The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-20

conndent of the end. He could not tell
how long he sat there. After time the
ticking Of tho clock seemed painfully
loud to him. Now and again he heard
q cab rafting through the square, ard
the foolish song OF some drunken loiterer
in the night caused him 10 start pain
fully. Everything Jared on him. Once
he got up, went to the window and
looked out. The moon was shining full
on the square. He wondered if it would
be we'll for him to go out and find some
quiet to his nerves in walking. He did
so. Out in the square he looked up to
his wifes window IL was lighted.
Long time no walked up and down, his
ewes ON the window. IL held him like q
charm Once he leaned against tho iron
ratings OF tho garden and looked up,
not moving for a time. Presently he
saw the curtain Of the window raised,
and against the dim light of the room
was outlined the figure of his wife. He
knew il. She stood for moment look
ing out into the night She could not
see him, nor could he see her features
at all plainly, but he knew that she,
like him, was alone with the catastrophe
which his wickedness had sent upon
her. Soon the curtain was drawn down
again, and then he went once more to
the house and took his old seat beside
the table. He fell to brooding and at
last, exhausted, dropped into a troubled
sleep.
He woke with start. Some one was
in the room. He heard a step behind
him. He came to his feet quickly,
wild light in his eyes. He faced his
brother Richard.
Late in the afternoon Marion had
telegraphed to Richard that Frank was
coming. He had been away visiting
some poor and sick people, and when he
came back to Greyhope it was too late
to catch the train. But the horses were
harnessed straightway, and he was
driven into town-a three hours drive.
He had left the horses at the stables, and
having latchkey had come in quietly.
He had seen the light in the study and
guessed who was there. He entered and
saw his brother asleep. He watched
him for moment and studied him. Then
he moved away to take off his hat, and
as he did so stumbled slightly. Then it
was Frank walked, and for the first time
in five years they looked each other in
the eyes. They both stood immovable
for moment. and then Richard caught
FraAks hand In both Of his and said:
"God bless you, ny boy; God bless you!
/ am glad you are backp'
"Dick, Dickv' was the reply, and
Franks other hand clutched Richards
shoulder in his strong emotion. They
stood silent for moment longer, and
then Richard recovered himself. He
waved his hand TO the chairs. The
strain of the situation was little pain
full for them both. Men are shy with
each other where their emotions are in
play.
why, my boy" he said, waving a
hand to the wine and liquors, full bot
ties and unopened boxesl Tut, tut!
Here's q pretty how d ye do. Is this
the way you toast the home quarters?
You're fine soldier for an old messv'
SO saying, he poured out some whis-
ky, then opened the box of cigars and
pushed them toward his brother. He did
not care particularly to drink or smoke
himself, but a man-an Englishman--
is strange creature. He is most nat
ural and at ease when he is engaged in
eating and drinking He relieves every
trying situation by some frivolous and
selfish occupation, as of dismembering
partridge or mixing a punch.
well, Frank" said his brother,
''now what have you to say for your
self? Why didn't you come long ago9
You have played the adventurer for five
years, and what have you to show for
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