I shall call at Locust Hill and see
Mrs. Waugh, inform her of my destination, and ask her permission to
accompany her. By the way--when do you give your answer to that lady?"
"I shall ride over to the Hill to-morrow morning for that purpose."
"Very well, dearest. In that case I will also appoint the morning as my
time of calling; so that I may have the joy of meeting you there."
They had by this time reached the verge of the forest and the cross-road
where their paths divided. And here they bade a loving, lingering adieu
to each other, and separated.
That evening Marian announced to Edith her decision to accompany
Jacquelina to Washington City.
Edith approved the plan.
The next morning Marian left the house to go to Locust Hill, where,
besides the family, she found Thurston already awaiting her.
Thurston was seated by Jacquelina, endeavoring, by his gay and brilliant
sallies of wit and humor, to charm away the sullen sadness of the pale
and petulant little beauty.
And, truth to tell, soon fitful, fleeting smiles broke over the little
wan face--smiles that grew brighter and more frequent as she noticed the
surly anxiety they gave to Dr. Grimshaw, who sat, like the dog in the
manger, watching Thurston sunning himself in the light of eyes that
never, by any chance, shone upon him, their rightful proprietor!
Never! for though Jacquelina had paled and waned, failed and faded,
until she seemed more like a moonlight phantom than a form of flesh and
blood--her spirit was unbowed, unbroken, and she had kept her oath of
uncompromising enmity with fearful perseverance.
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