Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1893-10-26
CHAPTER XIV.
KAyANAGH's SACRIFICE,


kavanagh, whose comprehensive fore
thought nothing seemed to escape, went
into the house with me, and in an easy,
chatty way gave Taras an exhaustive de-
scription Of the show we had been to. He
must have observed my incapacity to form
any idea upon the affair and thought 1t
prudent to relieve me fru..l the embarrass-
ment of answering the questions which
Taras would probably put TO me.
Il, too, have been looking ut chrysanthe-
NUNS" said Taras when Kavanagh came
to the end of his account, and he pointed to
the book he had been reading
The Land of the Chrysanthemums,' "
kavauaSh said, reading the title Then
opening the book and CHANGING at page, he
continues: Its charms are not overrated,
suppose. 1t must be a delightful haven for
the man who seeks refuge from the storms
Of life"
They talked upon this subject until Kav-
auagh rose to go.
Il should like to read this book when you
have done with it, he said.
Take it with YOU It's like a volume of
pleasant to dip into now and then
rather than to wade through. and | shall be
quite as happy to take my next dip in n
couple of wcvkr n in Il couple Uf days"
had listened To this conversation with
especial interest. couc"iviuS that kavanagh
had II particular piirpn~c in making inqui-
rics about this distant country.
Where is that land yen We're speaking
about to Mr.. kavauISh:" | asked TargS
then we were nj dinner.
Japan oh, right uu the other side of
te world
Then il must be Very difficult to get at"
'Ouc must travel for weeks continuously
to reach there" he said, and then he went
on to gossip about the country and the
Of
simple, sweet and peaceful disposition.
The next morning. just after lunch, kava-
nagh brought back the book. He had read
it through.
when take up Il thing. an bound to
60 through it to the end, he said in reply
to Taras' exclamation OF surprise, but a
significant glance at me as he raised his
eyes gave n double meaning to his words.
left them talking about books of travel
and running up to my room dressed
quickly to go out. Buttoning my gloves,
returned to the living room and told Taras
that was going into the Remington road
May offer you a seat in my broughams"
Ksvanagh asked, rising.
Iaccepted, and we presently went out to-
gether.
"Rudersdorf has arrived, " kavanagh said
gravely when We had started
had to close my teeth to prevent them
chattering with the excitement that shook
me.
Il SAW him this morning" he continued
in the same somber tone.
Have you settled what you will do?" /
asked, stammering at each word.
''Oh, l had decided that question before
saw him. 1t must be done. There is no
other way out of the difficulty"
He laughed bitterly as some expression of
thankfulness and gratitude escaped me.
You do not regret it? 1t is good thing
to be able to save Il friend,' l said.
Yes, but one may be excused for feeling
badly used in having to escape even the
lesser of two evils. However" he added
in a lighter tone, If it is to be done, it is
well tn do it with good grace Still, it 3
big Misunderstanding ones self away for
ever from friends and everything that has
made life pleasant
Yes, said |, putting myself in his place.
1T is n terrible sacrifice 10 give up all you
love like that. I'm afraid l have not
thought enough of your loss"
Never mind that, my dear girl. For
heavens sake, don't cry
y tear of sympathy had started to my
eyes as l thought of the grief it would be
TO leave TaraS even to save him.
Come. There's no time for sentiment.
We have to act. Go'i will have to help me
in this affair"
I am glad OF that. What am to dor"
AT present the sole object you have to
regard is to keep Taras entirely ignorant of
what is going on"
is that all?' | asked, with disappoint-
ment.
For the present, yes. The time to do
more will come soon enough-soon enough,
you will find"