Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-02-12
% let Mr.. Goodwin make the first over

to let Mr.. Goodwin make the first over
lures
Some days later business called me
to Philadelphia, and while there took
it into my head to remain some time. l
wrote to Rachel of my intention, beg
ging her not to let the fact OF my alb.
sence be generally known, l began to
fear that my husbands cousin was
staying in the neigh borhood to spy on
my actions. Rachel promised to do the
best she could, SO I finished my visit
and returned to Greystone with some
friends.
My cousin took this opportunity to
go away, knowing / would not be
lonely in her absence; and, though l
missed her, / was glad she was going
to have change. Hardly had she
gone when | received a call. 1t was
from Wayne Goodwin. l went down to
see him. and, sure enough, he was the
stranger whom had met in my walks.
He rose when | entered, and held out his
hand.
MAY l claim relationship" he said,
cordially. 81 ventured to call on that
ground, though had never met you in
the regular way, and you had not ex-
pressed any desire to see me-"
"Oh, yes, | had," answered, laugh
ing, for all my suspicious had vanished
at his tone; and then / told him of my
previously spoken wish.
That broke the ice at once, and we
became very good friends before his
call ended He came again in day or
two, and we were soon on excellent
terms. My house party broke up, but
Mr.. Goodwin still rema ned in the viii
lage. We laughed good deal over the
peculiar terms of my husbands will,
though he was kind enough to express
some disapproval thereat. He indig
nantly disclaimed any intention of
profting by its provisions.
But you couldn't help it," said.
at depends on me-"
Eyes, it depends on you," he an
swered, thoughtfully.
| told him about my absent cousin
and praised her good qualities until he
declared, laughingly, that was insane
on the subject He never had much to
say on those occasions, but that was
natural, for he did not know my rela-
tive, and therefore could not be aware
of her projections.
At last received a letter from Rachel
setting day for her departure and
telling me the train on which she would
return, so that l might drive to the
station for her. | did not mention to
Mr.. Goodwin that she was coming; l
thought it would be pleasant to have
them meet unexpectedly don't know
why, except that l was young and
foolish enough to like surprises. The
coachman drove me over at the right
time, but my cousin did not arrive.
There would be another train along in
little while, though not an express,
so | let the carriage wait for it, while
walked home. The day was raw and
windy and the waiting-room not very
comfortable, so preferred this to re-
naming, On the way / met Mr.. God
win and we sauntered leisurely on,
talking Of all sorts of things except
Rachel Armstrong; return. | merely
explained that | had been to the viii
| lage.
When we reached the house ! went
upstairs to remove my wraps and
change my dress, leaving my visitor to
make himself comfortable in the
library. | knew he was perfectly at
home there so l did not hurry over my
toilet; in fact, | must have dawdled
unconscionably, for when descended
the stairs | saw Rachel had arrived.
| She did not see me, however, for she
was in the library face to face with
Wayne Goodwin. He had his overcoat
on, his hat in one hand, while with the
other he grasped chair as if for sup
port. AS for my cousin, she looked a
different creature from what | had
ever seen her appear. She was pale,
too, deathly SO, but she stood proudly
erect, grasping her umbrella tightly in
her gloved fingers, perhaps to steady
them. Neither of the two noticed me,
and before | could remind them of my
| presence-if, indeed, / had not been
too astonished to do it-Rachel had
asked, in strangely naughty tone:
May | ask what you are doing
here?"
81 beg your pardon" was the almost
humble answer 81 did not know you
were coming back"
BY this time | was in the doorway
and Mr. Goodwin came toward me, say.
ing:
"Good-by Mrs. Laurence. am go
ing away"
Going away? And without wore
of explanation? think, as friend,
have a right to ask" | began.
81 will write to you and explain, i
you will allow me-" Mr. Goodwin said
"You may explain here and now, i
you wish" interjected Rachel,
My cousins voice sounded hard ant
cold, and her face was like stone.
THANK YOU" answered Mr. Goodwin
gravely, and then he turned to me anC
spoke:
1--WE were lovers once-seven years
ago, it was; but well, behaved Yer,
i'll. ldid-.what you would call f1rt
ing, | suppose. A man can't Away
explain how he is tempted, withou
throwing the blame on woman; ant
no one likes to do that So we quar-
relied, and went away. There is n,
use in my saying now that l bitterl,
pented-that never shall do any
thing else but repent. There ar
women so good their very goodness
makes them hard, She forgives every
body else, but suppose she will neve
forgive me-"
All this time he never looked a
Rachel, but, when he had ended
turned as if to go. was watching her
however and saw the changes in he
r. 1. e.