Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 21, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 21 November 1874 — Page 2

lip

Go then," said Mr. Errington "and I will assist Miss Raymond to her own apartment." ^Tbe woman then withdrew, and Milly, A her step still unsteady, arose to depart ^.also. 5, Yes, I am quite well agaW' sberexdied to the anxleua questioning of Mr. V^fcrhigton. "My forehead aches a little (tribal tbepain will be gone bv the morn ing. Was it the nurse who lay

MIam

Who—nurse? She came at my request to see what ailed you. A heavy tail and groan startled me out of nty sleep, and I came to yoar assistance #iaaaoonas I oould." "WasIakH«H-«wtootoaa.'l 4

Be assented unhesiUtingly. anl be^vlMn, to inquire what had occamoned the (deal.

Bid yen drtch your ftwt against aaythitis. or were you seised with a sudden ifetalnM? If the latter, you must let me -ret you some wine, ana ask Maude or Jtatle to stay with you fertile remainder of the night."

No pray dont dist«rt» any one. I mm not ftint BOW,whateverI might have jlrpffn gbes. Are you quite certain that ^no one was near when you *J*n*e to my assistance?" .. ,4 Mr. Errington began to regard her an-

InKwrt have tcnififd you. hesitate *J"

to tell me what it wa*.

But some feeling Mlllleent could twSy explain e^'en to herself deterred frum doing this, She knew that la thai flash of Ow» belore s^ MEMOS abe had been seised with the idea that tt was the drowned woman—the iUmd Oivmpia whose afmeanme Mr. 3t»rrsaa* dsacribed so yU Wlj^who jay nrostrate and inotionlesii aft her feet, flow oould she tell Mr. Errington that ahe cherished the doubt* her brother land Instilled iniober with his tale of the flmiraa he had MMM In tbe church-

wgS0mm

".,

-V 1

tue may qwsxsr.

BY B&ET HAUTE

If you're waking, call me early, call me

i^'ro^UwSrm, mother, and

the Are la burning clear And tallow my nose ontt© more, mother, one* mora tre yoo gv away Vor I

to be Queen 0 the May .mother, I^n to be ^aeen o'the May. r»l-

The toe «n ray lRUe pitcher, m6thbr,UU I thought the poker to take! You'l find It there on the hearth, mother—1 hot oh* let that hot brick «taV, For I'm to be Queen 9 the Muy, mother, rm to tie Queen o* the May.

Bhall put on my aqua stotOem onttide rf

And«wwrSre«y»rd^ of flannel, dear, will marauod my throat And you'll nee that the bone-** tea, mothM,

Is drawn while your chlld'g away, For I'm to be Queen o* the May, aaotner, I'm to be Queen o'the May.

LittleKfflcshall gcwlth me^lf heruosejts fit to be seen And

you

shall be the*#, too, dear

A -1- IV DOUBT. I In falling, MUly Raymond struck her bead against one of the door-po^tm„,witb such force that the blow stunned her, and some minutes elapsed befor* she regained her senses. Wh«n ahe Waa able ia op8& her oyos End wftko off too diny, stupid

feeling

that benumbed both mind

ana body, she was no longer aldfte, nor in darkness. Sbe had been carried to Mr. Errington's dressing-room, and that gentleman was leaning over her, anxiously watching and assisting the efforts a female was making to revive her.

Milly raised her heavy eyeUdsjand saw that the female was Mr. DurrantTs nurse, and In her bewilderment all© eoftld find noway of accounting for this woman's presence at such a moment bat one therefore, as BOOH as she could tfpeak, it was to murmur, incoherently, the question

Was it you, then—was it yon?" "What does Miss Raymond,say?" queried Mr. Errington, who had not caught the half-whispered inquiry.

The nurse shook her head as, if unable to tell him, and would have continued her ministrations but Milly rather impatiently put her hand away and sat up.

Mr.

Emngton asked if she felt bet

ter, but sbe scarcely answered him for she was trying to remember with greater irness the arcumstancea that had pieclearness oeded her fall.

She had heard—yea, she now felt sure & that she had heard—a low, sobbing noise fc she entered the g*Uery, buthadaupposed that it proceeded from the invalid who was wont to moan and bewail hlm-

Mlf doling his paroxysms of suffering and the sounds had ceased before she reached the spot where she fell. That ts this fall was occasioned by her sftumbsiri ling over some one lying prostrate tbere. ska was also certain and she looked eagerly through the open door, half ex"h pectins to see some form still extended onthefloor without. But only the »ilent, empty gaHeiy met herview, and she sat asking herself who this person oould be—wmther she had gone, and why she had chosen ao strange abidingplace—tiU tbe norae grew impatient

KDer silence. if you we better, ma'am, I will go baok to Mr. Duma*. He is resUesetonight, and does not care to be left AIODO"

me. I do not understood yet how that Nun* Smith was hem when

her," Mr, Krrington knew that she wool

fetched

jplalned.

er neglectful for sbe was on her feet the moment I touched her, and the long l®|ht8 of watching she has t%go through moi^ be JBtomsively fatiguing?1

Milly said l|0 more, but accepted his port to the own chaml shutting hereof In it, bathed her hot and throbbing brows with tbe icy-cold water in tbe ewer till the pain subsided. Then, reeling. more oompnaed, she threw a shawl rbund her, and sat down to think.

motber,'to

see me made the ftu«*n, Provided the doctor"!! let you? aA8 If Ui

IJtU^ Johnny 'li^t^tafee me a part of the way on hlssle&t So, tfyoa're waking, call me «aH, call »e For^monSwema^b« the chilliest day|of ar, «4id

all the glad new,—., For today IK the thirtieth, mother, blesa'd if your child can «3fj IX she Isn't an A *rH Fool, mother, lnsteftd orlflri W

idomut an Apm rw»,

did she die?

CHAPTER XIX Pel

'sup-

door of, her

*nd'

It had been natural tmfiist coming to her senses, and aeeing the nurse looking down at her, to connect this woman with the alarm she had received but, after hearing what Mr. Errington said, she must acquit her of being the cause of it. Yet that some person was stretched ou the gallery &>br Milly fwt too positive to.be able wholly to rid herself of uneasy sensations, and, in a Vianic of which she felt eshamed five minutes after, ahe ran to her door aad. locked it and even made a careful examination in closets, behind curtains, and under her bed, before she could feel satisfied that the phantom was not lurking near. •When this dread bad been conquered, she was seized with a strong, desire to visit Mr. Durrant's chamber, and interrogate the nurse. She, sitting there all the evening, might be able to say whether any strange footsteps had fallen on her ear, or anything else had occurred which could explain away the circumstance that still perplexed poor Milly too much for sleep to visit her pillow.

Actuated as much, perhaps, by a nervous desire for companionship of some kind as any hope of getting her enigma solved, she crossed tho gallery once more to where the glimmering lamp marked the half-open door of the invalid.

Her first glance was at Mr. Durrant, and, remembering that she would have to make some pretext to him for this visit, she was retreating again, when she perceived that, in spite of the watchful attitude in which be lay—his head propped on bis band, his fece turned toward the side of the room at which he had affirmed that Olympia Errington appeared—he slept.

The nurse looked up from her seat by the fire, frowning and silent, as if she resented the presence of a victor at such an untimely hour and when accosted, her replies were couched in the briefest terms.

Mr. Durrant seems to be sleeping calmly," Milly observed, as she came forward and stood on the rug, warming her cold hands.

An opiate," was the curt explanation. Has he had any return of the vision that agitated him so much

No he is riot light-headed to-night." So dry were Mrs. Smith's tones, that it required a little courage to put another query to her.

Have you, nurse, seen or heard anytaing in the house to-night that struck you as unusual?"

Mrs. Smith eyed ber questioner so oddly, that Milly began to feel decidedly uncomfortable.

No, ma'am nothing at all," she answered, at last. No one moving in the gallery? Are you sure?" "Iam not given to flincying that I hear strange sounds, or see strange sights," was the sharp retort "and11 neither play the Bpy upon those with whom I five, nor submit to be watched myself."

I do not think you understand me," said Milly, gently. "I have been somewhat alarmed to-night for there certainly was some one In the gallery when I crossed it." ma'am, and me to come to your assistance, as he said that you were ill. I asked no questions as to tbe cause of your illness It was not place to do so."

crossed it."

I saw no one but von, Mr. Errington, who asked

there?" compre-

Her auditor stared, unable to lhand the of her qoestk "Nuxee Smith was here a moment ago. {Shall I recall her afraldtjfty dear Miss Raymond, you aw s«il giddy, and snot fit to be left/* rt

very well." Milly amwered.

"J* But what was she doing here?"

ex-

Id t»

knew

i*'

iilft

lilsii

than any raider

«bletoeoeae more nrontntiy «n««toe, besides being able to y«e (Aden! aid."

And you fbund her watebieg bcakie ilMr. SHumhuM?*' .. Not had Irn

#*r, |w»r tWng! «.r, li«*r '-nis, «ti.i

There waa something in her manner so annoying, that Milly bit her lip, bat curbed ber vexation to explain the cause of her fU). "ThatI fell at Mr. Erri dent," she in the house bad gone to rast long before."

So you suppose, ma'am but I daresay if other people were questioned, they would affirm that you bad done the same. There are good reasons why I am out of my bed at two in the morning but why any one else——"

She stopped, coughed, and altogether tfmmed such an unpleasant nifieanee, that Milly heartily had not. come near her. and there was annoyance audible In her tones as she replied:

do not know whal your "being up to attend on Mr. Durrant, or my staying down-stairs rather longer than usual, to do with the actual cause of mv fright Perhaps it is as well that I did make the discovery that some one was lurking in the gallery, for I oertainly shall not let the matter drop till I have found out who was the intruder." "Indeed, ma'am? I should have thought that you would prefer to let It tmU Your cook is not as sober at all titroeaashe might be, i» she?"

For a moment Milly was rp*«l, and then «die began to amUe. ITie idea of the stout, heavy-footed, elderly matron who ruled in the kitchen finding her wfcyto Mr. Errington's door ondetectetl. Mid choosing that spot for sleeping off tfibcits of a

potsAton, was tee absurd

to be entertained* it could not have been tbettxk «nd why abould I prefer to conceal this ctrcamatanoe?"

You know hert, ma'iun^Mhe nurse

answered, evasively.

ut you and July »o§

me but you ana air. jKrringson,

ril

and

not think me so vmM tobe

|fri|h^jed without a oau«. I stumbled

wing up so it Errinitton's ar tithe families

Ing in Mr. E have tattled In and I never will."

'Ugh her cheek was crimson with rwmtiwnt, Milty steadily met the ftirtlve, cat-like «t» of the woman ahe wsi nnlng to distrust as well as dislike, sbe answered, with all the scornAu indifference she t«ou!d assume:

P*«y do n4 make any secrets on my aocount, Mrs. Smith. Yon have ray permission to mention the oceurrenco of tonight a* freely as you please you will not mslce mischief bv so deing. am 1 .»!! i,. th-K utn:!. «b may say

ilflt. osii W«» \kv BW irt*4 U!» i. MMii tjiif* my SUt*

Milly was not the only member of the family who appeared at the breakfasttable with heavy eves. Maude had thought proper te inquire into the state of her sister's heart, and {rreatly to her surprise the generally placable Kate had resented it.

Why are you questioning me? she demanded, with heaving bosom. "It is not kind or sisterly, and I wonder at you for it."

Gently—gently, little fury! Have we changed characters to-night I did but hint that you might as well take me into your confidence, reminding you how my own experience teaches that too many lovers may puzzle a maid, and you stick up all your quills and look so porcupiney, that I am afraid to go on."

Katie turned, and, clasping her arms about her sister's neck, kisqed her very lovingly. "I know'it, dear I have been very cross, but there are moments when one feels irritable without knowing why. Only believo that if you are happy I shall be so too, and then there will be no need to—to torment me any more!"

She went back to her toilet-table, and Maude sat still for a few minutes trying to puzzle out ber meaning. "I give it up I" she cried, at last. "Your speech was as eloquent as though it had been made by a member of Parliament, and just aa incomprehensible to my weak intellect. Why should my saying, sister mine, "Do you still roam in maiden meditation, fancy free? or do vou mean to be sacrificed by Sir Marcus to his idol tbe Great Bear'—put you into

a fever "If that is all you want to know, you may rest assured that Sir Marcus baa no such intentions."

Much you know about it, poor little victim. Haven't 1 with my own ears heard him dilate to Mr. Errington on the advantages of such a proceed! ng^nd doesn't he some to court you by proxy every day. Besides, it's plain enough that the dear little fat baronet is in the right. If is the position of a young man that wants a wife, or rather who ought to have a wife to look after his earthly affairs while he studies the sublunary ones, and A ia a wise little girl who can appreciate, and admire, and soon, and bring him a few thousands besides, why shouldn't make up to A C, and-—?"

marriage

not open ffdo hat I

you bM I can

my Hps unless yoo bid me but Iff

uv »°o2ebutyouaU^Xk Krrinipoj

certainly no* mention that

can help it."

Milly looked at her inouiriagly. On your account, ma'am. Of you wouldrt ilka remarks ®*d# about your being up so late and falntsarm«. I never that employ

who offer*, and I do not thank you for marrying my pleasure in Warm! Hayie's society with these hints of his uncle's wishea." jpUtumr* in Mia soeMfer—hom l-^thst's a sentiment that may, expand into a stronger one, mayn't it?" ••No, it never will I like him much, but it is as a friend." "Then poor dear Ru Is the favored swain after ail, and I am to wear the willow. Alaa I and alack a day 1"

Maude I" exclaimed her sister, turning upon ber indignantly, how dare you my that? I have aficuMtaated myself to look upon Rupert Errington as a dear brother. I always shall, and whatever may be your motivee for talking in tbts wlW way——"

Sbe paused to gulp down a sab, and Maude hastily interposed. My dear child, it was out of my love for you that I spoke. I saw that there was snmethiug wrong between you and

TEKRE HATJTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

8HX WJfcrr BACK TO HBK TOILET-TABLE, AND VAUDB SAT STUX FOB A *BW KUSUTBS TKYtNQ TO PUtZLE OUT HBn ItKANIMG."

count of the affair at the breakfast table you can give yours when and where you

But when once more in her chamber, Millv regretted that sbe had socom-

{mpertinonoe.

letely

lost her temper at the nurse's After all, the foolish wo

man might not have meant to offend her, and a consciousness of her own innocence ought to have enabled her to endure such insinuations with composure. Yet when she had laid her head on her pillow, she gave way to along lit of weeping, and began to ask herself whether she had acted widely in coming to Leabanks, at all or in entering so warmly and earnestly into the hopes and plans of one who, after all, regarded her only as bis hired servant, to be civilly dismissed as soon as Rupert's marriage—or his own—rendered the services of a housekeeper no longer necessary.

You are' always able to jest on any ject," said Katie, turning

and every sub from her. "And why shouldn't I? But you know that I never persist in my mirth if I see that it gives pain or annoyance, and I am as serious at this moment as your sober self," "Then prove the good feeling and consideration for others you are BO fond of asserting that you possess, by letting me alone." "Humph!" said Maude, raising her hands and her eyes. "Fiercer and fleroer grows the storm! What have I said or done to evoke it? Please tell me, for I mm sure I dont know.*'

Katie, however, who was brushing furiously at her loosened tresses, made no reply and after waiting some time, her provoking sister began again:

When yeur glass tells you that it's fair weather once more, just let me know

will

you,

Kittens? forWhen I have made

unray mind to do A thing, I do it and as I have resolved to put a question or two to you, 1 mean to put them in spite of the snubbing you have so politely administered. At the same time, I'm quite willing to wait till you can listen in a more amiable manner. I never fly Into a tempest when you lecture me, ma'amselle."

Kate vehemently insisted,

"there to nothing that need be dwelt upon now. We-we may not hate been quite such good friends lately aswe used u, be but the fault has been as much

mine as his. Leave us alone, and we shall learn to understand each other better iu the time to come."

It's to be hoped so, for I dont understand either of you at present" her sister muttered, in a dissatisfied manner. "There is some mystery into which I am not to be admitted,unless Rupert proves more manageable than you are. I shall go and have it out with him." "Maude, you shall not quarrel with Rupert Errington on my account 1" Katie exclaimed, in great excitement. "Neither must you speak to him of me. It is both indelicate and unkind to make my feelings the topic of your conversations with him." "What's the matter now?" demanded the wondering Maude. "Have you one grand secret you are afraid of bis discovering? A clandestine lover, perhaps or

But Katie stamped her foot at the pertinacious speaker, and effectually silenced her by bursting into angry

Why do youperslist in provoking me with your foolish conjecture I only ask to be left alone. I have no lovers want none. I always told you that you never need fear a rival in me. As for Rupert Errington, you will make me dislike and avoid him if you couple my name with his as you have been doing." "But, Katie, I really believe he

Good night!" said Katie, taking up her candle. "I shall ask Miss Raymond to give me half her bed, as there is no other way of putting an end to this hateful subject."

But Maude flew to prevent her de•parture. Nay, Kittens, come back and smooth your ruffled fur there's a darling! I'll be good for once, and hold my tongue. Indeed, dear, I did not mean to vex you, and for the life of me I cannot tell why it is I have done so." "Anyhow." said Maude to herself, when Ifcr sister had been conciliated,

I'll ne»r try my hand again at bringing a paw of young lovers together. Can I nave been mistaken, as Wilfred Hayle asserted, and is this queer child reserving herself for her guardian? Mr. Durrant hinted the same thing, and I laughed at him but what if he should be right, after all?" .• ,• i« :i CHAPTER XX.

MB. DURRANT'S WTTB

Milliceut related her adventure—as she had said she would do—when the was assembled at breakfast, and temporally endured the raillery of .. .. inaist-

family was assembled at breakfast, and he de and Rupert, both of wfa ed that it was the old hound Dinas she

ffand

had mistaken for a prostrate woman. Seeing Mr. Errington was inclined to think with them, she smiled, andsubr mitted tobe thought foolishly nervous, although she could have convinced them had she thought proper, that Dinas was outside the house, chained in his kennel, at the time of the occurrence. But what good would it have done to assure the amused young people they were mistaken, or to inoculate Mr. Errington with her own wild and perhaps absurd fancy that it was his wife—the living, breathing Olympia, who lay sobbing at the door she dared not pass?

And so Milly's reticence, and assurances that she suffered not great pain fram the ugly bruise disfiguring her temple, led to tbe occurrence being quickly forgotten. Only in the unfathomable depths «f Jane Smith's dark eyes there seemed to lurk an unpleasant and ever-present recollection of It. More than once she caught the woman scrutinizing her face, while her lip curled In a derisive manner that was scarcely endurable, Yet site always spoke with such a semblanoe of respect, that it would have seemed strange to And fault with her and when Mr. Durrant complained of ber as neglectful and awkward, tbe honest Milly felt hf rself bound to take up tbe defenoe of his unjustlyreviled attendant.

Perhaps in her deal re to act impartially toward a person whom sbe knew in hor heart she disliked, Milly spoke too warmly, for sho succeeded in rousing tho invalid's suspicions, and he Insisted that Mr. Krrington should be brought.

Accustomed to be sent for and railed at in the most unmeasured terms every time aa unfortunate servant could be convicted of some act of negligence, Mr. Errington stayed to give audience to a petitioner from the village before he answered the summons, and secretly hoped that by the time he did reach tbe sick-chamber, Mr. Durrant's ill-humor would have subsided.

And so it had apparently, for that gentleman was lying back on Ms pillows permitting Milly Raymond to read to him and Mrs. Smith's shortcomings had not been alluded to while he ripped the cup of chocolate ahe had prepared

Dont go, Miss Raymond." he said, aa die would have given up her chair to his kinsman. "I should like to hear the rest of that article presently. You had better sit down, Errington. You must be fatigued and breathless with the haste you have made. I might have died before you got here but then the fault would have been my own for consum* matins your wishes wore hurriedly than decently, wouldn't it?"

Mr. Errington bore this attack with his customary goad humor. "I waa engaged with one of my tenants, who had been waiting to see me for a corariderable time and aa the servant who brought me your message assunK* 1 me that you were not worse, I thought you would forgive me for a abort delay. What can I do for you BOW I am here?"

You know that I cannot help myself. aud so you treat mew you ph*«e» was the snarling comment upon this ex-

plaUaMh. Sjjyhat did this tonaiilivlho is of samuflh moriB conseqaenetihapfam,want hesi-

«#repWnfr^ He isifatiqggvand wants his house rebuilt, and same assistance in the draining of his land."

I oannotyafford it^' was the reluctant admission. "It ia a terrible thing to be crippled, and to know that it is all owing in the first place to the silly extravagance of a woman." muttered the invalid and the veins on Mr. Errington's forehead swelled with bis efforts to control the fuigry shame with which he always heard any such attacks upon his lost wife. But be did not speak, only strode toward the door so hastily, that he nearly fell over the

nurse, who waa eoming to the bed to warn Mr. Durrant that he would be feverish if be talked so much. But he was not in the humor to heed her warning, and imperatively recalled his kinsman.

Don't go, Errington. I did not mean what I said to reach your ears. Tell me

man's lane, it would be a dangerous pre"cedent. Your other tenants would be expecting you to do the same—eh?"

Mr. Errington curtly asserted without looking round, or testifying any disposition to be conciliated.

I wish you'd sit down instead of fidgeting about, and keeping the door upon me," Mr. Durrant peevishly exclaimed. "Is Sir Marcus right when he says that with a comparatively small outlay the farms pertaining to Leabanks might be doubled in value

Yes. he is right," was the brief an swer followed by a sigh. Ah! and then Master Rupert could keep up the family name with something like credit to himself. You are my nearest relative, Errington you often remind yourself of thatwhenyou are going over your accounts, and regretting your inability to do this, that, or tbe otner, don't you

r''

and in hisexdte-

Not for myself/' and irient Mr. Errington foreot that they were net alone, and speke loudly and earnestly. "I take Heaven to witness that no thought of my own aggrandizement has ever entered my mind but for my boy, whose best hopes are blighted by my poverty, and to whom such an obscure lot as mine has been would be the saddest I can imagine. I do cherish hopes and wishes which I have no cause to be ashamed of avowing."

In plain terms, you dont care how soon I die, so that this very amiable ounggentleman inherits my property, leasant and flattering words foradvlg man to listen to, upon my honor!" "I used no such words I have never wished for your death quite the coin trary," he was assured but he listened with exasperating incredulity.

Bah! do you think that I believe this?" You may believe i*y~ Durrant," was the grave reply, "for to tell you an honest truth, should shink it very terrible to see you die until you are at peace with your Maker 1" "And have made confession of all my sins, and received your forgiveness, eh?"

do not know that you have ever injured me or mine," he was quietly told "but If you had, I should strive to forget it now."

Millicent, watching Mr. Durrant curiously, saw a spasm contract his face, and for a little while he lay silent: then a strange and horrible fury darkened his features.

Bah! you talk and talk, but I have no faith in these goodly speeches. Do you know why I sent for you It to tell you that you and your clever coadjutor, Miss Raymond, nave betrayed yourselves. I bade my physician send that woman from London that I might have one creature about me who would be faithftil to my interests but you have yo like the rest, is no

myi

suborned her with ur bribes and sin, nger to be trusted. I am a miserably helpless creature, dying in the hands of a set of mercenary wretches, who will watch aa greedily for my death as hungry vultures ever their pray."

101

For pity's sake cease, Darrant those assertions disgrace you I" exclaimed Mr. Errington.

,fNot

an action of my life

warrants you in suspecting me of such dishonorable conduct, and Miss Raymond must not—shall 1 not be exposed to such Imputations."

But Mr. Durrant had talked himsalf into one of his bitterest moods, and no remonstrance had any effect.

I may be bullied into holding my tongue, but net into shutting my eyes. As my weakness increases, you will hem me in more and more on pretence that am not able to bear visitors, you will keep every one away to whom I might make complaints, and perhaps when I am at my last breath, my hand will be guided to sign a document that will enable you to grasp the long-covet-ed wealth for which you would kill me if you dared."

Millicent could no longer restrain herself. She went round the bed to where Mr. Errington waa standing, and laid a hand on his arm.

Pray go away," ahe said, earnestly. "Ho raves, and why pain yourself by staying to listen to him—why let hfs cruel speeches make you look sorrowful? Does not every one who knows you esteem you as one of the kinaeai, truest, most honorable of men?

Mr. Errington took in his own hand whose warm pressure on waa unconsdoualy tightening, and Idas-

"Hewwaot dinarily but his eye voice took its softest tenemw "Thank yon," he «*h1dftar Miss Raymond, while you believe inr^,I^nffi worse trial, than this

°nHe had scarcely finished speaking, when the nurse thrust herself rudely between them. "Stand back—back ln she hoarsely cried. "He is dying t"

She flew to Mr. Durrant, and they followed but It waa a false alarm. The stimulant she would have applied to his nostrils waa rudely dashed out of her hand. as. calling her a fool, a too officious idiot, h« insisted on speaking fhriher with Mr. Errington. ....

But I say you must not, and shall not!" she told him, imperatively. "You have said too much as it is I"

Am I to be and

ination, andhertal ner?" angril#4hfi| Mil Si

And you will give

it him It will be to your own advantage. A landlord rarely loses by his liberality if it ia expended on the ground. You will do this?"

an's dom-

m« itt tbis manctory jptiejit, so apolmzedl

SirWbuSg I'm urselffcq xbuch, ghtf#vision

afraid if ytu isreita that y^u'ifjbe dnf

again. ,, Mr. Durrant drew the bed-clothes over his shoulders, and cast scared glance around him.

You are right I ought not to permit myself to be worried by the greed and meanness of thoee about me. But I need not put myself entirely at their mercy, and 1 will not. 06me hej©, Mr, Errington. Do you see this

He drew a parchment from beneath his pillow, ana Mr. Errington could not help changing color a Bttfe, •'it is my last will aad testament, and If yoti are as honorable a tnan as you profess to be, and will respect ray wish, or whim, whichever you choose to call it. to keep the purport of it a secret until I am no more."

Mr. Errington bowed his head, but could not speak. It was a heartless wish whether the testator bad repented his many bitter speeches and atoned for them, or had fulfilled a frequently-expressed intention of bequeathing bis property to some charity, it was merciless thus to keep the man who was to gain or lose him in suob terrible suspense.

How am I to do this?" Mr. Durrant asked, and, disgusted at his inhumanity^ his' much-enduring cousin turned on his heel, saying: "If I am not to be trusted, why ask me such a question? If it were not for Rupertfe sake, I oould rejoice if you have framed a will in which my name is mentioned for I could not be grateful for gifts attended with such insuits as I have -borne from you. Send your papers to the solicitor you employ." "/Stendthem, that they may be tampered with on the way

As you please," Mr. Errington replied, and was already at the door, when another question made him pause.

Is there not a patent look to yonder cabinet?" The answer was an affirmative.

Then oblige me by opening it, that Miss Raymond may lay this document within it."

But Millicent put her hands behind her, bluntly refusing to have anything to do with it, and fearlessly meeting the scowl with which Mr. Durrant heard her.

Perhaps, Miss Raymondjyou think that as I must soon throw off this mortal coil, I ought not to resist the wishoa of my friends to get rid of me, and divide the spoil with as little trouble to themselves as possible."

I should be sorry to be obllgod to tell you what I think, sir, exoept that you area very unhappy man, and need our prayers and forbearance more—far more than you imagine."

If I must be prayed over, it shall not be here," he answered bitterly. "For the future, nurse, you will take care that I am not intruded on Miss Raymond. I suppose, Errington, you can dome this little service, oan'tyou? Lay the will in the cabinet. That's well. Now give me the key. How sorry I am to be so much trouble to you! Nurse bring writing materials. Oue more favor, my good coz, and I release you. Pen for me a line to my solicitor, which will sign, requesting him to take charge of the key—which we will inclose—until the tidings reaches him of my decease. The Doctor will post it for me, I daresay. I think I can hear the wheels of Ms chaise. Thanks. Now that this affair is off all our minds, I'll ask you to leave me, that I may get a little rest."

Glad to escape, Milly and Mr. Errington passed out of the room together and, exhausted with his own bad passions, the miserable invalid sank into a heavy, dreamless slumber, as soon as his medical attendant had paid his visit and gone, Carrying with hfm the letter. It was night when he awoke, and by the stillness that reigned around he knew that the hour must be a late one.

Always impatient, he raised himself to.see if the nurse had fallen asleep— a dire offence in hie eyes, no matter how much his incessant calls upon her attention might have fatigued her. She

In her aceustomed seat, but in hand,

waa not in

he forgot himself fr

hi»

weakness, and flinging himself from the bed, grasped her fiercely by the throat.

CHAPTER XXI.

1$ JWr,

RBTROSPBCTION.

Mrs. Smith, in her anxiety to guard against any such surprise as this, had been oheeful to double the sleepingdraught of the invalid but, as will sometimes be the case, the additional morphia excited Instead of stuplffing him, and lenthimsuch feverish strength that abe waa unable to escape from his tigerish clutch.

Bat, though both vexed and startled, die did not lose her presence of mind, and stood quietly suhmlttiug to his grasp until his excitement began to subaide, and she could release herself without difficulty.

You bad better let me assist you back to bed, Mr. Durrant. Whatever you wish to say can be said then." "No—no I" he gasped, as he clung to be bed-post for support, and waved her way. "I will not stir till you have been handed over to the police. Artful bag! —midnight robber that you are! Keep off! Help—help, I say!" "It is of no use to

"sol

fatigue

yourself

with these cries," she coolly told him. "The door is closed, and you are too far from the sleepers to arouse them. "The police—I tell you I will have a policeman fetched." "The nearest one is at least a mile away, and by tbe time he can be summoned you will be fainting with exhaustion," «he answered sarcastically

should advise you to think better of such a resolution." And let you escape unpunished Never!"

Ftar what would you puniah me?" she demanded. You would have robbed me if I had not awakened as I did, and prevented

"Of what? Your purse is beneath your pillow: tbe dressing case containng

your

valuables is on that table with

in your reach. Open it, and ascertain whether a single article is missing before you bring such an accusation against me.

Her boldness staggered him as much 1 the quiet matter-of-fact manner in which she argued, and he no longer refased to permit her to replace him on hia couch, though he continued to question her sharply. ,,

You were at that cabinet when I awoke and disturbed you. Deny that 11 you can!" ••I de not deny it," she replied* "Neither ahall I deny that I waa trying to open It."

Mr. Durrant gasped at tho admission. By whose directious Your accom[h, like the pe for any not attempt to meddle with a document of ne earthly use [oojrrrmjKD OK THIRD PAOB.]