Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 25, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 19 December 1874 — Page 6

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THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

THE RIVALS.

A king of mo«t royal line IMood at hl« Rate*, History salth Ht stretched his band, he made the sign

To pat* captive thereto, death. A* ttooae who can no further fly

Torn ibup and grasp the deadly nronu, So the poor wretch about to die Abased the king with bitter weeds.' »Wba* does be sayf the kins began.

To whom bis Jargon was unknown. Mia Vizier, a kind-hearted man, Who knew that language like his oira,

Answered him: Oh, my lord I' he cries. •Wbo slay tbelrbastytaud* from Mood— God made for Mich men Paradises

He loves, He will defend the good.'

The king's gnat heart*** touched at this: "The captive's blood shall not be shed." Then—lor a serpent need* must hU»—

A rival of the Vialer «aW: w. SF*f*W«It to not decorous that we

Whose blood come* down from noble HOJJx

the end maybe,

We should speak truth before «ur kings.

"The man who kneels respited here 1 Abused oar gracious, clement lord: There was no blessing,

O Vixier-

There was a curse In every word!

is lalsehood better pleaneth me, For he means good, and you mean 111.

"If I'should punish, as! might (Be thankful that I am Your head, when I commanded Smite

Would roll before me in the dust!" —R. H. 8TODDAKI,1U Harper's Magazine for January. ^ss-ssssssssasssst

DID SHE DIE if

CHAPTER XXIX. 7"

HcKKAStNO PERPIKJUTIWI. Much sympathy was testified for Mr. JBrrimrton when it became known that lie had been attacked with such severe that he was forced to be conveyed to bed. and a doctor sent for and no one felt surprised to hear that his nerves ware so thoroughly unstrung by the •vents of the night, that both extreme quiet and freedom from sll anxiety were enforced by his medical attendant.

The former injtmcfcion MiUy took oare to observe but how could she prevent tbe thoughts of her patient from dwelling continually upon the absent Runert, aad dreading the terrible seandal Jus strange and secret departure would

®"55Si'had the young maw gone? No ro© could say. Without a word of warning or farewell, he bad quitted the house, leaving* n® cine to the route he ti«H hkna.

Why had he taken sueh an extraordinary step, and at such an unfortunate moment TMilly asked hereelf thi* same auestion repeatedly, without being able to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion. There *eemed but on© solution of roe •aystery—the verv same that was now overwhelming Mr. Errington with grief and shame—but she could not—would not adopt it. Her faith in Rupert's high sense ofrigbt would not allow her to do MO. Rash and Impulsive though she knew him to be, she felt convinced that he would shrink with horrors from any set that would disgrace him.

Her fear of leading others to imbibe a suspicion that something was wrong at Leabanks deterred her from openly sotting on foot the inquiries die longed to it was impossible to conceal from the members of the household that Bupert had left home unexpectedly,and without assigning any reason tor it but it was a relief to find that the servants had invented a theory of their own. Mr. Errington had been very sngry with Mr. Rupert, so one of them averred, for being away from the house when the fire broke out and it was in feigh dudgeon at such reprwacbes that he had gone away so suddenly.

Maude Leaden, who heard the tale through Jane, the housemaid, believed H. and expressed her regrets to Miss Baymond tlmt this foolish quarrel aboold have taken place but Katle.who •at by the while, said nothing, and looked so depressed, that Milly was induced lo draw aer aside and question her.

My dear, if you know Rupert reasons

tor

leaving us, in mercy to his fath­

er. who is very anxious about him, let know whither be has gone, and why. Fray tell me all particulars."

But I have nothing to tell R&vmond. "I am the last pewoi whom Rupert Krringtoa «»nfided bis intentions."

-e nothing to tell you, Miss ras the dfewonsraging reply. ist penon in the world to would

to

have

And yet you spoke as If ycm ltuew Mm lobe In some great trouble therefore you mast have seen him ere he went away," MiUy remlndedber.

He passed me oh the stairs he had his valise in his hand, and tbe exproastonof his face was so terrible, that I ventured to touch his arm, and ask him what was the matter, but he gave no dian

Katie hesitated a motnent, then added to lowered 'H He put hi* ltu*l& my*MCfcw»d, pi*y• sd Heaven to bless me, and was gone before I had time to ask more." 8m tavt yon no due to Ms ana^ooa

might know what idled him but she Mm ignorant ythcre*tof '^.They iwre the best of iWwids, she declares, and she evidently ibinlube baa inerebr gone aw, i*» ufilWwMbor, an* will retort* aliui:

MUiv drew in«r uwl sgroMi hfr bjftit, and sighed W.nmi.V. fl» «wy liad liK«ea*sd iwmmmmI. of 2 a ml might at it wa* in-!*"

i»uom of the mito

*,ihi«» lo tfcink tMaawjr he have been that

Btobtr i) 4. "Vt4 with Wilfred Havle: for li '.N inquiry wha« he fiat rushing I wsa for Ktfpert. *ftH i*rfrankiv tr Ksiie. do yof» not think Oiat per^nt coldness bmit have «^n eaaaaof hasty ftght? He haslwme It with gbtiemce ftwr a long tlma. But it Is not %Mai^)e tlurt some aet erf yours, seme Sighting word, ha* Mung him into ksivSgthefcoaae,unttl he eonqaarhis IP#n for wf

«heb«mt into a flood of tears, and laid ber head on Milly** sbooktor. calm, dear child. No on* mneeaarou* ss to reproach yon ft* what bas bai^WMA, 0« fc*rH

It was a very faint hope but after having ascertained beyond tbst the young man had neither been seen In the neighoorhood, nor had quitted it by tbe ordinary means of conveyance, ahe fp that she "must be content to await the chacoe, unless Mr. Errington sanctionsd more native and public efforts to recall ids nthtfinx son.9

In consequence of the state of affaire at Tiosbsnka, Mr. Durrant was followed to his grave selely by strangers. The interment had been postponed for a day or two in vain for sir. Errington still lay feverish and light-headed Rupert n^thy came nor wrote Sir Marcus was a prisoner to the gout and Wilfred, who was to have represented his uncle, firmly refused to profeos a respect for the deceased which hewas unable to feel.

However, he walked over to Leabanks to tender his services to the harassed Milly nor did he leave her when, through the torrents of rain and under a leaden sky, tbe ftmeral cortege^ passed away to make the long, dreary Journey to the village churchyard in which Mr. Durrant's remains were to repose. The wistful took she gave him when, fancying himself delrop, be took his hat, made him resume his seat, and together' they awaited the return of tbe mourners.

A long and tedious interval elapsed before the mourners returned, and it was rarely broken My lUteiupu* at canversation for^WilfYed was always tadtorn and after Inquiring for the sisters, and being told that Katie was unwell, and Maude in attendance upon her, he became as silent as Milly herself.

More than once that afternoon she felt tempted to reveal to him the true canse of Mr. Errington's illness, and the distracting uncertainty they were suffering about Rupert, whom Will believed to be in town, transacting business for his father but still she delayed, until tbe opportunitv was lost for, unconsciously to herself, she was beginning to be infected with the fears of others, and a dread that Will—despite his devotion to his friend—might take the same view of his inexplicable conduct as Mr. Errington was doing aealed herlips.

But she oouid not hide from eyes so penetrating as WilfVed Hayle's that something unpleasant bad occurred in oonneotion with Rupert's absence for what else should mske her sigh so heavily when he said that he had not heard fttun his friend He saw, too, the dtotrcased, half-frightened look that stole over her feee when Mr. Durrant's solicitor came bustling into the room, and begged t*»e gentlemen who accompanied him to be seated, while he road aloud the l&t will and testament of his late client. It was this look that eansed Wilfred to interrupt the proceedings by rising and cronsingithe room to taws his pestbehiud MissRaymond'schair.

Although he had not the faintest idea of the nature of her troubles, ho saw that her position was a most painful one, and he marvelled to himself that Rupert, who should have done the honors oi the house for his sick father, bad not »ntrivod to be at home on this occasion. He was not the only one through whose miadsimi ar thsugbts were passing for although it was impossible to comment openlyin Miss Raymond's presence on the absenae of both the Erririgtons, significant glances and fhhgers ®*®haR8" ed, to the meaning of which Milly was keenly sensitive and she felt more thankful than she could express for the support Wilfred Hayle was tacitly giving heir.

The knowledge that a friend was so near assisted her in concealing the agitation under which she was laboring

although ber cheeks burned, and the handsTyingin her lap trembled, it was with steadv eye and voice that she responded to'Taposley the solicitor's queson

Yes she was aware that the late Mr. Durrant did Heposit, or caused to be deposited, in a Japanese cabinet in his bed-chamber a testamentary paper but that oabinet was no longer in existence. It had been destroyed with other pieoes af fsmiture when the fire broke out at Leabanks two or three evenings previously.

Oouiu she account far the fire? some one* inquired. Were there no efforts made to rescue that cabinet? It was a most unfortunate circumstance that a will so Important to Mr. Durrant heirs should have perished in this way.

MilHcerit looked at the lawyer entreatingly, and Mr, Tapesley-moved less by pity for ber, than a fear of losing the last te-sift to town—plunged into busiuem. He had had a short interview, he promised, with Mr, Errington, who had then expressed a wish to leave everyhi aft in his, the solicitor's bands. As the destruction of the cabinet was proved beyond a doubt, and the will spoken of—if in existence at the time of the fire, of which there was ho prwof—must bave perished with it, be must act upon the one left in his oare by the deceased gome months previously, and ho would therefore proceed to read it.

Milly'* heart began to beafc iess painfully, for she fancied her worst difficulties were now tided over and she grew calm enough to

tbf.

5^5

while Mr. Tapedoy deliberately waded through the legal phraseology Mr. Durrani's bequests were set forth.

Barelv it must have been in one of hts **re moments of oompunctioo for his misdeeds (bat tbe miserable man bad dictated tills will, for there

M€^n

ta

«ur owa»*|)4iig, and b* will soon tb* folly, as well as mlaadMM, 4watting (MB hopes tbat eaanot barHOhave taken measures for tbe tidings «f Mr. Rrriogton's srrioos illnes* iobe tiwerted in tbe localaum and Wmast wait patteotly, andwSl tbst wtM mMb Rapetfkvye*

was

more

than one legacy be.|ueath«i i« token of regret for the past while the nri ndpal part of hisproperty wss devised "mar cousin, Wuiiatn Emugton. on condition that accords me his tail

forgive new

for any and every injury in thought word, or dead, tbfrt he 6«s snflferft fron his unworthy kinsman.".

Mr* Tkpeaey did not think it ne«»sary to mention Just then, that within two boars alter tbe signing and witness* lug of this WW. Mr. I)-rrant b^sent him impsrstive wwlers to dertroy lt~H»dars that would have been ob^red If the Intricacies of a knotty ^seb^notcausad the Solicitor aad his dark to forget sll aiiout it, oUSrod so heartily, that MHiy's face clearedsMllmore and |y thanking Wm in M*. Erringtoti's name, www a neighlxwring squire, who was a dUrtwrt—vety dbAsnt connetstion or tbe dew*sed jsentteman, Interpoaed another awkwardquestion.

anyone say whether tbe Wul

that has not been forthcoming was as fcvorable to Mr. KrringUn's httereatoM this one to whlcb we have Just been Usteningt" .. «I cannot,** Mr. Ttpealey Wmded "for though I believe I am Ju«ifled ia

saving tbst I possessed Mr. Durrant's aemftdenes to a ooaslderabie yet he frequently acted In a very—bein eccentric manner, aad gave me no clue to h» wishes or intentions."

Perhaps Miss Baymimd osn," fee Squire observed. "She appears to have bam made one of tbe Mly to an turnanal extent."

Miss Raymond's kind attentfomito Mr. Dnrntnt entitle her to tbe gratitude Of all his relatives." ssid Wilfred Hayle, mesklng tor the flrrttime. "Can yon answer my qosation, ma'am?" asked tbe Sauirev turning a deaf ear to this Interruption. «I never saw tb* contents of the paper thai, st Mr. Durrani's raqoest, wan SajoaTla tbe oktoet,"Milly iwpttsd,

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL

with a blush of shame at the evasion sb* was uttering. But perhaps you are able to say how it was wordM her tormentor ttged, "particularly as you were so frequently in atteadanoe on Mr. Durrant. At wl events, you can inform us whether our friend Brringtan was the principal

Alilly winced and hesitated. She knew that every one was gasing at her per-turbed-face, and awaiting her reply. She also knew tbst worse deductions might be drawn from ber silence than if she boldly avowed her conviction that in the lost will the roaster of leabanks was not mentioned snd yet she could not command her voice sufficiently to

"^The Squire repeated his query in louder tones but it wss the medical practitioner from Barford who bad been in attendance on Mr. Durrant, that afitswer-

^Iam afraid—yes, I am really afraid that if tbe will of which you are speaking had been preserved, our esteemed friend would have been the fortunate legatee for my patient was, as you have just been saying, rather peculiar or eccentric in his likes or dislikes, and seemed to have conceived an unaccountable aversion to hts kinsman." ««Then this fire," sneered the Squire, "has been anything but a misfortune for Mr. Errington, It's rather a strange circumstance, isn't it, that tho flames broke out In tbe identical room a which poor Durrant's papers were deposited T"

No one spoke in reply but Mr, Tapesley, who reminded the surly speaker tbat there was nothing to prove that his late client did not himself destroy the document before his decease. "And nothing to prove that he did," was the retort.

I protest against such scandalous insinuations being uttered fn this bouse, while its owner lies on a sick bed, incapable of resenting them himself," exclaimed Wilfred Hayle, indignantlv "and I should advise you to retire, Miss Raymond no one can wish you to remain here and expose yourself to such Insulting treatment."

You are too officious, Mr. Hayle! cried the Squire, purple with passion. "No one can say wat 1 have ever insulted a female."

I don't know what else you can call it when ydu compel the lady, who hospitably receives you on Mr. Errington behalf, to listen to such gross—such unwarrantable speeches as you have just been making!" and ,aa h» finisiied speaking, Wilfred would have led Milly

Bt"Ythank

Mid

you, Mr. Hayle," she said,

jxratcfbllv "out I prefer to stay. Mr. Bttiiigtoh wlll need the testimony of all his friends, however bumble, now nis honor is impeached."

The rancorous old Squire looked rather disconcerted, and the other gentlemen closed around Milly to express their good feeling and hopes that Mr. Errington would soon be amongst them again but though she answered wish smiles and polite phiases, her spirits sank below zero, for tho arrow had been winged and she knew that the poison with which it was tipped would spread with fearful rapidity. Ob! that Rupert had stayed and helped his father to crush underfoot the slander his absence would strengthen so terribly! Whether innocent or guilty, what madness had possessed bun to make this secret flight

Overwhelmed by the thought or what was in store for Mr. Errington, she sank down when the last of the funeral guests had departed, and gave way to ft burst of weeping. When she lifted her face again, Wilfred Hayle, whom she had forgotten,wasstandmg beside her,gravely observant of her emotion.

As in some conftision she would have faltered an apology, he interrupted her. perhaps I ought not to have stayed, Miss Raymond but it was without a thought of intruding on yon I only wanted to ask you for Rupert's ad-

dl»Icannot

give it you. I wish I could!"

she answered. ,, "Then you think with me that he ought to be here?" ghe nodded, for she could not trust herself to speak.

Give me leave, and I will go and find him for you," said Will, promptly. But we

HO

not know what direction

he has taken, and—and I am not sure that Mr. Errington would sanction any attempts to recall Rupert just now, she answered, in faltering toues, for she knew that the father's devoted affection would make Mm anxious to shelter his boy from evil report, even though he were himself the sufferer in conse-

^Wufiooked pulled, but found a way out of the dilemma. Suppose you refer tlie question to Mr. Errington you need only say tbat I am very anxious to join Rupert, but will do nothing In opposition to his wishes**'

And with the understanding that Milly would seize the

first

opportunity of

doing this, Wilfred waa going back to his unclo's to make such few arrangements as his projected journey involved, but halted at the door, lingered there irresolutely for a minute or so, and then returned to take up his former position on the hearth-rug,

Mists Raymond, hate beatlngabottt the bush, and so Ml tell you frankly that I can see von are In a sea of trouble, and don't foe! confidence enough »n me to say what it Is about. Why not call your brother to your aid

OSS

«?. S

""^John' Raymond would not wish to tell anything it was your duty to con coal," was the reply: ''but he would ad vise yon. how to deal with such venomous scoundrels as tho eld fallow who has just left us. However, I'll not teaae you with any more of my suggestions tonight, but run over some time to-mor-row, and bear whet you have decided till then, good-bye I"

CHAPTER XXX. thk wtAwm.

When the morrow came, Wilfred Hayle was unable to fettU bis promises, for Sir Marcus was seised wftbsucha violent stlaek of the gout, that for eome hours bis life wss In danger, and it was impassible for bis nephew to leave him. But tbe disease vleldod at lsst to the care and akill of the medical nwoi, hastily summoned from Barford, and the b&ftmet into* profound And newthfol sleep.

When Mr. Jones left Tbe Wilfred walked with him to the gate of his ancle's domain, and their ouovsiaattott nataially antragh reverted to tbe very unpleasant scene af tbe previous day but WUL who bad looked upon tbe old 8qnire's remarks as merely tbe s&lenetto utterances of a disappointed man, wt astonished to learn tbat tbe aasDtctoas he bad expremed ware rife in tbenSghborboodjanathat already there wee* bat disputants wbo argued tbe wroi and terns at Mr. Krrington"s inno«moeof thecrbB*f smon. Ths Uborer and bis wifo, mentkmed bv Brow* Dollce supwintendent, ooaQnued to £art tbat tbey bftd seen soma person

moving about the closed chamber in which tbe will was deposited, and Brown was equally positive that the flames broke oGt in or tbe spot where the cabinet stood, tbat contained it. It was regarded as another suspicious cuinstance that Mr. Erringfon had doclined to notify bis loss to tbe office «Q which his property was insured—a positive proof, many declared, that be reaped the result of tbe inquiiy tbst would be made into tbe origin of the fire.

White Wilfred su&red the garrulous doctor to talk on. telttng all beltnew, he began |o oon^prenend more clearly tbe depth af the oloud tbat bunr over bis friends at Leabanks and though he would have despised a slander tbat touched himself only, be was seriously concerned now others bad fallen under the withering toudh of calumny. He knew too well that his own cbarnpioeship of the Errlngtons weuld be looked upon ss nothing more than tbe Ill-di-rected seal of a young man whose opinions were not of sufficient weight to be worth regarding and that If he would really help them, it must bo by quieter and more prudent measures.

Bidding Mr. Jones ft hasty adieu, be ran back to the house, ascertained that Sir Marcus was still sleeping, and then took the nearest road to Leabanks to hold snother coasultation with Milly Raymond. Perhaps, when she learned that he was no stranger to the mischief afloat, ahe would be less reticent, and between them they might deviseaome an so a re in it

The sorvant who admitted him said tbftt Mr. Errington was no better and, askiug ber to warn Milly of his arrival, he strolled into the drawing-room, which appeared to be untenanted. But at the sound of Lis footsteps Maude started up from a low ottoman in front of the fire, and, with a confused greeting would have glided away, if he had not placed himself directly in her way. He could see that she had been in tears, and he ventured to ask the reason. "I hope Mr. Errington is not any worse?"

I believe not," she answered. "Indeed, Miss Raymond fancies him more cheerful. Jt Is for my sister I am grieving. She will not acknowledge that she is ill, and yet she looks so sad—so changed, tbat

^'^anks but I am afraid neither

Sies

hilosophy nor science will find rernefor our troubles," said Maude, with one of her old smiles. "But true affection might and my friendship for Rupert embraces all whom he loves. Although you have taken so much pains, Miss Lesden, to make me comprenend that I must never hope to be forgiven for my rudeness the other day, I must entreat you not to deny me the pleasure of being useful

Maude blushdd, and looked down. I was not so much annoyed at your —your rudeness, Mr. Hayle—for I fee! sure it was not intended—as at the manner in which you have treated me ever since. You have been so ungenerously eager to letmc see that you bitterljr regretted the only act of gallantly into which you ever suffered yourself to be betrayed towards frivolous Maude Lesden."

I do not think you frivolous." he earnestly assured her. "If ever I did you that injustice, I have recanted long since." ..

But I am weak-Minded—I know it," she sighed, "and ill-teinpared, and vain and I Delieve it was the conviction that you had drawn a true picture of me that made ine try to hate you."

Will bit ins lip. Rather a harsh way of punishing me, was it not, for uttering too hastily au opinion I really was not justified in forming?"

Do not let your good nature betray you Into falsehoods, Mr. Hayle," said Maude, rebukingly. "You did think me a silly coquette Acknowledge it."

You were teasing Rupert or, to put it more plainly, flirting with him all that evening, Miss Lesden, I should not have said what I did."

Not flirting—no, no Rupert and understood each other from the first. I had no brother, he, no sister, and we fell at once into an Intimacy which you have been the only person to misunderstand."

Are you sure of that Are you quite sure that some one very near and dear to vou has not shared lu my belief that an attachment existed between you?"

Katie 1 Why. you once, hinted to me, Mr. Hayle, that she was giving her heart to her guardian." "Iremember and I still think that Miss Katie Lesden is sincerely attached to Mr. Errington, but may it not be «with a daughterly aflfection

I don't xnow and Maude stood thinking. "But if it is so, why does she keep me In ignoranco? I will go and question her I will conjure her to tell mow hy she is unhappy, and try to convince her that she has no rival in her steer. Dear, unselfish Katie she would endure anything rather than see m? as sorrowful as herself r'

She was hurrying away, but p&CUted to extend her baud to WUftwl. "If vou are right, Mr. Hayle—aud begin to think you must bo—I shall be very much obliged to you for speaking with so much candor and who knows but what, when our Mends begin to understand each other, you and I may loam to do the same

I hope sot" Wilfred replied, with such unusual ardor ha his tone, tbat the young lady's blue ©yea expanded a

''"must go to Katie,"she repeated. "Shall tell Miss Raymond you are here Of course, your visit is to ber."

Yes," said Will, remomberlbg his errand and bis baste: "I am anxious to have some conversation with her if she isat leisure and can see me. But before vou leave me, Miss Lesden, there Is a question I should like to ask won."

I am all attention, sir, sbe answered, after a start of surprise evoked by the nervous baste that suddenly appeared in Will* manner. *lf it is anything about Rupert that you wlW» to know, I may as well wara you that the cross, Idle follow includes all of us in his dispute with his lather, and has not sent a line to any one here since he left (ML**

Never mind Hnp«* just this ote," said Will, speaking rapidly and earnestly "but tell me this: you said just now that yon have tried to bate aw, and Heaven knows I deserve It, fori bave been harsh and brutal to you,

But nonsense! I must be mad to dream of such a thing!" lhm ber

H* tamed "ftem ber abruptly, and walked to aba of the window^ from which he stood g««ng, while Maude looked first at Mm, then at tbe floar, and ffktallv fmtMwl herself with her handESSWtocoS her hot cheeks, and kept sUenee until sbe i*sd recovered b«r traaqolllty, and could trust herself to

fh*n not think your quwrtkm a

foolish one, Mr. Hayle. whatever'may tore* you," cried Mrs. be its purport," die said, sofl'ly/'and "i fng the "bell. "Did Mr. Errington send promise to anawav ii frankly and truly." I you to consult

exclaimed,

"What!" he exclaimed, wheeling round and facing her.

4

Even if I say,

Maude, vriil you try to love me Again the crimson blood swept over neck and brow, and Maude's voice was lower still as she answered: "Of course, I should say yee, for are we not commanded to love our enemies? and have we not promised each other to quarrel no more?"

You are wilfully nriaandaretaading me, Miss Lesden but I will not torment you with explanations which you do not care to hear," said Wilfred, with all Mb old sternness returning to voice aad manner.

But I should like to bear your explanations very much, indeed, If yon 11 promise not to be too logical and abstruse and I think If you will give me a seat, I'll *it down the while fiisten."

Tliat you may have me still more at a disadvantage? That you may eoolly lounge back in your chair, and smile in your sleeves, wnile I stammer out my assurances of the honest affection you despise he passionately demanded. "Will you give me a chair, Mr. Hayle?" Maude said accompanying tbe request with a pout.

He brought her one directly. Yes, MISB Lesden, and at the same

own,

eyes were looking into his, and he was spellbound. Another minute and ahe was in his embrace, her glowing face hidden on his breast.

Is this the final adieu?" she demurely asked, when she succeeded In releasing herself. "Because I would not detain you on any account if you really wish to be gone."

I am in no hurry now," be answered "and you may uiakfe as many saucy speeches as you like, so that they end in the one I wish to hear." "Andthat is what? But you need not tell me to-night to-morrow, or any other day, will do as well," she declared it will not," the firm reply. lB you are as much in earnest as I am—and with all your teasing, I think yeu are—you will not send me from you in suspense. If in spite of my many faults you think you can ever love me well enough to be my wile, say so."

4

Maude's tears burst out afresh but she quickly dashed them away. This is a sorrowful bouse to come to just now, Mr, Ilayle, so I'll not detain you."

But I like to be detained—that isv if I can be of any service to you," Will re-

You area very arbitrary lover, Mr. Hayle," sbe said, withdrawing her hand. "Must I have no time for consideration?" "Not a day not an boar! Either

{t?"do

rou like me or you don't—which is

"Suppose I don't know myself?" Maude teasingly began, and then as she heard him sip impatiently, her better self prevailed, and she crept back to his side. "Ah! yes, I do know, WilL I am very, very sure that I am more proud and happy to hear that I am your deliberate choice, than ever I was in my life. And though I am silly and frh olous, I shall try to be a good, true, sensible woman for your sake."

Sir Marcus will be dreadfully dlsap-

fut

Dinted," she murmured, after a long, very pleasant pause. "He meant you to marry Katie she could have discussed all theologies with yon, and copied your manuscripts and she might even have gone theJengtb of mastering the dead languages, so as to study with you. Oh! Wilfred—Wilfred, you bave made a very foolish choice?"

There has been no choice in the matter," he retorted, sturdily. "I cannot even tell at what particular moment I left off disliking my tormentress to run into the opposite extreme, but so it to. "Cannot you explain it scientifically?" she was just inquiring, when the door opened, and Milly Raymond came in to he

What, all in the dark, dear Maude At the sound of her voice, the confused young couple started asunder, and discovered for tbe first time that the fire was nearly out, and that the night had fallen during their lengthy interview. "I will light the lamp," said Maude hastily. "I did not perceive—at least, I mean I was just coming to tell you that Mr. Hayle is here. But you are dress ed for walking

Yes," saidMilly, as she gave Wilfred her hand. "I must go into Bwford to ray brother without delay. If Mr. Erriugton should ask for me, yovi will t«.lco my place, will yoa not? and tell him I shall return shortly." "But you must not gn alone, cried Maude, who felt both uneasy and curious about this hasty journey.

Wilfred immediately offered himself as her escort but Milly shook ber head. "Sir Marcus is ill, they tell me, and

At this reminder, the young man felt a pang of self-reproach, and aeized his bat*

One of the servants will drive me into the town," she continued. "I need no other companionship, and so farewell to botb of you."

She was so hurried and pre-oocupied that tbe lovers felt it was not the fitting moment for asking her sympathy with them and it was therefore with a silent pressure of the hands that they parted Will to rush back to The Beocbes.Maude to retucp to ber sister, and MUly Raymond to urge the man who drove her to Barford, to use all his speed that she might reach her brother John's bouse with as little delay as possible.

She was received by Mrs. Raymond, who was at her toilette, dressing for an evening party, and did not scruple to complain of tbe very untoward hour at which she made tor appearance. "The fly will be at tbe door In ten minutes, and I had so much to ask you for, of course, you know how far this tale Is true about Mr. Errington setting fire to his own house, that he might burn tbe will, and cheat the insurance companies. Such a hoifrid, ungentlemanly thing to do! I felt qulto shocked when I heard it*"

Horrid indeed if there were a word of truth In tkie tale, which there isn't.' Well, yeu ought to know, certainly, Georgte replied, in veiy Incredulous tone*. "But you cannot deny that tho younger of the Errington* and bis father quarreled dreadfully in cons©-

"Oh! of not being able to agree bow tbe money waa said Georgia, pettishly. How rudely yon take one up, MiH'oent'

to Mm to-night, for iffinbw in the worid to prevail m. to ttaL OftMMv**. anduyouinterrupt him while nS get off be-

toSitMlHy

waa too much in earnest to

be deterred from seeing her brother by

**2 My*m^lteofso' much importance, Oeorgie. tbat I must have a tewworde irfthJo&n before I go back to Leabanks but I promise yon that will not detain him a minute lenger than Is absolutely necessary. Is hem hjs

wIf

yotiimMt**e him be *b*ll come

j0hnJ

}*0J_

l"*Never

Sou

Then it is

•n your OWB account you are here. P*r-

haps you are thinking of leaving banks, and quite right too. Jt was a thousand pities you ever wect there. Oh! John/' she went on, turning to meet her husband, who tad lust pwtihis head in at tbe door, "here fa Milly. Flvo minutes, remember I shall only allow you five minutes."

MUly! Why, my dear little woman, what odd times you ebooae for dropping in upon us!" Mr. Raymond exclaimed, as he gave his sister one of his bear-like

mln* that now" cried bis

wife. "She bas eome over here to oon* suit us about getting away from the Krringtons. You know I always was opposed to her going to Leabanks. I felt sure that it would not turn out well,ano

see it is ss I predicted, and it is sure be thrown in our teeth that a relative ©fours was connected with these dis*' graceful people."

If by tbat term yoa are alluding to Mr. Errington and his son," said Milly, indignantly, "I must beg you not to do so in my presence. They are my very kind and dear friends, and innocent of the crime you are so recklessly and unjustly imputing to them."

Itwas the first time Milly had ever completely lost her temper with her ftissy sister-in-law and, not at all inclined to brave the storm sbe saw brewing, she caught her brother by tbe arm, and implored him to speak with her in private.

He led her away directly to tho dining room, and checked hex when she began hastily stating her business.

Don't hurry—take your time, for Georgie is sure to have an hysterical attack, and between that and the completion of her toilet we are safe for the next half-hour. What's the matter? I should have given you a call at Leabanka, when I hearu this tittle-tattle about the fire, but thought It was ail bosh, and would die a natural death.

So. after pausing a minute or two to collect herself, with all the brevity she know he liked, Milly related tho actual circumstances attending the conflagration, Rupert's departure immediately after, and his father's distress in consequence.

We bave gained no clue to hi? reasons for leaving us, till an hour since, when I found In the fireplace in his room, this scrap of paper. It is part of a note which by the date he must have received on tbe day before he left us. Read it."

She put in his hand the paper of which she spoke. It was addressed to Mr. Rupert Errington in a lady-like, though rather peculiar band, and began as follows:—

Before I quit this neighborhood, I entreat you to grant me a few minutes' conversation for I have something to ssy to you of so much importance to tbe father you love and respect, that for his sake as well as your ewn I adjure you to meet me $

The rest bad bdffi tOrtl sway bat Milly was proceeding to explain her convictfon ttiat the writer was Jano Smith, Mr. Durrant's nurse, and that it to accord her the interview she sought, Rupert had excused himself from the dinner-table, when an exclamation from ber brother made ber pause. Something had stirred the calm, dry laweroutofhis customary imperturba-

/have seen this band before." "Are you sure of it?" askedMllly» eagerly. "Quite," was tbe decisive reply.

Stay a moment, and I will convince you that I am right." He went away, returning after an absence that seemed to his sister interminable, bringing with him a faded yellow letter addressed to himself.

You see," he said, as ho compared the papers, "it is precisely the same, and my long standing doubts are confirmed. Do you know whose writing this is, Milly Don't be startled, little woman, when I tell you that Is Mrs. Errington's and that I now feel positive I was the right when I affirmed that I saw her a living, breathing woman in the church yard wnerc her husband believed that be burled her. [TOBE OTNTflTOBD.J-r 1* SSSS^SC 4 JJ

DID SHG DIBt

Tills intensely interesting story was commenced in The Mall of October 8rd. Back numbers can be had on application at this office or at any of the news depots. a-asBsaaa: ,"i

A MODEL EVENING PAR'l Y. [New

York

Paper.]

One of tbe social needs of our daily life is a rational way of spending an eve* nlng. Of course, one can go to a concert or dub. Or, on the other band, h®i may stay at home, which, generally, if be has a home is botter than all. But suppose he wants an evening eompany--tt dozen or twenty or fifty mends to bis parlor what shall ho do with them when iio gets them there They usually come elegantly dressed—ladles in silk or satin, with flowers in their bair and jewels on their breasts—the gentlemen in genteel broadcloth, white kids and prelatical cravats* After amting* they receive the handshake of the host and hostess, pass a fow observations on the existing condition of the external atmosphere, glide up and down through the mid-parlor splendors, deflect occasionally into the corner passages, elbow

er, sip a glaas of lemenade, nibble at a frosted poundcake, spill a fow drops of coffee on an underskirt, waltz a little^ fan much, and at a boor retire, leaving a whispe^ tbe effect of having recently enjoyed an evening which really had ble, and which was on the contrary a moat superb and eostly bore. |r»

KNWHT8 0F THE BURNT CORK. The Minstrel Herald, published in Philadelphia, gives a statement ^different fortunes made in the burnt-cork business, which proves tbat a black face is not always a sign that a man has gone to the—dentists. Dan Bryant baa "boned" »78,000 in the banjo buslneM his brother tfeil.»50,000. Lou Moirlais reported worth $100,000, and W.W. Newcomb 128,000. William Arlington haa propertyln Chicago worth |10,w0, which Is a good "height" for Arlington. Birch. Warn bold A Bsckus have eachcl eared

WoSrSrW'CTM

command from t» to |40 per week, tuimnn 90 to 850 leaders |30 to |S0, songanddanee men,»» to |75 comedians and end men, HO to tlOO. Epb Horn and Oool Burgws £a« rec®iv*l tbe largest salaries In tbe business. To establish* first in all details, the yi«M par night, not counting hotel and other expenses.

Compensation doe* not always fellow oducatfon. A man may bave a great deal of experience and nothing else..