Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 22, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 28 November 1874 — Page 2

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fej

THE MAIL

FOf? THK pFOftE.

,LGVS,m%

of love, tin? marmarlDg

Tbe undw vows we made, The oomliw"sjoy, the partiug**' thou tonpett No, love, DO I Doatthou No,!

Dot tlMMt And ail tbe tirembllag When close together we did stand?

Dost thou flufet ay ft «i

tbe spangled grot,

Aod panaU*, and forju-t-me-not, where 1 an'

Dtrtaumtm^tboXlm*tivW~i®^&4('

w^ilSS'Sf^SSS!^ «.

Aod only anlted to be. As w« were then, forever ao~ Dost thoaforg.." No, t»»(s tiof |r 4

DID SHE DIE?

Anyoomimnds, ladles, for the town? Speak your wishes, and speak them quickly, fur I am in baste." "At© you wise"1 to

inquiiv whether she would not like one of the servants to accompany her.

And carry an umbrella and a pai pattens for me to trudge home in No thanks."

But, my dear, I do not think your guardian likes you to take such long walks alone. Shall I ask Rupert to go with you?"

Rupert is in the library looking as black as tea thttnderstorms^snd as grave a&if he were over head and earn in trouble. What is the matter with him, Miss Raymond f"

Katie glanced up, and Milly shook her bead. 8he might have a shrewd guess at the cause of the young man's, changed manner but she did not choose to diseasftit with Katie Lesdea'fe sister.

Is that the way you receive my ques tion? Ah 1 well, 1 begin to think it Is an unanswerable one. Shall I bring you the silk jrou want tor your purse •4 Not thin afternoon, my dear, thanks, you must have some trouble in matching the oolor, and twilight toils so quickly these dark days, that I should not like you to be detained in the town."

What a piece of precious metal I must be 1" quoth the laughing Maude. "Suow must not be ponnitted to fell en me, nor tbe nigfct to embrace me with her sable pall, lest the silent data* should nev«r give me back to the daylight. What an exciting time you would have of It, if I were really to be missing 1 Think of the paragraph it would make for the local paperl 'Mysterious disappearance of the lovely and aooomplished Miss Leaden.' Now don't look

Kissing tbe tips of her gloved fingers In very dramatic style to the two ladies, she bade them adieu, and was on her way to the outer door, when Wiltred Hayle entered the hall, inquiring of the servant who admitted him, tor Rupert.

You will tind him in the iibmry, Mr. Uavie," said tbe young lady, a* he bowed 'to her, "and if one may Judge ftota his looks,** she added, in lowered ton**, "tie was never mam in want of a to help him to shake off a fit of low spirits. Y'»u need not bestow such a cmkati glunee upon ine,sir I am in rto w^jr tue guilty cause t»i his despond

e,V$ll

well guarded from the cold

with these fun, and there Is nsthing very tsrrlMe In a snow storm in this oowtttor^i?4 tte*re Mr. Haytef'

Yyu wwuid And it cxtrajnrijr an* pleastii|t to be caught In one on the common tmnp'islng yuu Intend to take that

route •^••*•••*•4 And suppmwng I do

Way.

uo-n

tiw snow drifts so quick

ly into U» narrow ianea,

e«, 40 t...t beitt««^r..ii goud*ii|it.

Mr,

ber

to th i. .r.

(tfdif

dtlwrwx

.•vvr:^rw

KtSK SHiB

-U*

that of all feminine eoig^nacshe was tbe moat perplexing and exasperating, be went to the library. Is

Me bad walked ov0*

Leabanks to

hear

his friend's

Wading

through it would be almost equaUy dia-

"i ai»a»i t» try one or other of these expertatexW «*td drawing her vwd ovpr .«mN* saucgr, mttii«*ot*s

"Ait«r

tarn.

''i|«Hi«sped«t aud tenntod so

uutm«Ml myfemlnfitf* W «*n

Bugliali wC»«v IIbflMiu^%«ajp#w Miivki

Hayto^ tf I should.

burtjcHiln ih n.»w, yoti wlil ««u« 1«d u»fg ,i oat. w^n^ftof* n," sald #111, fe»llowtr»g to you know Uat mm

Airfmem*i

N®(i

.rmti vV

mmkmm

we is that,

scOtttlt^g

crtad

%km

Hr.

fmmg lady,

withau! ntair of is*rprl«». "One of tn« -t -ok* dw writ# d»wn Umi charutui.' s^lmettt for tm, will wu.

I ijever lik

um w»mi- »f

wisdom, and «y

la so ««div 1 foetive thtf

•w-.

ip «t tt

friends

whu mill

and aodu in)

tolosft 40KHV

¥$m

«mb» at

am, t»v

t»r4K max

a I U» ii'

all.

NVMl,

tbe so'1 »'*t

iti! «r

opin

tap of an artielo

had

written for one

the London reviews. The subject was We of (general Interest,

and

how hand clasped hand, 5 bllM,

argaiag

^•s^i

and thou alone

HVrt happy oaw: w« thoogbt us so? spW Douthou ioigot?No,love,no!

oat

two or three disputed points, and making

some corrections that Rupert suggested, the time aped quickly, and Maude was forgotten until the

creasing darkness compelled the young men

go out this after

noon, my dosr*** asked Milly, with a glance at the heavily-lowering sky. "Mr. Errington predictaa toll of snow."

An additional reason why I should have my promised walk!" ws» the smiling replv. "ft Is ao many years since I mw tbft genuine article, that I shall quite ehjoy'coralng In covered with snownakes."

Katie called hftr a

goose, and

suspend their

labois.

"Haw

fast

then said

no more, but Milly Raymond followed

the advvnturous

damsel

the door, to

snow*!'

Maid Rupert, raxing from the window to which they had carried their papers. ."You will nave to

PHAPTKH XXIf.

'l IN THE Rfl)W. It was Just after luncheon on the following day that Maude Lesden, equipped for walking, ran into tbe morniiigroom, whore her slfcter and MiUy Raymond were at wcrrk.

stay. here to-night, Will, unless you are obstinate enough to risk spending a

night

ir»

awaowdrift." Will startled a littld,

and be, too, look

ed out at the lawn, where the flower-beds had long been hlddfn, ana the tallest shrubs were rapidly becoming Invisible.

lrid inquire whether Miss I^esden has

fYouhouseon

te home?'* don't mean to say that she has the such an afternoon 1 Indeed she has, Ibr I met her at the door, and she talked of walking to rtbrd though whether she really ant to attempt such a feat, or only „d so because I told her it would be jiwise, you ought to be able to Judge tter than I can."

Gone to Barford and Katie, so dolite, so unused to our cold climate, may ve been with her! Good gracious,what _ness!" exclaimed Rupert, springing aud hurrv ing to the awr.

Stop a moment," said AV ill. Miss iden was alone when I saw her her ..er has toomueh good sense to acoouony her on such expeditions." fou seem to have a very high opinion of Katie Lesden,"

sober over my foolish Jest, Miss

Raymond. I'll be home before yon have had time to get up to more than fifty degrees of fidget heat, and I'll take all imaginable care of my valuable little

rarely answered speeches of this

descriptioti, and be now contented himself with asking: Are going fltr, Mian I^esden?" l«l» lfc»r»rd-thst is all."

And tootr You must give up the Idea, for we shall hav« a heavy toll of snow the ground Is beginning to b# sprm«i*i alB-Alv, *nd tbe wind Is very k^*n—too keen for you to brave."

T.ie odious NtM^with which hh» speech com .ueneed, made Maude iiear wiui iro-

Rupert

Excuse me. then, for a minute,white find Mtsfi Rayniond. I thai! I go and I IfO tell h«r that ymi dine with na

It will lie holiday &>r Mm. CrijiM," wild Wilfred, as he assented, "She declares that my uncle is always lubberly rampageous and tyratitiod' when I urn near to back him, pou my word, K»i, if I ao llv^a life

me, Jor I coukl eBdu Wki in 0 ictions

to ttlfflid tfnilty of !h a«alr«y €t«mp

Rui Iwiad. aad

Jealously

Of course I have. She is one of the nicest girls I know," was the rather enthusiastic reply.

Taking into consideration that you don't reauv know half a dozen girls of ber age, that may well be," was the snappish comment this speech received. "But I suppose I am to couple what you have Just said with a remark your uncle made to me tho last time he was here, and conclude tliat.you are the young ladv's favored suitor."

Sir Marcus has wished—very much wished—me to endeavor to win Miss Katie Lesden's hand," Will began, but was more sharply than politely interrupted.

My father knew of this, of course? Why was it kept from me? I seem to be left in the dark as to every one's intentions.,'

Not as to mine, Rupert. Had you •named the subject before, I should have been perfectly candid with you, so don't be angry with me."

Rupert Errington had averted his race, and he sighed heavily as he answered:

No one can blame yon, Will. She is ood and bonnie enough to win the cart of a better man than you or I, and IH try to be glad that she means to give herself to an honest fellow like yourself though I'll not conceal from you that I am very much surprised."

And so am I that you don't give me time to finish what I wanted to say id retorted. "Iam very willir to please Sir Marcus as far as lean, but I certainly shall choose my wife—if ever I have one—and that wife will not be Katie, for she cares no more f»r me than I do for ber."

How do you know Has she refused you But perhaps this is not a fair question."

441don't

Marcus's

wa»

aboirt to

toaalKd, and was sbotrt to

dartlmt limf might inrtitirto a for the raising dnwrnrtaeUe* aw -.uoitn.-v iftatt.to:eafeMtain

ikU i. it

..4 s'^nk

»«ty

iw'1

!i: «w»

h'TU-

Will I Aft' th-»i» on

s*.i- n4 m-*rv

»i

WHKM*W.\

Uir

iii

m#? m*i

'^h'Hl at i, si.'

-fl M.i itir ..fl.iV

l.T Ofj

the smallest share of reasoning faculties risk health and comfort the poor siuis faction of having her own way? I hope she'll catch a severe cold in her head it will bo the well-merited punishment of her folly." "Mr. llfcyle—Mr. Hayle, you're to stop, please I" shouted a boyish voice, ana he saw that a panting urchin was toiling after him.

Wlio says so, my boy?"

Mother, sir, please, sir. Leastways, Miss Lesden asked hor to send me to auk you not to go away from Leabanks such a night."

Where

think it is but still I don't

object to answer it. She has not refused mo, for the simple reason that I have not exposed myself to the unpleaaantof a rejection. Katie and I like and understand each other all the better, perhaps, because we leave lores-making out of our vocabulary."

You must fee strangely ©old-hearted, t# h«*o constantly thrown into the society of two pretty, nay, more than commonly pretty, girls like my father's wards, and feel not a spark of affection for either of them," cried Rupert, so thoughtfully, that Will laughed,

4,ffc»

my uncle tells me fifty times a

day, till I don't know whether to be or worry that I cannot fall over aod ears into tbe net* of Doa as as other men do but while we chatter, you forget Miss Lesden. I daresay she is safe enough but It might be as well to make the inquiry, don't yoa think so?"

"MIwllaymond wished It, and I

vou

You

celibacy, ml

twin somm h«- fMlow wr •ilhertoeook, and wamii, and mend

stockings for

But Maude's sodden ed bsots were oot

««*Uy

drawn m. and the child commtosiotto^ to drv her glove* had held them

dow»r, when SiUJy Raymond

Rti|

opn tho

w.,w.

troubled, as sbe wtpkdwNi thM It was iier anxiety on Maude's accouut thwt had l«hou«hf her to 4h»? library, and Katie, who' wsr afclwr ^Iww, tookd equaity unesay. "It g«wtog quit* dark, and sins not ivtwrn too, tlKi wwn-servant has lieen aeni o€«oin« «r for Mr. Oomwl."

eioeotft tbe Mass, tfaat one was abri£

ml up and* uweli'as f" «k» p-Tfient, and alter a h#r pr»dal coveilngs, she Jutn. thnMt ber bare hand* l«to wrwdf prooonnwd herself atlUs ordere.

refused Itla

eatMtain

«a» to arav wwt!! eared to or Milly,

arN. flrtn kn'« ifi:--

ft)}

«fhr exfswuft

she re

iv.

mtiUpt

•vtaiall oftf44'

fcl:

•l.

-t

to*

ol tlw1 to ha^

life

*»«d 4

TERBTD HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

AT KIltST SHE REFUSED HIS SUPPORT, BIDDING HIM MtAD ON."

banks by the deep, narrow lanes, to guided, half carried her along, till ho which he now hastened. triumpWntly led her in^ th^wurrn It was a miserable evening, the air so morning-room, where she was immedithick with the feathery flakes that It ately clasped in the warm embraces of was scarcely possible to see anything Katie and Milly Raymond. b.rttl^Kt-Wng.now. Will»lil,e£ In li«n«umbering ber of her w*

s.-usj«ss wjsssaffi1=s

glowed ruddily A brief delay at the aforesaid gates— for the handle of the lock was slippery and hard to turn with such benumbed fingers—and then Will strode through, to nnd hiiHsalf knee-deep In a drift.

Miss Lesden What! here

at this cottage?" exclaimed Will, as he pointed toward it. An affirmative nod sent him in haste to the door, which was opened as he drew near, and displayed the pretty figure of Maude seated on a low stool on the hearth, with the lodgekeeper's baby in her arms.

She laughed merrily when their eyes

Don't look so very much surprised. Mr. Hayle. It really is I—myself—aud not my ghost, as you seem to think."

Then you did not goto Barford, alter all?"

44Well,

sir?" she queried, haughtily,

for although her wes drooped, and her cheek flushed, she did not choose to admit that sbo had been swayed by his advice, after all. "There was nothing surprising in my changing my intentions, was there?"

No—yes,—I mean, I am very glad you did, for your chance of returning safely through such a storm would have been a slight one."

Then I wonder you risk it on your own account," said Maude, speaking in more friendly tones. "Why not remain at Leabanks until the morning?"

I have agreed to do so. I ft® here on your account, Miss Lesden your sister and Miss Raymond have been suffering much uneasiness through your proa a

441aoisorry

to hear that, sheenedf

starting up briskly and restoring the infant tolts mother. "I did not mean to bo so long away, but when I reached here, these little ones were snow-balling oach other, and the temptation to joitt in a game at romps was too strong to bo resisted. The consequences," she added with a merry laugn, "were such Wet boots and gloves, that this good woman insisted on bringing me in "here to dry them it was very childish, I know. She tried to look penitent.

4,Buttt

was

prime ftin: I never enjoyed myself more In my life!' The bright eyes »pJirkled as she said so, that Will mirtbfalh' tld not help

so could "Were meet me. ... ... provoking incredulity in her accents, that sufficed to make him cold and se*

help smiling in sympathy, you going toward Barford to f" she asked, with a spice of

startled—the nurse, Jfane Smith, glided

into the room.

Where is Mr. Rupert Errington?" Katie uttered a cry of dismay, He ban not returned? Then he will

"Pleasant walking this will be for a prolong his .. lady!" he ruefully muttered. "Oh, the How selfishwe were to forget that he is wilVulness of this foolish, foolish girl! still out in the snow! ... ... j, u'nnlrl n^v other ercsture endowed with! Where is his father Rupert overcome by the sudden chanp Would any other creature enaoweuwun

Ly|ng down he

Milly explained. The woman threw over her head and shoulders the cloak that had been lying on hor arm, and walked to the door, but there she paused and, fixing her glittering eyes on Maude, exclaimed in such a tierce whisper that the sisters involuntarily drew near to Miss Raymond, "It is through you and for you he has gone. Heartless girl! If he perishes in this night's storm, you are his murderess!"

The next moment, her scared auditors saw her cross the hall, walk straight out fnto the blinding snow, and disappear in the darknes.

CHAPTER XXIII.

IN DANGER.

As soon as Milly Raymond could overcome her astonishment at this strange outbreak, she ran to try and re* call tne woman, crying, excitedly: •44Sho must not go she is a stranger, and will lose herself."

But Mrs. Smith was out of sight, and made no response to her calls, which Milly repeated till, feeling .their utter uselessness, she returned to the sisters to take counsel with them whether It would not be advisable to arouse Mr. Errington without further delay.

But they were not in a condition to advise her. Maude, horrified by the consequences of her own folly and the angry denunciation of the nurse, was crouching on the floor, hiding her eyes in the dress ef Katie, who had burst into hysterical weeping, and was herself too frightened to give any consolation to her sister.

As she stood there beside them, scarcely knowing what course to take, she heard, at some distance, the deep baying of Dinas, the old hound, and her hopes revived. Mrs. Smith, acting with more forethought than might have been expected, had unchained the dog, whose sagacity would be invaluable in the search for his young master.

Millv crossed the hall,.and ascending tho stairs, approached a door of the room Mr. Errington occupied, but paused,and retreated again, for she felt an invincible repugnance to awakening him, and being the first to communicate the tidiugs that Rupert was absent, and perhaps in danger. He had looked so ill and harassed lately thut her heart ached for him his son's cold and estranged manner combined with the taunts and sneers Of Mr. Durrant to make him thoroughly unhappy. If he were roused, would not he, too, rush out at all risks to seek the wanderer or perish with him?—a thought to terrible that she left him to sleep in peace awhile longer, and went dow'n stairs again.

Sho had scarce! when another fear If any tiling ha

stwdl

be glad to rat back to the house as quick I

glad to get back to ttoe house as quickly as 1 can, for Rupert had take# the tiaek across the common, and must be recalled." "Pray don't let sue detain yon,Mr. Hayle/said the young lady, stiffly.

"If

will tall my /rimdt tl»at I awi

safe,

and Intend returning directly,

shall

feel obliged. I need dot put yon to any furttwr trouble." Put WIU. after stepping to the door aid loekin

liatden, prws It »poa Will you tuAth asmuob dispatchaaMWtote?"

traady

Ho«r«v*X, WiU

Pravided by the lodgw-keeper'R wife with a lantern, for the ulght wau now bMy dark. WHl JW^red ta iMd

rem** Mdv mm to utoi

of some dlAculty. although 9 Was inconsiderable. At stiiipoct, bidding him lew «ld fellow but prfMiUjy lean turn Wm, and em

tetfce

htm leadnn

to lean upin him. «a over, Maudi Witol and

"Can we not i»on aomew1»e** till tbe wind rtnoiia?" s(]« pentad. "I am *w miwr. /tired «*T with tt."

It would lie daoaerous to loitor. Yo«: Vt* Oil

•rotild li« dauaerous to loitor. ehllled slfr«dv. 'and t»o glovfcii

i"i*t H«W

Y«.

w»«d»#r

fo*t

Don't em now,' aald Maud tever *»t to no to Bar HI St. Oh! tlmt -1*1-

his search as far as Barford.! alarm, and how it had originated. H« looked very grave, uut there was

reached the hall to perplex her. to Rupert, would

not Mr. Erring'um reproach

pert ber for not

having him awiuaJnted with the younc mnn's position al the earliest moment? He might, nay, would be sure to fancy that he could have done something to

door once more, aud entreated him to rise directly and come to her.

The veto* of Mr. Ihuraai angrily «rillag for hi* nurse reached hor as aho stood waiting A* Mr. Errington to apr*ar, and mw-hantcally she went to him. Be drank greedily of the lemonade bteh at Ma feqnest she p*w»i«d,and en began to declaim With his usual

ItorueSand tii« !a*y, careleta Imbits of the woman who was supposed to sttoad to htm: but MlUy was not aa patfcnut sn audkoras be generally found her. She waft I Issuing to e?cry wuftd tfcai rose firom weld*, and qiuitud him abruptly In the midst of his harangue,

14 rtseerlaln wtmie

ht»tN*~-A Ibedlafirst she

tl|at hwi Just entered tbe house. Alas 1 it was only the tired, shivering •ervant who had ridden to the town some hoisrs prwlously, to brii^f «ome tittle delicacy Mr. Durrant craved fofc and the matni diacriptlon arthestatettf

the

tor bestto keep within bMinds. When r. Emngto». In phMM uneonsctousRcss «t tAie wdings awalting Mm, came Into this nM»ming-nHim, Mattde had bw«i persusded to go and ehange l»r wirt cdotlHM. ^he Md mng for hands, and declared ir over again that she meant no harm in loitering at tfce lodge, and th« W Uiing liappcned t« Hupert she ahnuld never, never bo happy spin I Jtot no •ne attempted to console wr, and Katie ~«eneraliy so full of sfle^lonato solldf»mr t«» a^Hmtwtty

1# fr* mlnuto" I WIU, aninor 5

a-' arnt

strivlt it vein 1

iw Half

tSL'

mon, hot tswned window, *rhtiTPt with her face

tl»i naiiC, aha »a*wd

fttrirlt dr I t»*M«u..r

«a«f**.orto|il #fhepr«»fo«ni! thai k'lt nothing

so as to upk with composttre3Wbeij Mr. Errington cap! toward fcer to rowsstlie 60 into a tafehter Ware, inquiring with ille as be did so

to apjtop so

lSng. But her effort failure, for her blanched cheek told tales, and, glancing from her to Katie, whose attitude now struck him as unusual, lia began to demand,anxiously what was the matter.

Let us hope noth

ing, alt hough—— and then Milly stopped, and in ol tar ily laid her hand on bis arm, and uttered a

...

Hark I"

There was a moment of silence—of suspense to herself and Katie that was almost agony and then Dinas was heard whining and scratching at the door for ad inittanee. Was the faithful creature •alone Was he tbe mute Biessengerofill

news, or good Kati

ie sprang to ifd-

mit him, gave one quick glance toward the outer portal, then

turned, tfnd, With a heartfelt thanksgiving, threw herself iuto Milly's arms, for Rupert and Wilfred were in the hall shaking tho snow off their coats, and Mrs. Smith was dimly visible in the background stealing quietly away, as if ve her share in the resunwilling to hav ciie averted to. does tjiis mean? Where have

EruWhat

voung men been?" the astonished

Errington demanded At first no one answered but when Katie had glided away to relieve Maude with the happy tidings that all was well, Millv briefly 'told tho history of their

JJL»* (UOlVvU VITiJ {(lOTVi wu« "iviv "W no time to express what he thought, for

has the headache," from tiic intense cold without to t&

heated room, staggered to the nearest chnir, and (showed symptoms of lapsing Into insensibility. He had dashed off to Barford at his highest Speed, ascertained there that Miss Lesden bad not been seen in the town,and attempted to make his wiy back again. But on the high, bleak moor, where the ordinary roadmarks bad long since become invisible, and the keen, cruel wind buffeted him mercilessly, he had strayed from the di rect way. After floundering into snowdrifts, and narrowly escaping atoll into a gravel-pit, he bad been rapidly becoming too weary to make further efforts to reach Leabanks, when the baying of the hound aroused him to fresh exertion, and the twinkle of the lantern Wilfred Hayle carried guided him to where bis friend and the nurse, Jane Smith, were searching for him.

Although he made light of the dizziness that seised him, and laughed at the anxious faces of his friends, he was obliged to admit that he felt too weak and ill to stay up aud when Katie and the subdued, penitent Maude r~turned to the room, he had left it, leaning on the arm of Wilfred. Milly Raymond would have visited him in his chamber that night, but she bad been forestalled by Mrs. Smith, who, in spile of the constant calls upon her time made by Mr. Durrant, contrived to find her way to Rupert's bedside again and again. Hi was feverish and restless, but her cool hands stilled and throbbing of his brows, and had a mesmeric effect upon him, so gentle, so tender was their touch. Often as he awoke from an unrefreshing dose, it was always to find her watching him—not with the steely glitter in her eyes which Milly found so unpleasant, but with a softened light that made them absolutely beautiful.

Mr. Durrant must be the most unthankful of men to speak of you as be does, If you wait upon him as you do on me,'' he said to her, gratefully, when she brought him some breakfast, and tried to induce him to eat* "If I should have to lie hero long—and I must confess to feeling extremely queer—I hope you'll nurse me, Mrs. Smith."

Then you are not repelled^ as Mr. Durrant is, by my disfigured race and general ugliness?'' she observed, with a

Yon have tho kindest eyes I ever saw!" criod Rupert, quite enthusiastically..

Her month relaxed a little, and her Cheek flushed at his praise, thouirh she answered, with a smile, that the best proof ho could give of being satisfied with her was to eat tbe ham and eggs she had brought him.

441cannot,"

languid manner that ehe began to examine his looks and the state of his pulse with a travlty that would have amused him, if be bad not aeen that I was dictated by,real wudetyon Wsao-

JounU

to sn

r^L

er and

»bie

t,«l Wl- 1 W W Iffl ... ... M„ .7. tH nt

MI Ml to^lii lb: tn u«! .r ter

that his feelings for Ratie'igKiNt Mendlyones," Ana Kate herself wishes and

question Rupert's bro-

That she

441

YdW haV« caught a violent cold," wa» her conclusion. "Yon will have to lie here quietly for a day or two to get rid of it.. You will do this? You will be patient, and not risk a more dangerous illness by ahv rashness? I shall not fool satisfied till Hive your premise."

My good name, don't talk as If ray safety is of the highest Importance, for It !sJat,'f he "said, rather Irritably. "I begin to think that tf I wtfre out of the Wwrtd, there are net many who wvmid miss pie, aud ono or two who would find In my death a relief from sqme of their perrilexltlifii.'*

She did not answer, for Mr. Enlngton bad JuM, entered the room, and In his presence »ho was always silent ami 111 at ease. She left the fother -md son together, both Wnffering flhofti the emtmr-

nuistnent ostwed by the speech Rupert hod incautiously made, IHtls dreaming that any one was within henring-a speech which he now felt to be unjust as well a* ttnbind to tbe parent ^whose devotion tottltn had been sc great.

When Mr. Errington's inquiries bad been answered, and Rupert bad strongly ftfttteeted against the Doctor being tailed lit

hint, tbe yo»ng man

draw tins clothes over his abooldera, and tamed his head sway, Sleep. Seeing that he was disinclined to converse, his father

going

when he was recalled.

441

ha% had some talk with Wilfred, xtv about Kate. 1 think 1 might have made aeeittalnted with

„Jr MuffW

t»» *«s^ anything that might lead to a

U-:'

-W^af

!^v-

DO you qidte out tu»r-

ted. love Will, I ciishes an irt Ise, you, IMrtjoi:

sure. WUetli nation for so' so persistently keep me away from her —ought to be able to say better than I

can." it was a sore subiect to Mr. Errington ami as he 3rd not gu6es that bis son suspected a rival in him, he felt it best not to pursue it. "Ifwe must have these painft»ldi» cussions, Rupert, let It be when you are less feverish and excitable than yonseem now. As Katie's guardian, I can-, not sanction her marriage ith any a«o whose position is not on a greater equality with her own than yours will be for years to come. I did hope-—" He broke off in great agitation for it was useless recurring to the disappointment Mr. Durrant had so cruelly inflicted. "Nay, I will not dwell on tbe hopes I bavo been cherishing for you. We must all bend to Heaven's will, and strive to be content."

Rupert would not answer he was thinking that it was easy for his tether to preach the doctrines whiah it was left for htm to practice and his thoughts, when oncc more alone, were so gloomy and depressing that when nurse Smith' again stole away from Mr. Durrant to 'wit her new patient, she found him too spiritless to be cheered by her attentions.

Wilfred came and sat with hkn for an hour before returning to the Bacchea, where Sir Marcus, deprived by tho weather of his customary outdoor aveontions, would be dull enough, with no' society but his ill-tempered housekeeper, and therefore longing for a more congenial companion.

Has Katie asked alter me?" Rupert inquired, when his Mend was leaving 1dm. have not seen ber this morning. Miss Lesden, like you, is suffering from last night's work, and ber sister is with her."

But Maude had escaped with a little languor and hoarseness too trifling to keep her long in ber room, and she encountered Wilfred in the hall as he was on his way to Mr. Errington's study to bid him adieu.

have seen my guardian and mado peace with him," she said, as soon as they met. "And Rupert never withholds his forgiveness so there is only you, Mr. Hayle, to whom I own an

honorable.

amende

Will you believe that I am

me for your share in it?" Certainly, if you are in earnest in wishing It, Miss Lesden but really, my share, aa you call it, was such a trifling one, that no apology on your part is necessary."

I am in earnest?" and she flashed

at him a reproachful glance. "Do you think that I have not been unhappy and miserable evei sinoe that woman reminded me that Rupert's life was endangered by my heedlessness? You do not answer.* You do

not

believe me I

Indeed, Mr. Hayle, it is too bad otvou to think so harshly of mo always. How is it you are so unkind this morning, whilst last night you were as considerate, as kind—"

And then Maude suddenly broke off and blushed, for she had Just rememlered bow Will's arm had embraced and sustained her, and bow thankfully be had surrendored herself to its strong clasp, and felt that while, it encircled her she was sate. What a manly, stalwart fellow be was, to be sure 1 and how alien I and anxious to soothe her fears je had been when he saw her breathless and terrified at the storm and the darkness

A quick glance at Will's faee convinced ber that some sueh recollection must have crossed his mind as well as her bwn, for he had reddened too. and was gnawing his lip ferociously but it was in his dry, abrupt, ordinary manner that ho answered her.

You seem better able to interpret my sayings and doings than I am myself, for I cannot remember any remarkable good-natured act of mine last night that deserves lauding and I am equally sure that I have not intended to be uncivil this morning."

You doubted my being In earnest," be was reminded. "You decided on the first evening you saw me that I am a frivolous, weak-minded girl! and ever since you have refused to give me credit tor a single good quality. Are you armed at all points with perfections, that you are justified in regarding rav errors of judgment so contemptuously?"

By no means. I wish you would not take a pleasure in exaggerating so wildly. I nave alwaya done justice to your good qualities, Miss Lesden."

said Rupert, in such a

Perhaps they are so few and small, thatitis easy to do so, and still consider me beneath your notice."

Without admitting that this is true for It isnt—I must own that our opinions of each other tally," Will retorted I "tor I have often notiped that you seine Upon every chance of picking a hole in me. I am not a vain man, fortunately, or, as nothing I say or do is correct Miss Lesden's sight, I should often be Iwounded and,irritated by the shafts she launches at tne."

I am not so dissgreeablo and faultfinding as ail that, sir," pouted Maude. ,44 Neither, I bone, am I but you com-

Yea, whenever I

away,

pel me to remind, you that It not always through

captious speeches that

our quarrels begin!" .' Then it Is fwbo am to-blame and Vet, Mr. Hayle, to use your pwm words, j., aim perhaps with more sincerity. I,do

'JL£*'*V

full justice to ytour excellences. There are moments when I envy Rupert the staunch and steady friend he possesses In you."

Rupert and I have known each other Iromboyhood," he answered, simply "and he ia one of the best follows that*$

Yes." -aid Maude, "and I have no-. tfced that he Is always tolerant, and am use the beat side of one's character, I where Mr. Hayle only discerns thur

Worwt»^ jjiAttacking me again, Miss Leaden cried Will, beginning to be a IHtle cross, "How often must I repeat that I am not as harsh in my Judgment* as you will p: persist in asserting 1" *H*eh yon do think kindly of me

aeoMtdlr. tliat' Tears were weumg

W I I 1 I I I 5 re iv

to hi# ttiwW

you gentle Mid

affectionate to your sister." I will not take any credit for tliat!" Maude exclaimed "for Who could help foving Katie Oh I Mr. Hayle, if .von

ilaht have coald have seen ber when mamma was the plana *ei«*d with ber last Illness:so thoroughKtfng beri 1/ fofgetfo! ol «»If-^ strangling with her own grief night not ind

*1?I'miattt^'aiiKwer that Sir Marcus's! that it migTi^ not distress our dying wf»h«sin no way concerned yon. Ru- mother, and helping me to

inary self by her td taken her hands

^jiTiatTKD oai

Tiuno

PAGB.J