Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 46, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 15 May 1875 — Page 2

ifff

THE

A PAPER

FOR THE

pari twe

PEOP

SLANDER.

A whispered word from a woman's lips,

AM

afchlby snake through a fair neW slips, A shrug, or a glance, Ilk® a poisoned dart Aimed from behind at a creature** heart.

The snake slide* rteaj^jy on It# way And a linghlDi child t» lulled P'W* The whispered word gains force—and lo! A fame Is black, that was-white as suow. Dead in the track fails the bounding hind, Slain by the arrow shot from behind. The shrug and the glanoehave grown anaee, And the fight goes out of a fair young ffcce.

Poll out the

dart—doesthe

.-a,

was

wore some pale gray material, with no do attempt at a vlvia coloring. In the waves of her hair a big lily was laid becomingly, and her sole ornament was a ond

had ever heard. My companion, Captain Dallas, of the th, seemed amused by the close study of the young lady, who sat oppo sit®

u8»

"She is very beautiful,is she not?" he said smiling. "No." I answered doubtfully nbt beautiful, but very wonderful. When you look at her you see that it is only her eyes and chin that arc perfect."

But you recognize the subtle charm?' I smiled. Undoubtedly. She seems to me the most charming girl I have ever seen."

That is what every one admits," be responded quickly. "But no one seems able quite to define it. Now do you think she has been long in society "Hardly. She looks too young."

But is not her manner perfect? Could anything be more self-possessed?" "It seems to me more like indiffeiv once."

Again my companion looked amused "Young American perceptions are beautiful, he exclaimed. "The slngu lar part of it is Just this: Miss Clive has been a yeiar in society. As an heiress and with her wonderful charms, she has had a host of admirers but she is as cold and indifferent as Diana."

May thero not be a secret affair?" I asked. The captain laughed.

That is so like a woman," ho said "Possibly but shall I tell you how sin gularly this young lady is placed?" "I bogged hi in to do so, and aftor attending a "moment to our menu, he con tinned:

To begin with, she is completely tyrannized over. No heroine in a French novel ever existed under stricter sur veillnnce. It seems that her father hnd a morbid horror of imprudent marrlnges, and knowing the danger she would bo in because of her wealth, left her to the care of a very dreadful aunt, whoso solo objoct in llfo appears to bo Huspocting her niece of soino secret design. Miss Clive is allowed to go nowhoro, to sec noono unless accompanied by the Hon. Mrs. Clive or a horrible Miss Maephorson."

Do they objoct to her marrying?" By no menus, but it is intended that sho shall make a grand match. It is woll known that sho has rejected four noblemen."

Ah!" I exclaimed. Reserve your force. This is not tho oxoitlng part of the narrative. I believe few girls ever created a greater sensation in socioty, but she is utterly regardless, I believe, of her strange power."

Was she educated here?" "No tho lion. Mrs. Clive kept her chlerty on the continent at her studies, until last year, when sho was presented. And now, hero is my climax if she marries under thirty without the consent of her aunt, two-thirds of her fortune goes to an institution fbr the blind. Sho is now barely over twenty, but rumor says tho Hon. Mrs. Clive has selected a suitable parti, and Miss Barbara means to approve her choice," shook my head and smiled.

You do not credit it 1" exclaimed the captain. You still believe in the secret affair?"

I have arranged a romance," I answered, "and shall wait with interest to see it carried out."

Now I regret," said tho captain,"that Mrs. Chevelev is" abent to rise. I want to hoar your story. Do not forgot a dotail."

4

Mrs. Cheveley she said when" I was seated. to moot vou.

imvl

vt

"It is tbe same all the world over," she mt on. "How strange it is we •noma ve to many queer ideas of America.

have to many

ev^'which gavo her the look' of a Sir play to-morrow night," Joshua somewhat restrained way. "I've a friend

This Is a voung American friend of In Teddlnaton I -muat see. Can't you onrs, Miss Clive," said Mrs. Cheveley, let me off?1 Oh yea," I cried qnickfy. "Osrptatn

"Miss Hartley." Miss Clive extended her pretty hand and smiled

extended her pretty nana graciously. one of the American party elev told me of, I believe,

You are

er moment. ««Mrs. Do Ixmne is my cousin," I answered. "I am traveling with her."

But vou are quite different from manv American* whom weaeo abroad,1* tihe skid, with her quickly passing nmUe, "You have no accent."

Ah I returned laughing "I believe mv country women are miserably slandered usually. After all, your provincial people have as distinct a twang as our Yankees." ...

That I* vorv true," she **»«. nodding her head. There were some tram of her foreign education in her manr-— the pretty oarelcss geetart* ahe sometimes accompanied per words. When she was interested she leaned forward. slightly clasping her hands, and arching her brows lu a way that made her more tbau ever like a Sir Joshua.

Tbe door had V" this time opened on

oar American panion, Curl tome to dinner (All at ten

finer, more in **~»neral than

id uAnre wlfo, it l!6rd otWng tf^the doirfc in a as though all the and the homage

a room

hind awake?

Does it bring back life, though yon kill the

Provetbe^tale telse-yet the heart is wrung Thecurae ofGod on a slanderous tongue. SBEBS-BSSSES

Miss Clive and I.

1OT

._ JIM usually render­

ed him* XT you are a man.it is»ometblng to be six feet high and well-built in proportion. To this advantage Mr. Rawdon added a remarkable, intellectual, clear-cut face, that repose of manner which is typical yi .New England,. and the easy eloquence which also that region of our land. When be

io iw *u«iv .— grown slightly pale, and was looking at him with a singular wistfulness in her gwe. It was only ^session returnirl as quickly be-

I saw her first at a London dinner party—a fair, high-bred looking girl of twenty, with wonderftil gray eyes brown hair that waved naturally, a mouth just a triiie large, but red as a ^amnalf rose, and a chin softly rounded, such as a sculptor would give to Jufto. She did not appear to be English, for one or two reasons. She had less color one or two reasons, one UAU UW 'J HIM* ™»idthah is the pride of Saxon maidens, and answered, and then added a little coia her drew?

momentary, uw ed in an instant, and came engrossed in a conversation with my cousin Laura. ,,

You know Mr. Rawdon I said rather suddenly. Miss Clive smiled. used to know him very well, she

faultless in taste. She lv, "bat It is so easy to know Mr. Raw-

Ion. Easy to know Carl! Great Heavens! "Easy!" I exclaimed, conscious at once that I was a fool for speaking as I did. "Why, he seems to me one of the most impossible men I have ever met.

diamond locket bung from a broad black velvet on her neck. Her com panion was a talkative young officer, in whom she appeared only slightly inter- ly elevated. ested butsEe lifted her eyes beautiful- "Indeed., Perhaps the circumstances lv when he spoke, and as she answered of our friendship were peculiar. She h^m I theuirht her voice the sweetest I opened and shut her big white^ fan a a wiAmAMi wifh a mffllAM iroetaro.

Miss Clive's pretty brows were slight-

moment with a careless you known him long?" entl

_jture. "Have ie asked pres-

She lifted her perfect eyes to bis face Along time, Mr. Rawdon!" she said

Not since we were in Paris," said Carl carelessly. She looked at him again with a slight movement of her shoulders.

No, I believe not. It does not seem so long when one thinks ot it." When he came up he had given me his hand and a quick greeting. Now he turned and said earnestly:

Mrs. Cheveley wants you to sing. Pray do so. will you not?" I felt witnln me it was because he felt me detrop, so I answered quietly:

Oh, no thanks. I'm not in a slng^ ing mood to-night but Mrs. Cheveley and Captain Dallas were approaching. When she made the same request I was about to answer her as I had done Carl, but tho Captain half whispered, "You must sing the 'Robin Adair' for me. Do you remember the day at Putney I looked at Carl, and landed I saw an expression of ailhoyance in his quiet blue eyes.

Very well," I answered, rising can't reaist that!" What do you think of Miss Clive?" said the captain, as he led tbe way to tho piano. "And how about the ro nianl'o?"

Oh, it's all right," I answered, lightly, "and I'm half inclined to think I'vr found the hero."

America exclaimed my compan ion tragically, "tjp proud of your daugh teral" 1 laughed, and sat down to the piano. I had said I waa in no singing mood, bnt I managed to get through the verses of the sweet Scoton ballad alter a flash ion. When I stood up I saw Carl en rossed in a subdued conversatii with _liss Clive. A middle-aged lady, with a hard, wooden face, ana a rather wild sort of attire, made up of East Indian fabrics, was crossing the room toward them.

Do you remember," said Captain Dallas, "what I toldyou about the aunt? Look at her now. That is the Hon. Mrs. Clive. She's on duty, as we say."

I watched with some amusement Carl's carelessly polite gestures aa the Hon. Mrs. Clivo spoke to him. I could not hear his woras. but I saw from his face he was answering in his easy way,

by no means overwhelmed by her superiority. As for the nieoe, ahe stood up directly, very languid and very pretty— by no mean# the beautiful, interested woman whose fkoe had flushed whet)

I nodded and laughed as we ladies rose. When we were iu the drawing- .. u«~v room I sought Mrs. Cheveley, our host- Carl Rawdon came into the room. Prorata and asked for an introuction to Miss sently Carl bowed himself away. Our Clive. The voung lady waa seated near own party made their adleux at the a table, carelessly examining some Ro- tame time, and when we wer— man prints. When Mrs. Cheveley earriage Carl came up for a moment *e brouffht me over she lifted her fkee with a singular, childlike intensity in the 1 A (i3t«

I'm afraid I can't go with you to the,

Dallas is coming, and we bav« Mr.Locke and Louis besides." Carl looked relieved. "Very well then," he said "I'll see

'1 am clad you Wednesday.w

,„ He entiled rather fWntlv, lifted his Tbe ajieech was extremely unlike the hat and we drove oaJthe cool.air greeting an ordinary English girt would blowing in upon our give a stranger, but her manner had a parks, the tamplit, busy ataeefei, ww all i- -1 .t _! .. i„ —.nlMuntlam*. hnt I OOtlla not talk# I

rive a avranger, QUI n«r UIWIIWI IWU H-—--~-Y trunk air of sinoerltv in it which wai pleasant to me, but I oould not talk, verv ple***nt. "I* the pretty little lady was trying to analyw my own fe^lnp. In pink your siaior said she in anoth- The truth was, I ... rlrsMflt-r

IMLMM

n§ Ukt flil'i illfl VmU

deadly jealous of Miss Clive—and what right had I to be so? Waa I engaged to Carl? Had we ever been civil to ea. other Ibr twelve boon together? Had I not quarreled with him tor three yeart? grasfeUy. Had I not picked to pieees hte novel and How A the poems ne wrote? Had be not feosd smiling

eriy? And ridlng home I found myself Paul Heidi angry—h urt—Jeuoos, becanse a eertein

wujr

._ Mr. Paul woman with a ptetnrwqoeplecebyI^tara. circumstances of th»lr friendship were peculiar, aad because she and Oari Inoked perpiaxed when their eyes tueu

derfcl looking girl, that Mi

EkWdon's

know I rather tbitf*a little touched

»m®

in on this evening 1 was "f in bis direction as he shook he looked at me with a quick smile. He looked, but his expression changed inst thing, an indefinable shade

me with a quick smile. He looKea, ous his exptWon changed.inetantiv something, an indefinable shade which I did not fike, crossed his face. perplexed, oh glancing toward Miss CHve, to see twit she had

\vas iss CK

other

were brough#upnear each

in

feeling

._i Massachusetts," I answered, well aware of the felly giving Miss Cliye my family history, but somehow impelledto do it. "And you have been traveling together?" She asked this question with an assumption of indifference. The devil prompted me to say something whereby she might infer Carl bad been devotedly following in our wake. Latent principle, however, came to my rescue.

He went abroad a year ahead of us,' I answered, "and we met him in Paris. He has been everywhere with us since we came to London."

By this time Carl waa comingalowly across the room. 1 waited almost breathlessly to see how they two would meet His first words were about as thrilling Stanley's to Dr. Livingstone. "Miss Clive, I believe?" said Carl holding out his band with an easy smile. "It is along time since we met

as

It's vory vulgar to be so early," protested Laura's brother Louis, as Wo went into our box.

But we like it," returned Laura,with her pretty smile. "Nell and I would actually onjoy seeing tbe man light the foot-lights. Doesn't it give yon ani.ee feeling, Mr. Locke," shesald, turning to our mend, who had accompanied us, "to smeil that damp green-room sort of odor that fills the tbester

Mr. Locke answered, laughingly, and then bestirred I imself to watch the people who1 were slowly filling the theater, and now and then give us items conin '1 here 1" he exclaimed suddenly there is the man who did the fire-Rapti-aelite thing."

Where?" I said languidly. "Down in the stalls, over thero—a tall, artistic looking fellow, with brown eyes and a moustache. He did a picture of a lady of Queen Anne's time, with that wonderful Miss Clive's face—oh, he's gone now." 1 felt only a slight interest in the man who did the pre-Raphaelite thing, and as the farce was over and the tinkle of the prompter's bell sounding, 1 turned my eyes to tho stage but Johnny Locke's young soul was harrowed by tbe thought ofiny missing one of the social sights, and while the curtain rose he was still seeking for the lost lion.

first act. When tbe curtain fell, and deafening applause rang througn the house, the door opened softly, and Cap tain Dallas, our Yorkshire "brave *arcon," came in—the most thoroughly nineteenth century creature imaginable nh fknUin TkllMI aaid excited'

Yes, I do envy you. Yon lave the story of all these centuries for your own."

Csptaili Dallas laughed at this truly American outburst. But I've seen tbe play tweni he said good-naturedly. "Mrs. De Lorme," he sdded, turning to Laura, "I wonder how you undeitcok the care ol your cousin."

Dear old Laura gazed upon me affectionately. "Why, you see, we undertook oacii other some time ago," she answered. Don't you know Miss Hadley was left me a will?"

Dear me, was she now said the captain, opening his blue eyes widely. "What's the matter, Locke?" for Mr. Locke, bis mind still bont on discover lug the lion, was in danger, it appeared of tumbling into the orchestra below.

I Just saw him," he said, palpitating a little. I'll tell you who I see," says the captain: "Miss Clive."

I don't know how it happened that we all lifted our eyes and looked at once into tbe box sh^ had Jast entered.

And, by Jove!" whispered Louis soto voce, "there is the Macpherson and the aunt."

Miss Clive,

r5ui

TERRE TTAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

P*.|thotot

and dignified as a

prinoess, took herplaoesothat tbe lights flashed upon her silk draperies, her picturesque, Lady Hamilton sort of race, tbe folded white banda, and beautiful bare arms. "The Macpherson" appeared a trifle worse, if possible, than the aunt—a stout, youngish old woman, with plumes nodding in ber hair like a cheerful hearse, sharp black eyes, and despicable smile. While the niece sat indifferent to all around her, theaunt'a keen glance was here,there, everywhere at once. She had the air or detective retired from active service, but who carried the tricks of his trade into social

How different they are," said Laura compassionately. There he is!" cries Johnny Locke. "You'll surely know him now. Rawdon is Just behind him."

Not possible to be languid then. I wondered if Laura and the three men saw tho hot color in my face. Rawdon. who had to see a friend in Teddlngton I leaned over the box a little, following the direction indicated by Johnny's eyes. Yes. he was right, I saw a tall, artistic-looking man, with a face which under ordinary circumstances would have strongly attracted me. But Rawdon, who bad deceived us so meanly, was just behind him. Hie two men exchanged words—they were friends—and I saw they were searching for somebody. By and by Rawdon saw us, and bowed lit his grand seigneur sort of way. I bowed, and if he knew it, nearly brote mv oollar bone in doing so. Then I looked at Miss Clive, whose big eyes were upon me, and bowed again.

Laura." I said, trying to laugh, I thought cWl had to see a Iriand iu Teddi! ington "H« sent the picture last year," Johnny Locke was saying esjreriy. "Don't

curtain

the poems no wrow nw ns not mna wiling affiibly, then lie fralfwiS snubbed, criticised me in a We™1wav which cannot even be called broth- allow mo to introduce my friend, mr. a k^iaa* Haiti fclAldltltf

each sauntered into our box, followed by his her ftoe. artistic friend. I extended two fingers How you do to-nigbt said Oari,

Did I?" says Carl with a and turning his blue eyes* me. "I suppose you showeJ on tbe oooaalofk

You liters

I answe^i

Carl, in fc*ra I turn they res, fixedly |upo dctui

IS'

a "Charles L"

Tbe "Lyceum" on night. Those who have been of the numerous audiences who Hocked to hear young Mr. W'UWf^&levfr.ptay, fftotmber its fatfeftiaAdns well, I doubt hot. We were early at the theater tbe night after Mrs. Chcvrfev's dinner. Lauiftk and I cherished a child-like fonduestt for the flwt notesjofihe erchestra, t|i6 rincing ttj of the curtain, the sudden brilliancy of the gas Jets, which has still the thrlll'hig effect produced iu days when "Cinderella" at Barnum's went to the ball in skimpy tarletane, and the prince looked magnificent in a cotton velvet cloak with real Canton flannel ermine.

TKANBA

How all that evening comes back! Tbe curtain rising on the fairest picture an English stage oould represent— Hampton court—the river flowing on between its shelter of green banks, narrowing and widening, ljst in a purplish mist far beyond. The illusion is so perfect, tbe blooming flower gardens near the old time palace, the summer sky above pictured so Aiirly, that for the moment everything to-day, to-morrow, is forgotten. We forget that it is June, 1873 that our hearts are not throbbing with real sorrow for a martyred king that Henry Irving, with his sad, Vandye countenance and kingly air, is not indeed the luckless Charles. We—Lau- .— ra and I—sat spell bourfd through the would excuse

ii was, think, a fortnight after the evening at the "Lyceum." Laura and I had spent the morning at Howell & Jama's, and after luncb, as wo bad Parliament in prospect, she retired to rest, while I, rather dispirited and restless, sat down in the window ol our drawingroom, with a "Macmillan," which I intended to read. Some way there were one or two words in the pago I opened listlessly which I always associated with that day: **If Prank Lavender had been told that his love for his wife

aiiu »mwww mechanically to tho pretty, tiresome air ot "Gentle Spring." I had sat stupidly engaged in that way for ten or tin eon minutes, when I saw a couple stop before the door, and a tall youns lady in a rav dress descended and I Tieara the r»nicker sound. "If Frank Lavender

with a bashful air, "Miss Clive." Mtaa Clive came forward with one of her gray-gloved hands outstretched, and a smile that became it well upon her pretty mouth. I stood up, held out my hand, and murmured something civil.

f0Myyba^nwas

lt

you know, lota of follows do that ssrt of away all thjiuc She relax, —,, The

was just lising as Carl ed at me with a sort of mute sorrow in

9

ng bowed and took his Oari seated himself st

if side. How did you ei^oy Teddlngton I said coolly. "IdidnH go after all,** he answers

•It waa a nice evening, wasatit?" raltoer abrtractodlv. "Jonlldk now, says Laura, in her gentle voice, as we Nell: pay attention to the play* JQoat lingered moment in our lodging house you like It 2 tW

J" "Of QOUrSC. thouzh VC-U OUTC Said I LLLLI rv»MTUWU«4»from INJU. hri

Yes?' says her brother Louis. "Won-' had no appreciation of dramatic art." grew dim echoes heart an

don was her ooniectures £halfn

•ayi ha

is^ooking

our box—looking like a a dead white horror has not startled ber. I

You've put Captain Dallas in a sav age humor," Issy smiling "so the best thing you can do is to go away."

8

transient

tered speech, which bring* look ofllfe into her dull ace. Other men come into the box. The elderly gentlemen upon whom the Hon Mrs. Clive bsu cast her eye enters with a huge bouquet. Miss Clive. takes it in her hand, and I see her lilt her face in-

Maanvhll* Mr.

PmiI NHANNN'i

I will speak to Mr. Rawdon about it," says the captain. "We'll see what he thinks of it."

III.

whirl of gayety, tion, Dift I

For two weeks, in a there was little time for reflection, saw enough to make me feel sure Carl Rawdon was upon the list of Miss Clive's lovers. We met everywhere It seemed to me—so often that now, looking back, I find her floating in and out of every London picture never alone, however always invariably watched by the Hen. Mrs. Clive or the Macpherson. If Carl was of our party, and she appeared he would excuse himself, with a slight air of constraint and presently be at her side, carrying on heaven knows what sort of conversation, for'every word was listened to by Miss Clive's duenna but there appeared some satisfaction in it to both of them her laco was always brighter when he was with her, and ofttender in its sweetness when

Mr.Hawdon alone. I have an eXplana- eight places Carl

lowly, and look-

You think it mean of me," the wearily. **I suppose it is a coni?mpCi-

X.

"I suppose

Raw-

but one

»»».« ay perhaps I can do Swutbing for you. Miss Hadley," she was ssying, aud sho camel ack to my aide,

her fadKTyMI has not startled ber. 1 Do you not know me well enough to rlanoe around aa4 see that his friend, lteel sure that I would not do thia if I 'r. Fielding, is steadily returning her bad any other mode of seeing him anoa. On nor fece look which would Cbme to me when you need a friend." •me If th* dead wet* brought wdttett- I could ftpoak then, but my very ly to life before her on nis, that which voice sounded cold snd desd in my ears, tbadoad, lista to~*afreaeh 4he ttviugr Miss CltVA,*' I sain Howfy.

might assume. do not need any promise of thst kind. "I think," whispers Csrl, "IU go over If you like to see him hero tosnd talk to Miss Olive a little while, will arrange it." (8ke's not likely," he adds half JestInglv, "to be so cross as.you ace, mademoiselle."

*y

thanks. Meanwhile Mr. Paul Fielding's pherson's tiresome undulations, and all gaze ia riveted upon the stage. Presently the time -1—— tne curtain rises upon the last act of alL ears: "I The pleading of Henrietta for her bus- er." Ev id's life, thu

You'll be late for the house," says Carl in an easy tone that seme way jar* cruelly upon me. I staud up looking at —t of wav. "I

him in a dull sort of way. "The 'houseI" I echo dreamily, don't think I'll go to-night. I don't in the least like it."

I am moving toward the door. Laura always fond or looking at the park, is in the window. As I pass Carl I lay my hand upon his arm. "Will you come here to-morrow at eleven?" I say in a hurried whisper.

Miss Clive has been here. She wishes to see you privately." At the mention of her name he has winced perceptibly. "I know all," I go on, not wishing to let him see my face or to look upon his.

At least enough for me (o think you onght to see her. Please do lt." "See her here?" he answers,looking down at me, and iayiag his band gently on mine. "Why, certainly." I withdraw my hand quickly. He walks over to the fireplace, where she stoed, and stands thinking. For one moment I remain, to give him one look which seems some way a sort of farewell. He does not raise his eyes, and with a feeling that I have said good-by to the best things I had to live for, I open the door softly and go out. ,.•,:« iv.

This is an unconventional thing for an English girl to do, isnt it she said, in her clear, undulating tones. "My aunt and I were to have come to-day, but as her head ached I would not wait, sort of way,to let the pastslip out of my I wanted so much to see vou." memory. Have I succeeded? I ask "You are very kind,"! contrived to myself thisquestion tweutytltnes a say, ashamed of my which was due to aurprise,

on the bell, when, tenfeer,t ha'lf-bant'er,

MtraniTfl vonn'ff woman. "I hope yon weakness in the"matter, andT be thankwill iSt think it odd that I have come fttl for the real good h^e"d^fPI5*" to haa vou esDOciallv—alone done me.

Hermannergrew confused while I self doing so everywhere we go.) I see stood lost in wonderment she rose sud- that he has been all my life a Lndenly, and coming before me, took hold fluence and in a fashion out of which it of my hand with earnest eagerness. does not seem to me now that action

Miss Hadley," she said, with a slight ever can come, I feel so lifeless. I realtremor in her voice. "I believe you 1»J^ "toriy poor a mino WM American giris are different in many beside his. Toward Miss Clive I have a ways from us. Ydu are an heiress, they feeling thai having don« ber say. II you wanted to sacrifice your for- generous action in my power it does not tune for a man who loved you and lead

f'

Two whole days have gone by since Carl had his interview with Miss Clive. I have contrived to escape seeing either of them in the mean time. I aid the thing required of me. I inveigled Laura into going oat. I left them to their explanation for two mortal hours. Since then Carl has not been near as and I have been struggling, in a hard, dull

I contrived to myself this question twenty times a awkwardness, day. I humbly go over all our frlend- ». "I will sena ship. I remember, in that old, self-pity-ing, pathetic way, tbe little words, half-

we

1?

or looking back (I find my-

ne©d

whom you loved, would they let you do friend. I have read of ^women a bo, givi.«t ing up the man they loved to another, I answered something mechanically, desired to be their riave, and minister and Miss Clive went on. to their united wants for, years to come. "I believe I may trust you. I have I confess to no such watched vou. I think you are a girl If she were to require mess WUIIOTS to vbowoald do generous actton f.r bet lmlgbl

woman In need-Snoh need of help!" She paused, and I had grown so curious 'pray heaven to keep ua apart forever afor interested that I pressed her "band, ter. .. .^.. and she continued hurriedly, ber beau- OH? iiful face slightly down bent "It is a no dRiding lino.night oar strange request to make. 1 must see

tion to make. I have no possible chance to accompany He WM to have done at home. My aunt is toll of suspi so on one

I think my face most hare shown the barbarous dpuro to exttnguwh Tedsudden throb my heart gavo—tbe vague dmgton by lire or sword, and with a dead dumbness that seemed to take ghastly attempt at joking I say so to iwer of hold

or action.

A

ng to do. I minted to meet

Urn here. A strange thing," she added with a bitter smile, "for Miss Clive to do!

There waa a second pause between us, during which my visitor went over to tbe fireplace, where she stood looking down, her fisoe pale and scornftal In expression. ..

You do not wish to do it then," sbe said at last. I had not boon silent from hesitation—simply because speech was

love her and be her

MM

reckless Ixnton

thousand lamps lit the heavens were if all tbe planets the beautial, ungodly thing poMMs«i m#|

ere all my Of the nowl-

liver. Where this lift befo_,

I might

BoW m£la— sdtnebj toWoe.

,rI

Having said this, I felt forced to put my cold nand into the oneshe extended quiekly. Her fingers closed upon mine she was opening her lips to speak when the door opened, and the Macpherson was announced. This was the laat sort of. an interruption we had lpoked for. Mifes Macpherson must have been ratified br rnvl

Whereupon Carl stalka away, aud in a moment is In the other box. He certainly cannot have either brought ill tainly cannot have either brought ill- gratllletl by my languid reoeptlon of her. humor or have found it there. Miss Mim CHve only arched her mows, and Clive's pretty face lights up as be enters, aat down in an any chair as if sho had They talk and laugh brightly, earnest- only ly Cart now and then conciliating the very terrible Macpherson by a smilingly ut--.i-i-K v—i

her leave in

risen thenoe to take i...

,v.j formal fashion. It is hard to member all Miss Macpherson said on the occasion Mrs. CHve bad grown 'anxious about Miss Barbara. Miss Barbara turned her eyes coldly on to tho ttre«L and I liste thought of scrl of

folmes's de-

seriptiop Qf tho three _r

her hand, and I see her lift her face in- of* (nought he maintained. I was lookdifferent in expression as she utters her ing at Miss Clive, listening to the Mac-

HrMama nnHnUtlnni. and all

something else rings in my forever—gone forev

He is gpne

me pieaamg oi n«un«u» iw uur bus- er." Even then I looked forward roeband's life, th(j mournful, pathetic fhre- ohanleatly to the day when he might well-of Charles to his wife and children claim Barbara Clive. How soon would —all are Indelibly impressed upon my mind. There is something so unutterably tragic, ao thrilling in those last U1J viagivf wv words between the two whom death is to cruelly part, that I feel for the time my whole heart with the scene and its actors. When the final "remember" is uttered as he is led away—when the cartain fldla, I am ashamed of the tears which it is impossible to repress—glad that we move away in a crowd—quite ready to fall back, when Laura and Captain Dallas are making arrangements for a trip into the country.

claim Barbara Clive. How soon would it be? Would ho remember ray part In this time? Did she in the least appreciate what twas going to do for her?

They've arranged to go to Putney, 1 believe.'' Miss McPherson waa saying I believe tho expedition is for Thursday." "Yes," I answered, rather abstractedly. Then Miss Clive rises, and tbe Macpherson follows her example. I have no very distinct impression of how they leave. Miss Clive drops her handkerchief, and returns a moment later tor it.

How is it to be she whispers, in a short, abrupt way, catching my hand. I take one moment for reflection, and then make answer.

Manage to be here by eleven o'clook to-morrow, and I will see that it is all right."

She wrings my hand in away which leaves it throbbing, but I am ratherglad of my strong sensation then joins her duenna calm and passionless. I watch them from the window as they drive away. Can she be the same girl who half an hour ago grew fairly tragic talking of Carl Rawdon? I think that I sit along time in the twilight room considering the matter. It is somewhat of a surprise when Carl and Laura come into the room together.

ent to lytic

career) we have been to

n')t H»co

Ted ding ton interfered. I have had a

"I never saw you look so oddly, Nell," _jfs Laura, with perplexity upon ber pretty brow. "Wtiy, you're not a bit like yourself, though you are in such a gale ot spirits!"

Good heavens 1 A gale of spirits! Perhaps it hi so—tile gale that carries do st ruction or death chill with lt. I look back aad see that my conversation at all times rather flippant, has been unusually weak-minded the last two days. I have turned everything into ridicule made a jest of every worn Laura or our patient Captain Dallas utter. It has been a sin-

Kve

imposidbUu E^^ySSgeeemed »"bejh^ev^lng^On^^ drffUn* .«jr J1« «yndb b»• .bj

lar state of mind, but thank heaven pride enough not to stoop to even a dome to bring Csrl back to me. If wo rememun w« vih} -I my

Unt rpacbed'tts the open windows' m«f flippsnt uwod Carl id brain seem- tender. It waa evening the flash of a.

councip

1

"Will yon iter t* for five miiitttesl down with btllKM estnesa. 'Tfeeu andl treated each other like ocusins born to quarrel, and to vex each other. I think we begin to know oar own minds better don't we?"

I believe I wascrasy. Perhaps you do know yours," I au-» swered ngiitly. "It wouldn't burden you to be very well acqua njed with it, cousin Carl, but mine has jgrgfounder depths."

Looking back lights on the liver

^morrow, I

it seems tone ps if'the irer suddc^li wont hut.

Carl's/fade foriohoe lost ail us ^cureless expression: hismanHOs all its indifference. The blaze of his blue eyes soamed to Overpower me. "I believe I do undentasctyoQ and myself," he said hurriedly, and something which never, never since returned to it was gone from his voice. "I am glad that do so before it is too late."

I did not anawer hi in. I could not. Before that «ur tone of chaffing and of banter had been only childish fl&y. Since then it has been, heaven knows, the coldness of older sidder years. ftis the morning oi our long-talked-of expedition to the country. Our plan is to drive oat to Putney, to Ehvood hoaso the residence of Captain Dallas's aunt, where we are invited to dine, and stay over night. Our party includes Mr. Locke, and the Hon, Mrs. Clive, and Barbara Girl Rawdon, as a matter quite of eourse, is to accompany us. I am putting an additional touch to my summer toilet of blue and white upstairs, when I I know by tbe murmur of many voices the party issaiembled. I go down just in time to hear the captain saying: j,

It's so awfully amusing,you know. Mrs. De Lorme," he turns to me, "says we're to go right off!"

Fight my Dattle, Kelly," cries Laura with a light laugh. The room seems full of gayly chattering jpeople. Miss Clive, a trifle paler than Is her wont, snd dressed la some thin black raiment which sets off her beauty to perfection, is talking to Laura while they both draw on their gloves. Carl is standing In the window, trying to PXplahi the Americanism "right off" to the captain. The room is bright, and wears an air of festivity which suddenly falls dead upon my heart.

What are we waiting for?" I say in a moment, with a desperate sort of feeling. The carriages are there."

Carl, who has only nodded to me, now comes up aud whispers quickly: "Use a little tact, Nell—we want to get rid ol Mia. Clive."

I look at him boldly. "Very well." I answer then for the life of me, looking at tbe mass of feathers, and lace, ana parasols, and wraps en oi ruling the Hon. Mrs. Clive, I can't represa smile.

How are you going to do it?" I say. to him. "She looks ready for a tour on the continents"

He smiles grimly and turns to the window. At this moment some ono knocks at the door acd the maid is admitted.

If you please," she says to Laura, who advances, "a note for the Hon. Mrs. Clive."

Mrs. Clive takes the note and reads it deliberately. Carl moves about with some uneasiness. I talk in a low tone to the captain. Barbara Clive stands caid and silent at Laura's side. Tbe men at the other side of the room aro doing up something in a basket and whispering over it. Is there not a touch of tragedy about some such every-day events. The bush which accompanies Mrs. Clive's reading of tbe letter reminds one of a stage efifeet. "Humph!" soys Mrs. Clive. "It's from that disagreeable Wilkins. He must see me to-day at two. What am I to do?"

*y

I.

5

A moment's silence. Then, with the calmncss which only accompanies long-practioed bypoorisy, Carl RawdonL speaks. "Couldn't we wait for you, Mrs. Clive?" s.\

She looks at him suspiciously. No I don't see that yoo could. Well have to go back, Barbara."

Carl darts one imploring look at me-«i for an instant a spirit of cruel meanness possesses me. "Well, it will be, I sup-(l pose, only a part of the whole," I say* hurriedly.

4

Ob, pray, Miss Cliye, do not desert us. May sno not go, Mrs. Clive? You know this is one or our last days togeth* er.'"

"Oh, do let her stay, Mrs. Clive," she says sweetly. "I will take care of ber." There is a dead pause. if

Well then," says tbe auut, rising slowly. "I'll leave her to you, Mrs. DQ Lorme. Claptain Dallas, will you call' my carriage? It came with tho note."

And so lt happens that the Hon. Mrs. Clive is disposed of, much to our satisfaction, ana we go out into tho afternoon sunshine a cheerful, merry party. Laura and 1 drive in the captain's pbsc* ton. Miss Clive and Louis and Mr. Rawdon in a second open carriage just ahead of tts. I doubt lr Barbara has ever looked brighter or happier. Is she no& putting miles between herself and tbe Hon. Mrs. Clive and tho Macpherson We leave tbe high green parks and squares behind us, and are soon out upon tbe lovely road leading to Putney-on-Thames. The June sunlight pours a golden bath over the country. Tho deep green lanes tbe hedges skirting tbe fields with tho light aslant upon theif blossoms the river flowing on silently, with tbe blue sky reflected on its tranquil bosom tbe flush that now and then lights some shadowy corner, some old tree-embowered bouse on the roadsideall these sights in tbe pretty Eoglish landscape become indelibly impressed upon my mind—wrought in with the day, which marks an era in my history. Ahead ot us I watch Carl's strong facer and figure In tbe sunshine at Miss Clive's tide. How pretty the girl looks I watch tbem as they laugh and talk. I see her falter and blush now and then. I see him bend his head and whisper sometimes a word or two I cannot hear. And all tbe time I am saying over aniL again to myself that it is ended. Perhaps by to-morrow, when we gotmck to London, Carl and I will say good-by forever! I do not know that feel anything just now very deeply. I look around and laugh and talk, with a numb oold sensation which I would gladly exchange for sharp pain. Is this to be the life of days ana years to come? W« clatter up the viilago streets of Putney about six o'clock, and out on a hilly road reach the gateway of El wood. Tho bouse Is a big brick mansion of two or, three periods chiefly Cromwell Ian, however. There are innumerable stiff windows, over which the faces of Roundbrads of those stirring times look forth(from their stone carvings calmly upo^ to-day. We are intimate with the family at Ei wood, but the bouse is new to us, and there is always a pleasurable! sensation in finding myself In an old English house such as tola. Fbo hall wo anter—making a cheerful clatter with [OOXCLUDB) OJI THIBP rAOE.]

4

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