The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-01-04

perhaps exercising all his craft. In
spite of his assumption of frankness, |
believed him to be crafty, to my dis
advantage. 1t was fear which had no
foundation. Neither on that nor the
succeeding days did Grant in any way
interfere with my monopoly Of Viola.
Once or twice l met him, apparently
coming from the house On these oc-
casions he bowed gravely, but did not
stop to speak. His visits we're evident
ly paid at such times as did not clash
with mine. | ragged inwardly to think
that he had the right TO visit Viola at
any time; but was 100 proud to re-
monstrate 1t was some comfort to
hear Miss Rossiter occasionally remark
that they saw little or nothing Of Eus-
tace now.
Viola seldom mentioned his name.
No doubt. with a woman's quickness,
she understood that 1t was distasteful
to me. Nevertheless, | knew that she
held her guardian in the greatest es-
teen, and looked forward to the time
when we should be friends. This |
swore should never come Viola once
my wife, the acquaintance between her
and this strong-willed attractive man
should cease.
As ! said, / am indeed pitlful hero!
But II | saw nothing OF Grant,
heard from him. He wrote me, tell
ing me he had been informed by Miss
Keith that our marriage was to take
place very shortly He would be glad
to know my intentions respecting the
/ settlement Of her own small fortune.
4 There was a peremptoriness about the
wording OF the letter which nettled me
I extremely / wrote back that it was
\ quite true that we were to be married
/ in a few weeks time, but that it was
not my intention to settle my wife's
money upon her The sum was too
paltry to trouble about, as It would be
I quite lost sight of in the large pest
nuptial settlement which | proposed
4 making. II Nh. Grant felt any doubt
as to my means. he could make inquir-
les OF my solicitor. who had my instruc-
tions to answer all his questions fully.
To this letter he did not reply: but
/ heard that he made the inquiries, as
1 1 suggested. No doubt, In Viola's in
terest, he was right in 50 doing; but
liked him none the more for the ac-
tion.
Yes; Viola. overcome by my impas-
stoned prayers. had consented 10 an
almost Immediate marriage There was,
indeed no reason why we should wait
day. She loved me. and was willing
to trust her future in my hands.
loved her, and longed for the moment
which would make her mine forever.
Moreover. longed for the time to
come when might tell her all; confess
the innocent but foolish deception
had rracticed. and beg her forgiveness
not for mlstrusling her, but her sex
In general. was sorely tempted 70
reveal the true state OF affairs without
further delay: but Grants warning
rose to my mind, and determined that
until the irreyocable words were spok-
en-. would keep my secret.
We were married in the quietest way
possible. Viola, Il seemed TO me. hal
mo bosom friends-no relatives who
would be mortified unless they were
asked TO the wedding. The old spin
ster. who looked very prim and reads
to apply her favorite word. "indecor
ous. to the whole proceedings; d
brother. as prim as herself and on'
trusted friend of my own. formed tn,
wedding guests. Eustace Grant ha,
: been asked to accompany us, but Viol;
told me that for some reason or othe
he had excused himself. At this sh'
! seemed deeply voxed.
, was also troubled by his refusal.
showed too plainly his feelings towsr'
me and toward Viola.
But he was in the church; he wa
there even before was. AS walke'
r up the aisle, caught glimpse of hi
, strongly marked profile He was in
. far-off pew. and was almost the onl
spectator OF the ceremony. Doubles:
> when Viola and left the church, mai
! and wife. Eustace Grant walked int
I, the vestry, and as he had expressed hi
I VI btitEs saw Win HIS Wv
eyes that | had married Viola in m
true name
We drove straight from the churc
to the railway station. When alone i
the carriage. almost the first words m
, wife said. were: Julian. Eustace wa
in church: did you see him?'
Yes, | saw him.
why did he not come and wish m
goodbye? II was not like him.
must have offended him. | will writ
and ask him how"
I, | hated the idea OF Eustace bein;
in such a moment as this. uppermos
= in my wife's thoughts, Never min,
0 dearest" l said: what is Eustac
7 Grant to u.s."
> "Oh, much; very much, to me, Juliar
He was my mothers friend; he ha
: been my only friend ever since l &C
e remember"
:, Il do not like him." said
But you will like him. You mus
q like him. He is SO GOOD, so cisye
n Promise me, Julian. you win like hin
e for my sake"
Is Although would not credit him wit
the two first qualifications goodne
y and nobility was willing to belle