The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-07-18


we sat down on the little seat, which was
just wide enough to hold two. and al
most unconsciously my arm stole round
her waist and drew her gently toward
me. Such is the force of habit,
What have you been doing all this
timer asked Caroline after awhile. You
have not been down see us for five Sat
urdays, and l have only had three little
letters from you. But it's not your fault,
l suppose; 1 know you're so much en-
gagged"
Il ann 1 replied with groan. VERY
much engaged indeed"
Il thought so, when I saw you look
ing so pale and ill.," she exclaimed.
you've forgotten my orders, sir.
You've been OVERRIDING it.
Yes" 1 sighed; I'm afraid I've over
done it,"
Its SHAMEFUL said Caroline warmly.
1T oughtn't 70 be allowed! There ought
TO be a limitr'
that is just the difficulty. They draw
the line at one
''At oner' repeated Caroline in some
surprise. Why, L thought you said
six"
"sixr cried with a shudder. Heaven
well, you certainly told me your
hours were nine TO six, and often later,
and I'm sure it's far too much"
4 See" l said; Il was thinking of
something else, Carrie. But never mind
the Office" l went on hastily, wishing to
change the subject; tell me about your
self. Have you any news?''
"Oh, yes. | was just going to tell
you"
"A SURPRISE / exclaimed anxiously,
for the words reminded me of the sur
prise" Lillian had given me overnight.
4 hope it's a pleasant one"
II think So replied Caroline shily.
"Mr. Jagg has come"
MIR. Jagg" l groaned THE de-dear
man." 1 concluded lamely.
Yes, Mr.. Jagg," said Carrie galy. 81
knew you'd be pleased"
My joy is too deep for words" 1
answered grimly. when did he Gomez"
He arrived about an hour ago, and
he's going back to town after lunch
He's indoors with mamma at present
talking business
mo. he's not" interrupted a gruff
voice; wrong in both respects. my dear
He's in the garden and he has no bust
ness here. At least, no doubt you think
So"
Caroline blushed and drew away from
me. l turned pale and started TO my
feet. Mr.. Jagg stood still and chuckled
'This-this is Frank murmured Caro-
line.
'Oh. this is Frank. is ito" he replied
CHANGING curiously at me.
l returned the look with interest. and
my heart went down into my boots. He
was a tall, pOwerful-looking man. some
fifty years of age, perhaps, but evidently
still as strong as bull; with a most de-
termined mouth, a thick neck. and
shaggy eyebrows overhanging a pair Of
stern, penetrating blue eyes. Altogether
he was emphatically what is called an
ugly customer. and L recognized at once
that he was not q man to trif1e with. /
shuddered to think of what might hap
pen if he suspected me of shuff1ing He
was not man TO be taken in by a
cock-and-bull story about a lost situa-
ton, balck future, and a heroic de-
termination not to drag the beloved OBJ
ject down into poverty. No, in dealing
with Mr.. Jagg, honesty would certainly
be the best policy. 1 felt that instructive
~, and with the utmost promptitude en-
tirely reversed my plans. Lillian must be
given up, not Caroline. After all. Uncle
John was probably nothing more terrible
than a pompOus old busybody who liked
to have a finger in every family pie. but
whom it would be easy enough to trick
in matters not connected with business.
and even at the worst he was bound to
be UNNECESSARILY less dreadful than Mr..
Jagg. So, having decided on my course
of action, 1 pulled myself together and
endeavOred to meet Mr.. Jagg's eye with
an expression of manly candor.
so this is Frank. is it?'' he repeated.
still looking critically at me.
Yes am Frank Leigh, l said. smil-
ing blandly. II am very glad to see you,
Mr.. Jagg. 1 can assure you I've been
waiting most impatiently for your re-
turn
Been getting impatient. eh?" he chuck
led. Were you never tempted to get
married before 1 came back?"
I've often had half mind to. Mr..
Jagg." I answered laughingly glad to
ger a chance of speaking the truth for
once.
And Judging by what I saw just now,
you're still of the same mind?" he in
quired.
MY feelings have never altered, sir,
and never can" 1 returned without
well. well, wen see -- must have
a talk with you, Mr.. Leigh, but not to-
day. for l haven't time. l only just
came out for a mOuthful of fresh air
while Mrs Mayne was looking for a pa
per- and 1 must get indoors again. But
tomorrow, Ell? What time will suit you
best? You're in a lawyers office, 1
thing?"
Il was until quite recently; but I've
just come into a small fortune of five
hundred a year" l said, for on this
point it was absolutely necessary to de-
ceive him.
1 did not dare to tell him of Copseby
Manor and my change of name, for fear
of his getting wind of Mr.. Hughes-Nor-
before II was broken OFF.
Five hundred a yearr' he exclaimed
well. that promises to clear the way
wonderfully. Then I'll call on you at
noon omOrrOw-where?"
l gave him the address of my cham
bers. and he noted il down in a fat
pOcket-bOOk. A few minutes later ne
went into the house, and | did not see
him again until luncheon. Shortly after
that the Barbelham fly came for him
and carried him off to the station.
For the rest of the afternoon l was
fully occupied in satisfying Caroline's
curiosity concerning my windfall, eX-
planning why / had not told her of IL
before, and listening to her plans for
spending our gigantic income. l must
own. however, that 1 did not enjoy her
society as much as usual. for l was
troubled in my mind and wished TO be
alone to think, so that l was not sorry
to start TO catch my train to town OF
my journey up l need only say that il
was every whit as dreary as my jour
ney down, though 1 wore my rue with
this slight difference: / mourned for
Lillian instead of Caroline. But my feel
ings were exactly the same, my grief
was as deep, my remorse was as sincere.
and nv recollections Of our intercourse
as bitterly sweet. Dear Lillian Not IN
Til l was about to lose you did L realize
how much of my happiness was bound
up in youi
But ! did not waver in my determina-
ton for the face of Mr.. Jagg was ever
before me. However much ii cost me, j
Lillian with as little delay possible.
a + npTn6