Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-02-03

the matter was settled for me in q
somewhat unexpected fashion. got
this letter from my old friend, Sir Har-
cid Gwynne-
Ny Dear Douglass--I want you to
spend Christmas at Deepdene My sis
Ter is sending you a formal invitation,
and I am writing this private line to
make you understand shall look upon
II az personal favor IL you'll come.
want to see you most particularly.
There are some very decent people
here. I feel sure you would get a rather
Jolly Christmas.
Yours ever
HAROLD GwYNNE."
When 1 got this letter, 1 wasn't two
minutes in deciding to go to Deepdene
simply couldn't have refused Harold
Gwynne favor. 1 loved him too well
and owed him too much. We had
known each other fully twenty years,
and once, when we were out boating
together, he had saved my life at dead
~ peril to his own. Ever since that
time we had been nearer than broth
.ers, Harold Gwynne and I.
His sisters note of formal invitation
accompanied his own. She was Lady
Mallory. wife of Sir Thomas Mallory.
and her house-Deepdene, in Somerset
shire,-was at all times a pleasant
place to visit at She wanted me to
make long stay she told me to so
on the thirteenth of December and to
stay over New Years Day.
wrote an acceptance at once, and
on the thirteenth put myself and my
traps into the train, and was whirled
into Somersetshire.
should explain that had given up
my mountain cottage ten months be-
sprained ankle was quite we'll The
bachelor uncle with whom had quar-
relied, and whose roof had quilted in
n ut OF independence, had made over
cures Of peace. and hadn't been at ali
sorry to respond to them.
1 was in my own sphere once more,
and the memory of those months spent
In the mountain hut would have SEEM
ed little more than a dream, had 1t
not been for my adventure with the
mysterious masked woman on Christ
mas Eve. and the discovery OF the muir
dered man In the pass.
The recollection of these things was
terribly vivid in my mind. The man
had been buried without a name, I
knew, and people had talked much OF
the strangeness OF his being among
the mountains in such attire; but all
such things are only nine day wonders,
at the best, and, before a week was
over. some other mystery arose 10
chase that one from it's place in the
public mind.
When got out of the train at Deep
-t3ene station found, as had expect
ed, Gwynne upon the platform await
ing me. This is very good OF you, old
yellow" he said, in his quiet, earnest
manner. which always meant so much,
as he grasped my hand. II like that,
I answered. laughing. Its your sister
who's good, for inviting me, 1 should
think"
You know we're always glad to have
you" he said, as he led the way to the
dog-cart. He was driving himself, and
had no servant with him. 1 saw in a
minute he wanted bit OF private con-
Versation with me.
us II q love-affair?" I thought. Has
somebody touched his heart at last:"
And hardly had we taken our seats,
before he turned round to me, and said,
in the simplest. quietest manner
Jack, old boy, I'm going to get mar
ried."
1 was surprised and keenIy interest
ed.
Somehow, had taken it for granted
that Gwynne would never marry He
was over forty-seven years older than
entail to all women, had never shown
the very faintest trace of being in love
with one
He was fine handsome fellow too,
Just the sort that women are most
fond OF.
Very tall, with grand carriage, deep
grey eyes, and a massive brow. He
was immensely rich. and his family
was one OF the Oldest in England. or
course said ] was pleased to hear hts
news, though in my heart I'm not sure
i was pleased at all.
1 was confirmed old bachelor my
self, and didn't relish the idea Of my
best friend quitting the state in which
/ was, at that time, resolutely deter
mined to remain.
"Who is the lady?" L asked more anx-
iously than / quite cared to show. do
I know her. Hal?"
II am quite sure you do not. She has
never been in England until lately. ]
must tell yoA first, Jack, she is a Wild
ow."
"A widow"
felt my face lengthening; my hopes
sank to zero. / have always detested
widows as class. The idea of my
friend falling prey to one was posi-
lively awful 20 me.
Yes, a widow" repeated Gwynne
quietly. You're surprised, 1 can see;
but try to suspend your judgment un-
ill you have seen her L will ask you fol
your congratulations then"
Oh, have no doubt the lady is every
thing that is charming" 1 answered
lamely II she hadn't been, you
wouldn't have chosen her, I'm quite
sure OF that. Can you describe her a
all-give me any idea what she is like ?
NO" he answered. gravely mo de
scription could do that. II i were Il
tell you she is the rIost beautiful wo
man in the world, you would think m
Fhapsodizlng, and yet verify believ
that, in saying so, I should be we
within the truth. But can't expect yo
20 believe it now; you must see he
then you Will understand"
His voice was dreamily soft as
spoke. his deep grey eyes held a loo
iof infinite tenderness. I cou 4 see fc
myself IL was a mighty passion whic
possessed his soul.
You haven't told me her name."
ventured.