Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-06-25

that they saw little or nothing OF Eus-
tace now.
Viola seldom mentioned his name.
No doubt. with woman's quickness.
she understood that 1t was distasteful
to me. Nevertheless, knew that she
held her guardian In the greatest es-
TEEN, and looked forward to the time
when we should be friends. This I
swore should never come. Viola once
my wife, the acquaintance between her
and this strong-willed, attractive man
should cease.
AS said, am indeed a pitiful hero!
But II l saw nothing of Grant, I
heard from him. He wrote me, tell
ing me he had been informed by Miss
Keith that our marriage was to take
place very shortly. He would be glad
to know my intentions respecting the
settlement of her own small fortune.
There was peremptoriness about the
wording of the letter which nettled me
extremely. wrote back that 1t was.
quite true that we were to be married
in few weeks time, but that 1t was
not my intention to settle my wife's
money upon her. The sum was too
paltry to trouble about, as 1t would be
quite lost sight of in the large post
nuptial settlement which l proposed
making. II Mr.. Grant felt any doubt
/ as to my means, he could make inquir-
les Of my solicitor, who had my instruc-
tions to answer all his questions fully.
To this letter he did not reply: but
/ heard that he made the inquiries. as
l suggested. No doubt. In Viola's in
terest., he was right in SO doing; but
liked him none the more for the ac-
ton.
Yes: Viola. overcome by my impas-
stoned prayers. had consented to an
almost immediate marriage. There was,
indeed, no reason why we should wait
day. She loved me. and was willing
to trust her future In my hands.
loved her. and longed for the moment
which would make her mine forever
Moreover, longed for the time to
come when might tell her all: confess
the innocent but foolish deception l
had practiced. and beg her forgiveness
not for mistrusting her, but her sex
In general. was sorely tempted to
reveal the true state Of affairs without
further delay: but Grants warning
rose to my mind. and determined that
until the irrevocable words were spok-
en-. would keep my secret.
We were married In the quietest way
possible. Viola. It seemed to me, had
no bosom friends-no relatives who
would be mortified unless they were
asked to the wedding. The old spin
ster, who looked very prim. and ready
to apply her favorite word, "indecor-
ous." to the whole proceedings; a
brother. rs prim rs herself: and one
trusted friend Of my own. formed the
wedding guests. Eustace Grant had
been asked to accompany us. but Viola
told mo that for some reason or other
he had excused himself. At this she
seemed deeply vexed.
l was also troubled by his refusal. It
showed too plainly his feelings toward
me and toward Viola.
But he was In the church; he was
there even before l was. As walked
up the aisle. caught glimpse of his
strongly marked profile. He was In a
far-on pew. and was almost the only
spectator OF the ceremony. Doubtless,
when Viola and left the church. man
and wife. Eustace Grant walked into
the restry. and as he had expressed his
intention OF doing. saw with his own
eyes that l had married Viola in my
true name.
We drove straight from the church
to the railway station. When alone in
the carriage, almost the first words my
wife said. were: Julian, Eustace was
In church: did you see him?'
Yes. l saw him.
why did he not come and wish me
goodbye? 1t was not like him. /
must have offended him. will write
and ask him how"
| hated the idea OF Eustnce being,
In such moment as this. uppermost
In my wife's thoughts. Never mind,
dearest" said: what is Eustace
Grant to us?"
oh. much: very much. to mo. Julian.
He was my mothers friend; he has
been my only friend ever since l can
remember"
II do not like him." said
But you will like him. You must
Ike him. He is so good. SO clever,
Promise me. Julian, you will like him,
for my sake
Although | would not credit him with
the two first qualiicatlons-goodn
and nobility-I was willing to believe
that Eustace Grant was clcyor-perhaps
TOO clever. The disadvantage Mt which
ne had held mo upon that night. when I
was, for the time. an impostor. in his
eyes ranked In my mind. But today
! could afford to be generous. I drew
Viola close to me.
Dearest" l said. 81 will try and get
rid OF my prejudice. will try and for
get that this man loved you, and would
have made you his wife. will try to
cease from wondering why. when he is
so good. noble and clever. you should
have chosen me-
Viola laid her soft cheek against
mine. Julian. my husband" she
whispered, arc you not all that Eus-
tace Grant is--and more? I love YOU"
With her words all my doubt, all my
rear OF Eustace Grant, fled-never. I
hoped, to return. With viola's arms
around me. her kisses on my lips.
could afford to pity my unsuccessful
rival. When We were installed in the
compartment of the train which was.
oy venal arrangement of the guards,
reserved to ourselves. I fell to consid-
ering how l should best make known
10 viola that the name by which abe