaps, because | preferred to go
with you, Please don't question me
so persistently."
The color came aud went in her face,
and Il girlish pout hung to her red lips
for a moment.
"AtI right, John Grant said, as he
put aside his books. Il appreciate the
preference.
The reply would have delighted her
had his tone been less even and his air
less serene.
The drive was q pleasant one, and
the ramb!c about the old fort and its
enyirons more pleasant still.
She charmed him with her smiles,
her gurgling laughter, her sallies of
wit, her confessions of ignorance, her
thorough abandonment to the enjoy
ment Of the hour. He said to himself,
as he sat alone in his room that even
ing:
"a live in two atmospheres. Oae is
evolved from my books, mu,ty, alb
struse, circumscribing, yet satisfactory
and restful. The other comes from
the companionship OF my ward, is
bright, healthful sympathetic, yet
Leaves me dissatisfied, miserable,
wretched. Ah--it is because the books
are mine, while she is not"
A year went by. Valeria grew more
lovely, Mr.. Delisle grew more per
si>tent. John Grant grew moro morose.
"Valcria you arc OF age to-day"
the latter said.
He had asked for a business inter-
view and she was seated opposite his
desk. She abhorred business details,
but she knew that the occasion de-
mauded her attention.
The afternoon was dying away. The
red sunset shone against the windows.
Some of the rays fell upon Ealeria-
heightening the sheen Of her dress, re-
vealing the Transparency Of her COM
plexiOn and adding shade Of burnt
gold to her beautiful hair.
My stewardship is closed" John
Grant continued, a faint regretfulness
in his tone The court has approved
my accounts. You are in sole posses
sion Of this vast estate. WiIdomar is
yom's.'
She watched him covertIy, her hands
oldcd in nor lap, her fano strangely
sober.
Il tried my best to discharge my
luty faithfully" ho added.
Yes, answered She with a little
gasp. You found me selfish and will
fuL.
$40, Nalaria," promptly protested
he. "RarrIy willful, and never self
ish.
A painful silence ensuea. Her eyes
were bent to the floor in intense, half
painful thoughtfulness She was re-
viewing the past-sho was thinking OF
the future.
You viii leave Wildcrmar'" rhe
family asked
"Why, yrs,' he asked, passing his
hand over his mouth to hide the twitch-
lnL muscles. my work here is done.
| mast -, new fields, q new home |
nm not apprchcnSive."
at seem5 not" she said, little dis
tract"dly Neither about yourself
nor about me. Bat am not COM
petr.lt t. III image the estate, nor have
| the inclination. The responsibility
is too great. Care is irIsomc 10 me
Mr. Grant, why can you not stay?
Why can you not continue to manage?
" WhAtevcr compensation -
"NO, Nalcria,' he interrupted, al
mo4t with sternne5s.
"Dh, since it isn't agreeable to you
will not insist. she said, in strident
tom, Il look of vcxation on her face.
'N'aicria, that wasn't kind in you,"
he rrproachfully said. at has been
agreeable to me, and it still would be.
But, 70" reasons best known to myself,
| must decline to oblige you"
always remember" she rejoined,
her tears very near, that have been
grateful for all you ever did for me-
"Why, to be sure child" he said.
The word "child' brought an angry
sparkle to her eyes. He saw it, but
failed TO divine the cause.
Il merely did my duty John Grant
resumcd. The court fixed the com
Aur-ua:aI. -n.I [ .l.n.1rcAt Il On Gtninnt