The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-26
CHAPTER XIV.
KAvANAGH's SACRIFICE,

CHAPTER XIV.
KAvANAGHs 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 from the embarrass-
ment of answering the questions which
Taras would probably put to me.
~, too, have been looking at chrysanthe-
bnums," said Taras when Kavanagh came
90 the end of his account and he pointed to
the book he had been reading.
"oThe Land OF the Chrysanthemums,'
Kavanagh said, reading the title. Then
opening the book and glancing at page. he
continued "Its charms are not overrated,
suppose 1t must be delightful haven for
the man who seeks refuge from the storms
of life."
They talked upon this subject until Kav-
anagh rose TO go.
~ should like to read this book when you
have done with 1t, /" he said.
take it with you. It's like volume OF
poems-pleasant TO dip into now and then
rather than to wade through, and shall be
quite as happy to take my next dip in a
couple of weeks as In a couple OF days"
had listened to this conversation with
especial interest, concelvng that kavanagh
had particular p,rpose In making inqui-
ries about this distant country.
"Where is that land you were speaking
about to Mr. Kavanachi" l asked Taras
when we were at dinner.
Japan? Oh. right ON the other side Of
the world"
.Then it must 10 very difficult to get at. I"
"One musi tra:el for weeks continuously
90 reach there" he said, and then he went
On to gossip about the country and the
ways and customs of the people with their
simple. sweet and peaceful disposition.
The next morning, just after lunch, Kava-
nagh brought back the book. He had read
1t through.
"When tase up thing. I an bound to
20 through it ts the end, !" he said in reply
to Taras' exclasnation of surprise, but a
significant glance at me as he raised his
eyes gave double neaning to his words.
left them talking about books of travel
and running up TO my room dressed
quickly to go out. Buttoning my gloves, 1
returned to the living room and told Taras
that l was going into the Remington road
"May Ioffer you seat in my brougham"
Kavanagh asked, rising
accepted, and we presently went out to-
yether
"Rudersdorf has arrived, /" Kavanagh said
gravely when we had started.
had to close my teeth to prevent them
rhattering with the excitement that shook
me. tfs
II saw him this morning. he continued
IN the same somber tone
Have you settled what you will dor"
asked, stammering at each word.
'Oh, had decided that question before
saw him. /. must be done. There is no
other way out of the difficulty"
Helaughed bitterly as some expression Of
thankfulness and gratitude escaped me.
You do not regret it? 1t is good thing
to be able 10 save a friend" said.
"Yes, but one may be excused for feeling
badly used In having to escape even the
.esser of two evils. However" he added
in lighter tone, ''if it is to be done, it is
well to do it with good grace. Still, it's
big Misunderstanding ones self away for
ever from friends and everything that has
made life pleasant"
YES" said /, putting myself in his place.
''It is a terrible sacrifice to give up all you
love like that. I'm afraid / have not
thought enough of your loss"
"Never mind that, my dear girl For
heavens sake, don't cryl"
A tear of sympathy had started to my
eyes as 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. You will have to help me
in this affair"
~ am glad of that. What am 1 to doi"
"At present the sole object you have to
regard is to keep Taras entirely ignorant of
what is going on"
us that alli" asked. with disappoint-
ment.
For the present, yes The time to do
more will come soon enough-soon enough,
you will find"