Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-02-22
CHAPTER XII.

up ABOVE the village on uISu eluUdHA-
ment Up at the station it was always
draughty and generally cold. To-day,
this very early morning, about ten min
'utes before the first up-train is due, it is
not only cold and draughty, but it is also
wet and foggy. A damp, white mist fills
the valley and hangs chillingly about the
marrow, open shed on the upside of the
station, clinging coldly and penetrating
Iy to the garments of tall young lady
in long ulster and thick veil, who is
slowly walking up and down the plat
form.
The solitary porter on duty eyes her
inquiringly. Going by the up-train,
miss?' he says, touching his hat respect
fully as he passes her.
No" says Vera, blushing holly under
the thick shelter of her veil, and then
adds with that readiness of explanation
to which persons who have a guilty con-
science are prone, Il am only waiting to
see somebody off,
Presently the few passengers for the
early train begin to arrive. Maurice is
very late. Vera remembers that he al
ways puts off starting TO catch train
till the very last minute. She stands
waiting for him at the further end of the
platform, with beating heart and
fever of Impotence within her.
The train steams up, and Maurice hur-
'ries forward; he does not even see her.
But when all his things are put into the
carriage Captain Kynaston hears a soft
voice behind him.
Il have come to wish you good-by
again." He turns, flushing at the sound
eof the sweet, familiar voice.
Good heavens, Vera! You-out on such
a morning?"
Il could not let you go away without
-without-one kind word," she begins,
sstammering painfully.
This is too good of you" That very
minute a brougham dashes rapidly up
to the station.
1T is the Shadonake carriage!' cried
Vera, casting a terrified glance behind
her. who can it be? They will see
me-"
Jump into the train," he answers, hur-
riedly, and without a thought beyond an
instinct of self-preservation for the mo-
ment, she obeys him. Maurice follows her
quickly, closing the carriage door behind
him. Before she could speak another
word the guards sharp, shrill whistle
heralded the departure of the train.
With a cry Vera sprang toward the
door; before she could reach it, Maurice,
who had perceived instantly what had
happened, had let down the window and
was shouting to the porter. 1t was too
late. The train was of.
Vera sank back hopelessly upon the
seat, and Maurice, according to the man
.ners and customs of Infatuated Britons,
gave utterance to a very laconic word
of bad import below his breath.
Il would not have had this happen for
ten thousand pounds!" he said, after
minute, looking at her in blank despair
Vera was taking off her veil mechan-
ically; when he could see her face he
perceived that she was very white.
Never mind, she said with faint
smile; there is no real harm done. 1t
is unfortunate, that is all. The train
stops at Tripton. | can get out there
and walk home
81 blame myself bitterly for this,
Vera he said in a low, panied voice.
"Had it not been for my foolish, un-
thinking words to you yesterday, you
would not have been tempted to do TINS
rash act of kindness. l spoke to you III
a way that | had no right to speak, pc
lieving that my words would make no
impression upon you beyond the tact Oh
showing you that it was Impossible Tor
me to stay for your wedding. never
dreamed that your kindly interest IN me
would lead you to waste another thought
upon me-
She turned round to him sharply and
suddenly. What are you saying: she
cried with harsh pain in her voice.
"sWhat words are you using to me! Kind
ness, pity, generosity have they any
place here between you and me-!
There was a moment in which neither
of them spoke, only their eyes met, and
the secret of what was hidden in their
souls lay suddenly revealed to each of
them. In another instant Vera had sunk
upon her knees before him.
while you i've" she cried, passionate
Nv. lifting her beautiful dark eyes, that
were filed with new light and new
glory. to Nashville you live l will never
be another mans wife,
For heavens sake, Verav' he cried
out wildly, do you not see the abyss
which lies between us-which must part
us forever?"
Loving you, I will never marry your
brother"' she answered earnestly.
''And l will never rob my brother of
his bride. Darling. darling, 90 not tempt
me. To reach you, love, would be to dip
my hands in dishonor and basest treach-
cry. Not even for you can do this vile
thing Let me go out of your life for
ever: believe me. it is better so; best for
us both. In time you will forget. you
will be happy. He will be good to you,
and you will be glad that you were not
tempted to betray him."
You do not know what you ask of
me- she cried, lifting her face. all wet
with tears, to his. Leave me, if you
will-go your way-forget met is all the
same to me; hepceforth there is no other
man on earth to me but you. | will never
swear vows at the altar that i cannot
keep, or commit the frightful sin of mar
rying one man while | know that love
another. And cannot help loving you"
He took her clasped. trembling hands