Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 19, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 8 November 1873 — Page 6

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A L'TV US M£MORl&i* BY ACOTSTA *OOMCf

From

Which I he nighi-wlmls

&•

a forc*t o'er in#

fell,

Uiitliilt lollw plalntl" MWH

To the vi«»wlrtw aplrlt-bome. gh«, upon

whose

SEAttca

KM%

Aj ibi evening ulia-tow* deepeoej'. if 1 A* the night-winds tarter irtc^, Pbttnic*rrsfrt»m ib-year**«!*","!»

ThrotH tbe fcfe-t seemed to glide. All the withered

leaves

were falling,

Whirling 10*11'"**T Wa*t. ,, Diraelike tow* •rt*'amil}*sounding

Reonienn

for he*"nm«r

the

pnnu

All tne fore*t voire*, walling

Kcrtbej'Kiof *u«»mcr iiw,

A» Sbe rand-I wind* earn*sWMgdUg 1

Wlitijmaraudlng Jury by B«»i tb« ph,«ot0in« c4liniy glitml Through the fenntjl torwt gloom— Frirmntr)*- jear» long gone

slumber

of the

faithful bowom

FoTest nil (I «hntow« 11"

He who. weary-hearted, wandered From his tether'* bouse to die.

who«e earliest love was given In It* fullness unto me. Weeping now the dream lens slnmber

Where the mountain wlmls blow free Hweet young faces, gone forever, From the noontide and the morn, On the autumn winds, at midnight.

Through the forest We were borne. Then my »oul grew »lck with yearning, Faint with iongliiK to depart. As I .lnly strove to clasp Ihem

my torn and bleedinu heart, And In wildest tones entreating, Fondly, bitterly. I eri-d "Torture not my brain to madness,

Ye who In life'sglory died Iyt me feei your ni ms around

tr.c

lyt me clasp you to my heart Mock me not, but bear me with you your Hubbuth land of rest Hut lliey backward drew,and faded in the eoid, *ray dawn of day And thev, in the mist of morning,

Through the for-M passed away.

The New" Magdalen.

BY WH.KIK COM,INS.

[The New Magdalen wat commenced In The Mali of October 4th. Any

IN THK GROUNDS.

Grace Roseberry, still listening In the conservatory, saw the door open, and recognised tho mistress of the bouse.

She softly drew back and placed

herself lit safer hiding, beyond tho range of view from tbe dining-room. Lady Janet ad vancod n* further tban the threshold. She stood there and looked at her nephew and ber adopted daughter In stern sUeuee.

Mercv dropped into tho chair at her wide. Julian

Kept

his plaoe bv hor.

His mind was still stnunod by tho discovery tliat had burst on it biseyoa still rented on ber in mute terror of Inquiry. lie

WHS

as completely absorbed

In tho ouo act of looking at her as it they ul been still alone together in the room.

Luly Janet was tbo first of tbe three whit spoke. Sho addressed herself to hor nephew.

You were right, Mr. Julian Gray, she a*ld, with ber bitterest emphasis of tone and rasnner, 'Yon ought to have found nobody In this room on 'our return but tiw. I dotaln yon no onger. You are free to leavo my bouso.'

Julian looked round at bis aunt. She

WMS

pointing to the door. In tho excited stato of this sensibilities at that moment, the action stung blm lo tho quick. He answered without bis customary consideration for bis aunt's age and bis aunt's position toward him.

You apparently forget, Lady Janet, tbat you are not speaking to one of your footmen,' be said. 'There are serious reasons (of which you know nothing) (or tnv remaining In your house a ||ttl longer. You may rely upon my trespassing on your hospitality as short time as possible.'

He turned again to Merry as he said tkoae words, and surprised her tlmldlv looking up at him. In the instant which their eyes met, the tumult of emotion* struggling In him becamo suddenly stilled. Sorrow for ber— compassionating sorrow—rose In the new calm and filled his heart* Now, and now only, he could read in tbe wasted and noble face bow

she

Still under tHe impreasion of what she bad seen on entering the room, t^ady Janet looked at bitn In angry amsaement. Was Julian actually Ignoring llorac# Holmcroft's claims. In the preaencwof Horace Hohnerofl's betrothed wife? She angled to her adopted daughter. '(It she exclaimed, 'baro yon heard him Have you nothing to say Muat I remind

*°Sh* alwpe4. For the fint time in Ltdy Janet's experience of her y«nng eomnanion. she (bund herself speaking to mr* that were deaf to ber. Mercy was ineapahle ut lferteniag. Julians eyes had told ber that Julian understood her at laM

Lauly Janet turned to her nephew or»oe tnore, and addressed blm in tho bard eat words that abe bad ever spoken to ber slater's son. 'If you have any sense of decency, she said—*2 «m»V nothing of a sense of bonor-rou will leave this house, and Tour acquaintance with tbat lady will end here. Spar® mo your protests and excuses I can place bot one interpretatlon on «b*t I saw when I opened tho

Yvu entirely misunderstand what yon saw when you opened that door, Julian answered, quietly. l*erhap* miiondfrtund tit* confession which you made to me not an hour ago retorted Lady J*n««. 'Julian casta look of alarm W Mercy. •Don't speak oflt!' he said, in ft wki* per. 'She might yon.'

Do yon mean to say »b* doeftn^ know youa|» in low with herT Thank Oo«, has not tbe faitit** suspicion oflir

Tkero was no mistaking the aarnentnees with which ha mad* tbftt reply.

drew back a stop—utterly •ompIoUly «t a KM* what to *ay or what to do next.

Th« ailwwt thM Jf»HPV«4 broken

by ft knock ,«J. ibo library do«r- Tb® 0»an-si-rv*nt—wUb Wj™ ftpwc, legibly written in ^Is disturbed tace snd manner—entered the room.

In the nervous irritability of the moment, Lady Janet resented the servant's appearance as a positive offense on tbe port of tho harmless man. 'Who sent for you I' she a#k«U, *faarp!y. •What do you mean by interrupting us

The servant fnado hjs e|cji^€» »n *n Oibllv bewildsred manner.

(h.\

had

gather®,

tomb-

Softly n* the moonbeam* glimmer O'er the eJoud-tops rolllug high, Silent a* the ba*h of chno*,

That i*l« companv drew nigh

Clone Uiey gather ail around me. With their deep »nd earnest eyes, Bent ttton »ne. fondly, tadly.

Killed with deathless memories. Btretchlng oat pale hands toward rue, Did the shadowy loved one* coine. And with worldles* j.ieadlriK* called rae

beg your ladyship's pardon, wished to take the liberty—I wanted to speak to Mr. Julian Gray.

What is it?' asked Julian vj'be msn looked uneasily at Lady net. hesitated, and ^lanc^ at tho door as if he wished bimaelf well out of the room again. hardlv know if I can lell y°n, Sir, beforb her ladyship,' be answered

Lady Janet instantly penetrated the secret of ber servant's hesitation. •I know what has happened,' she said 'that abominable woman baa found ber way here again. Am I right?'

The tnan'seyefc helplessly consulted Julian. Yw» or no?1 cridd Lady Janet, iui

Jalian at once assumed the duty or asking tlie necessary questions. Where is she ho began. 'Somewhere in the grounds, as we •oppose sir.'

8''1n

all the

buck nnrntxrs ran be had on application at Urn oflkte, or will be

hviu

postage paid on

receipt of live cent* each copy.]

en AFTER XVIIT.

Tffr.

make

bad

suffered. The pity which bo had felt for the unnamed woman grew to a tenfold pity for her. The faith which he proicssed -honeatly professed—In thbelter nature of the unnamed woman strengthened into a tenfold faith in ber. He r»d dressed himself again to his aunt in a gentler tone. 'This lady,' he resumed, 'has something to say to me in private which she n*s not said yet. That Is my reason and tt»y apology for not immediately leaving the house.'

had

,«!

Did you see ber No, Sir.' Who saw ber t' Tho lodge-keeper's wife.' This looked serious. Tho lodge keeper's wife had been present while Julian had given bis instructions to her husband. She was not likely to

have mistaken the identity of the person whom she bad discovered. How long since?' Julian asked next.

Not very long, Sir.'

lie more purlieu!#!*. How long? I didn't hear, Sir.' Did the lodge-keeper's wife speak to the oer^on when she saw her •No, Sir: she didn't get the chance, as I understand it. She is a stout woman, if you remember. The other was too quick for her—discovered her, Sir, »fnd (as the saying is) gave her the

what part of the grounds did this happen?' The servant pointed in tho direction of the side hall. 'In that part. Sir, Either in tbe Dutch gardeu or the sbrubbory. I »ni uot sure which.

It was plain, by this time, that the man's Information was too imperfect to be practically of any use. Julian asked If the

lodge-keeper's

out from tbe lad, they

would be thankful If they could get a word more or advice from you, Sir. Julian reflected for a moment.

So far as he could estiinato thorn, tbe probabilities were that the stranger from Mannheim had already made her way into the house that she had been listening in tbe billiard room that she had found time enough to escape hitn ou bis approaching to open tho door and that she was now (in tho servant's phrase) 'somewhere in the grounds,' after eniding tho pursuit of the lodgekeeper's wilo.

Tbe matter was serious. Any mistake In dealing with it might lead to •ery painful results.

If Jnlian bad correctly anticipated the nature of tbe confession which Mercy had been on the point of addressing to him, Jthe person whom he had been tbe means of Introducing into the house was—what she had vainly asserted herself to bo—no other tban 4he true Grace Iloseberry.

Taking this for granted, it waa of the utmost importance that he should •peak to Grace privately, before sbe committed herself to any rashly renewed assertion of her claims, and before •be could gain access to Ladv Janet's adopted daughter. Tbe landlady at her lodgings had already warned bun tbat the object which she held steadily In view waa to lind ber way to •Miss Iloseberry' when Lady Janet was not present to iake her part, and when no gentlemen were at bard to protect her. 'Only let me meet her face to face' (sbe bad said), 'and I will make her confess herself tho Impostor that she Is I' As matters now stood, it waa impossible to estimate too seriously tbe mischief which might ensue from such a meeting fts this. Everything now depended on Julian's skillful management of an exa perated woman and nobody, at that moment, knew where the woman was.

In this position of affairs, as Julian understood It, there seemed lo be no other alternative th»n to make bis Inqulrlei instantly at tbe lodge, and then lo direct the search in person.

He looked toward Mercy's cbalr as be arrived at this resolution. It waa at a cruel sacrifice of bis own anxieties and his own wishes tbat he deferred continuing the conversation with her from the critical point at which Lady Janet's appearance bad interrupted it. rcy bad risen while ho had boen questioning tba servant. .The attention which she had failed to nocord to what had passed between bis sunt asul himself sbe bad given to the Imperitct statement wbleh h* had extracted from the man. Her face plainly showed that she bad listened as eagerly as Lady Jauet h«d listened with this remarkable difference between tbem.that Lady Janet looked frightened, ftnd that Lady Janet's companion showed no signs of alarm. appeared to bo Interrsttd} per''sp* anxious—nothing more.

Julian spoke ft parting word to his aunt. Pray oompoao yourself,' be said. 'I have little

doubt,

particulars, that we shall easily find this person In the ground*. Ttiffcil no reason to be uneasy. I am going lo superintend the search myself. I will return to yon aa soon aa poesibl*.'

L*dy Janet listened absently. There waa a certain expression in hereyea which suggested to Jnlian that her mind waa bosy with some project of ils own He stopped a* he pasamd Mercy, on his way out by the bl!l«ard-room door. It coat blm ft bard effort to control the contending emotions which tbe mere act of lookiug at ber now awakened In him. Ills heart beat feat, bts voic« sank low, as he spoke to her.

You shall see me again he said. «I never waa more In earns*! In promoting vou mj truewt b«ip and sympathy tban I am BOW.* fib* nifebminod trial. Her bosom

iMmvai painfully her ©y«* Ml to tbe ground—«be wade no reply. The tears NM In Julian's eyea aa loofcef at b*r. ff# hurriedly left \b* roottw

Wfcen b* turoca to dow th# billiardmm door he heard Lady Janet say, 'I will be with you again in a moment, Qra.-» d*«n*S go

Interpreting these word* aa meaning that his annt had some business of her owe to attend loIn tbe library, he abut tbe doer.

lng-room board tbe door open again round. Lady Jant-t had followed Mm.

Do you wish to apeak to mof' pa

M»kfwant

Julian understood the allusion. He made uo reply. The people at the police station close by,' pursued L*dy Janet,'have instructions to

Bend

the

wife was in the

bouse. ... No,Sir. Her husband bas gone out to search the grounds in her place, and she is minding the gate. They sent their boy with the message. From what I can

circumstances appeared to require it) to place the means of legal protection rrom insult and annoyance at bia aunt's disposal. And now, there stood Lady Janet, unaccustomed to have her wishes disregarded by any body, with her haud extended, waiting lor the card

What was to bo done The one way out of tbe difficulty appeared to be to submit for the moment. If he succeeded in discovering the missing woman, ho could easily take care that she should b© subjected to no needless indignity It Kbo contrived to slip into the house in his absence, he coultl provide against that contingency by sending a second card privately to the police station, forbidding the officer to stir in tbe afftilr until he had received farther orders. Julian made one stipulation only before he handed his card to his aunt.

You will not use this. I am sure, without positive and pressing necessity,'he s«id. 'But I must make one condition. Promise mo to keep my plan for communicating with the police a strict secret—' 'A strict secret

from

Reassured on this point, Julian hHStened out into the grounds. As soon as bis back was turned Ltdy Janet lilted the gold pencil-case which bung at her watch-chain, and wrote on ber nephew's curd (lor tho information oi the officer in plain clothes), 'You are wanted «t Mablcthorpc House.' This done, she put the tv»rd Into the old-fash-ioned pocket of her drtss, and returned to the dining-room.

Grace waa wailing, in obedience to tho instructions which she bad received.

For the first moment or two not a word was spoken on either sido. Now that she was alone with her adopted daughter, a certain coldness and bard ness began to show itself in Lady Janet's manner. Tho discovery tbat she had made on openlnst tbe drawing-room door still hung on her mind. Julian bad certainly convinced ber that she had misinterpreted what she had seen but ho had convinced her against ber will. She bad found Mercy deeply agitated suspiciously silent. Julian might be innocent.she admitted—there was no accounting for the vagaries of men. But the case of Mercv was altogether different. Women did not find themselves in the arms of men without knowing what tbey were about. Acquitting Julian, Lady Janet declined to acquit Mercy. 'There is some secret understanding between tbem thought tbe old lady, 'and she's to blame the women always are!'

Mercy still waited to be spoken to palo and quiet, silent and submissive. Lady Janet—In a highly uncertain stateof temper—was obliged to begin •My dear 1'she called out, sharply.

Yes, Lady Janet.' How much longer are you going to sit thore with your mouth shut up and your eyes on tho carpet? Have you no opinion to offer on this alarming stato of things? You beard what the man sahl to Julian—I saw you list* n\ng.

Are

you horribly frighteued?' No, Lady Janet.' Not even nervous?' No, Lady Janet.' •Ila! I should hardly liavo given you credit for so much "courage after my experience of you a week ago. I congratulate you on your recovery. Do you bear? I congratulate you on your recovery.'

Thank you, Lady Janet.' I am not so composed as you are. W® were an excitable set in my youth —and I haven't got the better or It yet. I feel nervous. Do you bear? I feol nervous.'

I am sorry, Lady Janet.' You are very good. I)o yon know Wlist

HI*

going to do?'

No, Lady Janet.'

fuardgoingto

when 1 can learn the

rhadthecan'twith

lust advanced Into the smok- venture to say so.) thai tbeclrcumstaobeyond, when ho thought he cea are changed. She took me by «urdoor open again. He turned prise «m, the last occaaiou I am pre-

something of you,' Lady Ja

net an worn), 'before yon go.' •What la it?' ,, xj Your card.' •My card?* »-fv

You have just told me not to be uneasy,' said tb» old Udy. *1 ant uneasy, for all that. I don't feel aa sure aa you do that this woman reallv iu in the grounds. She may be lurking somewhere in the house, and she may appear when your back is turned. Remember what you told me.'

an experienced man, In

plainclothes, to any address indicated on yourc-trd the moment tbey receive it. That is what you told me. For Grace's protection, I want your card before you leave us.'

It waa impossible for Julian to mention the leaaons which now forbade him to make use of bis own precautions —in the very face of tbe emergency which they had been especially intended to meet. How could be declare tbe true Grace Roseoerry to bemad? How could he give the true Grace Roseberry into custody On the other hand, he had personally pledged himself (when

Grace?'inter

posed Lidy Janet. (Julian bowed.) 'Do you suppose I want to frighten her? Do you think I have not bad anxiety enough about her already. Of course I shall keep it a secret from Grace

jam going to summon tbe housebold. Wb«n I say th© household, I mean the men tho women are no ase. I am afraid I lail to attract your attention

Yon have my l**»l attention, Lady J**®1*' Yon are very good again. jLsmo tb® women were of no nse.' wf"*

Yea, Lady Janet I mean to place a man-servant on

at every entrance to the bouse, am do it at onoe. Will yoo come with me?*

I b® of »ny ox if I go with your

ladtpuip?' You be of th® slightest use. I

ve orders in this house— not you. quite another motive In aaking yon to com® m®. I am more con aid*rat« of vou tban yon »e®m to think —I don't lik® leaving yon here by youraelf. Do yon understand?* •lam much obliged to rourladyship. I don't mind being left teer® by

""^You don't mind? I never beard of such heroism in my iif®—out of a novel! Suppose tbat c*a«r wraicb should nod her way in here?

So® would not frighten me tbls Ume as ah® frightened m® before/ Not too st, my young lady Supposr—Oood H®avena 1 now I think of li, there ta tbe conarratory. Soppoae aba abonld b® hidden in tber®? Jnlian la searching th® grounds. Who la to search ibe conservatory •Withyear ladyship's permission, will search lb® conservatory.'

Yon 11!' With your ladyship's permission. 1 can hardly £dUeve my own ears! Well, 'Live ftnd H»rn* to an old proverb. 1 tboagbt 1 knew yoor character. Thte ft ch*«*g®!'

You forget, Lady Janet, (If I may

prise pared lor ber now.' Do you really feel aa coolly na you •peak

Yea, Lady Janot.' 'Have your own way, thenl® ll shall do one thing, however, in case of your having over estimated your own courage. I shall pl ice one of the men In the library. Yon will only have to ring for blm, If any thing happens. He will give Ihe alarm—and 1 shall act aoeonJingly. I have my plan,' said her ladyship, comfortably conscious of tbe card in her pockot. 'Don't look as if yon wanted to know what It Is. I have no intention of saying any thing about It—except that it will do. Once more, and for tbe last time—do you stay here, or do you go with me?'

I stay here.' She respectfully opened tbe library door for Ladr Janet's departure as sho made tbat reply.

Throughout

the in

terview she bad been carefully and coldly deferential she had not once lifted ber eyes to Lady Janet's face. The conviction in her that a low hours more wonld, in all probability, see her dismissed trom the house, had of necessity fettered every word that she spoke —had morally separated hor already from tho injured mistress whose love sbe had won lu disguise. Utterly incapable of attributing the change in her voung companion to the true motive, 'L»dy Janet left the room to summon her domestic garrison, thoroughly puzzled and (aa a necessary consequence of that condition) thoroughly dlspleas-

Stlll holding the library door in ber hand, Mercy stood watching with a heavy heart tbe progress of her benefactress down the length of tho roam on the way to the lront liall beyond. She bad honeatly loved and respected the warm-hearted, quick-tempered old lady. A sharp pang of pain wrung her as she thought of the time when even tbe chance utterauce other name would become an unpardonable offense in La dy Janet's house.

But there was no shrinking in her now from the ordeal of the confession She was not only anxious—she was impatient for Julian's return. Before she slept that night Julian's confidence in her should be confidence that she had deserved.

Let her own the truth, without the base

fear

of discovery t« drive her to it

Let her do justice to tho woman whom .she has wronged, while that woman is still powerless to expose her. Let her sacrifice every thing that she has gained by the fraud to the sacred duty ot atonement. If she can do that, then her repentance has nobly revealed the noble nature that is in her: then she is a woman to lie trusted, respected, be loved.' Those words wore as vividly present to her as if sho still hoard them tailing from his lips. Thoso other words which had followed them rang as grandly as ever in her ears 'Rise, poorwouudod heart! Beautiful, purified soul. God's angels rejoice over you! Take your place among the noblest of God's croatures!' Did the woman live who could bear Julian Gray say that, and who could hesitate, at anv sacrifice, at any loss, to justify his beiief in her?' 'Oh!' she thought, longingly, whilo.ber e3'es followed La dy Janet lo the end of tho library,'if vour worst feHrs could only be realized! If I could only see Grace Iloseberry in this room, how fearlessly could I meet ber now!'

She closed the library dootv while Lady Janet opened the other door which led into tbe ball.

As sbe turned and looked back into the dining-room a cry of astonishment escaped her.

There—as if in answer to the aspiration which w8S still in ber mind there established in triumph on the chair that she had just left—sat Grace Roseberry, in sinister,silence, waiting for her.

CHAPTER XIX. THE EVIL GENIUS.

Recovering from tbe first overpowering sensation of surprise, Mercy rapidly Hdvan'red, eager tosny ber llr»t penttent words. Grace stopped ber by a warning gesture of the band.

nearer to me,' sho said, with a contemptuous command. 'Stay where you are.'

Moroy paused. Grace's reception had startled her. She instinctively took the chair nearest to her to support herself. Graco raised awaining haud for the second time, and issued another command:

I forbid you to bo seated in my presence. You bave no rlgnt to bo in this house at all. Remember, If you please, who you are, and who I am.'

The tone in which those words wcro spoken waa an Insult in itself. Mercy suddenly lifted ber head the angry

Sho checked

answer waa on her lips. it, and snbmitted in silence. 'I will be worthy of Julian Grav's confidence in me,' she thought, as sbo stood patiently by tbe chair. I will bear anything from tbe woman whom I havo wrong-

in silence the two faced each other alone logother, for tho first time since they had met In tho French cottage. The contrast between tbem waa strange to see. Graco Iloseberry, seated tn a cbalr, little and lean, with her dull whito complexion, with her hard, threatening face, with ber shrunken figure clad in Its plain and poor black garments, looked liko a being of ft lower sphere, compared with Mercy Merrick, standing erect in ber rich silken drees her tali, shapely figure towering over tbe little creature before her her grand bead bent In graceful submission gentle, patient, beautiful ft woman wbom it waa privilege to look at and a distinction to admire. If a stranger had been told tbat theee two had played their part* In a romance of real lite—that one of them was really connected by tbe tie* of relationship with L»dy Janet Roy, and that tbe other had successfully attempted to personal® her—b® would inevitably, If It had b«en left lo blm to guests which was which, bave picked out Grace aa the counterfeit and Mercy tbe true woman.

Grace broke the silence. Sbe hftd waited to open ber Hps until ah® bad eyed her conquered victim ell over,with disdainfully minute attention, from bead to foot. •Stand ther®. I lik® to look at you,' the said, with ft spiteful relish of her own cruel words. It's no nee fainting ibis time. Yon have not got Lady Janet Roy to bring TOO to. Ther® are no gentlemen her® to-day to pity yon and pick yon np. Mercy Merrick, I bave got yon ftt taut. Thank God, my tarn haa oome! Yon csin't escape me now

All tbe littleness of heart sn(i mind which bad first shown Imelf In urace at the meeting in tbe cottage, when Mercv told the tad story of ber life, now revealed itself onoe more. The woman who in thane pant time* bad felt no Impulse to take a suffering and penitent ataring fellow-creator® by tbe hand was ibei

aama woman who eootd feol no wbo oould spar® no Insolence umnb, now. Moray's ®w«®t vole® an- b«r.

swered ber patiently, In low, pleading torws. •I have not avoided yon,' ahe mid.

I wonld bave gone to you of my own accord if I had known tbat you were here. It ia my heart-felt wish to own that I have sinned againat you, *nd to make all tbe atonement tbat I can. Iam too anxious to deserve yonr forgivenee* to have auy fear ,of seeing you.'

Conciliatory aa the reply waa, it was spoken with a simple and modest dignity of manner which roused Grace Roseberry to fury.

How aareyou speak to me as If you were my equal?' ahe burst out. You stand there and answer w.e aa if you bad yoar right and your place in ibia bouse. You audacious woman! 1 bave my light and my place here—end what am I obliged to do? I am obliged to hang about in the grounds, and fiy from theaervants, and hide like a tbiei, and wait like a beggar, and all for what For the chance of having a word with you. Yea, you, madam! with tbe air of tbe Refuge and tbe dirt of the streets on you!

Mercy's head sank lower ber hand trembled as it held by tbe back of the cbalr.

It was bard to bear the reiterated insults heaped upon '»er, but Julian,s influence still made itself felt. Sbe answered as patiently as over.

If it is your pleasure to u&e hard words to me,' sbe said, I have no right to reseut them.'

You bave no right to any thing!' Grace retorted. You have no right to tbo gown on your oack. Look at Yourself, and look at Me 1' Her eyes trav elect with a tigerish stare over Mercy's

dress?

ilk

who gave you those jewels?

know! Lady Jauet gavo them to Grace Roseberry. Are you Grace Roseberry That dross .is tonne. Take off1 your bracelets and your brooch. Tbey were UK-unt lor me.'

You may soon have them, Miss Rose berry. Tuey will not be iu my possession many hours longer.'

What do you meau?' However badly you may use me. it is my duty to undo the harm that have done. I am bound to do you justice—I am determined tocojifoss the truth.'

Grace smiled scornfully. 'You confess!' sbe said. 'Do you think I am fool enough to believe that? You are one shameful brazen lie from bead to foot! Are you tho woman to give up your silks and your jewels, and your position in this house,and go back to the Refuge of your own accord Not you—not you?'

A first faint flush of color showed it self, stealing slowly over Mercy's face but sho still held resolutely by the goou influence which Julian had left behind him Sbe could still say to herself, •Anything rather tban disappoint Juii.ui Gray!' Sustained by the eour age which be had called to life in hor, sue submitted to her martyrdom as bravely as ever. But there was an ominous cbangoiti her now 5 sbo could only submit in tilunco she could no longer trust herself to answer.

Tho mute ondurance in hor face additionally oxsy«penUed Grace Roseoerry.

Ion won't confess, she went on 'You have bad a week to confess in. and j'ou buve not done it yet. No, no 1 you are of the sort that cheat and lieu the last. I am glad of it I shall hav* the joy of

exposing

you myself betore

tho whole bouse. 1 shall be the blessed means of casting you back on the street. Oh it will bo almost worth all I bavo gone through to see you with a policeman's hand on your arm, and the inob pointing at you and mocking you on your way to jail!'

This titno the sting struck deep the outrage was beyond endurance. Mer cy gavo the woman who had again and again deliberately lusulted her a first warning.

Miss Roseberry,' sbe said, I have borne without a murmur the bltterost words you could ssy to me. Spare me auy more insults. Indeed, indeed, am eager to restore you to your just rights. With my whole heart 1 say it to you—I an r®solved to contosa every thing!'

Sho spoke with trembling earnestness of tone. Grace listed with a bard smile of incredulity and a bard look ol contempt.

You are not far from tho bell,' she said 'ring It.' Mercy look at her in speechless surprise.

You area perfect picture of repentance—you aro dying to own tho truth,'

Peforo

ursued tho other, satirically. 'Own It everybody, and own it at ono«. Call in Lady Janet—call Mr. Gray and Mr. Holtncroft, call In tbo servants. Go down on yoor knees and acknowledge yourself an impostor before tnem all. Then I will believe you—not berore.'

Don't, don't turn me against you!' cried Mercy, entreatinglyWhat ao I care whether you aro against me or not

Don'fc-fot your own sake don't go on provoking me much longer!' 'For my own sake? Yon insolent creature! Do you mean to tbroaten me

With a desperato effort, her heart beating faster and faster, the blood burning hotter and bottor in hor cheeks, Mercy still controlled herself.

Have some can*passion on tne 1' she pleaded. Jladly as I have behaved to you, I am still a woman like yourself. 1 can't face tho sbatne ofacknowledglng what I have done before tbe whole house. Lady Janet treats mo liko a daughter Mr. Holmcroft baa engaged himself to marry txe. I can't tell Lady Janet and Mr. llolmcroft to their faces tbat 1 bave cheated tbem ont of their love. But tbey shall know It lor all that. I can, and will, before I rest tonight, tell tbe whole troth to Mr. Julian Urny*

Grace bunt ont laughing. 'Aha!' •he exclaimed, with a cynical outburst of gayety. Now we bave come to it at last I'

Take care!' said Mercy 'Take care!' Mr. Julian Gray I I waa behind tbo billiard-room door—I saw yon coax Mr. Julian Gray to oome Inl Confession low* all Hs horrors, and become* quite» luxury, with Mr. Julian Grav!'

No more, Mis* Jlc*eberry! no more! Kor God's aftke, don^t pot me beside tnynelf! Yen bave tortured me enough already.'

You haven't b®en on th® street* lor nothing. Yon are a woman with resource* you know the value of having two strings to yonr bow. If Mr. Holmetna falls yon, yon b*v® Mr. Jnlian Gray. Ah 1 yon sicken me. I'U see that Mr. Holoocroft's eye® are opened b« shaft know what a woman be might have married bot for M®——'

JSb® checked h®rs®lf? tbe next refinement of IomiU remained suspended on

The woman whom she had outraged suddenly advanced on her. Her eye®.

LUplt—ly upward, **w M«rcyj

Merrick's ft®®, white with U»e terribl» tlon.

nitv tnMf which drive® tbo blood on never i»r» ftrfc, tb®%®ftrt, bending threatening over It may be thftt yoo m»y n«ver meet

You will see that Mr. Holm croft's eyes are opened," Mercy ftJtewly reposted "he shall know what ft woman he might have married but for you!•'

Sbe panned, and followed those words a question which struck a creeping, terror tbrongh Grace Roseberry, frotnthe bair of her bead to the soles of her feet:

H'Ao ore yon, ,4-

v...

Tbe suppressed fury of look irtid tolflCf! which accompanied that quesliou told,ife, as no violence could bave told it, thatC tbe limits of Merey's ondureuce had' been found at last. In the guardian angel's absence tho evil.genlus had done Ua evil work. Tho better nature which Julian Gray had brought to life sunk, poisoned by the vile venom ol a woman's spiteful tongue. An easy aud a terrible means of avenging the outrages heaped upon her was within Mercy's reach, if abe chose to take it. In tho frenxy of ber indignation sho never hesitated—she took it. •Who are you?' she asked for the second time.

Grace roused herself and attempted to speak. Mercy stopped her with a scornful gesture of the hand.

I rememi er!' she went on, with the saiMo suppressed rage. You are tbe madwoman from tbe German hospital who came here a week ago. I am not afraid of you tbls time. Sit down and rest yourself, Mercy Merrick.'

Deliberately giving her that name to her face, Mercy turned from ber and look the chair which Gr*ce had forbidden her to occupy when the interview, began.

Grace started to ber feet. What doss tbls mean?' sbe asked. It means,' auswered Mercy, contemptuously,

tbat I recall every word

I said to you just now. It means that I am resolved to keep my place in this bouse.'

Are you out of your senses You are not far from the bell. TUng it. Do what you asked mo to do. Call in this whole household, and ask them which of us is mad—you or I.' •Mercy Merrick! you shall repent this to tbe last hour ot your life!'

Mertv rose again, and fixed her

flashing

eyes on the woman who still

defied her, I havo bad enough of you!' she said. 'Leave the bouse while you can leave it. Stay here, and I will send for Lady Janet Roy.'

You can't send'for her! You daren't send for ber!' •I can and I dare. You havo not shadow of a proof against me. I have got the papers I aui in possession of the place I have established myself in Lady Janet's confidence. 1 mean to deserve your opinion of me—I will keep my dresses and uiy jewels and my position In this house. I deny that I have done wrong. Society has ^ised me cruelly I owe nothing to Society. I havo a right to take any advantage of it I can. I deny that I have injured you. How was I to know that you would como to life again? Havo I degraded your nam® and your character? 1 havo done honor to both. I havo won everybody's liking and everybody's respect. Do you think «dy Janet would have loved you as sbe loves me? Not she! I lell you to your faoo 1 have filled the false position more creditably than you could have fllbd ihetruoono, and mean lo keep it. 1 wen't glvo up your name I won't give up your character! Do your worst I defy you

She poured out those reckless words In one headlong flow which defied Interruption. There was answering her until she was too breathless to say more. Graco seized her opportunity ibe moment it was within her reach.

You

defy^hie?' she returned, reso

lutely. You won't dely me long. I have* writted to Canada. My friends will speak for tne.'

What of it, if tbey do Your friends are strangers bore. I am Lady Janet's adopted daughter. Do you think sho will

believe

your friends? She will be

lieve mo. She will burn their lettors if ihoy write. Sbe will forbid tho bouso

them if tbey oome. I shall be Mrs. Horace Holmcroft In a week's timo. Who can shako My position Who can injure Me?'

Walt a little. You forget tbo matron at the Refuge. nd her, If you can. I never told you her name. I never told you whoro ibe Refuge was.'

I will advertise your name, and find tho matron in that way.' Advertise in every paper in London. Do you think I gave a stranger liko you the name I really bore In tbe Refuge? I gavo you the name I assumed when I left Kngland. No such person as Mercy Merrick is known to the matron. Ng sucb person Is known to Mr. Holmcroft. Ho saw moat the French cottage while you wore senseloss on tho bed. I had my gray cloak on neither he nor any of them saw me in my nurse's dress. Inquiries have been the Continent—and

made about me on (I happen to know frem the person who made them) with no result. I am safo in your place I am known by your name. I

arn

Grace Iloseberry you are

Mercy Merrick. Disprove it if you can Summing up the unsellable security of ber false position In those closing words, Mercy pointed significantly to the billiard-room door.

You were biding there, by your own confession,' sbe said. You know your way out by tbat door. Will you leavo the room?'

I won't stir a step Mercy walked to tho side-table, and struck the bell placed on it.

At tbat moment the billiard-room doer opened. Julian Gray appeared— returning from his unsuccessful search In the groonds.

He had barely crossed the threshold before Ibe library door was thrown open by the servant posted In the room. The man drew back retpectfolly, and gave admission to Lady Janet Roy. Sbe was followed by Horace llolmcroft with bis mother's wedding present to Mercy in bis band.

TO BKOOXTIKCKD.

•3/A FtnrAGL MAX IMS. A msn is, in a great measure, what his Ife makes him.

It Is the mother wbo molds tbe character and destiny oft he child. Marry into a family yon have long known, if possible.

Never talk at on® another either alone or In company. Never both be angry at once,

Never speak lond loone another, unto* tbe hon«® Is on fir®. Never reflect on past errors or misjodgments.

Se« who can most often and graceAilly yield t# tbe other. The nearest approach to domestic fetletty Is th* mutual cultivation *b®olute unselfishness.

If 'anli must be found, always do it

Never s) low request to need repetion. -1 forg®t," 1* poor excuse. Never p«rt wlthont loving word. •*,.«« an&At.

again.