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


maiden lady aforesaid.
I told her in plain words the object
of my calling. spoke frankly Of my
love for her companion, and begged that
my nearer would aid me to remove OBJ
stacles which stood in the way Of
closer intercourse. No doubt, with
lovers cunning, 1 made myself most
agreeable to the ancient old gentle
woman. Permission was graciously
accorded me to visit the house-as a
friend.
wanted no more. rose to take my
leave, longing for tomorrow to come,
as I did not like to venture two visits
on the first day. Just then the door
opened, and Viola appeared.
A look Of surprise flashed into her
face-surprise, but not ilspleasure. A
faint blush crossed her check, and these
signs told me l should win her.
Now that my foot was inside the cita-
del, went to work fierceiy, impetuous-
ly, to gain my desire. The days that
followed are to me too sacred to be
described; but not many passed before
I knew that Viola's love was my own.
We went to the kindly spinster, who
was responsible for Viola's safety, and
told her the glad news. The old lady
dropped her knitting needles, and look
ed bewildered.
mo, no, no" she cried, in Mortified
tones; you can not mean it!'
Viola's blush and my words showed
her we were in solemn earnest.
ooh, dear! Oh, deary" sighed Miss
Rossiter. What shall do? You have
only known each other a weekw
"a day would have been long enough
on my part!' 1 cried, looking rapturous-
ly at Viola.
at is so sudden" continued Miss
Rossiter. II never dreamed of such a
thing. In old days matters were man
aged much more decorously. thought,
Mr.. Vane, you would be at least three
months in making her acquaintance.
Oh, dear! I am too much to blamew
The old soul seemed so distressed
that Viola ran over and kissed her.
ooh! what will Eustace say? He will
blame me terribly. He is so master
full, you know, Viola"
"Who is Eustace?" I asked. I thought
that Viola's face grew thoughtful as
she heard the name
"Mr. Grant, my guardian and good
friend" she said.
"Then must see him. Where can 1
find him?"
"He is away" said Miss Rossiter,
plaintively. ooh, I am SO much to
blame! ought to have made all sorts
of inquiries about you Mr.. Vane."
"Your friend can make them on his
return. When will that be-"
"No one knows. Tomorrow, per-
haps; next month, next year. One never
can say. Oh, dear! Oh, dearw
laughed and drew Viola away. We
were so happy that we forgot all about
Miss Rossiter's plaintive signs, and
troubled nothing about Viola's guardi-
an. did not even ask what manner Of
a man he was.
But two days afterward knew. In
the evening I called as usual at Miss
Rossiter's. Viola heard my knock and
met me in the hall.
"Eustace came back to-day. He is
here" she said, joyfully.
1 kissed her and followed her into
the room to make the acquaintance of
her guardian. Although she called
him by his Christian name, fully ex-
pected to find him a sober, middle-aged
man; but in the easy chair, lounging as
If the place belonged to him. and talk
ing volubly to Miss Rossiter, l saw
strongly built, sun-burned man who
could be but few years my senior. He
rose as I entered, and Viola shyly intro
duced us.
He was tall-taller than was. His
shoulders were broad; his limbs strong
and muscular. A man who, if not
handsome, would certainly be noticed
anywhere. The thought which sue
ceeded my establishment at his unex-
pected appearance was, "By what right
is this man the guardian Of the woman
I love?"
He gave me his hand; but not,
fancied, cordially. He looked me full
in the face, and 1 knew he was trying
to gather from my looks some
knowledge of myself. Then suddenly
saw a surprised expression on his
face-saw the corners Of his mouth
droop as in half-suppressed scorn; and
from that moment my feelings toward
him were those Of distrust and dis
like.
He stayed so late that was the one
to make the first move. For once was
not sorry to leave Viola. The appear
ance of this man among US, the close
terms Of intimacy upon which 1t was
clear he stood with Miss Rossiter and
Viola, cast kind Of gloon upon me.
chafed at the thought that my happi-
ness was in any way dependent upon
his favor. 1 grew moody and silent,
and for me the evening was a dull one.
But not for my friends. This Grant
was evidently a brilliant and clever
talker. He narrated, In an amusing