Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 30, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 24 January 1874 — Page 6

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SHADOWS ON THE CURTAIN. Shadows on the curtain Over the wray.

Three little heads At close of day— Three little forms

With fa lry-Uk« grace Flit to tod ft* In pha to m-ehaae. When bright lam pa are Dlgbted

A frolle*a begun. And eacii bf-art la longing For papa to come. Mamma ell* rocking

If one coold aees I'm Ktire aba's enjoying Tbe little one gleo. Hooa high on the curtain

A shadow iseast. And rbeglad cry arises. Herd's papa at la*tI" SwetfTOdaleklna first

Has a klfcs from papa, Tbe bro4ti«r, then aister, And now mamma.

And ob I nock frolic in hhadow I see. They pull at bin ooat,

And tug at his knee But three downy beds Claim the** shadows gay, And the curtain i* blank

Over the way.

Shadows on tbe curtain Over the way, Two little bead* close of day, Dim lamp* are lighted,

No irollcV begun, The »l»«dow of Death Ha* fallen o'er one. Only two darling*

For papa to meet. One lexa rosy mouth With klssea sweet. Only tour little feet

Where six have trod, One little shadow An angel with God.

Just in Time

It was the custom of the men staying at Ballasmere Towers to proceed to the billiard-room after dinner, the ladies joining tbem when coffee was served there, and usually remained to amuse themselves for a while before all adjourned to the drawing-room. Tbe first pool was lust being concluded on a certain evening in October, 106-,when the sound of rustling dresses and merry laughter announced their approach, and, headed by Lady Hatbern.they entared tbe room.

You might have searched long before yon found abetter looking set of girls than tbe new arrivals ana perhaps tho

Elonde

rettlest of the number was the little that crossed the room, and joined a young man who was leaning against the chlmney-plece, stroking bis moustache, and carelessly watching tho game.

A somewhat troubled expression which had settled on his brow passed away, and very tenderly he looked down at her smiling face—the face whloh had been his own but a very few weeks.

Well, Warbling Nightingales,if you prefer it I knew it was something ornithological.'

want to talk to you, Howard,'she said, after replying to bis impertinence by a look which was meant to express contempt, but contained too large a preponderance of smile to be successful •you must, please, come into the draw-ing-room with me.'

Howard Merthlelgh obediently followed his young wile, and, having seated himself on a settee by her side, she •Jtnmenoed:

have been talking to Mr. Bedford, dear, and bo says I ought to speak to you about money matters.'

Mr. Bedford is a bore,' he replied. Mr. Bedford is a dear old man, and would! never call the pretty pieces bis wife piayed by ridiculous names. But seriously, Howard, he 8tys that the shares in tho Peruvian mine—isn't it?— have been going up, or going down, or —doing something that they should not do and you ought to look into it.

Into the mine?' •Into the matter,sir!'

'Don't worry your little hfiad about it, dear. My money i* perfectly safe so long as it is under old Thornton's care. When my poor governor lea it to me, I may almost say be left me old Thornton manage it also. He was a very

{nownfriend

reat of my father's, and has me all my life. His wife says she used to nurse uie when I was a baby and dare say it was very nice at the time, and I shall always be much Obliged to her—if she doesn't want to do it now. Thornton has a musty little office In a dark street, right in the middle of the city, which by itself is calculated to inspire confidence. All great elty swells hsvedlrtv little offices In inaccessible courts. We won't say anything about bis won Edgar, will we? or about bis being violently In love with .a earUin young person?'

No, we won't because tbe certain young person had determined to throw herself away oo another unworthy obloci. Didn't yon once say that you bad •ome money In tbe Bank of England

Yen, dear." How mnch t* Between £3,000 and .€4,000.

Doesn't that what they call bring something in Yen, yon vague child 'tt what they call bring* In about £100 a year.'

Oh, Howard, Isn't that very little Do you know, I believe tbe clerks and people at the bank have found out that you don't underhand anything about monev matters, and dont give yon enough! Do you think that is it?'

It never occurred to me In that light before, dear. I hay® hitherto had the

Kstent

confidence In the Integrity of governor and company of tbe Bank of England,' be replied. •You are laughing at me, sir! I know you do read such things in tbe papers, tbongh. But bow much money nave you got

Four pounds, seventeen shilling ana alx-penoe,' be replied, searching bis pockets and displaying the amount

{unl«wa

that half erown la a bad one, as

I strongly suspect it is!' I don't mean thai! why are you so stupid she said, stamping an impatient little foot.

For the same reason that Dr. Watts' dogs delight to bark and bite, I suptwee, dear—'it la my nature to.' But aenoualv.I don't know what notion you have got into your sapient little bead, but I'll tell you all about it. I have £1,400 a year from tbe new shar*a—the same money as it was before invested, only brought In *U9&~a»d say £1« from tbe Bank of 1* ~,land, that's £1,* a yoa*. Bedfa: i. distrusta young Thornton's cuteneaa. but, though he certain!? baa a gootf *sal to do with tbe minAMnfQtoftbt usItHBwe, I wa wrt bedo«noUiBg important without usulllcg his Tbe shame are tain to be all right in a day or two though Bedford to correct in saying that they don't look wry rosy at present,"

Ethel was soon satisfied, and was ax-

pressing hfcfs^ld that effect .when a servant entered with letters for her husband and she settled down to bear tbe news, after rewarding biin for his explanation in tbe manner she would not have done bad any one been in tho room. .,

From Frank Harvey,'be said, glancing through the first 'he has passed his examination for tbe civil service—says he couldn't have held on two days longer be was crammed so full of knowledge that he must certainly have blown op if tbe examination bad been postponed. That's a—an arithmetical problem submitted by a friend.' Tbe problem consisted of a long column of figures, and many references to 'Melton,' Saxony.' 'Angola'and other mysterious words.

You

don't

What does he say?' asked she. said tbe worst and when Howard bad picked the truth from the host of regrets and words of bitter self-accusa-tion in which it was wrapped up, he saw that tbe result was simply ruin.

How serious you look,darling! Is any one ill Ethel inquired, ia an anxious tone.

No, Ethel, 110 one is ill, but I have received some very bad news. I will tell you about it in tbe morning I must go and find Reginald. Go to ted and don't ask questions now, my little girl.' He spoke very tenderly, and poor Ethel, who had never before seen such a troubled look on her husband's face, crept up strairs with an anxious heart, and sobbed herself to sleep.

Next morning, Howard and his cousin, Sir Reginald Hathern, the master of Ballasmere Towers, walked to and fro on tbe gravel walk in front of the house. Before them stretched the park, thickly covered with grand old trees, tbe leaves which still clung to their parent stems showing a wondrous wealth of color, made more resplendent by tbe bright sunshine, but neither of the young men were in a frame of mind to think much of the scene.

Well, little woman,' be

said, and what have you been doing? Boring the people with Donates,or playing the new piece—what is it called?— Whistling Cock Sparrows?' •No, sir: it is not! It's Warbling Nightingales!'

No, old fellow,' Howard said, in answer to a proposition which his cousin had made 'what you suggest is simply an excuse for giving me tbe money but I must do something for myself.'

What curtly asked bis cousin. •That's the question. 1 should, I think, prefer a public life of some sort—'•

The lord chancellorship, for example,' said Sir Reginald, who was hurt that the offers of assistance which hejiad made had not been accepted. He and Howard had been companions at Eton and at Cambridge, and were more like brothers than cousins.

Not quite,' Howard said. What chance has one of success on tbe stage •If one were a good-looking girl, wjtb no objection to going a step nearer to the costume of «ur first parents than her sisters in art have gone, one might obtain a livelihood,' replied Reginald.

But for me, who can only counterbalance those attractions by a tolerably good education and a great liking for the professions?'

A hundred young fellows with similar qualifications are working bard in tbe proviuces to earn flve-and-twenty shillings a week, which is paid them when tbe treasury is sufficiently full to bear such a drain on its resources.'

What about singing? That Italian tenor we met in town said some very kind things about my voice. There's stock in trade what more does a man want?' •Customers, and an opportunity of exhibiting his wares, No, I don't mean to say that voice and musical knowledge are not very desirable things lti singers, but the possession of them does not insure success by any means. How about Ethel's Chancery business

What, the £80,000 I should be extremely glad to take £800 for the chance. ,,,

Well, if you decline my offer, I will to town and talk to Cartou about it. fancy a lawyer is the most likely person to give aavioe.'

Thanks. I shall not mind working, and would rather eat the bread of carefulness than of dependence—even when it's vours, dear old Rogy. You won't blame me?'and be held out bis hand to his cousin, who shook it warmly and then Howard went into tbe bouse to find Ethel.

To take a little bouse at Richmond for headquarters to dream away the summer days, ftoatlug laslly down tba sunny stream in a little boat, •With Indolent fingers fretting the tide, And an indolent arm round around a darling waist a abort tour to some unfrequented little town in the sunny south and then, when winter came,to go from one pleasa*t country-house to another, to meet old friends and experience those enjoyments which are to be met with nowhere else—this waa the picture Howard and Ethel had formed of married life but tbe result waa far different.

How true it la that, 'ovary gate Is thronged with suitors, open but to golden keys,' grows daily more apparent: and Howard would have had small ohtiuoe of finding a market for such labor as he oould offer if he had not been fortunate enough to command strong influence. A hope bad dawned on bis mind that the fell are might prove less disastrous than Thornton had at first represented, but an interview with the old man soon dissipated this and it became very apparent that be must augment bis wonilly reduced means by hard work for he was soon convinced how futile were all ideas of success in tho patha ha had at first proposed. Carton, bis cousin's lawyer, bad obtained an appointment for htm in tbo city, by which he waa enabled to add another £300 a year to his little fortune and so the seat ia tbe gently gliding boat of which be had dreamed was exchanged for one in a prim room near tbe Mansion house, and bis arms were for from Indolent.

Siry

like arithmetic, do you?'

Ethel inquired. Not of this sort.'

It requires a great deal of patience, I always thought.' My friend agrees with you, I have no doubt,' Howard replied. An invita tion Powysford court we can't go Ah, here is a letter from Thorntonand he tore open the envelope very hastily.

A certain prevoyance seemed to tell him that something was wrene. Mr. Bedford, the old friend who had spoken to Ethel that evening, bad several times earnestly cautioned him against tbe investment which he had been induced to make but Howard placed all confidence In Thornton, and never troubled himself about business lounging easily in a good-humored way through tbe world, perfectly contented so long as the young girl, he had so recently made bis wife was happy.

TERKK-HAUTB SATURbAV EVENING MAIL, JANUARY 24, 1874.

Have something nice for luncheon,, dear,' waa tbe practical consolation which Howard suggested at he departed tne first day to 'business aud Ethel took heart at 1 o'clock to ring the bell and ask for a cutlet, remembering tbe plats which the chef at Ballasmere was In tbe habit of sending up in answer to similar requests. Surely, the

flap of meat wbieh presently made appearanoe was not a cutlet At any rate, it destroyed Ethel's appetite for the rest of tbe day.

But although tbe clocks did creep cn at apace tbey bad never adopted until very lately, tbe bands reached 5 at last aud then Howard appeared, tbe dear old insouciant smile on his face, so unlike a business man and again, as of yore, music was soothing for ne turned the pages and she was fain to admit that editors bad not formed a conspiracy to keep everything interesting from their pages, for he read to her. Theaters, too, were still amusing, although, certainly, cabs did rattle abominably, and were very different from tbe easy 6arriages in which she had .litketo otttrn whirled about. Yes, the evenings were very haDpy, and Howard's head, which ached from bending over bis dull task, grew suddenly well when Ethel's lips had touched his forebead or if the pain was not quite charmed away by tbat pleasant remedy he did not complain, lest the knowledge should mar the happiness of his tender-hearted little wife. Perhaps, at times, each of them thought with a sigh of the happy picture they had formed which was not to be realized but this life had its pleasures also, and bad it been destined tbat tbey should continue in Jit, they might have been very happy.

Visitors rarely appeared at the house, but there was ene who was very constant in hia attendance. It was Edgar Thornton and scarcely a day passed tbat he did not find his way to Bayswater to call on Ethel. Very profuse was he iu his regrets for what had occurred very bitterly

did

gut

he condemn his own

rashness and willfulness, taking (very properly) all the blame on his own shoulders and absolving his father for Edgar Thornton had a game to play, and this was, he thought, the way to play it. The confidence which Howard placed in Mr. Thornton was well bestowed and so, indirectly, he placed it also in Edgar, who abused it, as such a thorough-paced rogue as he was certain to do. So he called daily, taking a humble offering in tbo shape of a bouquet or some choice fruit, and treated Mrs. Merthleigh with more respectful attention. And Ethel? Howard had hinted at Ballasmere of love between tbem in the old days before her marriage but if there ever had been any, it had most certainly been all on his side. She had always instinctively shrunk from him, feeling, by that intuitive knowledge which pure women

jssess, that he was not a goodfman. she had struggled hara to overcome the feeling, not liking, poor little girl, to think ill of any one and so, feeling that she had done him injustice, she tried to be very polite, and as cordial as possible to him. Tbe presence, too, of any one who knew Howard was pleasant to her, especially when, as had recently been the case, he had not returned home so regularly, saying that business detained him, and she bad better net wait dinner. Dinner without Howard was a very dull ceremony, but she consoled herself with tbe reflection that it was necessary, and couldn't be helped, and continued her daily occupation of wondering what was the matter with tbe clock for a few hours longer than usual.

Has any one been here Howard asked, returning home one evening.

No dear—Oh, Edgar Thornton, she added, the moment after. His coming had grown such a usual event that it bad made no impression on ber mind. 'Pretty regular in his visits he seems?' Ho ward suggested.

Yes he always says how sorry he is to miss you.' Etoel answered.

Ah, that's very kind of him,' said Howard.

41don't

Ethel was seated at tho piano, and as he finished speaking, her fingers unconsciously wandered into Schubert's Adieu.

II.

It was the morning of the 23d of December, and for the last time for a fortnight—as he then thought, not knowing what would so swiftly come to pass —Howard had gone to his office. Tbey were going down to Ballasmere Towers on tbe morning of Christmas Day, and Ethel was just meditating on the important subject of packing up,when the maid announced a visitor.

Ask bim to walk p,' said Ethel and the girl retired,returned anon with the information that bn 'didn'tlike to: would the lady mind atepping out and speaking to hfm

Ethel aesoended tbe narrow.stairs to comply with tbe request, and found a man in the ball, dressed as a carpenter. He made haste, on seeing her. to remove tbe paper covering which did duty for a hat, and having rubbed the bash fulness from bis face with the apron around his waist, said:

Your good man ain't at home.mum, is be?' Ethel, correctly inferring that he meant Howard, replied that he was not.

I called about tbem carpets for tbe hup stairs rooms, mum.' •The carpets?' said Ethel, opening ber eyes.

Yes, mum I come from Mr. Maurel the upholsterer, and waa to aayaa

Howard batfcnever dreamed of wonting, and his daily labors were terribly rooWrt-^-u« and tedioos bnt his regrets What his carelessness bad wghton Ethel absorbed every other ivUing. 8tw, poor little girl, found Bayswater ijtinga very dull and t! after tbe luxurious existence to she bad boea accustomed. Books wore lest interesting than formerly, and: music leaa during and the slatternly servant, so ferent from the spruce, trim, dst: waa need to have about her, slx~.au,. made her shudder.

*ow he 'ad got some of the crimson pattern, and tbe curtains would be up tonight.*

I don't at all understand yon 1 tKltifr you mnst have made a mistake I' Ethel exclaimed wondering whether this was the right time to ask him to have some beer—a suggestion which she had a strong impression she ought always to make when talking to a work-ing-man.

This is Mr. Merthleigh's, isnt it, mom Mr. 'Oward Merthleigh Yea,' Ethel admitted.

And ain't tbat 'is writin*, mum?' Inquired tbe man, anxious to make quite sure, showing Ethel a note which ahe Immediately saw was in ber husband's hand, add leased to the upbol-

*tUtterly perplexed, she said tbat it

Are the curtains and things for this bouse asked aba. No, mum, for Mr. Merthleigh a other "ouse, at Richmond—the one we're doin' for 1m. Mr. Mantel says he Is very glad he waa able to get the curtains the pattern as the lad choose, be-

cos be feared he wouldn't be able to.' A chilling fear took hold of Ethel's heart. There could be no mistake. Howard had taken a bouse awav from town and why, waa answered Dy the fact tbat a lady bad been with bim to choose the forniture.

41will

let Mr. Merthleigh know you

called—he is not at bome now,' Ethel said, in a low voice, struggling hard to bide her emotion from the man and then, running up stairs and locking the door of her room, she flung herself on tbe bed and wept a flood of passionate tears.

Had she deserved this from the man for whom she had given op her life of luxury to live in wretched lodgings? ahe argued in ber unreasoning grief. How sbe bad hungered for tba grip of bis false band, for a look from his traitorous eyes, and while sbe had sat wearily watching for his return, where bad be been Tbe thought maddened her.

A gentleman to see you, mum,' said the maid, knocking at her door. Ethel's first impulse was to say she could not see any one—surely she had received enough visitors that day! But anything was preferable to ber own thoughts so, batbiqg her eyes and throbbing lorebead, aud striving hard to repress tbe quiverings of ber lip, sbe descended to the drawing-room.

Tbe visitor was a young man of some six-and-twenty years of age albeit a smile was on his face, it was not a pleasant smile to see, and though his face was to a certain extent a handsome .one, there was a look in the eyes that boded ill for the persou of whom be thought.

I think we are approaching the termination of act two,' be said to himself let's hope tbe curtain wiil fall on a satisfactory situation—satisfactory to jnyself, I mean. I'm the walking gentleman, only it's urjffjrtunate that my interests are oppsse-Ti to those of the rest of the dramatis personue. Well, the character will have been well worth the trouble of sustaining if tbe denouement is only as I wish it to be!' Tbe sqiile grew into a sneer, which, however, rapidly disappeared when Ethel opened the door.

Good morning, Mr. Thornton,' sbe said, as nearly in her natural voice as possible.

Good morning, Mrs. Merthleigh. I am sorry to see, as I do only too plainly, that you are not well.' He spoke in atone of tender compassion, more so than he had ever dared to assume before, for be bad determined to put it to the touch to-day, and the strange look in her face told bim tbat things had happened as be expected. •Thank you I have rather a headache,' Ethel replied, very truly, with great difficulty repressing the tears which still strove to reach her eyes.

When do you leave town he asked. •Not until the morning of Christmas day,' she answered. Ah, now she saw plainly eoungh why he bad delayed their departure until then.

How I shall miss you!' he said, with a sigh. Should he cross tbe room to the sofa where sbe was sitting Perhaps it was too soon for that, and there was plenty of time.

Mr. Merthleigh accompanies you, of course

Yes, I sup—' She checked herself before ber anger mastered ber tongue. Yes, of course!'

But Thornton saw that tbo full time was come for bim to commence bis project. He crossed the room now, and seated himself by her side, she little heeding his movements.

quite thiuk I like

our friend Edgar, dear but I'm obliged to be very polite to him, or he would think I blamed bim for that wretched money business. I saw his father today, and really felt more sorry for him than I did for myself, be seemed so distressed. Poor little girl,' and be kissed ber lovingly, you look very thin and pale the country will do you lots of good. By Jove, little thought last 22d of December that this year I should be in the city. Well. It only proves the old proverb, Nothing happens but tbe unexpected.' I wonder what next year has in store More city, I suppose.

hardly know how to say to you what I wish—what 1 feel it my duty, as a loving friend, to say.' The tone in which he spoke was very earnest, and Ethel listened intently. •Merthleigh is my friend but so are you. You were a very dear friend once, Ethel, forgive me if the old name rushes to my lips, and you ought to know all, ail the wretched, miserable truth!' be said, with indiguation. 'I saw a maa, a working-man, leave the house before I entered it. 1 can not tell what may have brought him here, but I have reasons for asking if the distress which I grieve to see iu your face is in any way attributed to his visit?'

He knew well what the man's errand had been, and how it was that he had seen Ethel, instead of calling at her husband's office.

Your silence assures me tbat it is so.' Ethel bad turned her bead from bim and was resting her face on ber hand. 'The moment has come, Ethel, when I may speak—when it is disloyalty to no one if I say tbe word I have longed so earnestly to say. Your woman's heart will tell you if the words coine from the bottom of my soul when I say

love you!' Merthlelgh's miser

able secret is a secret no longer I see tbat you know tbe truth—nay, Ethel. I see that it is so. You know where be

Eaps

asses his days, though you da not perknow with whom. You kBOW of the house at Richmond, and will guess that where there is a bird there is a cage. There, I will say no more. Ethel, my darling, yoar tears madden mo!1 He tried to draw her to him, but even in this moment of supreme grief Bhe freed herself from bis grasp. Ke raised bis face, which had been near tbe unhappy girl's ear, and a devilish smile gleamed in his false eyes. The game was for bim 'Ethel,' be continued, 'I loved you from tbe first, but when you chose that traitor I let you go, stilling my misery with the thought of your happinesss. Had be remained true, and in a small degree worthy of you, I would have kept silence to tbe end but now love gives me the right to speak, and, trembling, I seise my right, and implore you to give me what I think wait ever my own. Your love I aak, Ethel! Come with me away from tbia villlan, and from all remembrance of him. Tbere are happy spots out of England where nature is aa mush fairer than tbia miserable street aa my love is deeper than bis. I am rich in money bnt very poor without the heart I prise above all else in tbe world! Will you let him keep what be esteems so lightly and be content with one spot in his heart—if that remains to you—while all bis real affection ia laviabed on another? Do you prefer tbat to tbe devotion I offer, to tbe adoration I cannot help but giveT 8peak, Ethel and speak pitifully, for tbe sake of the years I have suffered.'

Sbe dried her eyes and, bnt tbat a frantic aeb ever and anon broke her utterance, replied, calmly.

Mr. Thornton, my husband is false to me, aa I know, and you profem to love me, as I believe you do. I will go with you.' A little sbodder crept round her heart, but ber passion destroyed it and thus she took revenge. •Spoken like tbe brave girl I love!* be cried. 'It would be doubting tbe courage you have shown to ask if you will delay. We may oateh tbe &50 train to Beschville if we are quick, and from there we ean erosn the water. Come, Ethel! You have acted nobly, aad with tbe spirit I was certain you would display, sod happiness will be your reward.

Very hard sad cold and Mem waa Ktnei, and triumphant as he was, be dared not so much aa take ber hand. She left the room.and returned in a few momenta arrayed for tbe moat perilous, Journey she had ever adventured.

There was a cab stand by the door, and ere many seconds they were jolting toward the railway station.

The train was gone, and tbey were forced to wait two hours for another. Ethel, cloaely veiled, sat by the wait-ing-room fire she had not yet realized her position, and only felt a dall aching pain at her heart, and a dim knowledge that a dreadful cloud overshadowed all her life a cloud tbat had no silver lining, and through which the sunbeams could not penetrate, however resplendently tbey might shine. Thornton, well muffled up, for he did not care about being noticed, strode up and down tbe

Slatform,

smoking a cigxr, and chuck-

ng to himself at the success of bis scheme, and the folly of those from whom he bad won tbe game,

Shall I take your bag to a carriage, sir tbe porter asked as tbe train came up, alluding to a small black valise Tborton carried in his hand.

He declined.

mustn't part with

you, my precious little friend,' said he, burryingtuthe waiting-room to fetch. Ethel. He ensconced ber in a corner of the carriage, the whistle sounded, and the train glided out of the station.

And then, for the first time, as the oold wind blew into her hot lace, and waved her glossy hair, sbe began to recognize the deed she was doing. As the train took her, husband, friends, self-respect, honor, were left behind. And then she thought of Howard, of how good and true and noble be bad ever been and suddenly it flashed across her. mind that the true explanation of this drcadfu. mvstery might be other than she supposed. Evidence seemed against bim out was it possible to think that he. who had ever shown himself a great-hearted gentleman, worthy descendant of the men of his race who bad gone before him,could be so base to one whose whole trust bad been stayed in him And she remembered all the love and kindness which be had lavished on her, how she bad never heard cross words from his lips, or seen angry looks in his eye how he had forgiven girlish willfulness with a pleasant smile in tbe old days before she was quite his own and how, since the lines had fallen hardly on him, and he had come upon evil days, he had been tbe same ss ever, true, loving, and kind! And she was leaving bim for

The train, which had stopped at a station, again moved on. One stage further from fair fame, and from the husband she was leaving—the husband she was leaving for whom? This man, who was so far removed from Howard in all that was noble as darkness from light! This man, from whom she recoiled with horror, now that once more ber brain asserted its sway! Ab, if she could escape. He would not east ber from bim, she felt sure. Was it too late? She glanced at her companion tbere was a determined look in his eyes which spoke ill for the success of any prayer she might address to bim for release.

The train again stopped. Let me get you a cup of tea,' he said. •You have had no dinner, you know, and must want something.'

I could not take anything, thank you,' sbe answered. 'No, please

Once more the train stopped at a little station and as it drew up by tbe platform,, a way of escape from the thraldom which was momentarily more closely encircling her suggested itself.

They bad already paused a minute when she looked up at her companion, who had not spoken, for Ethel's face did not invite conversation, and said, •Will you please fetch me a glass of Wfltcr T'

I'm so glad to do something for you, my darling,' he said, and hastily left the carriage.

So soon as he bad disappeared Into tbe wretched little refreshmout-room, Ethel slipped from the carriage, and fled with trembling feet to tbe waitingroom. The bell rang before Tborton emerged with tbe water, and ho rushed hastily to the train. Etbtl was not there! He must have gone to the wrong compartment! He glanced through the next window, and just then tne train moved off and with a quickly beating heart, and words of fervent thanks to Heaven on her lips, tbe watcher saw him spring hastily through the carriage door,and the train glided off into tbe darkness.

She sank into a chair in the deserted little room, and covered her face with ber bands, alter drawing along, deep breath of the free airs

Some one entered tbe room. Sbe listened. Surely tbe sound of those footsteps was very familiar to her oars. She raised her faoe.

It was Howard. He looked on her wltb a gsze which would have been very atern but for tbe blessed pity in it, as sbe, dazed by tbe unexpected apparition,stood speechless before him. 'Are you my wife?' be asked, in a strange tone.

Her eyes were as tbe eves of an angel as sbe looked into his face, so tbat ne did not need to hear ber ssy, 'Your own wife!' aa she sank eebbing at his feet.

And then he raised her and took her in his arms, and she beard those words which sbe had thought would never again greet ber listening ears, and, as of yore, sbe felt his loving caress and the tears flowed faster than tbey bad flowed In her exceeding sorrow, tears of happiness ssnt by a gracious God to wash away her misery, and tbe remembrance of ber sinfulness.

will ask you no questiona,my own darling. I em quite satisfied to find you again. How could you doubt me Was I wrong in keeping a secret from you Tbere was money saved from the wreck of tbe mining shares, though I aaid not, £2,000, and I took tbe little house at Richmond which you bad chosen, and furnished it as you wished. Itwsa to be a Cbrlstmaa present for you, and I Invited Reginald and bis wifesnd Bedford to dinner thereon Christmas eve. We can still meet tbem my wife and let this pass away like the memory ef a bad dream.'

Then he told her how it happened that he had appeared so unexpectedly. On returning home, radiant with pleasure at tho prospect of their holiday and of tbe surprise he bad in store for her, he was astonished tbat sbe did cot rush out ss usually to greet bim: and tbe aatonisbmest was Incresaed when be found that sbe was not in the bouse. He rang the bell« and waa told by tbe servant tbat she bad gone out with a genv leman at 3 o'clock, and had not returned. Wandering up stair* In his perplexity, be found a few lines she had scrawled on a sheet of paper, aaying that she bad goo*, aba for what icmion

Paralysed by surprise and grief, be the house, pausing for a moment on tl loor-atep, not knowing whither io gt and while tbere a cabman on the neighboring stand offered bis vehicle.

It was the man who had taken Bthel and Thornton to tbe station, and who knew Howard, being often employed by him. The ghastly look on tbe young man's face confirmed the suspicion he had formed when hired by Thornton tbat all was not well for something in Ethel's manner bad attracted hia attention.and knowing Thornton waa not her huaband, be had watched.

I've 'ad a job from your place, afore 'o-day, sir,' be said to Howard, letting him know where be took tbe fugitives, and alao tbat their destination was Beachville for curiosity bad induced bim to ascertain.

Howard had followed, and as tbey had missed their train, fugitives and

gursuer

had all gone at tbe aamo time. looking out of the window at the little station where Etbel had escaped, to hia intense surprise he bad seen ber, and, springing from tbe train, followed ber to tbe room. •My Ethel,' he said, -when he had finished his narrative, 'we will livo happily, in perfect confidenoe, at yonr new bouse. Not quite so luxuriously as we might have done—I fear there will be no pony carriage for along time to come' (he wished to divert her mind from its present thoughts),

Bit

there,' she added, for he had made a move as if to come to her side.

4My

head aches terribly.' The smile on bis face was not pleasant to see as he returned to his corner. •You are master now, my lady,' he grimly muttered under his breath, 'but as tbey say en the provincial stage. 'A day will come!'

5but

beg your pardon, sir you ain't doctor?' he asked. •No, I'm not,' Howard answered. •What's the matter?' •An accident down tbe line, sir. Goods train in the way, as usual. Bad accident, I'm afraid, and It's at a lonely place, about two miles off, where there ain't much help to be got,' the man answered.

Can I help »sked Howaid Well, sir, if you would not mind, it is duty like. We've sent telegrams, but it'll be some time before they are answered.'

Howard returned for a moment to the room where he bad left Etbel. •There has been an accident—an accident, Ethel, be said solemnly—'to the train by which we came here wo were onlyjiut in time I am going to see it I ean be of any assistance/

Sho pressed hia band between ber own and kissed it, tiiul be aud two or three others mounted the engine and sped away, leaving Ethel to reflect, with awe and gratitudo to heaven, on the ruin which had so nearly befallen her.

A terrible sight rust Howard's gazo when he reached the scene of the catastrophe. Both lines, ho saw, by the light of the flaming torches,were thickly strewed with lragments of the carriages, and hero and there among the debris were still living beings who had not been extrioated. Tho engiue lay helplessly on its side, and on tbe pathway by the rails were three shapes covered with tarpaulin.

The first thing be saw was a man, who was kept down by amass of wood work oovering his legs. It was Edgar Thornton. Howard made bis way to bim. He did not know how deeply the prostrate figure had wronged him but bad he known, It was of course impossible to refuse assistance at such a momeut.

Great heaveu, Thorton! My poor fellow, I fear your legs are hurt.'

No,' gasped the other,speaking with great difficulty and In a low tone.

we will

be very happy ana I shall, I hope, soon obtain some employment that will give more time with yon. I hear tbe train let us go.'

It was not the train, but an engine only which drew up bv the platlorm, from which a man alighted, with grave face.

4Is

sbe safe?' Then Howard saw the truth. 'She left tbe train at tbe last station,' be replied, as gently as his surpriso would allow. •I don't know what's brought you here,' the dying man murmured, 'but it is as well you have come, It all up wlth me—my back Is hurt. I robbed you of your money-as I would have done of your wife. There are thirteen thousand pounds of yours, in that black bag. The Peruvian money was never lost. I have been studying tbat—Chancery suit—your wife must win—papers there will explain. That's the reason I tempted ber to leave you. His voice grew very indistinct, and was almost inaudible to Howard, who, kneeling down, bent over bin*. 'I should like to hear her say--1 forgive—'

After Howard had said a prayer oyer the lifeless body, it adned a fourth to the three shapes already under tho tar-

^Tbe'black valise,which had remained in tbe carriage where be left Ethel when for tbe last time on earth be felt the solid ground beneath his feet, bad In tbe terrible shock been restored to to bis side. We have seen bow bo had been seated in the next compartment of the carriage when the train plunged on to destruction.

Perfectly charming!' was the verdict which the little party passed on Howard's house, after dinner, on tbe evening succeeding these events.

It's awfully kind of you, Regy, to leave tbe Towers on Christmas Eve to gratify my whim,' said Howard,

The baronet—who waa usually an exceedingly undemonstrative manshook bands wltb his eoasln for somewhere about tbe thirty-fifth time tbat evening, and replied, We'll make up for It before Twelfth day, old fellow!'

He kept his word and the Bsllasmere tenants and servants, incited by the example of their lord and. hia friends, made It up to such an extent that It is greatly to be feared their festivities approached tbe extreme verge of 'orgies/

The visitors had departed to their hotel, aud Howard and Etbel were alone when tbe clock struck 12.

your

Christmas «a happy as you

expected it to be, my own wife he ssked end Etbel threw herself Into bis arms, and waa clasped tightly to her husband's loving heart as the bells rang on Christmas morning.

(From Tbe Mall October «b.f

Our Chromo.

jforsome mouths we have con^fmplated adopting tbe plaa of many of tbe leading eastern magastnes and papers of giving ebromos to mail subscribe**. Tbe announcement has been delayed until this time for the reaaoa that we could not get a chromo of neb merit as would be aatlafaelory. It gratifies us to announce tbat we have at last succeeded, beyond oar expectations. By a lucky hit we so«**d®£ In making an arrangement wltb York religious weekly, by which the Joint nse of tbe ehromo Good Morning" t» eeeurea. It is bright and new,aw» P*cal)*arly tractive. Upon tbls I*** f1*® cat representation of it. whau ae oor best, ean we -now iropraeion? while fhecbroroo has uwr advantage of rtx» teen ImprB-loD. and as dl®»ent ghadea of color. On Ui.» *»od eat we print mpiM in a single •"•»«». fttetjuirestwo months' time to Ut en Alton of tbe noil

broflwi.

may appear, tbls chroiao, which any dealer wiil tell you is aortb tl, is O1V0 to every

yearly

subscribes totbe8et"ri»y Evening

m«»- And tbe Mall eosti only fcisyetr.