The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1895-09-05

weeks before.
She had hoped. even unconfessed TO
herself, that he might write, even IL l.
We're only a line Of fareweli, Tor as 10
his not being able to hef re-
treat, If he desired TO do so, that was
out of the question. ,
He might at least have appreciated
my motive" she thought TO herseii' d
little bitterly.
DAYS, and even weeks, passed on,
until she knew that a fresh term Il
commenced. and that Godfrey lhuS'
have returned 10 Oxford.
Then she felt that all was over, n
that her dream OF happiness had VAN
ished forever.
Mr.. Medlicott sent her a letter reg.
ularly once a week. a bic me forniai
epiStle that chilled her heart as she
read it.
She must not presume too far upon
Mr.. and Mrs. Gardeners hospitality
was a sentence that continually oc-
Cured in 1t; but she could feel that
her return was not desired by the
writer; and the idea of returning to a
house that would now contain for her
only the most painful "reminiscences
had become almost uncomfortable.
Why should ! any longer remain a
dnpendent!'' she thought. While
poor. dear mamma was alive | could
render myself useful 10 her in q thouS-
and ways, and | know my companion
ship was IA comfort to her; but now |
am only an alien, an incubus, a pau
per-
one day she mentioned TO Mrs.
Gardiner her desire TO do something
for herself, so that she might be indie
pendent.
Il think you are quite right, my
dear" said the good lady, without Il
moments consideration, land | ad-
mire youl. spirit"
Il am so glad that you approve of
my idea" said ROSamOnd, brighten
ing up. Had | not better write TO
Mr.. Medlicott at once and inform him
OF my intention?"
Il don't think | should write, my
dear; one is apt to be so stiff and
formal in a letter. Go home and tell
him what you intend TO do: you need
not stop; | will write and say you are
coming back TO me, that L cannot
spare you"
As ROSamond was anxious to lose
no time in putting her plan into exc
CutiOn, She resolved to return To
Church row next day.
Her intention vas destined to be an
ticipated.
She found on the breakfast table On
the following morning a letter ad-
dressed to her in 4 strange hand
writing.
Opening it and CHANGING at the sig
nature, she saw that it was from
Luke Abershaw.
Rather startled, she at once adj
dressed herself TO the perusal.
1t ran as follows:
Madam: l have to apologize for
the liberty | take in addressing you,
but | do so from Il sense of duty. MI.
Medlicott has not been very we'll OF
late; do not be alarmed. 1t is nothing
serious l assure you; he is a little Ian
guild, a little out of sorts, that is all;
but at such times a household requires
female influence. l think you will I'M
derstand what | mean. Mr.. MedlicOtt
knows nothing of my having written
to you, and | have done so upon my
own responsibility. and | am sure you
" IL "PIl'NI W hS S' ~ G'"
could make it convenient to return
ence would be a boon TO all. l re-
main, madam, your humble servant.
Luke Abershaw."
How strange said that lady; to
ROsamond. We'll, you will now have
a better opportunity than ever of
stating all your plans to Mr.. Medli-
But I cannot leave him if he is Ill
or ailing."
Certainly not. But you will be able
to choose your own time for whateyer
you have to propose. Who Is MI. Luke
Abershaw"
"Mr. Medlicott's secretary"
ut was very thoughtful of him to
write to you in this manner"
Very. And yet everybody conceiv-
a prejudice against him. l cannot tell
why, for he seems to be a very quiet
and ~inoffensive young man"
Perhaps RoSamond's conscience Sug-
gested to her at that moment that she
herself had not been quite free from
the general prejudice.
She at once proceeded to prepare for
her departure.
What was there in the note to aus
the strange depression that had sud
denly fallen upon her, the dread she
experienced at the thought of return
ing home? She could find no eXplana-
ton for such feelings within the let
ter, and yet by no effort could she
shake them off.
You will write to us sOOn." said
Mrs Gardiner as thpy were waiting
the arrival Of the train upon the plat
form.
''Oh, yes: I will write tonight and
let you know how Mr.. Medlicott is. !
hope it is nothing serious"
II do not think so for a moment, to
judge from the tone of the letter"
''And yet. if it be not more than
Mr.. Abershaw would have me believe,
il is strange that he should write to
said Rosamond, musingly.