Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1910-03-04
1920
Oxford Place
Copyright, by ]. B. Lippincott c.
By Katharine H. Brown

(. The brilliant August sky had gioweC
all afternoon like vast furnace, radi
ating flames of sickening heat; but a.
four o'clock great masses of blacE
cloud began to sweep up over Capito
mill into ominous rank and file, accom-
panied by an occasional roll of thun
der. Lieut.. Julian Elliott, U. S. A.
came slowly out of the Raleigh, and re
garded the threatening horizon with q
critical eye.
Elliott looked indecisiyely at the
ancient carriage just drawing up to
the curb, then at the open car swing
ing up Pennsylvania avenue. A loud
er roar of thunder and glance al
his immaculate linens decided him. %
want to look decent on my wedding
anniversary" he reflected, amusedly
Then he said to the driver: you can
take me to No. 1920 Oxford place
Northwest, way up beyond Dupont
Circle And be swift l want to gel
there before it rains,". and he stepped
into the cab.
The driver beamed amiably over this
bit of chaff. Elliott settled back into
the seat and watched the hurried lines
of people rush past the cab-windoW
with dull, unseeing eyes. water
sweeps down like it did outside Ma
nila," he muttered. "Jove, how yellow
my hands are! Anyone could see I've
had the fever. I suppose I'd better
FOL "a irh in RI Vnrly a mr.
sail for Havre on the first boat, sc
long as I have got to go anyway II
isn't pleasant, this meeting people
everywhere who are so eager to in
quire about your wife, Wife, indeed!
Glad you're getting home alive that
BLACKBOARD Stevens told me, so your
womenfolks can coddle you a little.
Yes, think l see them, my mother
especially. No tears nor embraces
for the returned soldier-boy in my dear
family"
He pulled two crumpled letters from
his pocket, and glanced through them
with eyes that anticipated every word
and sentence The first was from his
stepmother:
New York, December u, 1898.
My. Dear Julian:
Your note telling us that you are go
ing off to Manila to help fight those stu
pid savages is just received. I'm sorry
that you will be in such a disagreeable
place this coming year; STILL your being
away for some time may help to simpli-
fy matters when you return. Nancy tells
me that you and she have practically
agreed upon quiet separation.
shall keep the dear child with me as
long as she cares to stay; and so far she
seems perfectly contented, as long as she
can devote herself to Toms little ones
suppose it is your insane jealousy of
your dead brothers children which has
caused this disgraceful thing. 1t certain
ly can't be Nancys fault. Pm sorry you
ever married her. know it was very ro-
mantle and all that, but the whole af-
fair was the result of SO sudden an at
tachment that I really don't believe you
knew your own minds. 1t does seem a
pity, though, that you could only stay
friends for bare six months. Well let
it go. I never pose as peacemaker,
and, besides, don't think you two are
longing to be reconciled. Come and see
me when you return from Manila. Don't
get shot, don't have yellow-fever, and
don't forget that am
Il Ever your sincere friend
HORATIA LORD ELLIOTT.
The second letter was shorter, and,
if possible, more Indifferent in tone:
New York, December u, 1898.
Ny Dear Mr.. Elliott:
Mother tells me that she is writing to
you, and I'll just add line to say that /
am well and happy, and that I propose
to remain here until your return from
the Philippines. Then I shall go back to
England, and make my home there in
definitely. Our marriage has been a mis-
take-they say all hasty marriages are
but the few months have been so pleas
ant in many ways that I do not regret
it.
Hoping that you will return from this
interesting expedition in the best of
health and spirits, remain,
Very sincerely,
NANCY FORBES-CAROLUS ELLIOTT.
P. ST. retain your name at present
to avoid annoying inquiries. Upon my re-
turn to England I shall probably resume
my own.
Elliott tore the first letter into
minute strips and flung them out of
the window. The second went back
into his pocket. AS he tucked it in
mechanically, something caught his
attention outside.
Hi, there, driver!" he shouted, 'call
to that lady that she can have this
cab, and I'll vacate. She'll be
drenched'
The rain, which had stopped treach.
erously for a few moments, was now
dashing down with renewed force. A
slender girl came hurrying across a
side street, reaching the avenue lust
as the doWnpour recommended. She
looked about irresolutely for a mo
nent; then, at sight of the drivers
reckoning finger, she hurried to the
cab, gave the man a hasty direction
and began Juggling at the rusty door
before Elliott had time to unfasten il
She did not glance up until the knob
gave way-then Elliott felt his breath
leave him suddenly as he looked down
into his wife's eyes.
For a moment neither spoke. Sl,.
preme amazement held them in dulled
silence. Nancy was the first to re.
cover herself.
Pardon" she said, bowling slightly
as though addressing a stranger. q
did not dream that there was. anyone
in the cab. II
Nancy, get in, l beg of you,' cried
Elliott, springing out. You'll catch
your death of cold; you're wet al
ready. I'll take carr
"Oh. no, thank you,'' she returned
drawing back a trifle. There was moi
a trace of color in her face, yet her
self-control was perfect. Il really
couldn't"
Elliott caught her by the arm and
lifted her into the cab, stepping in aft
er her. "There!" he said, angrily. %
shall not annoy you by speaking, you
may he sure hut L chall not norm Il