Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-11-09
HOPKINS FURNITURE CO., 7 and 9 W. Broad St.,

NO, not quarrelsome, but Just q little
inclined to be a little suspicious"
Suspicious: OF what?
Her woman's power OF penetrat ton to
the innermost secrets of the heart was
marvellous.
.'Of me-
How absurd exclaimed why
should I be suspicious. and of what"
''W ELL she laughed, Il really don't
kno!t, only your manner is peculiar Why
no; be frank with me. Ralph. dear. and
tie, me what it is that YOU don't like
Eve | offended Eou?"
Not at all, darling ] fastened to as
:dre her why. you're the best little wo
man in the world. Offend mellow alb
surd.'
Then who has offended you?'
I hesitated. When a woman really
loves, man can have but few secrets
from her. Ethelwynn always read me
like an open book.
Tn worried over critical case"
said III an endeavor 10 evads her ques-5
ton.
Put your patients don't annoy you.
surely" she exclaimed. There is Il dis
tinction between annoyance and worry"
| saw thar she had detected my sus
picion and ct once fastened to reassure
her that size had my entire confidence.
|, "If Mary finds her life a tribe dull with
her husband it is surely no reason why
I should be blamed ror it, she said
in q tone OF mild complaint.
',Vo, you entirely misunderstood me-
| said. NO blame whatever attaches &c
you. Your sisters actions are no al.
fairs of ours 1t is merely pity that
she cannot see her error. With her nus
band lying i'll she should at least re
main al home
She declares that she has suffered mar
~
well-beloved said. Perhaps she is right
for, between ourselves, the old gentle
man is a. terrible trial
THAT is only TO be eypested from one
suffering from such disease. Yet it
can serve no excuse for his wife taking
UP with that gay set, the Penn-Pagcts
AND tho Hcnni1crs / must say I'm very
surprise,l.'
And SO I. Ralph. But what ca1.
do? I'm utterly poweriess. She is
mistress here, and does exactly as she
like T. The old gentleman dotes on her,
and allows her to have her way in every
thing. She has ever been willful even
from a child
She did not attempt TO shield her sis
ter, and yet she uttered no condemnation
Of her conduct. / could not even then,
understand the situation. To me one Of
two things was apparent. Either she
feared TO displease her sister, because of
some power the latter held over her. or
this neglect OF old Mr.. Courtenay was
pleasing to her.
Il wonder YOU don't give Mary q hint
that her conduct is being noticed and
remarked upon. OF course, don't say
that I've spoken of it. Merely put it
70 her il the manner Of a vague sus
gestion.
Very we'll if sou wish it, she re-
epoHded promptly, for she was ever ready
And You love quite as truly and
as we'll as you did a year ago." | asked
eagerly, strolSins the dark tendris from
her white brow.
Love you?" she echoed. Yes. Ralph.
she went on, looking up into my face
with urwaverins gaze. Il may be dis
trait and pre-occupied sometimes, but
nevertheless I swear to you. 1 did
that summers evening long ago, when
we were boa ting together at Shepperton,
that you are the only man | have ever
iored-or shall ever love"
| returned her caress with passion that
was heartfelt. l was devoted to her, and
these tender words Of hers confirmed my
belief in her truth and purity.
Need repeat what l have told you Sc
many times. dearest2' l asked in a low
voice. AS her head rested upon my Shout
Ger and she stood in my embrace. Need
| tell you how fonaly l love you-how that
am entirely yours. NO. You are mine,
EthelwvnIl-migIe
And you will never think Ill of u1e?"
she asked in a faltering tone. you VIII
never be suspicious of me as you have
been to night on cannot tell how all
this upsets me- Perfect love surely de-
rands perfect confidence. And our love
is perfect-is it nOt?'
1T is" l cried. 1T is. Forgive me, dear
est. Forgive me for my churlish conduct
NV, "a I
love you, add have every confidence In
you"
But will your love last a'ways?" she
asked with just a tinge Of doubt in her
voice.
Yes, always" I declared.
No matter what may happen?" she
asked.
NO matter what may happen
I kissed her fervently, with warm words
Of passionate devotion upon my lips and
went forth into the rainy winters night
with my suspicious swept away, and with
love renewed within me.
l had been foolish In my suspicious
and approximations, and hated myself for
It. Her sweet devotedness TO me was suf-
ticient proof of her honesty. I was not
wealthy by any means; and I knew that
If she choose she could with her notable
beauty captivate rich husband without
much difficulty. Husbands are only un-
attainable by the bluestocking, the f1irt
and the personally angular.
The rain pelted down in torrents as I
walked to Kew Gardens Station. and
az it generally happens to the unlucky
doctor that calls are made upon him
in the most inclement weather. found.
on returning TO Horley Place. that Lady
Lonslay, In Hill street. had sent mes-
sage asking me to go round at once. +
was therefore compelled to pay the visit.
for her ladyship, snapPy old dowaser.
Eernard's.
She was fuesy old person who besiev--