Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 18, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 31 October 1874 — Page 2

2

HSt

Si

FOR iTfE PEC?

O UTdr Ttfjg WX&DO

-»Y X0KA

Oat of the window she leaned, and laughed, A girl* laugh, idle, and foolish, and SWe0tv-™-Foolish and ldle.it drooped like a call,

Into the crowded, noisy street. Up he glsnced at the glancing face, Who nad eanght the langh as It flattered and fell, And eye to core for a moment there

They held each other aa if by a spell. All in amoment passing there,— And Into her idle, empty day, All in that moment something new

Suddenly seemed to Had its way.

At every window in passing by, credit on us than our He looked a moment, and seemed to see A pair of eyes like the morning sky.

DID SHE DIE?

^CHAPTER XI. DBCLAHATIO-MS O* WAB,

Patience and courage, nut telle," was /the cheerful reply. "Turn your horse's ,head to the right now give him the whip keep a firm seat, and obey my directions implicitly."

For once Maude did as she was bid, with as much docility as a penitent

I have taken the short ait, Mr. Bayle, and—here I am S" He bowed, and rode on In silence

any. In If-inclined

to be angry

i*i

while Katie looked very much inclined to oblige me but I should like to be at to chide her sister for imiairing so light efj home when he comes and I have prom-

the alarm she had caused them and Rupert slyly advised her sot to boast too much or the exploit—at all events till she had rid herself of her wet ridingdress, and regained some color in her cheeks.

Laugh at n^aa imteli as yon will I do not care," ahe retorted. "I have proved to yon that a woman can be aa firm of purpose as the sex that sneers at her for her weakness. What say you, Mr. Hayle? Bo yon not think I may be allowed to claim a victory

I had rather not give an opinion," he replied. Ah! Yon will not oenfeea that for once you are worsted!" cried Maude, her eyes sparkling. Yon thought should not have courage to wature ncross that field. Oonfoss it, or are yon not magnanimous enough to own that teve come off a conqueror

It was a dear victory," laughed Rupert, "for it wtll eoei you anew skirt, and^yoo have lost the feather of your

We must all expect to leave something on the_ field/' differently: "and if the enemy would admit that I came off with flying colors, I shot)Id be satisfied," "Do I represent the enemy?" aaked Will, with a look on his ftee, half-care-IgMMa Wn|#^iM»ifc»isiiMi lAtUMfctst •limi tfrhMfiliTMit Maude against him.

Yam tf« certainly mt my friend, As you please, Miss Leaders," hemcoolly, m' mm even indignantly, as if he did not think the pettish speeches of sach a trifler were worthy of his notice.

Aa I pieaee, do you say, sir? Ttxm giveiMi the estihAeliee I deaoaad: ae» kaowiodge that I haw proved my eonran atidng* strength ofwili." s'vvii I mttet aarin kO that Ibad rather «#t gw* io» ymat foat," he answered, and Kstlo wld»pered:

me'

Ibeeapee I did not [JrielcRjo his represents(Hons, and avoid the I against which he wuiMme."

I oertainly thought

{y,"acted

•oil very fooliahsaid Will, in hi* bluntest manner "and if you had been my sister, you should not have cone."

That's frank. Attention Mr. Hayle is goingf to be brave, and give us his true opinions at last. Well, afrjwhafcelae?" inly this. Miss Leaden, that while

And 0,roogH .od th^h th. eUmomtf JJJ »™Pl»mlngyourTtuuSId. bis eKunoiotu How My, might to™ your A Kin's laugh, idle, and foolish, and *west, hoiise his life, even if

Intoe*e*y bargain found itsvrajr. yon saved your own, *nd £xcm«h and through the crowd ttfthe 8°lSS

defeats." I'll enter that aphorism in my notebook when I keep one," said Maude, nothing daunted by the significance with which he spoke. "Rupert, »won cher ami, I cannot understand how it is that you are not a more perfect character. You have had the inestimable advantage of Mr. Hayle's com pan-

What Maude's reflections were as she sat there, half-aftaid to make any attempts to extricate herself, lest her bemired steed should flounder in more deeply, there would be some difficulty in describing. She was not only fright- I ionship, and yet you are almost as frivened at her position, but angry with her-1 olous as my unhappy self." self with Wilfred Hayle for his want of My faults are my own, my virtues gallantry with Rupert and Katie for I are borrowed from my friend," said Ruleaving her, as she phrased it, to the pert, so pleasantly, that Maude was simercy of such a bear and—though she leneed, Wilfred's brow cleared, and would not have confessed this to any I Katie's proposal that they should all but herself—she was very much asham-1 canter across the common and try to ed of tbe folly that bad brought her into I overtake the phaeton was acceded to. such a predicament. I It has been a delightful ride," Katie

Whatever happens, the fault is all said, as Rupert liftecTher Irom her horse my own!" she exclaimed, with a sob land with a nod and a smile that includ "and, oh, dear! it is growing quite dusk! ed both gentlemen, she ran in-doors. If they should not discover my absence I Maude, declining any assistance, had till they reach JLeabauka, what will be- already dismounted, and was hurrying come or me Ito her room but she heard the little

But this new alarm was a short-lived speech her sister made, and commented one. Scarcely bad the idea entered her I upon it. head when she heard a shout, and, look-1 You must have curious notions of ing up, saw Rupert Errington riding to-1 that word 'delightful.' For my own ward her from the opposite corner of I part, I think our ride was spoiled by the the field. W ilfred Hayle had been more I ooorishncss of Mr. Hayle and votir civconsiderate than she imagined. On ility to him was not only ill-timed but a finding her waywardly resolved to make I reflection on me." the venture, he had spurred onward, It was not so intended, Maude: but I and briefly telling Rupert what she had I cannot be impolito to a gentleman who done, sent him to her assistance. really has not done anything to deserve

Maude's courage revived as soon as (your-

she caught sight of a well-known fhee j" "My what?" asked Maude, finding but was soon in an awkward plight, and I that she paused, there was no disguising it and when I Well, dear, promise not to be angry Rupert halted at some distance, with if I say that you have been unpardonathe treacherous swamp still between blv severe upon Wilfred Hayle." them, another sob rose in her throat. I You forget that he has been equally

Pray come to me she exclaimed. rude to me. Why should I not resent it "lean scarcely keep Brownie siill yet [by the only means in my power?—a when he tries to struggle out of the mire I stinging speech or two, and an effort to he sinks deeper." make him comprehend that he is not

Coming to you is scaroely possible,? the 'Admirable Crichton' his infatuated Rupert answered "but if you will be I uncle has taught him to consider himjguided by me. I think you will soon be self." fable to reach higher and drier ground."! "What signifies this to ns?" asked

Be quick, then, for my hands are so Katie, gently. "He is Mr. Errington's benumbed, I can scarcely hold the guest, and Rupert's friend for these two reins."

^UCOfr) auu OAJlVUU« 4W1 VUWV

reasons we should overlook anything in his manner that displeases us, and indeed, Maude, dear, you have provoked the rudeness of which you complained."

Perhaps, I have," the young lady admitted, after consideration. I have been cross and disagreeable, must acknowledge, and for a reason not

child and, guided bjj Rape rt's eye and I worth repeating so I'll turn over anew voice, she encouraged her horse to make leaf, and consign Mr. Wilfred Hayle to renewed efforts. These were successful, I the forgetfnlness he deserves. I cannot and presently she found herself once I like him, Katie, so don't ask me to do snore on terrafirrna. more than ignore the churlish fellow."

A very pretty figure I am for the 1 Bnt you can be polite to him, as you Tide home!" she cried, ruefully, as she would be to any one else who visits looked down on her mud-bespattered I here." hAbit. I For ybttr sake?" asked Maude,turn

We can take the back way to the ing sharply round to look at her. "Are house," Rupert—always good-natured— you going to carry your interest in Rulmmeaiately suggested. **I will ride for-1 part's fidtts achates to such a length that ward and tell Will and «vour sister what I must learn to look upon him as a fuwe purpose doing." ture brother-in-law?"

But Maude raised her head proudly, I don't ask my heart such questions and her repentance was forgotten. tbe seoond time of seeing a new acquain Indeed, you shall do no such thing, Mr. Hayle will fancy that I am afraid to meet his reproving eyes. I will not steal away, as if his opinio* had any influence over me."

As this was her mood, Rupert laughed, and said no more, but pressed on for the gate. There Katie was anxiously awaiting their coming, and could scarcely be restrained from joining them by the assurance of Wilfred—who had climbed a high bank to reconnoitre— thai her sister was safe, and with Rupert. "You see. I achieved my purpose," Maude told them, with a triumphant air.

tance," Katie composedly replied and, then, not caring to expose herself to another attack, left, her whimsical sister to her toilet.

When her own—always a more simple one—had been made, and she descended to the drawing-room, Rupert, its only tenant, laughingly alluded to Mauders escapade,

I could not persuade Will to stay to dinner. I verily believe he thought his ears were in danger. But he will walk over iri the morning with the picture you were saying you should like to copy." "lam so sorry!" Katie exclaimed "I mean—that Is, I do not mean that I am sorry Mx. Hayle has been so ready

isod to go to Barford with Mamie to match some wools. Humph 1 And thus wo neutrals are compromised by the belligerents. If you stay to receive Will. Maude may feel herself aggrieved and if you go out, Will may fancy that it is to avoid him. How are we to reconcile our difficulties Shall I volunteer to take your place? Will Maude haw any faith In my skill as a uatcher of ahades for her Jaaoy work?" "She Is always pleased to have your society," Katie frankly replied "for yon contrive to understand her bettor than any one else does, and never take nmbrage at her teasing speeches." "Thanks for the compliment, ml though it did include an indirect hit at poor old Will. But yon iaust understand that if 1 offer to go Barford with Maude, it is for yowr sake, dear Katie. 1 should not like you to be disappointed of the pleasure know you have promis^youreelf in copying Sir Mar-

His (one was low and Impaishwed. though Katie did not 4e«ect it, and thiuriked him with her customary placidity. Rett, as Rupert looked into the smiling eye* she ralssd to his, a footstep drew near and, turning round in some confusion, he saw thai his father fend entered the room, and was looking at him «o gravely, if not woroachfully, that the young man foil ha color rise •Oil higher. ^.

Of this, however, Mr. Ktrlngton took no notice but as he advanced lo the fire, and stirred It Into a blase, he asked

Where is Witfted V* Oomt home, air, to redraft himself after a pitched battle with Mlstiww Maude, whogivenMm no (jnarter," Rupert jestingly replied, and the dlspleas* edlook ou Mr. Errington^ fiwe deep-

I thought yon tailed yenwiilf WUfred*# friend," h« Mid, gravely. "It is a poor proof of your good ftseflng to aid

Ptsyaagr*» more, denr Msad*. Let!and *oet a ttMu^tI«Mi girl in her enns ebooieafiioaMantor topi' .'1 ideavore to make him ridicalona in tbe Bat M«mf« woald *K# tmmt feffttttfc eyes of oth***," entreaty. Never before bad bo spoken so oevere-

Mr. Hay will not be frank with 11 to hi* son: and before the astonished •Tfr*- hf *M?kv mr ft# Rup*»» find *"rda to reply, Mr.

1

•mm

Krr «n id ask--i Katie to go with

|fl»t lit' i» afntui or Knm* w* «mln r*i3tut'«» the si »rjr to look at jne» tags trfyoar lows, yon will take an

But, though he thanked her, he persisted in his wish, saying to Katie so pointedly, "You will oblige me, will you not, my dear?" that the young girl, a little surprised—for she was not at all skillful at the game—fetched the board and pieces while Maude, whose hint that she wanted Katie to play accompaniments for her was heard in silence went to the piano alone.

But this young lady was of too restless a disposition to enjoy any solitary amusement and, on pretence of being unable to find some particular song she wished to try, she had just succeeded in wiling Rupert to her side, when there was a little stir at the door. Every one looked up to meet, with something like a shudder, the steely eyes of Mr. Durrant, who stood there leaning on the arm of his servant. His face was BO ghastly and drawn with illness, that the smile on his pale lips was not a pleasant onff to see, and Mr. Errington, who started up to greet him, could scarcely frame words that did not sound like a mockery, and he was not sorry that his guest stopped him as soon as he began to speak.

Thanks pray say no more. Of oourse you are very glad, and so on it's the stereotyped form, so spare me a repetition of It, I have not left my chamberby the way, it's draughty enough to kill a Russian—to see you. bnt your fair Wards. Introduce me to them."

Katie, too sincere not to feel disconcerted than gratified by the complimentary speeches Mr. Durrant addressed to her, was relieved when he passed on to make the acquaintance of Maude, whose gay insouciance amused him so much that he devoted himself to her for the hour or so he remained in the room.

No one could be more delightful than Mr. Durrant, when ho was in the humor, and excited as much by the change from his sick-chamber as Maude's readiness to smile at all his witty sallies, ho talked, laughed, and jested as if in perfect health. To Rupert he had merely vouchsafed such 4 supercilious hod, that th© young man—already chafed by his &tber*s reproof, and now haughtily displeased at Mr. JDurrant's manner—made no attempt to Join in the conversation but carried his book to a distant table, whore ho sat reading, or pretending to read, till Milly Raymond good-natured-ly joined him. "And so, lady-bright, they are Immuring you in a dull country-house, instead of permitting you to float at once into your natural element—society Mr. Durrant observed to Maude.

She glanced at the slight mourning she still wore for her mother. am in no hurry. I might sink in stead of floating, if I were in too much haste to ho launched on the great world of Ikshion."

How very soberly that was said! If you are preparing for yoor campaign

with so much grave thought,and intend to be armed at all points for conquest, Cupid defend the unhappy wights who arm your path I"

Maude held up a slender finger "Fie! Mr. Durrant. Youarefidling Into tbe same unaccountable mistake other* have made, and setting me down an insatiable flirt. I shall oe obliged to make a love-match with a younger son or a poor curate, to convince you all that 2 really am innocent of such malice prepense toward your sex." "What says the po*t? "SveiT womanisafilrtatheeit™., quoted Mr. Durrant.

A misquotation, Mid a libel—a cruel llb«l upon us." declared Maude. "I like every one to Uta* me—excuse the tautology—and I see no harm in doing mar be** to win lhat liking. But I should be miaorable ifl thought I had inflicted ttwIQj**

This was said with all sincerity but Mr. Durrant did not believe it, and smiled, as b* observed:

You are too merdfUl. By-and-by, when nee has hardened you to the sufffer-

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

WlhFRED BEHELD A SIGHT THAT FOI-t THE MOMENT TRANSFIXED HIM WITH HOBROB."

orchids Sir Marcus had sent him, and led her away.

CHAPTER XII.

MB. DUBRANT GROWS SOCIABLE. As if resolved not to give his son any opportunity for commenting upon his lecture, Mr. Errington rose with the ladies when they left the table and, instead of staying to have a pleasant chat with Rupert over tbe one glass of wine In which he ordinarily indulged, ho accompanied Milly Raymond and her fair charges to the drawing-room.

Tho veung people,fallen into the habit of gathering at the piano, sometimes listening to Maude's brilliant playing, sometimes singing glees and part-songs but just as frequently idling the evening away in talk, that was now sad now merry, and embraced every imaginable subject that interested' them. Very often Milly was drawn into their circle, and appeals to settle vexed questions were made to Mr. Errington, as he sat in his arm-chair by tho hearth, either listening to their young voices, tho very sounds of which were gratefu to the ears of the man whose life had been such a sad and solitary one—or else absorbing himself so thoroughly in a Quarterly Review, that their loudest bursts of laughter did not disturb 'him

But to-night Mr. Errington intercept ed Katie as sho was preparing to pla some duets with, her sister, and cha lenged her to a game of chess. Milly, who was an excellent player, was usually his antagonist, and, thinking that it was a polite reluctance to interrupt her while stitching so busily that maue Mr. Errington prefer his request to some one else, snc smilingly expressed her readiness to give him liis revenge for the losses of tho preceding evening.

kind pleasure in counting how many hearts you have broken." Maune shook her head.

That's a horrible prediction, and will never be realised. Men don't break their hearts for such trifiers as I! It's only yoar tragical and romantic young ladies that inspire grand passions. Very desperate lovers are interesting enough on the stage but they must De a nuisance in private life, and I'll have none of them." "I thought all young ladies were romantic," Mr. Durrant observed. "In a general way, I suppose they are either silly or sentimental. I may be the first but I know I am not the latter."

You don't incline to the opposite extreme, do you?" asked Mr. Durrant. "Ifyou mean am I strong-minded,I answer no—no—no. I like to read the arguments in favor .of woman's rights but I leave Katie to decide how far they are worth anvthing. If you mean 'am I last,' why think that must depend upon how we interpret the word," and Maude smiled archly. "Are you very straight-laced, Mr. Durrant? Does it shock you very much if one chances to infringe the rules of etiquette a little now and then

My dear Miss Lesden, a pretty woman, who speaks and moves as gracefully as you uo, makes her own rules, cannot imagine you do anything really vulgar

Maude bowed, How very nicely that was worded There's balm in your speeches, Mr. Durrant. I do so detest the people who pride themselves on their sincerity, and make it an excuse for saying all manner of rude things—don't you?"

I hate everything you hate," he answered promptly, and Maude laughed as she heard him. "Sincerity is certainly not a point on which Durrant prides himself."

No I leave that egotistical virtue to those who find it useful in advancing their interests but I employ it sometimes, as, for instance, when I repeat that a belie and an heiress ought not to be vegetating at such a dull corner of the county as this."

My guardian will take us to town in the spring," said Maude. "But if you gave to me that double-title, I must toll you that I cannot lay claim to it. I have no objection in being known as a belle," she added, blushing and smiling "but an heiress I am not."

I beg your pardon I understood that It is Katie who inherits aunt's property," she hastened to explain.

Then Fortune has been more impartial than sho generally is." Mr. Durrant gallantlv remarked. "Sne bad gifted you sufficiently without adding wealth. And so the young lady who is at chess with Mr. Errington is the heiress? Humph! is that the reason her guardian is so attentive to her?" "Katie is a great favorite with Mn Errington," said Maude, turning round on the music-stool to follow the direction Mr. Durrant's eyes had taken.

She is the dearest little thing in the world." "Except her sister. I shall begin to envy Errington tbe offiee he bolus. If anything would tempt him to resign itf I'd propose myself in his stead."

Maude uttered a laugh. You, Mr. Durrant, burden your mind with the care of two troublesome, whimsical girls! I am half-inclined to frighten you by proposing tho exchange."

Errington would not hear of it," his

kinsman very significantly replied. It's

Sto

retty plain that he means to persuade little heiress to exchange the name of ward for wife." "Katie marry her guardian!" ex claimed Maude, opening her eyes so widely that her astute companion smiled. "Would it be the first time such a thing has occurred? Miss Katie Lesdens money would be as useful to Mr. Errington as to anyone else, and he has wit enough to know that."

But Maude was not very deeply im-

Eer

reHsod by the insinuation. She liked guardian, and what was mors, she had learned to respect him too yell to readily believe anything that was to his disadvantage. It was therefore in her gayest tones ahe was beginning to dissert upon tho queer relationship that such a marriage would create, when a stern voice silenoed her own.

Mr. Durrant's sneering remarks had rencbed other ears than those for which they were spoken.

Rupert had drawn near to search

amongst some papers lying on a table close by for a pattern Miss Raymond had mislaid, and while thus employed, had overheara the allusion to his father.

With his dark, handsome face glowing with resentment, be addressed Mr. Durrant.

As you are my fidfcers friend and relative, sir, I must conclude that it was merely to tssse Miss Lesden yon imputed dishonorable intentions to her guardian but I hops you will not rack observations elsewhere."

My dear boy, really cannot be troubled to square my savings and doings by your wishes." Mr. Durrant retorted, with a contemptuous look that Rapert felt keenly.

You can abstain from uttering insino*tions that cast a slur upon the conduct of an upright man," he proudly reminded Mm, and was asked with a sodfflng laugh:

Where will yon find one? Ah! you mean your fitther. My good fellow, I find »0 feult with him, so dont be pepncry. What he does is nothing to me." "Mr. Durrant was only joking,Itupttrt," said Maude, kindly, "We all do

ialijustioe to Mr, Erxington's excellence." I Such jokes," cried the you!

4

but he could not regain his good-humor sufficiently to be grateful for her effort

Eoth

Shall I make you a curtsey in the fashion of my grandmother's days, and say, 'La! sir you are mighty curt, I vow —your pretty speeches quite fluster me,' or Bball 1 say in more modern fashion, 'Mr. Dumuit, I am very sorry you are going, for no one else is so delightfully alive to my fascinations as you are!"

He bowed with his band on his heart, expressed a hope that he should have the pleasure of seeing her again on the morrow, and then laid one of his slender fingers on Mr. Errington's arm.

My dear fellow, your family circlo is a very pleasant one, or at least, it would be so if you oould teach that young fire eater of yours better behavior." "Rupert—are you speaking of Rupert?" exclaimed his astonished father. "What has he done?"

You mean, what has he said. Noth ing of any consequence but at my age one does not feel disposed to submit to the impertinences ot a raw collegian. You should give him a lesson from your

manner that he said: Don there's a good fellow—don't parade your honesty so tremendously! Themost wearisome men In the world are your over-righteous ones. You know in 3'our heart, Errington, that you are no better than you ought to be."

Do I ever try to seem what I am not?" he asked. "Yes we all do so why put that question to me As for your boy, why, he is a prig and a puppy, as are all youths of bis age, more or less: but you need not let nim parade his priggishness in my face while I stay here. As I told you before, it is neither prudent nor pleasant."

half an "hour since, looking across the' think no more of her sister." room, and

ing its owner in suspense afou' the ultimate disposal of his property, and was indifferent to all else.

It happened, unfortunately, that Rupert came and spoke to his father before he had overcome the first effects of Mr. Durrant's ill-natured speeches and when he lightly remarked, "Our amiable guest has left us early," his father's reply took an aggrieved tone. "Perhaps you know best what has driven him away." "Hisown weakness, I suppose,sir, said Rupert, ss he assisted Katie to replace the chess-men. "His spirits seem better than liis health." "You think so? Then try and remember for the future that it is not very manly to pick a quarrel with aper son in his condition."

This Is the seoond time this evening that my father has spoken sharply to me," said Rupert,

gating

after him as he

walked away "and on neither oocsBlon have I felt that I deserved it," Perhaps something has happened to vex him,,f Katie observed, pscfflcally.

A poor excuse for doing me ltyustice, and speaking to me as he did bofere you."

U1

am very sorry I happened to bo near," Katie murmured, for she could understand that the presence of third person had made the vexation more severely felt, "and yet I am glad, too, for it was pleasant to see that you bore Mr. Errington's unmerrited ill-humor without being betrayed into a retort.

Rupert smiled. Bravo, little bee I If there Is any honey to be foand in the nettle yon are sure to extract it. Then you are not disk, with me? Let your good-n&.

ture carry you a step further say thai

.. my forbearance deserves some reward." jokes, crtea "Goodness is its own revrarcL'V^he

u"g a""

I laughingly reminded him.

sweang the first part I "Bat I crave another, and from you. ?v ber speech for Mr. c01ne Jn and sit la the bay-window in purest*. was lying I t^e library, and sing me one of my &- backin his chair, sur-1 ^orjte ballads, will you?. The moon is* veying him through shining, and it never looks prettier

an eye-glass with cool our favorite nook. Dear Katie,., insolence thai was y00»ji

no

one 0

wanj wjth

place Have you seen voice

than,

refuse? Hike to hear your:

very aggravating— fow voice breaking the silence with!"-' such jokes impinge I

£those melancholy Scotch airs you!v

so closely upon an in- so well." *h.at i?! He had drawn her hand through his quest Mr. DUrrant not

4rm

»n(j

to utter them again in I

UirL

was

Mr

leading her away when

Errington suddenly stepped forward^

i6*an,T'!?*„ I prevented it. Hiat gentleman "Where are yon going, Rupert? To the library 1 win accompany you.

laughed slightly, and turned toward Maude. You speak French, Miss Leaden? We shall cariy ?®1 sudden interposition, drew back and' nlr

hM

Katie will oxcuse us, I know, for I have something of importance to say to you."' The young girlt bewildered by his|

tho fKther M(1

room

passed out of the

together. Not a word was spoken

nit? by either till they wore alone, and the

not taught his son that door hail shut out the sounds of yv!Itlie brilliant aria Maude was singing play tbe listener. Do I jjut when Mr. Errington turned to adyou get any dress Rupert, the latter stepped for. Pf" tkis o®oighted

sudden passion in his eyes

1

an account of the our- «stay, father! Something tells me glary at what you are about to say but first you must hear me. I love Katie Lesden— love her better than my life and I will never give up the hope of calling her mine unless she herself bids me do so I"

which has cost my old acquaintance the Countess Anvers her diamonds?" Rupert, swallowing uis mortification as best he oould, carried the pattern to Milly,

CHAPTER XHX

MUTUAL DISSATISFACTION.

For the first time, the father and son felt that their interests and wishes wore

to draw him into a chat, and was re- antagonistic, and tbe affectionate famllturninz to his book when Mr. Durrant's iarity of their intercourse was endan•voice again drew his attention to that gered. Never before had Rupert spoken gentleman I in such a defiant tone for never before

Ring the bell for my man, will you, had he felt himself provoked and unjustErrington? Miss Lesden, I kiss your ly treated and the emotions that made fair hands and if I retire rather abrupt- him hot and angry were not soothed by ly, pray believe that I leave you with the manner in which Mr. Errington reunfeigned regret." And then ne added in lower tones, such a well-turned com-

liment to her charms, that Maude, flattered and amused, laughingly responded:

piled to bis passionate confession. "Are you mad, Rupert? Have you no senSe of honor—no consideration for muj—that you speak in this way?" "What have I said of which I need feel ashamed I did not mean to blurt out an acknowledgment of my feelings in such a hasty way in fact," he added ingenuously, "I scaroely knew how much I loved Katie till a presentment that you disapproved of my affection forced me to be frank -with you but now that tbe tale is told, I see no reason why I should regret it."

The vexation depicted on Mr. Errington's face deepened, and he oould scarcely control himself to reply, calmly: "I warned you, when these young girls first came to Leabanks, that there must not be any of this folly."

Folly, sir P' Rupert echoed, resentfully. Shall I give it a worse name?" queried his annoyed father. "Must I tell you that it grieves as much as it displeases me, to find that my son shows as little regard for my honor as for his own

Your honor will never suffer In my hands, sir!" was the proud retort but

book, and remind him that it is impo- Mr. Errington turned from the speaker litic to offend his nearest and wealthiest

w^^nn

impatient gesture.

relation." "Pshaw! of what avail are mare "I shall never teach my boy to play I words? They mepi nothing they will the sneak or the hypocrite," Mr. Erring-1

n°t

ton replied, so proudly that for a mo- I world, or help me to bear the disgrace ment his auditor felt the check, and was 3touf actions are entailing upon me. I almost subdued into better behavior It0^ Jp® Katie Lesden is an heiress, but the evil spirit soon predominated and "tuedreamed that my son, knowagain, and it was in his old mocking I ing that fact, would_secretly woo her.

set me straight in the eyes of tho

I have not wooed her In secret, sir. I have never breathed a syllable to her of my affection but I tell you again that I do not see what reason I havo to bo ashamed of it. In birth I am her equal, and I will work until I can say that my position is as good as her own. Only let her promise to be mine, and I will wait and strive—though it be for years—until I can make myself worthy of her." "You talk like a romantic boy, and shut your eyes to the oommon-eenso view of the case," his father replied.

Doyou quite forget that I havo duties, as Katie Lesden's guardian, which I must not ignore? Can I permit my ward to enter into an engagement witn my own son, which must be carried over an indefinite period, unless I do worse, and bring an indelible slur on my namef by sanctioning your union? Had you.

Poor Errington possessed one of those. equable tempers that can endure great' shocks without degenerating into peevishness but these repeated attacks,. these exasperating stings, that always I asked me for Maude, I would have conlighted on some tender spot, irritated sentetl without hesitation but. for my him beyond mortal endurance. Only own credit's sake, I must insist that youg, ... I ——if hi

mortal endurance.

1 perceiving that bis son was "What! Do you think that it is for talking to his kinsman, he had cherish- her money that I love Katie? Do you^ ed a hope that Durrant would be attract- believe that a thought of it has ever ened by the intelligence and a spirit ofl tered my mind?" Rupert excitedly dethe young man, and, perhaps, conceive mandod. a real liking for one who, in the sight of Iwarnedyou "his fether repeated, his partial fothcr, was so worthy to in- Bat what has there been to keep that? herithis wealth and already he had I warning before me? Katie is the simthe mortification of hearing that Rupert plest—dearest of little girls and it seems^ had contrived to affront the kinsman on I impossible to connect the thought ol. whom all his chances of future prosper- jneney with her. Oh ather,^udgo me ity rested. less harshly.

It was no use trying to hide it from why, then, should a dread of what the^. upbraiding con- world might say come between us." 1 science. Mr. Errington felt-andfelt it Heaven knows, my dear boy, I shall

his own troubled and with sorrow-that tie constant allusions §M!:r «*l«it yojj of anything wow© I Mr. Durrant made to his money-kept it th®n thoughtless, his father replied, in before the eyes and in the thoughts of ®OI'ry,.^ia'wcidiffer-

events with patience. As it was, how could he help dwelling on what might he if that fortune eventually became his? He did not, he could not know! that.

_sl tji_. fnia hoa nannahon ann

his heir-presumptive. Left to IHmselfl *ki® hmhappened and, were we Mr. Errington's good principles would en*ly situated, would not oppose your have enabled him to writ tbe issue of wishes. As it is——

4 In the intense selfishness that wasthe I»little upon what the consequences will main-spring of all his actions, Mr. Dur- and, Tor your own sake, as well asrant believed he should obtain more I

m}.n®'

father's grave, sorrowfljl look with firmness. You tell me that I must not love Katie, because her dower is a larger one than 1 must look to have with a wife, and the reasons yon advance are that a parcel of people I care nothing about might set me down as a fortune-hunter, ana charge you with being false to yonr trust."

Would they not be justified in doing so?" "No, sir or if they thought they were we could 1 ve down the false report. Remember, too, that I have offered to wait for my bride, and to do the utmost

to prove myself worthy of her." "And how would you do this? foolish boy I had mapped out a life for you into which none or these wearying struggles would enter. Must all my

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lans bo set aside because you fancy Katie's gmiles lire sweeter than her sister's?" «It is not that," Rupert

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ier. uni atner,judge mo It is for herself Hove her

wapa

"tter tbem.

oare and attention at Leabar^by keep* threat Rupert No, father, only a protest against a decision to which I cannot ana ought not to be expected to submit and the young man drew himself up and met his

&

But ere he oould say inore, Rupert's band had grasped bis arm. Stop, sir in mercy of both of us, don't speak too' hastily. Before you say such words as were on your lips, dwell

fei.W

Oh!

replied,

chaf­

ing at his father's manner. "Can I help loving her that you upbraid me for it? I do no not wish to seem undutiral but I cannot consent to have my hopes blighted for no other reason thsn because Katie—so unfortunately for both of us—happens to be an heiress."

Have yon made her acquainted with tho hopes on which yon lay such a lb this question Rnpert unhesitatingly answered:

How oould I, when I scaroely recognized them myself till this hour?" [COSTEfCXD on THIRD PAGE.]