The morning call., 1891-07-12
and have yoa heard from the Dread

And have yod heard from the Dread
| nadgbt?"
She was told that Captain John was to
write from Singapore, but that the letter
had not yet arrived. But anyway, accord
ing to the maritime reports, the Dreadnaught
ought to reach the Indies very soon, and
that they were now looking forward for a
cabieGram to that effect.
Then came an inquiry as to the absence Of
Kate Barker. to which the doctor replied
that Mr.. and Mrs. Barker were out of town
and that II was not known exactly when
they would be back.
To Andrew Hollster was assigned the
difficult task of informing Mrs Allaire of
the loss of the Dreadnaught, but it was
agreed that he should wait until her mind
had become strong enough to bear the blow
For the next ensuing fortnight Mrs. Alaire
was not permitted to hold any intercourse
with the outside world. Above all were
they IN her presence to avoid every allu-
sion TO the past, every word or expression
which might lead her 10 discover that four
years had elapsed since the death of her
child, since Captain John had sailed away.
For while, anyway, it was necessary that
for her the year 1879 should be 1875.
1t was quite natural that Molly should feel
a longing mingled with Impotence to re-
ceive johns first letter. As the Dread
naught was upon the point of reaching Cal
cntta-if she was not already there-the
Captains wife was constantly expecting to
hear that HOLSTER Il Co. had a cablegram
| TO that effect. Then the Eastern mail would
soon arrive and sine, the moment her
strength would permit, would write to John.
| Alas, how could she bring herself to tell
him what had happened, and that, too. in
| The very FIRST letter which she had written
| TO him since their marriage, as they had
never been separated before the sailing of
| the Dreadnaught All, yes, this first letter
would be terribly sad one.
Mrs. Allaire's condition, mental and phys
art fiR.F liz IL
would soon be time for Andrew Hollister to
act.
Molly now began a letter to John. She
could no longer keep from talking to him of
| their child, which he was never again to set
epes upon. She poured out all her sorrow
in q letter to her husband, letter which he
never was to receive.
Mr. HOLSTER took this letter, promising
| to put II with his own mail for the Indies,
and when this had been done Mrs. Allaire
became somewhat calmer living only now
| in the anticipation OF a speedy arrival of
tidings, direct or indirect, of the good ship
| Dreadnaught.
However. this condition of affairs could
not last Sooner OF later, possibly through
| their abundance of caution, Molly would
| learn what they were eoncealing from her.
The more she gave herself up 10 the thought
that she would soon receive letter from
John, that every day that went by shortened
| just so much his absence from her, the
more terrible would be the final blow. A
conversation which Molly and Mr.. Hollis
| ter had on June both only served 10 confirm
this opinion. For the first time Molly had
| walked out into the little garden, and there
| Mr. HOLSTER tound her seated on bench
| in front of the cottage steps. He sat down
beside her and taking her hands in his
| pressed them affectonately. Mrs. Allaire' S
| strength had returned rapidly of late. Tier
| old time deep rich celOring had shown itself
| once more although her eyes were often
/ weted with tears.
81 see that you are getting well fast, my
dear Molly" SAID Hollister; ''you are real ly
doing finely"
Yes. Mir. HOLSTER" replied Molly, but
oh, it seems to me that have grown terri :
bly, old in these two months. My poor John
will find me greatly changed. And then
there will be no one but me to receive him
| no one but me-"
Courage. my dear Molly. courage. You
mustn't give way in this manner. you
know; you're my daughter now and you
must obey me-"
Dear Mr.. Hollisterw
Sab, that's something likeW
You have sent the letter which l wrote
John, haven't you?" asked Molly.
Certainly; and you must await a reply
with patience The India mails are often
DELAYED. There. Molly. you are crying
again: now please STOP"
How can ]. Mr.. Hollister, when 1 think
it, tooP''
mo, no. poor little mother, mol God
hath cbastened you severely, but he will
put an end to your sorrow"
God" murmured Molly, "God will
bring back my John to me-"
Have you had visit from DR.. Bromley
to-day. Molly ~ asked HOLSTER.
Yes, and he seems satisfied with the
progress am making. My strength is in
creasing. l shall soon be able to 90 out"
hn d IL
Molly"
"Of course not, Mr.. HOLSTER. / promise
| you not TO do anything RASH"
And rely on your promise"
1ou have received no news of the Dread
naught yet, Mr.. Hollister?"
mo. but it doesn't surprise me, for it's a
long voyage from here to the Indies"
John may have written from Singapore.
Didn't he touch there?"
HE was to do so, Molly. but If he missed
| the mail even by few hours Ii would occa-
sion delay of fortnight"
'fhen you are not the least bit surprised
at not having received letter from John up
to this time?"
Not the least" answered Andrew Hol.
lister, to whom the conversation was be-
coming very embarrassing.
And there is no report in the maritime
journals of his having been spoken"
No. not SINCE he fell in with the Flying
Cloud, about"
Two months ago." interrupted Molly.
And, oh! why did those two vessels fall
would not nave gone on the Flying Cloud,
and my baby" A change came over Mrs,
Allaire's face, and the tears burst forth.
MOLLY, my dear Molly" pleaded Mr.
HOLSTER, don't weep; beg Of You don't
weep"
"Ah, Mr.. HOLSTER. don't know, but a
presentiment comes over me at times It's
very strange 1t seems as If a new mis-