Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-10-10

| went downstairs to the private room
| to which / was directed felt my heart
beating quickly and painfully, my senses
almost leaving me, as 1 stepped into the
room and the door was closed behind me.
He was sitting at table writing. and he
looked up keenly as I entered, and saw
| that l was strangely moved.
"You are not a strong man yet, Mr.. Ell
win," he remarked, very deliberately,
land of any excitement you must be
scrupulously careful You should go down
TO the sea and live quiet, peaceful life,
say for the next six months. 1 would re-
| commend the Norfolk coast, or Yorkshire
Good-day."
NO Sir Edward, not good-day yet" 1
replied, promptly; 81 have something
more to say, and 1 felt that l must say it
! to you. God brings me here to sayit sure
ly."
my time is not my own," he answered.
looking at his watch.
Five minutes, sir. One minute if you
will allow me" pleaded.
''Take a seat. You must not try your
strength too much, at present." he said.
81 cannot afford you five minutes, am
afraid. Let US say three"
every WELL
proceed, then. And pray be brief an
cool"
I'm the first place, Sir Edward, let me
thank you with all my heart for"
THAT would be wasting Time" he inter
rupted; 81 am here to do my duty, and
need no thanks. I might thank you for
the liberal donation which l hear you have
given this morning to the funds Of the in
stitution; but, being wealthy man, that
is your duty, too-your gratitude"
''Sir Edward" exclaimed, pa sionate-
ly, you have saved my life Tell me what
to do with it. in Gods name?"
"And in Gods name, sir, don't ask me-"
was his quick answer, and for an instant
their was flame in his eyes 1 had not
thought to see
cit is your life. What shall do with it
now?" | cried.
81 do not understand you," he said, cold
1y.
''Sir Edward, cannot go back to her,"
I exclaimed. II cannot begin again the
life from which my accident snatched me!''
He started at my allusion to the woman
who had been his wife, but he merely said:
''That's no business of mine"
81 will make her independent of all
| worldly cares, but [ will not return to my
old life. I will not wrong you
''Pray do not rave of my wrongs, or Of
! yours" he said, with just the faint sus-
picion of mockery about his thin-cut lips.
"She did not break my heart when she was
good enotgh to prefer you to me. I was
the lucky man, not you. She was bad
enough for me to despise and then forget,
and there was an end Of it. l cut the can
Ger away, and the scar does not give me
pain"
Ibid you tell her was in the hospital?"
81 told somebody to write-I forget
whom-when we had discovered your adj
dress. She was asked not to come; an in
terview with you would have spoiled the
| best case that has ever come beneath my
notice. And [ was anxious to make a sue
cess of you. You are success"
ga success!'' groaned.
'To me, [ mean"
FTo myself 1 am forever dead failure"
! He took up his pen again, but before he
did se he struck bell at his side. The at
tendant appeared.
''Mr. Edwin is ready to go. Is his cab
waiting?"
Yes, Sir Edward"
MAY l." said 1, approaching him, "just
touch your hand in gratitude-for once in
all my misspent life, sir?"
There was slight contraction of the
massive brow, shudder which he could
not repress, and both his hands were put
behind his back"
mo, no." he said quickly, mot you!
See him safely to the cab, Johnson-let
him take your arm"
But had wrenched myself away from
the attendant, and was STOPPING over him
and whispering in his ear"
GAS God is my judge" cried, 81 do not
return to her. I cannot"
''No. You cannot. That is quite impos-
sible"
''She-what do you mean?"
"She died in a lunatic asylum, fort
night ago A curious instance of mania
about some children whom she had de-
serted ten years since"
"DeadI And have not been told of
thisI'' I exclaimed.
cit was of the greatest Importance to
keep the news from you," said Sir Edward;
'you would have spoiled my case. Take
the gentleman's arm, Johnson, again.
| Good-morning.