River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-07-18

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course Of his life, he thought and had
I placed every thing ia Warren's hands,
/ while he, who was elready committed to
an interest in the lady. was left inglOri-
Dusty in the lurch. Ii put him in a very
| bitter mood. He was rebelious, turbu-
l lent.
/ The tedious rains ended with Septem-
I Der. and October brought days so warm,
I so golden. that all Brvezeland entered
I upon a series Of midsummer amuSe-
ments, picnic partic5 (ostensibly nut
gatherings), lawn-tennis, horseback
rides and even boating.
Business cid not hinder Bristol from
I being foremost in every frolic. The re-
action from what he co1Gted his ll-fort-
une set in at once and he joined gaily in
whatever diversion presented itself.
The only enjoyment shat attracted Mrs.
I Bonamy from her sec lusion was a gallOp
over the lovely country roads. OF that
she was very fond, and was frequently
one Of the parties that went speeding
about the sire cts, or fingered with sober
er-paced horses along the leaf-strewn
woodland paths.
Altogether there was a wistful, preoc-
! cupied air about ler in the midst of these
gay young people. She seemed at least
To imbibe fresh life from the free air and
motiou-that Is, IL increased color and
brightness Of face were indications.
Bristol was possessed TO be near her.
After the first few rides he contriyed
usually 10 be her escort and on one or
two occasions they made long detours
into the country together, either early
frosty mornings, or after school. when
the shortening days justified twilight or
even moonlight across the returning
paths.
Bristol felt himself hopelessly involved.
He was woven about with a thousand in
visible and intangible threads. Ho was
just as securely a captive in this mesh as
he would have been if bound with ropes
or iron bands.
He had letters nov and then from War
rem, who had reached Santa Barbara. but
who had found he must make a tedious
journey to the mountains in search Of
the nOmad whose letters had so dis
turbed Mrs. Bonamy's peace.
During the interval of his absence there
was no correspondence. In view Of the
uncertainty Of Mrs. BOnamy's situation, it
was little short of madness in Bristol to
30 SO headloug in love. Why could he
not have waited a week, "A month, untilhe
could be assured of her freedom, and that
Warren had not, by reason of his devoted
services, prior claim?
Bat no! With his most impassioned
strength he entered upon a worship of
her which so CENTRALIZED them both by its
reckless fervor that she was like wom-
an IN a dream, and he dweller in cloud
land.
Then letter came from Warren. "Ju-
bilatel | have accomplished it," A hrr-
ried sccawl il was. saying further that
he intended 10 stop in Colorado on his re-
turn TO look after some of the Bonamy
mining claims, and adding that he had
good news.
Warren returned after a six.weeks' alb
sence. Bristol met him at the train about
dusk, with breathless inquiry. "Why
dat you tell MS something definite, War
REM" he cried, even while they shook
hands in greeting.
whats your great hurry, Bristol"
with a complacent laugh. ANY other
cascs:"
'Not one. What did you learn?-for
Heavens sake don't be so secretive."
Warren was puzzled at this vehemence.
Il am worn out, Bristol" he said,
''travel-stained and unpresentable, so
l shall! not see Mrs. Bouamy tonight"
Bristol changed from his eager attitude
to one Of facetious gayety.
"ToG had good luck, old boy? Found
your man alive, which leaves a divorce
case on the docket? En-" and he laughed
boisteFously.
mot by any meaus," exclaimed WAR
rem, ''his death is assured. 1t all arose
out Of a similarity Of names. l found a
Mr.. Bonamy, who had lived in Southern
California fifteen years, and who had d
dozen grown-up children. All the ground
that fool of miner had was tho not
common name of BOnamy. He jumped
ut conclusions. Her husband is dead, as
she at first believed.
3ristol'S heart beat with suffocating
hump. He felt like coward, an migrate,
a despicable sneak, a traitor to Warren,
and yet be walked on air. He was deter
mined TO go to her that very hour and tell
her all, claim her love, offer her his own,
before amy one on earth could interfere.
Warren had no conception Of what was
going on in his friends wild heart, nor
of his baseness toward himself, but ate a
leisurely supper. and then pleading
great fatigue went early 20 bed, to dream,
perhaps. of the gentle gratitude he would
receive next day.
Bristol left him as soon as possible,
and went with rapid steps TO Mrs. Ster-
iEg's house. Mrs. Bouamy came into
the parl0r at once upon receiving his
message that he had news for her. She
was very pale and her gray eyes had deep
ened almost into black with Il intensity
of their question and suspense.
Mrs. Bonamy, Mr. Warren has come
you knew l expected him tonight. He is
100 I'LL mean too fati.ued to see you.
but could not rest until had told you
the result of his mission. Your husband
thank Gods not alive"