Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1896-07-23

When at last I rose, he followed ny
example, Viola, as was her custom, ac-
companled me to the door of the house,
but this evening noticed, or fancied I
noticed, certain reluctance and hesi-
tation in her manner. Eustace Grant
passed on In front OF us. He opened the
door and stood on the steps linger-
ed for a moment to bid Viola a last
goodnight.
Presently Grant turned, as II impa-
tient at my delay. There was lamp
exactly opposite the house, and the hall
was also Illuminated. l could, there
fore, see the mans face distinctly, and
there was an indescribale look in his
eyes which told me the whole truth
This Eustace Grant, whoever he was,
loved Viola even as l loved her! All
my jealous and mistrustful nature
surged to the surface, grasped Viola's
hand and hastily drew her into lit
tie sitting-room close by. She looked
at me in a startled manner.
Viola" I said, who is this MANI"
Dearest, l told you; Eustace Grant,
my GUARDIAN
"Who is he? What is his profess
stomp
"Ah! that is a secret as yet. He
will tell you some day; for, Julian, you
will lore him like brother when you
know lm."
"Neverl Listen, Viola. That man
is in love with you!
She made no answer, and by the
light which passed through the half
opened door l saw a soft expression of
pity and regret upon her sweet face.
"You know IT." I asked
She sighed. 81 am afraid 1t is so, or
has been so. Poor Eustace"
The intonation OF the last two words
carried comfort to my heart. It told
me that l need fear no rival. I en-
braced Viola, and left her. Grant was
still on the doorstep. He was evident
ly waiting for me. l paused in the
road, looking for a vacant hanson.
do you mind walking a little dis
lance with me, Mr. Vane?" said Grant.
II have some distance to go. l
would rather drive"
Il will not take you far, but have
something to say to YOU"
He turned in an authoritive manner,
as though fully expecting should fol-
low him. hesitated; then joined him,
and we walked side by side.
There was frigid silence between
us; but as / glanced at the tall, manly
figure by my side, as now and again by
the light Of the gas lamps l saw that
powerful striking face, the demon of
self-distrust began to rise again. How,
| asked myself could it be possible, all
things being equal, for woman to
choose me in preference to this man
And thanks to my concealing my name
and true position, the chances appar-
emily were that Grant had as much to
offer the woman as 1 had.
BY and by my companion stopped and
opened the door of house with a
latch-key. He invited me to enter, and
showed me into room on the ground
floor. Once inside his own house, his
manner changed He was now host,
and was a guest. He apologlzed for
the state of confusion which reigned in
the room. He had only returned to
his lodgings yesterday, and had not
yet got things straight. The rooms,
although plainly furnished, showed
that its tenant was man of taste and
culture. Books were scattered broad
cast here, there, and everywhere. Grant
swept pile off the chair which he
offered me.
"You smoker" he said, producing a
cigar case, 81 can give you some brandy
and soda, too"
He opened the cupboard and brought
out the bottles. l declined his prof.
cred hospitality, and awaited his
communication. He stood with his
back to the mantel-piece, and mechan-
ically filled a pipe. He did not, how
ever, light it; and, although l looked
as carelessly as I could in another d.
rection, l knew that he was attentively
scanning my face. This scrutiny be-
came unbearable.