Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1898-11-24

VIZ AAhiI h'uiG wv HVlp iio w hVJ
rid Of this stupid mani I'm tired To-
death Of him, and he won't leave me-.
You look tired yourself, and aa II you
had quito enough of the festivity."
II was thinking OF going home. Arc
you ready to come, Elder"
quite, Let us start at once; I'm 80
glad met you, Paul"
Bidding her cavalier an unceremon-
lous adleu, she put her hand within my
arm and we walked home across the
fields leaving the pony trap for Helen
to order whenever she liked
The hours went by, Edle and dln-
ed tete-a-tete, made music together,
took moonlight stroll to tho river,
still Helen did not return. At last,
some time after midnight, we heard
the sound OF approaching wheels, and
presently she entered, with glowing
cheeks and glltterlng eyes, escorted by
Sir William Hernshaw, who sho in-
formed us had persuaded her to remain
to dinner Mt the Grange, where they
had had such a delightful dance after
wards; then, with careless nod to me
and Edith, and a whispered good night
to her escort, she went straight TO b61J
stood rooted to the spot staring after
her, until Edith's soft palm was passed
pitylngly over my hand, hor lips close
to my ear, murmured soothlngly;
II am so sorry-so sorry, dear boyi
but you must mako excuses for her;
she Ia young, you know, and from her
bringing up does not understand tho
usages of society. II you like I'll give
her hint tomorrow that English gem
tlewomen do not do those things. she
means no harm, I'm sure
| could have no explanation with
Helen that night, for, when / went up
to her room, she was sleeping heavily;
and the next morning she rose at day
break, and did not appear at breakfast
When | returned from the club at
Shorten, found Edith established nc
the tea table with her dainty work
strewn round her, waiting to pour out
my tea, just as had pictured her, with
tlmid rapture, hundred times during
the months | had courted her so rev.
orently; and my wife sitting under q
treo on tho lawn facing window, jim
cuddled up In her arms, and Sir Will
liam Hernshaw's bold dark eyes looks
ink into hers with undlsguIsod Gdmira-
tlon.
started from my seat with sudden
desire to kick him then and there out
OF my grounds, when Edith, dlvlnlng
my movement interposed.
paul, Paul, for heavens sake re-
strain yourself Think Of the shame,
the scandal that would follow; and she
means no harm, I'm sure. oh, indeed,
I'm sure OF that. Two not had the
opportunity yet Of speaking to her
but"
do not seek the opportunity" I in
terrupted fercely; 1T would be OF no
use. | will speak TO her; but think
she must be losing her head. can't
make out what possesses her. | mar
rled, as | thought, harmless, inno-
cent child--married her through"
"Plty generosity, through the no.
blest spirit Of solf-sacrlnce, Oh, guess
the story Of your courtship and your
marriage, my poor Paul! | have
guessed It some time, and It has not
helped to make my lot lighter, to rec
oncle me to what lost in losing tho
the love Of one Of the truest, noblest
--ah, what am | saylng--what am
saylng?" she cried, covering her face
with her hands and shrinking from me.
When | see you treated Hike this, II
can help It, my heart speaks ont, Oh,
go away-go away Do not look at me,
please"
was about to leave the room when
a servant entered and handed me a
letter. After reading 1t, laid It Sc
lently before my companion. When
she had read she turned to me with
burning face and sobbed family:
81 wish | were dead-oh | wish l
were dead!" %
flush, hush" whispered you
you must not say that! Tonight, Edo
1t must be-"
She shivered.
"You-you will be with me, PaulY
You will be with me, Paul? You will
not leave me?"
Iu,n lao NonIinundl