Short stories, American; United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
“Mr. Lockwood,” she said, impulsively, “Mr. Latimer has told me why
you and your friend separated, and I cannot bear to think that it
was she--my mother--should have been the cause. She could not have
understood; she must have been innocent of any knowledge of the trouble
she had brought to men who were such good friends of hers and to each
other. It seems to me as though my finding that coin is more than a
coincidence. I somehow think that the daughter is to help undo the harm
that her mother has caused--unwittingly caused. Keep the medal and don't
give it back to me, for I am sure your friend has kept his, and I am
sure he is still your friend at heart. Don't think I am speaking hastily
or that I am thoughtless in what I am saying, but it seems to me as if
friends--good, true friends--were so few that one cannot let them go
without a word to bring them back. But though I am only a girl, and a
very light and unfeeling girl, some people think, I feel this very
much, and I do wish I could bring your old friend back to you again as I
brought back his pledge.”
“It has been many years since Henry Burgoyne and I have met,” said the
old man, slowly, “and it would be quite absurd to think that he still
holds any trace of that foolish, boyish feeling of loyalty that we once
had for each other. Yet I will keep this, if you will let me, and I
thank you, my dear young lady, for what you have said. I thank you from
the bottom of my heart. You are as good and as kind as your mother was,
and--I can say nothing, believe me, in higher praise.”
He rose slowly and made a movement as if to leave the room, and then,
as if the excitement of this sudden return into the past could not
be shaken off so readily, he started forward with a move of sudden
determination.
“I think,” he said, “I will go to Henry Burgoyne's house at once,
to-night. I will act on what you have suggested. I will see if this has
or has not been one long, unprofitable mistake. If my visit should
be fruitless, I will send you this coin to add to your collection of
dishonored honors, but if it should result as I hope it may, it will be
your doing, Miss Catherwaight, and two old men will have much to thank
you for. Good-night,” he said as he bowed above her hand, “and--God
bless you!”
Miss Catherwaight flushed slightly at what he had said, and sat looking
down at the floor for a moment after the door had closed behind him.
Young Mr. Latimer moved uneasily in his chair. The routine of the office
had been strangely disturbed that day, and he now failed to recognize
in the girl before him with reddened cheeks and trembling eyelashes the
cold, self-possessed young woman of society whom he had formerly known.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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