Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 30, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 22 January 1876 — Page 2

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3

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

TERRE HAUTE, JAN. 22, 1876.

THE FASHIONABLE LADY'S LAMENT.

BV MRS. 3t. K. WOODKOltD.

(After Hood.)

Work, work, work. But not iu

hunger

and dirt

For I'm not the woman of long ago. Whosang the sou* of thohirt. "But 1 am young and fair,

And I do not work for pelf, But I'm wearing mysetfout inch by Inch, Making clot nes for myself, For It's band and ruffle and puff,

And tuck, and ruttle, and

ouuU,

Till I know I am th* veriest slave Therein In all the land.

I've no time to read the news, No time to improve iny mind, No time for tho*e old household ways

To which our mothers iuciined. Click, click, click. _My machine ever ready and true, Though every day working faithfully,

The end comes never in view. For Its tuck, and ruffle and puff, Bhirrlng, knife platting and bond Why should I be the greatest slave

There Is in all the land.

Oh why am I a slave To fashion's foolish whim Why labor so hard for »utward show,

And neglect the pearl within? "Consider the lilies" fair, They "neither toll nor spin?" Oh, who would not be a Illy.

And have no ruffles to hem. For it's tuck, and ruffle aiul band, And band, nhri ruffle and puff. Of all this foolish flummery,

Ob, when shall we have enough? Oh, men with sisters dear. Men with mothers and wives. How can you stand bysVquietly,

While we're working away our lives. Ye men with vigorous nerves, Ye men with fertile brains, Can you notinventa new machine

To make our dresses by steam Thea with band4, and ruffles, and puffs, All finished and without flaws, Then, having nothing else to do,

We 11 help you make the laws.

JUSTIN HARLEY.

A ROMANCE OF OLD VIRGINIA.

BY JO UN ERTEN COOKE,

Authorof "lr. Vandyke," ".Surry of Eagle's Nest," "The Virginia Comedians," Ac.

CHAPTER LX VIII. TO THE I.ADY WHO FAfNTKD." It was a little past midnight when the friends separated, and Ilarley retired to his chamber, but not to rest. An utter depression seemed to have taken possession of him whether resulting from the exciting emotions of the day or that long narrative of his past lite he could not determine but there it was—a sombre shadow, as it were, obscuring bis present and his future.

Walking to and fro in his chamber, ho passed in rapid roview all the singular ovonts and scenes which had occurred since his return to Virginia, and then \his thoughts concentrated upon one absorbing poi it—the change which had tukon place in tho woman lie had begun to love with such passionate tenderness.

That change was so plain that it was 1 ile to attempt to conceal it from himself. 'Ihe first instinctive sentiment of joy at finding that she was not tho object of his brother's love ha•! cjuite disappeared. Why had ho permitted himself to derive any choerfulness from that discovery It was plain that she re: gankd film with indiilerence, if not with sitive dislike, now. Truo he had thought that dav when they rode totnat night when they side in

gether, and on walked sido

S

iy side in the dreamy

moonlight, that ne had begun to touch her heart with a feeling more tender than friendship but the cloud had soon blotted out the sunlight. He had been received when he came back, and found hor in the Illandtield grounds that evening, with actual coldness. She had been chill, distraite, and simply polite— another person. Had sho suddenly

rown couscluus that he was Incoming ier suitor, and finding herself indifferent to him, meant to Ray, by hor repellant manner, "Do not lovo mo lean never love you in return?" Women ajLed thus sometimes—aiming to discourage mou in advance, and to say with the eyes, and tho tones of tho voice what they eould not say with the litis! And then that meeting"on the night before, when she had scarcely looked at aware of his presence, in black fainted. Thou actual scorn!—what did it mean?

him or soemed aware of his presence, u1y that look that

until the lad]

Suddenly Harley's face Hushed, and ho muttered, She would not insult mo so, in her hought even!" lie had all at once penetrated—or thought ho had penetrated—the secret. Some words let fall by St. I/Oger came back to him. Did tfvclyn think that the lady In black was his wife, and that he had concealed that fact while paying his addresses to herself? The proud man shrunk with indignation from tho idea. But it constantly recurred to him stinging him. Then she conceived that he wa.i capable of his dishonor! She had so poor an opinion of him He,Justin Ilarley, had sunk so low in her estimation as that! "Well, well I" he muttered, wearily, •"patleneo and shulH» the cards 1" That dream Isover. I'll not go yonder again t,» bo Insulted by a girl! I'll never utter one word to deceive her. The transfer of Huntsdon to Saintv shall he made. I'll rid her of mv presence—go back to Europe with St. Leger, and forget!"

Piteous self-scorn succeeded. \Vh»t a tragic-comic personage I am!" he muttered. "I revel in heroics! I »ke a fool of myself about a girl— .'—ami become a majestic exile!" 'His bead sunk and he sighed. "Rut St is best there's no place for me here in this mawj, I am a savage I will break out of the net, and go laek to mv wandering and hunting. Fatigue brings forgetfulness." lie sat down and looked at his fire, which was dyingont. As he mused, his Ike© softened, and something of its old patience ami gentlenew* came back. He was thinking of the scene on the preceding evening at Rlandfield, and not now of Evelvn at all. He recalled tbs poor wan cheeks o: the woman he bad once'loved ami the noble and sympathetic nature of the man, tried by so many and such various emotions, melted to pity, as he mused. How white she was! How thin her worn figure! How «*ager, craving, helpless, her shrinV:Iooulances! .... Had the mother's love thus changed hert Had nht» made the discovery that the child she had learned to love so was her own? .... He uttered a low slgb.' .Something like a mist pa«sed before his

vision—tho poor, white face, and the

ihiu figure, as it wavered, andjfell fhinttng at his feet. He remained thinking thus for along time. After a while, hta fire l**an to

die oi*t entirely, and he shivered, andj

roee.

ffSSIL

That must be attended to," he muttered "I shall be too busy to-morrow, and shall not see ber again."

He took his candle, went slowly down to the library, and seating himself at the table in the cold room, leganto

stairs

write. What he wrote consisted of only »few lines. I am going to Europe, and Ibis isur first and last greeting, after so many vears. If vour emotion to-night was 'caused bv the sight of myself, I deplore the fact from my heart. If I have anything to forgive," I forgive you from my heart of hearts. "But this is not what I meant to write. Your future will be happy. Your husband i» changed by suffering and by love of your child and his—your little Fanny, who is restored to you. They must' have told vou that the child is your own. She i* the darling of her father, and that father is the Count de Gout ran now, as vou are the Counters. He is coming to take you, and love and cherish you. "Forget the past, and livo for your husband and vour child. "Justin IIaklet."

He sealed this, and then for the first time remembered that he knew no name to place .upon it which would be intelligible to the family at Blandfield. He solvf the difficulty by addressing it I "TO THE LADY WHO FAINTED LAST

NIGHT."

On the next morning, he dispatched it by his old body-servant at Blandfield.

CHAPTER LXIX.

RE-APPEARANOE OF THE BIRD OF ILLOMKN.

It was a headlong and excited rush. She came up the steps with an agility that no one would have expected from a lady of her years and figure. Her face glowed her artificial flowers trembled with excitement. She precipitated herself into the arms of Miss Clementina, who awaited her at the door, and clasped that lady with ecstasy to her bosom.

It is unnecessary to say that it was Miss Clara Fulkson. Sho*woreher most "stunning" toilet, and tho time was early in the forenoon of tho morning after the scenes just described.

Miss Fulkson commenced with the unwonted phrase, Oh—h—h my dear Clementina!"

She then tired off six kisses in succession on the cheek of the lady addressed. I am so glad to see you, dearest Clementina! Glad is not the word! Overjoyed!—'quite overjoyed! And this drea'dful, dreadful occurrence!—I have heard all about it!—that is to say, something about it. What has happened? I'm dying to hear about it, dearest."

In her agitation, Miss Fulkson drew her friend, rather than waited to be drawn, into the parlor. "Dreadful! is it not? I am quite overcome. Jenny, my maid, told me. Jim came over to our house late last night and told Jenny, who is his sweet heart. And it was the first I knew of that woman's boing here! Oh Clemen tina! dow could you be so unfriendly as not to—write to me at once, and tell me all!"

Miss Clementina had waited, as usual Her friend required a certain amount of indulgence, on the safety-valve principle. "It certainly is a dreadful thing to have her here, dear Clara," she now said.

Oh, tell mo all about it!" Miss Fulkson was silenced bv hor curiosity, and her friend proceeded to relate how Fanny had been hurt, how the lady in black had come through the snow on the same night, trembling, exhausted, and crying "Oh! my child! my child!"—and how, on the proceeding evening, Mr. St. Loger had recognized her how Ilarley had como into the room where she was sitting, and how, unable to bear the meeting, she had fa nted.

Miss Fulkson listened with avidity, and only controlled her excitement, and desire to explode, by an effort.

I fear there is no doubt at all of it now," said Miss Clementina, shaking her head. "Doubt! Who could doubt? Oh! my dear Celmontina."

They have betrayed themselves." Yes, betrayed themselves! I know it from tho first! 1 knew it wouid all como out. Oh! isn't it dreadful—dreailfuin

Rspecially as poor Evelyn has been mixed up with it." Yes, Evelyn dear Evelyn How she 111114 feel now! To encourago Mr. Harlev so openly—everybody is sneaking of it—and to find that ho lias a wife!"

Miss Clementina groaned. What will they do said Miss Fulkson. excitedly.

Miss Clementina shook her head dismally. "She cannot remain here, of course —I mean that woman," said Miss Fulkson.

Her friend made no reply. "Clementina!" exclaimed Miss Fulkson, with reproachful sternness, "do I understand that you Ihlnk differently, and will permit this woman—this common actress—to remain a member of tbo Blandfield household!"

Mv dear," said Miss Clementina, with some remains of licr good sense, "it is not my house."

But vou are its mistress in reality. You should take a decided stand, Clementina! As your friend and the friend of the family, I say a dccided stand must be taken."

Miss Clementina looked dubious and unhappy. Poor Utile Fanny would mourn over her absence." "Fanny? Who is Fannyf A poor child really—a mere little chit, if I have heard rightly—the daughter of a backwoodsman. We must think of our own families—of Evelyn."

A sigh greeted the remonstrance "And Mr. Hatley—had ho the audacity to speak to herf"

Ho did not utter a word." Then ho did not—acknowledge ber?" He seemed too much overcome." But she—she fainted. That is er.ough! Oh! Clementina! Of all the dieartful things that I have ever heard— but he will not dare to como baok! He will not dare to hold any communication with ber! He will not

The knocker rose and fell, Indicating that some one was at the front door, and looking thmugh the window, Miss Clementina reoognlaod Harley's servant from Huntsdon.

Here is his servant J" she exclaimed. "Whose?" "Mr. Harley's." "Oh! Clementina! Ron—run—find wlmt be eame for!"

Miss Clementina did not run, but she walked with unusual rapidity to the and opening it, confronted the

opcnlng it

eves. He wulTtbe servant, who bowed deferentially and •ring pity and tenderness came with the

noU

From

Mr. Harley

Yes, mist reus. Miss Clementina looked at It. It was addressed

... i" I To lady w-Ao fninldl last night."

Foramon)eol

Miss Clementina gated

^i_

at the words with a sort of stupor. She was aroused by the voice of the old servaat:

Any answer, mistress?" Nope—I suppose," fald the lady, unconsciously, whereupon the old servant made auofner bow, and, mounting bis horse, rode away.

When Miss Clementina, hastening Into the Jrawlng-room, exhibited the note to hor friend, that friend was seized with such a fit of indignation and curiosity combined that for some moments she eould only gasp. "A letter!" she exclaimed, at length. "A letter—from him—to her! Oh! Clementina! isn't it dreadful, dread- /«/, DREADFUL!"

Tho "dreadfuls" were uttered In crescendo. The last rose to a species of scream.

Very outrageous, indeed I" her friend said, speaking with decided irritation. Let mo look at it! Such an address! 7b the lady who fainted last night The 'lady /'—Clementina

Her friend recognized In the utterances of her name that rising inflection which indicates, on the part of a person speaking, the desire to attract the ospeclal attention of the person addressed with a view to a further communication

Clara?"

She looked at the lady as she spoke. Miss Fulkson's expression w»n Bignificant. She had placed Harley's letter on her lap, covering it with her hand.

This Is a question of duty, Clementina," said Miss Fulkson, decisively. Of duty

Of duty In you, as the lady at the head of this house, and as Evelyn's aunt."

What do you mean, Clara? Oh! Clementina, can you doubt what I moan. Think of it! Here is a respectable and honorable family living in peace and happiness, with a young and innocent chilcl—I mean our dear Evelyn—just growing up and into this family suddenly intrudes a woman—an unknown wowan—who turns out to be thewifeofa—gentleman—paying his ad dresses to our darling-—"

Miss Clementina listened in a sort of maze to this exordium. And here," contiuued Miss Fulkson, in excited accents, "here comes a letter, meant to bo secret, from one to the other. It is placed in your hands—now what is your duty, your positive duty, dearest Clementina

The lady's meaning began to dawn. Oh no! I could not do such thing," said Miss Clementina, taking the

letter-

No, no!"

No—thank yoa—I don't think I will ablG—" "Do ?ta.v, Clara! You are quito a comfoit in the midst of all this mystery and excitement."

Miss Fulkson allowed herself to exhibit signs of relenting. I want to talk with you—where we will not be interrupted."

Well, dear Clementina, I never can resist the temptation to stay when I am with you. I am so little given to visiting or gossiping, that I am from home very little, and never remain long at other houses. But here—with you, dear Clementina

Miss Fulkson suffered herself to be persuaded sent her vehicle home, with orders to the driver to return for her in tho evening, and proceeded up-stairs to take off her wrappings, and "spend the day"—as she had fully intended to do on leaving home.

Miss Clementina, begging her friend to excuse her, went to delivor Harley's note to tho person for whom it was intended.

CHAPTER TAX. on justin! JUSTIN

In a few moments, Miss Clementina re-appeared in tho hall, coining out of Mrs. Bland's chamber. Sho was moving her fan, and walked rapidly. A treat was boforo her. Up stairs, taking off her "things" with the view of remaining all day, was tho friend of her heart and with that friend seated opposite hor, beside a cheerful fire, she promised herself a delicious morning, full of gossip, and chit-chat on every subject, but more particularly on the affairs of their neighbors.

Let us not listen to this instructive interchange of ideas. It would not do embody, in extenso, in printed sentences and paragraphs those difi'usive colloquies. The reader might laugh now and then, it is true, and have his interostand astonishment excited, perhaps, by tho ingenious want of chanty characterising tho several statements and conclusions but the full report would prove wearisome, the historian would yawn while narrating. Even tho Miss Fulksons would mako one gape when taken in too large doses. Let us remain downstairs.

Half-an-hour after Miss Clementina had rejoined hor friend, tho door of Mrs. Bland's chamber again opened, and the Lady of the Snow came out with an uncertain and faltering step, and went into the drawing-room.

She had come hither to read her letter from Ilarley in private, where no curious eyes ootild watch the expression of hnr countenance. She had taken it from Miss Clementina's hand with a quick throb oi the heart, and a fading color. But fortunately none but Mrs. Bland and Fannv were In the chambsr. With a single glance at it. she had thanked Miss Clementina, watched her depart, and after arranging Fanny's pillow and bending oVcr her with deep tenderness, had come to read the letter all to herself.

She sat down and read the first lines —her eves blinded by tears. Oh ho Is too generous and kind she exclaimed.

"I

TERRE TTATTTE MATLTRDAY EVENING MAIL.

.,,,

Miss Fulkson endea-jored to withhold it. I will look at it, then!" she whispered.

And Miss Clementina repossessed herself of Harley's letter, which Miss Fulkson relinquished with a deep sigh.

Well," she said, "I at least have done my duty! I can do no more. Deliver that letter if you choose, Clementina. Trouble will come of it—mark mv words."

I hope not but I must deliver it to tho person for whom it is intended," said Miss Clementina.

She rose as sho spoke, and added You must go up stairs and take off your thincs,- Clara—to my room vou will find a tire there. You will sp*nd the day?"

Hooks of steel would not have sufficed to drag Miss Clara Fulkson away from Blandfield that morning.

wronged him so!

And now ho forgives me I" She continued to read: Your husband is changed bu mjfcrng and by love of your child and his—ytntr liUle irAo is restored to yon."

She bent down, weeping. Ob! if he is changed! If he Is changed '—and loves me again, an he loves bis child

They must have told yon that the chad vowr own." Oh yes!—my heart,

I

that to me before

think, revealed

I

heard it, as

I

leaned

against the door of the little mom in the hiit that night, and heard, without intending to, what they were saying!"

She read on, and at the sentence announcing that her husband was the

Count de Oontran, started but this start was followed by a smile of happiness.

My dear, dear Fanny!" It was the first thought of the mother's heart—her child would be henceforth a delicately-nurtured lady. Then she slowly finished the letter, ftddrd up with tears in her eye«, «pd, leaning her thin, pole cheek jtpou her white, hand, gaecd at the fire.

She was sitting In a large arm-chair, with her bade to tho door. A slight wind had arlseu, rustling the dry leaves on the trees, and tho fire was crackling. These noises drowned the sound of footsteps on the passage—the footsteps of a person who, entering the front door, blown open by the wind, was coming into the drawfug-roem unannounced.

The thoughts of the Lady oi the Snow passed from her child to her. husband, and from her husband to Harley. ThijJ letter was his farewell. He was going, he said, to Europe. She would aever see him again—never have an qpportu uity to say, "Forgive me!"

She bent down, sobbing. Oh! if I could see him face to face again, If for a moment only! If I could only tell him how noble he is, and how I have broken my heart thinking of my treatment of him

A great sob ended the piteous cry Then she murmured, her frame trombling, her cheeks blushing,

Oh! Justin Justin As tho low cry escaped from her lips, she heard a step behind her, and rose quickly.

It was Harley, who had come to see Judge Bland to execute the deed transferring Huntsdon to his brother.

CHAPTER LXXI. THE LAST GREETING.

They stood erect, confronting each other. Harley had recovered instantly from his astonishment at their unexpected meeting, and the expression of his face was exquisitely calm and sweet. He looked at the poor trembling figure before him—at the bent head, the wan cheeks, and the moist eyes—with an immense compassion and kindness.

So we meet at last," he said, coming and taking her hand, and speaking in his simple, cordial voice. "I thought I would not see you again and. alter all, perhaps it only distresses you." "Oh, no! no! I was just reading your letter."

She held it toward him. I was breaking my heart over it, and longing—longing for you to come!" lie replied, in the voice of a man ad dressing a child

Well, you see I h&ve come. Since you wish to see me, I am glad I am here but you must promise me one thing."

She had sunk back into the chair again, raising her handkerchief to her eyes.

You must not go back to the past," he said, always with the same kindness and gentleness. "Let us forget it it was a sad time. Let us speak rather Fanny, and of your future, Augusta.

A slight tremor agitated the worn framo as she heard him utter the old namo he had called her by so often in their youth. Those days now seemed to rise up before her, and her eyes filled with tears. "I will not it is—it is I who should beg you not to speak of the past," she faltered "but I must—oh I must say —it will relieve me so—I must tell you

Harlev laid his hand upon her arm. Do not say it it is unnecessary, Augusta."

He took from his breast—where he always carried it—the paper which he had procured from the stroller on the night of his return through the snow storm from Blandfield—that passionate, selfreproachful revelation of a human heart, addressed to himself.

Look!" he said "a strange chance placed me in possession of this paper— your journal. Yon left it with the players, and I obtained it from them, and have read it, since it is addressed to me."

Sho raised her head, and looked at the discolored paper with astonishment, sobbing.

You now understand why it is unnecessary that you should speak of the past, of what followed our last meeting, or of your feelings." "You have—read it?" sho faltered, blushing and trembling. "Through my tears more than once, Augusta, thanking Heaven that Providence—for there is no such thing as chance—threw in my way what has brought back my faith in woman."

Your faith You can have no faith in me! I deceived you—basely deceived you—when you wero young and hopeful'."

I have forgotten it," said llsrley, In his grave, kind voice. "I darkened your life as far as I could darken It! I was base, deccitful! I outraged tho noblest heart I have ever known! I deserted you, as much as wife ever deserted Husband—for yon looked upon mo as your wife in tho sight nf (lorl thus! Do not

of God You must not think

Oh, I must speak, or my heart will break! I have had this weight upon my heart foe years—in all those terrible wanderlnes I havefthought of you

He pressed tho hand he held, and said: "Think no longer Of mo as one whom vou have wronged, but as of one who loves you, and would sacrifice his own happiness to secure yours, Augusta."

She sobbed and trembled. "Oh, you fill mo with shame! How could I have treated you so! But I have repented! Fori^ivo me! I was badly brought up! I bad no mother, Justin I have suffered so! I am only twentv-eight, and look at my face! I shall die soon! I faint at tho least emotion. But, thank God thank God I have seen you again, and can say to you, what I said in that paper—forgive me, Justin

Her head fell upon his hand holding her arm, and sho burst into passionate sobs.

Harley looked at her in silence. An inexpressible sweetness and compassion filled his eyes, and it was plain that the noble heart of the man was stirred to its depths. He bent over the poor trembling head, laid his hand upon her hair, as a father lavs his hand upon the head of his child, and said, in a low voice

Augusta, remember what I wrote in my letter—If I have anything to forgive, I forgive you from my heart of hearts." "O, thank you!—tnank j'ou!" came In faltering tones from his companion.

God, the all-merciful, has bidden us forgive one another, as we hope to be forgiven. Ix?t this be my last ward—I have not only foreiven all the past—I have forgotten it.'r

Before he was aware of her intention, she caught his hand, and pre««o«l it to her llf«*. He withdrew the hand quickly. but

Mb* Clementina had ontered just In time to see Harley and his companion in that attitude, one nf his hands upon her head, the other clasped In her own. "Oh, exewfc!" cried Miss Clementina, with an excited laugh, trembling a little •a she attempted the laugh. "I only

came In—a book—don't let me disturb you, I beg." Harley rose and bowed.

You do not disturb us. madain," he said, calmly "pray remain."

CHAPTER LXVn.

W4£*T ^gLADY IS CAT ABLE Of WHEN SHO J| ,JS ABOUSKD. 7 Tho expression nf Miss Clementina's face wins Indescribable. Indignatiou, confusion, nervous excitement, the sense of what was due to visitors beneath the Blandfield roof—all these emotions were mixed and jumbled together inextricably in the countenance of the lady, who waved her fun with a sort of flutter, trembled, and laughed that falsetto laugh which does not laugh.

She had come down-stairs on some errand to Mrs. Bland's room, without a knowledge of Harley's presence, and hearing voices in the drawing-room, had yielded to her curiosity, pushed open the door, and entered just at the moment when the pale lips of tho Lady of the Snow had pressed Harley's hand.

Harley had said, in reply to her first words: You do not disturb us, madam—pray remain!"

He spoke with perfect calmness, looking fixedly at the lady, who estayed ber nervous and ironical laugh.

Oh, I am sure I must, sir!" Not in the least, madam," he said. "It is I who probably Inconvenience you. You are in search of a book? Allow me to assist you. "Don't trouble yourself, sir, I beg! The book is of no consequence

He inclined his head, still gazing quietly at her. It was a significant look. Something in it said,

MAre

you really in

search of a book, madam, or have you only come with the view of prying and listening?" The calm eyes aroused her Irritation. Her face flushed more and more.

I only regret having interrupted you, sir!" she said, spitefully "lam sure I am extremely sorry. I was not aware that you and this—lady—were engaged in—that I was interrupting—so dramatic a scene'"

Harley drew himself up with stately politeness. "A scene, madam?" he said.

It really resembled a scene, sir. I am sorry if the word is disagreeable to you

And you have added—in dramatic scene, mail am." Yes, sir you must.acknowledgethat it is somewhat dramatic to be but I think I had better retire, sir."

In spite of which observation Miss Clementina, trembling, flushing, and becoming more and more irritated, made no movement whatever to carry out her threat.

Harley had grown, if possible, more stately than before. When he spoke, his voice had the same tone of formal politeness. "I must express my astonishment, madam," ho said, "at finding myself and this lady the subject of this singular criticism. I am not in the habit-

Let us speak rather of nor, I may add, is this lady—of acting a part in scenes—dramatic scenes." The reply gave Miss Clementina an opportunity to throw all her indignation and wrath into one stinging sentence.

She was so angry now that she lost all sense of convenance. I thought this—lady—had once been an actress, sir. If so, acting in scenes, and dramatic scenes, must be familiar to her!"

Ilarley looked at Miss Clementina with suctden hauteur, and said, You will pardon me, madam, but this conversation is a strange one!"

It is not stranger than certain things that are going on in this house, sir," snapped Miss Clementina, completely losing her temper.

Certain things, madam Yes sir!" Will you be good enough to specify these things, madam VI

I will, sir! I mean to refer particularly to the presence of certain persons here."

She glanced haughtily at the Lady of the Snow as she spoke. Oertain persons, madam "You know my meaning, sir! You have forced me to speak plainly "I bog you will speak even more plainly still, madam, and put me in possession of vour whole meaning.".' .,

I will clo so, sir!" I Miss Clementina was by this time nearly at a whito heat and it is but doing her justice to say that she persuaded herself that she was only acting as it was her duty to act. Every feeling of propriety in lier bosom had been outraged by tho discovery of Harley and the unknown woman in so significant an attitude. She bad no longer any doubt that they were husband and wile. And hero before her was the person who had paid his court to Evelyn—making 11.. _• .1 4U- klAAt cafifinal onsain?

the girl the subject of satirical gossip he had como totnevcry home sheltering the girl to hold his secret interviews with this actress—his perhaps cast-off wife! ..

At that thought Miss Clementina raged internally, and her face indicated her feelings.

I will speak more plainly still, Kir, as you ask me to do so!" she said, with concentrated acidity. "I mean that we are only simple country people at Blandfield—very plain and unsophisticated— and do not liko mysteries, or invstenons people, of whom we know nothing."

Mysterious people, madam?" Nor do we relish more forming Intimacies with gentlemen whose past lives will not—bear examination

The blow was rude, and was accompanied by a flash oi the speaker's eve directed toward Harley which left no doubt whatever of her meaning. He rose to his full height,

and

A\s

said,foimally,

You no doubt refer to myself, madam." Miss Clementina was filent..

vou have referred to this lady,

added Ilarley. Miss Clementina flirted her fin with a spiteful air, and said "I pass tho limits of ceremony In speaking thus plainly, perhaps, *ir you have driven me to It!"

7.

Harley bowed, and said That Is enough, madam. What you have done me tho honor to say to mo reijders anv further discussion impossible. When a gentleman Is suspected of dishonorable conduct, of concealments, discreditable intrigue, he is natnrally unwelcome and if he

possesses

the

least delicacy, he will eease to Intrude where he is thus unwelcome. I will therefore rid you of my presence at once, after a very few words. You may not believe my word, madam,—I cannot help that but I shall make mv statement, ana then bid }*ou good-morn-Ing

Harley never lost his tone of formal politeness, and added: I came this morning with no 9bject but to see Judge Bland on business. I am about to travel, and it was neceiwaav to attend to this business. My visit was preceded by a letter, addressed by nivself to this lady."

I delivered It!' snapped Miss Clementina. I thank yon, madam it was not an appointment, as you m.«y probably sup-

"Oh, no!" faltered the Lady of the

Snow "it was to bid me good-bye!" "Thus nay meeting with this lady," Harley continued, "waspurely an aocident. You may possibly doubt my word—so be It, madam. I must submit to that doubt."

Doubt voter wd^l ?—ihe cannot!—no one could!" Dxclaltned the pate, lady, with a sudden liushT

I found this lady bere," Harley'went on, "and entered Into conversation with her It appears that In doing so I have insulted your entire household, madam. Well, at least you have retorted. You have insulted ner and me. As to theso imputations upon her, and upon myself, —imputations involving concealment, dishonorable conduct—what shall I say, madam You are a lady—I a gentleman—at least I have always regarded myself as such. It is better, therefore, perhaps, that I should say nothing."

Tho covert disdain of Harley's tone so stung Miss Clementina, that her wftth reached its highest point.

I have insulted no one! I referred to what is said by everybody of yourself, sir! I referred to this lady's reported profession. She is an actress j"

She is my friend, madam." Miss Clementina could not resist the opening.

She is said to be more, sir!" More, madam Your wife, sir The scene had reached its climax, and Miss Clementina was about to leave the room abruptly, when a new ]ersonage appeared. Suddenly a veice in the direction of the door cried

This is shameful!—shameful!" Miss Clementina started, and turned quickly.

I say it is shameful!" And Evelyn Bland almost rushed into the apartment as she spoke. The faco and figure of the young girl were superb. Erect, defiant, her cheeks burning with indignation, she brushed by her aunt, whose shrill voice she liad heard while accidentally passing through the ball and, going to tho side of the Lady of the Snow, turned round, facing Miss Clementina with tho expression of an enraged princess.

An actress! What if this lady is ail actress! married too—the wife of—Mr. Harley What if she is man ied to Mr. Harley

The e.yes flashed, the cheeks were in a flame, the tall figure of tho young lady shook with excitement but it was easy to see that there was no fear iu her.

You have no right to insult my father's guests!" sho exclaimed. "You have no right to tasnt this lad}'—for sho is a lady !—with having been on the stage!"

She turned quietly, and added, to the Ladv of the Snow: You are welcome here, madam, and Mr. Harlev also, whether my aunt tolls you that you are welcome or not!"

Miss Clementina seemed about to explode with pent-up wrath. But the explosion did not take place. She knew Evelyn perlectly. and saw the readiness for combat in her eyes—the aroused spirit of the Blands on fire for instant battle. "Very well, miss!—very well, indeed !"*sho said, with concentrated anger and spitefulness. "I have no moro to say, miss, as I am ordered out of tho room! But I shall ask your father if I am to be treated with gross insults by you

With which speech, Miss Clementina turned round and essayed to leave the room with queenly dignity. The attempt was too much for ber, however. Her wrath overcatuo her, and, even forgetting to wave her fan, she flounced but of the apartment and disappeared in a rage.

At lier disappearance, the wholo expression of Evelyn Bland's face changed. The proud and generous girl had burned with anger at the harsh treatment of the shrinking Lady ®f the Snow but now that tho enemy had retreated, she suddenly froze. Ilarley •was there looking at her. "Come, madam!" she said t® her companion, "You seem unwell after this outrageous scene. Lot me go with you to voiir chamber."

Oh," yes! you aro very good and kind to mo I will soon go away." You shall be welcome here as long as you will be rny father's guest!"

She murmured some inarticulate words of thanks, and Evelyn drew her toward tho door, passing boforo Harley, without looking at him.

As they reached tho door, the Lady ol the Snow suddenly turned round, and held out her hand to llarloy, hor eves et with tears. "You are going!" sho murmured.

We may never see each other agin. I shall die'soon, 1 think. Good bless and keep you, Justin

Harley took the hand, and, bending down, pressed it to his lips. A tremor passed through his frame.

God bless you, Augusta!" Evelyn had not turned her head, but a glance sidewiso told hor all—tho weeping Lady of the Snow, Ilarley bent over her hand—and a chill passed through the voung girl's frame something seemed pressing on her heart an»l snflocating her.

Her companion was at her sido again, and Evelyn was about to go with her to her chamber. A sort of mist passed before the girl's eyes, her slender figure shook from head to foot, her step falterered, but tho cold and proud light in her eves had never softened. '"Miss Bland

At that grave, vibrating voice from tho room which sho was leaving. Evolyn stopped unconsciously, and half turned. Ilarloy was standing a fow paces from her, looking at her.

I am going awav," he said, and shall not see you again for many years, If I ever see you!"

Sho did not move. •"This meeting is an accident let mo take advantage of the accident, and offer you hand before leaving you. It is the hand of a loyal gentleman and a friend."

She did not even look at him, and her face had never lost its cold and proud exoression.

But sho slowly came back into the apartment. [TO n» CONTINUED.] 7

"Cherry Time" —AND— Lily of the Field."

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