Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1901-08-24
CHAPTER yvrII

don to spend two or three months of the
season. had not had any task so 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 I could be with them at any time
in five minutes. On the appointed day
/ met them at Waterloo station. aud in
stalled them in their new apartments.
1t struck me that Julia was looking
better and happier than I had seen her
look for long time. Her black dress
| suited her, and gave her u style which
she never had in coors. Her complex
ion looked dark, but not sallow: and her
brown hair was certainly more becom-
ingly arranged. Her appearance was
that of 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. l was proud of all my
| friends.
1--WE want you to come and have a
|
hanna; "it Is too late tonight. We shall
be busy shopping in the morning. but
can you come in the EVENING"
| "Oh, yes" answered; IL 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"
Tomorrow. then" she said Eve shall
take tea at eight o'clock.
I babe them goodnight with n lighter
heart than | had felt for long while. I
held Julia's hand the longest. looking
into her face earnestly. till 1t flushed and
glowed a little under my scrutiny.
"True heart" | said to myself, "true
and constant! and I have nothing. and
shall have nothing. to offer II but the
ashes Of dead love. Would to heaven"
I thought as paced along Brook street.
II had never been fated to see Olivia"
I was punctual to my time the next
day. I sat among them quiet and 81
lent. but revealing In this partial return
of oldcn times. When Julia poured out
my tea, and passed 1t to me with her
white hand. felt inclined to kiss her
jeweled fingers. II Captain Carey had
not been present l think l should have
| done NO.
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 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 IN
old fellow compared to you, though I'm
not fifty yet; everybody In Guernsey
knows that. so put me out OF the ques.
ton, Martin. There's many n slip 'twixt
the cup and the lip That l know quite
well. my dear fellow"
He was gone before could ask for an
explanation. l returned to the drawing
room. bordering over his words. Johan.
ma and Julia were sitting side by sisle
on the sofa. In the darkest corner Of the
room.
"Come here. Martin" said Johanna;
1--WE wish 10 consult you on subject Of
great Importance to us all."
drew up chair opposite to them and
sat down, much as II 1t was about to
he a medical consultation.
ut Is nearly eight months since your
poor dear mother died." remarked 10
hanna.
Eight months! Yes; and no one knew
what those eight months had been to me
how desolatc! how empty!
"You rccollect," continued Johanna,
show her heart was set on your marriage
with Julia, and the promise You both
made to her Oh her dcnthbcd!"
EYES," ! answered. bending forward
and pressing Julia's hand, IL remember
every word"
There was minutes silence after this
and waited In some wonder us to what
this prelude was leading to.
MARTIN" asked Johanna, In a solemn
tone. "nrc you forgetting Olivia"
mo-" l said, dropping Julia's hand
as the image Of Olivia flashed across me
rcproachfully, mot at all. What would
you have me say? She Is rs dear to ne
ut this moment rs she ever was.'
II thought you would say So" she re-
piled; II did not think yours was Il love
that would quickly pass away. IL 1t ever
does. There are men who can love with
the consistency Of a woman. DO you know
anything of herr"
Nothing" | said despondently; III
have no clue Us to where she may bs
now"
"Nor, has Tardif.' she continued; my
brother and l went across to Sark last
week to ask him."
"Thnt was very good of YOU" inter
rupted.
1T was partly for our own sakes,
she said. blushing family. Martin. Tar
dif says that II you have once loved
Olivia, 1t Is once for all. You would
never conquer It. DO you think that
this IL true? BE candid with u.s."
YES" l answered, ut Is true. l could
never love again rs l love Olivia"
"Then. my dear Martin" said Johan
ma. very softly, do you wish TO keel
Julia to her prOmise?"
! started violently. What! did julio
wish to be released from that semi-en
gagement, and be freeY Was 1t possible
that any one else coveted my place IN
her affections, and In the new house
which We had fitted up for ourselves?
felt like the dog in the mangcr. 1t seem
ed an unheard-of encroachment for an.
person to come between my cousin Julis
and me.
do you ask me to set you free from
your promise, Juliay" l asked, somewhat
sternly.
(To be continuedJ