Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 37, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 10 March 1877 — Page 6

I'A PAPER 1014 THE PEOPLE.

[For The Mall.] T'\ AN IMPROMPTU.

Oh! tlie oruel ords of cruel pen! How they smite the sad souls of Borrowing Bmitel^ Aye that is too mild a word

When the sou"« profouudevt dep»hs are

And

srTen'dleM grief, and a deathless smart Are left In a crushed and bleed ng heart In a heart that might have healed again Iilved, and lovingly lab red wuh living men But /or cruel words of a cruel pen.

His father, however, while telling the world that he did not feel justified in using Lionel's patrimony for the advancement of his own son, grasped at the opportunity Amy's small fortune afforded, of purchasing for him a praciioe. To further his intentions, George was commanded to show himself at the ball at evrey leisure hour. ~JEstelIa noted this with contempt and indignation, and it was for Amy's sake, and that •nly, that sho now replied, "Yes, I will stay as long as I can ue of any use to you I will remain."

Amy gave her a grateful squeeze. "There a*.d now it's settled. I was

etting angry with you for thinking of eavlug me in the clutches of such an Ogre. Positively he frightens me! I feel afraid to speak above my 'roath. I almost wish he would send us away again."

And poor aunt?" questioned Estella. 1 "Ah, I forgot! Of course, I would do anything to serve her but I'm sadly afraid that every time you flash on® of your stormy looks at her tyrant, and Silence him for the moment, she feels the effect with greater severity afterward." "I feel so, too," sighed Estella "but

I cannot always hide my feelings. What does he mean by his taunts about her California property?"

Atny did not know and they had walked on a few paces in silence, when Estella suddenly spoke.

Amy, I have heard from Madame le Bas. Do you not remember her? The eccentric personage who once visited us

This morning, while you were with Mrs. Bernard." I And Estella produ«*ed it.

What a clear, bold and yet feminine band. Surely it is not hers!" cried Amy, examluiug the envelope.

They read it together. It was as fol |Oirs: Two hundred dollars per annum hitherto paid to Sophia Aston, of Aston IIall, toward the joint support ofCapt. Vauiihan's daughters, will still be paid, (W

your (IOPOUM* only. Let your sister add to this whatever snm the man Barnard deinand-S end remain at Aston Hall until you hear from me again. [Signed.] "ANTOIUA

i§l®l

C. xl«

S^MBKSBS

4" _____

f? WW js

The Two Orphans.

i, CH4PTO»vn. MEETING A MANIA©. There were no Christmas festivities at Aston Hall That knitting closer the lbonds of fellowship between rich and ipoor, which ordinarily hillows the season, was almost unknown here.

The few gifts Mrs. Barnard contrived to bestow upon the neighboring poor -were smuggled out of the house by the connivance of the servants.

Mr. Barnird annually gave one party •—a stupid, formal nffair, to which more 'guests cSme out of compassionate respect for his wife than any desiro to accept his

BAS."

"And this is all! How brief—how commandingT cried Amy, with amazement. "As soon as I am or age. we will certainly emancipate ourselves from all control

Hush1" wild her sister, pointing significantly toward the stile they were approaching for a man, dressed in the garb of an ordinary laborer, was leaning upon it.

He looked sharply around as they drew near and Am/, seised with sudden, and apparently causeless, fear, whispered an entreaty to her sister to turn back.

But as this would Involve a long round, and evening was fast spproschg, Estella boldly pressed on.

The mau was closely watching them, and must have seen Amy's hesitation. This was annoying but they had with tbem the key of a ftate in the fence Surrounding the grounds of the'Hall—« JSte that was within 100 yards Of where they now stood.

Here it would bs easy to shake off the stranger, if—which Estella saw no reason to expect—he should prove to be one of those importunate beggars who will take no deulal.

Amy reluctantly followed ber more courageous sister down the narrow pathway, the laborer making no attempt to stir as they approached.

To cross the stile until he did so was impossible so Miss Vaughan was obliged to addressed him. "Will you stand aside, that we may pa«s

He turned his gaunt visage toward her with an evil stare in his hollow eyes and now she saw that his hair was closely cropped and his general aspect strange and wild.

Whero b" ye going be rudely ask ed. Thinking it best to reply civilly, she at once said, "To the I-Iall."

He raised himself now with a look that made her recoil, whil« Amy shiv-

"The Hall! That be old Barnard' place! Be ye some of his people, then? With a vague idea that it might aw him into good behavior, Amy eagerly advanced, and answered it?, the afflrniative.

The next moment, his sinewy hand gripped her delicate arm with such force that her cheek flushed with pain.

^niggardly hospitality. "Ye shan't'pass here alive! It was on the afternoon succeeding have my revenge on him, and I will Ha'n't I a come out o' the jaii he put me in, 'cos I couldn't pay my rent, an' wouUu't stan' by an' see my wife and the babe put out o' their betl that the constables might ha' it An' if they be dead, and I'm crazed liko, as folks say I be, 'tis him ha' done it, and I'll have my

this infliction that the sisters wra their mantles closely around them, braved the intense cold, and cheerfully 'get out for the village, to execute an er rand forM rs. Barnard.

The wind blew keenly that,to avoid crossing a broad and exposed moor,

.they returned borne by a more devious

Estella's color deepened. Her sister, who was looking so coaxingly in her face, knew not the sacrifice she demanded. To dwell beneath Mr. Barnard's roof, and to feel herself bound to obey his arbitrary dictates, was a species of martyrdom "from which she shrank.

But, on the other hand, to depart was to leave the unsuspicious Amy to his machinations and be had already betrayed the scheme working in bis fertile brain.

His old indifference, if not dislike, to his son, remained in full force. He longed to be rid of him, and yet he begrudged the expense of entering him in a profession.

To bis own dogged persistence, and the liking flis father's late partner, the Aston medical man, had taken to him, George owed his present position.

Few young fellows, especially the sons of r|oh men, have gone through the shifts and privations George Barnard endured, while qualifying for the medi ealprofessinn.

Lookee, then he hoarsely cried "I swore I'"

'hs

but sheltered route, through some rvtoiiu nAW iu •woods. Here they slackened the rapid pace at ^er 1. U/\AM NTA 11r in/v on/1 QO 19. I which they had been walking, and seized the opportunity to chat freely. "We nave been here a week to-day

Estella!" "Yes, and to-morrow yon will have to submit to a business conference with jour guardian."

Amy shrugged her pretty shoulders. "If itshould bealongone, my patience will fail, for I cannot endure his crab bed speeshes. Apropos, we quite un der stand each other, don't we? You have given up all thoughts of running away, and leaving me in solitary misery

UIIJJ HI* UUI

revenge

on him!"

Estella, now seriously alarmed, iui plored him to release her trembling sis

Her entreaties were wholly unavail ing and, while lie raved on in a similar strain, sho quietly tried to unclench his Angers. But he instantly tightened his grasp so fiercely that the poor girl could not repress a moan at the torture ho was inflicting.

Frenzied at the sight of Amy's sufferings, Estella struck him in the face with such violence that ho staggered back and seizing the moment, Amy wrenched herself away, leaving her mantle in the maniac's grasp.

If they could have gained the stile all might have been well but that was impossible, and together they fled in the direction of the far distant village.

Their assailant pursued them with savage cries and howls, which thrilled them with terror as they pantingly bur ried on. Is

At last Amy reeled against a tree, I can go no further," she gasped "Oh, mercy—mercy!" And sinking on the ground she buried her face in the folds of Estella's dress.

Despair giving her fictitious strength Estella snatched up a broken bough and menaced the man, whose hands were already outstretched to seize his victims.

Keep back!" she wildly cried. "You shall not touch her." He stopped to fumble for something in hid breast.

I sharpened it a' purpose," he muttered, "an' now I can't find it! 'Tis

JOH!"—He

shook his fist threateningly.

"You ha' got it away Irom me, an' hid it! Give it up—eive it up when I bid ye an' down on your knees like 'tother girl, for ye must both die!"

She desperately repulsed him with the bough. Aias! from her feeble hold it was wrenched in an instant and now he menaced her with it, as, dragging the crouching Amy with her, she slowly retreated from him.

A sudden inspiration darted into her mind. Mark! What was that?" she exclaimed.

The lunatic started and li3tenod with dilated eyes. She pointed in the direction of a distant glade. "So-,

ROO

They are com

ing to seize you -to carry you back to the prison! Run, escape, ere it be too late!"

With a startled glance over his shoulder, and another of disappointed rage at the helpless girls, he aimed a blow at them, which Amy, now venturing to look up, received on the head.

The next moment he bad darted away, and disappeared among the withered fern and brushwood.

The force of the Blew stunned poor Amy, while a stream of blood began to trickle down her pale a*d fearfully bruised face.

No longer capable of exerting any presence of mitm, Estella, who believed her dying, uttered piercing cries for help.

But no one heard them and, after a timo, consciousness began to return. But the injured girl was unable to suppArt herself, even with the aid of her

eccentric personage who once visited us sister's arm, wlM« momentarily expectat Miss Dickson's, and to whom that iQiC the return of the maniac, urged an ing the return of the maniac, urged an attempt at light. "If we could only reach the beaten track, there would be a chance of meeting some one who would protect and assist us. Do try, dear love! Lean on me, and move slowly."

lady told,us, before we left her, that we owe our accomplishments." How odd Who can she be Doubtless, the agent of some relative of ours, who, fl»aring to be burdened with two helpless orphans, contributes to our cnalnte iance In this roundabout man ner.'

But Amy's aching head fell on her

aime^aucu in ivuuut»uuu» «.«•» gut Amy aching nean leu on nor •r." ,, bosom, and her limbs refused ro sustain In every way tho children of charity!

What a fate!" exclaimed the chafed Estella. Never mind, dear," replied her more placid sister. "Tho*» who love us mast have done so for our »wn sweet sakes take comfort from that thought. And now for the letter. When did you re-

Wringing her hands, Estella sank on the ground beside her, and looked fearfully and despairingly around.

A rapid footstep echoed on the dry and frosen earth. They heard It with absolute agony. It was the lunatla returning! "God help us!" moaned Amy, while Estella

wrapped

her arms around her.

On her own bead his wrath should be expended. But, oh. heavens! what a feartol, fearful situation!

Nearer and nearer came the step then it began to recede but a dog. whining in pleaded recognition, burst through a thicket, and came bounding toward them.

It was Lionel Aston's, and his whistle skrillv summoned the animal to return. Springing up with a thankftil heart, Estella called to him loudly, and ere long the astonished young man made his way to the spot. "Surely Providence has sent you hither to succor us!" murmured the relieved girl. "Oh, tell me—is she dying

He threw down the gun ho was carrying, and stooped over Amy, who was relapsing into insensibility.

I do not think—at least, I hope, she is not seriously hurt! But what bas *—opened Haw is it I find you here r» na few hurried words an explanation

was given. ... Lionel looked blank. It was already

growing dark these woods were seldom traversed, except bv *po and help must be procured befor could be conveyed to the knew not how to pro wed.

irtemen, ro Amy

Hall. He

Snatching up bis gun, be loaded It. I wOfder whether firing this repeatedly would bring any one to our help! Truth

*'r •:.) tf.i 7 :-r y." 7 /,o a: IT/

.Y<p></p>SATURDAY

TBRRE TTAT7TTC EVENIIS1 MAIL.

to tell, dear Bsteila, I know not what to do for the best. With this dangerous madman lurking near, cap not lewre you and yet Amy must be removed. She will periah with cold and exhaust(ODi"

As he spoke, he added his overcoat to the shawl Estella had snatched ft*m her own shoulders, to wrap around her sistor

How far is it to the Hall?" she asked. He shook his head. "Itis no use goin* there. The only man-servant they now keep Is too old and decrepid to he of any service.

To »he village, then.' A quarter of an hoor shard running would take me there. If Heave you my gun, have you the courage to stay here and use it if necessary

The coursge, perhaps, but not the strength to retain the weapon, if that miserable man appeared rfnd tried to wrest it from her.

No she said, determinedly "wit vou Amy is safe. Show me the way, and I will seek aid at the village.

There

was no time for parleying. The

danger of staying or going seemed equal, so Lionel gave her the necessary directions—bade her seek George Barnard at Mr. Pbipp's surgery—and saw her dart away with the lleetness of

dC"

God be with her!" he mentally ejaculated. "What if she encounters that poor wretch again? Have I done right to let her go

The same dread of such a meeting was knocking at Estella's heart, as she sped through the darkening wood.

Twice she thought that in the gloom she could discern a crouching figure waiting to pounce upon her.

At last, with a sigh of relief, she saw through an opening, the snow-covereci common, and beyond it the glimmering lights in the cottages at Aston. She breathed a fervent "Thank heaven and hurried on, although, as she drew nearer to the village, a choking sensation in the throat seemed to retard her steps.

George Barnard, with his hair in its usual disorder, waa making up some medicines for a boy, who was curiously watching his leisurely and awkwsrd movements, when the door wa? thrown open, and Estella appeared.

Before be could utter the exclamation of surprise her sudden entrance caused she had staggered forward, and he leap ed over the counter just in time to catch her as she fell.

CHAPTER VIII.

..i SAFES!

Thoroughly overcome with fear and fatigue, Estella seemed to awaken from a hideous dream, when the powerful ammonia George Barnard applied to her nostrils aroused her dormant faculties.

Amy! she murmured, trying to recollect herself "where is Amy He gently pushed her back into her chair." ...

Sit still, and swallow this. In a lit tie while you will feel better." But refusing the draught she made another attempt to rise.

Amy! Amy! she will die, if help is not sent immediately. Who will go with me?"

Where have you left her? and what do you want me to do? Drink this, 1 insist on it! It will give you strength."

Even in that moment of anxiety and weakness, Estella was impressed by the change which had come over the shy, uncouth young fellow. The emergency had instantly transformed him to the brisk, energetic man of sense and Intel ligence.

Mechanically she obeyed his injunction, and with steadied nerves was able to explain her sister's precarious situation.

Without a word beyond the curt inquiries her statement necessitated, he vanished, returning to the surgery as the impatient girl was about to sally forth in search ot him. "Sitdown again while I finish my work, and then I will see you home."

But Amy How can I stay here?" "It's all right," said George, busily mixing his nauseous compounds. "Two trusty chaps and a blanket are half way there by now and the wagon is coming round froga the Dragon for us. We shall reach the Hall as soon they do."

And we must wait while a horse is harnessed! There will be a thousand delays! I cannot wait—we will walk!" "And you will give out on the road, and then what am I to do with you asked George, labeling and wrapping up his pills and potions with the dexter of a practiced hband.

tusnou »»rr*"o ~r

his pills and potions with the dexterity a practiced hhand. Estella grew indignant at his apparent coolness. "Do you forget that her life may be In danger?"

So are other lives, Miss Vaughan. I cannot leave here until I have sent off this medicine, then I am free to wait upon you. There, my lad, tell granny I'll be round to see her before I go to bed." "Ay, sir. She bid me say it was a mortal shame to ax ye to come so far but she'd take it as a great favor if you would."

I'll come, though I can't go with you I intended. And now be off and don't go sliding, and break the bottle."

The vehicle from "The Dragon" came to the door, as he opened it for the little lad: and, thrusting bis arma in a coat, the pockets of which he filled with every article it was possible that he might require, he banded Estella in.

Wrapping bis cloak round her unsheltered ferm, he set off at a rattling pace.

Are you cold he asked, as the northern wind lifted ber disordered bair, and she shivered audibly.

No my brain is on Are with dread and suspense. She is exposed to this she may be dead. Oh, Amy

Toe last words were wailed forth in a burst of the deepest anguish. "Posh, pooh I nonsense!" said George, roughly. "Dead from one tap on the forehead, and half an hour's exposure! Life is not so easily destroyed in a young and healthy subject."

She tried to take comfort from these words, but felled. She is so young, so delicate She was quite insensible when I left her! My poor, poor love!"

Miss Vaughan," said George, in low tones, "I haven't heard you say one word of trust in that great God who does all things well. Have you forgotteu that ahe is in His care?"

Abashed by the merited reproof, Estella covered her fe*e with her hands, and perhays now sht prayed.

At the top of a hill a stentorian hail brought them to. "Be that you, Mr. George?" "Yea, yea. What brought you back so quickly "There weren't no one there. We went right away to the corner of the wood, near the little pend, and searched and shouted, but there weren't nothing —were there. Bill

No only a place where the greund was wet like blood. An't picked up a little glove. 8ee. here it be!"

George whipped his horse on, shouting, "1*11 see you in the morning! Good night!"

What does this mean?" gasped hi» companion. "Has the maniac killed

them both Ah, yes, It most be so!" What! and Lionel with a gun in bis bands, and strength enough in those shoulders of his to settle a half dozen such poor, half-starved wretches? No, no! depend upon it, we shall find them safely noused! Some laborer going home from hia work has come within call, and helped him to carry Miss Amy home."

And so it proved. When they reached the Hall, a man on horseback was lust starting to fetch George, or his employer, and Amy had been undressed, and laid in bed.

Without a thought for herself, Estella flew te ber sister's side. With zealous sffectlon, and unflinching fortitude, she assisted George Barnard while he examined and bound up the ugly wound the madman'a weapon bad inflicted.

Fortunately it was not dangerous, though severe, und they had the satisfaction of seeing her sink into a quiet sleep.

Then, and not till then, Estella left her charge in the tender care of Mrs. Barnard, and stele away to hank Lio nel.

As she passed a mirror a glimpse of her pallid face reminded her that she, too, had undergone much fatigue and excitement.

The young surgeon was at her side when-she pressed her palms to her ach ing brows.

Miss Vaughan, shall you be so ob stinate as most young ladies are, and persist in sitting up, and wearing your self out, when there is no occasion for?"

Ne," she said, faintly smiling "not if I have your assurance that it is unne cessary."

That will do famously. I know you will prove a capital nurse!" This was said with such sincerity that Estella smiled again, and reminded him that she wanted experience and skill.

I know you're awkward enough but then you are quick-fingered and lightfooted, and ready to learn and, what's better still, I haven't seen you shed a tear all the time you stood by. Ah, you laugh but if you knew how often we see our patients half killed with kindness and their friends' lamentations, you'd know that this is no light matter If Miss Amy had seen you weepine, and wringing your hands over ber she would not have borne the pain I put ber to so patiently. Poor girl!"

Estella's eyes filled now. If you have such a horror of womens tears you had better hasten away, for at this minute I feel very much disposed to make a baby of myself."

He snatched up his bat. "I'll go ana see Granny Jooto,'walk round to the governor's and make it all right with him, and be back before midnight so, if any change should occur, I shall be in the house. Don't be afraid to call me."

When be had gone, and she had succeeded in composing herself, Estella descended to thedrawing room.

Lionel was not there, only Mr. Barnard, who was fussing and figetingand blaming bis patient lady for permitting ber wards to get into such a scrape.

But as Estella did not care to hear hi3 chiding she sought Lionel in the din-ing-room, where, by the light of the fire, he was sitting in a melancholy attitude.

He tried to wear his usual assumed cheerfulness, but in vain. Amy's adventure had depressed him, and the mask be wore to hide a galling sense of his dependent position fell away before Estella's earnest and touching thanks for his assistance.

Say no more," he replied. "It was a real joy to be useful to any one. It is so little that I can do."

Irresistibly impelled to question him by the similarity of their situations, Estella gently whispered, "Dear Leo, why do you stay here

Do you do me the injustice to suppose that I ever enter this house willingly he proudly demanded.

No. I am sure that some powerful motive induces you to be forbearing, But would you net be happier if away?"

Far, far happier, if I were fighting the battle of life in the most obscure calling! But I have pledged myself to my poor spirit-broken mother not to leave her to the mercy of the man who tyranizes over her. Oh, Estella, when I see this upstart lord it in my fathers's house, and ber cheek blanch at his coming, I am sometimes ready to think that heaven has forsaken us! What have we done to merit such grinding, such continual degradation

Estella laid her hand on his arm. '•Dear Lionel, it ia terrible—bas it always been like this?"

No. Although frequently carping and fretful, he used to pay ber some outward respect. But a very strange circumstance has embittered him against both of us. My mother bas lost or mis laid some deeds which would be of immense value to him, and it is this that sours his temper and increases his raur."

And all this for a loss which may yet be redeemed!" exclaimed the hearer.

Nay, not so much for the loss, as bis own most tidiculous and unfounded surmises that my mother conceals the papers to enrich me. While he cherishes this belief what can we say that will convince him to the contrary?" "Tnen there is no remedy but patience," said Estella.

Patlenoe, dear girl! I have lost mine long ago. Bound to a desk the week round, exoept when, as to day, I stoop to ask for a few hours' freedom—^debarred from the society and pleasures other young men of my age ana station enjoy —ana bating my home, which I dread to enter—how ban I be patient? ffor

Estella, it

is only by a great effort that I keep my promise and remain at Aston." Estella felt a throb of fear as she thought of the blank life would be to ber if be departed. Unconsciously her childish affection for him was fast merging into a warmer, deeper sentiment.

It is braver to stay than to go," she faltered. "Your mother only yesterday called you her one hold upon existence. Lionel, she would die if you forsook her!"

I will not," he rejplied, in choked accents, "So help me Heaven! I will endure any and everything, if it will but brighten her most miserable lot. I am ashamed of these childish complaints, Estella. But there are moments when the cup overflows, and I feel that even death would be preferable to sitting at this man's table, enduring his sneers, and, what is worse, bearing his bitter speeches directed to my sweet and gentle mother. How happy we were before we knew him I"

His step was heard on the stairs, and the young people instantly arose. "Farewell, Lionel! I must return to Amy."

He raised ber hand to his Hps. "Farewell—your sympathy is very precious to me, dear Bstella!"

He followed her to the door. "One moment the unmanly murmurlngs I have poured into yomr ears—do not mention them to Amy. It would be cruel to cloud her pretty, childish face with sbeh a recital. You will not, will you, Estella?"

Not for the world 1" And Estella

hurried away to bide the gleam of exultation in her eyesi It was to her Lionel eonfided hia trials from. that he sought consolation. Ah I what joy to know that there was one in the world to whom her presence was a pleasure, her sympathy a oomfort!

The face of the maniac might brant the restless slumbers of the feverish Amy, but Estella dreamed of Lionel, and Lionel only.

CHAPTER IX. A DOMESTIC 8CKNK.

Some time elapsed before Amy Vaughn recovered from the painfal effects of her encounter with the lunatic— who, by the way, was secured on the following morning, not far from the spot where the sisters had first seen him.

But that period of fever aud lassitude was not an unhappy one. Mrs. Barnard, ever kind ard thoughtful, came to her side at every opportunity that she could steal away from her exacting spouse, and lavished the tenderest attentions on be invalid

Mr. Pnipps, who took the case out or George Barnard's hands, was an oldtime friend of the Vaughan family, and never begrudged an hour spent with Amy, enlivening ber with pleasant chat while the fact that the master of the house rarely attempted to approach the sick chamber gave additional zest and freedom to her intercourse with ber friends.

Estella was a devoted nurse, whom no confinement seemed to weary for the golden moments of each day—those spent with Lionel Aston—amply repaid her for whatever sacrifices of self she had been making.

To him, at his earnest request, she always contrived to repeat the progress her sister was making, before he departed in the morning/or his occupation at the county town and the same stolen pleasure was repeated on his return at night.

Of course, their principal theme in these hurried interviews was Amy, to and from whom she carried many a sportive message.

When the latter*was able to leave ber chamber, a conch was prepared for her in a small, cheerful room, called the summer parlor.

Here she lay with her book, or, more frequently, listened while Estella read aloud, or, In low, sweet accents, warbled the ballads for which her expressive and plaintive voice was very well suited.

Here Lionel, eluding the sharp eyes of his step father, stole in, to bring back the smiles to the lips of the pleased girl with the gay badinage they both delighted in. When forbidden to talk, he brought his easel, and painted assidu ously, thus gratifying Estella, who suggested that, by the cultivation of the really remarkable talent he possessed, he might open a road to fame and fortune for himself.

Bv his father's command, George Bar nard was also a frequent visitor Dut, as if he ielt that his presence was unwelcome, he seldom joined in the conversation.

With his eyes bent on the fire, he would sit for an hour at a time, salving knotty points in the coals or, with a large medical tome on his knees, lose himself in its—to him—enthralling pages.

Tbey were sitting thus one evening— the sisters listening with breathless in terest while Lionel related some inter esting piece of town gossip—when the door opened, and Mrs. Barnard glided in.

She held in her hand a letter. It was for Estella, who saw, with mingled emotions, that it was from Madame le Bas.

S:*e hesitated to open it. "Stay quietly at Aston Hall until you bear from me." These were the words of her last injunction. Had she written now to summon Estella away

Despite Mr. Barnard's frequent rudeness, all her old attachment to the hall bad revived. It was the home of Lionel Aston while his foot trod its floors, Estella's happiness lay within its walls.

Don't go, dear auntie," cried Amy, seizing the hand of Mrs. Baruard as she was leaving the room. "Do stay with us a little while—will you

Mrs. Barnard cast a wistful glance around and Estella, slipping the letter iuto her work basket, joined in the entreaty.

I wish I could, loves but Mr. Bar nard may want mo to answer a note." Scarcely were the words uttered when he appeared.

He neld a paper, which he flung on the table before Lionel. "I suppose, sir," he said, his voice quivering with rage—"I suppose this is one of your underhanded tricks!"

A cloud fell on the whole party. "I think I will go to my room," whispered Amy, who was too weak to endure a scene.

George had beat a hasty retreat, dropping his heavy book as be went on to one of his father's feet, and receiving an energetic anatbem* for his stupidity.

The trembling Mrs. Barnard hurried to the assistance of the invalid. I will go with yon, love. Ob, Estella," she rapidly added, in lowered tones, "pray stay and try to keep peace. I can do nothing—nothing at all."

Meanwhile, Lionel, astounded at this very unexpected accusation, had picked up the newspaper.

A cursory examination of its contents explained the reason of Mr. Barnard's wrath.

It contained a garbled account of the fearful attack upon the lovely and accomplished wards of T. Barnard, Esq. This was followed by another article, denouncing the heartless cruelty which had driven an unfortunate laborer, first into jail, and then to the horrors of a lunatio lylum.

But the young man was scarcely permitted to peruse it. I want none of your pretended ignorance," Mr. Barnard vociferated. "Of course you know it all by heart and no one but you would have dared to send that paper here!"

I send it here!" repeated Lionel, with astonishment. Yes and wrote that scandalous paragraph, or bad a hand in it, if you had no more. It's of apiece with your general conduct covert insult and annoyance at every opportunity. And now I'm to be the talk of the whole county, thanks to your malicious trick. I don't know what restrains me from turning you out of doors at once—this very moment."

Lionel's fist clenched, and bis temper began to get the mastery. Perhape, sir, you doubt, the wisdom of such an attempt. Were you any other than what you are. I should treat your assertion with the contempt it merits but, for my mother's sake, I will give you my honor that I have had nothing to do with the insertion of the article that so anooys you."

Your boner!" sneered his exasperated step father. "Every puppy nowadays gabbles about bis honor. It would be more honorable, let roe tell you, to do vour w*rk tb© offico than to be criticising my actions, and finding continual fault with them."

I am not guilty of any such meanness," said Lionel,, haughtily. "What-

ever I may think, I am not in the habit of blazoning our family differences." It's false!" Mr. Barnard loudly exclaimed, "you have done it—you do do it! Mj character was publicly assailed at the bank the other day, and you did not defend it as it was your duty to have done."

Lionel's lip curled, but he answered with moderation. It is true that, ignorant of the connection between us, a kind hearted man spoke, in my presence, of the ease of Luke Jepson nut one of mv fellewclerks Instantly silenced him. It la also true that I did not defend your conduct, because 1 could not. I am sorry you have alluded to this subject."

Bah! must I measure my words to step-son—my dependent? Why must I not mention Luke Jepson in your lordship's presence?" "Because," Lionel passionately retorted—"because my blood boils Tn my veins when I remember how that poor fellow, who had lived on our land for years, was harassed and hunted down! It was tor no greater crime than sickuess and poverty that his bouse was destroyed, bis wife murdered—I cannot call it bv a milder word—and his mind tortured into frenzy. May heaven forgive your cruelty, Mr. Barnard, for I never can!"

you, my a forsooth,

Pen cannot portray the fury into which this speech threw Mr. Barnard. He threatened Lionel and, worse, he declared that it was to his wife's promptings and teachings that the in-olence of her ton was owing.

At the mention of her name, the voung man's emotions were terrible, tie bit bis lip, be made an effort to submit himself to the yoke—to hear and answer the coarse speeches leveled at him with forbearance.

But his naturally high spirit revolted at the task. It seemed as if the endurance of years must give way and that he must at all hasards hurl defiance at the contemptible craven who was thus humiliating him.

Eptella saw the struggle. Hitherto the bad stood by, longing to interfere, yet fearing to do so. Now, she boldly stepped between them. "Go away, dear friend—dear cousin, go. Is it well to waste your strength in parleying with a madman

Recalled to himself by her voioe, he darted from the room. For his mothers sake, he could rejoice that this timely interposition had prevented the utterance of words Mr. Barnard would have visited on her defenseless head.

It bad, however, the effect of drawing upon Estella sharp reprimand from the irritable nfyi.

This officious meddling, Miss Vaughan, is such an impertinence that I can not consent to overlook it."

Mr. Barnajd," said Estella, quietly, Instead of reproofs you owe me thanks. I have saved you from committing an act you would quiokly repent."

I am not in the habit of repenting my acts," he retorted. Possibly but hear me out. If you drive Lionel Aston from your doors, arc you prepared to brave thecossequencts —to endure the ill-will it will gflu' rate? Already your doings are canvassed by your neighbors in no measured terms, and the friends of Lionel's father may revenge such deliberate injustice, although they refrain from interfering while you keep within bounds. Are you prepared to hear your name a byword, to have your concerns pried into, and every transactian of your former life laid bare, as, trust me, it would be?"

Estella had rightly guessed that she must appeal to his interest, not his heart if she would be heard. But she was net prepared for the effect of her remonstrance. [Continued on Seventh Page.]

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