Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-09-10
CHAPTER III.

Morning! No books; no idle, lstless
hours for me to-day Plenty to do, plenty
to think about; all sorts Of arrangements 10
make. Farewell to my moody, sullen lie.
Farewell to my amless. selfish existence.
Henceforward l should have something
worth living for-worth dying for, If needs
be! Phlippa was coming to me to-day;
coming in grief, 1t is true; coming as SIS
ter comes to brother. All! after all the
weary, weary waiting, ] shall. see her to-day
Tomorrow, every day!
Although Philippe would grace my poor
cottage fol. one night only, had athousand
preparations to make former comfort. For
tunately l had spare ROOM and, moreover,
furnished one Not that | should have
troubled, when went into my secluslon,
about such supartluity as guest-chamber;
but as it happened | had bought the house
and the furniture complete; so could offer
my welcome guest fair accommodation for
the night.
summoned my stold man. told him
that my sister was coming on visit to me;
that she would sleep here tonight, but that
most likely we should 60 away tomorrow.
He could stay and look after the house Il-
til returned or sent him instructions what
prise. Had told him to make preparations
for the coming of my wife and five children
he would have considered it all apart of the
days work, and would have done his best to
meet my requirements.
He set to work in his imperturbable,
methodical, but handy way to get Philippa's
room in trim. AS soon as this was done,
and the neglected chamber made cosy and
warm-!Ooking, told him to borrow a horse
and cart somewhere, and fetch the luggage
from Mrs. Wilson's. lie was to mention
no names; simply to say that he had come
for the luggage. and to ask if the lady had
any message to send.
William was away about two hours: then
he made his appearance with some boxes. l
was delighted to see these tangible signs
that Philippa meant to keep her promise.
Till that moment | had been troubled by
something like the doubt that after all she
might, upon calm reflection, rescind the
resolution formed in her excitement. Now
her coming seemed to be certainty.
Nevertheless, William brought no mes
sage; so there was nothing for me to do but
wait patiently until she chose to cross my
threshold.
Although my pleasing labors of love were
ended, was no. left idle. There was an
other task to be done today. set my teeth
and sat down. thinking quietly as to the way
in which it might be bes: performed. To
night meant to stand face to face with
that black-hearted scoundrel known as ST.
Mervyn Ferrand!
| consulted the time table His letter
named no particular hour: but saw that II
he carried out his expressed intention of be
ing here tonight, there was but one trai,
by which he could come: there was but one
way from Rodng to the house at which
Philippa had been staying. He meant t.
walk, his letter SAID; this might be in orte
to escape observation. The train was du.
al R0ding at seven o'clock. The weathe,
was cold; man would naturally walk fast
Mrs. Wilson's house must be four mile.
from the station. Let me start from Their,
Just before the train arrives, and | shoult
probably meet him about half way on hi
journey. 1t would be dark, but Shout,
know him. should know him among
thousand. Ihere on the open lonely roa,
Sir Mervyn Ferrand, coming gayly, and II
his worldly cynicism certain of cajolinp
buying on, or in some other way silencin
the woman who had in an evil day truste,
. to his honor and love, would meet not her
but the man who from the first had sworl
that wrong to Philippe should be mo-
than wrong to himself! lie would NEE
this man and be called to account,
designed no murderous attack, But
was my intention to stop the man on HI
path; to confront him and tell him that hi
v1ilalny was known to me-; that Philip
had ned to me for aid; that she was now
my custody; and that l, who stood in tn
position OF her brother, demanded the O
ca'ieo satisfaction which, by the old-fasl
Toned code of honor, was duo from the ma
VINO mad ruth!essly betrayed woman. We
knew that it was probable he would laus
at me-tell me that the days of dueling we
over, and refuse to grant my request. The
l meant to see if insults could warm
noble blood; if my hand on his cheek cou
bring about the result which desired.