Part 14 (2/2)
”Oh, Scott!”
The head dropped upon his shoulder, and the tears started to her eyes.
”Why, what is the matter, little one, is there anything so terrible about that? I thought you might be pleased to hear it.”
”I am pleased, only----”
”Only what?”
”I am afraid you will not care for me--or Paul either, after you are married.”
Paul turned with a smile, though his face was very pale. He did not say to Scott that he dreaded far worse than did June, the presence of his wife, for it seemed to him that Scott would not care for him as he had, and though he could not tell just why, it seemed to him that he would not be as happy as he had been.
”Well, Paul,” said June, wiping the tears away, ”if Scott cares less for us when he gets Irene, you and I will be brother and sister.”
”If you will,” said Paul.
”And I hope you will agree as well as you and I have, June,” Scott said.
”I hope you and Irene will agree as well as we shall--but,” she added, springing upon Scott's knee, and throwing her plump little arms around his neck, ”I intend to sit here while I can, for I do not suppose I shall be allowed to do so in future.”
Scott's mouth closed firmly; then he said:
”June, no one shall ever come between me and my sister; remember that--not even a wife. I do not think Irene would wish to, and if she did she could not; so do not foster any such ideas. I could never love my little sister less.”
CHAPTER XI.
SCOTT'S WIFE.
The wedding was over. Scott had been to San Francisco and returned, bringing his bride, radiant in diamonds and rich apparel. She was a handsome dark-haired woman, with finely-cut features and an exquisitely molded form. Her tapering fingers fairly blazed with costly diamonds. The evening reception given at the Wilmer mansion was a brilliant affair, and everyone present admired Scott Wilmer's wife, as she appeared in her rich pearl-colored satin dress and costly jewels. Mrs. Wilmer had welcomed them home the day before, highly pleased with the choice her son had made. June kissed her new sister in a loving way, and Mr. Wilmer gave her a quiet and kindly welcome.
Scott inquired for Paul, and on investigation found him in the library with his head bowed on the broad window sill, the tears dropping from his eyes.
”Why, Paul, my boy,” said Scott, as he placed his hand on his head, ”are you crying? What is that for?”
”For nothing,” Paul answered. ”I am foolish, I know, but it seems to me as though I were all alone again. I have been so happy, and you have been so kind to me.”
”I can still be kind, can't I?” Scott asked, with a smile.
”Oh, sir,” said Paul, ”I did not mean that you would not; but----”
”But what? Do you think Irene is a tyrant?”
”Oh, no, sir! Please do not think I dislike your--your--wife. I do not know.”
”Very well; dry your eyes and come to the parlor and let me introduce you.”
”Please, Mr. Wilmer, I would rather not.”
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