Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 35, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 24 February 1877 — Page 6

"IS

THE MAIL--

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

POPPING THE QUESTION

I knew by liis looks what, he'd come for. I plainly lwdstv oni theflit. It must come to tills sooner or later and I a

inadr op my mind for the worst. 80 I lil-l nnwlf und the cuMatus, wbere the loving pair couldn't see me, In oni to watch their proceedings, and hear what lie said unto she. I saw he was arfulb nervous, that In fact he wasHufferlng pain. By the way he fussed with his collar, and poked all the chairs with hiscana Then he bluslud that he wouldn't look at hi-r. but k-pt Ills eyes flxeu on the floor, And toon the unusual precaution of taking his seat near the doo:. He began, "It is—er—er- fine weather,—re maruable weaiherfor May"

Do yo think so?" said she "it is rain' log.'" Oil! so it is raining to day. I meant,'twill be pleasant to-morrow he stammered -'er—eo—do ou skate "Oh, yen!" she replied, "at the season but isn't May rather too late?"

The silence that foll.twed was awful he continual,"isee a »w«-et dove, «('('was only an innocent sparrow but blind are the eyes of true !ove),— uove of most ueauiiiut plumage, on the top of thai wide spreading tree, "Whicti

rr-mlndsnie,"—she

I burst into loud fits of laughter I know it was terrlb mean Still I couldn't resist the temptation to appear for a wlilh on the scene. But. istie vlewe.1 me with perfect composure, a sh"kissed him again with asm le, And remarked, 'twixt ihat kiss and tn* noxione that shed "known I wus there all the while/'

The Two Orphans.

UY H. ARTHUR QRATTAN.

CHAPTER I. A8T0N HALL.

It was a bitterly cold day. The passengers by tlio snail omnibus which ran etwecn the railway statiou at an.l the villsgo of Aston, were closely muffled in great-coats and •bawl's, and peered out through the mist-covorod windows with dissatisfied shudders.

By the side of the vehicle—plunging through the snowdrifts, and eagerly striving to keep pace with the horses— •was a till, thin lad, about 14 years of age. Despi the keen gusts of wind which continually met and buffeted him —dexpito his evident Inability to maintain the coveted position beside the ani mals, on whose sleek skins and sturdy frames ho cast admiring glances—on, on he struggled, till, at the.descent of the hill, thoy broke into an easy trot, and distanced him.

But the good natured coachman, who had been watching his efforts with an amused air, looked back, and, touched with 00mpassion for the spare form and wistful face of the solitary boy, slackened his speed.

The only passenger who had braved the im-leniency of the weather and taken an outside seat uttered a grumbling remonstranoe at the delay. But it passed unheeded, coachie continuing to crawl along, until the object of his interest, Hushed and breathless, succeeded in gating within hail. "Now then, youngster! are ye training for a match with the flying Dutchman How far are ye going

To Astou Hall, sir! Is it very much farther

Another three mile and a half from that stone yonder." The boy's face lengthened considerably. and he gave a weary sigh.

The coachman laughed.

What! knocked up a'ready• Any body might see ye're a town-bird, and hain't the right use o'them logso' yourn!

Here,

jump up alongside me, and I'll gi' ye a lift, or you'll not reach Astan Hall this sldeo* mlanight!"

The thaukful lad scrambled to the place assigned to him and the driver plied his whip, and choered on his horses, to make up for lost time.

But his rough kindness bad not yet exhausted itself. Here, youngster, sit closer, and fling this old cape 'round y«. Ye'ro'most blue wi' the cold Ha'n't ye got a great ooat?"

Not now."

A'of now Eh, bow's that?" The boy/elnctautly explained that his old one had got too small, and "father" had forgotteu to send him another.

Ye corned down by train, didn't ye?" asked coachie, who was as inquisitive as most men of his claw. Ha I thought I seo ye In the station. And what may ye be going to Aston Hall forT

Still more hesitatingly, as if unwilling to provoke the conjectures and remarks of a stranger, the bov answered, "My father—my father told me that as soon

.mil

eur holidays began,I was to leave

school, and wme li.-r.. 44

Then vou're expoeted W ny, then, they might lm' sent nmo one to meet ve in such weather aa this not a house on the mad if ve wanted to ask your wav' Who is your father? Ye ain't the son of old Barnard, the doctor chap,

*IThoUd flushed a little reseutfully at the speaker's disparaging tone. My father's iuujw is Barnard, una he is a surgeon but he is not old."

44Oh,

The boy was silent but it not ft all in the cm^hman's gossip loving nature to imitate him. ""So your father's been and married the pretty widow, has he And they're ootning home to-day, eh 44

I don't know," was the reply, "rlave thev been out anywhere?" ««"Eh? Why rich folks mostly goes somewhere to spend the honeymoon, don't thev What! ha'n't they told ye nothing about it?" and the coachman and his outside passenger exchanged looksandshrugs, over the h««dof Mr. Barnard's young son, who shifted on his •eat, but did

not

answer.

But a curious person Is not easily rebuffed, and the questions were continued in a half joking way.

Why, vo ought to ba' pat on your best

Clothes

in honor o'the wedding!

Haven't ve nevwra l*Uer suit nor(hat t»u? Whv didn't ye get 011 the bus,

»«jA

and ride np to the Hall like a young gentleoiau? Couldn't ye have hailed meat the station? Hadn't ye got no money In your pocket?"

The lad/unused to evasion, frankly said, "No only just enough for the railway fare. I snppose father, forgot the rest."

The coachman -whistled. Since Mr. Barnard had purchased a share In the business of the Aston* apothecary, he bad driven him several tuna* tnrthe'rall, and formed a poor opinion of his liberalitv. "Some folks do have terrible bad memories," he dryly observed. "But here you are, safe ana sound and prettj nigh time, for you seem almost frozen Them things on you ain't only lit for summer."

Ha, well, there's always good fires at the Hall, and the best of everything to eat and to drink observed the outside passenger.

sighed,— Osweet

maiden which reminds me, dear angel, tliee." Her countenance changed in a moment, tt.e-e lotlowed aterr be pause I felt thatthecrisis was coming, and hastily dropped 011 all fours, In order to see the thing better, His face grew as white as a .sheet He gave one spasmodic effort, and li'clessly dropp.d at her feet. Bhe sa'd—What she *aid I won't tell you. she raise the poor wretch from the ground. 1 drew back my head for an iustant. Good heavt 11s Oh what was that sound I eagerly oeer»-d through ilie darkness, for twilight, had made the ro dim,— Anrf palnly perceived it was kissing, and kls-iug 110. all done by him.

There always has been," said coachie, tb a sniff tbst spoke distrust for the future. "But new masters, new ways, ye know. Here, youngster, I'd best drop ye at this corner that white house beyond the trees is the Hall. Just you climb them pales there, and cut across the shrubbery, and you'll be there a heap sooner than by going 'round the road. Gi' us your baud—mind wbere ye step!"

With a grateful "thank you young Barnard alighted, scrambled over broken pale in the rnstic fence surround ing the pretty demesne, and in a fe* minutes his benumbed finuers rained the knocker at the Gothic-beaded portal to the entrance hall.

Ere the uncertain rap had ceased to echo through the building, the donr was suddenly thrown open, and the new comer was confronted by a group of children, who surveyed him—bis cheap and ill-fitting clothes—h reel, gloveless hands, and heavily nailed shoes, with unfeigned surprise.

These children—a year or two younger than himself—were three in number. The eldest of tbein was a boy, blue-eved chestnnt-haired, frank-faced, and aristocratic in bis bearing his carnfully arranged dress, of fine materials, and stylish make, attested the supervision of a fond mi ther. Besides stood two beautiful little girls, bearing to eac 1 other that close resemblance which proclaimed them to be sisters. They were dressed precisely alike, the ornaments looping the sleeves from their rounded arms, the rich lace that trimmed their dark crimson frocks being carefully chosen for that purpose an 1 the luxu riant black hair which nature had twined into soft curls, floating around both with the same luxuriance."

A stranger might have said it would be difficult to distinguish one from the other, as they stood there, cob tem plating the shy boy, who furtively glanced at their rosy cheeks, and bright, questioning eyes but with their first move ment much of the resemblance vanished.

The elder, with the step and brow of an embryo empress, advancc-d to inter rogate the visitor, while the other, with a compassionate air, drew nearer their companion, whispering, "He looks so cold, poor bov!"

Beckoning him to advance, she pushed to the door and shut out the cold wind in which he had been shivering. "You should have gone round to the kitchen, my man," said Lionel Aston. "The servants are there, and they shall let you go to the fire and warm yourself."

But he has not told us what he came for," interposed the elder of bis companions. "Who are you? Have you a message from any one? Why don't you speak

George Barnard had no recollection of any wther home than thecheap school at which bis life bad been passed, and he was wholly unused to any society but he rough boys who were his schoolmates.

For girls he cherished extretne contempt, as for creatures of an inferior species and, smarting under the jibing impertinence of the coachman, he was in the humor to resent the arrogance with which he w»«t now accosted.

I don't carry messages, I have ccme here to stop." The children looked from him to each other then hick mra at his sullen visage, as be stood on th» mat, deliberately knocking the snow olf his shoes. "I don't Uuieve my ma expected you," said Lionel, doubtfully. "Who are you What's your name?" "Suppose It's George Barnard!" was the sulky reply.

There was a momentary pause, broken by the younger of the girls whispering, "It must ho hint so speak to him kindly. Leo dear. You know aunt, sa 1 that 1f he came before she returned, we were to be knd to him." "Thatcoarse, rude boy exclaimed her sister, indignantly. "Why, he's not civil 1"

Yes I am he retorted, angrily. No, you're not!" sni.i the young lady, undaunted y. "You don't behave like a gentleman, and you don't look like one!"

George Barnard was crimsm with rage and mortification. Come." said Lionel "it is rude to quarrel with a gurst. and it would vex mamma, and—and if \ou really are George Barnard why, you know, we are half-brothers now."

Somewhat sheepishly Qeorge accepted the hand that was politely tendered dropped it immediately, and. putting his own in his piH-ket, began t» whistle and stare at the deer antlers over the fire place.

We shall have to play with him!" muttered Estella Vaughn, pouting her lip.

The keen earsof George Barnard caught the words. "No, y*u won't! I don't play at girls' games!"

But we'll not choose girls' games today," said the pears making Amy, sidling up to him with such a coaxing smile that he was half appeased. 44

You'll play, wou't j*ou she asked, as be moved awav. But he shook off the little fingers that touched his sleeve.

av I That's "nly my way of

talking, ye kR.w. No offense, young master—no offense. In course h« isn older me, an' I'm the right aide o' #0 yet."

No, thauk ye, I'm too big!" Not for a black knight, or a giant!" said Lionel, eagerly pressing forward "or we could have charades, if you'd rather." "Or a real play a real play!" criod Estella, forgetting her distaste for the "great, coarse boy" in Iter glee at securing another dramati* persons 1 "or, Valentine and Orson and Amy shall tie ths Pr-ncesa. Co-no up to the nurserymake haste!"

But their guest waa too ahy and awkward to fraternise with them so readily and it was not until they had grown cross at his reluctance that the children succeeded in subduing it, and dragging bim away.

The field up stairs was clear, for the personal attendant of tbn young ladies bad descended to the kitchen, to assist in the preparations for the reception of the newly married couple, who were hourly expected.

A stage was improvised, theatrical finery sought out from nurse's stores: aud when, these were exhausted, a raid was proposed by Estel!* into the best bedroom, where

TERRT2 TTATJTE SATURDAY EVENIJSIG MAIL.

fashioned, or unsuited to her mourning robes. Estella knew that In the hurry of departure the bride bad thrown the keys of these drawers Into a casket on her dressing table, and having been on a previous occasion permitted to use these things, she had no hesitation in appropriating them now.

But Just as George, after much resistance, was submitting to be costumed a Turkish Sultan, nurse burst in upon

litter! And just look at your bair, Miss Amy, that cost me no end of pains 1 Oh, dear, dear it's all' your doings. Miss Stella, and what do you look like? And your ina's come. Master Lionel! Dion ye hear the carriage?"

With a joyful exclamation, Lionel flung off his turban, and, deaf to the woman's entreaties that he would "stop, and be put to rights," bounded off. followed by Amy, as soon as she could release hersei from nurse's clutches.

Meanwhile, the more independent 8tella had smoothed her curls and the folds of her frock before the chevalglass. This done, she was hurrying away, when she caught sight of George, who bad struggled out of his robes, and, with hair almost on end with his exertions, stood, bot and uncomfortable, not knowing wlv tber to go or stay. Estella held out her hand.

Come with me. Will you be very glad to see your father? Come!" she said, patiently, as he hesitated.

I don't want to. He'll send for me when be wants me."

She stared at him, this strange boy, who evinced no anxiety to meet a parent after a separation of many months.

But the joyous voices of Lionel and her sister were heard below, and, losing her awakening sympathy for her new acquaintance jn the pleasure of meeting her gentle guardian, Estella also darted away.

George slowly followed her to the door of the drawing room, outside wbich he remained, until spied by a passing domestic, who, with mistaken kindness, led him into the presence of the bride and bridegroom.

*"3 CHAPTER II. MASTER OF THE HALL. Mr. Barnard was too much absorbed to notice the entrance of hi« so»..

Seated in a luxurious chair, in front »f a blazing fire, he was thawing bis ieet, and reviving his inner warmth with some strong brandy and water. With bead thrown back and eyes closed be was very pleasantly reminding himself that the comforts and luxuries surround ing him were all his.

Mrs. Barnard, her bonnet throws off, her still pretty features glowing with the delight of embracing the dear ones who clung around her, was the first to perceive the isolated boy.

She lelt a little embarrassed how to treat her step son. He was too old to be petted like the children around her, who had been used from infancy to her loving words and fond caressses, and yet her motherly heart was ready to receive him with almost equal affection.

She put the little girls aside, and heH out her hand with such a winning ges tnre, that, coloring with pleasure, he awkwardly moved toward her.

And this is George! Dear boy, I am very glad to see you! Mr. Barnard, George is here. Go to your father, love!"

But perceiving that he hung back, she kindly rose and'led him forward the new master of Aston Hall nodding carele sly to the boy as they approached his chair.

Ha! you got my note, then. There, that will do you need not come any nearer. Don't tease him, .Sophy he's not used to such kissing as these babies of yours. He'd rather be with his playfellows."

Mrs. Barnard smiled and laid her arm across the boy's shoulder.

He has scarcely bad time to know them yet. But we shall soon be better acquainted. Who is he like, Mr. Barnard ?—his mother I do not see any resemblance to you."

Did these simple and natural inquiries trench on dangerous ground, that the bantering smile vanished from features which took a sickly hue, and the goblet fell from Mr. Barnard's unsteady fingers?

He rose and rang the bell violently. Some one come and remove this broken glass, directly, Pray, Sophia, are we to have any dinner?"

The lady was already learning the duty of implicit obedience.

Shall I go and change my dress?"

Not unless you prefer a oold repast. The cook sent up word ten minutes ago that she was ready."

Taking the two boys by their hands, and sinfpng to the sisters to precede her, she was about to enter the dining room, when he checked the movement. 44

These children—what are you going to do with them Mrs. Barnard looked at him timidly.

They have always been accustomed to dine with me." He opened his eyes.

Really! what a bad habit—what a ery bad habit! My dear Sophy, it was high time you married These young rebels were getting the upper hand. But we must refoam all these things now yeu have some one to enforce your authority."

Mrs. Barnard sailed, but it was very faintly. The bland, smooth tongued medical gentleman, whose devoted attentions during a trifling indisposition, and touching comparison of their lonely condition had won ber into becoming his, was

fast

merging into the dictatorial

husband. One short m*nth of wedded bliss had aroused a terrible fear that she bad been overhasty and credulous.

The dinner passed off frigidly. With "that man," as Stella called him. seated at the head of the table, and sharply commenting on every trifling solecism of 'manner, it oould not be agreeable and they were all relieved when Mrs. Barnard, filling their hands and pockets with cakes and fruit, bade them go and have a romp in the nursery.

Her spouse sipped his wine some time without speaking and. thinking that he was inclined to dor.9, she softly arose to follow the children.

Don't go away, my love. We may as well tako advantage of a few quiet moments to arrange our future proceed-

"Ibetook the seat he Indicated, and prepared to listen.

In the first place, my dear Sophia, there is the housekeeping. I have made up my mind to take that responsibility off vour hands altogether." tiis lady looked unpleasantly surprised, but

she

answered playfully:

Rather an unusual office for a gen tleman, Is it not How will you contend with the petty difficulties we ladle always have to encounter in oar domestic affairs?"

44Pooh,

In a wardrobe lay some

Indian warfis, feathers, and other things, the Widow Aston had put a*ide as old

pooh! mere nothings to a

person of nerve wl» will not be impos ed npon." Mrs. Bernard persisted. "Keeping house is so completely a woman's province."

A woman 'sprovi nee to, in ibbagesand po

A what

spect meat, and oount oat

tatoes Pshaw 1 Besides, as 1 shall deal

with city people, the distance will render your marketing impossible." "And the tradesmen in Aston!"she cried, looking aghast. "I have always dealt with them ever since I came here! What will they think

That tbey have had the monopoly a tolerably long while. My dearest Sophy, you are too easy—too self-denying! You would go on, year after year, paying the highest price for the worst arti cles sooner than deprive the seller of the pleasure of cheating you! I really must look after our interests more closely than you have done."

Mrs. Barnard knew already that her spouse nev^r yielded bis opinions or wishes to her? and trying to console herself with thought that possibly he was in the ri^'ht, and the A ton shopkeepers not as honest as they appeared she yielded.

And now. 103' on-n Sophy," said be, "we will have a merry Christmas, but a short one, for GeOrge's schoolmaster has a well founded objection to leng holi days."

You may depend upon my making our son as hapyy as I ean," she said earnestly.

Of course that is quite understood! You area dear, kind creature and when George goes back a ja n, loye, Lionel can acoompany him."

Lionel, Mr. Barnard Lionel!"

Yes, my derirest. Have you any reasonable objections to offer. I thought you would be as anxious as myself that thev should be together." "But he has always been under tuition here," she faltered, "and has got on so well, so very well! Indeed, he is beyond most boys of his age, and—oh, Mr. Barnard, I can not part with my bov!"

This is ridiculous, Sophia! What, tears, too! Is your weakness to be pitted against your child's advantages? You have quite astonished me! Tears and sobs when I make the simple proposition that a boy of 12 shall enioy the advantages of a good education!"

But," persisted the mother, "it is so far away, and heard you once lament that you were oblige'd to place poor Geor/e in a cheap school, and—"

Surely, madam, the establishment which is good enough for

to be.go enough for yours. I can have no invidious distinctions made between them."

Oh, Mr. Barnard, do you tbinkl oould be so ungenerous! But cannot this be arranged Let dear George je main here and share Lionel's lessons!"

No, thank you. But we will have no further.discussion to-night you are tired, and I don't care to continue the subject until you are more sensible and reasonable."

At this moment Estella put her bead in at the door. Am't you coming up, auntie? Do we want you!"

Mr. Barnard leaned back to eye the audacious damsel who thus disturbed bis privacy.

Who bade you come here, young lady?"

No one, sir."

Don't you know that children should never be intrusive or impertinent

Mrs. Barnard winced, but Estella drew herself up defiantly.

441came

fady

lace

to speak to ray aunt. She

never calls me intrusive." He frowned, and looked reprovingly at his lady, as much as to say, "See what your indulgence has done!"

That will do, child you are saucy. BegoneJ" But the offended Estella kept her

by Mrs. Barnard's chair, until that whispered an entreaty that she should obey.

Another proof of veur inability to govern your bousehold.my poor Sophy," said ber husband, as the girl, her eye) flashing angrily, left the room. "Pray, how much do you receive per annum with these wards of yours It is a point you always seem to evade."

Because," she replied, firmly,

44Ah!"

Very suddenly, poor fellow. His wife was attaoked bv some malignant fever, and he expired a few days after her decease. His heart was diseased, and the shock of her death killed bim."

Yes, I have heard this much before. Did Capt. Vaughan leave a large fortune?"

He had some with his wife, whose father was a Spanish gentleman and by my cousin's desire the property was sold and the proceeds were to be forwarded to me in trust for those dear little girls."

Were to be What do you mean "The house at Madrid, in whose hands it was placed, unexpectedly failed, and It was lost."

Then you have nothing—positively nothing for the expense of their maintenance

And Mr. Barnard's eyes dilated, and be sat upright, staring at his embarrassed lady.

Oh, yes, a little. The elderly female, who brought them to America, insists on paying me| $200 per annum. But it was much against, ray wish," she added, timidly.

That Mr. Barnard was unpleasantly struck by this revelation was evident.

Two hundred dollars—no more? So expensively as you are educating and dressing them! My good Sophy, vou area most extraordinary woman Have yon no idea of the value of money

Sbe*Torced a smile.

441hope

"Ireaily do not know. She looked so poor-that I thought it very generous of ner, and I did not wish to take any payment, but she was so very peremptory that I was half afraid of her."

Say no more—say no morel To think that there oould be such simple, careless people in tbe world! Good heavens, Sophy, what wonla have become of your property if I had not met you."

Mrs. Barnard did not bszard a conjecture. Perhaps, in her heart, she liked the old, easy way far better than ber present prospects.

I'll see this woman. There Is some fraud, some mystery, which I'll make it my business to search out. What lyou here again!"

This was to Estella, who no longer possessed in Mr. Barnard's eyes the one redeeming quality of being an heiress.

Coffee is served, aunt, and nurse wants to know wbere that—I mean, Master Barnard, is to sleep."

Mrs. Barnard started up, well pleased at the interruption.

141

will go and arrange the little blue room for bim. That will be near Lionel's unless you would rather have abed for bim in your dressing room?"

Who—I No. Put him where you like." With this ungracious permission she hastened away, and Estella was following, when Mr. Barnard detained her.

Stay here I wish to speak to you. You need not wait, Sophv." His lady reluctantly left the room, and Estella stood before the gentleman, grave, attentive, and singularly composed.

Yon are rude and rebellious," he said, with a frown, and his finger raised menacingly. "Take care, you have me to deal with now."

Tbe dark orbs of the girl seemed to flash and glitter more brilliantly than ever as he threatened her, but she did not reply. She had already divined that Mrs. Barnard would be made to suffer for the misdoings of every one in the house and the thought ot this made her resolutely compress her rosy lip3 and keep back the defiance ber childish anger prompted.

son ought

The child has the evil eye of a witch!" Mr Barnard muttered, turning his back upon her. -"You can go but remember!"

When he again looked round, Estella had noiselessly vanished.

CHAPTER III. WHO WAS SHE?-

The first leisure morning of the following week found Mr. Barnard fussily picking his way along some of tbe narrowest and closest streets of Philadelphia.

It was here that the elderly woman whom he sought resided. She had given the guardian of the children ber address, with the singular injunction that she was not to he communicated with or written to, except in the event of either of them being ill

Madame le Bas,' Mr. Barnard read from tbe yellow card on which the name was penciled. "This is the street, but I cannot decipher the number—is it 10 or 11?"

At both of these houses he called, and closely questioned the owners at both be was assured that no such person had ever been known

Unwilling to bo thwatted, as Mr. Barnard always was, bis perseverance gave way at last and be was waiting for a cab to convey him to the office of the firm with which Mrs. Barnard banked, when a chance observation of a bystander arrested his attention.

Madame what, did he say Twere a regular French name, warn't it He couldn't mean Mrs. Bass, at No. 16, could be? She looks like a furrier, though I'm most sure she isn't one."

Mr. Barnard turned Bharply on the speaker.

never have cared to be reminded that they are not wholly my own. I love them as dearly as if they were."

he said carelessly.

44Well,

how much She hesitated. "Tbey were intrusted to my guaidianship bv their dying father, my cousin, Capt. Vaughan. He married and died abroad." I "Well?"

so. I knew that I had enough

to spare for these poor orphans, who had no mother but me."

Two hundred dollars—on\y two hundred dollars/" he repeated. "Ard whence is this derived? Who is the woman you speak of?"

441

really do not know," said Mrs. Barnard, helplessly. "She did not seem to like to be questioned, and so

And so," he rudely interrupted, you permitted her to impose upon you as much as she pleased."

Indeed, Mr. Barnard, it was no imposition. For tbe sake of their dead father, I cheerfully gave these children the shelter of my roof and I have always intended to provide for them, which, as I have never lived up to my income, will be easy enough." •4 Have you ever, I ask, taken the trouble to ascertain from what fond this two hundred dollars is derived? No, of course not. It has never struck you that this cunning woman must have appropriated some part of your cousin's property, and thinks most inadequate sum, to and prevent inquiry

Why didn't you mention this before? Who is this Mrs. Bass you speak of? What is she like?"

She's a sort of doctress," chimed in a woman, who was nursing a baby, as she lounged at her door. "Leastways she knows a plaguey deal more than half them chaps that comes about in their carriages and, what's more, she never takes nothing for her trouble, though she's aa poor as any of us."

This description did not accord with Mr. Barnard's preconceived idea of a woman who was fattening upon unlawful gains, and he pondered.

441don't

thiuk she can be the person

I want, but there will be no harm in seeing ber. Who'll show me the way?" A little boy volunteered his service*, and Mr. Barnard wassoou following his guide up the crazy staircise of one of those tall, ancient looking houses that may still be seen in the older, narrower portion of tbe city.

Up, up, tbey went till at the crazy, black door of one of the garrets the boy stopped, and, receiving the promised penny for bis trouble, slid down tbe half rotten band rail, leaving Mr. Barnard to finish his researches above.

His hesitating Up at the doer was immediately answered by a full, sonorous voice.

Enter! Come in He raised the latch, and found himselfin the presence of a woman, from whose piercing gaze he involuntarily shrank.

She was dressed in a close-fitting, dark dress, ef monastic simplicity and tbe coarsest material and ber hair, wbich was parfectly white, as if sorrow or fright bad changed it be tore its time, was banded beneath a dark hood, which half-concealed a face so finely formed that, but for the utter absence of color or expression, it would have been beautiful.

She seemed to have been pacing tbe narrow room, which, though perfectly clean and neat, looked cold and naked.

Upon the uncarpeted floor stood naught but a small pallet, an antique press, a small deal table, on which lay a Catholic book of devotion, and two chairs, to one of which she motioned ber visitor, while, witn the air of a queen, she seated herself on the other.

Mr. Barnard's bardihood began to desert bim. He bad not expected to encounter such a personage and her silence, as she sat there, rigidly confronting bim with her dark, lusterless orbs fixed on hi* face, increased his trepidation.

Am I addressing Madame le Bas?" be asked, with involuntary politeness. She bent ber head.

44The

by" paying, this keep you quiet

Mrs. Barnard! looked incredulous, and her spouse grew angry. How can you be so obtuse, Soph'a Is it likely that an indifferent person would contribute toward tbe support of these girls, unless she had some strong reason for dolcg so

person indicated on this card?" Again she bowed, and now tbe faintest tinge of color rose into her pale cheek. 44

You do not know me, I suppose be went on, still at a lots how to commence tbe searching examination be Intended. "Yes," she add, dryly. "You are Barnard, the surgepu, who married first, Laura Everleigh secondly, Sophia,widof Lionel Astou, of Aston Hall."

As if the name of his first wife had some strange power over bim, Mr. Barnard started from bis seat as be beard it, aad said, agitatedly, "How do you know? What do you know But when she proceeded without heeding the interruption, he sat down again and wiped toe perspiration from on his brow.

It was net without an effort that he plnnged into his errand.

441,am

here on the part of my wife,

who has deputed me to see, you respecting the maintenance of Capt. Vaughan's daughters. It ii from you, is it not, that she receives a certain yearly sum toward clothing and educating them

A nod was theonly reply. He would have been able to get on much faster if she bad been more impressionable.

But a sense of tbe wrong his pocket was suffering inspired him with courage to proceed.

Two hundred dollars is not enough. It is not enough, madam, and it must De increased."

Still the woman was silent.

It is not enough, I say, and unless more liberal arrangements are made, Mrs. Barnard must throw up the guardianship of those children."

Madame le Bas dropped her eyelids and compressed her lipa. Had he understood her better, he would have known that these were signs of deep and angry feeling. But, in his ignorance of this, Mr. Barnard raised his voice, and went on more peremptorily than before.

You pay two hundred dollars yearly. By what authority do you pay this money—and from what sturce is it drawn? I insist upon knowing this."

Suddenly she turned upon him.

You insist! By what right? Did Sophia Aston send you here to ask this? I pay her honest for the food of Capt. Vaughan's daughters—let that suffice."

But it does not suffice, wofrian!" cried Mr. Barnard, with increasing choler. "Good heavens! I have already explained that, have I not? Do yoa think such a paltry sum covers the expense of keeping and clothing two hungry, troublesome children.

With a look of disgust, Madame le Bas replied:

Pah has Sophia Aston become miserly, that she sends you here with this complaint It was with no consent of mine," she added, in lowered tones, "that the children were intrusted to her charge. Is she beginning to count the slices of bread tbey eat—the cups of milk they drink

Oh! this is very fine talking," said Mr. Barnard, crossly "but I am not going to be saddled with these brats."

Madame le Bas stooped forward, and grasped his arm in an excess of lury that startled him.

Beware!" s.he hissed.

44You

speak

of the children of Henry Vaughan! Beware, I say J" He shook of her grasp with looks in which fear and annoyanoe wero combined.

Are you out of your mind, good woman Do you suppose I am going to be dictated to how I shall speak of girls who are dependent on my bounty "On your bounty?" she repeated, scornfully. "No—no!" "But I say, yes, yes! Mrs. Aston's property is now mine, and "Unconditionally yours?" interrupted tbe woman. "Has she not had it set tied on herself

Mr. Barnard tried to look unconcerned and dignified. "Tbis is no business of yours but that you may see it is useless trying to play with me, I'll tell you honestly, that Mrs. Aston had no antenuptial settlements drawn up. Consequently, I am free to do what I think best."

Madame le Bas looked at him steadily, her lip curling, her brow contracting. Truly a hard task lay before bim, if he thought by threat or menace to influence her. [Continued on Seventh Page.]

BROWNS

,5 it i(| k' ,} v. \J

EXPECTORANT

The old reliable remedy for all Throat and Lung Diseases, Is a scientific preparation, compounded from the formula of one of the most successful practicloners in the western country. It has stood the test for the last twenty years, and will effect a cure after all other Cough remedies have failed.

Brown's Expectorant

Never falls to cure consumption In the ear ly stages by subduing the irritrtlon and Incarnation ia the Dronohlal tubes, atd even in the last stages it relieves the cough, pro motes easy expectoration, sndues pain and, induces refreshing sleep. 3 ftr ii (I si

11 «i'

Browns Expectorant"

i-.# wt'S **.J %s:-

Is unrivalled in cases of Iwliooplng cough If used early, and continued as the case may require, it robs the disease of its disease of Its distressing character,, averts Its common evil consequences and shortens Its course by weeks. -U

Brown's Expectorant

Instantly and permanently cures the most violent cough, and the first dose, if taken Just before going to bed, will insure a good night's sleep. -Wti'

Brown Expectorant

is warranted to do all that Is clalintkl for It. Handreds of the most prominent citizens of our city have used It for years, and give It the highest praise.

Brown's Expectorant

IS FOR SALE BY ALL DRUGOIST3.

1. KIEFElC Prop'r1

INDIAHAPOMS.

Sold at wholesale in Terrc Haute by

GULICK & BERRY, E. H. BINDLEY, COOK A BELL.!