The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1891-01-08

"OItAt@
The White Sulphur Springs had bored
Gerald Ravelow severely for number Of
weeks past. He saw in q hundred Of the
pretty girls that haunted the lawns and
piAzEas Of the hotels Q resemblance to
Brenda, vague yet irritating. he avoided
all chances Of being presented to any Of
these damsels, and soon won, In conse-
quence, the name Of woman hater. This
put him into q still more unpleasant
humor, from which his only refuge was
found In taking very long horseback rides
among the breezy Virginia hills. Mean
while his mothers health had improved
but slightly, although her malady was
fraught with no symptoms Of danger.
Learning by accident that New York
physician Of note chanced to be ct Q mall
hotel about ten miles distant, Gerald
persuaded his mother to accompany him
thither. They retained their former
apartments at the hotel, which they now
temporarily left, and to which they pro-
posed returning in at least three days
from their time Of departure.
As matters arranged themselves, how
ever, the new quarters proved charming.
the new doctor q very agreeable man
and the new project Q most unforeseen
succesA His mother seemed % much
brighter and stronger that Gerald deter.
mined to give up his apartments ct their
former hotel and remain for an indeh-
mite space In the spot whittier he had
drifted With this purpose he sent for
whatever letters that might have ar
rived ct their recent abode, directed
either to himself or Mrs. Rayelow. Sew
eral letters had arrived and were duly
sent Among them was . telegram from
Miss Brenda Bond telling Of her broth
er's death.
Gerald was horribly shocked. For the
first time since boyhood his mother saw
him weep. BE bitterly reproachsd him
SELF for having seen his friend 20 seldom
Of late; he pitied Brenda with q lovers
exorbitant power to pity; and finally he
told his motoer that It would be imper-
ative for him to leave on the next north
ern train.
"Of course; my son." she acquiesced.
II would not have you remain away
from tho funeral for worlds-thAt is, II
there IL impossible chance Of you reach
ing II In time"
Gerald did his best. But the journey
was long and Brenda's telegram had
been cruelty delayed. When he arrived
ct Shadyshore the funeral ceremony had
been over about three hours. Brenda,
clad In the deepest mourning, met him
with sob and little cry.
my poor girl, he said, and took her
In his arms. A servant had just glided
from the drawing room, leaving them
alone. Gerald's lips found their way 10
hers, and the h@ that followed was one
Of betrothal, q both silently Understood
II have % much to tell you," faltered
Brenda, looking about her wsthnervous
glances. "But there WIN always bs the
thought that she Is listening. Il d such
alovely afternoon. Let us walk out un-
der the hr trees"
Their walk lasted until nearly dnsk.
Finally. with . binding headache caused
BY grief and excitement, Brenda redi-
rected her steps toward the house.
"And you tell me-" said Gerald, - he
walled Fuminatively at her hde, ''thAt
Dr. southgate declared your brother
died Of heart diseased"
"Yea BE wrote that on the csrtih-
cate; saw the two words mysslf."
"But you yourself think-
"oh, I think nothing. because I've not
. vestigO Of proof"
Gerald was silent for some little TINA
BE would have liked to ten Brenda The
reason her brother had caused her 10
place that paper In his cofnn, but 70
membrane Of his oath forbAde. AfteF
once having made the midnight ViAt 70
LouiS tomb b would be prfEilagsd 70
peak Of y, but betcro doing . thS