Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 15, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 6 October 1883 — Page 6

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Tllli MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

Her Mother's Sin

BY THB AtPraOB OF

... "Dora Thorne," "Lady Darner's Secret," 3lt "The Shadow of a Bin," "Love .y cjj§ for a Day,"etc.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

,, 'FABK YOU SUBB THAT HE 18 YOUR SON, Y$ LORD OBADOO?" '&>¥ The earl walked up and down the terrace for a short time with Mr.'Rigby.

He began to recover from the strain on bis nerves, from the great surprise. For the first time in many months a tinge of color came to his face. ••The air is wonderful this morning," he said to the lawyer. "I have never felt it so invigorating as now." "Ah, that is easily accounted for, Lord Cradoc! Such wonderful news would make any air bracing." "You do not think be will die?"—and the earl looked anxiously at Mr. Rigby. "He appears to be very ill but surely Heaven will spare him to us?" "There is no knowing what Lady Marda's good nursing may not do. Look on the bright side, Lord Cradoc hope for the best." "It will be an anxious time for Irene," said the earl. "She will bear it perfectly, I know and doubtless Arran will be content. Still it will be a blow to ber, and to Lady Ryeford a terrible one." "Yes," agreed Mr. Rigby, "she will feel it most. The girls are young and generous but Lady Ryeford has a keen eye to the main chance—no one more so. After all," he continued, "no barm has been done. The three ladies have had a delightful visit, and will leave here much better off, in any case, than they came." ,,

"I have already planned," said the earl, that Irene shall have the Manor House at West Lynn—that is, if Bertie consents, and I know he will—and two thousand per annum goes with it. In my opinion she will like that even better than Poole, and Arran, too. He is a fine fellow—Arran. Daphne I always iuteuded to portion off, I love her with all my heart. But say nothing of these intentions of mine. The disclosure will, indeed, be a true test of character. Irene will pass through the ordeal splendidly, I am sure." "There is little doubt of that," returned the lawyer. "But, in my opinion, Lady Ryeford will be more difficult to manage." "We will go to the music room and tell them," said the earl, with a bright face. "It is only right they should hear the news from me—and it will soon spread. We will go at once." "You are sure that you feel equal to it, Lord Cradoc?" asked Mr. Rigby. "Yes with every breath I draw I feel better," he replied. "I feel renewed life, renewed vigor."

He led the way to the music-room. Irene was still at the piano, Arran leaning on the back of ber chair Lady Ryeford was knitting something pretty in fleecy wool, the bright crimson hue of which contrasted well with her white hands* Irene left oft playing when she saw the earl his face struck ber as bearing a very unusual expression. Lady Ryeford looked up with a pleasant smile—she always made a point ofgiving the earl a smiling greeting whenever she saw him. "I did not know you were here," said Arran to Mr. Rigby.thinking how pleas1 ant a game of billiards would haveHbeen. "I came over on business. I have been here more than half an hour." "Very important business." said the calm voice of Lady Ryeford, "if one may judge by Mr. Rigby's face."

In one moment she had guessed something approaching the truth. She thought Mr. Rigby had read the paragraph in the Times, and had come to discuss it with the earl. Still it might not be true or, if any one had been saved, it need not of necessity be Lord Cradoc's son. Yet on the face of the earl and the '"V lawyer there was an ominous expression.

She resolved to know the worst at once. "i think," shesad sauvely, repressing her torturing anxiety, "that inost gentlemen love the souud of that word 'business'." "Such business as I have come on today, Lady Ryeford," Mr. Rigby replied, "they may well like."

Indeea 1" she said. "It is business which concerns me closely, ands alter me, you—all of you," remarked the earl.

Her heart beat fast the ghastly pallor of her face was perceptible even through her rouge. She foresaw the downfall of all the glorious hopes and plans that of late made her life so bright.

The earl sat down and looked from one facc to another Irene's was full of tender sympathy, Arran'sof warm interest. "I nave good news to-day," be said. "I have oome to tell it to you, knowing

that you will sympathize with me, feeliug sure that you will rejoice in my joy. This bouse only yesterday was a house of mourning, now it la a house full of rejoicing." "It is true, then," thought Lady Ryeford, "quite true," and she stood listening like one stricken dumb.

Had they noticed the terrible expression of her CMO they jnight hate been ^rned. I "That has happened which none of as dreamed of," continued the earl. "One of the sons whom I have so long mourned as dead has been given back to me alive."

The next moment he found Irene standing beside him. ber arms around his neak, her face wet with happy tears. •*, "Wemreiw glad, so happy, clear Lord

Cradoc." "You are really pleased, my dear?" "I thank Heaven for you,* she said— "you who have been so kind, so geuerous to us. We rejoice In your oappl-

"But think how you will low by it," •aid the earl wistfully. "I am delighted to do so" she responded brightly, "seeing how you gjaln."

Then Arran Darleigh came forward and took the earl's trembling hands In

his. "My dear Lord Grftdoc," be said, "this la the happiest day ef my life. 1 am happy and pleased for your take hat I am doubly so for my own. It will now be for me to offer my wife fortune and honors."

Lady Ryeford stood dumb with horror, despair in ber heart and on ber faoe. "I declare," continued Arran, "the news has made me one of the happleat men in the world. I could not say much, because I grieved so for your loaa of both sons but the arrangement as totbe succession was most distasteful to me. I The very thought of it gave pae the idea of having a millstone around my neck."

Bitter, terrible words came from the white compressed lips of Lady Hyofbrd, bat no one heard them.,

"Yon ease my heart of a great load," said the earl. "I was a little apprebensive." "I do not believe it," laughed Irene. "You knew us better, Lord Cradoc. You knew we must rejoice in your good fortune it could not have been otherwin." "You have not congratulated me, Lady Ryeford,," said the.earl. "I congratulate your lordship," she said but the congratulation sonnded like a curse. She oould not banish the despair from her eyes, the malign, evil look from ber face, so ghastly white beneath the rogue. "But, Lord Cradoc,"cried Irene, "you have hot told us which it is—whicn of your boys was saved, and how?" "It is Bertie." he replied "not the elder but Bertie. But be seems very ill and weak, poor fellow."

There was a terrible gleam in the eyes of Lady Ryeford. Ill and weak! Then he might aie, after all and the desire of her heart was that he might die soon. "We must all help to nurse him," put in Arran in his cheery voice. "Heaven bless him! My wife will now be my very own." "Fool!" said the angry woman to heirself. "The boy has robbed my daughter of a fortune!" .. "Bo let me see him, Lord Cradoc," begged Irene, with a smile. "He is ill," said Mr. Rigby. "It will not do to excite him." "Is he very ill?" asked Irene. "He is suffering from the effects of a wound,' replied the earl, "a wound that left a terrible scar on bis temple."

No one saw the lurid light that blazed in the eyes of the cold, handsome woman—terrible now in their anger as they had never been before. "I cannot help feeling a little anxious about him,"said the earl. "His brother's death preys much upon his mind." "He will get over that," declared Ar ran, blithely. "With cheerful society be will soon be well. He must have gone through enough to prostrate a stronger man. Be of good cheer, Lord Cradoc I trust all will be well."

"Are you sure that he is your son, Lord Cradoc?'' asked Lady Ryeford, quickly. "There are so many impostors." "There are none here, my dear lady, thauk Heaven! It is not as though my son had been long absent, and there had been time to forget him. It is not so many months since he left, although it seems terribly long to me. He is not changed at all whereas, when he left home, he was the picture of health and strength. How can I be sufficiently thankful to have him back again? Lady Ryeford, do you not sympathize with me?"

She made an effort to shake off the

Eer*

aralysis that seemed fast overtaking "I think you are very fortunate, Lord Cradoc?" she said, in a cold voice. She could never forget that his gain was her loss—her terrible loss. "I little dreamed that this morning was the precursor of such a bright and happy dav," observed Irene.

And in'his'heart Lord Cradoc felt that he loved her more than ever. CHAPTER XXXIX. "FROM MY HEART I BID YOU WELCOME

HOME."

"You must rest, Bertie," said Lady Marcia. "You know bow far from strong you are. If you are good and obedient, you shall see Irene and Lady Ryeford this evening. Another old friend of yours is coming over—Sir Trevor."

The young heir's face brightened at his name. "I shall be glad to see him. Daphne, do you know him?"

A rosy flush dyed the sweet face. Daphne was only too conscious that she knew rather too much of him, for he pursued her like her shadow. Lord Hyde wondered what the blush meant. "How we laughed at him{ Alaric and I! He didn't like ladies' society in those days. When we were out riding together, if he saw a carriage coming, he would say, 'Turn the other way, boys here are some of those terrible women. They are sure to keep us half an hour at least.' It amused us so. Is he just the same now?" "No, not quite," replied Lady Marcia "You will see for yourself, if you will only rest this one afternoon. You are quite unfit for exertion. You shall go iuto the drawing room this evening, and there you will see everybody." "I feel quite rich in relatives now," said Lord Hyde. "Alaricand I often regretted that we were

few in family.

When we heard people whom we met abroad talking of their numerous relatives, we felt rather lonely at times, remembering we had but two, our father and Aunt Marcia. It is true they are two worth a hundred others." "My dearest Bertie, do not talk so much. Rest for the next few hours then do what you will." "I will rest if Daphne will, stay with me/'hesaid.

"Ah! then you would not rest at all. You would talk, both of you. No, Daphne must go, and I will sit here." "You are always adorable, Aant Marcia. If Daphne goes away, when will she come back? Looking at her makes me think of morning sunlight, blooming roses, forget-me-nots growing near the brook."

Daphne laughed audi flattering words coulcf scarcely fail to please a young girl, "My father would like you," she said, naively

"you

are evidently an artist at

heart." "Is your father an artist, Daphne?" fee asked.

!ii

And with simple fii§» she re plied: "Yes he is Que of tfcfinist artists in, the world.* M.

Catching another despeiring glance from Lady Marcia, Daphne's conscience smote her. It was very plain that while she remained he would never stop talking. "I must go," she said "but, Lady Marcia, if—if he—that It, if you want me you will lie sure to send for me?" "Quite sure, if 1 want you," answered Lady Marcia, with an inwardoonviction that such would not be the esse. "I do not like to lose sight of her for a moment," said Lord Hyde. "I have never had a sister before. Annt Marcia," he added in a half whisper, which, however, reached Daphne's ears, "do you think 1 might ask her to kiss me again?" "My dear boy, 1 do not know," answered Lady Marcia.

But Daphne took the matter into her own hanas. He had but just escaped from tbe very jaws of death, he looked very wan and ill. Danhae's loving heart went out to him, full of pity im brat over him and touched his forehead with her lips. Then she went out, closing the do^r carefully, lest a sound should disttt' him.

N'OW, my Bertie, rest," said Lady Jtu ia genuy. 1 'to not think I can, aunt. For I ha.»»nidea that almost bewilders me. It s»^«ns to me really that Heaven has

Daphne to me in Alaric's place. I lesolate withovt him that I did 4 *vea care for life, and now I find her bis place. She should be oalled

iH** domtMC,

for she is God-given to me.

4lts ha* AJarfc** Usee, his smile, his Uoyblng. happy eyea,hJ» vote*. loan* •ui gat over my •atonMimattt,*

"It does seem strange," allowed Aunt Mai-ma. "Yet it is merely natural ooincidence. Alaric had the Cradoc face and so has Daphne." I "Aunt Marcia, do you remember that

Bweet hymn you sang to us at night years ago—to Alaric and ma If you would sing it now I am sure that I should sleep."

And the voice that had never been raised in song since "the boys" were lost sounded now like the dying echo ef the summer wind. The children bad always loved the hy mH— "O Thou Whoon the waters deep" —and as Bertie listened to the familiar words, his eyes closed.

When Lady Marcia looked at him again he was sound asleep, and this time all tbe lines'of pain and exhaustion were gone and a happy smile was on his lips. "He will live, I believe," she stud, "and, if he does, it will be Daphne who will have saved him."

Lady Marcia did what any good woman would have done—sue knelt down by his side and prayed. It seemed to her that she had not half thanked Heaven for this great mercy. She wept and prayed, thanks blending with petitions that, now he was safely home, he might live.

The earl, returning to look once more at his son, saw him lying in this peaceful, profound slumber, with LadyMsrcia's head bent over him, and silently closed tbe door. He would not intrude upon such a scene as that.

After a time Lady Marcia, worn out with her emotions, fell asleep also and the two who loved each other almost as mother and son were at peace together.

From the library Dapnn^ went at once to the picture gallery. She longed to see that other face again. The light was waning now, for the winter day was drawing to a close. There was in the western sky a weird, yellow light, which as it fell on the pictures seemed to erabue them with lire. A sqnse of awe came over Daphne. Could this perfectly ideal and beautiful face be the presentment of that down stairs, so pale and worn? "How he seems to love me!'? she thought—she quite forgot that their friendship had not eitended over many hours. "I must do all I can for him," thought innocent Daphne, all unconscious of what was passing in her heart. "The earl has been so kind to me now I can make some return by helping to nurse his son back to health."

But, like every one else, Daphne felt some little alarm. He was so very ill, and his wound was so terrible. She looked up at the face in the picture. "Ah. poor fellowl" she cried. "Surely —surely you have not come home to die?"

Then she bethought herself that on that evening she would wear her prettiest dress and flowers, since he seemed to love them. It was not dark yet she would have plenty of time to run down to the river bank and gather some for-

Set-me-nots.

She would wear only

owers in ber hair, just to please him. "I am glad that I am like Alaric." she said to herself "he will love me all the more."

4 y*

The room was shadowy when Bertie opened his eyes again, and found Lady Marcia still kneeling by his side. The deep sleep had greatly relieved him the confusion had passed from his brain. Where was his beautiful, golden-haired sister? "Daphne!" was the first word he ut-

Lady Marcia looked at him smilingly. "You shall see Daphne. You area good boy, Bertie, as you always Were. You have slept for three whole hours now you may do just as you like.'' "That was sleep, Aunt Marcia," he said, as he bent down and* kissed her. "On board, coming home, I rarely slept. The wash of the water constantly awoke me it was so like the rush of our beautiful river at home. You say that I may do as I like. Let me see Irene, will you, Aunt Marcia? Is she anything like Daphne?'' "No, not at all," replied Lady Marcia "and I must confess I love Daphne best."

She certainly was not like Daphne, he decided, when Irene appeared, in answer to a summons from Lady Marcia but, as she stood before him, the beautiful, passionate face bright with smiles, the dark eyes gleaming, Lord Hyde felt that he bad never seenso perfectly beautiful a woman—a very queen, with the curve of the mouth and throat that one finds in the masterpieces of Greek art.

As she approached him with outstretched hand, she, struck as Daphne had been, by the white wan lace, knelt down by bis side, in womanly sweetness and tender compassion. "Welcome home," she said—"a thousand times welcome home!' "So you are Irene? H6w fortunate I am to find here two such gentle kins women! And you are really pleased to see me, Irene "I am truly. I do not believe that any one could be more so. From my very heart I bid yon 'Welcome home.'"

He clasped Irene'shands with emotion and kissed them. "My return will affect you, Irene, seriously," he said. "They tell me you were to nave been Countess of Cradoc." "A baseless vision!" she replied, haughtily. "Dear Lord Hyde, it was a splendid future: but life held something even sweeter and brighter—did it not, Lady Marcia?" "Yes, it did, and does, my dear. Bertie will see all that for himself.". "Among all your friends," Irene said, as she leaned over him, "none bids you a truer or more loving welcome than I. Some day—and the day is not far off—I shall have a title that I love even better than that of Countess of Cradoc. Can you believe that?" "I can believe anything you say," he replied.

And Irene, whose kisses bad been sacred to Arran, bent down swiftly and pressed her lips to Bertie's brow. 'CHAPTER Xli -ifc "I QUOH3,, TO AJPOJXOiZE FOB BKIKGI .:i.. .f.,' AUVK.'V ,/

Throughout tbe mansion was diffused a spirit of joy and festivity to which it bad long been a stranger. The wonderful news bad spread among the servants. Grey, who had nursed "the lads" and played with them, who h*d worshipped them from tbe time they were curlyhaired children, whose hair had grown white, like his master's with sorrowing for them, bad been found at tbe door of the library, crying like a child, craving to see "Master Bertie."

Lord Hyde beard his voice and called him in. He used to tell in years afterward how tbe old man fell upon his knees snd cried when he saw him, blessing Hdfcven that this great mercy had been vouchsafed to him before be died.

Then all the faithful old servants, one after another, had made their way totbe library door, and asked to see him. The earl, perfectly bewildered between bap piness and anxiety, paced op and down bis room. The rumor spread rapidly that Bertie was saved, and was home n. Tbe keepen from the woods, tbe boatmen from the river, tbe laborers from the estate, all came running to the K»II

Was what they beard true -that the yoaac mast» had been picked np at sea,"

TTf/.

TERRS HAUTE SAT\J&±JA.Y EVEasiJNU MAIL.

was living, and had come back?

Now dinner was over, and the ladies adjourned to the drawing room, Daphne conscious of looking herbest, in a dress of white silk with fine cloudy lace, her goden hair decked with the blue forget-me-nots from the river bank, and a few sprays of the sau^e blue flower at her breast. "Dapbne," cried Bertie, eagerly, not seeming to notice any one else as ne entered the room and settled himself on a couch, "come here. I have been longihg to see you again," he whispered, as she seated herself bv him. "Once or twice I have been afraid that.it was all a dream."

His eyes lingered on her with passionate fondness. Then Lady Marcia came up with so many injunctions that he fairly laughed aloud. He might talkshe wished him to do so—but he must lie down and not agitate himself, "It is absurd, Aunt Marcia, for a great fellow like me to be lying on a sofa like a delicate girl!" "Ah my dear, be patient," she begged. "Think what a narrow escape you have had of lying elsewhere. Daphne, you must sit by him and keep him in order." "I am quite willing," said Miss Erlecote. "Daphne," asked Lord Hyde, "where did you get those beautiful forget-me-nots? Do you know they are just the color of your eyes—the self-same blue?" "I got them by the river-side. It is very early for them but I thought you would like them." "Did you really gather them and don them to please me?" he asked. "Certainly I did."

Then she dropped her blue eyes, wondering if she had said anything wrong. Never was girl more charmingly innocent and free from guile than Daphne. Coquetry and flirtation were as a sealed book to her. It seemed only natural that in her sisterly capacity she should do everything to please her young kinsman. "Knowing you love the river," she said, as though in explanation, "I naturally thought you would like to see some flowers from Its banks." "Truly a happy thought," he remarked.

A shadow fell upon Daphne's golden head. Looking up, he saw a tall, stately woman dressed in black velvet and wearing some fine.diamonds. Her face was handsome, but her eyes had a cold, bard expression. They seemed to exercise a malign influence over him in his neryous, excited stats he could have fancied that a cold wind blew over him—that an icy hand had touched his heart. "I congratulate you, Lord Hyde," she said, "on your very unexpected return.''

There was nothing in the words, but they sanded to him almost like a curse. Daphne shivered and shrank as she never had before. Lord Hyde was at a loss for a reply. "You do not know me," she said, with an icy smile, "and there is no one to introduce me. I am Lady Ryeford, Irene's mother."

The tone in which she uttered the words conveyed as plainly as possible, "The mother of the girl to whom your return is a grevious wrong." He felt it so but without comment, he held out his hand to her, and said, simply: "I thank you, Lady Ryeford. My return is most unexpected, even to myself." "I should have thought," she continued, "that you.might have ifet the earl know you were living. He has suffered such terrible anxiety, and other people's lives have been sadly disturbed—ana all for uotbing. Surely, in these days of steam and telegraph, you might have communicated with him."

Daphne looked up, her face burning with indignation to hear him spoken to in that fashion but Lord Hyde laughed. "I had unfortunately received a blow on the head, which brought on fever, and the fever took away my senses. That was why I could not write."

She uttered no word of sympathy the cold, bard look deepened on her face. Lord Hyde went on: "Perhaps I ought to apologize for being alive when every one believed me dead but my dear father was well pleased to see me." "So was I," declared Daphne, in hot indignation. "Every one was delighted and happy to welcome you."

Lady Ryefords's cold, proud eyes dwelt scornfully on tbe fair, flushed face. "You are exciting yourself needlessly Mtn» Erlecote," she said. "Naturally enough, every one would be delighted t« welcome the return of tbe young b$r," and the emphasis she bad on the last two words made Daphne's faoe burn, although she could not tell why.

Then Lady Ryeford sailed majestically across the room. "Daphne," said Lord Hyde, in a half amused, hslf pained tone, "that woman hates me." "I believe she does," was tbe quick reply but she might ft least not show it. None of us like her. Lady Marcia and I have often wondered bow it was that a woman so haughty and self-interested could have a daughter like Irene. She is honestly, heartily glad that you are here, as is her lover, Arran Darleigh. He could not bear tbe idea that she was to be an heiress." "He is a Radical, I hear," said the young lord. "I know," returned Daphne, "that he is a noble, good, clever man." "There could scarcely be higher praise," said Lord Hyde. "I love him very much," continued Daphne, earnestly. "You what, Dapbnei?" he asked quickly. "I love him very much," she repeated "at least, that is (Hi, you know

8Ie

uiet well what I mean, Lord Hyde. Is a dear friend of mine."

think Irene is to be congratulated on her lover," he said. Then, after a panse, be added, "Is there some one who has a penchant for you, Daphne?" "No," she replied, with a blush, ber beautiful head drooping. "I am glad—bearUly/' be said. "Are you? Wby^sbe asked "Wbv, if there wore some one who wanted you always to talk to him, slog to him, and walk with him. you would not have any time to spare for me." "That is perfectly true," wit* answered. **Bnt, Dsrtie, I am afraid I have made

,i r'if-

4 4

Rumor always flies. The news reached Sir Trevor before many hours were over, and the Duke of Spalding that same day. The county had never been in such a turmoil before—never bad such general sympathy and delight been shown.

In the brilliantly-lighted dining room a gay party were assembled. Lord Hyde bad gone down while dinner was being served and he could not help smiling at the peculiar bearing of the servants to him. They still seemed half afraid of him—as though he had come from another world they scanned him with shy, rapid glances, and listened with deep attention when he spoke, as though there was something supernatural in the tones of his voice. There bad been some diffi culty in finding clothes for him, for the young m&n had grown since he left home: but Lady Marcia bad fortunately found a dress-Suit which Alaric had left behind when starting on his travels. Bertie laughed, with what looked like tears in his eyes, when he saw himself once more in the evening costtime of polite sodety.

a mistake there is some one who is al ways telling me how much he admires me. But I do not like him much—only pretty well.' "If I were you, I would not let any one tease me in that fashion," said the young lord wisely. "I believe," he broke off suddenly, "that Lady Ryeford has an evil eye. I cannot help*it, but I turn cold every time she looks at me. I have not «een Arran Darleigh yet. Do you think I shall like bim?" "I am sure you will,' she replied, loyally. "You will not agree—that is quite certain—on many points but you are sure to like and respect each other." "What a pbilosophet you are, Daphne!" he commented. "Do you know, I cannot help repeating now glad I am that you are fancy free?" "Yes it is a good thing," said Daphne, quaintly. "I shall be able to devote myself entirely to my new brother."

Lady Maacia came up just then to see if he was overtiring himself. Aunt Marcia," cried the young lord, catching her hand, "I am so pleased to hear that Daphne is not engaged.'* "My dear boy," she returned, in amazement, "I am not sure that there is any reason for congratulation in that." "Oh, yes, there isT" he declared, cheerfully. "And Daphne thinks so. too. You see, now she will be able to give all her time to me." "I see," said Aunt Marcia, dryly.

Further reply she msde none, for at that moment two or three of the gentlemen advanced to speak to the young lord.

CHAPTER XLI.

"IF SHE DOBS IXKTE HIM, HEAVEN BLESS HER ALWAYS." Sir Tr&tfor was almost beside hltnself with joy because of Bertie's return. His handsome genial face flushed bis eyes shone with delight. "No one was more grieved over tbe bad news, no one rejoiced more over the good news than I, my dearest Bertie. Welcome home!"'

But looking at the wan face and transparent hands, he wondered, like every one else, if the young fellow had come home only to die. He was somewhat disconcerted when he saw the young lord take Daphne's hand and hold it tightly clasped in his. He looked from her to Sir Trevor and said: "You see, I am afraid

let her leave

me, lest I should awake suddenly and find myself back again in the dismal ship. It is all like a dream, and she is tbe fairest part of the vision." "Indeed she is," agreed Sir Trevor admiringly. "It must be a surprise to you to find such charming additions to tbe family circle." "I tnink it is perfectly delightful," said Lord Hyde. But, as he spoke, his eyes wandered to Lady Ryeford's face. He saw but little beauty there: she was watching him with a cola hard look. "We shall have some of the old days again," remarked Sir Trevor. "We shall gallop over the downs once more. Bertie, ana row on the river a.'l the old bright times will return." "But without Alaric," amended the young heir sadly. "You will have Miss Erlecote here," said Sir Trevor, "and she will take poor A lari/Vfe n1a/*A "Yes. she has promised to be as a sister to me," announced Lord Hyde.

Sir Trevor's face clearly instantly. Then they chatted together for a time, Daphne listening in sweet sympathetic silence. "That is Arran Darleigh then?" said Lord Hydesuddenly. "what a fine face! Why, Daphne, you did not tell me how handsome he was!"

Then all conversation was hushed, for Irene began the earl's favorite song, "When Sparrows Build." Never had the words seemed so full of pathos: "But perhaps I shall meet thee and know thee again ^..

When the sea gives up her dead." Not a sound broke the silence when the old earl crossed the room to where his son was lying, a'^u, trending down, kissed bim tenderly. "I shail love the sea now," he said, •'for, if it has taken one son from me, it has borne the other bacH to me on its broad bosom. l)aphne, do you remember, when I first saw you at the old Manor House, how the first sight of the blue shining waters bad unnerved me "How completely she Is one of them!" thought Sir Trevor. "They never seem to dream of any one else wanting her."

The same thought passed through Lady -Ryeford's molevolent xnind. "A happy family party!" she said to herself, with a sneer. "What a lovely song that is," said Lord Hyde, "and what a« marvelous voice Irene has! Ask ber to sing something more."

With a bright smile Irene looked across tbe room at him.' "Tell Lord Hyde," she said to Arran, "that I will sine all the evening for bim, if he wishes it." "I shall take no strch message, Miss Ryeford," replied Arran. "If you sing all tbe evening, it will be to please me. and no one else. I am beginning to feel jealous."

"You have such cause," she remarked. "Now listen, Arran. My next song shall be a sad one—'A Regret.'" "Yours be the blame,' she said, and sighed •Your* be the blame for«li I feeL'

Sue turned away upon her heel, And saw him leave ulna wonder-eyed 11 Then suddenly with no good-by. Before the morrow came, he died.

"Of what awail then sighs or tears For spoken words that left a sting Will he remember anything

Of that which haunts ber through the years, Or hear the echo of her sigh. Or share the burden that she bears?. "'Mine was the blame,'she weeps and cries 'O love, my love, mine was the blame I'

Hedoes not answer to hlsname, Or soothe ber now with soft replies His form Js hid from human eyes, His mind is closed to memories." "A beautiful though sad song, with a wsrning in it," remarked Arran. "Yon must not quarrel with me, Irene." "I never shall, Arran. 1 have never quarreled with any one in my whole life yet, except She stopped!, and a look of pain came over her face. "Except my mother," she said slowly. "We have not always agreed on every subject." "Lady Kyeford doee not look like herself to-night,"|observed Arran. "I am afraid this is a great disappointment to her, Irene. She loves money, or rather what it brings, so much." "I know she is disappointed and it is only natu ral. We have youth and love, dear but to mamma power and wealth are al! in all. Have you spoken to Lord Hvdeyet."

r'No.

The earl begged as to be careful

lam waiting until Sir Trevor leaves bim." "Sir Trevor will not move while Daphne is there, unless be is sent for. I will •sod for bim."

A few minutes afterward be redved a messsgn from Miss Ryeford, saying that she much wished to speak to bim. "To speak to me?1 echoed the baronet in surpise. What an extraordinary thing! I new remember ber wanting to speak to me before."

He looked disconsolately at Daphne, who was laughing at his rueful Csee. "Most I go, do yoa think?" he asked. "Certainly. How can yoa refaes?'*.

"I may cosae cack to my place hereagain?" he said. "Of course von may," laughed the young lord. "Yoa ought to be delighted when a charming young lady sendsfor you. But I forgot—you are no great admirer of the sex." "I am one of the sex," said Sir Trevor bluntly. "That is bad," rejoined Lord Hyde. "It would be much safer to admire the-'4®1 sex collectively."

Still Sir Trevor lingered. He longed to take Daphne with him. At last he rose reluctantly. "It ia very hard to tear oneself away,""

he sighed.' But neither of them noticed what he said they were too much engrossed with each other. "Sir Knight of the Woeful Countenance,-' laughed Irene. "I know what you think of me for sending for you. I did it for 'my own true loves sake.' He ft' wants to speak to Lord Hyde, and the earl will not allow more than one gentleman with him at once. Sit down by me^and be patient." "Why does not Miss Erlecote leave him for a while?" be said. "Surely she cannot be with him always in this fash- 'x" ion? It seems to me too absurd." "You are jealous, Sir Treyor," laughed ,v Irene. "No, I am not I could not be jealousof Bertie. They are related, and she is sorry for the poor fellow, which is only natural, you know, Mias Ryeford. I do not mind It the least In the world. But, now that I come to think of it, one thing doca seem rather odd. Do you remember bow much Daphne always admired bis picture." "I do. It was a foreshadowing of how much she would like him." "Hush* Miss Ryeford! There is no need to ring a man's death-knell in bis ears. If sne does like him, Heaven bless ber! No matter whom she likes, I say, may Heaven bles-* her always!'' "That is right, Sir Trevor. Those words have the true chivalrous ring," said Irene and then, to make amends for teasing him, she talked to him about Daphne as be liked to hear her talk.

In the meantime the two young men had shaken bands. "I have been longing to come to you," said Arran but the earl's commands were strict. I did not dare to disobey them. Though I am the last of thehousehold to come to you, there Is no welcome more sincere than lpine— none." "Thanks," responded Lord Hyde. "How different from thst horriblo Lady Ryeford's reception!" thought Daphne, who could not forgive that interview. "You are one of those to whom I hsve fi to apologize for what Lady Ryeford calls M* my'very unexpected return,'" said Lord Hyde, with a smile not free from bitterness. "You owe me no apology," answered Arran, with a happy laugn. "You have rescued me from a very unpleasant dilemma—in fact, you have rendered me the greatest possible service. My wife will oe my very own now, and not tbe bead of tbe house of Cradoc. I want her to be head of the house of Darleigh"— -M with a smile—"but I could hardiy refuse |y| anything to your father when he seemed in such sore distress." "I knew that was what Arran thought," put in Daphne. "For him it would have been a sacrifice." "It would, indeed," declared Arran, gpa gravely. "I had laid all my plans— IMS what I would do, and how I would do it and the life I contemplated seemed to me $^ a very much better and higher one than that which must have been mine had .Qr you not returned." "Those are pleasant words," said tbe young lord, cheerfully. I think it would nave broken my heart if anyone had looked on my return as misfortune." "Alaric was the heir, not I," he added "snd I would to heaven he bad returned in my place!" |fhi "I am thankful that you are safe," observed Dapbne. "I cannot toll why,

but my heart always grieved for you."

That is what a great many people are doing. They don't know just what is the matter, but they have a combination of pains and aches, and each month they grow worse.

jfo

"How strangel" said the young lord, fe, with a bright smile. "Very strange!" said Arran, with a look on his face which neither of them quite understood. [TO BK CONTINUE® NEXT WEEK.]

,•»«

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world."

BROWN'S IRON BITTERS is not a drink and does not contain whiskey. It is the only preparation of Iron causes no injurious effects. Get the genuine. Don't be imposed on with imitations.

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li-y

time, and

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