Arrangements were made to convey his body to his native land for interment, and Florian’s heart leaped with joy at the thought of seeing his love again, and claiming the fulfillment of her sweet promises.
Of late Viola’s letters had been few and far between, and marked by a growing coldness that sent a chill to his warm heart, especially the last one, in which she said:
“I shall have something very important to tell you in my next letter.”
If Florian could have guessed what that important something was, it would almost have broken his true, loving heart; but before the next letter came he was on the ocean, en route for home, whither we will precede him in the gratification of our curiosity.
CHAPTER VIII.
HEART STRUGGLES.
Philip Desha had a will as firm as iron when he made up his mind, and he carried out to the letter his plan for avoiding beautiful Viola, and breaking his heart loose from her chains.
Besides, his pride had been stimulated by a caution Mrs. Wellford had given him the very day of the skating-party, and shortly before the accident:
“Don’t carry out the simile of the moth, Cousin Phil, and singe your wings in the candle’s flame.”
Her glance at Viola pointed the remark, and he flushed warmly as he answered: