Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1901-07-23
CHAPTER NJ.


One morning we received word that
my father was lying i'll at a hotei in Jer-
sey. Captain Carey at once went with
me in response to the message. Julia,
too, had been sent for but she reached
the hotel in a separate car.
The landlady received us with a pOr-
tentous face. DIR. Collas had spoken
very seriously indeed of his patient, and
as for herself, she had not the smallest
hope l heard Julia sob, and saw her
lift her handkerchief to her eyes behind
her veil.
Captain Carey looked very much fright
ened. He was a man of quick sympa-
thies, and nervous about his own life into
the bargain, so that any serious illness
alarmed him. As for myself, | was in a
miserable condition of mind.
We were not admitted into my fathers
room for half an hour, as he sent word
he must get up his strength for the inter
view. Julia and myself alone were al
lowed 10 see him. He was propped up
in bed with a number of pillows; with
the room darkened by Venetian blinds,
and a dim green twilight prevailing.
which cast u sickly hue over his really
pallid face. His abundant white hair
fell lankIy about his head, instead of
being in crisp curls as usual. l was
about to feel his pulse for him, but he
waved me off.
No. my SON. he said, my recovery is
not to be desired. Il feel that l have
nothing now to do but to die. 1t is the
only reparation in my power. | would
far rather die than recover"
had nothing TO say to that; indeed. l
had really no answer ready, so amazed
was l at the tone he had taken. But
Julia began to sob again, and pressed
past me, sinking down on the chair by
his side and laying her hand upon one of
his pillows.
Julia, my love" he continued feebly.
you know how l have wronged you; but
you are a true Christian. You will for
give your uncle when he is dead and
gone. l should like TO be buried in
Guernsey with the other DobreeS."
Neither did Julia answer, save by
sobs. stepped towards the window to
draw up the blinds, but he stopped me.
speaking in q much stronger voice than
before.
Leave them alone ne said. II have
no wish to see the light Of day. A dis
/ honored man does not care TO show his
| face. have seen no one since l left
] Guernsey. except Collas."
/ Il think you are alarming Yourself
needlessly." answered. You know
| you are tidgety about your own health.
/ Let me prescribe Cor you. Surely l
/ know as much as Collas."
/ No. no. let me die" he said plain
/ lively: then you can all be happy. l
| have robbed my only brothers anly child.
| who was dear TO me as my own daugh-
ter. cannot hold up my head after
/ that should die gladly il You two
were hut reconciled TO one another"
/ BY this time Julia's hand had reached
/ his. and was resting in it fondly. /
never knew a man gifted with such pow
/ or over women and their suSceptihilitieS
/ rs he had Ny mother herself would
appear 10 forget all her unh3ppineSS, il
he only smiled upon her.
/ MY poor. dear julia he murmure6,
/ my poor ehild.'
Uncle" she said, checking her Sobs
( by great effort. ii you imagine should
! tell any one-IOhanna Carey even-what
/ you have done, you wrong me. The name
/ Of Dobree Is IS dear 20 me aS 70 Mar
] I'm, AUl ne VAS NAiAu- ~ A4aAAt !
/ woman he detested in order 70 shield il.
/ Ne. You are quite safe from disgrace as
i Ear As l am concerned.'
Heaven bless you, my own Julia he
calculated ferventiy. Il knew your no
( ble nature. But win you not be equally
! generous 70 Martini Cannot you for
give him as you 10 mey'
Uncle" she cried, 4 could never,
never marry a man who says he loves
some one else more than ne
I should think not. my sirlr' he said
IN a soothing tone; but Martin VIII very
soon repent. He is fool Just now, bI,
he VIII be wise again presently. He has
Snowa YOU TOO long not 10 know youG
worth"
Julia. | said. y 90 knew how good
yoa arr. Yoa have always been Seaer
ouS. and you are 50 now. I owe yen as
mneh grarisudS as my father does. an
anything l can 10 - prove Il I am ready
10 DO this day.
'Wil yoa marry hey before we leave
Jersey asked my father.