The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-02-10

reached aim on the very day he was
starting to come to her. Overwhelmed
with anguish and bitterness, he had not
deferred his journey; he went on with
the same hot Impotence, but he went in
another irection-whlther, no one knew
and Lvdia's second message was re-
turned to her unopened.
Lydia did not mention this to Doctor
Severance. Her own pride would have
kept her from it, even if she had been
less considerable of her friends feelings;
but both reasons influenced her to silence. 4
1t was curious thing that Henry Os
bornes name had never been mentioned
between them. There was no occasion
for it, however When Lydia had told
the doctor of her engagement, it had
been in general terms. So the matter
was quietly dropped between them, and
the doctor made poor guess at what
allied Lydia, who grew very pale and sad
as time wenton
1t was two years afterward, that he
called for her one morning, in his car
riage
Il have some news for you," he said,
shaking her hand very warmly. II have
succeeded at last in finding somebody
who will marry me-"
II congratulate you" Lydia said smil-
ing. when is it to be?'
GAS soon as possible" the doctor re-
piled briskly. Put on your hat and
coat. | have come to take you to call on
her. am sure you will like her, Lydia.
She is one of my patients. l have cured
her of a spinal affection, and she means
to repay me by becoming my wife,
II don't call that such heavy bill"
said Lydia, thoughtlessly.
"If you had to pay it, you would, /"
said the doctor, laughing. Come, Lydia
-Iwant you to go with me-"
This was how she happened to drive
with the doctor to an elegant house on
Fairbapk avenue, where they were
ushered into large room, dusky with
draperies and rich furniture. From some
where out of the shadows came slight,
girlish figure.
and then stopped at the sight of Lydia,
to recover her shy dignity.
A gentleman who was seated on the
piano stool rose hastily and turned
around.
Edith" said the doctor, taking the
hand OF his tiance and holding it quietly,
"this is my friend-Miss Dayton. Lydia,
this is my future wife-Miss Osborne"
'I-if am not mistaken" Edith said,
with great embarrassment, 1--WE have
met before"
She held out her hand awkwardly, but
| Lydia did not seem to see it. Back of
Edith stood Henry Osborne, looking at
her with proud, cold face.
1--WE have met before" Lydia faltered.
| doctor Severance did not tell me it was
Miss Osborne"
my brother Henry" Edith said, break
ing through the stiffness of their meet
! ing "Henry, II think you remember
Miss Daytonr'
Quite wellr' he said, coming forward,
with smile which struck shill to Ly-
dia's heart 81 hope you are well, Miss
Dayton?"
| Doctor Severance looked puzzled; but,
before long, Henry was chatting volubly
with Lydia about his foreign travels, and
Edith was uttering gracious things which
only heightened Lydia's embarrassment.
At last she got away, but the doctor was
astounded when she burst into tears the
moment they were cut of the house.
you might have told meP' she c. led
passonately. I'D have died sooner than
go there!'
Told you what?n the doctor asked,
with considerable annoyance. ~ didn't
know that you were acquainted with the
Osbornes. You never said So"
"YOu never mentioned their names,
and IL told you | was engaged to
Henry"
"GOod heavensr' calculated the doc
tor, upon whom the first ray of light was
| dawning. Lydia, you never mentioned
Henry Osborne's name to mel How
was | to know to whom you were en-
gaged?'
"What will they think of ne, going
there after-after-oh, she added, fierce
ly, 81 never want you to mention their
names againr'
II am sorry,t said the doctor, with
genuine chagrin. 81 had hoped you and
Edith would be good friends. Henry is
strange fellow-very quiet and exclu-
sive. Edith said he had been disappcint-
ed in love affair and took it very hard;
but-upon my word! See here, Lydia
L believe you are fond of that man yeGW
~ am not!" she exclaimed angi lily.
"You are an old friend Doctor Sever
ance; but you are going too farr'
"Well, well! l beg your pardonl We
won't say anything more about it,"
He set Lydia down at Mrs. Grosvenor's
door and drove away in quandary.
IF those two people are not in love
/ WIFI each OIuSI Sllli, III 4udCh! uS
| unused.
Nevertheless, when the doctor and
Edith were married, Lydia did not go to
the wedding-a fact which he canvassed
thoroughly some time afterward in con
versation with his wife; but nothing
came of the conversation.
The Doctors brotherin law was taken
i'll soon after the wedding. 1t was bad
fever of remittent type, which left him
intervals OF deep dependency. Doctor
SIEVE rance attended him. One day, when
he had his finger on the patients pulse,
Henry opened his eyes and looked fixedly
in his eyes.
"You need not DE afraid to tell me. 1
know am going to die" he said weakly.
Doctor Severance started to say some
thing. but Henry stopped him.
You need'n attempt to deceive me"
he said. II see my verdict in your face.
am very well satisfied that it should be
so; butt have one request to make of
you. doctor. know cannot live many
days. Will you-will you ask Miss Day
ton to come and see me before die.
The doctors eyes frightened.
Il will do anything l can Tor you,
Henry" he said kindly. II am glad
you are so resigned. 1t is best to be al
ways ready, for no man knows when his
hour is nigh"
81 don't think she will mind coming
under the circumstances-dO you?"
81 think she will come" the doctor re-
n