Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 36, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 3 March 1877 — Page 6

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THE MAIL

p-i A "PAPER

Uirs dat I owed.

PEOPLE.

FOR THE

UNCLE NED'S DEFENCE.

My brethren an' sistahs, I rise foh to'splain Dis mattuii dat vou's taikin "bout—I hopes to makes it plain.

I'B

berry sorry dat de t'ing hab come befob dechn'ch. Foil when I 'splalns it you will sec dat am nuflln much.

My frien'a youh hnmble speafeab, while trablin'here below, Hab neber cared to hoard up gold and silver foh to show We'sonly stoppin'tsere a spell we all hab got to die. An no I always tries to lay my treasahs upon high. Dar's one ting dat pesters me, and dat am dis, you see, De ravens fed old 'Lijah, butde critters wont feed me, Dey's got above dar business, an Jest go swoopin' ronn' An' neber turns to look at me a-waitin on jle groun.' I waited mighty sari in lik my faith was pow'iul vtroiig, I reckoned dat dem pesky birds would shuably be 'long, Bot oh, my fiien'iy hearers, my faith it co'tched a fall. Do a.'g avatin' fowls went by, an' neber stoppej at all.

De mexl an' floti' was almos' gon•, de pork bal'l gilt in' low. An' so one day 1 'eluded dat I had belt ah go To Brwldor Johnson's uiter patch an' borry jes' a few (JTwa^ cveiiin'* 'fore I got to start, I had so much to do. It happened dat de night was dark, but dat

I didn't. min', know0(1 d( way to dat a/- patch,'twas easy null' to tin An' den' I didn't ear to meet dat Johnson, foh know'd, Dat he would ass me 'bout de meSoObta-

I got de baskit full at last, and took 'em on my back, An' den wasgwine tototo'ein home when somtMhing went ker whack. 11'ought It was a cannon, but It jest turned out to be. Dat .Johnson's ole lioss pistol a-pointin straight at me. I tried to argufy wid him I 'pologized a heap, Cut said dat scnllii' taters was mean as sfealin'Miw|. Ob course I ••ou.dii't take dat ar' it had an ugly soun', The only t'ing foil me todo was jist to knock liitti down. ...-,v

My bredren an' sistahs.de story am all told, (Obcimrs'jl pounded Johnson till beyelled foh me to hold) And now I hopes you 'grees wid me dat dis yere case. an', such, Am berry tritlin ruattalis to fotch befo'de chu'oh.

The Two Orphans.

ny TI AKTHUK 0 RATTAN.

-, UUAlTliR IV.

MISKINQ PArBRS.

Mr. Barnard's return to Aston Hall •was the signal for the cessation of a gi and game of romps, now never inaulged in except during his absence.

At the moment his short, sharp pull at the bell announced his coming, Es tolla and.Lionel, perched on the arm of aeon :h, were defend: rig Amy—an unfortunate princess—from George Barnard, a ferocious giant, whoso furious attempts to secure nis prey were repelled by showers of a sofa pillows.

The children flew off to the nurseryMrs. Barnard composed her laughing fece, and remembered how wrong it was to let them knock the furniture about, while George made awkward endeavors to restore things to their proper places. lie paused as his father's step approached the door, cast a rueful glance at the confusion which still prevailed, and plumped down, with a book in his band, oblivious that his frizzy hair was still decorated with half a dozen pea oock8' feathers.

Why have you been making a buffoon of yourself?" snarled Mr. Barnard to the half frightened boy. "Couldn't you have found him something botterto do, Sophy Go to the study, sir, and writo tno word ape Ave hundred times, and write it well, do ye hear?"

Ho has written a copy already," the lady kindly interposed, "and repeated his task to me very correctly, very correctly, indeed." "Go and do as you are bid, sir," said Mr. Barnard to the boy, who had lingered to cast a grateful look at his stepmother. "It's very bad policy of yours, Sophy, interfering when I correct the ohildren. Only yesterday, when I was

Sirashing

oing to bestow on Master Lionel the he richly deserved I never will have htm beaten J" Mrs. Barnard passionately exclaimed, all the mother in her agitated face—"never, never! my poor, fatherless boy 1"

I hope," cried her husband, hastily, "I hope that you are not going to annoy rae with another fit of hysterics. How unreasonable you women are!"

Mrs. Barnard dried hei eyes, and sat

Sto

iietly by, \Yblle ber spouse launched an exuberated account of his visit to Madame le Bas. "Whatdo you propose doing?" she SSttniioly asked, when he paused.

Doing! why. punishing the mercefnary, assassinating creature when we lioatch her and, in the mean time, we ffmust mak* arrangements respecting theso girls', whom she has so artfully thriist upon m"

Fresu arrangements!" Mrs. Bar- .... ,nard faintly repeated. lf Yes, of course. Blind and weak as jyou are. Sophv, even you can not con I ^template ketp

f,v?ui

s^Minpemi

here, nursed and

in lu.\ury. We must look for

la cheap school, where they may be Itaughl to earn their own living." 'if "They are the daughters of a gentleman, of a gallant officer!" Mrs. Barnard exclaimed, dashing away the tears thatglittemi on her eyelashes "and I have always regarded them as my adopt ed children. I «*amiot consent to such a degradation."

Your consent will not be asked, madam consider myself the mosttiuparitaal judg* of what will be the best for the girls tliemsolves, and I shall act upon it when that artful old hag Is traced, and the property she has secreted is 'greeted from her. we shall form our •». p]«ns accordingly."

Let us wait "till then," his wife en ^'treated "do not tak» my darlings from me until we are sure it is absolutely necessary."

Madam." her spouse loftily replied, "I never resolve hastilv and, when aSonoe aiy resolution is taken, it is nnal tcraole. for your sake I must be firm.

I cannot you tricked and robbed in ^Chisebaaiefui manner?" @be broktlied a heavy sigh, but made ,00 further attempts to move him. She Was hourly sinking into the passive, spirit broken wife. "Bv the wav, Sophy dear,'' Mr. Barnard cried, suddenly, "I called upon the ^McBars. Blnnden about the renewal of

thow leasee, pnd they said something I did not comprehend about some California property of yours. What could they i.mst,.

I

California property 1" bis wife abstractedly echoed. "Ah, yes the few acres my Uncle Philip purchased, and gave to me some time previous to his death."

You have never mentioned that you possessed this land!" be observed, suspiciously.

I really forgot all about it at the time of our marriage and since—she stopped, coloring painfully.

Well, Mrs. Barnard?" And since then,"she went on. very hesitatingly, "I have thought that the small yearly sum the property brings in will be—pocket money for Dionel and I." "Hampb! In plainer words, you meant to make a private purse. Oh, you need not take the trouble to contradict me the thing speaks for itself. But Blund^n tells me that, within the last few months, this ^property has trebled nay, quadrupled in value and is still steadily going up. Gold has been.found in that neighborhood! Where is the deed of gift? should like to see it!"

In a drawer of the wardrobe that stands in the best bedchamber. That is, I think so. I have scarcely looked at the packcge nince he jokingly flung it into my lap. Poor Uncle Philip! I am Sf.re he never dreamed ot that nroporty becoming valuable "Very possible," Mr. Barnard dryly observed. "Front what I have heard respecting that gentleman, bo was not remarkable for the success of his speculations."

Tv» this ill natured observation, his lady made no reply -^he had loved her unlucky relative, ami inwardly resented the taunt l^ve'ed at his memory. "Well, Sophy," Mr. Barnard iretfully inquired, "arn't vou going to fetch these papers

She rose to obey, but with a reluctance she tould not wholly conceal. In her overweeniagcredulity she had resigned into his bands theontire management ot the property which her first, husband had settled upon her withour, a restrict ing clause his faith in hercievofon tx his memory, and affection for ilieironlj son, having determined hiiii not to fetter her with any conditions

Already site was regretting hir im plicit Jiol'ief in the protestations of the far seeing mid crafty man who governed her future.

I-Ie did not know bow often she had rej )it:erl at the oversight, which still left inhorhnnds the income a?croinj l'rom her uncle's bequest.

But now she saw bersclf on the point of losing thi3 also, and yet had not cour ago to offer any opposition.

Mr. Barnard noticed her reluctance and became suspicious. How is it you have not kept these papers in your desk? A drawer in a wardrobe, did you say? How came they there?"

She explained.®!" j** I used to occupy that roonf until he she paused and hurriedly contin ued. "After his death I preferred using another chamber, but only removed those things actu illy required."

Humph! Well you seem to' have muddled along after a fashion of your own, Sophv. Nothing orderly—n thiug business like. Here, stay Yon need not trouble yourself to bring MI the pack' I'll go and examine tliH ver with you. We may make some fiiore discoveries." "No, I assure you," she crie^ p^ier ly, "there is nithing in it tl.a. old interest you only old letters—and son."

But he had already lighted a candle and there was nothing for it but to fol low whither lie chose to lead.

A shiver passed through the delicate frame of the lady as they entered tho untenanted chamber.

Sho could almost have believed that he form of the lover and husband ofher i'outh would appear to reproach her for permitting another—and such another— to usurp his place.

But the voice of the living soon aroused her from sad memories of the dead. Hid I not hear you wondering what had become of seme of your keys

She assented. He held up a small bunch. "These? Ah! I thought so? And yos had loft them lying here. What a temptatio yur servants!"

But they art* honest." "Stuff!

fTow

do you know that?

Nothing emi excuse such culpable neg lignnce! lteally, Sophy, I shall keep thrrn all myself, if you are so abominably careless. Now, where am I to look forthpse papers?"

Hastily pocketing the keys, for fear he should fill til I his threat, Mrs. Barnard opened a drawer filled with packets of onco treasured epistles, and began to turn them over carefully.

Left unlocked! actwally left unlocked Mr. Barnard commented, as he stood over her. "Better burn such things at once, than leave them open to the inspection of every ignorant servant the house contains."

With heightened color, she protested that her old and faithful doo'estics loved and respected her too much to heeuilty of such arts but her husband's Jingli of incredulity sileuced her, and she resumed the search.

For some time Mr. Barnard waited with tolerable patience but at last this failed.

Rudely pushing her aside, he turned the drawer upside down, and began replacing the contents himself.

I cannot see anything which resembles such a packet as that should be." he testily remarked. "Describe it. Folded, in foolscap paper, and tied wiUi a pink stritig. It is not here, Sophy." "Then, iwdeed, I do not know where it is," sho replied, with some concern.

Think, woman! What, have you no idea?" "None whatever, replied Mrs. Barnard. htl pies-sly.

You seem overlook the fict that it is valuable, very valuable. Good heavens! you take the matter as coolly as if it was of no earthly consequence Are you sure it is not in your desk? Have yon any other receptacles for papers

It tught to be here," said poor M»s. Barnard, becomlug quite nfused. "I am sure that it ought to be here. "I cannot think what bas became of it."

But she was not allowed to think quietly. Under Mr. Barnard's active supervision, every place where bo thought it probable that she had concealed tho missing papers was thoroughly. but unsuccessfully, ransacked.

He questioned her with the sharpness and ingenuity of a counselor perplexing her to snch a degree that she contradicted herself repeatedly, and betrayed the wish she bad been cherishing to retain this small portion of her property.

And the more bis luckle» wife hesitated and forgot where she had last seen the picket, the more did ber merciless catechist suspect and harass her.

At length, goaded to anger by bis sar castns, and searching inquiries, she re* fused to make any more replies, ana took refuge in the nursery.

The subject was not recurred to. So far, it was well but Mrs. Barnard foreboded future unpleasantness, when she saw how often and how carefully her husband renewed bis search for the

Anxious to restore peace, she wrote to

TERRE TTATTTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

her attorneys,* detailing the circumstances, and inquiring whether it was of material consequence,

Their reply fell into Mr. Barnard's hands for he arrogated to himself the right of opening her letters.

In a transport of fury, which appalled his meek laay, he designated her act as one of consummate stupiiity of artfulnest—he knew not which.

Whether it were the one or the other, he knew that Messrs.Blunden—townoin he had been imprrtinent, if not insulting—would now defy his efforta to speculate with the property.

Until the deeds were forthcoming, he saw thatthe golden opportunity would te within reach, yet not attainable byhis covetous fingers. And thinking thus, he grew mad with anger, and re doubled his endtavors to discover their place of hiding.

Meanwhile, Madsiino lo Bas evaded capture, and the preparations went for sending the children to school.

George Banard hailed with joy the prospect of returning to Mr. Birch's academy.

He dreaded and detested his fasner and the restraint which had fallen upon every one at Aston Hall, combined with weather so wet that he was forbidden stir out, made him

long

for tho great

freedom of the p.ay and cricket-ground. Lionel, too— fired by his boyisk recitals, and no longer the first object \yith his mother—wai pleased at the proposed

Estellaand Amy, anticigating a ride to London, and plenty of playfellows, were equally gratified till the former saw Mrs. Barnard's tears, and never until she learned why Aston Hall was to be a homo for her and her sister no longer.

Not far from Birch's academy, stood Miss Dicken's establishment for young ladies.

This was conducted on tho similar principle of low p-iyments and few extras and as Mr. Barnard did riot trouble himself to inquire how far the food and education could be liberally be stowed, which was so poorly iid for, he resolved that the hitherto petted warts o-'bis lad should be sent thither.

As tho dejected Mrs. Barnard held her darlings m'a last embrace, her husband detected a suspicious movement, and clutched the arm of young Lionel.

What have you there, sir? What were you putting in your pocket so sillv?"

Tne boy reddened, glanced at his mother,-and was mute. "Did you hear me, sir? Is this the way you bring up your «n, Sophv

Answer him, dearest Leo," she murmured "answer Mr. Barnard.1' Thus adjured, Lionel extended his hand. "Only my porte-monnaie."

His stepfather took it, and examined the contents. One—two—three eagles! Great heavens! madam, are you berelt of your senses? What on earth is this far?" "Leo may require many little things which we haveoverlooked," filtered the anxious mother "and he is not extravagant, Mr. Barnard."

Again uplifting his eyes and hands, Mr. Barnard coolly transferred the gold to his pocket, replaced it with a couple of half-eagles, then tossed back the purse to the swelling an indiguant owner.

I suppose these girls have* been treated th the same ridiculous profusion. How much has Mrs. Barnard given you, children Lfct me see

Amy, with terrified haste, was producing ber cash, when Estelle drew herself back and confronted their questioner.

She did not speak, but there was defi ance in her eyes, in the haughty pose of her little figrtre and Mrs. Bernard's tremulous "Estelle! pray, Estelle!" passed unheeded.

At first, Mr. Barnard seemed disposed to coin pel her to obedience, but be truly divined that it could not be done without a struggle and there was somethine about this girl that always made him chary of meddling with her.

So, avoiding the resentful glitter of her brilliant dark eyes, he muttered a hope that her sauciness would soon be subdued, and hurried them into the carriage.

On the step he turned back, and drew his weeping wife into \he breakfastroom.

There, there bow foolish it is to cry so. Anv one would think they were going to Van Diemen's Land, instead of to school, like .all children who have sensi ble parents! Your purse must bo uncommonly well filled, Sophy, to enable you to be so lavish with gold this morning."

Her face grew crimson, and she shrank from his searching glance. "May I ask from whence you procured this money, Mrs. Barnard

I had rather you did not," was the hurrried reply. Poor, simple, trusting Mrs. Barnard She thought that it would wound him to know that, afraid to apply to him for pocket-money for the children, she had parted with a valuable bracelet.

You had rather did not ask," he slowly replied, "which means I suppose, that you did not intend to tell mc» the truth about it, and are not prepared witn a hem

She essayed to speak, but he prevont ed her.' No, no, Sophy, I will not hear yon. You are about to hoodwink me with some plausible tale, but it is no use. You will find that I am not to be outwitted so easily. And I'll tell you some thing els-e," he added, with increasing wrath.

Sho looked at him in terrified surprise. Ay. you may look, but comprehend'your tacties. You are cunningly conceiting those deeds, Mrs. Barnatd. With those in your possession yon think you can defy me."

No, no!" she earnestly exclaimed. Silence! I could swear that you have them! That yon have imposed upon me a pretended tale of their loss. Bot take care, take care! You shall put that packet into my hands without a oondi tion, or, bv heaven, you shall rue it all your lite!"

Unheeding her attempts to be heard, be pushed past ber, and left the house.

CHAPTER V.

MADAME I.B BAS AT THB SCHOOL. Although Madame le Bas had so successfully evaded Mr. Barnard, and had never been seen in the neighborhood of ber old residence, be had a presentiment that she was not far away.

And for once he was right the strange reserved woman, who seldom opened her lips to any but those who sought her aid in sickness, contrived to keep herself acquainted with all his movements.

About a fortnight after Estolla and Amy Vaughn were placed at Miss Dickson's establishment, she mmie her appearance there, and requested an interview with them.

So uncommonly and poorly attired, the servants might be excused for hesitating to admit her and the preceptress herself descended to the hall to see and question the visitor.

Her replies, however, were satisfactory. It was in her care that the orphan daughters ef Cfcpt. Vaughan had trav­

eled to England. It was, therefore, otily natural, Miss Dickson condescend ingly observed, that the good woman should retain a respectful affection for the young ladies. She was, therefore, permitted to see them.

In a small, bare room, generally used as a place or punishment for refractory pupils, the interview took place.

A small table and one or two straightbacked chairs were all the furniture the jroom contained but madame had unceremoniously thrust aside a pile of school books from tbe broad window seat, and placed herself there.

Estella, eyeing the stranger curiously, would have'.advanced, but tbe more timid Amy withheld her.

Come hither," said Madame le Bas, with so little respectful affection in her tones that it was very fortunate Miss Dickson was engaged with the mamma a new pupil, and could not be present.

Come closer, I want to look at von Whv does fhnt silly child cling to you Does she fear me?*Or is it because'l am old and poor?'' "No," said Estella, replying for her sister.

But I say yes madame abruptly contradicted." 'If I were young and h-mdsome, and richly dressed, you would have come to me, both of you, smiling and courtesying and all," she sank her voice to a plaintive tone— '•and all because lam old and poor!"

The appeal had no eflect on Estella whose brows contracted into a frown She had an intuitive sense that tbe speaker was trying them.

But Amy, her sweet young fac-3 Hushed by this'reproacb, left her sisters side, and,'shyly approaching, slid her fingers into niadames, and held up her rosy mouth to be kissed.

But Madamq le Bas, after one fiaed glance, gently put ber back. And you," she said, addressing Estella, "why do you not come and offhr to salute me, as thi^ child bas done?"

The girls lips parted, but she did not speak. It is unladylike," said madamOg "to leave a question unanswered." $

Estella blushed at the reproof. I did not come because—I did not want to. You said it was because you were old and poor that we did not approach vou

Why, so it was—was it not?" No," was the decided reply. "I do not know you. Why should I pretend to be glad at your coming, when I am not

Have you always tbe courage to speak the truth thus boldly?" asked madame, peering at her from beneath the hood which was drawn over her forehead.

E-tella raised herself proudly.J I should hate myself it I hud not." Madame le Bas put forth iier hand and drew the speaker toward her. "Child, I must never come again, or I nha!l learn to love you As lOr this little one, she is a true Vaughan—fair and false."

The little girls looked at her wonderingly, for sue was evidently much agitated but neither of them ventured to speak.

Tell me," she said, after a short pause, "do. you like being here No sighed Amy, tearlully "Yes," said Estella "better than at Aston Hall."

Oh, Estella!" murmured her sister, reproachfully. ''And we have no flew era, no birds and never see dear aunt or Lionel!"

But we are away from that hateful man!" was the passionate retort. "He is cruel to aunt and to Lionel, and if I were big and strong, I would—"

Kill him said madame, with a jeering smile. Estella shuddered, and her sister crept further from their strange visitor.

No," said the girl, thoughtfully "I do not want to hurt any one. But I would drive him away, where he could never vex or torment us again."

Madame leBas seemed amused at this childish determination. Chut, silly one! you must not talk like this. Mr. Barnard vill hear of it, and beat you till you kneel to him, and sue for pardon."

Estella's lip quivered at the taunting words, but she tried to hide her passion ate anger at the ideas they presented. "Or he will bend your stubborn will by punishing your sister for your misde meanors," madame added.

Estella flung her arms around Amy, and then sinking on the floor, burst into a violent fit of convulsive sobbing.

For a few minutes the woman sat by, a passive spectatress. She rightly divined that, for the sake of the little Amy,who had drooped among strangers, Estella had been controlling her feelings with a fortitude remarkable in one so young.

Yon, at least, are no Vaughan sho suddenly exclaimed. "The blood of your maternal ancestors courses freely through your veins. Up. child up! These tears dipgrace you! It is not thus you will free yourself from Mr. Barnard's power."

Awed by her manner, the children, «till clasped in each others' arms, arose, and stood before her.

Again she pot Amy aside, and only addressed Estella. You must be patient, as all brave people are, and wait until you are older and wiser. And then you "must work— work, I say! If you have an ear for mu"«ic, practise diligently if you have a taste for drawing study incessantly!"

Estella's head drooped. I cannot. This is what I wanted to do, but the masters only attend tbo for whom extra payments are made. Amy and I are in the teacher's

class,

and only play the simple pieces we learned long ago." And it is such a horrid, ugly old piano Amy chimed in naively.

Madame le Bas now shrewdly ques tinned them as to what they knew, and Estalla readily replied to queries which could only be put by an educated and intelligent woman.

They were interrupted by the entrance of Miss Dickson. Yc ung ladies, it is time you resumed your studies. Say farewell to your nurse, and return to tbe school room.

Amy, who was tolerably reconciled to madame's short, bharp speeches and odd costume, stood on tiptoe to kiss her cheek.

Good-by!" she said. "You'll come and see us again, won't you?" From the touch of the" child's lips tbe woman shrank, while a change crept over her face. But she quickly recovered herself, and, bidding tbe little girl be od and obedient, she held out her nd to Estella. "Adieu! Do not forget what I have said. You will And that I shall not forget you."

Tbe children left the room, and Miss Dickson was about to ring tbe bell, and desire a servant to see tbe stranger out, when Madame le Bis stopped her. "Stay! I wish to speak with yon abont these little ones. Mr. Barnard pays yon with them—what

Miss Dickson looked her astonishment. "1 do not know how this can oonoetrn yon. I cannot permit indifferent persons td put such questions to me J"

He bas haggled and chaffered,"

»i.:: l*uri* persisted, "until finally you have taken them for a sum that neither affords them the education tbey ought to receive, or the nourishing food young girls require."

Miss Dickson, purple with indignation. again laid ber hand on the bell. Wait!" said the visitor, imperatively. "These things must be altered I have an interest in the children. While I should rejoice at their death from natural causes, I cannot consent that they shall be slowly starved, either mentally or bodily. Tell me the additional sum that would enable you to feed and educate them liberally."

The preceptress hesitated to reply, while her eyes dubiously surveyed the speaker.

Madame le Bas divined the doubt whibh kept her silent. Forget,"' she said, "that I am an aged woman, sunk in the veriest depths of poverty. Regard me as the agent of another, 'and tell me at once what I ask."

I would rathor .confer with your employer," Miss Dickson loftily observed. With me or not at all!" was the decisive reply.

Thus compelled to be explicit, she named the ad Mtional yearly payments she should require.

Madame le Bn opened a curious, oldfaslvoned, leathern bag, and counted out the sum.

The same shall be paid t^ yon every year that tbe Demosellps Vaugbgn remain in your charge. Paid in advance, remember, with one stipulation."

Miss Dickson, whose graciousness was fast returning, inquired what that was'. "Simply, that Mr. Barnard is kept in ignorance of my interference."

The lady considered. "I do not know whether I am justified in promising this."

As you please," saiii Madame le Bas, indifferently "on no "tber terms can the affair be ?Tanved." "Certainiy," Miss Dickson slowly proceeded, "it is for tbe benefit of the dear little girls who possess extraordinary abilities and Mr. Barnard has not been at all generoui in his

Madamo pushed the money toward her. I will thank you for a receipt." "Without more ado Mi*s Dickson wrote one, and herself ushered tho woman to the door. "It is raining fast," she observed. "Will you wait for an omnibus? There are several which pass tbe house."

I cannot afford it," was the curt answer and madame walked quickly away, to appear there no more until the following year.

Then, in the same guise, she came and fulfilled her promise to Miss Dickson but she would not seethe young girls for whom she made this pecuniary sacrifice.

And so year after year her visit was repeated and, with the same punctu lity, the $200 which Mr. Barnard had feared he had altogether lost at ber disappearance, was paid into the hands of his banker.

But stiil he chose to consider himself a considerable sufferer by Estella and Amy and never came to pay their scbool bills without impressing upon them that they had no claim upon bim, and, sooner or later, tbey would be compelled to. earn their own subsistence.

Tbe isolated girls had no vacations. A bachelor cousin of Mrs. Barnard's, a woalthv Californian, bad returned to the States to die, and was warmly urged to do so at Aston Hall, which was kept clear of all guests who might disturb him.

If Mr. Birnard's motives for the invitation were, as every one opined, merC3nary ones, he was doomed to disappointment.

After giving an immensity Kt trouble, and lingering" for years, the nabob bequeathed his property to charitable initiations, with the exception of a legacy to Amy Vaughn, whose sponsor he had been by proxy.

It was shortly after his death that the orphans, for the first time, received permission to. spend their Christmas at Aston Hall.

CHAPTER VL

A LEGACY WITH A PROVISO. "The dear old place!" cried Amy Vaugban, as the vehicle containing the sisters rolled up the avenue. "How bcautirul it looks in its garb of snow!"

Estella turned her face t« the sharp wind which was bringing back to her oheek the bloom a confined and overatudious life had stolen. "How fresh! bow pure!" she m«rmnred. "I have so often dreamed of tbe delight of once more standing on a wild common, with only the fir-freesaud the wild brecz? for companions, that I long to climb yonder bill, and realize the pleasure at once!"

Amy laxghed. "And come back frostbitten. No, you must not make any snch rash venture until we have seen dear auntie. I hope and pray that our first meeting will not be in the presence of Mr. Barnard."

The wish was gratified Mr*. Barnard met them in tbe hall, weeping with joy as the sisters sprang into her arms.

So grown!—so altered!" she repeated. "My dearest girls,.I should scarcely havo known you!"

Think

IK

W long It is since you came

to see us!" tbey replied. She began to excuse herself hurriedly and nervously. The dista.ice was great, her own health indifferent, and Mr. Barnard diU not like to come homo and find her out.

Amy hastened to rescue her. We have always felt sure that you would come if you could. And now tell us about Lionel. Is he well?"

Mrs. Barnard's face lit up, and then she sighed heavily. "Yes, be is well but be can not reconcile himself to the clerkship he holds at the County Bank. I wish he could."

They had a merry laugh and a iest at tbe notion of shy, awkward George Barnard feeling a lady'spulf»e with the proper professional dignity, or assisting at a consultation but their animated chat was checked by tbe distant sound of a short, husky cough.

Tbe sisters rose from tbe ottoman they had been sharing at tbe lady's feet, and exchanged glances, while Mrs. Barnard's nervousness returned to a distressing degree.

I

hope,"

colds that always make people feel so irritable and poorly." Before anv reply could be made, the gentleman himself entered tbe room, and stiffly acknowledged their salutes.

Be seated, young ladies. What a poor fire, Sophy You seem to forget that I am an invalid." 'Amy's readv hands soon piled on the wood and coal, snd fanned them into a blaze, while he sat alternately shivering, and commenting on his wife's dishabille.

Dinner will soon be on tbe table, Soppy. Do you intend to sit down to it in that figure, or are we to be kept waiting while you dress

She started up to make the necessary change in ber attire, and the sisters rose to accompany her, but he bade them stay.

Anticipitting some unpleasant communication, they reseated themselves. "I wished to speak to you about this legacy," he began. "I neglected to let you know that Mr. Aston left to vou, Amy Sophia Vaughan, the sum of $40,-v. 000, of which I am trustee."

And mj sister?" asked Amy. "Did he forget her Miss Vaughan's name was not mentioned in his will. There is one condition annexed to the bequest. If you many without my permission you for--feit it."

Who instigated this unjust stipulation Estella demanded, her brow darkening.

Her eyes had not lost these old influence. Mt. Barnard grew pale, then red, and finally put himself in a rage.

You are exceedingly rude, Miss Vaughan. I understand your insinuation. But I'll thank you to remember that Mr. Aston bad an undoubted right to leave his money to whom, and in what manner, he pleased."

My sister does not question his right to will his money as he thought proper," Amy gently interposed.

But she makes most impertinent comments on the manner in which it has been done. When a tew years have passed over his bead, she may see the folly of permitting silly young girls to follow their own headlong impulses."

E«tella made no reply. She did not wish to commence her visit at the Hall with a squabble but she saw how completely this condition bad placed her sister's happiness at tbe mercy of a hard and covetous man, and her indignation was excessive.'

Let me see—where was I And Mr. Barnard rubbed bis eyebrows. "Oh, I was about to tell you that, in consequence of this legacy, you will not return to school any more, you will remain here."

Amy answered with real delight, "This is good news, indeed Any cbauge would have been hailed with joy after the long, unvarying routine of their sojourn at Minerva House.

And you, Miss Vaughan?" ho said, turning to Estella. "Have you formed any plans for your future?"

Not yet," she replied, silencing the impetuous Amy—"not yet, sir." Indeed then you bad bettor

But Amy wonld not be hushed any longer. '•fir—Mr. Barnard—my sister will remain with me. Be quiet, Estella. How can you be so ridiculous? Could I, think you, live here in affluence, while you were earning a miserable subsistence as a governess?"

Estella londly returned her sister's embrace. "Nonsense, darling we should not loveeaoh other the less!" [Continued on Seventh Page.}

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Estelia looked around her. Lionel, who was rightfully the heir of Aston Hall, holding a situation as clerk!

His mother saw the look, and hastened to observe that Mr. Barnard had not thought a life of idleness good for a young man then she paused.

It was evidently a subject involving much Krief and anxiety, so Amy hastened to change it. "And George, dear aunt—good natured, rough beaded, uncouth George— where is he and is he altered much "Only in growth. He has sprung up remarkably, and is upward of six feet in height. You will see him in a day oi two. You knew that he bad adopted bis father's profession, didn't you And he is acting as assistant to the medical man in the village."

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