Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-05
DEMOCRATIC NORTHWEST NAPOLEON. o, DECEMBER 5 1896


hill Her manner grew a little chilly TO
her old acquaintances as their friendly
warmth increased, and her most de-
hghtful hours were spent in pasting
the newspaper clippings referring to
Hugh in an enormous scrapbook previ-
ously devoted to toilet recipes and fash
ion plates.
In these days of early June there
came period of rest for him. The las
situde Of summer was beginning to be
felt He had time to think, and his first
thought was of Marian, regret for
their past friendship. He seldom saw
her now, although Jenny had repented
of her jealousy, and they continued ON
visiting terms.
She seemed to have withdrawn from
him no less surely than he had from
her. Larremore was not vain enough to
believe her -titude only the result of
the one he had adopted.
To be accused wrongfully of a fault
is very often, to an impulsive nature,
Only anoths way of being led by the
peck to commit it. But Jenny's taunt
had come to him just little too late
for this rashness. After that hours self
tommuning he had seen that the accu-
Eation, at first in all sincerity denied,
contained one little grain Of truth.
That was all over now. With the ac-
knowledgment of possible danger had
come the honest instinct to draw aside,
and he stood acquitted before his heart.
One warm evening after dinner he sat
in his study, an untasted cup of coffee
beside him, an unlit cigar between his
fingers. The town seemed more than
usually quiet. The light, although it
was o'clock, died slowly in the west.
Even the sparrows that had chartered
the livelong day had every one gone to
rest. Jenny had complained of feeling
languid after days shopping in New
York, and in white wrapper lay fast
asleep ON lounge near him.
Once he sighed, and over his deep
oolored eyes gloom fell. A moment s
moody transport of disillusion touched
his heart and stirred it to discomfort
that necessarily came hand in hand
with resignation. A sadness born Of the
oppressive quiet and the days slow
waning held him.
All was so still, SO still.
The postman came up the walk and
handed him letter through the open
window. 1t was in small, thin envel-
ope that cracked as he touched it and
was crowded with postmarks He held
it nervelessly for second, looking at
the small, angular lettering.
"Dear old fellow" he said softly,
and opened it.
1t was dated from town in Persia,
and in its curious journey had passed
through stranger hands than is the fate
of most letters.
Coming home," said Hugh, his face
Frightening. "'Will leave week after
posting this Health impaired. All,
yes. TOO many missionaries, not enough
work. Indefatigable as ever, dear old
Mark. But will only rest for little
while before going on to the leper set
tlement at Molokai. Yes, and kill
yourself in year, Godi To choose a
fate like that"
He read on in silence.
"How he enthuses over it'll What a
man! An idealist, fanatic, with q
heart of gold, the purity and faith of a
child"
He turned the letter over and loving
ly fingered it, then uttered an exclama-
tion of surprise. 1t had been delayed for
nearly month and smelled of sea wa
ter.
Gle should be here by this if he left
when he intended, unless he met with
more adventures than his letter and
more serious ones. I'll have Jenny get
his room ready tonight. 1t would be
like him to come from Persia and pull
the bell at midnight, as if he had just
turned the corner. All, dear old man
To see you again-how good it will be p
Ten years had passed since this man
said goodby to him. Hugh was then a
lad of 90, just out of college and in the
first stage of his love affair with pretty
Jenny Walton.
How we'll he remembered the morn
ing the ship sailed away, the haze that
came over the sunlight, making it neces-
sary for him to wink his eyes very hard.
How we'll he remembered and how dear
the memory was!
Mark Thorne had been his father s
friend, and when Hugh was left an Or
phan had taken his fathers place. No
one could have loved him better or have
helped him more
He sighed as he threw the letter into
a drawer. Oh, if he were but here now
"Dreaming?" asked low voice at
his elbow.
He turned with start Marian stood
just outside the window She wore a
thin, white gown A big hat cast a
shadow over her eyes Her lips were
daintily parted.
"We were returning from a drive,
France and /, and passing saw you
here. If I disturb you, send me away. :"
This with saucy smile, as she leaned
her shoulder comfortably against the
side Of the window and turned her face
J to him.
1t was long since he had heard those
sweet, discontented tones.
II would ask you to come in, butt
and ne glanced toward Jenny, who still
slept heavily.
Marian lifted her brows as she peered
into the increasing gloom.
"I'll go away then. see my coming
is malapropos. Or-will you come out
here if you are not busy!"
He stepped into the garden, where
the sun shot his waning orange 1ances
between the trees.
"How long the light lasts these days !
There is something uncanny about this