The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-04-24
ow FIRST PUBLISHED
CHAPTER xXL-CoNrrNUED.

In the morning Mrs Redwood had an in
terview with Ellce, and when the girls
first shyness was conquered, secured from
her a confession of her attachment for
George.
"She thought" she said, blu-hing and
trembling in her dearest friends arms,
"that she hal always cared for George ever
since she could remember"
There were a hundred pretty "reminiscences
exchanged-the mother recalling this and
that sign of Georges affection, and Ellice
confessing to her wn fears, her own cold
nesses or pretenses of GOODNESS, her doubts
of George and her fears lest she might be
throwing away her heart on one who did
not ask for it and would not value it.
At the close OF this interview, which at
forded the widow as pure delight as she
had known since her great trouble fell upon
her, it was decided that Mrs. Redwood
should write to Hetheridge saying that she
wished to see him upon matter OF grave
Importance, and asking him TO name an
early day for a meeting.
So said, so done. The letter was written
and dispatched that day, and the reply was
eagerly awaited by the three people inter
ested in it.
They we're not kept long in suspense, for
the answer came by return post. 1t was
brief and to the point:
my DEAR Mrs. REDwoOD-Ia am always
entirely at your service, and whenever you
choose TO send ne line by wire, stating the
time of your arrival, | will meet you at the
railway station. Yours very truly,
John HETHERIDGE.
Il 4 A.,
George when she had shown him this letter
at the breakfast table, and Will go up by
the early train"
LET me come with you,n George urged.
being willing to learn the result of the
negotiations at the earliest possible mo-
ment.
His mother had determined to have the
arrangement of the whole matter in her
own hands, and would not be dissuaded. he
was compelled to remain behind, but he ac~
companled her to the railway station, dis
patched the telegram to Hetheridge with
his own hand, and saw his mother comfort
ably bestowed in the carriage in which she
was to travel up to London. Then he
lounged homeward to wait results, and to
find time weigh heavily on his hands.
Hetheridge was at the town terminus ac-
cording to promise. and Mrs Redwood was
startled by the haggard aspect he presented.
The man was worn to skin and bone, and
his shoulders had begun TO stoop. There
were marks Of premature age about him
everywhere, and his manner was nervous
ard unhinged. One phase of his aspect was
at once striking and difficult to define.
Mrs. Redwood noticed it at once, but hav-
ing no key TO its meaning
found it impossible to describe
even to herself, 1t was a look Of
alarmed eXpectaucy-an expression always
furtive, and sometimes almost hidden, but
never altogether absent from the face
There was distinct sense OF power In the
man, despite his physical falling off. BE
had grown TO have the look of one who is
accustomed to find his word obeyed, and bis
manner had lost the rustic touches which
had once belonged to it. She had only seen
him once or twice since her refusal OF his
hand, and the changes in him inspired her
with a sense of pity, not unmixed with es-
TEEN, and even little touch Of fear.
He received her with a respectful cordt-
atty and led her to a well-appointed car
risge which awaited him IN the street.
my time is not my own, Mrs. Redwood"
he said, as he took his seat beside her, land
il you will allow me / will drive you to my
place of business. Mind, he added, IL am
quite at your disposal so long as you may
need me, but as soon as you release me /
! have to be at the disposal Of others whom
/ am much less willing to oblige."
He laughed nervously as he spoke,
drummed for little while with the finger
of gloved hand upon his knee and suddenly
looked backward over his shoulder with a
gaze of startled horror. She caught the
look and was fairly frightened by it. and he
noticing her discontinue moment later,
explained to her with CHASTITY gayety.
Il have grown as nervous as cat of late
years. l am overworked, and l live too
much alone. The slightest noise jars my
nerves. l have made a very great deal Of
and 4 6nr
people who envy me. You may believe nue.
when l tell you, Mrs. Redwood, that l am
not man TO be envied.n
She pltied him from the bottom of her
heart, and even found much in his altered
manner which impressed her, and forced
her. against herself, TO admire him. He
wore his ne state so well, sat so naturally
An his splendidly appointed carriage, and
had 80 much the air of a man of the world,
shat the inward changes in him seemed
more remarkable than the outward He
seemed to unbend little to her, as If of
late years ne had been in the habit of meet
lag people to whom he could dictate
Il hope he said by and by, that all is
well with you at home. Your little boy
must have grown into a man by this time,n
Yes she answered, Everything goes
very smoothly. Heaven has sent me my
share of trouble, and thinks perhaUs that
have right TO quiet George is quite a man
IOW, anu rs ROOu u bOO0 as leaTJ COuIQ wish.
1t is about him that | wish to speak to
you"
In whatever l can do,n he answered,
''you may command me, Ellice."
His employment of her christian name
affected her, and seemed to bring her closer
TO the friend and companion OF her child
hood. They were both in middle age, and
his cares and sufferings seemed TO make him
twenty years older than he was. She took
the name of as q sign of friendship, and was
pleased and gratifed by his use Of it.
II hope" she said, with faint and
troubled smile, II hope that you will not
change your mind when you come to know
what have to ask for himm
Il think that unlikely" he responded, and
fell again to drumming upon his knee. Sud-
denly he turned and looked again with that
inexplicable glance of terror across his own
shoulder. She was thoughtfully regarding
him at the moment and the expression of
his face, though it was as fugitive as light
ming, caused her to recoil.
''Nerves," he said, gloomily. MY nerves
are sad trouble to me. NV life has been
too lonely, Ellice. dread the future which
lies before me.n
She pitied him more and more, ana after
regarding him for a silent minute or two
she laid timid hand upon his arm.
''Why work so hardP she asked. "Why
give yourself so much trouble TO hean mn