The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-08

as he took the letter from Joyce's little
trembling hand.
Joyce, don't talk OF her: don't let US
ever mention her name between US. You
know L hate and loathe and despise her,
not. though. so completely as 1 loathe and
despise myself for making her my wife.
L thought one might arrange these things
to suit ones convenience. i didn't reckon
with love. you see, Joyce; 1 had lived SO
long without it that 1 never believed there
was such a thing in the world. But since
l met you my life has been so very, very
changed, and now L could have it in my
heart to murder the hateful woman who
takes away from me the right TO claim your
love. And, all, Joyce. how you love me!
l know it, for you have let me read it in a
hundred different ways: and now what is
there that lies before US? Nothing but just
a black hopelessness. Can you forgive me
for blighting your young life and for bring
ing you nothing but misery? Heaven grant
that you can, for 1 cannot forgive myself.
They have been happy days we have spent
together here at Shallowdene, though Prov
idence has been very sparing TO US. has IL
not? II might. / think, have granted US a
little more, when it gives TO some people
so much. 1 wish I could say honestly and
truthfully, Forget me, dear, and find some
other man who viii make you happy but L
cannot, for L want you TO go on loving me
forever. And what is there left TO met
Nothing but TO lie, just a hopeless cripple,
dependent upon those around me for every
thing"
"Don't-don't talk like this. for I cannot
bear TO hear it," interrupted Joyce. as she
sank down on her knees by the bedside
and buried her face in her outstretched
arms.
II said I intended to settle down at Con-
yers Court went on Sir Jasper. with a
grim laugh. and I shall certainly have TO
do so now more completely than ever I ex-
pected; only, Joyce. 1 shall have the
blessed thought that I have known you,
and shall long for you every hour OF my
hopeless life. and the lodgings Will go on
and on, growing more and ever more, until
the merciful day shall come when every
thing will vanish into a blessed, black for
getfulness. And you. Joyce?"
But Joyce did not answer.
".
The lovely Lady Ccnyers continued TO
enjoy her life very much indeed. She had
gathered unto herself even more admirers
than ever. and each season had seemed TO
grow younger and more fascinating. She
spent quite eight months Of the year now
in town and the remaining four at her villa
at Nice. Conyers Court rarely saw her: 1T
was so deadly dull. you know" she would
remark. cOnversatiOnally, 10 one OF her adj
mirers.
And Sir Jasper. lying always there alone
at Conyers Court, certainly found IL very
dull indeed. Sometimes. when the dav
was fine, he would be wheeled round TO
the stables. and Ladybird, his favorite
hunter, would rub her soft. velvety nose
against her masters coatsIeeve. and whin-
ny inquiringly. as much as 10 say: why
don't you mount me and let us be omg' and
Sir Jasper, patting her glossy. chestnut
lock, would answer: "Ah, it's no use.
Ladybird. We've had som glorious spins
across country together. haven't WEI But
that's all over for me now
Sir Jasper would never ride TO hounds
nor tramp across the tuTnips any more.
All that was left TO him TO do was TO lie
very still all day long thinking, loving.
longing for Joyce.
And Joyce returned 20 madame's ouiet
house In the Rue de Berger for a long visit.
"Ah. how completely changed" thought
madame, as she scanned the pretty. sad.
wistful face before her with her keen old
eyes.
"Dearie. have you been happy since you
left US? Is there anything the matter2'
And Joyce answered: Nothing. madame
dear. nothing really-only 1 thought the
world was such a lovely place. and instead
1 have found il very. very sad"
Copyright. 1901