Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1896-09-11


have gone, Fustace. not ur9l the ship
has sailed"
Sailed! What ship" l exclaimed
turning to Grant.
"Viola sails for America next week
Some friends of her mothers live in
New York; she goes to them"
I walked across to Viola. why do
you go?" asked fiercely. She seemed
to tremble at the change in my voice.
I repeated the question.
II am too near-too near to Eng
land" she said, In low, panied voice.
| "Too near to me, you mean?"
Eyes! There must be thousands OF
miles between u.s."
I stamped in my rage. I was tried
past endurance. Her one thought-her
only wish seemed to be that of avoid
ing me.
Go" I cried, "and may never gaze
again on your false fair face! Go! and
carry with you the memory Of the life
you have ruined, the hopes you have
blighted, the love you have thrown
away! Co"
turned on my heel, but In the small
mirror over the Fireplace I saw Viola
rise, pale and tottering. I saw Grant
place his arm round her and support
her.
81 can not bear it," I heard her say.
81 can bear all for his sake, except his
reproaches. Eustace, when I am gone
Julian, FAREWELL
l turned at the last words. Viola
was passing through the doorway. I
sprung forward, but Grant checked me.
The tears were rolling down his
cheeks.
''No," he said. Leave her. No good
can be done. You will kill her II you
see her again. Julian, leave the house
for an hour; they will be gone by then.
Trust me-believe me, it is better So"
''But I am to be told everything?"
Eyes, when she has left England"
mo, now! Tell me now! Whatever
it may be that divides us, I can sweep
it away. l can hinder her from going.
l can hold her to my heart and keep
her. Speak! If you are sworn to keep
her secret awhile, for my sake, for her
sake, break that vow, let me know
everything this moment"
He laid his hand on my shoulder.
Julian, my poor fellow" he said in
voice full of feeling. IF you have
any hope abandon it. No love, no
power on earth can bring Viola back to
you'll"
His words seemed to turn my heart
into lead. I said no more, but, obeying
his request, left the house. But wait
ed at the roadside for the carriage to
pass; I would catch one more glimpse
of Viola before she left me, as Grant
predicted, forever.
At last the carriage passed me. Viola
saw me; our eyes met. Her look was
one of hopeless, yearning misery. She
made a faint movement as II about to
stretch out her arms, then in mo-
ment passed from my gaze. And this
was our farewell!
Conquering the impulse which urged
me to rush after the carriage, tear my
wife from it and swear she should not
leave me. 1 turned away and struck
down toward the coast.
Here I wandered about until late at
night. Then, weary and miserable. 1
dragged myself back to the farm.
Grant, with face full Of anxiety,
was awaiting my return. / threw my
self into chair, buried my face in my
hands, and, believe. sobbed. The
Of the day, the threat
ened hopelessness of the future. had
completely broken me down.
L felt as a man must feel who Is on
the verge OF suicide.
"Eustace," cried, "can you give me
no hope?"
my poor boy, it would be cruel to-
deceive you-none"
groaned. LET us go away!" said.
Come with me to England-to Lon
don. shall go mad and throw myself
over the cliff II I stay here"
The next morning we started for
England.