Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-11-07

II
eran loved it with ardor for its own sake,
was delighted with my enthusiasm. He
prophesied great things for me.
So passed my first winter in London.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Early in the spring l received a letter
from Julia, desiring me to look out for
apartments, somewhere in my neighbor-
hood, for herself and Johanna and Cap
tain Carey. They were coming to Lon
don to spend two or three months Of the
season. had not had any task 30 agree
able since left Guernsey. Jack was
Hospitality anxious for them to come to
our own house, but knew they would
not listen to such a proposal. l found
some suitable rooms for them, however,
where could be with them at any time
In Ave minutes. On the appointed day
I met them at Waterloo station, and in
stalled them In their new apartments.
It struck me that Julia was looking
better and happier than l had seen her
look for a long time. Her black dress
suited her, and gave her a style which
she never had in colors. Her complex
ion looked dark, but not sallow; and her
brown hair was certainly more becom-
ingly arranged. Her appearance was
that Of q well-bred. cultivated, almost
elegant woman, of whom no man need
BE- ashamed. Johanna was simply her
self, without the least perceptible change.
But Captain Carey again looked ten
years younger, and was evidently taking
pains with his appearance. l was more
than satisfied, was proud Of all my
friends.
1--WE want you to come and have a
long talk with US tomorrow" said Jo-
hanna; ut is too late tonight. We shall
be busy shopping in the morning, but
can you come in the evenings"
"Oh, yes" l answered; II am at leis-
ure most evenings, and count upon
spending them with you. can escort
you to as many places Of amusement as
you wish to visit"
...To-morrow, then" she said, I'VE shall
take tea at eight ociorn.
babe them goodnight with lighter
heart than l had felt for long while. ]
held Julia's hand the longest, looking
into her face earnestly, till 1t flushed and
glowed little under my scrutiny.
"True heart" said to myself, true
and constant! and l have nothing, and
shall have nothing, to offer u but the
ashes of dead love. Would to heaven
I thought as l paced along Brook street.
IL had never been fated to see Olivia"
l was punctual to my time the next
day. l sat among them quiet and 81
lent, but revelling in this partial return
of olden times. When Julia poured out
nv tea. and passed it to me with her
white hand, l felt inclined to kiss her
jeweled fingers. If Captain Carey had
not been present think should have
done 30.
We fingered over the pleasant meal.
At the close Captain Carey announced
that he was about to leave us alone to-
gether for an hour or two. l went down
to the door with him. for he had made
me a mysterious signal to follow him. In
the hall he whispered few Incompetent
sible sentences into my ear.
Don't think anything Of me. my boy.
Don't sacrifice yourself for me. I'm an
old fellow compared to you, though I'm
not ffty yet; everybody in Guernsey
knows that So put me out of the ques-
ton, Martin There's many a slip 'twixt
the cup and the lip That l know quite
we'll, my dear fellow"
He was gone before l could ask for an
explanation. l returned to the drawing
room, bordering over his words. Johan
ma and Julia We're sitting side by sale
on the sofa, In the darkest corner Of the
room.
"Come here, Martini" said Johanna;
1--WE wish to consult you on subject Of
great importance to us ALL"
drew up chair opposite to them ana
sat down, much as II 1t was about to
be a medical consultation.
ut Is nearly eight months since your
poor dear mother died." remarked Jo-
hanna.
Eight months! Yes; and no one knew
what those eight months had been to me
how desolate! how empty!
"You recollect," continued Johanna,
show her heart was set on your marriage
with Julia, and the promise you both
made to her on her deathbed?"
Eyes," l answered. bending forward
and pressing Julia's hand, Il remember
every word"
There was minutes silence after this;
and waited In some wonder as to what
this prelude was leading to.
MARTIN" asked Johanna, in a solemn
IOu6s dIe yOu AOi SettahS Oh'Aos
mo-" l said, dropping Julia's hand
as the image Of Olivia flashed across me
reproachfully, mot at all. What would
you have me say? She is as dear to ME
at this moment as she ever was"
II thought you would say 3d." she re-
piled: II did not think yours was love
that would quickly pass away, II 1t ever
does. There are men who can love with
| the constancy Of q woman. DO you know
anything Of herr"
Nothing" l said despondently; II
have NO clue a. to where she may b
now"
"Nor has Tardif.' she continued; my
brother and l went across to Sark last
week to ask him."
"That was very good Of you." l inter
rupted.
1T was partly for our own sakes. y
she said. blushing family. Martin. Tar
dit says that II you have once loved
| Olivia, 1t 10 once for all. You would