Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1896-07-30

When at last 1 rose, he followed my
example, Viola, as was her custom, ac-
companied me to the door Of the house,
but rNis evening I noticed, or fancied I
noticed, a certain reluctance and hesi-
tatioA in her manner. Eustace Grant
passed on in front Of US. He opened the
door and stood on the steps. linger-
ed for a moment to bid Viola last
goodnight.
Presently Grant turned, as If impa-
tient at my delay. There vas lamp
exactly opposite the house, and the hall
was also Illuminated. l could, there
fore. see the mans face distinctly, and
there was IN indescribale look in his
eyes which told me the whole truth.
This EustGce Grant, whoever. he was,
loved Viola even as l loved her! All
my jealous and mistrustful nature
surged to the surface. grasped Viola's
hand and hastily drew her into lit
tie sitting-room close by. She looked
at me in a startled manner.
Viola" l said, who is this man."
Dearest, told you; Eustace Grant
my GUARDIAN
who is he? What is his profes.
sion"
"Ah! that is a secret as yet. He
will tell you some day; for, Julian, you
will love him like a brother when you
know him."
"Never! Listen, Viola. That man
is in love with you!
She made no answer, and by the
light which passed through the half
opened door saw soft expression OF
pity and regret upon her sweet face.
"You know it?" asked.
She sighed. II am afraid 1t is so, OF
has been so. Poor Eustacew
The information of the last two words
carried comfort to my heart. 1t told
me that l need fear no rival. I EN-,
braced Viola, and left her. Grant was
still on the doorstep. He was evident,
ly waiting for me. paused in the
road, looking for vacant hanson.
do you mind walking a little dis,
lance with me, Mr.. Vane?" said Grant.
Il have some distance to go. J
would rather drive"
Il will not take you far, but have
something to say to YOU"
He turned in an authoritive manner,
as though fully expecting I should fol,
low him. I hesitated; then Joined him,
and we walked side by side.
There was a frigid silence between
us; but as 1 glanced at the tall, manly
figure by my side, as now and again by
the light of the gas lamps l saw that
powerful striking face, the demon OF
Self-distrust began to rise again. How,
l asked myself could it be possible, all
things being equal, for a woman to
choose me in preference to this man?
And thanks to my concealing my name
and true position, the chances appar-
entity were that Grant had as much to
offer the woman as had.
By and by my companion stopped and
opened the door of house with a
latch-key. He invited me to enter, and
showed me into a room on the ground
floor. Once inside his own house, his
manner changed. He was now host,
and was a guest. He apologized for
the state of confusion which reigned in
the room. He had only returned to
his lodgings yesterday, and had not
yet got things straight. The rooms,
although plainly furnished, showed
that it's tenant was man Of taste and
culture. Books were scattered broad
cast here, there, and everywhere. Grant
swept a pile off the chair which he
offered me.
"You smoker" he said, producing a
cigar case, 81 can give you some brandy
and soda, too"
He opened the cupboard and brought
out the bottles. l declined his prof.
cred hospitality, and awaited his
communication. He stood with his
back to the mantel-piece, and mechan-
ically filled pipe. He did not, how
ever, light it; and, although I looked
as carelessly as I could in another d.
rection, knew that he was attentively
scanning my face. This scrutiny be-
came unbearable.