The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-09

me the betrayal OF my own weakness
| the weakness of all others which she
! knew that I most desplsed.
"Oh, Marian" she said. You cryingl
! Think what you would say TO me II the
places were changed, and IL those tears
were mine All your love and courage
and devotion will not alter what must
happen, sooner or later. Let my uncle
have his way. Let us have no more trou-
bles and heart-burnings that any sacrl-
/ flee or mine can prevent. Say you Will
| live with me, Marian, when 1 am mar
| ried-and say no more"
But did say more. | forced back the
contemplate tears that were no relief TO
me. and that only distressed her; and
reasoned and pleaded as calmly as I
could. IL was OF no avail. She made me
twice repeat the promise to live with
her when she was married, and then sud
denly asked question which turned my
sorrow and sympathy for her into a new
direction.
while we were at Polesdean, she said
you had letter Marian"
Her altered tone; the abrupt manner
in which she looked away from me. and
hid her face on my shoulder; tho hesi-
tation which silenced her before she had
completed her question all told me. but
too plainly, 10 whom the half-expressed
inquiry pointed.
never to refer TO him again." / said.
gently.
You had a letter from him?" she per-
sisted.
Yes I replied. ~ you must know
IT,"
do you mean to write to him againq"
i hesitated. I had been afraid to tell
her OF his absence from England, or OF
the manner I'm which my exertions to
serve his new hopes and projects had
connected me with his departure. What
answer could / make7 He was gone
where no letters could reach him for
months perhaps for years. TO come.
suppose / do mean TO write 20 him
again. / said, at last. What then,
Laura2"
Her cheek grew burning hot against my
neck. and her arms trembled and tight
ened around me.
Don't tell him about the twenty-sec-
ond." she whispered. Promise Marian
pray promise you will not even mention
my name TO him when you write next"
! gave the promise. She instantly took
her arm from my waist, walked away 10
the window, and stood looking out, with
her back 10 me. After a moment she
spoke once more. but without turning
round. without allowing me 20 catoh the
smallest glimpse OF her face.
Are you going TO my unclc's room7'
10 whatever arrangement he may think
best7 Never mind leaving me. Marian.
i shall be better alone for a little while"
l went out IL as soon a. I got into
the passage, I could have Transported
Mr.. Fairlle and Sir Percival Clyde TO the
uttermost ends OF the earth by lifting
one OF my fingers. that finger would have
been raised without an instants hesita-
ton. For once my unhappy temper now
stood my friend. l should have broken
down altogether and burst into a violent
ft OF crying. if my tears had not bon all
burned UP I'm the heat OF my anger. As
10 was, dashed into Mr.. Fairlie's room
called 10 him as hsrshly as possible.
laura consents to the twenty second
and dashed out again without waiting
for n word or answer. I banged the door
after me. and I hope shattered Mr..
Fairies nervous system for the rest OF
the day.
2sth.-This morning I read poor Hart
rights farewell letter over again; a doubt
having crossed my mind since yesterday,
whether I am acting wisely IN conceal
ing the fact OF his departure from laura.
on reflection. still think I am right
The illusions I'm his letter 20 che prepar-
ations made for the expedition TO Gen.
trail America. all show that the leaders
OF II know II TO be dangerous. II the dis
covery OF this makes me uneasy. what
would n make herr IL is bad enough 20
feel that his departure has deprived US
OF the friend OF all others 20 whose de-
votion we could trust In the hour OF need.
n ever that hour come. and finds us help
less But n is far worse TO know that
he has gone from us co face the perils
Of bad climate wild country, and a
disturbed population. Surely II would
be cruel candor to tell Laura this. with