Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1920-10-22

there is expiration in great love, and
exculpation in self-sacrifice. Jed's
soul is gone beyond redemption. I
dare not think of Mr.. Sidney nor of
myself. But Jed is a gross sinner"
She was by nature and wish an I'M
emotional, untheatric lady, but she
was dramatic in her seriousness. Then
she said:
81 should like to have you for a
son."
1 was much embarrassed more
so when she kissed me. To conceal
some disconcerting emotions laughed
awkwardly and went on about my
business. was to go blindfolded into
the intricacies of the strangest situa-
tons ever encountered.
With early October beautiful days
came and brought tranquility. Life
is full of zest in October, the rich,
rare month of the year; physical
senses are made more sensitive. Hart
ley house blazed out in autumn SPLEEN
dor. What had been beautiful before
was now gloriied.
could have hours, but not complete
days of happiness. could use my
common sense part of the time, but
Isobel broke 1t down at other times.
Occasionally l thought her willful and
tried to believe that she amused her.
self by playing the devil with the only
man available, but when came to my
senses, / knew was fool.
All she did was to associate frankly
and friendlily with the only available
man, and if she liked to be with me,
it was compliment did not see that
deserved.
With the return to normality, with
Jed back and immediate alarms quiet
ed, our family routine was re-estab-
4 lished. Dinner, which had been less
the sociable occasion that it might
have been, because of Jed's malevolent
superserviceability, became pleasant
event.
Heretofore Jed had made it point
to restrict and embarrass our attempts
at easy conversation. Now he withdrew
and left us to ourselves.
1t was owing to this extraordinarily
favorable disposition that /, coming to
dinner one evening in sullen mood,
had opportunity to take up subject
which concerned me.
Mrs. Sidney" said when Jed had
placed the coffee-tray beside her and
had retired, 81 must ask you to release
me from the absurd position / am in"
"What position, JohnY" asked the
kindly lady.
Il am engaged to Isobel,' said.
(Which is a torment and trial."
said Isobel.
"It is" I replied with warmth. 'sIt is
a trial and torment from which wish
release. / do not want to be hedged
in by the absurdities of this arrange
ment."
John, my boy" said Mrs. Sidney,
whats happened to your"
Nothing, but I'm confused. I'd feel
better if Isobel and were not on this
prepOsterous footing"
"But there was reason" Mrs. Sid
ney suggested mildly, sand it still
exists, and we relied upon you, John.
We don't want to make you unhappy,
but you don't care for Isobel. That's so
apparent and 1t helps us so much"
81 don't care whether he cares for
me or not" said Isobel suddenly. "We
are going to remain engaged. Get your
precise mind reconciled to the fact,
John. While you are in this house, you
and are engaged to be married"
"Isobel!" her mother exclaimed.
I'm going to have the freedom that
this man John brings me as my be-
trothed," said Isobel. "Both of you can
reconcile yourselves to that. John,
you are victim. You are engaged to
me, and I know you are unhappy.
Mother, you see me do things because
1 am engaged to John. Well. intend
to remain engaged and to do things
and l love you both"
And, by George! she danced up and
kissed her mother and kissed me.
CHAPTER XIII.