Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-03-25
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were still beyond ear-shot, II don't think
shall have much to explain after all.
There was certainly nothing Of Irritation,
nothing even personal in our long cOnver-
sation to-day. 1t had just struck me that
Mr.. Graerne was talking nearly all the
time about you"
There was no pallor nor pride in Miss
knolIys' face now, she was blushing like
! any schoolgirl as they reached Mrs.
Dene's side, and she could scarcely stam-
mer out suitable remark. An odd mix
ture of shame and triumph made her
quite unlike herself. She was afraid to
what keen hope her words had awakened.
Directly she could she took her leave,
only too glad to be alone to think.
And now Jane had something to con-
slider. Her thoughts lately had been con-
centrated on her own affairs. and she was
weary of trying to solve the vexed prob
lem of how best to unravel the tangled
skein of difficulties that beset her. 1t was
relief to turn her attention to some
thing else, if only for a short time. She
knew Valentine Graeme had admired
been near loving her, in fact, before her
engagement to Colonel Prinsep was an
nounced, and that again of late his inter-
est in her had seemed to be reviving; but
she had known too much Of really pas
sionate love, the love associated, alas,
with sin and sorrow, to believe that his
affection was very deeply seated.
An opportunity to talk with Valentine
alone occurred. later in the day. He had
stayed to luncheon, and afterward all
three were gathered round the fire, he
chatting to Mrs. Dene, and Jane deep in
thought as to how she could best bring
about an explanation. Then some house,
hold duty called Mrs. Dene away, and
the two were left alone.
How nice this idle time is!' observed
Valentine, deamily; then, with one of
his flashes of fun, he added, comically,
Don't spoil it by trying to amuse me-"
She laughed. 1t was an old joke against
her that she took the verb ito entertain"
too literally. 1t must have been in some
measure due to her Scotch blood, or that
unconsciously some memory of the old,
more practical life In barracks remained
with her; at any rate she never allowed
the mind of any visitor to stay long un-
occupied. and when Valentine spent the
day with them as now, there was no
chance of his finding any leisure time to
misapply.
Mrs. Dene had noticed first how Jane
provided all her guests with albums and
planning or descanting on their merits.
Since then it had become q universal
joke.
Now, however, she wanted only to talk,
and said So.
Il am afraid" said Val. thoughtfully,
81 have exhausted my originality. don't
believe l have another remark to make.
You could hardly expect it after a whole
days uninterrupted conversation"
That's just it. Why do you come 40
often" blurted out Jane.
He pushed his chair back from the fire,
and sprung to his feet.
DO you mean that am unwelcome-
that 1 como too oftenT" he exclaimed,
blankly.
Suppose" she said, with a faint smile
while you have been fancying 20 differ.
eutiy, you have been In reality steadily
but unconsciously falling In love with
somo one ever 20 much prettier and nicer
than I"-an obstinate shake Of the head
from Val, which she ignored. Suppose
too. that she II beginning to care for you
In return. And suppose you should he
fortunate enough to win such q beautiful
bride, and there should be q wedding
and 7 should be there, 30 glad, oh, 20
glad to see two such good friends happyi'
Valentine flushed like a girl, and his
heart was beating quickly. Was II possi-
ble that what she said was trus-that hs
really did love Diana best? he thought to
himself.
"And you. Jenny Nhow 10 it to be with
your" asked Valentine.
with mef Oh, never mind mer' she
replied, with her face still turned away.
"But do mind you very much. Tell
me-" he said, deliberately-for he had
weighed the matter in his mind, and con-
cluded that he was not 30 deeply In love
with Diana, but that he had . very reas-
enable chance Of happiness with Jane II
she decided to accept him; she had tho
first claim upon his affections, and 1t
would not be such q terrible sacrifice
after all-"tell me, would you not be
happier II you married met You know
me better than nearly any one else and
I would take good care Of you. be sure.
Don't you think you could b content
with me?"
She turned quickly and placed her hands
In his. She understood him at once, and
saw more clearly than he saw himself
happiness for herA
"How good you are-how good you
arer she murmured. Indeed, I am very
grateful; but what you suggest could
never be. Never. believe me-" shs re-
peated firmly, a. he made q movement
to speak.
Both remained silent for q moment,
then she spoke again.
Il must 60 and find Ms. Dens now
Thank you 30 much for everything you
have said; and good-by."
As Valentine wended his way home to
the mess. he too had something to con-