The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-31

|
later, Evlyn was on her way to the hall,
| having been summoned thther very unex-
pectedly by note from Lady Lyston her
self-a note couched in as affectionate and
familiar terms as if there had never been
a break in the friendly intercourse be-
| tween the two families.
| The girl found her friend in the pleasant
south room which she most affected, the
windows of which opened on a broad stone
terrace above the garden.
Julian's mother was delicate, fragile
looking woman, who had been beautiful,
and was still fair and slender as a girl,
though her face was thin and careworn.
She rose as her visitor entered, coming
forward with both hands outstretched.
Il am delighted to see you dear child,''
she said. with unmistakable sincerity. II
was afraid you would not be allowed to
| come. fear have seemed sadly neglect
| full since our return, but-but, as you
know, it is not my fault. Sir Richards i'll
health disinclines him for society. He
She hesitated glancing quickly toward
| the open window. A footstep sounded on
the terrace outside, and Sir Richard HIM
self paced slowly by; q tall, gaunt figure,
with handsome, but lined and haggard
features and deepest melancholy dark eyes.
AS he passed Lady Dyston drew her
visitor back into the shadow.
"
are here; i dare not tell him." she whis-
pered, and was silent till he disappeared.
Tho she /motioned her to a seat at her
side. and taking her hand affectionately,
continued:
Il had a special reason for wishing to see
you. dear. Julian has made me the con-
fidant of his hopes; he told me what hap
pened the other day, and l was anxious to
let you know that whatever Sir Richard
and the Wears views may be, / am heart
and soul your ally. 1t has always been my
dearest wish to have you for daughter"
You are very kind. dear Lady Lyston,"
Evlyn, answered. with embarrassment
'but--but IL Sir Richard objects, / could
not"
He yin yield in time if you are firm
and patient, she SAID eagerly; Il shall
make him understand how desirable it is
how essential for Julian's happiness-and
yours. ., FOR you love my son, do you not
Evlyn? she continued, looking wistfully
into her companions face
The girl colored and lowered her eyes.
Il am afraid not-in the way he wishes, -
she acknowledged.
Lady Lyston's face changed.
You DO not love him she exclaimed
eepted his attentions-you have won his
heart merely to amuse an idle hour and
to crafty your own ysapity?"
You did not mean' her hostess echoed
bitterly; nc perhaps you did not mean to
break his heart and wreck his life: but
On. my poor boy" she murmured, how
viii he bear this blow? How shall 1 tell
him
He knows already" said a voice be-
hind them. 1t was Julian, who had en-
tered unperceived. and was standing Just
within the threshold
Will YOU leave us, mother?" he asked
quietly. Il Wish to speak to Evlyn alone"
She gave him an anxious, deprecating
glance but left the room without speak
$50 have been living in a FOOLS para
disc all these weeks?" the young man said
when they were alone in the same quiet
voice which sounded unlike his own. You
gave me the shadow-Sweet looks and words
that meant nothing. while Conyers had the
Julian" she began, laying her hand on
his arm.
lie shook 1t off almost roughly.
"A fool indeed l must have been to be
so easily deceived he went on with rising
passion How you will laugh at me, you
He broke of with a passionate Calculation
and throNing himself on the couch, buried
his face in his hands.
1 did not intend to mislead you indeed
/ did not, she protested. Forgive me-
Julian. Let US be friends still, if We can be
nothing more
Friends? What mockery." he NUT
tered. II ask for bread, and you give me
stone"
After a moment he raised himself. push
ing back his hair, and sat looking down
with face so dark and moody. SO Changed
in every line. that her heart contracted with
Well he said at last, rising: my dream
IS over now. / accept the inevitable You
are free, Evlyn: Good-by, end this is indeed
good-by," he added. for It may be long be-
fore VIC meet again. ] shall go away for a
time and try to-forget"
Go away?" she echoed. "Where?"
What does 1T matter? Who cares % was
| the reckless reply.
Il care very much. Oh Julian, we can't
part in this way" she continued almost in
| tears. "At least tell me where You are go
| Ing. What are your plans for the future?"
II have none: the future is blank" he
answered gloomily.
There was silence again. He naeed across
| the room, pauslng at the far end as If in
deep thought his hand over his lips
Presently he returned to her side
IF you really care to see me again be-
| fore | vanish into the EwiRkeit' he re-
sumed. more in his usual tones than ne had
| yet spoken, will you meet me somewhere?
| Say at the Bevedere, on Monday evening,
| after sunset?'
The Belvedere? That is an eerie place a,