Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 20, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 14 November 1874 — Page 2

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THE MAIL

P^PERgi-OR

t||

irtba world »cms cool to you. Kindle Are* to warm it I Let their comfort* hide from yoa

Winters that deform it, Heart* as frown at your own To that radiance gather You will soon forget the utoan,

Ah! the cheerless weather Sf theworWaa "valaofieaT*" Smile, till rainbows«jnt it Breathe the love that life eudeara—

Clear

from ekrads to ton it.

Ofvoar gladness leml agleam Oi

nto soais that shiver Show them how dark wrrtiw't) stream, Blends with hope's bright river!

DID SHE DIE?"

,»

r§

The female who rose on Millicent's entrance, and, eourtesying respectfully, Mood before her with folded arms, waitlog to be addressed, had nothing in ber appearance to give occasion for Katie I/wdeu's remarks.

She was neatly dressed in a gown Of gray stuff, with a kerchief crossed over ber bosom and ber cap of quiUcd aet sat closely round her face, merely allowing the smooth bands of her gray hair to be visible^ Her figure would have been good but for the stoop that

S»n

ve her the air of beitig much older she really was but her face was sadly scarred and disfigured with the ravages of the small-pox, and her corfi pie un was swarthy.

so dark as to be almost

was sorry to learn from Miss Lsj*den that you are not well," said Millitent, kindly. "Perhaps the journey has tired you. Do you wish to go to your room and rest awhile before you see your patient

She was answered it) a voice that, despite its extreme softness, affected her unp'easantly. It scarcely rose above a monotonous whisper, but had an arti ficial sound, as if the speaker bad drill ed herself into one set form of words and phrases that expressed nothing of her real sentiments. "Thank you, ma'am, you're very good: but you need not trouble yourself about me. I'm quite capable of my duties." ...%

Are you sore of that?" asked Milly in her good nature.

Quite, ma'am. I walked too rapidly from the station—that was all. I hope and believe Isball be able to givesatis"l laction. Is—is the gentleman I am sent "here to attend upon seriously ill?"

Mr. Durrant is entirely confined to bi» bed now," she was informed.

But is his illness one that is likely to prove Iktal?" Though rather surprised at these

?|uestions,

5,her

Milly gravely entered Into

urther particulars. After all, it was both right and natural that the nurse ,shoufcl wish to know the precise condi,Jtlon of her charge. But when Milly proceeded to say that Dr. had pro"nounced the case a hopeless one, she was brought to a full stop, by Mteiitj

auditor clasp her hands and abui der violently,

44Certainly

441

not but I thought you pfo

spoke as some previous you had knowledge of Mr. Durrant. Your Biauaer, too, gave me a similar impression." ... •4 Because I started when you said be would die And tlx) woman drew in .her lips—a habit she had, which gave a curiously stern and rigid set to her feature*.

,4Dr,

Does not this unlit you for your work T" asked Milly, who certainly had not anticipated such a confession.

think not. "Why should It? I never give way to these feelings* I can be iron itself when there is a necessity for it. You needn't be afraid, ma'am, that I shall let anything interfere with my doty."

Not always, maam. I married when ^vervyr,rf» «»y husband and onlv I under y&f sad dreomstanreo. The illtwws followed that bas eoark«»d me ao cruelly: a««l tbe people at tb* ii '-pi: tl to which was taken offer- «.* r«e 'vment I j?ff better, •vs.-tfh I -•'•Ml to iricMrt: tortMrc* friewdlMia creature in all 1 bsre hem anurse tver

M1ilv v. «i thifie, that In sllevisttr.'llf x'lfl- »tp 0t J«l»»« vl

eoal*'

«d,

i-'«n toVh.ur oW»I.QMMS.?-

1'h. «OUi .U ar!ir,i hTl^|0«al^|ft«r.

.ri|»

hllitC tli.' -i-»

a^e inclined to be selMh and #callua, the always exaggerate their own pangs."

PEOfLE.

Millieent felt a litti annoyed, for aba gathered from t|M man's strictures tha she had been question ing tbe servants re Ipeetlng Mr. Durrant and though the ac uiight be a very natu ral one, it was not pleasant to know tha gossiping details had already into toe stranger.

Pray sit down. I fear you have a return of your fcuntness." But the woman was already recover Jng herself and opening the eyes that had been closed as if to shut out some horrible vision, she answered that there was nothing the matter with her.

A hopeless case, I think you were saying, ma'am. Ah I when it comes to that, neisber money nor a mocking spirit is of much to avail!"

Do you know Mr. Durrant 7" Milly queried? and a peculiar look across the woman's face, though she partially concealed it by putting her hand to her forehead as if consideration. •4 Hie name sounds ftmiillar—very familiar bet I don't seem able to remember where I could have heard it. Persons in my line of life," she added, Heeing that Miss Raymond did not look quite satisAed with this evasive replv— ''persons like me go to so many different places, and come In contact with such a variety of people, that it's scarcely posaible to recollect them all is it, ma'am

pouret. of this-

Will

y* v*,'!».

CHAPTER XVII. JANS SMITH.

you follow

nyjJ" ahe aaid am led the wa^ across th ball and up-starirs but ana Hniith— a* the nurse called herself—was more delib erate in ber movements than tbe brisk light-footed Milly. am had to be waited for more than once befim they arrived at Mr. Durrant's chamber.

With grave, Keew ob servation, her eyeswanderetl from one t» another of the picture^ that hung on tbe stair case as she movet slowly past them. 8h made a long pease to survey an antique gr«up in bronze brought from ber native country by [Mrs. Errington, and took out her pock-et-handkerchief to wipe awav a sjeck of dust left upon it by the housemaid while at the open door oi Mr. Errington's dressing room, she came to another full stop, and 1

beg pardon, ma'am but that picture"—and she pointed to one hanging on the opposite wall—"struck mo an so beautiful that I could not resist stopping to look at it. May I ask if it is a portrait

Milly answered in the affirmative.

It is the portrait of Mr. Errington's only son and though painted by an amateur, is considered remarkably fine. Mr. Errington is very proud of it the likeness is so admirable."

Mrs. Smith shaded her eyes with her band.

441am

so near sighted, I cannot see

it well at this distance. Will you allow me And, without Watting for permission, she stepped forward, and placed herself In front of the portrait, at which she gazed so long and intently, that her companion was forced to remind ber that Mr. Durrant might be awake and wanting something.

Mrs. Smith humbly apologized. I have never seen a painting so lifelike. Is Mr. Rupert Errington as good as he is handsome? Who does he resemble in disposition

Milly did not like to be catechised in this manner but answered curtly: -ir,.

His mother." Jane Smith drew her breath with a sharp, hissing sound, exclaiming:

Ah-h-b! that is a pity." She began to add something in explanation, asshe saw the displeased look her words evoked but Milly interrupted

Do not trouble yourself to explain your meaning. Your business here is with Mr. Durrant, and not with auy member of the family with which he is residing."

The woman eurteseyed, and bent her head meekly to tbe reproof. Very true, ma'am. I'm afraid I've

And when she had been installed in the sick-room, she quickly effaced the unfavorable impression she had created by her alert ana professional demeanor, She was no longer the inquisitive stranwbose tongue ran too glibly, but staid, authoritative nurse, who silenced Mr. Durrant's peevish objections to some of ber arrangements with a firm: "I am obeying Dr.—-'s orders, sir. Whatever ho bias me, I

had not prepared me

for this and, with all my experience— great though it has been—I am never able to overcome an awe of witnessing tbe last moments of my feUow-crea-

Have you always been a nurse r'

persons of b«ur class. Again the pale Upe were drawn tl: htly, and there Was a brief interval of aliens* before they »ov«d to answer JMUlv Raymonds question.

1—"

iidiy. with tbe cryi rf/ Never—never I bf that I. ild be!" h'-f J.rtm'h l»«r,' i-xjir* SS Iwruii- ,: for haTta® -.fiwd upon sul^eet* «h tad. by an human t'ffortt nquemd ugh tt *rs

arm*«i. I eoi'i'

I tlMt

Wf r- dliunt*

•ii. of bar *«iyd:ak*ytss em away, and, i»w AfWwhtt* lieiW", tinj».i!ii-ntly,If Sihsi .. i*r a servant to show «ick-«harnler. v.-«- reply,

.5 ti

r~i

•mm

Intro! Witt cult ye**fiet'

will

as* io

v--i: s?» far. f^urrattt. You tuiti.j if ho i-« itr'a-iMa anddiffl«?iii.'.nk ought to warn ti it fc npieasnnt task— ,11 is 1 bin ifstb a mmi ,il If msvwjgs to

i- jr 11

111'

lid.

t".

!•». !i. ,|v

i«

ifiv.ijd has -«v»

miuit

He looked so

Hiked eagerly in.

"That is not Mr. Durrants room," •said her guide, displeased at her manner.

44W

ill you come this way

441

If in inakina, itap-

been forgetting myself in making my remarks so freely but it shall not pen again."

do."

"Thisis not a nurse you have brought me." be complained to Milly, "but a policeman in i»etticoats. Does she think me a child, whom she may rule aa she pleases? lias Errington bribed her to make a speedy end of me

Mv patient Is inclined to be lightheaded, ma'am,w said Mrs. Smith, "and so you had better leave lis. If I should require any assistance, I'll ring,

Not at all

grily called her back.

I'll not bo left alone with this woman. There is a look In her eyes that chills me. Who is she? whore does she come from

Mi*. Smith is here at your own request, Mr. Durrant," he was reminded. It is not likely that Br. would send person to attend on you who oould not be thoroughly depended ui#n."

But sbe Is as ugly as sin," he objected. "If I must have a stranger about me, let it be some otic whom lean look at with pleasure."

Milly blushed with the shame tie was incapable of feeling. 8be was sincerely grieved for the ill-favored nurse, who, jowever, only mailed contemptuously at his coarse remark.

If Mr. Durrant doe* not like mv appearance, I bad better leave him. But, as I am here, I may as well stay tiU tomorrow. He Is feverish he has the synnOoms upon hi in of a relapse, aba my experience may be of aertteo when the attack o»mea on."

With a moan of .self-pity, the invalid sank bsek upon his pillow, asking:

Are you clever at the treatment of bfeKft dWwe?" he Inquired. "Then atey by all means* Don't leave m* at the mercy of a set of ignorant, helpless cr&ttur&) who never know what to do to relieve me. I muni have l**n mad to oome to Leabanka, instead of going straight to town, where 1 could have

one ni der to gratitude of this speech but she took no notice of it, and, after satisfying herself that Mni.fmirh had everything at band site was likely to iwiulre, ah* took leave qf Mr, Durrant aad went to drees for Jonn*.

Th were guests at taabanka that evening: the clergyman of tbe parish and his cheerful little wife and, in assisting to entertain them, Milly bad not much time to bestow on the invalid hut on looking in before ahe went to bed, if she found hlm dosing, and bis new attendant sitting bv tine fire, ttprig-J and vigilant, ssifa sleepy lit or actual weartem never asmileu her.

When Milly paid ber another visit in the morning, aha was muUitg softly about, preparing breakfast for her charge and. '-uly th.-agb it w:tt ahe Indeoti-triW'-d M#v»" iwtlie r.«ua a p*aa«n«t air

ail-

I1*#!"i

terrible

properly aft-einled to." ly, who had renounced ttfbw than Ighrti **#t ami peace

All hoof In or-

devote herself to him, felt the ln-

ti!iiapi il-ERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL

proach, and signinn to her to bend down so that he migl mured

It's all false that she's telling you— false as those mocking eyes of hers! I did not sleep how could I, with a drowned woman sitting and sobbing by my pillow the whole night long? Don look as if you did not believe me, lor it is true I swear it!"

May not this have been a dream Milly gently asked but ho retorted, impatiently

Is it a dream that I see you standing here looking at me No, no neither was it a mere fancy of mine that Olympia Errington, in her dripping garments, came here in the night, and froze my blood with her presence, but ghastly reality."

Milly glanced toward the nurse, but Mr. Durrant detected it, and went on, angrily: "It's no use appealing to her she doesn't know anything about it. She cannot know, for she was not in the room. I was left to endure the horror of the dreadful visitation without a creature near to sustain me through it."

But you must be mistaken, mydear sir Airs. Smith assured me she would not leave you for a moment."

Neither did I," said the nurse.

Bah I you say anything. Will you tell me that my visitor did not moan in xny ear those words of such terrible significance:

4Too

late—too late!'?"

Millv started, and began to feel a deepening interest in his assertions. She had always—though/it would have been impossible to tell why—connected this sel-

or disappearancetherefore his allusion to the words scratched on the marble of her tetnb struck her forcibly.

What do you mean by calling those simple words

l\\,

in their signifi

cance They should have no terror lor you, Mr. Durrant, if Mrs. Errington was, as you once told me, only a casual acquaintance, whom you never saw after ber marriage. W"hy should her spirit trouble your repose

As Milly spoke she caught sight of Mrs. Smith's face. The woman was on the other side of the room, employed in dusting some ornaments on the mantelpiece but she had turned now, and was bending toward the bed, listening as eagerly For Mr. Durrant's reply as Milly herself.

Why, indeed I" he said, in languid, fretful tones,and then there was a pause and, with a contemptuous smile, Mrs. Smith resumed her occupation.

But it was she," Mr. Durrant exclaimed, presently, all his excitement reviving—4'it was she, with such hatred gleaming in her sunken orbs, that what could I do but gaze and tremble? Give me some wine or some opium, to deaden my senses and help me to forget I The recollection of that dreadful sight is killing mo 1" "IfMrs. Errington really did die——" Milly began but the nurse interposed ere she could finish the sentence.

Excuse me, ma'am, if I ask you not to stay any longer. In Mr. Durrant's weak state it is highly dangerous for him to agitate himself in this manner."

But he seems so thoroughly con vlnced that he saw what he describes,' Milly observed, in a whisper, as she moved from the bed. The next moment, however, Mrs. Smith's sarcastic smile made ber regret her hasty Ipcoch.

Are van, then, a belm-er in spirits, ma'am? Do you rmUv think Mr. Dorrant and 1 really had a drowned lady for our companion last night? If Doc tor were her6 lie would tell you that hi* patient is sure to wander in his uiind as be grows weaker."

All this was said in cautiously lowered ton«s*so a« not to reach the cars of the invalid and Milly would have acquiesced hi it, and felt that her own readiness to (rive credence to such a wild tale was ab« surd, if abe had not funded that the wous eyes sank conjpNXlly aa soon as

'S encountered her fib strangely did this notion take hold of her, that before quitting the room, aa Mrs. Smith evidently wished her to do,

she could not resist putting the question point-blank:

Are you quite sure that no one came into this room during tbe night and diattittad Mr. Durrani?"

441am

It is very strsnjse, »«WI Milly,thinking aloud but Mta. Smith Immediate* l* made answer:

If you bad had mm to do with sick folks, ma'am, you would not be so much surprised at Mr. Durrant imagining that KWW one he has injured haunta and upiMndda blot for It." -thissounded reasonable enough, and Hiiiy «dd tto more, hut waa going softly away, when a sudden thought made her beckon Mta. Smith to the door.

the

if Mr. Errington vbdta your patient this morning, try and prevent any mention of this noetttrnal vision. Mr. Errington foil the loss of his lady so deepIv and still regrets tKr so tenderly, thst lit •, MM !•. 'r Kdtl»an 11: finger that had

\:.y

0 A

VS\

MAUDH KNJOYKO WLLDLUIN S UKaVEI KRPLKXITY, AND BEGAN Sllur,U,0 »1»B CAltU, been laid, on her arm, Mrs. Smith turned abrup'ly away and Milly would »vt felt half-offen'ded at the rudeness of her manner it she bad not perceived that th

the centre tablo, and everything appeared as if the touch of a reviving hand had passed over it, save the haggard visage of the invalid.

sunken-eyed.so

perturb

ed. that Milly was struck by the change, and whispered the inquiry. •'Has he slept badly?"

With professional precision- Mrs. Smith named the hours at wlncii he had awakened, and added that he had passed a quieter night than she anticipated but Mr. Durrant beckoned Milly to apgning to her to bend dowr -lit speak in her ear, mur

Woman was deathly pale, and shivering as if she had been seized with an ague-

». CHAPTER XVIII. A GAME AT OMBRK.

•""Although the dangerous condition in which Mr. Durrant was lying had interfered with the visiting and receiving visitors,in which Maude delighted,a few of Mr. Errington's most intimate friends frequently camo to Leabanks for it was a very pleasant house at which to visit en famille, now the graceful, lady-like Milly Raymond presided at the well- -you, ordered dinner-table, and two such Hayle, and as I do not choose for any one charming uirls as the Lesdens were

always ready to play, sing, or converse, as seemed most acceptable to the guests of their guardian.

Sir Marcus, after a great deal of beating about the bush, had given his nephew to understand that nothing would please him better than to see him, WHfora, united to Katie

Of this intimation, however, Will took little notice. If it amased his uncle to form these projects, let him do so but he would neither commit himself to a promise of carrying them out nor vex the well-meaning old gentleman by a point-blank refusal. It was not the first time Sir Marcus had looked out a wife for him, and that the scheme had died a naiural death, greatly to its projector's discouragement. On this occasion, however, the baronet did not appear disposed to let bis nephew's indifference have tbe same effect. In Kate Lesden he believed he saw the ideal of what Will's wife should be and as Will would not woo the young lady himself, his uncle boldly took the field and courted her tor him.

Every morning, no matter what the state of the weather might be, he rode over to Leabanks with a bouquet of choice exotics, which were presented to Katie with great ceremony, in the name

pathize*vith the gardner, when he bewailed the ruthless forage on bis camellias and azaleas.

Katie accepted the flowers gratefully for she liked the worthy baronet, and did not suspect any hidden meaning in his civiltics and when he would lay his pudgy finger on the German bowk she was studying, and, telling her that he \vm sure that it was difficult, add that Wilfred must come and help her to understand it, what could she ao but admit that Mr. Hayle's assistance would be of the greatest service

Hitherto it had been Rupert's pleasant office to explain for her any obscure passages, or to ransack the shelves of bis fathers library for the books of reference that wero most likely to be useful to her but ever since the day on which he betrayed the state of bis

441

hate being applauded, as if I had done something heroic," he growled. "In my opinion, it requires more actual tmurago to face Miss Maude Lesden in her civillest moods, and preserve an appearance of Indifference to her sarcasms, than to burn one's lingers a little in putlng out a blase."

Maude has been sincerely grieved about vour hurts," Rupert assured him. I don't doubt It,* mid Will shrugging his shoulders. "I daresay it troubles her to think she must be a tittle more polite to me while 1 am sufferiiiK in ber service. So my kindest as well as wisest

rlan

will be to keep out of ber way until have quite recovered the use »i my hands."

Nonsense, "Willi we miss you dreadfully. Leabanks is dull enough, nowadays, heaven knows I"

Wilfred was struck by the Sorrowful tone his friend had taken. Why waa be so unlike tbe cheerfol Rupert, whose spirits nothing bad been wont to depress?

positive of it," waa tbe emphat

ic reply.

44Not

a creature has been near

Urn but myself." ,.

Have with you, then! If it Auma&s you to hear tbe clumsy way In which I parry my enemy's attacks, you sbtll not be balked of your entertainment. If 1 do not come with my uncle, who tells me he dines with you to-night, I'll join your party in the course of tne evening."

He kept his word, and Maude would have behaved henasif prettily, and atoned for some of ber ill-tempera, It he had not met her with an aggessive aspect, that ao completely burned her smouldering ire Into flame that she did her utmost to provoke him.

He waa, therefore, more surprised than flattered when in the course of the evening she Invaded the corner in which be had ensconced himself with portfolio of choice engravings. Hut Doctor, who bad dropped in to aee his patent, laid willingly stayed to make a fourth at the wbiautable. Millv Raymond waa making up for Sir Marcus and Mr. Errington. Katie avoided Rupert by behind bsr guardian's cbsir to ti bis play, and perhaps «o think

else

lady to play, sing, or converse, you please, make ombre our pretext for the—what shall I call it?—tete-a-tete." She laughed in her thorough enjoyment of his grave perplexity, and, shuffling the cards, began to deal them:

feelings,

she had

for somo reasou—inexplicable to the vexed youth, unless it was grounded on aversion—carefully avoided being left alone with him. Nay, more, if he attempted to draw her into conversation apart from the rest, her look of real distress—her changing color—either forced him to relinguish his intentions, or (and this provoked Rupert worse tliau all the rest) her appealing glance drew to her side the ever-watchl'ul Mr. Errington.

A couple of wrecks had elapsed since the tableaux before Wilfred Hayle could be persuaded to visit Leabanks nor did he come then, until be had given both his uncle and Rupert to understand that auy allusion to the assistance he had rendered Maude would infallibly drive him away again.

tier own UMitnw for -he reena her elbow the cttshkriied back tbe IjHiteull, and, with her chin nopport•d in (|iehfl1ow of her •and, Started when she, vbaspokeu to. Thereore, Will had bi»n intlcipating a quiet tour, when Maude's niscbievous eyes met ds.

Don't be alarmed, Mr. Hay neither propose to test your matbemati cal skill with an abstruse problem, nor to ofier terms of peace. It would be a folly for wo could not keep it, could we It's as thoroughly our natural condition to be at war, as it is for tbe birds to agree

4in

Watts so prettily says though I'm inclined to think that the good old Doctor is tuore poetical than correct in that statement. Have you ever studied tbe habits and manners of the feathered creatures, Mr. Hayle?"

441

thought we wero to play at cards, Miss Lesden? What has that amusement to do with our quarrelling? Or, if you think we must end the game with a wrangle, won Id it net be better to leave it alone?"

Maude put up her lip. You speak, sir, as if all the fault of our frequent disagreements is mine, But I told you just now that I am in sober earnest when I propose that we should put all personal motives aside

for

half an hour, and interest ourselves in our friends." If any. good can lie done by such a curious arrangement, I am perfectly wil.ing to fall into it but I am quite at a loss for your meaning."

No doubt. You have been so fully engaged of late in sparring with poor me, that you have been blind to much that is passing around you.

My dear Miss Lesden, it may seem rude to make such an avowal, but as I rarely speak to or think of you except when you force me to do so by your attacks, how can that be

Was there ever such a bear?" mentally ejaculated Maude but she answered him with good humor: "Then we must seek elsewhere for the reason why you have not discovered that the mail you call your friend is very un-

44ltupert unhappy Why, what alls him and Will half-rose, thensatdown again, as he perceived tnat his friend was not in the room. The next minute, however, his brow towered, and the look he gave his fair n-a-m was not a pleasant one. If Rupert had given his heart to this heedless flirt, was there not cause enough for his changed aspect?"

441should

Don't you play

cards, Mr. Hayle v*e inquired. Will looked up.

Not very well, Miss jeadun so 1 never olunteer, except as a *»t resource." •4 But you have no cruples hke some ood folks, have you I'OU don't consider it disgraceful waste of ime, and soon?"

Not as cards are ilayed at Leabanks: imply in kindness, to muse an elderly gen tleman."

not trouble you.

like to know why you have

chosen mo tor your confidant in this affair, Miss Lesden. Have you grown so weary of your victim's reproaches, that you want me to use my influence with him and persuade him to rid you of his presence 7"

Maude's blue eyes were opened to their widest extent, and then she leaned back in her chair and laughed so long and merrily that Will had much ado to keep bis temper at all. "i\rgive me, Mr. Hayle, but you are so absurd and so amusing, ana so—«o very illogi aI in your conclusions, that one cannot help being amused with you."

He bowed. I shall not presume to dispute anything you choose to say. Have you done with tne? because ane gets tired of acting as the butt of a ^oung lady, however

charming she may Why7tben, did you make me laugh ou? agine lb has Jested, and chatted, sang, waf

at you im

Can you really and seriously ine that because Rupert Errlni

and dauecd with your humble servant, he has ever committed the folly of falling in love with me? Or, Mr. Hayle— let me ask you tbis—do you think, faulty fiouvh I am, ti*at I ?ould deliberately Nick to make a victim of any one but (Store especially of the generous young man who seconded with the most disinterested kindness his father's efforts to make us feel that in Ieabanks we had found auotiusr home when our mother's death tell Katie and I orphaned, and sadly alone In tlie world." "If I have wronged you, Miss Leaden——"

If I Then you still insult me with a doubt!—you still believe that I am such a silly, senseless girl thattbare is neither gratitude nor good feeling 1» composition

Indeed, you have just convinced me to tbe contrary," Will answered, with great earnestness "but permit me to remind you that our conversation waa to be concerning oar frlendc, and not uaiselves."

Very true. Then let me tell you once more that you must search further for Rupert Errington's vinhappiness." "Will he like me to pry into his secrets? If it be any money trouble, my purse is at his service but he is so highspirited. a tenacious of his honor, that 1 should not know bow to propose assisting him. If, however, you can suggest anything. Miss Lesden—"

And Will leaned toward her in quite a confidential autitaafc

My guardian ia po*r||LJiMp|to)tde, thoughtfully "he doea. not atfpmjft to conceal it—and RupertfcallowuQGenaust be small but I do IMI think-he ia in debt. Mr. Hayle, Is impossible (bat you have never guessed tfiat you majjr be tha actual cause of his unbappinossr"

I never know when you arc in jest or when in earnest," said Will, crossly.

44Very

Maude drew a long breath.

My mind is re li9ved of a great weight. I was at'raid that Mr. Hayle, from he altitude of his su |)erior wisdom, looked down upon all sacb trifling pursuits."

You are verv fond

of alluding to my wisdom, Miss I^esden Ought I to be equally complimentary andcongratulateyou on your—sincerityf

441am

tired of compliments, so will

Aprojtoa

of cards,

should like to teach you the game that was, and is to be once again, so fashion ionable—oinbre. There are the cards and counters in that box at yourelbow.

Pray excuse me," said Wilfred hastily. "I am snch a muff a« compre bending anything of the kind, that, with your permission, I'll ask Rupert to be iny substitute. He is here—at least, he was here just this minute. I'll goaud find him." "Thanks but you may keep your seat. I do not feel at all disposed to teach Rupert but I do wish very much to have a few words with Mr,

possibly and perhaps you

think 1 am impertinent to name this to you. Perhaps"—and Maude's color deepened a little—"you think I had no business to put this and that together— may I go on ?—that Mr. Wilfred Hayle actually cherished matrimonial inteutions of which my Sister is tbe object,"

Say that his uiiclo cherishes them for him, and you will be speaking more correctly," said Will, who now began to redden, as well aa Maude.

I had rather be obliged to think that," Maude answered, deliberately, and with her eyes fixed on the cards she was turning over. "It makes the matter worse to be told that Mr. llayle is aa indifferent to the lady a« he is to tho sufferings bis rivalry inflicts."

But I never suspected—that is, I always supposed—bail I what a trouble it is to explain one's self Without giving offence! However, Miss Lesden, I

feel

tolerably certain that you are laboring under a great mistake and that, if I did offer myself as a suitor for Miss Katio Lesden, it would not be for Rupert's sake she would reject me, but for his father's."

Hush-hush!" cried Maude, striving in vain to stop the excited Wilfred but the warning came too late for his incautious speech had already fallen on ears for which it was not intended, and another link was added to the chain of troubles gathering around the unsuspecting Erringtons.

It was Rupert who had drawn near but ere either of his embarrassed friends could address him, he made some careless remark about. tbe beauty of the night, asked Maude if she found Will an apt pupil, and then walked away again, only betraying, by the painful contractions of his brows, that he had both heard and winced at Wilfred Hayle's galling assertion.

Was tjiere ever anything so unfortunate she whispered, when satisfied that be was once more out of hearing.

I am not sure of that," was the thoughtful reply. "Perhaps it is better Rupert should know the truth than go ou indulging in felse hopes."

to h. ar our conversation, we will, if

But Is it the truth Nay, Miss Lesden, why ask tne tbia question, which you should be able to answer better than I can 1 have but judged from what I have seen. As for any rivalry on my part, much as I admire and esteem the young lady whose name and wishes we are scarcely warranted in discussing so freely as we have been doing, my long-stanaing friendship with Rupert Errington would render it impossible."

their little nests,' as Dr.

Tell tbis to Rupert, and let him thank you for your generosity, and avail himself of it, if he will."

I may take your advice but And Will glanced so significantly at the whist-table, where Mr. Errington at this moment was leaning back to show his cards to Katie, who was smiling at something he said, that Maude began to feel awkward and uneasy. Had she been too officious in ber endeavors to remove the barrier which Sir Marcus Hayle's matoh-making was raising between Rupert and her sister?

441

hope I have not made a terrible blunder," she said, rather ruefally "but I saw Rupert looking sorrowful—fancied that the cause could be traced to Sir Marcus and you, and that an appeal to your better feelings would remove it. If you are coirect in your surmise, I had better have held my tongue. But you will respect my confidence, Mr. Hayle, and believe that 1 have meant well,even though I have done no good pon my silence and Will held out his hand. It was lelt for a glove upon the other hand showed that some traces of the fire were still upon it. Maude laid her own dainty fingers in his broad palm, and for once they parted on terms of something like amity.

That same night, long after the guests departed and every one else bad retired to rest, Milly Raymond sat before the fire In her fkvorUe Jow chair, thinking. To her a solitary hour like this was slways eiy'oyable: and from meditating over her domestic concerns, and tho serious inconvenienoe Mr. Durrant's long stay and fastidious tastes occasioned in a small household, her thoughts wandered to Rupert and his father. Much asshe was engrossed by other things, she could not help seoing bow altered they both were. The old caressing and frank manner she had thought so dolightfbl between father and son had wholly disappeared. Rupert was too often cold ana sullen and Mr. Errington sighed more frequently than he smiled bat sbe was not sufficiently behind the scenes to know why it waa so and after dwelling with regret upon the change, she awoke with a start to tho knowledge that her quiet hour bad extended into two, and the room was growing cold.

Svery

Steppin

Bead

softly, to avoid disturb-

eepers, Millieent, ber little

lamp in her hand, went up-stairs but she opened the door of the gallery the wind blew out the feeble flame. This, however, signified little, for sho had matches in her chamber, and was much in the habit of going about tho bouse In the dark to be daunted by such an aocident.

On, then, sbe stepped fearlessly, snd had more tnan half-traversed her route, when, close to the door of Mr. Errington's apartments, she stumbled and fell —fell over the prostrate form of a woman [TO BE oo?rrTXPKi.]

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