Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1896-01-30

to call her In those past days, as loyO
to call her stlll--Sister Rose has been
the one aim, ths one happiness, the one
precious trust, the one treasured re-
ward Of all my life. Ihaye lived in this
poor house; in this duh retirement, as
in Paradise because Sister. Rose, my
innocent, happy, bright-faced Eve, has
lived here with me. Even il the hus+
band Of her choice had been the hus-
band Of mine, the necessity Of parting
with her would have been the hardest,
the bitterest of trials AS it Is, think
ing what I think, dreadAng What
dread, judge what my feelings must be
on the eve Of her marriage; and know
why, and with what object, / made the
appeal which surprised yea moment
since, but which cannot surprise you
now. Speak IL you will can say no.
more" He sighed bitterly; his head
dropped on his breast, and the hand
which he had extended to Lomaque
trembled as he withdrew ii and let 1t
fall at his side.
The land-steward was not man ac-
customed to hesitate, but he hesitated
now. He was not usually at a loss for
phrases in which to express himself
but he stammered at the very outset OF
his reply. Suppose l answered. he
began, slowly; suppose l told you,
that you wronged him; would my tes-,
timony really be strong enough to.
shake opinions, or rather presumptions,
which have been taking tlrmer and
firmeF hold Of you for months ana
months past? SUPPOSE on the other
hand, that my master had his little"
--Nomaque hesitated beforenahe pros
nounced the next world his little-in-
firmities, let me say, but only hypo-
thetically, mind that-ipfirmitles; and
suppose l had observed them, and was
willing to conflde them to you; what
purpose would such d confidence an
swep now; aE the eleventh hour, with
Mademolselle Roses heart engaged,
with the marriage fixed for'to-niorr6w?
No! no! Trust me-r4l5r!-T t'rnN
Trudaine looked UP, suddenly. ~
thank you for reminding me, Monsieur
Lomaque, that it is too late now 10
make inquiries, and by consequence
too late also to trust, in others. My
sister has chosen; and on the subject
of that choice my lips shall be hence
forth sealed. The events Of the future
are with God; whatever they may be, /
| hope am strong enough to bear my
! part in them With the patience and the
courage of a man! / apologize, Monsieur
Lomaque, for having thoughtlessly en-
barrassed you by questions which
had no right to ask. Let US return to
the house, will show you the Way.''
I Lomaques lips opened, then closed
again; he bowed uneasily, and his sal
low complexion whitened for moment
Trudaine led the way in silence back
to the house, the land-steYard follow
I ing slowly at a distance of several
PAGES, ana tafking In whispers TO him.
self. "T4ls father was the saving o.
me; muttared Lomaque; that is the
truth, and thereis no3getting over ii
his father was the saving of me, ant
yet here am I7-nO! it's too late!-rtOt
late. to speakTtoo late to act-Ttoo lat
q to do anything. III. IA, -,
Close to the house they were met BY
!, the old servant. my young lady has
just sent me to call YOU in to coffee
Monsieur" said Guiilaume. "She has
kept a cup hot for you, and another
cup for Monsieur Lomadue." .'' %