Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1896-08-06

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Nv unworthily con-
r. ceived, at least free
from evil. This
thought strengthened me, and 1 was
able to face my interrogation. But, all
the same, It was a great modification
to feel that in order to explain matters
% this man I must, as it were, lay bare
my most sensitive feelings.
"You know my true name?" l asked.
mo. But l have seen you some
Where-Vienna, Paris-I forget where.
Then you were not called Vane."
my name Is Julian Lorraine"
Julian Lorraine" he repeated, mus
ingly. II have heard that name In the
world, and with little good attached to
It. But 1t could not have referred to
yourself. You are too young. But your
reason for deception? Speak| he
said, iercely.
curbed my rising anger, and, as
as well as could, told him why I had
wooed Viola under false name. l
think he believed me, but saw scorn
on his face as he listened.
1.-THE act OF fool" he said. "Mr.
Lorraine, such romantic affairs should
be left to poets and novelists. Viola
Keith would need no riches nor poverty
with the man she loved. l tell you, If
were to go tomorrow and make
known to her your doubt Of her single
heartedness, I could shatter the whole
fabric of your happiness. Why should
I not do so?"
ut would be the act Of iend," l
said.
He laughed, not pleasantly. Eyes,
1t would. 1 will not do 1t. 1 will even
keep your secret, and let you carry out
your ridiculous plan. But l will also
do this: 1 will follow you on your we'd
ding morning, and see with my own
eyes that you have married Miss Keith
in your right name. No!' he said,
seeing was ready to spring from my
seat in indignation. mo! I will have
no protest. You have brought this up
on yourself. You have given me the
right to mistrust you"
"Will you be good enough to show me
the right by which you interfere at
all?" I said.
until her twenty-frst birthday I
am Miss Keith's guardian"
"a very young one" l sneered.
Eyes; but older than you think. Her
mother died six years ago. I was then
thirty; she thought me old enough to
be her child's guardian, and will see
the trust to the end"
The meaning thrown into the last
sentence did not escape me. 1t i'm
piled that he still viewed me with dis
trust. My anger was thoroughly
aroused.
Perhaps, Mr.. Grant" said, there is
a nearer and dearer right you wish to
exercise over your ward-one which she
herself alone can bestow."
He drew himself up to his full height
THAT, sir" he said, calmly, lis ungen-
erous. I had hoped that my love for
Miss Keith was a matter unknown to
all save myself. love her as it may be
beyond your power to love a woman
I would lay down my life for her far
more easily than to-day lay down my
love. Yet I do this, and to you, my
rival, can say, Take her, and make
her happy-make her happy"
The repetition of the last three word!
was not wish; 1t was command, 6
threat.
Grant was still standing above me
and as I looked at him I saw that hi
face was pale, and on his forehead
were drops Of moisture. His appear
Rnce almost startled me; but I sait
nothing. rose, and wished him good
night. Somehow, in spite Of the dislik,
with which the man had inspired me
there was about him q strength ant
dignity which impressed me more thai
cared to own. He accompanied me t
the door. When it closed 1 paused 70
a moment to light one Of my own cigars
Then 1 crossed the road. AS I did s
I glanced back. The gas was burnin
in the room which I had Just left; tn
blind was drawn up. saw Grant enter
throw himself into the chair which
had left vacant, stretch his arms out o
the table, and lay his head upo
them, like one in agonles Of grief. H
, was bewailing the loss Of the happines
, that 1 had won.
I pitied him, but l hated him.
q seemed to me that II this man set hi
q heart upon a woman's love, sooner {
later she must give 1t to him. Wht
would It be II now he used all his powC
To rob me Of Viola? / knew that Il