The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1902-11-20
CHAPTER XVII-Continued.

or my rapid change of color must have
awakened his suspicious. AS it was,
l do not, Judging from what followed,
think he noticed the change in my
voice and manner.
az think | know to whom he refers I;
she is nurse in the Enclosure who
has obtained, by her kindness, great
hold over Warren"
"But why should she interest her.
self in our behalf?"
(Now for lie, or the truth-which
A little of both.)
From what l hear. simple goodness
o. heart prompted her.
Really, really!"-this musingly;
then aloud: "If you get the opportu-
nifty. | should be deeply grateful to
you if you would convey our thanks
to her"
Indeed, shall be very glad to do
So"
Now" said the colonel, in a differ
ent voice. and as though beginning a
new chapter, now about yourself.
will rake up no more of the past than
is absolutely necessary. | felt it to be
my duty. while in England, to place
myself in opposition to certain hopes
of yours. Doctor Richly, and, II l re-
member, you admitted, after you had
had time to think the matter over, the
Justice Of the course I had adopted.
Your manner at the quarantine sta
ton, and certain remarks and actions
Of yours led me to suppose that those
hopes of yours are not dead. May |
ask is that so, Doctor Rigby?"
NV elbows were on the table and
my face hidden in my hands. Without
loc7-i7p up, replied, at is so, sir"
"Wcll. now. DR.. Rigby, l have
given Ills matter my most anxious
thought, with this result: We like this
new country; the warm climate suits
my old bones. and Edith's health is
better: the people, as far as we have
seen them, are pleasant and agree
able. The one or two friends we have
made we like extremely, and then
there are now neither associations nor
attractions nor ties of any kind in
the old country that bind us to it. |
am not anxious to influence you un
fairly. but it does appear to me that
you are likely to succeed in your pro-
fession here. Just now you are
very unfortunately situated, but after
your great service to the colony, 1t
is extremely improbable that the gov
eminent will allow YOU to so unremu-
nerated, and | might perhaps mention
that, owing to a recent death, If our
hopes are realized my daughter would
not come to you portionless. But, of
course, the whole question centers, as
far as | know, on that terrible woman
and her vengeance. Now you VIII
forgive me for having told all / know
OF the matter to our mutual friend.
Doctor May. He has proved himself
a stanch and trustworthy friend, and
even a short acquaintance has given
me very high opinion Of his judg-
ment and ability. Neither he nor |
think it within the bounds of posi-
bility that her influence ever can reach
you here, so that, my dear boy'-he
had risen to his feet, and was now
walking across the room to nett
now only remains for me to congratu-
late you on this satisfactory ending of
what has been for all of us time
O: terrible anxiety. And Edith, poor
child-she has been very constant to
you. Rigby-her happiness will be
very great"
He had, during The last few words.
put his hand with great tenderness
upon my shoulder, and |. all the time
what shall say for myself? No strug-
gle had gone on within me; | had lost
the power of struggling; every sense
was in allegiance. D2zed and stupid,
| rose to my feet. and my bloodless
face told its own tale. The room went
round and round, the pictures on the
wall danced before me like little hills
seen through the morning mist.
seized the table to support myself.
The colonel made some exclama-
ton of establishment, and stepped back
from me: then l sank again into my
chair. and covered my face in my
hands. Then the colonel came up
behind me. and putting both hands
on my shoulders. asked with all kind
Illness what it all meant.
"Are you not happy? Are you not
pleased? Have | not granted you the
wish Of your heart? Is there more
could do for you Doctor Rigby-will
you not speak to me?"
."Give me second. give me a min
ute: for Gods sake. give me a min
ute" was all tNe reply I could make
Then he walked ND and down the
ROOM and | tried ~ collect myself
At length. when | had wasted some
minutes in the vain endeavor. the
colonel lost patience. Rasting his
hands on. and leaning over the side Of
the table opposite me, he asked: .'Do"
tor Rigby. is th"~e aro'ho~ chastity
secret involved? If so, be brave ant
tell me STRAIGHT out: | can bear thi:
sUsrense NO longer"
Colonel Pelham. Miss Milne is IL
Sydney: she is at the quarantine sta
ton: she sent Warren with YOU She
saved vour life-but she's there"