Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-07-28

"Nubtf anu must fortunate opening
for your brother, l am very happy to
have been the means of introducing
him TO Mr.. Seymour, | am sure
You are very kind, said poor Es-
perdnce, feeling rather as il she were
thanking her eXecutioner, and trying
hard to grasp this new idea, though
we'll aware that the realization would
bring pain.
Don't mention it, my dear" said
te dean, absently. Three o'clock, is
A.? Dear me, there was something at
three, surely? All. that tiresome
! missionary meeting, | must go at
once. The archdeacon might have
taken the chair instead, am sure
what's in name?' Then half rous-
ing himself, Here are the letters;
you may read them, Esperance; by
/ the bye there was one inclosed to you
from your brother" and the dean
I hastily delivered the whole packet of
letters to his niece and hurried of
with muttered grumbings about a
( dull deputaJion, and missionary
twaddle."
Esperance took the letters eagerly
and began to read Mr.. Seymour's,
maryeling at her own composure. He
spoke very kindly of Gaspard and
agreed to take him to Ceylon with
him, Offering him a salary of E100 a
year to begin with, and a prospect of
speedy advancement. Then came
Gaspards letter of thanks to the dean,
written in English. and this failed 10
awaken Esperance's feelings, for she
could not realize that it was his
writing at all. Lastly, there was the
little inclosed envelope directed to
herself which she opened eagerly,
and read through fast-falling tears.
My very dear one,-I have been
offered very good post on a coffee
plantation in Ceylon, by a friend OF
Dean Collinson. | thought long be-
fore accepting IT, for | can not endure
the thought OF leaving you alone in
England, but at last | have made up
my mind 10 do it, 1t seems wrong 10
refuse such an offer, and you see,
mon caeur, the sooner begin to
earn something, the sooner your exile
will end. Perhaps in three or four
years you will be able TO join me in
Ceylon, and we shall be Independent
once more. This is worth all sacri-
flee and all present pain to my mind
Am | wrong in thinking that you will
agree with me? How wish we could
have talked it over togetheri These
letters are terribly unsatisfactory
things. The whole affair is such a
mixture of pain and relief that |
hardly know how to support it. I
shall, indeed. only he too thankful 10
be at work again, but the separation
from you, cherie, will be well-uigh
unbearable-"
Unbearable Yes, indeed! Esper-
ance could read no further and
throwing aside the letter, she buried
her face in her hands, sobbing unre-
STRANGELY. To be away from Gas
pard-thousands of miles away-wit b
a vague hope held out to her OF Sec
ing him again Il three or four years!
How was 1t II Oe endured? Was life
worth having when it was 80 full OF
pain9
In the midst Of this outbreak, Cor
nelia opened the door full Of anxiety
to know how Esperance liked the
new idea. She made a gesture Of
annoyance when she saw her lean
ing on the deans writing table her
face hidden. and the open Letter
/ pushed aside. Why must French 9eo-
pie always be having scenes? ."
Tears We're so contemplate and weak
+ in Cornelia's opinion, she could no
sympathize with sorrow that found
such an outlet
Why are you crying in this way?'
she asked, coldIy. Come, pray con-
troll yourself; you are gstt NJ quite
hysterical"
Esperance raised her heal, and
made an effort 10 check her sobs II
Cornelia would only have taken her
IN her arms would have given her
but one caress, or said one kind word,
the relief would have been unspeak-
able: as II was her GOODNESS only 90
ed to pain already almost intolerable.
II had the effect she desired how
ever, OF forcing Esperance to con-
troll herself. though, whether the I'M
natural calmness TO which she
schooled herself was really good for
her is doubtful
How is it that you are so incon-
sistent?" asked Cornela "A month
ago you we're crying because your
brother had no work. and row that
he has met with a good appointme- t
you are crying again"
THE separation" said poor Esper-
ance afraid Of breaking down again
if she said too much.
Nonsense! why you are separated
now practically; 1t is only a question
OF thousands Of miles instead Of hun
dreds Besides, how selfish 70 think
Of that, when it is for his good
II was very true, no doubt, but Es-
psrance was too sore-hearted to find
much comfort in this; moreover all
Cornelia said though intended 20 b.