The Dickinson press., 1893-06-10
CHAPTER v.
DISASTER.

"What will Raymond think ?-what
will Raymond say
Thabwas the burden of anxious Edna
Deane's heart US the carriage that
conveyed her from her school life into
new and unknown existence sped
across the country.
Opposite 10 her sat her grim compan-
ion. motionl"ss, erect, fOrbidding. Re-
spcct without severity had attended his
every movement since leaving Hope
dale. but he persisted in that weird,
oppressive silence that chilled, almost
alarmed the warm, childish heart of
Edna.
She had comforted herself with the
resolve to write to Marshall as soon as
she reached her new home, snd had
then venturcd to address her somber
companion.
Won't YOU please tell me something
about my father-the place am going
to:' she spoke in accents of tremulous
pleading.
The man hcsitated. Then. with eyi-
dent reluctance. he said:
You arc going to your father-the
father who loves you. who will make
| your life one of JOY. wealth, and happl-
ness
But why all this mystery!'
His brow cl0uded.
HE will toll you. Believe me. it is
for the best. He has been under a
cloud for years: his life has been nearly
wrecked by the wickedness Of others.
Go 10 him with free. fearless heert,
willing to forget all the world save him,
and add something of joy to his last
days
Edna chilled at the gruesome hint
that the weids contained. Forget all
the world save her father? Did that
include Raymond:
What could the dark mystery be:
Her companions lips were sealed on
the theme after They had reached the
train. lie provided her with every
comfort in the drawing-room section
secured for her. and left her to hel
Thoughts. telling her that they would
not leave the train until after day
light.
Then swift spin across the country
confused sleep. and morning struggling
i'll the embrace of Climbing snow
storm. the cars passing through Il bleak
unfamiliar section.
Toward evening they alightad at I
little village. 1t was still showing. and
: leaving her in the cheerlesS depot. hel
cDllIIb3ll1Ou went III tllc otOlSS AHou
the place. returning with frowning
anxious face.
Il am sorry" he said. but you car
stand Il short walk in the storm?
Il am not afraid of the storm;
rather enjoy it, responded Edna
-cheerily. Are we near-home?"
Yes: that is. we cross two miles II
, another railroad. Then a brief ride
and your journey is ended. l canno
obtain 4 single vehicle to drive us over
and the train is due in two hours
They started forth. Edna was bravt
and disdainful of the snow at first. bu
clossed footsteps. an occasional deel
drift and binding fakes soon made he
breath come quicker. and her compan
ion was compelled 10 aid her with tn
: help of his arm.
D They had got past the limits Of tn
J town now. Edna shuddered ut tn
cheerlessness of the twilight-darkenin
landscape.
We have not got far to go now" eI
couraged her companion. This mus
be the bridge We cross. Courage, m
oh;ld' Onlr half a milo moro and"
\ "Oh. come back. come back! LooE
\ That sign
> Edna, following in the footsteps Q
her guide, who now went In advance t
clear a path for her more dainty fee,
. had noticed the dashing torrent of VIZ
ter below the frail bridge spannin
. it, and, alf-obliterated by the snow,
= rudely painted sign nailed to one Of tn
bridge supports.