Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1903-10-23
Chat TER Ix.-fcosrrsuED.o s.

1ountenance was SO doWncast at thu
prospect of the excursion, that Edward
made a pretext, before going out, te
call her into the adjoining sitting
room. How have forfeited. my place
in your good graces?" he began, IT
playfulness, that was lost in earnest
ness before he finished his speech. =
have tried to persuade myself that your
cold avoidance Of me for weeks past
and your reject on OF my services when
ever 1t is possible for you to dispense
with them, WAS, in part, an un1ounoeo
fancy Of my own, and partly the re-
suit Of your absorption in the dear
duty that has demanded your time
and thoughts. l have begun lately 70
have other fears-dreads lest l had I'M
Willingly wounded or displeased you.
DO me the justice to believe that, II
this be so, the offense was uneonsci-
ous."
ssYou have offered none-none what
everr' interposed Constance, with cold
emphasis. 81 am sorry my manner has
give rise to such apprehensions."
THAT is not spoken like the frank
sister Of month ago." said Edward,
retaining the hand she would have
withdrawn. 81 will not release you
until you tell me what is the shadow
upon the affection that was to nue. more
dear than any other friendship, and
which I dared hope was much to you
Be, for one instant, yourself, and tell
me ALL"
She was very pale, but. in despera-
ton, she tried to laugh. you must
not call me to account for my looks
and actions nowadays, Edward. l think
sometimes that I am not quite sane.
[ have gone through much suffering;
been the prey Of imaginings that al
most deprived me of reason, besides
enduring the real and present trial.
And heaven knows how unready was
for 1t allp'
zone word, my dear girl, and my in
QUESTION is over. Assure me honestly
and without fear of wounding me, have
you ever, in your most secret thought,
blamed me for the casualty which so
nearly widowed you? l did try, as you
can bear me witness, to dissuade him
ment that cost him so dear. The idea
that you may have doubted this has
panied me inexpressibly."
Dismiss the suspicion at once and
foreverw Constance looked steadily
into his face and spoke calmly. THE
thought has never entered my mind.
I blame no one for my trouble-except-
Ing myself"
Before she could divine his purpose,
Edward had put his arm over her
shoulder and pressed his lips to hers.
LET bygones be bygones' he said,
brightly and fondly. eve have too
much to live and to hope for to waste
time in nursing unhealthy surmises
and fears"
"Ohw The sharp little intersection
came from the threshold Of the door
leading into the hall, where Miss Field !
was dicoyered in a fine attitude of bash :
full apology, family favored with prud- /
ish CONSERVATION. 81 did not dream
you were here. ! was on my way to
my cousins roomr' she continued, in /
prodigious iutter of ringlets and !
shoulders. II beg million pardons, |
{ am sure"
''You need not beg onew said the
undaunted Edward, without releasing
Constance Connie and / have been
settling trivial misunderstanding in
good boy-and-girl style-have Just
kissed and made up and we now mean
to be better friends than ever"
''Hel he! you are excessively candid.
TO be sure" Uttered Harriet But"
her black curls-"Mrs With
srs knows men and human nature too
we'll to believe quite all you say. We
must not forget, my dear madam,
that men were deceivers ever"
''You speak feelingly," said Edward,
following Constance with his
sye, as she moved silently toward her
husbands chamber. Il shall caution
he lady Of my love-should the gods
,ver bestow one upon me-not to sip OF
he bitter waters of your wisdom"
Had he seen the glitter Of the round,
black orbs that pursued his retiring
igure, he might have made a more
thoughtful exit, his run down the stairs
,een less swift, the air he hummed, as !
lie went, less gay.
He had a pleasant drive; Constance ,
n hour OF mingled sweet and bitter |
ess. 1t was difficult to bear her part |
n the apparent renewal of the familiar
Intercourse Of other days, without re- I
axing the severe guard she had set s
pom herself from the moment she dis "
overed the true nature of the senti-
tent she entertained for her husbands b
rother. She could not help delight t
Il In his society, m the manifold s
roofs Of loving concern for her COM r
UT and happiness Of which she was the I,