Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 42, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 15 April 1876 — Page 6

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THE MAIL

iA PA*ER PbR tHE PEOPLE.

ALL THUMBS.

't* We**#** BY MMS.H. B. 1IOLX.V. Ton pinky finger*,

Ktuckoui in a rowi,

.allow am I ever to pat

1 Uteres 0*i tbem w? ^O, d.a»r-iKl««ry me Now the trouble i'om««—

Svioli a clumsy cranky lot Hare, they're all thumb*!

Tokfd in, two to one, Twisted up tight Wiggle vrnggle, ev«-ry way.

That seem all thumbs!

Ah! at last the Job's done! 8preai) 'em well apart, Path mrvr, with all your might lt'eas your little heart! p| Well 1 know how *we«'t It a

To fetl. when sorrow

Willingly would mother* love. Keep you. baby ilrar. Just a Hweet, niuttll* toddling thing—

Yes, for many ft ... Gladly will »he wait tho time. woon «nou(tb It comes, 4 Wln'» ih« maiden ttngers fWr

Wen't be all thumbs!

fJoon enough, daughter mine. Haud»o*:rt and true, Dainty, willing, loving work

Will for mother do. Gently aid her falling «eps O'er the downward war,

wAnd

softly clow her tired eye* I'pon life's weary day. Vj

OEA, THE LOST WIFKf

KY BKLLA /. Ml'KNCKK. Author of frl.Hl and True,'' etc.

CHAPTER VI.

A light streamed in upon Ora's face and wok© her from the disturbed slumbet into which she had fallen. She rose with a sickening sense of dread, as the memory of the preceding night came back to her and endeavored to perform thedutleB of her simpletoiletteas usual.

But her head swam and her trembling finders refused to perfom their office. After several vain attempts,she realized that she was too ill to sit up, and went luck again to her couch, feeling, even with all her suffering, a sense of relief

when

she thought that this would preclude the necessity of leaving her room during the day.

It was Sunday, and school dntiesf being removed from her thought, left her tree to nurse her illne«s and hertroubles in the quiet and solitude of her o-.vn chamber.

Half an hour passed, and all the rooms had given up their inmates. She heard the light, bouyant tread of the young housekeeper as she went by ber door afterwards those of the guest* as they descended. Oscasionally a girlish laugh reached her room, and she knew that Kate and Mary were enjoying their privileges of rising to breakfast with the guests, to the tullost extent. When the gentlemen went down, the noise Kuddenly ceased and then all appeared very quiet below.

Ada's eyes had been oyen nearly an hour ana the nurse had sncceeded in dressing and carrying her off while her mother vet slept, so tliat she was now in utter solitude.

A short time passed, and a servant came np to ask ir she was coming down to breakfast. She replied negatively, and when he had gone, closed her eyes wearily and lay still.

Thought was very busy with past ovents, and both heart and brain felt tho pressure or contending emotions. Tho glimpse of a familiar face and form had had the power to recall events she would have given much to forget and now the quiet tide of her life was stirred again to a turbulent llow which might never again settle into tho blessed calm which for a little while had made it

never ai

niafwos

•is.1* S

J-

brown

come*.

ltoutid my neck the soft.

et'

With tlnger*all thumlw.

seem so sweet. Tears hung on the tremulous lashes uwn »in«wa. -—"v "i"" that lay on tho white cheeks, and the

pillow, were damp with cold dews of suffering, when Madeline came in softly and stooa over her. Sho bad not heard the light tap on the door, nor her still llghtor step aa she entered and did not even feel her presence till a soft, cool hand touched her forehead

"Oh, yon are HI," began Madeline in her kind, eager, earnest way. "Why did you not send down word, and let me come up to yon at once?"

Ora looked np In her face, and smiled a sweet, patient smile. You are too good. I do not need anything but rest, and would never think or taking you from your guests." ... ly'out

Hbe forced herself tos, guests eonld nave done withfor a Uttle while, at least

*My me,

•plied witn a son hlusL.

Then she took some Cologne from the drosslng table and sat down beside her, bathing her head with the utmost tendemean as she continued

iierneSS Kl sno roimmw.

A deeper gWiw rose to the fkir ^hecks, hesitating and apolouparea to posur into

as, after the getio preface, she pref~-~ —t Ora'* oars, the sfcory of her love and happiness.

The Una of her suffering listener, gww more sshen in their hue, but tho bine eyes unclosed with a brave, steady gate upon the blushing face, and she forced Jtemelf to listen calmly.

You see it ha* Wen a kmgtimealoce I have seen him—Uuy, I mean—and 1 •was very much surprised when be cstaw last night. He hfta written us from the West, but his letter never r«aohbd as. Two yearn ago, he went serosa the Plains to Olifornia, and baa jwa returned. We were betrothed long before my mother's death, but he never said anything to her or father a boat it particularly—i w«* young. I knew that my father liked him tbaagh I fear

poor

Hhe'never seemed to (have tht? confidence in him that papa did $ but she never said rwestoo «cmdk to think of kff' ited bin to wait until ne ustunsed, be-

r-jl i"

deceived, you

hair scattered over the

can never net alon

I know the

without me, and 1

folly to think of

for a moment. No one oould Ilk# my ?5&Tn7u»T h- «'W.h«irtapon ray going with him to a betuti^l res! dence on the Hudson, some distance

WhaPabil

mil

Except the way that'* light .. 0,1M rather iwrnl) the floor*, I Or cast up forty Miink, Than glove Ujoseshabby, batty ftSftgSj

irfintlv though with an effort. "TOe simple truth, dear Madeline. vour wishes, surely whon he knows that they cannot do

He cannot

without you. No one else fill your place, since your mother is gone, and I do not wonder at the feelings of per

f£F" ""lh0"'y°"

8«f

thpy

on„

iU«. *».

It is not to be thought of. I will tell (Jny that he must wait longer. He may demur, but If I am not worth waiting for a while Isngor, I am not worth having. Still, I oread the task of telling him so."

She dropped her lioad thoughtfully upon one hand, and Ora surved the »ober face pityingly. "Oh. Father," she thought, "surely thou wilt not let this purefsweet girl be sacrificed by wedding one like hhn Ah 1 holp me to save her: I cannot bear to think of it! What can Idol"

A hasty summons from Kate took Madeline hurriedly from the room at

a£al£fcr

All day Madeline's cheek wore the rich color it had assumed during her little narrative of the morning, and her manner was slightly confused at times. a9 if nervous with the dread she had expressed. Harry Clifton's eyes shot roguish glances at her occasionally which served only to increase her con fusion, seeing which, he at last forbore and left her in peace for the time heir? The family all went to church in the ternoon, accompanied by the two gem lemen, and after their return, household matters occupied ber till aftor dinner which served to relieve Madeline till evening, from the dreaded tete-a-tete.

At length, however, llarry and the younger gentleman started off to the smoking room to enjoy their cigare, and Dr. Clifton betook himself to the Library. The little girls went up to the nursery to have a romp with Ada before b3d time, and the two were left alone.

It was a moment longed for as muah by one as dreaded by the other, for he went up to her instantly, caught her hand, then drew her close »o his bosom where she hid her face, now dyed to the forehead, with crim«on.

Oh, Lina, how cruel you have been tome all this long day," he said reproachfully. "I have been dying to hold you here, where I have so longed, for two weary years, to fold you close, close to my heart and yet you hold yourself aloof now that I have come bark, and give me no opportunity to say a dozen words to you alone. Look up, darling, and tell me-do you lore me now as when we parted? Are you still mine?" "As ever, dear Guy," she lifted her face from his bosom and ai tempted gently to withdraw herself from his arm* You do not deem me capable of change, I ho,*. Until I know you unwortnv, you will ever hold the first place in inv heart above all otbefs."

Then tell me why you have avoided me so scrupulously?" he questioned holding her fast and again drawing her within his embrace. "I have even tried a»*nly to catch your glanco to reassure me. Last night I fancied this sweet face, tho face of an angel, it was so radient with jov. To-day4 however, I have been almost tempted to believe myself

She looked up frankly, and with a confiding sweetness In her manner, beautiful to see, as she replied lowly.

Because I remembered that in the last letter I ever received from you, you told me when you came back, it would be to claim me at once for your wife—"

And so I shall," he interrupted. "I must have my bride now, without delay. Purely I have waited long enough. You do not mean to put me off again, do vou Madeline?"

I must, indeed I must." His brew clouded, and an expression of pain swept over her face as she observed it. "And why must you? Explain Madeline. You profess to lore me, and I cannot understand what can cqpie botween us when this is so. Your father has long known of our attachment, and f*vors our union. With mutual love

ol,r

Do you know that I came up here to and his approval, what excuse can you tell you something? Miss Dtirand nsed brin«?" to be my confidant and adviser in alt household matters and I loved her very much: but I think I can speak to you more freely than I could have done with her. I am not like roost young girls. 1 have no confidants out of my own home, and you ktvow that Papa la not th« mostproper confidant In all things. So you see, being obliged to go to sooieoue, I have oome to Jbros some sympathy from you

'Mv father's lonely helplessness*—my

What ronld they do without me? Ah, Gny, I cannot leave them yet. My duty is here, and I must nrt selfishly pass

Is here sni must no* wmsmj pons

.,«^nn.oh«Iwoul.lllk. togftlfr

yo11'

yon# Gratify me!" bis tone was almost scornftil In Its bitterness, and Madeline looked at him, startled—almoet affrighted. He put Iter from him and strode back and forth through the room.

PI^F*or«ive

mamma did not,

in any way. Mood. \Ve

.^m^^d Iweald to Ilff jo.neemted, jpd J*

lJ*I

corresponded S and 1 always bed deUjUtful letters from Wm, dated from raiioas plages. :,4 Hiiiinoefl tee will Iw* tolakepbe tiim attaa went On iitlle more hurriedly. But I .-V cannot beer the tboMht of leavlngpapa and tMe children. They would miss me. |4 Is the only draw-beck W my ^RP1"

dot I """The* interview was long, and very I heart.

Mw. an onnortunitv to nalnful to the devoted girl whose love Ah! this Is aa it should be! Now I have not given but If he should, and duty were thus divided. The lover can see my child happy, and have all of P^ his wishes, as became more earnest as she persisted In you with me! But, pussy, you bay® no

tear wet face to her pillow that night. Guy was sngry and impatient. He was botn impulsive and selfish, and could ill brook opposition to his wishes. In Madeline be had expected to find a pH ant subject, and her firmness surprised lied liim. Ho lea her a wild,

^lo'lenCfn^dee^ mv°™7o h^vea wish,

theyoungtdrlln a tono denoting deep g_cont through their husbands, and he look in again upon our heroine. thought. She bad a|p slave not Ui81 ^chfrdmt^bad flung their books V. I.* iv.« A/ #KA Iflflf.

were so cold and distant,

l1'

"nt HUtant. or cold, dear

Oh, no! not distant or cold, dear Guy! Only perplexed." And why perplexed

Well, my child, bow Is it? Must I give you away?"

No, no, dear papa 1 not now! I cannot leave you and my darlings yet," she replied eagerly, but in tearful sorrow. "I could not be so selfish as to think of it."

Then I must tell Guy I cannot spare you He cannot bo kept long in suspense. You wish me to say to him when I grant him the interview promised, that I cannot give you up?"

I, uvoi

wish. It disturbs him very much, and I feel sorrv to disappoint him, yet It must be so. Be gentle and kind with him, father, but be decided.''

Suppose he will not take my refusal, or resigns his suit in consequence?"

u°worthy

!Ser iSS* wel7knoV°inmv ^Well, myfovT"^ »little would feel to ^w^ I have tried bard to fill her pause. »i will do as yon wish, the more Agnes when they

yourself for us. unselfish.

Oh," he said bitterly. "I had never 7^. expected 'Am. After all this long wait- quivering with griet Dr. Clifton drew Inir mtma back to vou. my heart glow* her to nie nean. Inf' with happiness at tbe thought of 'Mr breve, generous, noble-b«»rted f*fl nttvoumtneT^Then you come to child How oan 1[ever repejr w»d unSiI^UHlSr.un la «tt. My*

ShUptad to tKToBtbant, .nd iSnp. whow tofplylttomy ^«Bd »e"t"lckfJto tb. KfcSbmjh. prfd.to pro™** Ho»_cp*J If Wr» u.j sank end oovered ber face with her yo« now, with these 1 tnle, untraoied tha tears she oould not re- children on your What could hands to hide the tears ane oouiu nw rewith ^mThands? ma

roe, Msdellne, If I painyou

bat 1 ctaioot bear the thought of again

mmkh

the muumn u«»i» —*v Ji" did not mean to wound you, teittnp. Twll me that you did not mean It-—that

Cve."

wet* only trying me, to test my

"Ah. no (Jay! Iain no trfier y©» well know I hsve faith in your love, and would gladly be your

wile

TF/R-RE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING1 MAIL.

nf thft 'last comMiiion on the footing of an eoual, aside for the day, and bounded joyously f.Vh .he".«0Jl,l»u,in8 Sufti.he. and opla.on. .ndopen^n.

tho opposite

of bis own. Strange as It may seem, on renecuou, ut»a anu uu«™ uot u™..... the world claimu "a very large class of

Jl CHAPTER VII.

Monday morning found Mrs. Mere-

dith at her post, but sho looked pale and ill, s» that her excuses for not going below stairs, were readily accepted by all the family. Unsuspecting, none except

Madeline hurrieaiv irum iu» mum the ever watchful Harry, could see a this moment, and she did not see her deeper motive In her

several hours. to avoid meeting strangers while feeling ^Butshe was not forgotten by the ever too ill to mix with society^. Hut the one thoughtful girl. some toast came up and every little whilo a messenger was sent to know il she felt better.

441think

No, no, best, deareet of fathers! you

happy eren with him, and know that you needed me, and I far away. Only try to soften this disappointment for hun, and my heart will De lighter. He feels It so keenly!"

Her eyes were ftill of tears, the lipe

»W^d..ailM.l.q«lbl«iyMl"

reaolt. After ber father a been donated fkr hear, her,—* esusmoats ebe of fear and trembling.

to-mor-

touL coaM I toeve my poor father, ud the asrUag children my dying mother confided To my esm. It pains me to disappoini you. 9tUt I must do It. I have thought a greet deal about it, and tbe mora I tfalnk, the more I feel the mum of duty which binds me hem If w.

side of tbe question. I am out of breath, exhausted I I leave you to punish him for his cruelty."

So ssxieg, be took himself off, his face all Mpw with happiness and genial humor, cfuy clasped the girl to his bosom and murmured,— "See how much I love you, ray Madeline! I give up the long cherished dresm of years, for the Joy of calling you mine without delay, rfow, darling, name the day, and make the time very short, for I cannot bear to wait."

Thus we leave them in the broad sunlight of restorod happiuess, while we

1JgIll OJ roBluru„

wg8 very

men with the same Ideas—much too ties had been more than usuallytrying. large for the happiness of that portion of She could not concentrate her thoughts

sex, who are in everyway apow the work before her, and bring fitted to stand on an equal footing, mor- them from the dark chaotic pool into ally mid in an intellectual sense of the which they were constantly flying. word.

seized

withd***rB''

hasty glimpse of her pallid face and wild eyes on the announcement of the visitors, had roused his interest to an intense degree. He know that thore was cause connected with them for the course she was pursuing, and he resolved to fathom the mystery. His first attempt proved futile. "By the way Guy" be had remarked to Bartoni at breakfast, "you have been in St. Louis a groat deal. when there, meet with dith?"

not. I have no recollection

of such a person." Conversation changed to various subjects, but had little life in it. Madeline looked sad though evidently striving to appear cheerful. Bartoni was in no mood for talking moro than politeness required, and the Doctor was sober and thoughtful. In the sad face of his chiN and the discontented one of her suitor, he read the difficulty between them, and it disturbed his usual happy flow of spirits. He could not see a cloud upon tbe beloved face of his devoted child without acute pain and the very cause of her sadness, endeared her to him but the more. In her self-denying love, he saw a new beauty of character which exalted her. An intense and proud admiration mingled with the warm emotions of paternal affection stirring in his bosom. Now more than ever, he felt how deep would be the loss, were she to go from his fireside. The very thought brought a mist to his eyes which he brushed aside hastily to keep watchful eyes from observing.

After breakfast, Harry and Charles Lafarge, who appeared tho sole exception to the general depression, strolled off together, and the Dr. prepared for his usual round of professional visits. On leaving the room, Bartoni had craved a private interview, but he felt himself unequal to it in his present state of mind, and put him off till his return. The lover submitted with a bad grace, and went to his room, and kissing the little girls, the Doctor sent them up to their governsss, dismissed tho servants, and turned to his daughter.

awav, glad to be free, and the teacher with a faint sigh of relief, closed her desk and bowed ber head upon it. She

weary. On this day, her du

wiuuu lurjr wcio *"rv Agnes had observed her absence of mind and depression, but attributing It to illness, thought only of trying to lighten her labors by more than usual care while on the contrary, Kato and Mary

their advantage to become moro

careless and mischievous tlum ever. For a quarter of an fcour, Ora sat still In her place, the sunlight streaming in upon her hair, and lighting it to a glorious radiance. Sho was so still, an observer might have thought her asleep, but tor the occasional shudder that passed over the slight frame. Agnes who had come Ijack, stood several minutes by her side, before she ventured to touch her arm and attract her attention.

"Meredith? No, I cannot remember that I ever did. Why do you ask

410,

a casual question. My sister

governess came from there, and having once, undoubtedly, moved in tho more refined circles of society, I thought you might possibly have known her."

What is it, dearest" she asked looking up wearily. "Why have you come back instead of ^ing to play with the girls?"

441could

Did you ever, a Mrs. Mere

not go with them when you

looked so sick and in trouble, dear Mrs. Meredith. I feel too sorry to play." The child's earnest tones of sympathy touched the troubled, longing heart of the woman. She drew her to her side with an impulse of strong affection.

Dear littlb Agnos! supposing I am sick, awd in trouble, what could you do for me? Go, darling, and play. Do not let thought of me mar rour pleasure."

Oh. please, don't send me from vou. You know I am not like them, and don't care to play as they do. I had rather stay with you. Besides, I don't want to go where I may see that man."

What man do you mean,'' asked Ora in surprise.

The tall, dark man they call Guy Bartoni. He makes me shudder whenever I look into his eyes. I feel dreadful lv when I am where he is."

,4'Whv,

Agnes, what makes you?

Why should he make you feel badly?"

411

do not know. But I am sure there is something in it. He is not a good man. Can vou imagine how people feel when a snake looks into their eyes and charms them Well, I feel just so when he looks at me. Oh, I cannot bear it!"

She shivered and drew closer to the side of her teacher." "Don't talk so, my child, ^ou do not know what you are saying. Mr. Bartoni is your guardian's friend and guest, and vou must try to banish such groundless fancies," said Ora, conscientiously striving to put aside her own feelings and bring the child to discard her antipathy. But Agnes was strong in her expression of loathing, and no power could remove her dread and dislike.

For the first time, Ora observed that she held in her hand a sheet of music. She took it from her and looked at it. It was an air from Trovatore.

What are you doing with this, Ag nes

Trying to learn it. I was in tbe music room just now, but I could not quite get it all right. Won't yon please show me how to sing this part

She pointed to a difficult part in the music,* and looked up wishfully.

Certainly dear, but I'm afraid it is most too hard for you. What made you chooso this piece

Because I liked it better than any other piece I know. It suits my feelings."

No, no, Aggie. Don't say that. It is too sad a cry for this little child heart of yours to understand. You mistake

Yes dear father it my sinccre your love for music, for sympathy with \es, dear ratner, it is my sinccre

aantimAnt

the sentiment of tho song. Come, I will teach you." They went out together, aud in a few moments her rich, full tones swelled out in the most touching of Verdi's matchless oompositions. "Ah Che La Morte Ognorn The child's voice chimed In with hers, clear and sweet as a bell, with a promise In its present power, of a glorious development In the future. Ora was surprised. She had

Ah, no I ho could not do that—at least, if he loves me, he would rather wait than givo me up," she cried in a startled way. "If he could, his love would not bo the treasure I have deemed It I, .ill no. think .ucb thing of tor ™ld .mUorf Hiieh ia woman's But never before had such passionate

tho objo^of Ijer love, till it know just how any one

«41 could

wait till

Kate Is old enough to take my plaoc."

dSorS^Srough lonely, weary yearn Songsnd Mnjj tojpw without vso. Tbe disappointment of waited in pa'nfel auspeuee to bear the

The conference of lie afternoon wa«

Ingriei

Both geetlemeB looked ttp as abe entered and the anitae «poa tMr tee* aomewhatreeseuredber.

Come here my daughter," earn tile Doctor pleasantly. "We*ft* Made an amicable setUeaaeqtof tUe DM which needs only your oo-op nnderUoomnlefe. Ovyhae to remain wHJtas, sad make hie home, If you will name mm early dsy for the weddldt, which leevse 700 sttfl

day! Guy was so disappointed and sngry when I told biin that I oould not leave my father, and said so many bitter things. He is so Impulsive, he can* not bear opposition. But he had along talk with papa, and now it Is all right. He will stav here—all of us can lire together, and I can bo witb my dear charges till they no longer need me! Ah! I am so glad. I have had to make him a premise for an early wedding In consequence of his yielding to papa's request to stay here, and we are to be married early "in the spring."

Sfie did not seethe deaihly hue of the face above her, and was too absorbed in her own thoughts to note the trembling of the fingers threading her hair. And so, while the pale lips closed in mate agony, repressing the cry that rose from her heart, the young girl went on witb her story, telling her of the plans formed for future happiness, sna the many glorious prospects spread out before tbem.

It waa quite dark ere she had done and rose to go below, so that she did not see the strained look of suffering upon the face before her, in the dim light, snd Bhe left her, unconscious of the misery she had awakened.

On separating from his betrothed, Guy had gone up to his room, his thoughts divided between pleasure and discontent. Could good Dr. Clifton have looked into tbe man's heart, and seen the secret motives which piompted his actions, he would have shrank shudderitigly from committing his child to tho care of such a being.

Bartoni, was as bis name indicated liim, of Italian descent. His father was a native of Italy, coming from a family of great wealth and influence. He boasted a long line of titled ancestry, of which he was very proud, but his father had fallen in love with the country in which he took a fancy to travel, and one of her fair daughters captured his affections. He married in New York and died shortly after tho birth of his only son. Mrs. Bartoni remained with her relations after his death, and as the boy grew up, gave all her attention to his education. She was a very kind, indulgent mother, and the strong passions transmitted from father to son, made her at an early period of his life, the slave to bis wishes and whims. And so, crowing up thus uncontrolled and un restrained by steady hands, at twenty, he was as wild and willful as it was possible for him to be. Nothing but a strong element of pride in his nature, saved him from open rocklessness. Shortly after his twentieth birthday his mother died, and the funeral rites were scarcely ended, ere he left the city lor parts unknown. 1 wo years passed away, and he came back. A change had come over him. He was less wild, moro steady and manly than heretofore, and his friends grew very hopeful with this good omen. Nothing transpired to change the favorable light in which he succeeded in placing himself, and when he saw Madeline Clifton, apd sought to engage her interest, the Dr. had quietly suffered it, feeling that he was safe in doing so.

Still we have seen the course she had pursued, and know how it was that the marriage did not take place at tbe time. She pleaded her youth, and won his promise to wait in silence. Ho went to California in tbe interval, but of that portion of his life during bis absence, no one knew anything beyond what was surmised from his letters. This, however proving satisfactory, no one sought to know more.

In returning, he had brought with him a friend, Charles Lafarge, who he said, had shared bis wanderiugs amid strange scenes. They were inseparable He spoke glowingly of his position possessions and talents, and the bright, handsome face of the stranger did the rest. Three days had not passed, ere he became a general favorite.

We lmve said that Bartoni sought his room, his mind divided between pleasure apd discontent. Tho grim smile upon his dark features certainly betokened satisfaction as he threw himself upon a lounge and tossed the masses of raven hair away from his face, mutter ing half audibly:—

of tha sons. Come. I

juav v»iv

would feel to say such words," cried bad finished. "I went

Out of the love I bear thee, Yield I my life for thee! Wilt thou not think— Wilt thou not think or me? Oh! fare thee well, my Leonora, fere thee well."

Pretty sure thing, though Guess can stand the terms for a while, when the bird is safe in my hands. Leave myself a little time to transfer it to a cage of my own choice, when the old man's purse strings have yielded hand somely to my wants. By Jupiter, Made line is a handsome—yes, a queenly girl, but deuced if I don't take some of tbe spirit out of her when she isjsafely my own. yield now! We'll see who gives in sCx months henoe I"

And it was to this man, Dr. Clifton was about to give his Pearl beyond price I To this man she had given ber sweet, pure love!

Suddenly upon tbe stillness, broke strains of rich, entrancing melody. With tbe first notes, he started to a sitting posture and listened intently scarcely moving till the last tones melt ed away in tbe stillness. Then be breathed heavily and exclaimed •4 There can be but one voice on earth like that! Surely, I would know it amongst a thousand Yet, how absurdly I ao» talking! It were impossible for her W be here. But who is it, then Ah I I havo it! Tho Governess! I ramernber a child's voice accompanying hers. Besides I heard the family speak of her glorious voice. No wonder. But what a wonderful resemblance. I could almost have sworn that it was Glendora's."

He heard Madeline's voice aa they oamw out of the musio room and went down the corridor and eager for a glimpse at the stranger's face, looked oautiously through the door. He waa

scarcely breathe! Oh, if one too d£ I love so much/were to leave me, I a gl»«*»P^ of ^£.^"^£{£*7 JJt should die!" andf from the earnest, pas-

sionate tones In which she uttered tbe

words, Ora knew that ahe fait what she

expressed. "Ah me.

she sighed Inwardl y. tie

"Poor, strongly loving, passionate lltt heart! What bitterness may be In store for you, should you ever find one on whom your affections may rest!"

At this moment Madeline came In anon them, wearing a look of radiant bappinesa. Om's heart beat heavily. What waseomlng now. Her prophetic team spoke but too truly.

Obme, into my room a little while, please" ahe begged^slipping her arm around hsr wtui loving wnfldffMa I want to talk to von."

For a moment Ora fceH

struggled with the

that threatened to overpower

itsir. iPben ahe hfd® Am« g* down atsiirs and stay with the gtrUk and went with her eager companion. ideline In tbe e*cesa of her banal, •aatti her, and threw herself la ito3*«idon at herfr' fair faee upon ber lap ciMptd both hands in bera.

Ah! it iseo nice to have somebody to talk to when we are too b«— tain oureelvefe! I am so clad matte a friend of ypu, and ik*

turned away disappointed. I must be mistaken," he muttered, •me la a visitor, doubtless: I cannot think of .Madeline on such familiar terms with the childrens* governeeel most find out who she is."

This little Incident awakened a new

Tha* was Mia. Meredith. sing very sweetly. you were charmed, sine without tears

con-

it I can

HM| that I

^iMing my dignity bv treating you as an e*ittal. wor yen are indeed my supe-

She was complaining yesterday?" Somewhat better, I think, but far from, well. She has been in the schoolroom all day, and looks pale and tired. I hope she wont get ill from over exertion."

Guy looked surprised. He could not understand the deep interest expressed In a mere governess, much less the close Intimacy of his affianced bride with one occupying so inferior a position.

Sbe must be a prodigy," he remarked somewhst dryly, *4to elicit such !s

ralse

aud awaken such interest. Who she?"

Tbe lady of whom I spoke the other morning, as a former resident of St. Louis," said Harry In reply, without waiting for others" to speak. "She appears to be creating a commotion. Father and sister Maa were her sworn allies from the beginning Kate and Mary soon succumbed to uer charms. Little black eyed, tornado Aggie, was harder to manage. She was never known to love anyoody in her lifc, but after certain time, there was war between two opposing forces. The governess proved tho stronger of tbe two, and brought tbe little rebel to terms most extraordinary. She now worships her very footsteps. I am the only unconquerea reprobate of the .family I believe, and am patiently waiting my turn."

Bo spoke lightly, but lie knew he was Interesting his auditor by the expression of his face, and hoped thus to catch a clue to the mystery he was endeavoring quietly to solve.

4«

Why, really, sir," observed Mr. Lafarge,

44you

governess becomes quite a

heroine. Does she associato with the family? I am beooining curious to see her."

This was what Harry wanted. He hoped thus, without sooming to desire it, to brins about a meeting. Dr. Clifton furthered nis wishes unconsciously. "We will ask her to comedown, if she feels able, and favor us with some music. I enjoy her singing very much, and have a proof that you will, also Guy, by

Jjafarge

our remark a few moments since. Mr. has vet to judge from personal knowledge, if it is to his taste."

441shall

Eer

certainly be glad of the op

portunity," returned the gentleman. "You quite interest me." A little silenc9 fell upon the party gathered round the board, broken at length by a cry that startled them as by tho shock of an earthquake, it was so wild and piorclng. It came from above, and Madeline without apology sprang through the door and darted up tbe stairway. The cries continued, proceeding from Ora's room. I)r. Clifton followed more slowly. Harry remained with the guests, in breathless suspense to learn the cause of the alarm.

The scene presented to Madeline's view on entering tho chamber, was one of wild confusion. Ada sat screaming in childish terror upon the floor, while her nurse supported tho head of tho fallen mother upon ber lap. Ora lay

ale and still as if death had smitten with one blow from tho fair scenes of life, a crimson stream pouring over the purple lip and staining the carpet by her side. Agnes stood over her with locked hands and rigid features. Terror and anguish had deprived her of speech aftor the first wild, agonized screams that had brought the family to the scene.

Oh, Father of mercies 1" ejaculated the girl as she hastily bent over the prostrate form. "What is this? How did it happen? Tell me, some of you. Can you speak, Agces? Father, father, came quickly!"

Here I am" said tho Dr. entering. "Why, what does this mean Ah! a hemorrago! Help me, daughtor, to lift her on the bed. Hld tip her head nurse, till I oan lift her in my arms. There, that is right."

They laid her on tho couch, and with great promptness, the old man applied restoratives. A crowd was round the door. He ordered every one kept out, and enjoined quiet.

Kate and Mary, go down stairs my children, and nurse, take that child from the room. Agnes, go with them. Go, Madeline, and send John to me to got what I want. Toll tbem down stairs that it Is not anything very serious, I hope. Then come back to me. Above all, do keep things quiet. I hato such conmsion."

His orders were obeyed promptly by all save Agnes. She crept into the shadow of the curtains and remained like a statue, her acute senes alivo to every word and action that might indicate nope or despair.

In a short time the hemorrhage was stopped and the sufferer opened her eyes languidly. The Dr. bade her be quiet in very kind tones told her that her recovery depended on her silence, and strove to re-assujo her by his manner, in every way. A look of gratitudo swept over the white face, sna a mist obscured the dark orbs, but she remained perfectly still as he directed.

Then from Jane, tho girl's story, as repeated to Madeline aftor being sent o«t, he learned how it all happened.

After giving Ada ber supper, she had carried her into ber mother's room to undress and put her to bed. She thought the lady looked very palo as she lay upon trie sofa, but as sho was always

Sale,sbe

-lToward

lig

the gas. Then he took from his trunk materials for writing, and remained thus encaged, till summoned to tea.

On going below, he glanccd around as if expecting to sec some ofte. Msdellne observed it with a look of inquiry, and be said amiling: "1 thought you ha a visiter. I heard such sweet music a little While id ace, I was tempted te hope for a repetition. Who was the fair songstrewT

She doea

do not woader never hear her

yon feel every word ahe otters, and evidently feels them nwre keenly herself. 1 would give anything for her musical

*Or an equal portion- of your own" laughed ber father. "Howls she, my daughter? I have ao* JH*n hex to^ay.

.-4*.

/A 1

'St

,tV

bad not paid particular atten-

on. Ada had clambered up for a kiss where she was lying, and Mrs. Meredith raising herself to a posture more suited to ber efforts, suddenly pressed her band over her bosom as if in acute pain. A fit of coughing followed, and sho got up and started across the room toward the dressing table. When about mid way, she paused, uttered a faint cry, ana fell to tbe floor as if dead—tho blood pouring from ber mouth in a stream.

&!>

Tbe first cry of alarm, was from the girl, and had attracted Agnes who had never left tbe Music Room. The child screams bad reached the dining room and brought Madeline and the Dr. to the

midnight, a burning fever set

in. Madeline who had insisted on watching the sufferer the first part of tha night, summoned her father who shook his head uneasily. He did not like the symptoms. As be feared, a dangerous illness ensued which threatened to terminate the existence of the patient. ,4to ik cojrruruBD.J- $

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