Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-11-12

Was my mother to be told? Philippa. who
may, perhaps, in her secret heart have
craved for q w0man's support and sympathy
In her approaching trial, at first Insisted
that my mother should be taken into our
Confidence confidence which, alas! In n
few days time would be gossip to the world.
besOught her to waive the point, 10 spare
my mothers feelings until the very last mo,
ment. We cord not take her with us ON
our hurried Journey. We were young: she
was old. The fatigue combined with Tia
grief, would be more than her fiNme could
endure. could not bear to think of her
waiting lonely in Seville for the bad news
which she knew must come in day or two
from England. Let us say nothing respect.
ing the wretclled errand OH which we arc
pound. Let us depart In secret, and leave
some plausible explanation behind us.
TO my relief, Philippe at last consented
10 TINS. Then, after long, fearful embrace.
We steeied ourselves to join my mother at
the evening meal, and to bear ourselves SO
that she should suspect nothing Of the tenn
pest within our hearts. We did not very
long subject ourselves to this strain upon
our nerves. 1t seemed to me now that every
moment spent otherwise than alone with
my wife was precious treasure wasted, q
loss which should forever regret. So very
early we pleaded fatigue, and retired to our
rest. Such rest!
fhlllppa bade my mother goodnight with
nm embrace so long and passionate that
feared 1t would awaken ALARM especially
when 1t was succeeded BY my own yelled,
but scarcely less emotional, adiea. For who
could say that we should ever meet again?
DO not believe it struck philippa that in
accompanying her was running the slight
est risk. Had she thought so, she would
nave insisted upon going alone. But knew
that the part had played in that nights
work would probably bring a severe punisll-
ment upon my own head. What did / care
for that?
SILENTLY and sadly in the retirement of our
room we made our preparations for the
Journey, which began with the morn. There
was no need to cumber ourselves with much
luggage. We should rest in no bed until the
trial was over. What resting-place might
then be Philippa's, Heaven only knew! So
our package was soon completed.
Then wrote letter, to be given to or
found BY my mother in the morning. told
her that an important matter took me post
haste to England; that Philippe had deter
mined to accompany me; that would write
as soon as We reached London. l g:f no
further explanation. hoped she would at
tribute my sudden flight to the erratic ma
ture which she often avcrred possessed.
After all. the deception mattered little.
In weeks time nothing would matter.
Grief, overwhelming grief, would be my
portion; a portion which, by her affection
for me and for Philippe, my poor mother
would be forced to share.
All being now ready for our start, we
strove to win some hours of sleep. Our eff
forts were Knocked to scOrn. Through that.
the last night We might spend together,
believe neither my wife nor myself closed
an eyelid. Let me draw u veil over my wild
distress and Phlippa's calm acQuiescence In
her fate. Some grief is too sacred to de
scribe.