Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 10, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 1 September 1883 — Page 7

THE MAIL

PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

Her Mother's Sin

BY THE AUTHOR OF

"Dora Thorne," "Lady Darner's Secret,'1 "The Shadow of a sin," "Love for a Day,"etc.

CHApTER xx

"PASSED ON UNCONSCIOUS TO HIS DOOM." "Only six months dead," were the words that seemed to haunt the earl as he passed through the brilliantly-lighted ball—"only six months dead, and the 'm house is a brilliant scene of gayety!

Well, welt, I could not help it. It is but a means to an end." Lady Ryeford had done her work well. She knew that plenty of lightand plenty of flowers were essential, and that without them nothing else would beeffective. She had spared neither. The flowers we:.* superb, and the lighting brilliant. Indeed, every arrangement was perfect.

It was many long years since such a ball bad been given at Poole. The string of carriages laden with guests seemed $ endless.

The servants, like their master, were sorrowful that the time of mourning should be abridged yet they could not repress a, feeling of satisfaction that poole looked once more like its former self*

The ball room bad been built by the father of the present earl, Hildebrand, Lord Cradoc, who lifted dancing and plenty offcpace to danoe in. It was one of the tfnest in England, long, broad *nd I lofty and, to pdd to its charms, a fine conservatory had been built ateachend.

From curiosity the guests came early. All were anxious to be present at the opening of the ball. They wanted to see

tfie entree of the young ladies. There was some little sensation in the rooms when the party from the house entered 'but any one who bad thought to guess the status of the young ladies from their entrance into the room must have been sadly disappointed. The earl fcame first, leading Lady Ryeford, who looked

very

handsome and imposing in

her rich dressy-Lady Marcia was in the drawing room, receiving her guests then came the two girls walking side by side*,! each so beautiful so graceful, so perfectly attired, that it was impossible to sav which was the more lovely. Pub_f lie admiration was quite divided. The ff dark-eyed girl in the rich dress of amber and black, with pale amber rosea! in her dark hair and at her breastr the fair lden-haired girl in white silk and ly droopinp grasses—no pne knew which to admire the more. There was the fascination of fair loveliness, of bright smiles, about Daphne there was the charm of queenly

:beauty,

of grace-

ful dignity, about Irene. The principil guest, the Duke of Spalding, opened the ball with Lady Ryeford. The Duke and Ducheas of Spalding were the great county magnates. It was not often that tney left their magnificent castle of Steinbam to visit any one but this wasan exceptional event—the tirst_ball given at Poole since the terrible blow that had fallen there— and the duke ana duohess wished to show their entire sympathy and interest. A rumor had reached them of the beauty

of the two young girls, and the probability that one or the other would be heiress of Poole. There had always been great friendship between the households of Poole and Steinham, and the dukeantl duchess, having known and liked the earl's boys, had felt grieved for his loss. Desirous to know toe truth about the girls, they eyed them with some little ouriosity. Rumor had been correct thev certainly were marvelously beautiful. "I like the dark one best," said the duchess to her husband. "What is her name—Irene Ryeford? 1 do not like the mother—a pushing kind of woman —requires keeping in her place. The dark girl will be a magnificent woman, hope, if either of them is ohosen, it will

"And I," said the duke, "preier the fair girl. She is so bright and graceful." "The dark one has the more dignity," declared the duchess. "The fair one has more grace," rejoined the duke. "The question is, however," said the duchess, "which does Lord Cradoc prefer?"

But that was exactly what no one oould find out. It was a brilliant ball, and Daphne enjoyed herself thoroughly. She danced every dance, and, wherever she was, a little crowd of admirers surrounded her. It was an ordeal but she passed through it successfully. There was no undue elation of manner, no sign of flattered vanity. The dainty bloom on her face deepened, and her eyes shone brightly: but her manner was perfectly free from all coquetry and affectation, although she certainly enjoyed the admiration she received—enjoyed it with a_girl's true aj of

beholders. Irene had as great a triumph in her way. She had a large choice of partners, but she did not always dance, and there was an impression that she was exclusive. She looked, too, like a young queen and even those who admired her most stood in some little awe of her. Every one saw bow much the duchess was interested in her, and publio opinion vacillated.

And Daphne, as was inevitable, made a conquest. Indeed she made not one, I but twenty.

Sir Trevor Egremont was master of Hinton Towers, which, next to Poole, IDS

the finest place in the

was perhaps county,

—r- Pl1 He bad a splendid income, and

he was universally liked. But his shy avoidance of the sex had always been a source of amusement to his friends. At Hinton Towers there were but few women servants., for, whenever he could set a man to do the work usually done by women, be was delighted. His housekeeper was over fifty, and none of the domestics who had obtained a footing at the Towers were even tolerably good-

10Among

men he was viry popular. He

kept open house he was a capital shot, an excellent rider, a good sportsman. And, what was better, a trm friend, many a one who had gone to him in aietress having com* away with a light heart. But nobody could ever induce him to seek the society of ladies although, in casual converse with them, or in discussing them with friends, he was politeness itself. A baronet, with a fine estate and a good income, the matrons of the county were all desirous of coming to his assistance. Bnt he would not hearken to them he never intended to marry. Providence would take care of his title and estate—of that be was quite sure and be bed no Intention whatever of making his lite mleejable fer the sake of his e*ate. Hscarefally

avoided country-houses where there were pretty marriageable daughters. As for a Dull, he bad never been to one. He came to this, not to danoe, but to show his respect

tor

Lord Cradoc, and to ex

press his sympathy with them, for he had known and loved his sons. Many a day's shooting had they enjoyed on his estate out of many a scrape had he helped them. There was no one whom the young Lord Hyde and his brother had loved better than Sir Trevor.

He had passed unscathed through many London seasons: he had been as well-proved steel against bright eyes and bewitching smiles but for sll that, he succumed at the first sight of Daphne's lovely, charming, piquant face.

He had been, as he thought, verv successful in avoiding those whom he regarded as his natural enemies. He had shaken hands with kindly Lady Marcia, whom he bad always liked, because she had neither daughter nor cousins, nor cared to introduce him to any young ladies. She let him go his own way, and made no comment, for which he was grateful. They had talked for a few minutes about "the boys," the subject which was always uppermost In Lady Marcia's heart. Then he was introduced to Lady Ryeford, from whom he fled in dismay. He knew the style of lady she was exactly. He looked at Irene with simple-hearted wonder at her queenly beauty, andjpassed on, unconscious, to bis doom. He met the earl, who greeted him with outstretched hand, with warm words of welcome and be was conscious of a dazzling apparition at the earl's side. He saw resting on theearl's arm a beautiful tapeiing snow-white hand. Then, before ne had time to beat a retreat, the earl turned suddenly. "Miss Erlecote let me introduce Sir Trevot Egremont to you."

He glanced at the beautiful face, and all was over the careless indifference of long years was a thing of the past.

Dismay, confusion, wonder, delight, struggled for mastery in Sir. Trevor's mind. Bachelor and confirmed wopnanbater, he was suddenly introduced to a

fleet. He looked depths of two laughing blue eyeg, and life was all changed to bim. He bowed as the lovely" young lace- smiled at him, and then gazed in utter bewilderment at the earl. 1

Lord Cradoc had forgotten Sir Trevor's peculiarity, if indeed it had ever come under his notice. He remembered him only as the warm, true friend of his boys. The fact of hip having been so was uppermost in his mind now. The gay ballroom faded from his sight he saw his boys riding hard across the moors, with 8ii Trevor urging them on. ... "I have not seen^you since—sincfe it ened," he said." o," replied Sir Trevor. "Ah, it was one of those things hard to realize!"

The earl turnedtb the girl who leaned on his arm. "Do you not see a great resemblance between Miss Erlecote and Alario

What a situation for a man who had, avoided the faces of fair women as though they were fatal to him !. He was asked not only to look at this face, but to prothough

Qgeyes

enough.!* Still it niust be

done. He summoned all hjfe courag6. He had leaped many a brook which had baffled other men he had jumped many a hedge from which his comrades had flinched. It was only looking Into a smiling woman's fair face, nothing more.

Yet this girl, who knew nothing of him, whose laughing blue eyes had glanced carelessly at him, had avenged her sex. Never more would Sir Trevor Egremont trool out his cheery songs in praise of "single blessedness^" never more would he, as a free and light-beart-ed bachelor, ride to hounds without a care never more would he boast that he chose the safest path, and that he should never be tormented by women or love never more would he cry out that freedom was worth all else. A single glance irom those blue eyes had done the mischief. "Sir Trevor, will you take charge of Miss Erlecote for me? I must see Sir Phineas Lumley," hastily exclaimed the earl, catching sight of a friend at the other end of the oall-room to whom he wished to speak.

The baronet's heart beat violently, his head swam, his stalwart limbs trembled. A voice clear and sweet fell upon his ear, though the spoken words were to him in an unknown tongue, and then the fair white hand was lying upon his arm. "The room is very warm, and I was going with Lord Cradoc in search of an ice," said Daphne. "Perhaps you will find one for me?" "This is perfectly awful," thought Sir Trevor. "What shall I do?'"

Two or three of his intimate friends passed him by with a smile—a smile that meant much to him. "I think I am equal to that," he replied. "Equal to what?" laughed Daphne. "Do you mean finding an ioe? You have not to go to the North Pole for it." "Is she laughing at me thought Sir Trevor and the idea made him wince. "What do you mean"—and Daphne laughed again—"by being equal to finding an Ice? A man may be equal to leading a forlorn hope but it requiree no great amount of courage to go in search of an ioe." "Ah," said Sir Trevor, with a deep, dismal sigh and a grave shake of his head, "you do not know all 1" "This is my first ball," she said. "I am not likely to know much."

He looked at her with eager delight. "I may almost say that this is my first ball. I nave never danced in my life." "Never danced!" cried Daphne. "Then why are you here "Because," he replied,in blunt, honest fashion, that won her liking, "I love the earl, and I loved the boys. This is the first time Poole has been thrown opeft since they died, and I came to show my interest and sympathy." "That is kind,,f said Daphne. "How every one who knew them seems to have loved Lord Cradoc's sons." "They were the finest youths in the whole country round. The sea never drowned better—and gallant men have found their graves in the deep waters. There was a splendid daring about tbem. It was a treat to see either of them take a fence or jump a ditch, for they knew no fear. And they loved each other so well. The tears came Jto my eyes when I reed how they went to their death each with his arm round (be other's neok. I have seen thom.standlng in that attitude scores of times." "I like to hear about them," said Daphne, "Never mind the dancing. And I do not really care about the ice. Let n* sit here, near these tall ferns, for a few minutes, and yon shall tell me a$mot hem,"

So in talked for half an bonr or more, forget tg himself and bis absurd selfconsck'itiness while dilatingon a subject on which 1m could be really eloquent. If Dejhu* bad talked to bim on ordinary ball •r«»m topics, be would a*T9 been aermu-. m-ared, setf-consdoaa hot they both, in their earnest fashion, forgot that thev were in a btiil-roooa.

Sir Tt«v«r eonld have tanoied he wee looking tot* the fee*of As aitoH *hoee heart was filled with pity tortile teja.

WW®

He told her a score of anecdotes of them, of their generosity, their daring, their truth. .She raised her beautiful blue eyes to his, full of tears. "How sad they should have died!" she said. "What a sweet creature she is," thought Sir Trevor "how loving and kind."

He forgot his restraint. How perfectly charming she was! She talked to him as if she had known him for years. And then the bright face was so like Alaric's! How often the young heir had sat and talked to him with just such an expression in bis eyes!

People passed and re-passed them. Daphne heeded not Sir Trevor did not care. Even her Grace of Spalding smiled at the usual sight. "Sir Trevor has found his eyesight at last." she said to Lady Marcia.

Nothing was fnrther from Daphne's thoughts than making a conquests. At first she had been greatly amused by Sir Trevor, he was sd unlike the other men in the room. He was.abrupt be spoke his thoughts so plainly and bis inimitable answer,' *'I think I am equal to that," had amused her. She was pleased, too, with his loving remembrance of the boys and his esteem for the earU Daphne thoroughly enjoyed that half-hour. She nbver dreamed that it would affect his whole life. "I wish," he said—"and it is for the firtt tinaein my life that I utter such a thought—that I knew how to dance." "Why asked Daphne, who was much amused .with this frank, outspoken bachelor. "Because then I could dance with you," he replied, [glancing admiringly at the girlish graceful figure. "I should imagine that you dance like a fairy," he continued "light footsteps always go with alight heart." heart said two

My heart is light enough," Daphne., "Yet I

nave one or

shadows ihnSylife." "I wish you would tell me what they* are," he returned. "I am -quite willing," said Daphne. "They are not real troubles such as some people, bjiy^jfibut at hqme, where my father li ves, we have some passing clouds and here at Poole

am always grieved

about the earl's boys. How sad it seems that two.young gallant lives should be taken, and' many that' seem so useless iMt 1 I c?n see that they are always in the earl's thoughts."

"Ah, they were handsome, cheery lads!" said Sir Trevor. While fait*, bright Daphne and the handsome, simple-hearted baronet were tbu? conversing, the earl himself bad quitted the ball-room. Within all was splendor, magnificence, festivity without, the white haired old man paced wearily .up and dowu. hip favorite walk, bemoaning the bonny lads he Should iTeVer see again. "When the entertainment—which was in every way a great success—was over, few, if auy, had decided which of the tfto beautiful gifted girls they would like to see mistress of Poole.

CHAPTER XXI. JK

"THB FIRST DUTY OF A LAND-OWNER."

From the date of the ball at Poole, .Daphne and Irene took up quite anew position. The county oraule, the Duchess of Spalding, declared that she bad never seen two young girls whom she admired more. She whispered even to one or two of. her, most intimate friends that, if she could hear that the earl had arrived at any decision, she would "send for Newbury at once"—Newbury being- her Grace's eldest son. in her opinion the brat match in England as .his father had been before him—but of course, until something definite was known, it would be much better for

Lord Vewbury to stay away. It would not do for him to follow Sir Trevor's example, at whom the whole county was laughing now. The duchess was wary arid prudent. Much was required of the lady who would some day be duchess of Spalding. The duchess was not a vain woman, but she believed firmly in her own perfection, and had a comfortable idea that she was not quite as other people.

From the date of the ball the two girls bad been the queens of the county they were invited everywhere. Indeed so numerous were tne invitations that poured in upon them that the earl was obliged carefully to select them.

Every one was amused at the fate which bad overtaken the woman-hater. So untiring was he in his efforts to meet Daphne that he had been known to drive fifteen and twenty miles to ask iter an invitation to a ball or she was Towers near Abbey from Poole but the earl had been compelled laughingly to hint that once a day was sufficiently frequent for him to pay bis respects.

teen ana twenty umes 10 ass ror ition to a ball or party to which going. His residence, Hinton aear Abbey Dale, was six miles

Anxiously enough did Lord Cradoc wacch the effects produced on his charges by this accession of gayety. He was compelled to own to himself that a test of character it was a signal failure. Daphne accepted the pleasure that came in her way with the eager, frank happiness of a child. Nothing disturbed Irene's quiet serene dignity. Homage and admira tion were ners on all sides but nothing unduly elated her. Lord Cradoc could not but admit to himself that gayety and fashionable dissipation did not un ably affect his charges.

Christmas tame, and Daphne by the earl's desire, wrote to her father, begging him to come and spend it at Poole but be was too busy. The snow was lying thick at Northneld, and the artist wrote a long letter to Daphne, telling ber how ousily occupied ne was on a lecture in which the dark-blue tints of thti Sky were vividly contrasted with the dazzling expanse of snow. What te him was Poole, the pleasure of bis daughter's society, or anything else in oomparieon?

Daphne merely sighed over tbe letter, and said ft was just what she expected.

Never since the boys were young, and lere had been a great gathering of their friends and schoolfellows, bad there

there had been been such a Christmas at Poole. It was pittifol to those who were tender of heart to notice the channels in which the earl's charity ran. He sought out those who had lost their children, and to one okl labdrenofi the estate whose only son had died Of wet he hftd been bountifully generous:, he had spoken to him of tbe coming sorrow tbst had befallen them, and the old man bad turned away with tears hi hi* efees.

To the girls he gave carte blanckr. They could go over the estate, visit the cottages, ana give in reason what they alone Lady

TERRS HAUTE SATCIKKAY EVWLIM MAIL.

Id prot£ misstoi

Marcia with ber two young companions, started on her benevolent mission. They drove to Abbey Dale, where the earl owned a great deal of property— cottage property, some of it. They were to put upthecarriage at the Cradoc Arms and make their visit on foot.

It was a glorious morning—bright, cold and clear, the hoar-frost covering the earth as with a diamond tracery icicles hung like crystal pendants from roofs and eaves tbe robins were busy among the crimson berries. It was a day the three ladies could scarcely fail to enjoy.

When they returned in the evening— the light was dying from the sky and the ruddy crimson blaze from the windows was shining over the snow—they found that Mr. lugby had come over on business. Sir Trevor was there also he had driven over for the simple reason that he could stay away no longer.

Tbe girls came in, looking perfectly bewitching in their rich velvets and furs, with a ruddy bloom on their faces, bringing with them an atmosphere of fresh air and vitality that was delightful. Sir Trevor complained that he nad not been told of their errand,but Daphne assured him that he had quite enough to do in aitenaing to his own estate.

They were very merry during dinner, the girls having plenty of adventures to relate. Suddenly, when dinner was nearly ended, Irene turned to tbe earl. "Lord Cradoc," she said, "what a dreadful state those cottages in Abbey Dale are in!" "Which cottages?" asked the earl. "A long row ouilt near the hill, and called, I think, Hill View. They area disgrace to the estate."

Lady Ryeford' looked up in alarm. What was her imprudent, outspoken child about to say? Surely nothing that, would ruin her prospects with the earl If she could but stop her "Irene dearest," she expostulated, "what a word to use!" "It is the right word to use, I assure you, mamma," replied Irene seriously, "and the only one. They are simply a disgrace." "Did you speak of Hill View?" asked Daphne curiously, "Do you mean those lovely picturesque cottages covered with ivy? I thought them the prettiest little houses on the whole estate. I never saw such ivy tbe walls are covered with it, and it has climbed even to tbe roofs. There is a curious old well close by, under a splendid chestnut tree." "Qqite trtie," said, Irene. "Io,a picture to'otBing could be more charming— in daily life, nothing more baneful. The walls are damp and moldy from the ivy that you so admire, Daphne. In the whole row of cottages not a single window has beep made to open there is no ventilation whatever. Tbe well which, in a picture, would certainly be a most charming object, is tn reality an abomination. It supplies tbe only water those poor people have to drink, and it is poatively almost poison us."

A spasm of alarm crossed Lady Ryeford's face. If this imprudent daughter of hers would but be silent! She knewthe earl prided himself on the good management of the estate. She saw Mr. Rigby'sface grow serious, and her heart almost sa'dk within her. Oh for something to-check that imprudent girl!" "Is that really the case, Irene?" tasked the earlgraively. "Yes," she answered "it is-worse even than I have said." "Hill View was always, to my mind, the one weak spot, on the Poole estate," said Mr, Rigby. "I think it worse than weak," said Irene. "The health of the people who live there can never be good fever and rheumatism are always prevalent, and the children have anything but the look of country children. Such old dilapidated places should be pulled down." "Why," laughed Daphne, "it would be sheer vandalism to destroy such pretty quaint dwellings!" "One should study health before quaintness," said Irene. "The first duty of a landowner is to see that all his tenants have healthy habitable houses." "Quite right, Irene," assented the earl "you are quite right." "Thank Heaven!" said Lady Ryeford to herself. "But how foolish she is— how imprudent! She was just as likely to be wrong as right."

Daphne laughed again "Do not listen to her, Lord Cradoc," she said. "Irene is a veritable iconclast. Do not pull down those pretty cottages." "Which fair lady must I listen to? Which must I obey?" the earl asked, smiling. "Listen to me if you wish your tenants to be happy and healthy," said Irene. "Listen to me if you wish to preserve one of the most charming 'bits' of the estate," laughed Daphne.

Lord Cradoc looked at Mr. Rigby. "Between two such authorities, how am I to decide he asked.

But the lawyer shook head. "Your lordship must not appeal to me," he said "I should be distracted." "Listen to neither," put in Lady Ryeford, with a smile. "Please yourself, Lord Cradoc,you understood the management of an estate before they were born. "I am always open to reason and conviction," said the earl. "Perhaps you might make a compromise."remarked Lady Marcia, "and put Hill View into thorough repair." "That would never do. The cottages must comedown and berebuilton modern principles." said Irene. "Repairing would be worse than destruction," commented Daphne. "In either case one roust,bid farewell to the

And Lady Marcia said, with a laugh, that she had hot gained much by interference.

^CHAPTER XXIfc "I JBAVK SO CARDS TO PLAY."

ferent cigars, longing only to be somewhere near Daphne, soon found a pretext for withdrawing, which afforded great amueemfent to the e^ri and the liwyer. Sir Trevor triea to look indifferent,but bis face flushed as be heard the hearty laughter. '.'Miss Erlecote's blue eyes have some.thing to answer fat," Mid Mr. Rigby. "There was never such a case of complete conversion." "It would aot be half so bard," remarked tbe earl, "if be bad been like other yonng men. It le late in life for him to take the fever, and he has it badly." "very badly*" returned the lawyer:

uand

ady Ryeford red bis lord-

smilingly and suavely ship that though nothing would give her grerter pleasure, she really was not accustomed to that kind or work dear Lady Marcia, however, would probably be quite at home la it. iM Mthme wm after Lady Mareta's own heart: she was a model

ttIedy

Bountiful," and, having ascertained from tbe earl bow much money ml^ht be spent, thoroughly enjoyed the prospect Before ber.

Two d*ys before Chriatasaa day Lady

ft strikes me be will find there Is but one cure." Then the two men drew their chairs to the fire, and began to discuss matters of mors serious importance titan Or Trevor's love aflkirs. "Lord Cradoc," said Mr. Rigby, "I do not know if the same idea has occurred to yon as to myself." ''Let os see," responded the earL "I

^^^flwartS^eJ^iftwhnfc Mta Byeferd saM during dinner. J, thought tbe ideae she expressed were ripe for her yeMna^Ithink sha Is vwypiudsatand

"Sxsefcly my opinion," said the earl, and the two men looked at each other. "If she had managed an eetate for years, she could not understand the duties of a landowner better.' "It is not often that a young girl has so much sense," said the earl. "Sensibility and love of tbe pictuesque are very charming," remarked th 'but

the law-

soundTcommon-sense isbet-

yer ter." "Yes, certainly. But perhaps, if Miss Erlecote imagined that the duties of a landowner might devolve upon her, she would think differently." "I do not think so," confessed the lawyer. "In many respects the characters of the girls are equally balanced but here the sound judgment of the one pronounoed against the oottages uo matter how pretty or how picturesque they might be, if they were bad for the tenantss they must go. It was the right spirit." "Yes," admitted the earl, "it was "The other," continued Mr. Rigby "cared and thought more about the picturesque appearance of the cottages than the well-being of the tenants." "Do you think it a fair test asked Lord Cradoc. "Yes." replied his companion, after a short pause, "I do. Each expressed her candid opinion without the slightest reserve. Each un the spur of tbe moment said what she thought. And how different those' thoughts were! The said, 'Study the' tenant first—the tenant's health and comfort. Never mind expense sacriflce sacrifice appearance rebuild.' The other said virtually, 'Do not destroy what is picturesque do not sacrifice beauty to health.' To my mind such language conveys much." "Miss Erlecote's words were lightly spoken, I am sure," said the earl. "No doubt," agreed the lawyer "but it is by the thoughts which prompt the spoken words that we should judge character." "Certainly," said the earl. "If you take this last expression of opinion as a test, there can be little doubt as to which would bestadminis ter a large estate." "I dare say not," said the earl.

But the lawyer fancied that the words were half reluctantly spoken. "Of course," he continued, "the first thing you have to think of is Poole—the interests of the estate, the honor of the house, and its future prosperity. To my mind, they would be safe in either hands but you must choose the more able." "Certainly," said Lord Cradoc. "What is personal fancy compared with tbe good of the property and the honor of tbe house? Miss Erlecote, if she became Countess of Cradoc, would be adored— positively adored. She would be liberality itself—would give royally on all sides but I doubt whether she would administer juitise." "Your lordship hps indicated the vital difference between the two characters," said Mr. Rigby. "Both are generous, noble, loyal but Miss ErlecoteTs swayed by feeling. Miss Ryeford by principle.

That's the radical difference between them." "I think it is,"allowed theearlslowly. "You are right, Mr. Rijgby. You have made a discovery that Marcia and iy I have failed to qaake, and it is an important one." "Have you said anything yet, Lord Cradoc," asked Mr. Rigby, after some minutes silence, "as to your motive iu asking the young laflies here

4,No

I have never even hinted at it,"

answered the earl. "Do you think that either of them suspects it asked the lawyer. "No I feel sure that they do not," replied Lord Cradoc. "Then," said Mr. Rigby solemnly, "I should say they ought to know. The succession to a great estate is a very important matter, and I do think the sooner this affair is settled tbe better." "I agree with you," returned the earl. "But do you think, Rigby, that there is an absolute necessity for my telling them?" "Yes. I think most decidedly they

leave that artist-father of her'n, and come here to live with Lady Marcia. She could never go home to that kind of lite again—never." "True," said the earl—"most true." "If you should select Miss Ryeford," pursued the lawyer, "you must make some arrangement for her mother. The most natural would be that she should come to live here. You could not separate mother and daughter." "Would that my sons were still living!" sighed the earl. "So," concluded Mr. Rigby,"for maBy reasons I think it much better that you should tell them. And no one can do it so well as yourself." "Then 1 will not delay," said Lord Cradoc and he kept his word.

He would have spoken to the girls that night but there was no getting rid of Sir Trevor. "I can see," said the young baronet to Daphne that night, "that every one wants me to go. Lady Marcia has awned a dozen times or more Lady yeford has looked most pathetically at her watch: Miss Ryeford's eyes say gloomily^ 'I am tired' and yet I cannot tear myself away. Why is it, do you think?"

Daphne shook ber head. "!v "Howcan I tell? But I think, if I were in your place, and saw distinctly that every one wishes me to go, I should endeavor to meet their wishes." "Would you he questioned. "That is quite sufficient, Miss Erlecote I Will wish you good evening." "I do not wish to be unkind," explained Daphne. "You are more thon unkind," be said "yon are indifferent."

But Daphne did not grieve she knew that be would be back early the next day to unsay his words of the previous night.

On tne following morning the earl took breakfast with the ladies. It was not bis custom to do so, and they thought he looked anxious and careworn. "I should be glad," he said, after a time, "it you would all come to tbe library presently. I have something important to say to you, and it will be best said when we are all together."

Lady Marcia, as a matter of course, guessed what was coming but Lady Ryeford looked up In surprise. "I bope there is nothing wrong?" she said hurriedly. "No, nothing wrong," replied the earl "but there is much at stake."

Half an hoar afterward they met in the Ubrary. Lady Ryeford looked pale and anxious. What could this solemn council be about she wondered. Had her suspicion been correct? Had they assembled in respect for tbe Inheritance of Poole? If so, well might tbe earl say there was much at stake.

Daphne end Irene suspected nothing they could scarcely imagine that anything more important than a ball or a party was on the tapia. They found the ear! seated at his writing-table, and the girls, who loved bim forhlmself and hi* gentle kindueaa, approached him with

•-"•OSS-..

-T,

Know

That BROWN'S IRON BITTERS will cure the worst case of dyspepsia. .,

Will insurea hearty appetite A and increased digestion.l.

Cures general debility, and gives a new lease of life.

Dispels nervous depression and low spirits,

Restores an exhausted nursing mother to full strength and gives abundant sustenance for her child,

Strengthens the muscles and nerves,enriches the blood.

Overcomes weakness, wakefulness, and lack of

energy

beep's off all chills* fevers,, and other malarial poison.

„Will infuse with new lifer the weakest invalid. "v/ I

Walker St., Baltimore, Dec. 1881.

Fot six yean I have been a peat,

ftfi 4^ *ufferer from Blood Disease, Dyspepsia, aadCoiwtipation.andbecameso debilitated thiktl Could not retain anything-on tr.y stomach, in fact, ~'J life had almost beconfe a burden.

Finally, when hope, had almost left.me,'my husband seeing Btfowu'SHs IKON BITTERS advertised in th paper, induced me to give it a trial, .vj- I am now taking the third bottle

fi*"%

.* and have not felt so Well in six years as I do at the present time.

Mrs. li F. GRIFFIN.

twroffwrn tm -SOT

"^BROWN'S IRON BITTERS 2 will have a better tonic^ effect upon any one who needs "bracing up," than any medicine made. *T

V* 'n'VttT

[Continued.] OHAPTEK II..

wonderful and invsterious Curative power is developed which is so varied in its operations that no disease or ill health can possibly exist or resist its power, and' yet it is

Harmless for the most frail woman, weakest invalid or smallest child to use. "Potients "Almost dead or nearly dying"

For years, and given up by pbvsicians of Bright'* find other kidney diseases, liver compluints, severe coughs called consumption, have been cured.

Women gone nearly crazy! From agony of neuralgia,nervousness, wakefulness and various diseases peculiar to women.

People drawn out of shape from excruciating piuigs of KheumatiHin. Inflammatory and chronic, or suffering from scrofula, erysipelas!

Salt rheum, blood poisoning, dyspepsia. In-, digestion, ana In fnct almost all diseases frail Nature is heir to

Have been oured by Hop Bitters, proof of which can be found in every neighborhood of the known wor d. (Continued from hut week.)

How Watch Cases are Made.

In 1875, thirteen men comprised the entire working force used in ihe manufacture of the James JBostf Oold Wateh Case. Now over five hundred are employedjand the number is constantly increasing. The reason of this increase is this: In the James Boss' Oold Waich Case all the metal in sight and subject to wear is solid jroM,while the remainder, which only lends strength to the case, is of stronger metal than gold, giving gold where gold is needed, and strong, elastic metal where strength and elasticity are needed, a combination ducing a watch case better tlian solid and at ONE-HALF the cost.

O§£J«««progold

TBAB

Over 200,000 of these cases have been sold, and every jeweler in thecoUntry can testify to their quality and merit. LWDIKOTOW, Mtcit., Dec. 6,1882.

E. W. Mmili, of the democrat, bought a JM. Booa* Gold Watch caae 18 years ago, and carried It until a short time ago, when I puroha»ed It, and sold it to a customer. Tne caae showed no alalia Of wear, except that natural to any ca«x and I am satlnflod can be •afehrffoaraateed for atTeaat ten year* more. I have 'ames BOM'OoldWatch Caae for many yeara,

fehrgoaraai Id the Jamei the parti

Orst one* are carryas though they had twice the money. I

tfala kind a Jt

«c to give his ctotomct or values hia reputation WM.

KS-firjs?

ctiatomchi tbe 'tictUr.

JTCUSHWAY,

worth of their money

|m Mat rtoi) to IIPLOE Watch

FacUrtea, Wit.

Mplda, K,OrMliisi niartraM NaipbMcbowtachow lawn Bomf art Kqil—i WaUfc

C»—»

t•

WbeOonttoufidl

CUPS Q*

5221 doctor IE33

LINDSEY'S

FIMPLEJS.

BLOOD

OLD SORtSV

Afmtn irtfAi

ffi

*IO FOUPL.

Mary Stnart Face Powder This Powder eontains no Arsenic, lima or W hlte Lead

Not b«ing poiaonone iay be used

delicate

lit may 'the most lady it will the skin, »nu wua remorg Frecklessnd Tan, and allay irritation. Artists who are obliged tome* cosmetic, f«comlend Mary Stuart 'MI Power as tbe-

without, fear. II not rodgben kin, and will

moat harmless. A 4isUagul*b«dmeWMon akin diseases says: "If isdlM marl use cosmetics. I reoomend M*ry iMu«rt Feee Powder

tbs simplest and most hencleH.***

Fl«b or White. Price «cjnta j^r oo*. A««tit far Terr* Haute, ind^ "T2 GULIOK

CO.