Terre Haute Weekly Gazette, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 27 July 1882 — Page 2

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THU SBAY, JtJLV 27 1882

Ciniil'iiKil From Firm rii(t«.?

gri. on snotiio nave seen ner," says 8. Geoffrey, leaning back in her chair, giving way to her usual merry

jh. that rings like a peal of silvery "with her wig that had little curls over it, and her big poke-bonnet like c,oal-scut tie!" "Well, I really wish I had seen her," says the good-humored duchess, smiling in sympathy, and beginning to feel herself more capable of thorough enjoyment than she has been for vears. "Was she witty, as all Irish people are said to bo?" I "Oh. dear, no," says Mona, with an' cmplr tic shake of her lovely head. "She hadn't the leant little bit of wit in her composition. She was as solemn as an Eng 1 mean a Spaniard (they are all solemn, are they not?), and never made a joke in all Tier life, but she was irresistibly eomie all the same." "Ik there much beauty in Ireland?" asks her Grace, presently. "Yes. but we are all so different from the Jlndish. We have no pretty fair hah in Ireland, or at least verv little of it." "Do you admire our hair? And we are all so heartily tired of it.*' says the duchess. "Well, tell me more, about your own land. Are the women all like you? In st\le, I mean. 1 have seen a few, of course, but not enough to describe a whole."' "Like nie.J Oh. no," says Airs. Geoffrey. "Soni') of them are really beautiLil", like pic! ires. When I was staying with Aunt Auastasia—the l'rovost's wife, you remember—I saw a great many pretty people. I saw a great many stud' nts, too,"says Mona,brightening. "and liUed them very much. They liked me, too." "How strange!" says the duchess, -with an amused smile. "Areyou quite BUlv of th::t?" "Oh, quite. They used to take me all over the college, and sometimes to the bauds in the squares. They were very gooil to me." "They would be, of course," says the duchess. "Hut they were troublesome, very troublesome,'' says Mrs. Geoffrey, with a letrosi^v^vo sigh, leaning back in her c!::iir and filling her luuvls together on Imt 1 n. "Vou can't imagine what a W'Tia hev were at times,—always ringing the '..'oliege bell at the wrong hours, arnl getting light." "(Jetting what?" asks tho duel'ass, Somewhat taken

aback.

"Tight—screwed—tipsy, you know." replies Mona, innocently.

l'Tight

the duchess, very prettily, come and see me soon, chil

with

was

the word they taught me. I think they believed it. sounded more res^ectablo than the others. And the Divinity boys were the worst. Shall I tell you about them?" "I)o," says the duchess. "Well, three of them used to come to see Aunt Auastasia at least they

said

it was auntie, but they never spoke to ber if thev could help it, and were always so glad when she went to sleep after dinner." "I think your Aunt Auastasia was very good to them," says the duchess. "But after a bit they grew very tiresome. When I tell you they all three proposed to me every day for a week, you will understand me. Yet even that we could have borne, though it was very expensive, because they used to go about stealing my gloves and my ribbons, but when they took to punching each other's heads about me auntie said had better go to Uncle Prian for awhile so I went and there I met Geoffrey," with a brilliant smile. "I tlunk Geoffrey owes those Divinity boys more than he can ever pay," says

You must

hild. I am an

old woman, and seldom stir from home, except when I am positively ordered out by Malcolm, as I was to-night. Come next Thursday. There are some charming trilles at the old Court that ma^ amuse you, though I may fail to do

"I shan't want any trifles to amuse me, if you will talk to me," says Mona. "Well, come early. And now go and dance with Mr. Darling. He has been looking at me verv angrily for the last three minutes, liy the bye," putting up her glasses, "is that little girl in the lemon-colored gown his sister?" "Yes that is Sir Nicholas's Doatie Darling," returns Mona, with a light laugh. And then Nolly leads her away, and. feeling more confidence with him, she is once again dancing as gayly as tho best." "Your foot Is plainly 'on your native heath,'" says Nolly, "though your name may not be'4McGregor.' What on earth •were you saying to that old woman for the last four hours?" "It was only twenty minutes," says Mona. "Twenty minutes! By Jove! she must be more interesting than we thought," says Mr. Darling, "if you can put it at that time. I thought she was going to eat you, she looked so

leased with

you. And no wonder, too »loua and a hearty sigh. "She was verv nice to me," says Mona, "and is, I think, a very pleasant old lady. She asked me to go and see her next Thursday." "Bless my stars!" says Nolly, "you havt been going it. That is the day on which she will receive no one but her chief pets. The duchess, when she comes down here, reverses the order of tilings. The rest have an 'at home' day. She has a 'not at home' day." "Where are the people when they are not at home?" asks Mona, simply. "That's the eighth wonder of the world," says Mr. "It has never yet Don't seek to pry too closely into it you might meet with a rebuff." "How sad Nicholas looks!" says Mona. suddenly.

lonMiu again,•' »as jMtmy, regreuuuy, who is a really good sort all round. 'Let us go to fi: let me

'Yes

lm." to him." says Mona, know what to say bet-

quickly "I »h ,± ter than you." 1 After a little, whilq she succeeds in partially lifting the cloud that has fallen., on her brother, lie hus grown strange-

I ly fond of her, and finds comfort in her gentle eyes and sympathetic mouth.—

rauieeyes ami sympathetic mourn.-,

his heart. He is laughing at some absurdity of hers, and is feeling braver more hopeful, when a little chill seems to pass over him, find, turning, he confronts a tall, dark, young max} who baa come leisurely—but with a mtrposo—to where he'alid Monti Sre stdndirigr"" ft is Paul Rodney.

Sir Nicholas, just moyjpg his glass from one eve to the "other, says, "Goodevening" Io him, binding his head cnurtcouslv. nay very civilly, though without a touch or suspicion of friendliness. lie does not pot out his hand, however, and t'aul Iiodney, having acknowledged his salutation by a bow colder and infinitely more distant than his own. turns to Mona. "You have not quite forgotten me,

lm miirlif turf. In uiiv lnnlrinrr llta whi A

lie ought not to say, looking the while at Nicholas wif.h a certain light in his blue eyos tliac means not only admiration but affection.

Meanwhile Paul has led Mona to a small conservatory, where he begins,— "Have they taught you to hate meal

tone", that makes her nerves assert

"I have been taught nothing," sho !s

nays, with a most successful grasp at

She looks at him as she says this, but lowers her eyes as sho meets his. This dark, vehement young man almost frightens her.

ment

r'that

)arling, mysteriously, et been discovered.

In a door-way, somewhat out of the enish, Sir Nicholas is standing. His eyes are fixed on Dorothy, who is laugh-

seems to have fallen into his dark eyes.

uNow

he is thinkine of thatjhorrirl

own enartoe.fl

hope, Mrs. Rodney. You will give me one dance?"' Ilis eyes, black and faintly savage, seem to "burn into hers. "No, I have not forgotten you," says Mona, shrinking away from him. As she speaks she looks nervously at Nicholas. "Go and dance, my dear," he says, quickly in a tone that decides her. It is to please him, for his sake, she must do this thing and so, without any awkward hesitation, yet without undue haste, she turns and lays her hand on the Australian's arm. A few minutes later she is floating round the room in his arms, and, passing by Geoffrey, though she sees htm not, is seen by him. I "Nicholas, what is the meaning of this?" says Geoffrey, a few moments later, coming up with a darkening brow to where Nicholas is leaning against a wall. "What has possessed Mona to I give that follow a dance? She was with you why did you not prevent it?" "My dear fellow," says Nicholas, "it was I induced Mona to dance with 'that l'ellow,' as you call him. Forgive me, if you count it as an injury." "I don't understand you," says Geoffrey, hotly "if he claims her for another dance I'll I "No, you won't," says Nicholas. "lie is not my enemy, and 1 wanted Mona to dance with him because it shows the room that he is not altogether tabooed by us. Doatie will not dance with him. and Violet he never asks, and I fell back on the woman who has so little malice in her heart that sho could not1i

..Vpt in suite of what vou sav vou 'no'to a civil question. Now see how turn from me vou desnlse ni/,! ex-1 sociable we have been this morning, be-cl-iims he with some crowinc excite-

Why should I despise you?" asks she, slowly, opening her eyes. The simple query confounds him more than might a more elaborate one put by a clever worldling. Why, indeed? "I was thinking about this impending lawsuit," he stammers, uneasily. "You know of it, of course? Yet why should 1 be blamed?" "No one blames vou," says Mona "yet it is hard that Nicholas should be made unhappy." "Well, what would you have me do?" demands he, with some passion.— "Throw up everything? Lands, title, position? It is more than could be expected of any man." "Much more," says Mona but she sighs as she says it, and a little look of hopelessness comes into her face. It is bo easy to read Mona's face. "You are right," he says, with ing vehemence "no man would It is such a brilliant chance, such a splendid scheme ." He checks himself suddenly. Mona looks at him curiously, but says nothing. In a second he recovers himself and goes on: "Yet be-

I could be happy when those I love are reduced to despair?"

You must have a large heart to include all of them," says Rodney, with a shrug. "Whom do you mean by those you love? Not Lady Rodney, surely. She is scarcely a person, I take it, to inspire that sentiment in even your tolerant breast. It cannot be for her sake yon bear me such ill will?" "I bear you no ill will you mistake me," says. Mona, quietly.

cause

gHmmg

excite^

growuo it.

cause I will not relinquish my lust claim you look upon me with natred anlcontenipt." "Oh. no," says Mona, gently "only I should like you hotter, or course, if you were not the cause of our undoinor. Whv could you not have staid in Australia? You are rich vour home is there you have passed atl your life up to this without a title, without the tender associations that cling round Nicholas and that will cost him almost his life to part with. You do not want them, yet you come here to break up our peace and make us all utterlv wretched." "Not you." says Paul, quickly. "What is it to you? It will not take a penny out of your pocket. Your husband," with an evil sneer, "has his income secured. I am not making you wretched." "You are," says Mona, eagerly. "Do you think," tears gathering in her .eyes,

,4I

l'and

which Nicholas, hearing cl

am only

sorry for Nicholas, because I do love him." "Do you?" says her companion, startler, and drawing his breath

ing at little hard "Then, even if he should lose to me lands,.titie, nay, all he^ possesses, I should still count him a richer man than I am." "Oh. poor Nicholas," says Mona, sadly,

poor little Doatie!"

"You speak as if my victory was a foregone conclusion," says Rodney.— "How can you tell? He may yet gain the day, and I may be the outcast.'' "I hope with all my heart you will," says Mona. "Thank you," replies he, stiffly "yet, after alL I think I shnuld_b«t wtvw

*1 "T

THE TERRE HAUTE WEEKLr GAZETTE.

"I am afraid you are right." savs Mona. "Oh, why did you come owr at all?" "I am very glad I did." replies ho, doggedly."At 1 ast I have sven you. They cannot take that from me. I shall always be able to call the remembrance of your face my own."

Paul, watching her, feels as though

ho is in lhe

Like all the rest, he has gone down J?9-, sAint, sent for asp*»c£ to comfort sinful lore Mona, and found a place for her jn passionate admiration for her 1

presence of some gentle

beauty and purity fills his breast he could have fallen at her feet and cried aloud to her to take pity upon him, to let some loving thought for him—even liirn too—enter and tind fruitful soil within her heart.

ploringly, in a broken voice, going suddenly up to her and taking one of her hands in his. His grasp is so hard as to almost hurt her. Mona, awakening from her reverie, turns from him with a start. Something in his face moves her. "Indeed, I do not hate you," she says, impulsively. "Believe me, I do not. But still I fear you."

Some one is coming quickly towards them. Rodney, dropping Mona's hand, looks hurriedly round, only to see Lady llodney approaching. looking flic says to Mona, in an icy tone, had better go to him. for you."

Mona to the Laudf 1TM arm tlu companies her down stairs, whilst Lady Rodney contents herself with one of her sons

denly, in a low whisper, throwing his arm round her (they are driving home alono in tho small night-brougham),— "Mona, do you know what you have done to-night? The whole room went mad about you. They would talk of no one else. Do not let them turn your head." "Turn it where, darling?" asks she, a little dreamily. "Av.ay from me," returns he, with some emotion, tightening round her. "From you? Was there ever such a dear, silly old goose," says Mrs. Geoffrey, with a l'aint,-loving laugh. And then, with a small sigh full of content,

\VYi !u ffmlr mvb im fdie forgets her cares for others for a At tins Geofiiey savs something un-, ,ij

der his breath about l'aul Rodney that. head onon his shoiddcr and' rests

CIIAtTEIt XXII.

re\ady'^'Ve'asks! fn lo\\\ compressetl J^cry one has got down tone that makes ber nerves assert to breakfast. Lvery one is in exc( llent

'Once those ]ovin

Doatie is saying, gayly. horrid papers come, every one gets stupid and engrossed, and thinks ic a positive injury to have to say even 'yes' or

that dear Jacob is late again. Ahl

11 spoke too soon," as the door opens

ipoketoo soon," as tne door ana a servant enters with a most imposing pile of letters and papers. "Donx throw me over that blue envelope, Nick," says Nolly "I don't seem to care about it. I know it, I think it seems familiar. You may have it, with my love. Mrs. Geoffrey, be so good as to tear it in two."

Jack is laughing over a letter written by one of the fellows in India all are deep in their own correspondence. I

Sir Nicholas, having gone leisurely through two of his letters, opens a third, and begins to peruse it rather carelessly. But hardly has he gone 1 half way down the first page when his face changes -involuntarily his fingers tighten over tne luckless letter, crimping it out of all shape. By a supreme effort he suppresses an exclamation. It1 is all over in a moment. Then he raises I his head, and the color comes back to his lips. He smiles faintly, and, saying something about having many things to do this morning, and that therefore lie hopes they will forgive him for running

the voice that rings its changes on his heart from morn till eve, calls aloud to her,— "Come in, Dorothy. I want to speak to you."

So she goes in, and Geoffrey, closing the door beliind her, leaves them together.

She would have gone him then, and tried to console him in her own pretty fashion, but ho motions her to stay where she is.

"Do not come any nearer," lie says, hastily. "I can tell it all to you better, more easily, when I cannot see you. They—they have found that fellow,— old Elspeth's nephew," he says, in a husky tone.

Where?" asks Doatie, eage

,4In

r**r

I xms is arearttuU" says Doatie.— "But"—brightening—"surely it is not 80 bad as death or disgrace, is it?" I "It means death to me," replies he,' in a low tone. "It means that I shall lose you." I "Nicholas," cries she, a little sharply,! "whatare you saying?" I

Hear me." lie says, passionately "if I am worsted in this fight ray of hope anvwhere—I am a man. I shall then have literally only live hundred a year I can call my own. No home no title. And such an income as that, to people bred as you and I liaVc been, means simply penury. All must be at an end between us, Dorothy. "Wo must try to forget that we have

"Try not to hate me," he says, im- ever been mrtre than ordinary friends."

you like," she says, with dignity "I e/tan'f/" "So yon think now but by and by' you will find the pressure too great, and you will go with the tide. If I were to work for years, I could scarcely at the end achieve a position fit to offer you. Some other man, some one more fortunate, may perhaps "You insult me," says Dorothy, growing even whiter than she was before, when you speak to me of—of

"Mona," says Geoffrey to her, sud-. 'I'll take very good care that there

r|(W„

1 1 lle

fn i,:.,*

It is the morning after Lady Chet-

racln^

(torrents,

shan't. And I won't let you up. I don't care how poor

«V •P.'.11 UIS SUOUKK T, dIHl ItSLS

1here happily Towers.

until tliuy reach the

to confound our enemies!"

dignity. "They do not speak of vou at I I ftm always so glad when tho post says Nicholas, wuu jami* sihur, it is our own the Towers,—at least not unkindly."— f™!?,J." ?ni?othjn?

^ITJ afraid there

and that the post is toto. 011 earth just now

Then she breaks down, and, going

Your husband is looking for you," over to him, deliberately lifts one of his icy tone. ''You

arms

an"

shaking come now this moment and say, 'Doro-

44I

must go. Finish your letters, and come for mo then, anu we can talk it aii over again. Come in, Mona I am here."

She opens the door, and runs almost into Mona's arms, who is evidently searching for her everywhere. "Ah! now I have disturbed you," says Mrs. Geoffrey, pathetically, to whom lovers area rare delight and a sacred study. "IIow stupid of me! Sure you

away from them in :'uch a hurry, he thing," says Mona. "That is why I am rises and walks s'-nvly from the room. now'seeking for you. I thought, I knew Nobody has not that anything is wrong. Only Doatie :rns very pale, 1 and glances nervou

dy at

answers her

Geoffrey, who

frightened

look with a per

plexed one of his o\vn. I Then, as breakfast was virtually over before the letters came, thev all rise, I and disperse themselves as fancy die- I tates. But Geoffrey goes alone to 1 where he knows he shall fiud Nicholas

in his own den. An hour later, coming out of it again,: feeling harassed and anxious, he finds Dorothy walking restlessly up and down the corridor outside, as though listening for some sound she pines w) hear. Iier pretty face, usually so bright and

dtbonnaire,

is pale and sad. Iier

lips are trembling

May I not see Nicholas, if only for

you, poor dear fellow. were in the small drawin shouldn't have called you at all." "It doesn't matter. Come up-stairs with me, Mona. I want to tell you all about it," says Doatie. The reaction has set in, and she is again tearful, and reduced almost to despair. "Alas! Geoffrey lias told me every-

you were unhappy, and I wanted to tell you how I suffer with you." By this time they have readier Dorothy's room,

ll'

„And

AJ1Q

inen,I 3"

ey's em-

Sydney. In Paul

ploy. In his very house." "Ahl" says Doatie, dasping hands. "And "He says he knows nothing about any wUl."

her

Another pause, longer than the last. "He denies all knowledge of it. I suppose he has been bought up by the other side. And now what remains for us to do? Parians writes to me in dd-

v«» .is13j3fS^-,M6

no such weak moment, or I do not know ou. You will be faithful always, until

from within: 'It is^all impossible^

lie can marry you, and, if he never can. why, then you can be faithful too, and go to your grave with his imago only in

Sour

heart. That is not so bad a tiought, is it?" "N—ot very," says Doatie, dolefully.

And, besides, you can always see him, you kuow," goes on Mona, cheerfully. "It is not as if death had stolen him from you. He will be always somewhere and you can look into nis eyes, and read how his love for you has survived everything. And perhaps, after some time, he may distinguish himself in some way and gain a position far grander than mere money or rank can afford, because you know he is wonderfully clever." "He is," says Dorothy, with growing animation. "And perhaps, too, the law may be on his side there is plenty of time yet for a missing wilier a—a—useful witness to turn up. That will," says Mona, musingly, 'must be somewhere. I cannot tell you why I think so, but I am quite sure it is still in existence, that no harm has come to it. It may be discovered vet."

4.V

give me you are.

But what is to be done?" asks Njch olas, distractedly, though inexpressibly

his clasp cheered by these professions or loyalty and dovotion. "Your, people won't hear of it." "Oh, yes, they will," returns Doatie, emphatically. "They wiil probably hear

wmI pro

4 '•.

ne ioors so tun or oetier ner own fancy that she inspires Doatie on the spot with a similar faith. "Mona! There is no one so sweet or comforting as you are." she cries, giving her a grateful hug. "I really do think I feel alittle better now." "That's right, then," says Mona, quite pleased at her success.

"You may try just as hard as ever I Dorothy. "Oh, as for him, he is perfectly utter!—such a man to follow in Nicholas's footsteps!" "I don't suppose any one will take the slightest notice of him," says Violet "that is one comfort." "I don't know that Lilian Chetwoode made him welcome her house last night,"

it round her neck, after

This is no place which she places both hers gently round

his, and so, having comfortably arranged

Without vouchsafing a glance of rcc-1 herself, proceeds to indulge in a hearty his own quarrel. After all, gnition to the Australian, she sweeps burst of tears. This is, without excep- to nobody but Nicholas past, leaving them again alone. Paul tion, the very wisest course1 sho could one else will suffer if that laughs aloiul. have taken, as it frightens the life out man conquers." "'A haughty spirit comes before a

Violet, coming in a few moments

and I .sco no, later, finds them still discussing the all am a ruined important theme. "It is unfortunate for every one says Violet, disconsolately, sinking into a low chair. "Such a dear house, and to have it broken up and given into the possession of such a creature as that."

She shrugs her shoulders with genuine disgust. 'You mean the Australian?"

Rays

Nicholas, and brings him to a more "Yes, many will. Lady Rodney,—

fall,'" quotes ne, contemptuously. proper franr* of mind in no time. and—and Jack too. lie also must lose "I must go now. Good-night," says "Oh, Dorothy, don't do that! Don't. by it," says Violet, with suppressed! green eyes."

homently, who declines to be comforted just ye:t, and is perhaps finding some

powerful enjoyment in tho situation.

fingers, and gazing fondly into curtains, Nevertheless, ue eyes that have

BOn"

"lyj:—.. ., The huge logs are good-naturedly in "Dorothy," says a voice outside at

r*nv.r

silting down,

:fi:i'y at« :h'1i otI T*r.

Kiu-enii/j down by her. Dorothy lays iier bead upon Mona's knee, and bursts out cr nig afresh. "j'e'n't now," says Mona, in a low, soothing tone, folding her in a close embrace "this is wrong, foolish. And when things come to the worst they mend." "Not always," sobs Doatie.

says

Doatie, a little bitterly.

"That is because Nicholas will insist on proving to every one he bears him no malice, and speaks of him persistently as his cousin. Well, he may be his cousin but there is a limit to everything." says Violet, with a slight frown. "That is just what is so noble about Nicholas," returns Doatie, quickly.— "lie supports him simply because it is "1, it matters himself no odious black

how little in comparibe thought of but

persists Doatie, between the lines in putting a proper

construction upon the faint delicate blush that is warming Violet's cheek.! But Mona has read, and understands perfectly. I "I think everyone is to be pitied and Jack more than most,—after dear Nicholas," she savs, gently, with such

And I must say I think it is very rude and heartless of you, Nicholas, to want a kindly glance at Violet as goes straight' combe, who was hunting for her 'all to hand me over to'some other man,'as to that young woman's heart, and if I was a book or a parcel! 'Some glows anu blossoms there forever after, other man,' indeed!" winds up Miss i'-v /, Darling, with a final sob and a heavy increase of righteous wrath.

C1IAITICU XXIII.

a great deal of it! 1 shall speak of it morning, noon, ana night, until out of sheer vexation of spirit they will come P' "What a wretched evening!" savs in a body and entreat you to remove me. Violet, with a lit tie shiver. "Geoffrey, Ah!" regretfully, "if only I had a for- draw the enrtaius closer." tune now, how sweet it would bel I, fit ending to a miserable day," never missed it before. Wo are really

"The day is done, and the darkness falls from'the wings of night." The dusk

slo^iy erivp.uj up overall tue

land the twilight i* ming on apace. Shadows come and thoughts oppress the 1. "Whilst th« S'T!tol-wl. l'titd tho wretch t.'tMt

SiUi

"Perhaps it will all come right at ,niind morning will soon be here again." last. Oh! if some kind, good fairy why should nieht produce melwould but come to our aid and help us ancholy?" says Nicholas, dreamily. "It is but a reflection of the greater light, liter call it?— ... profile of day.' fancies that make

ere is only one fairy

back

go, and eerie i: ast: Mux loud, in lm ii i."

In rtuiKMiit. in no*

Bavs

wlv ltodnev, gloomilv.

very unfortunate." I "Night has always the effect of makThey are both silent for a little while, 'inR bad look worse," savs Doatie. with and then Dorothy says, gently,—

attempt at cheerfulness. "Never

nftor

all. What does Riehl

and that is you, /The great shadow and pro a faint smile, it

h,er^ pretty, lia,i,r

'us dread it."

our

own morbid fancie

ligiit"kreams "through" the"room

cnned,

this very instant, so exactly as Doatie I endeavor to promote more soothing pauses that both sho and Nicholas thought start simultaneously. "That is Mona's voice," says Doatie.

needn't have come out, when you knew it was only me. And of course he wants Mona, gently, and with some eagerness. I thought you gj,e jia8 been sitting very quietly with awing-room, or I jier bands before her, hardly hearing

and burst their great sides in an

What a miserable day we have had!" says Nolly, rousing himself. "It's been raining since early dawn. I feiM right down cheap,—very nearly as depressed as last night when Nicholas stuck me to dance with the yKsthetic." "Lady Lilias Eaton, you mean?" asks Lady Rodney. "That reminds me, we are bound to go over there to-morrow. At least, some of us." "Mona must go," says Nicholas, quickly. "Lady Lilias made a point of it. You will go, Mona?" 'I should very much like to go," says

what is passing around her—lost, burie in thought. "Poor infant! It is her first essay," says Nolly, pitifully. "Wait till to-mor-row evening, and see if you will feel as you do now. Your cheerful complaisance in this matter is much to be admired. And Nicholas should be grateful. But I think you will find one dose of Lady Lilias and her ancient Britons sufficient for your life-time." "You used to be tremendous friends there at one time," says Geoffrey "never out of the house." "I used to stay there occasionally when old Lord Daintree was alive, if 'tou mean that," says -Nolly, meekly.

r'As

,4I

know

how it will be. We shall be separated, —torn asunder,—and then, after awhile they will make me marry somebody else and in a weak moment I shall do it! then shall be utterly wretch-

uwun withalovint "In Afghanistan, or Timbuctoo? Far from us, at least." There is a little vague reproach and uneasiness in his tono. "No very n«v*r von—nearer than you think," says quick to notice any variation in his tone, awalung from her reverie with a start, and laying one of her hands over his. "Geo'ffrcy," earnestly, "What is iexiict meaning of the word 'scheme?' Would an honest man {surely he would not) talk of scheming?" "Wcll'thptis rather a difficult question to answer," says Geoffrey. "Monsieur de Lejsseps, when dreaming out the Suez Canal, called it a scheme and he, I presume, is an honest man.— Whereas, on the other side, if a burglar were arranging to steal all vour old silver, I suppose he would call that a scheme too. What have you on the brain now, darling? You are not going to defraud your neighbor, I hope?" "It is very strange," says Mona. with a dissatisfied sigh "but I'll tell you all about it by and by."

Dorothy from ber corner laughs gay- dinging hand has again crept into his, ly. "Poor old Noll," she says, "it was fun

are von now Xfnno

lite-

-Jv

ixh

Aic*, suuuemy, laying nis nana a loving pressure on her shoulder, nis

Instinct warns her of treachery common sense belies the warning. To which shall she give ear? "Shall we ask the Carsons to our dance, Nicholas?" asks his mother, at this moment. "Ask anyone you like,—any one, I mean, that is no't quite impossible," savs Nicholas. "Kdith Carson is very nearly so, I think." "Is that the girl who spoke to you, Geoffrey, at tho tea-room door?" asks Mona, with some animation.

Yes. Girl with light frizzy hair and

"A strange girl, I thought, but very pret v. Yet, was it English she talked?" "Or the purest," says Geoffrey. "What did she say, Mona?" inquired Doatie. "L am not sure that I can tell you,—at least not exactly as she said it," says Mona, with hesitation. "I didn't iniito understand her but Geoffrey asked her how she was enjoying herself, and sho said it was'fun all through and that sl.e was amusing herself just then by hiding from her partner, Captain Duns-

over the shop,'—it was'shop] she snui. wasn't it, Geoff? Ami that it did her I good to see him in a tearing rage, in laet. on a regular 'champ,1 because it I vexed Tricksy Newcombe, whose own I particular he was in the way of 'pals.1"

Everybody laughs. In fact, .Nollys ro.us. "Did she stop there?" he says "that was unworthy of her. Breath for onco must have failed her, as nothing so iv a as an of or ha in tluenecd Miss Carson."

You should have seen Mona," says I Geoffrey. "She opened her eyes and her lips, and gazed fixedly upon the, I lively Kdith. Curiosity largely mingled I with'awe depicted itself upon her expressive countenance. Slu: was wondeling whether she should have to co*quer that extraordinary jargon before being pronounced fit for polite society." ".No, indeed," says Mona,'laughing. 1 "But it surely wasn't English, was it?

That is not the way everybody talks, surely." "E'verybody," says Geoffrey, "that is, all specially nice people. You won't be in the swim at all. unless you take to

that sort of thing." "Then you are not a nice person yourself." "I am far from it, I regret to say but time cures all things, and I trust to that anil careful observation to reform me." "And I am to say 'pals' for friends,! and call it pure English?" "It is not more extraordinary, surely,| than calling a drunken young man 'tight,'" says Lady Rodney, with calm but cruel meaning. S

Mona blushes painfully. "Well, no but that is pure Irish, says Geoffrey, unmoved. Mona, with I lowered head, turns her wedding-rings round and round upon her finger, and, repents bitterly that little slip of hers he a in it he as

night. 1 "If I must ask Edith Carson I shall feel I am doing something against my will," says Lauy Rodney. I "We have all to do that at times," savs Sir Nicholas. "And there is anI otfier person, mother, I shall be glad if you will send a card to." "Certainly, dear who is it?" "Paul Rodney,''replies he, very distinctly. "Nicholas!" cries his mother, faintly "this is too much." evertheless, to oblige me," entreats he, hastily. "But this is morbid,—a foolish pride," protests she. «:«uiatelv.whilst all the others are struk dumb at this suggestion from Nicholas. Is his brain failing?

Is Ins intellect growing weak, that he should propose such a thing? Even Doatie, who as a rule supports Nicholas through evil report and good, sits silent and aghast at his proposition. "What has he done that he should be excluded?"'demands Nicholas, a little excitedly. "If he can prove a first right to claim this property, is that a crime? He is our cousin why should we be the in the whole country side to

far as I can recollect, I was alwais shipped there when naughty, or troublesome, or in the way at home and as a rule I was always in the way. There is' only a connection between the Eatons and treat him with contempt? Ilehascommy mother, and Anadale saw a good mitted no violation of the law, no vile deal of me off and on 'during the holi-18jn t)as b^cn laid to his charge beyond days. It was a sort of rod in pickle, or this fatal one of wanting his own—and dark closet, that used to be held over —imd my head when in disgrace." lie pauses, in the darkness a loving,

ids unhappy childhood that blighted his pressure has reduced him to calmness, haer years, and made him the melan-j "Ask him, if only to please me," he choly object he is.'" says, wearily. .. "Well, you know, it was much too. "Everything shall be just as yoirwish much,—it was really," says Mr. Dar- it, dearest," nays his mother, with unling, very earnestly. "Mrs. Geoffrey, wonted tenderness, and then silence won't you come to my rescue?" fans upon them all. "Mrs. Geoffrey, thus addressed, rouses

sweet entreaty, and by a gentle

The fire

herself, and says, "What can I do fori drops its flame and sinks into insigyou?" in a far-away tone that proves

she has been in thought-land mdes that bear somo vague but as yet undishs

away from every one. Through her brain some words are surging. Her mind has gone back to that scene in the conservatory last night when she and Paul Rodney had been together. What was it ne had said? What were the exact words he had used? She lays two fingers on her smooth white brow, and lew a little frown, born only of bewildered thought, contract its fairness. •4A scheme," he had said, and then in a moment the right words flash across her brain. "A brilliant chance, a splendid scheme." What words for an nonest man to use! Could he be honest? Was there any flaw, any damning clause anywhere in all this careful plot, so deverly constructed to bring rum upon the heads of these people who have crept into her tender neart? 'Where AM VAn «IAW TLfrtHoW ••V*

blazes up fiercely, and anon

jiifkance

once more. Again the words,

covered meaning naunt Mona's brain. "A*splendid scheme." A vile conspiracy, perhaps. Oh. that she might be instrumental in saving these people from ruin, among whom her lot has been cast! But how weak her arm! How insufficient her mind to cope with an emergency like this!

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