I try to read in the evenings, because the words and cadence seep into my subconscious during the night and then help me write the next morning. Unfortunately, this evening I left my book downstairs after I had locked up the house, so I pulled up my laptop and read a short story titled, “Separated: A Divided Story,” printed in “Cassell’s Family Magazine, ” 1894. I simply copied the text, corrected the formatting as I read, and pasted the story here. It’s not the best story, however, in a mere 6,000 words, engagements are broken, a character goes insane, a family secret is revealed and a love is regained. As my grandmother would say, “It’s a hoot.” Sadly, I can’t find the author’s name. The magazine lists the following contributors:
Separated: A Divided Story
I was very much displeased when Phina came to me with the news that she was engaged to Eustace Manvers.
It seemed so sudden; and he was the one man amongst our acquaintances whom I should have wished my sister not to choose; but as my wishes had not been consulted, I shut my lips tightly, and said nothing. But Phina’s flashing dark eyes read the dissatisfaction in my face, and in a moment her arms were round me.
“Now, little sister, don’t be cross. I know Eustace is not a bit like your dear sedate Robert; but, you see, you and I are so unlike, that it is unreasonable of you to expect me to choose a man of Robert’s stamp.”
I began an indignant defence of my absent Robert, but Phina waxed more eloquent. “Yes, yes, I know he is a model husband, the dear old slow-coach. But you know, Christine, if I were really bound to such a quiet, easy-going man, I should positively grow to hate him in time. I could not settle down for ever in a quiet country place; I want to live, not to stagnate. Eustace and I mean to travel a great deal; we shall be together, and see all the glorious sights and wonderful places of which I have dreamed. Yes, I know we shall be happy; so don’t look grave over it, little sister.”