Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1892-09-17

l saw nothing moro OF Kate that day.
but came across Slurk several times.
and there was a peculiar look on the fel
lows countenance which made me re-
new my longing TO chastise him was
anxious to know whether Mr.. Birch
more had returned; but rs | conld not
bring myself 70 make any inquiries Of
this valet aud did not care TO let him see
me asking any one else. was Obliged
TO remain In Ignorance However, "a
sat out under the trees at dusk tall
figure. with lighted cigar In his mouth
appeared In tho doorway Of the hotel
and on my aaluting him he sauntered MP
to my table and complied with my invt
tation to sit down.
The winter brought ms coffee, and IN
der its stimulus / ventured 70 introduce
the subject which lay nearest to my
heart TO Sir. Birchmore's notice No
doubt put my best foot foremost, anil
spoke as eloquently as was consistent
with my downright earnestness and sin
certify Mr.. Birchmore heard me almost
IN silence, only giving evidence by an
occasional word or interjection that no
was giving me his attention. Once or
twice, too, was aware OF his having
given me one OF those sharp, icy glances
for which he was remarkable When ]
had spoken he fingered the pointed beard
ON his chin neditatively and pulled his
cigar.
~1his Is a very fair and honorable
offer that you make. GainsbOrough.- he
said at length. Il liked you before; !
like you better now. You take it for
granted. suppose, that am pretty well
of. There. you needn't say anything
have no doubt Of your disinterested.
ness; but these matters would have to be
mentioned. sooner or later, II the affair
went on say If, because-l may as
well tell you at once. it viii save us al
pain-because it can't go on; it must
stop right here; and | only regret, for
both your sal1es, that It has gone 30 far
Mr. Birchmore. | cannot take this
FOR an answer You have given me no
reasons. II you want confirmation Of
my account Of myself, cam
Il want nothing OF tho soTt-on tho
( contrary. feel complimented that you
should accept rs. not only without con
frlnation, but without question. But
you can't marry my daughter, Gains
borough, much us like you. and much
ns dare say she doea When you are
,lder you will understand that men can
not always follow that course in the
world which appears to them most DO
Kirahler
"However young OF old may be. MI
Bjrchmope, am old enough TO know my
own mind and to require good reasons
for changing II II you have any such
reasons, wish you'd show your liking
for me by telling me what they aro.'
'Do you remember talk we once had
in Paris, when you limited that ! should
accompany you on your jaunt? told
you then that the past life Of man
sometimes had hold over his present
constraining his freedom whether he
would or not. And can't you imagine
that those circumstances. however co
gent they may be, or very likely, inst
because they are so cogent. might be
very inconvenient to talk about? TC
speak plainly Gainsborough. don't sec
how your loving my daughter obliges
me to tell you all the secrets Of my life.
81 don't want to know your secrets
sir; / wish to marry Miss Birchmore.'
Mr.. Birchmore laughed.
well, you're pretty determined
wooer." said he. Il can't give my con
sent to the match because-well, be
cause cannot: but. if you won't talk
no for an answer. nor profit by the warn
ing hereby give you, III tell You wha
will do l will allow you yourself Z
discover and acknowledge the cause
which make your marriage with Kat
impossible You must not blame me /
the discovery gives you pain and tn
acknowledgment causes you mortihca
ton. have given you fair warning
And win only add, sir, that the pail