The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-02-26
CHAPTER VI.

Mr.. Sutherland returned home. As he
entered the broad hall he met his son,
Frederick There was a look on the
young mans face such as he had not
seen there in years.
Father" faltered the youth, may
have a few words with your
The father nodded kindly. though it
is likely he would have much preferred
his breakfast: and the young man led
him into a little sitting room Uttered
with the faded garlands and other
tokens of the preceding nights festivi-
ties.
I have an apology to make Fred
erick began, "or rather 1 have your
forgiveness to ask. For years" he
went on. stumbling over his words
though he gave no evidence of a wish
TO restrain them, for years have
gone contrariwise 10 your wishes and
caused my mothers heart to ache and
you TO wish I had never been born to
be a curse to you and her.
He had emphasized the world
mother, and spoke altogether with
force and deep intensity. Mr.. Suther-
land stood petrified; he had long ago
given up this lad as lost.
IL wish to change. 1 wish to be
as great pride to you as [ have been
a shame and dishonor. l may not
and if you viii give me your hand
The old mans arms were round the
young mans shoulders at once.
Frederick" he cried, my Fred
erick,"
DO not make me too much asham-
ed" murmured the youth very pale
and strangely disComposed. with no
excuse for my past, l suffer intolerable
apprehension in regard to my future.
1rc int nr.
myself control not hold out. But the
knowledge that you are acquainted
with my resolve and regard it with
an undeserved sympathy, may suffice
to sustain me and l should certainly be
ii base poltroon sc I should disappoint
you or her twice.
He paused, drew himself from his
fathers arms and glanced almost
solcmnly ont OF the window. I swear
that l viii henceforth act as if she
were still alive and watching me-"
There was strange intensity in his
manner. Mr.. Sutherland regarded him
with amazement. He had seen him in
every mood natural to a reckless man,
but never in so serious a one, never
with a look of awe or purpose in his
face. It gave him quite a new idea of
Frederick.
Yes" the young man went on, rails
ing his right hand, but not removing
his eyes from the distant prospect on
which they were fixed Il swear that L
VIII henceforth do nothing to discredit
her memory. Outwardly and inwardly.
! will act as though her eye We're still
upon me and she could again suffer
grief at my failures or thrill you at
my success.
4 portrait of Mrs. Sutherland painted
when Frederick was d lad of 10 hung
within a few feet Of him as he spoke.
lie did not glance at it, but Mr.. Suther-
land did. and with q look as if he eX-
pected to behold a responsive light
beam from those pathetic features.
She loved you very DEARLY" was his
both loved you much more deeply than
you have ever seemed TO realize, Fred
erick'
I believe it, responded the young
man. turning with an expression of
calm resolve to meet his fathers eye.
AS proof that | am no longer insensible
to your affection, I have made up my
mind to forego for your sake one of
the dearest wishes of my heart. Fa-
Their He hesitated before he spoke
the word. but spoke it firmly at last
am l right in thinking you would not
like Miss Page for daughter"
Like my housel1eeper's niece to take
the place in this house once occupied
by Marietta Sutherland Frederick, |
have always thought too we'll of you to
believe, you would carry your forgetful-
ness OF me so far as that, even when>I