Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-06-06
Continued.


my davy,"
1t was gall and wormwood to prout
Gerald Egerton, ali this dealing will
men he knew did not share his faitl
why should they! He was very just
and did not blame specifically.
But his wrath was stern and I'm
compromising towards the Earl OF
Rougement, his wife, and Hyacinth's
sister
He passed the young man in Pal
Mall one time he came to London OF
business, and looking straight at him
gave him the direct cut, his face set
ike a flint
RougemOnt, his wife, and Hyacinth's
have asked news of his sister, but
Gerald passed on. He would not know
the brother who had not faith in his
sister
For he ought to know her as | do,
he said, through his teeth, "he is not
the world he has known her her
life through
One day in February, Gerald, open
ing his morning letters, said to Hya-
cinth. who was playing with the
children-the ''chldren's hour" they
used to call this breakfast-time-
Sweetheart. I am afraid I must
leave you sooner than | thought. for
a few days-do you mind?'
She came at once to his side. and
leaned against him. putting her golden
head on his shoulder, looking bright
poor Hyacinth, whose brightness was
often such a terrible sham after all.
why, no, dearest. I am always glad
Tor you to have change. What is
ft-buSfneSS?"
lie could not for a moment answer
her, there was such tightness in his
throat.
She was always thinking of him!
Then he said softly, stroking the fair
cheek, Yes, my child; the steward
writes to say that he should like to
see me about granting new leases on
different terms to some of the tenants.
| must go. you see. / could get the
express. and be with you again by
Sunday probably-SO you will not be
long alone, dearest"
"Oh, but you mustn't hurry back"
said the girl, earnestly, "do stay, Ger
aid, and"
But he kissed her and shook his
head
There is no pleasure for me, sweet
heart, when you are not near" he
said gently. NAY. don't look so visit
full, with smile my brave darling
SO he parted from her with a kiss,
and promise. the little ones all manner
Of fin r
chung about him for last "good-bye,' y
and so was Whirled away by the eX-
press to Calais. and crossed by the
night boat. and went up with the boat
train in the morning.
Stepping on to the platform at Char
ing Cross, he was greeted with
"Hulloa, Egerton, glad to see you,
old fellow" and turned to see a man
with whom he had been intimate, but
of whom he had lost sight naturally
since the break up of his English
home.
This man had always felt obliged to
believe Lady Hyacinth guilty, yet had
a vague feeling somewhere that there
must be some myStery-it seemed so
preposterous, and then her husband
had this utter faith in her!
Still he might be infatuated, or
might only after all have forgiven her.
How do you do, Thurston?" Gerald
said, a momentary light in the grave
brilliant eyes, and he clasped the
others hand, cordially. Were you in
this train?''
"No-I came to meet a friend who
loo ,,rr1,@
too. How are you?'
"All right thanks-over for a few
days on business" returned Gerald,
as the two men went rather slowly
EDWARDS.
Thurston glanced at him, then said
as easily as he could:
and Lady Hyacinth and the child
rem? | hope they are wellr'
Thanks, she is very we'll, and the
l left them"
There was q seconds pause, and
Gerald fancied his friend looked queer,
he certainly cleared his throat rather
nervously.
Then said:
ooh then isn't Lady Hyacinth in
town, l thought"
My wife doesn't come to town, y
said Egerton, ever SO little abruptly
Thurstcn was a fool, he knew that
surely.
They were passing through the bar
rier then, Lord Thurston paused a
little way from the crowds.
pray forgive me. Egerton," he said
in a rather agitated way. II mean to
be a friend, only You are sure Lady
Hyacinth isn't in town."
Gerald almost smiled out:
"Why man." he said, kindly, whats
got in your head? l left my wife al
Villa Rosario yesterday morning, how
could she fly to town before | got
here anyhow-if you fancy even that
she might come without my knowing
It."
"But. cried Thurston, flushing and
looking more queer than ever. Eyer
ton. I-swear it was her that 1 saw
last night driving out of the station
Heavens, man! What"
For Egerton had staggered Slightly
and gone so deathly white. tina
Thurston was alarmed: he caught hi
arm.
Mono; I'm ali right" Gerald NUT
tered. He pulled himself sharply to
gether. and Strengthened himself
Come with me- he said. 1--WE can
toll