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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLucknow Sentinel, 1893-02-24, Page 2• , „ • _ CHAPTER XVI.: • Lord Ravenhold rises: hureiedIy.and gees - -,fotteard tospeak with 'Me: Braden. His •face has a slightly flushed perturhed-eX-• pressionaehe does . not knew. how utCh the - new -comer may have heard—it makes his neitarailer suave manner a trifle abrupt. 1 --Branden; however, . knows -and guesses nothing-.. nothing except that he has come aarkwerdly upon a -tete a tvte; always a disagreeable- and • stupid thing to do, and only- to .be repaired - by seenting u-teonseious :of One's. misadven- ture; -Se he says 'quietly and naturally .-entegh Weeart Inst. geing,.. Lind lRavenhoid.' I went to, tell -you that I fear wo.shall not -be able to dine att: Hurlibghamawith yputbn &May.... Thank you veey. mach all the -same fee asking -us." 40h, very well," tepliestieord .avenhold erather shortly, mort. because he is ember; • reseed then:limn any feeling of 011beee._ e Brandon .inlines that his lordthip is, • huffy about their declining _higt ievitatiofl after having tiacepted it. - - "Vouun rand, I hope?" says. Bran- - don, seeing thet the ..yourig- Men's men- •• aer is not particularly, genie]. :• - Quito. Certaiely, ' answers Ravenhold! " Some other ttnw,. I hope. Good:might,' and he turns. on his heel and rejoins .Lady Mildred. - - - • t • ,She, having been slightly frightened: by Mr. itrandon.s sudden -appearance, andhey- ine had. a minute in which to set the better: of rage, has calmed down; As Raven- - hoidistaetta in front of her, her Passion for hire and his good looks, Which are .eict-iint • pared by the cloud on his: .broW; go still •farther towattl:appeasing her.: 1 . " -What did -*eat 1", she -asks. " Net elY -blootiteethist time," eturns the yoimg man, coolly. lie is nOt_yet aware of tny.iafettietion.. fo-Fhis. • , fluty. Mildred likes hire: in Ali mood: Rising, she leys•dne: hand on, his and says, rather hutaahly you please," 1.;:e. answer, eoldly. It . is his -turn now. . • . • • . -" Don't be. angry rt she pleads... '6 It is only because I am -se fond- of you.". - "You have an.iefernally unpleasant way of showing your fondness. then; I mast Bey,' he retorts, - • , • - " Seer you 4.ok ine,".- :she whispers, fixing her dark ,eyes entertaningly" on his face- . • - " I hate scene -tit'. he utters, Werth:kg -away from her. - . • Thee, perhaps,'.'. she remarks; the sparks • .of heet Anger, always quick ,to unite, blaz- ing- up again, .!.‘• yo -ii Will -.take me to. Ply• - , - Carriage- - Cettainly," he answere, stiffly; -giVieg her his arm. _ • Uncle Charlie," he titters, meeting the. 'colonel in Pali Alall the _tame retoteing, want you to take me t� call on Mesa-Bree- den:I - Colonel Dellas does not answer "for a moment.- Then he says, looking histierniett . . straight in 'We -Nee : • .• . • "There .e.re plenty of other wetami the .world, my- dear boy. Lord liavenhold. colors Slightly and is furious with'himeetf-for doing eo. -"Vpot my soul !" he exclaimspetulantly, "1 think itte rather hard that cannot ex- , press a wish to speak to a lady without—e-" e does not finish hiatienterice. - " ou know the fimily:ftiling," returnt the colonel,- good-hurrioredly. "You dont „mean- any harma Nais plus: fort pie: vOus, Leatee Adam and Eve. in paradise . leave the poor mte his ewe larob." Half_ an hoer -later he walks into • his - sister's boudoir:, • . ' •• •• • a/ pleasuring' on a Sunday! WbiehT is . it that --shoeks, you meat -tithe dining :Or the `driving .*.1"-- : - • •-• He does not say it in a banteting:tone, as the words se.em to imply, but looks at 'her. quite seriously. - ' . • . I• am not.shocked at either," :the 'answers, hastily, "1 do: net think any- thing. Wrong for other .peeplee i is only that I have not been accustomed:. to it my- self." 6-6. Then some weekday you.. int-glelbee incleeed to come?" • . • • .- ... • t "el should. -.like it _better than any- thieg," - she answers; ...with unmistakable , "How Weeldelext Tuesday tett you 1" " We_are going to a bellebut we have no dinner engagement." t • " i.wdl bringloa back in tinte to. dress. Heftily," spealtiog across 2.Venesst. - to his: sister, "wili you coine• down and dine. at Hurlingham on Tuesday? And you, Anson?" • , to her neighbor; - *. : • /tette' hesitates. . et • .46 It would, be very pleasant," Mr. -Ausea says, quietly. tApc1 that tturns • the belt aeces in Mrs. Fatie's mind. After all, the is not her brother's tkeeper nor Meat 13randoritt.. • " And we will'ask- Uncle Charlie," adds . Ritemhold. • gi I wish you -would find me some - one to love," he says, coming a little nearer_ to her. "Tell me; have you no -friend who you think would answer to my ideal ?" • Vanessa muses. Naturally her thoughts fly first to the friends of her girlhoOd, Edith and Mabel:-• But Edith's heart is already engaged, and 'Mabel would certainly not emit Lord Revenhold, who looks for both petition and sympathy. Let Us be friends G.erarcli shall We. • " Do you thirik,'' he• asks softly, •6' that 41rt. ••• • -tte • • - -.„,.. Lk4;44, • .^114.01 7( •,••••••. ?•,rf,•••_-7r,•-v tatette • , • • • months and found its first.serious expression a short notice. You will find one friends lonly the night before ? . however." • "What do you mean ?" she cries. "-Do And as he speaks Lord Ravenhold come .you think I do not know it'? Do you strolling up the lawn. - • marriage is really ,a good thing'! is one! happier married?? and. she answers with -- out a moment's hesitation. • e - "Oh,much, mucbehappier 1 • " e ought to be looking Out for our putt'," she sari. "1 don't think you will . . fulfil your promise of taking me home in thine to dress for the ball." • . " exclaims )Vanessa, so. eagerly "To not go I" he whispers, putting out a hand as though t� detain - her; then, as', if .anddenly changing -his mind, lie ..says, abruptly, rising too, "Yes, I dare say we had better go. • . As .they step on the gravel- path, they tonfrortt a tall, thin man and a pang laderi-- The former Sir Bertram. . , I 4`t-Raveilholti is just bending to say soniee thiog to Vanessa—his manner kedistinctly impress& Sir - _Bertram' stops suddenly, - looks at the pair and addresses them. lie has pegged Vanessa fifty' times in the Row Without the smallest trecognition--te-nig t he greets her like an old friend. . • 66,- Mrs. Brandone-this is an unexpected • 1 9 • I pteasure. How are you, Ravenholo. ; that the young matt feels -half inclined to be jealous.. . _ ; • Lord -It evenhOld does notleeMra. Brandon again Until. the .following •Tiiesda5c He writes her a.iiretity little note Of reminder; _ and'. she replies to. It,. 'Like- a child she Watches- the -Weather eagerly, and is rejoiced *here -ehe. day dawns het and fair. Raven hold is to -come first to Betrenstcin Square; -and then to pick-up the Tett of thepartyat Grosvenor Place. -• • " There is Ledy Mildred -1 " exelaims Vanttet, a" bends - allittle forward, _ . . .. wishieg to catch -that lealy's• .eye,not, you may be sure,. froth any triumphant feelingef rivalry.' She is her htsband's-. and. he is hers; other WoMen's ;husbands , and. -lover are: :safe -from • her. The, -Meeting is utilticky. a• . : • - ' . Taus the colonel himself, as -they sweep down Qaeea's.ttleati and along- the .narrow .and iitts.avoey _ .etreett which lead. to .what scents.- paradise. to Vatiesste• but- .presents itself in quite a different, shape to oar Sonic), , • - CHAPTER XIX. think I do not knew I have the best hus- band in the world? - Why, it was the sight of. our haptitness that made Lord Ravenhold Vanes tes-diteppointment liso severe -that wantto marry." . - a *. • . - . • itappeat egibly on her twee •And it is ' . Vanessa'seyes straying' down the path, not in the least atoned for by the sight -of observe Lord. itavenheld and Sir Bertram Lord . Ravenhold, whose ' name has - lately . . • . engaged in conversrtion at a little -distance been made- a Weariness to: her fiesta She from -them ; she -sees them . part, and then greets -him he an indifferent ineener, very Sir Bertrain-coMetittoward•her. He stops in foreign to her habitual one. He, on the front ofher, _holds out his hand, and smiles. contrary, looks pleated and sinning, and ia It cenicarcely be called a smite, it is rather evidently anxious to make himself agree-. a spasm of the upper hp, as if someone. had able. When, at Sir Bertram' proposal, pulledta wire in his side—a spasm revealing party betake themselves to . the beet, Van. his long, yellowish teeth. He greets Colonel, essa devotes her conversation entirely' to Dallas also.- The.colenel returns the salute her host, and her husband and his lordehite rather frigidly; and lotikti away up the Row are left to entertaio,each other. . in a: manner that, intimates. his intention of . Dinner over, she adjourns to the. drawing.. effacing himself until Sir Bertram shall have room, but does not remain- there long, see - said his say to Mrs, Brandon. • Sir Bertram ingtheeivettshining • temptinglytat the iuit. thereupon.. coolly takes, the seat betide of the laWn. She strolls °tie and seats Vanessa. .' self on a 'Wadi' close to the water's edge 4.4 - - • - CHAPTER .The dienet. is _ii cheery one. •Lotd Raven -- hold - ts 'essidaoae ,in his attentions to his Lair guest. - Mr. Aieson :-and Mise Yule: • are -occupied-- with each *thee, - and Colimel- Daliasewho.has too much good taste to be: trouble.:Ate, talks to the husband with an excellent; grace, ;mid toatioles- himself With his dinner, to whichthe is by no Means in-.. different. :Although both he andjtavenhold. are perfectly Aware, .the attachment. be:- t*een.: Roland Anson and Herreeine, it gives neieher Baty disquitade—they:.• have .had ample proof before- now et the Man's henote atm the - WOrnan's :rectitude . of principle. Itela,nd -Anion oneef•the IOW men capable ofaoveig e, Womenebetter than himself. A 8,, . Somethinge of -Beevenleold's habitually :ca,reating manner to pretty Women is creep- ing into his- .denieenor to Vanessa- he is conscious of .tt himself, and peens, owe now and again, to look over at her . has - bend, who, tiowever,. shows not timeliest symptom of jealousy. After clinnerie the host prepoies adjourentent ttetthegarden, and 'again the . three couples, pair • off. , It. would .be perfectly 'easy for 13randon tekeep neat. his- Wife, who .has. not ,the smallest. cletaraeto eludethim, and, of the two; .would rat -her -St -toll abOut. with him, hanging lov- ingly onhis aria, than With Ravenhold, but- h-ee is 'sere and' confident Of her nOW as hat year he was doubting and 'diffident Now they are sitting on a bench: on - the green's Ward under the great. starlit -eanoptr , .• • . - I • VanessalEi Se taken by surprise •that she responds as though they Were - eta:. on the. same friendly termslts lest- year before she gave' him mate], offence. - Besides • ehe-fe.ela noeraticor, and is- rather glad that the old gentienaan should Show a disposition to be D: 141 who is acquainted' with Sir iriendiy. • want you to come down and. dine with She . Itas • • limn sitting by the water - Me at my -little place on the river," he says, side • but a very • few minutes, as in his most: affable tones, "you and Mr. she -- thinks,. when.- Lord Raventh hold Brandon: *Can you spare me an evening. comes* vettb. a buoyant step. across this week? • Would Saturday suit you.? turf to join her,. . His manner is altogethe "We are not engaged on Saturday, and jabilent and triumphant; he carries his We Should like it vety much indeed." • head Well up, his eyes - are alight with . . . • .Bertram'ts cornpanieet, enters-. into converse. - with eer, and minute later Colonel Pallet and phn Brandon come up. e • -. • - Si 1Bertrana greets both with extreme affability. aBefore they. part .he has asked for ars. Brandon's adaresa and perniission to call upon her, which she readily accords. . The -drive home through the balmy night is deireioas, even thought the road. le ifgly and unpicturesque: • They are nearing the Marble Arch and:Vanessa says in tones of most genuine regret t • • . "How -sorry eni that we 'are getting near -home " • k „ . . He stoops toward her and says in a •very low voice, but With -11 bitter acyeat • 441 -Why you sor.i•y t You are going -home to: :heppiness; it is•l.. Who ain. left out in the cold.' . She antiweit him gayly enough:. I will do as -yen ask me and leek ,Out for a nice wife for you;• then you Won% be left Out in -the cold." . He does not reply—she is..• .not so • sYnipa thetic as She looks, her say tone .-jaes .upon him: - . • - - But, in reality,- Vallee3a . is feeling in- tensely _sentimental . :Whee she and her .husband have -Wished' Ravenhold - good- night, andthanked him for their pleasant evening, does net, late as it is, hurry off to dress for. the ball, but - follows her hue - band into his comfortable smoking-room.1 She. throws her arms 'round his hick—she it' in:a-mood- for endearinentt—she pushes -him. gently into a -chair and seats herself on his knee. He responds to her caress in.a kind, friendly,. semi -paternal Manner; then; glanc- !‘ I must-- try to get my nieces to meet pleasure. e You," utters Sir Bertram, well aware of the But for the monitions of .the colonel and attractive bait lie is offering. - "Have you Mrs. Fane, cpup led with Lady Mildred's- heard that Mabel is engaged to be married?" insolent behavior, Vanessa would have "No !" eiblaims Vanessa, eagerly. "18 greeted him with her bestsmile of welcome. it th—" and then she pauses. - At it is, she is secretly irritated-, and her " It is to Sir Thomas Balton," answers face denotes neither pleasure nor satis- Sir Bertram. " We are pleased with the faction. -• e between her and- Sir Thomas bit that " It is a haute to -be indoors such a night.' IS not always. a drawback is- it, Mrs. " Where are the others ?" tusked Vanessa* Brandon?" - - • Marriage. . There is rather a disparity 66 gOW delicious it is here !" he exclaims. coolly. . - .4153. 66 I shall be so delighted to see them 46 The etlier'ef" 'replies Lord Re,f again" she says, hastily. .. t ' , . laughing, "are drinking some exiewt---- ent -..' " Then,? says Sir Bertram, rising,tr . deree.ae- iseussiagtateitt enthusise /16 I d d' ' ' may look forviard .to the pleasure of !teeing me,r2...otii-hof ,v, aroious.vm .g, es. . youtittith On . Saturday/. Will yen; drive. down about 0; so as to have a little time on . til I thought you Were going tobemtr the i.water first ?" • . - 2 : ' • . friend ?" , ' - . ' - • ..." i Will --ask my husband, and fiend you a 44 I am quite 'willing to be your friends line, if I May," replies -Vanessa. Lord Ravenhold," return?. Mrs; Brandon" , "Yes, pray do; but mind, I look upenit -showing., however, no ditiper4ti0n at present - already as an engagemtnt." • . • . to thaw. Sir Bertritnesays this -.-With ttiff playful- 46-- It you kneari" utters Ravenhold, fixing ness,- takes Mis. BrandOes hand; gives a his eyes on ber and speaking - almost Pas- .--, feigid bow to Col. Dallas,- and *goes. - sionately---" if you klieW hove bacily I Want? I, 11 ni dear colonel," think you would be kinder to me." S laughs Venessa. - "What a auspicious h ice oives vvay, aid 44 Gerard). what have you been don • of the-; dark -blue sky. It is quite is flt oho cries at sight of him. t‘ Did I not beg i enough for each to,see e 'o o irtd implore you: to leave Mr` s. Brandon , ee the express]. n f the alone,.and not to mak-6 Miller. her enemy fie totherts face: ' - 1 you are pleaeed to speek in parablea-Yt '6 Bette tappy you. seem. 1 _says:Ili:vent hold, almost -enviously. and he heaves a - ea s Revenhold atiffiY knowing all too well what he means. - deep -neep sigh, as though _Ruch happiness _were rather displeasing to him. - • "1 am happy," she -answer's, with a low, pontented laugh.: "What a good thing it is - things about Mrs. Brandon, . an a to be• happy—verY aPPY - abuse ,her to every one -she miets.". t "Have you never.tbeen unhappy 1" he . , - L t her t" observes Lord . Ravenhold, asks, rattler mournfuliy. "She. has just been here in the most furious ragee. We have all but querreled. -She said the most shameful and Libor -amiable will -" I wonder- -what his game is?'" says the a friend, and how mu.ch the friendship -of oolonel, ruminating. • a geed woman like you might do for me, I Before this appeal e • " No game. :at a , y -rdood•you are in! Do you thieik be, like. Ler& Ravenhold, wants - supplant my husband? promise you not to talk about Jove to'him nor to take raoonliglat stroll 'with him if I.carihelp it.":. ' The colonel traces an elaborate pattern with his stick—he is still absorbed in specu- lating about the naturetof the tquire's game. . Lord Revenhold patties them again. • • • e "1 did -not know theta anlotie in-. the world.whocaul& make etich bietet as that," . ttei s Ravenhold - • "But yeti says Vanessa,. gayly... "You de net. give. me the idekof an unhappy per! Sone -Lord Revenhold." • ' -" Never, - Never in my h e. "1• dryly hardly fancy anything she can say -twill do Mrs. Brandon -mach: harm. 61 am to dine here." -4 The Brand -ons are Coming. , Now, to .pleate me; stop Away:" "You are very kind and hospitable. :I. have refused- five other invitatioits, andnow you want to earn me loose without any dinner at all." - " Don't come, titer:Ara dear bey _ Lord. Ravenhold gets veryangry and does -not attempt to conceal his. -ill humor; He leaves GrosvenoeP ace in wrath. - Two morningt. later, • Died Ratreahold, sauntering down the shady side of the park,. eShe likes him tete Much to want to e espies his sister and _Mee. Brargon sitting ecens,or; bet 'she is shocked -at the thought of together. .0n Heimicnie's left is the man . Unlawful -passion. . . who is' her greatest frtend-eta. rinin 'where ) "'if one :can not have thing," she -the world would once have liked to whisper k answertalecikingdOwle at the turf beneath - scandal about in comiectiton with her, only. Itheir feet whilst his eyes is fixed on her that he and she had tact and courage 1 face,--" ought net one try to de without it r enough 'to nip all cause for inielt whisper -It :".-;•NO," he. sayeeemPhatiCaliy, seeing that - begs in 'the bud: • 'The seat betide Vanessa she. is interpreting him. "Not if is'vacent, arid RaVenhold, histheatt beating t Wit a thing that. le, right and fair to Want,. ktrifie fatter ana his- eyes darting a glande _ not if:on-els obeying the first laW of nature mg at the clock, says: - • , "My dear child, pray go -and dresseor we shalt not gettoctrOtiverior Square tat dav light I" • -• , - • _ She starts up with a -petulant- gesture which he has never seen before and scarcely realizes now. 'As she mounts -the stairs, a sob is choking her, too great tears are shining in her .eyes ; a.sense of bitterest disappointment gnaws her heart. She would like to give vent to her feelings by a pastion .of tears and sobs, but in her- room stands her attentive maid waiting to dress' her, and she is forcedteo choke' back her sobs, don a -falsely placid five, eat like a sensible and well-mannered lady instead Of e pettish child who does not knot'', What it is crying for. - :4 • For the first time in her life she feels there iii a very noticeable diff-3rence in the tone of Mrs: .Brandoe's rejoieder. ' • t. "What dam I do for you.? I should be glad to be yont riend for your sister's' Vstk sake." .'• • Eachiti conecieui hat a little passage of arms is going on between them. • . . "It is dangerous to be too secure,' re- - itavenhold. " Feelings are aPt, to Phis tune he is wal ng with a -handsome . hange. . • , . • - A • not." . ., The colonel gttes Up "thinking 11‘13011t- Sir . Her tone is defiant. She WisieS him Bertram's game in order to study his clearly to understand that there is not the nephew's. That takes very little thought smallest Prbbability of her ever entertain.- -ethe wishes to pique Mrs. Brandon. The ing any regard for him; ' attempt is an utter failure. He is silent for a enornent ; then he utters- - " There 1" whispers Vanessa' With an ac- in v. mortified tone -looking away across the . ; • ....„, tent of.trtupaph that is -thoroughly genuine. moonlit'water : • - ..... • "You see he. has reflected about my advice. "No wonder, if you think me a foot and I wish he would matey Ledy Violea" . a puppy, you de not care to make friends t 1 i . e • a with me. ried all the women he looked at. in that v 'nee" 15 111149;9.tlY Sinitt471 111 -T43-. " Pooh 1" says the colonel. If he mar- — • . . . , • One - does tacitone's heart Upon - one's sleeve," ,he answers. "But if one. is always tormented by a Avant -that:canna be:. satisfied, do . you think -011ie can be: -happy ?". *. . • •,• ki very c " girl, to whom he appears to be making him- "Are they? t I arti quite sure mine will self extremely agreeable. VanessA imagines- that he is thinking of Lady Mildred ; that his words apply toter. ltitter against her husband. She tells her- self -with- an aching heart, • as • she sits under. the hands of her, maid, that he is: tired of ,her, that he is net really fond of her any longer—and she remembers with painful distinctness Ravenhold's words; "There is only one thing worth having in the worlde-love,- passionate -love ; not, 'a mere. paltry fancy, which goon subsides into -easy-going liking, or else into indifference, but a love that occupies every monient of one't life • that keeps every nerve full _ strung; a love that is heaven or hell, but, •as I would have it, heaven." Yes, that is, what she too desires. - CHAPTER 'XVIII. - The next morning Colonel Dallas came to rtiorae. eiS languishing Beginner, he would have as many i do not think anything of the aorte wivete at Solomon by now. And,lond-as I am of.thelad, I elma't• think I shallenvy the She eaYes smiling at him* woman :eery much. -whom he makes Iiedy 44 Yes, you doethe: answers imPetuotuily.' • fr • - You' have Probably been cautiened against t" Why not ?"- 'asks Vanes& 44 Ho is Me. I .hive admired 'and respected you Ravenhola. ," Yes," responds the colonel, " And he thing of all °there that eharm'ea me in yen nice aftit he is_ married." win ge ein being very handsome and .very was your devotion to your. husband, and - "What' do you mean 1". • • - . you think that I am an egotistiea), pre- t sumptibus fool, who ie only to be restrained- • ":Cannot youtinterpret my parable; niy: from Disking love to You by the mQ" severe -lady 1?' - - - . - - . •,.‘66 Well, Took 'hark' my he will .he nice to and constantly repeated smiltaa r lacly,"he- ;says. other people as well tie his -virile," hazards " Yoll - mean that pulsively. " If every one instate on warning "What am I to do?" she exclaims, int- . Iti&esse. - - .- . -• me against you, and in believing that if you gazing carefully- -at the heiroglyphs . he is- hono.r me by your notice I ehall stralgb.twity fall'in love- with- you, how am I to convincet. • .still'eMployed intracing, "even if kwonian them that it is possible for :a //email' evelt iedevoted_to her husband, there are times in sc'elqtY's even• .41 the age \7ive -live 1139 tet • out with him. -. -.He is not quite so attentive the handsomest?. i'vhen--villen perhaps „she feels a little put Prefer her own husband to or icedemenstrative'ss she thinks he .ought man, or the most exalted personage alive?' . "I ehouldelnive . thought you were too to be,. and she gets a little bit froissee or clever to heInfluenced by a Pack of i°eistal returns Ravenhold.. "I—I suPPoso—that- -good•looking young fellow' is hanging about b4ed to your ' . disappointed. Then,- you know, • if some telling her thatahe is quite the most angelic creature in the World,. and .hinting.peiliaps -theteheis not appreciated, and that if she twere his Wife --well, h'ea- / '-• don't you very handsome and very -nice." more than any, woman I have ever met—the -of defiance a his sister,- takes swift- posses- ' .1-y Wanting -• • . ' - i sion_ofit. . . - - Vanessa looks up at him- a litge startled. . . . . Mrs.. Fine yields to the inevitable—she Having a rooted idea that it is Lady Mil - has, besides a good "deal to say to her coml. i dred whom he :Wants, she dots nOttunder- 'seinen so Ravenhold rata Vanessa t are . stand his speech. " - .• . . . • • left t.',45 their • Own devices. - They! "To my mind there is only.ene thing in begin ' . by talking about • the ball - the world worth having," utters Ravenhold, •• . at which • they ' :met two nightii prevt• 1 with ealow Votati but with intenee earnest- .' oualy. She found it charming, and praises . ness, whilst lie' keepts his eyes ,fixed on the the floor, the ' music, the decorations, the , lovely face:which it - teems to thim might - flowers, with enthusiasm. He on the con -etre -yen the hopes and - desires of . the most trary, has little good to say•ofkit ; but therit.' fastidious man - living. • "That is love: in hismind, it is associated with Very &ogee ardent, Passionate love; not a mere paltry • /tree, able recollect/Qui.- • - - - t liancy • which soon susides into:. an easy- "Perhaps," 'leasers, " it was the fright-- going liking or else into indifference, but a . ;Int inub yea gave me Whieh prevented my love that occUpies every mcitnont of one's escort Vanessa•into the Row feet, ing little bit piqued and touched, but she received him in the same glad, cordial Manner at usual. It was. a lovely meriting With a delicious breeze,- and they ,Concluded to walk. . - The colonehad been thinking seriously of reading his lovely friend a little lecture; and welt trying to makeup:his mind howto commeticethe attack. • • . "Ravenhold looks .rather sulky," he. says, broaching his theme fat more, broadly and directly than a min -ate ago he had in- tended.- Whatdid you do to - him laet - night ?" - . • - I !" titters Vanessa. "Nothing. Lord Ravenholdeaar are the best of friends. Our ideas ante perfectly. We both think there is netliMg in the world worth .having but love, and I ' am going fad hini-at wife.." • The colonel feels and looks as if a yawn- ing chasin had opened at his feet," : -Oh," he says, and for the Moment 'm- etal positively find nothing else to remark. .A slight' melanoholy, pervadesiVanesse's- teatures—her-oWn words have brought back that *ague. yearning and the,sense of disap- pointment she felt last night. The colonel, looking at her, observes her expressioit, and it displeases hint amazingly. • ' - "1 don't-thbilt," he remarks; in a short, dry . tone, "that you have very much to otomplain'of that"score - finding it pleasant!" , . t : -:. . i life; that keeps every nelve full strung; a , - 9-•Siihl" Vanessa. echoes his word, and lave that iti heaven Or 'hell,- but; as I would her great eyes - leek troubled and -die- , have it, heaven." - -- - -. - - tressed. . ' '•• I '7- She undekitanda him his Words touch a ' "Did you really think me a profane -Bab.; • ebbed -in her. heart—that, in the plentitude tsativbreaking wretch forproposing: to drive of her youth and paisiona is what she .totei -you out todineon. Sunday, or was it -a. 'craves. -Dearly at she loves *her inisband, .little excuse to get -off dining with me at •ehe has already felt bitter* difiappointment • all ?" ' - . .; - • I at. the fading of his passion, whilst hers has " Vanessa looks positiiely unhappy. - t rather increased. .No Matter that •his "cc Oh, Lord Ravenhold, why cic. you say ' love is truer, faithfuller than: ever, ib is nOti • • that-?" she .exclitiMe. F‘ Yotrargi not'seri- the love ihe'desites ; not the Prie she had cnis--y?.u. dO not .really helieVe it? : There last ybar. •,:. - - Mr. Brandon has never being in my sciciety. He V echoes Vanessa, thr ; • head with a fine scorn. "No • 'Bee ?" - - • • • . • - is nothing in the world I should have en- • - 66 You have no eider, 'lave you 1" he • - • - • loYed'uo Innoh." • 'asksePresently- _ "Then you really tltbik it wrong to `'go ..= No ye .1 ant, a34 only oh!. de " My dear colonel," she says, 66 do ;lot put these ideas into my head, or I shall begin to thinZit is dangerous•to my peace ng np, her indeed. Be, - - at least, knows me." . Ravenhold feels the least bit in the world. • foolish. "Of course,' he says. "He° would nett deserve you if he did not. But now, Mrs. d to See SO much of you. You know me Brandon," pleadingly, "won't you judge for yourself, Instead of listening to 1 ' • you are always praising and. flattering me. I shall have to be on my guard."- " Yes, there is no doubt 1; am a very dangerous fellow," returns the colonel. He has said his say and does not care to puratte the subject any further. "Do you know," looking looking at his watch, 66 that'll -is ten min- utes to Ah -observes the colonel; With ex- • " We must . g� home .to lunch,", says Vanessa, • rising promptly. • When elle tells her husband of the invitee - tion for Saturday, he remarks, cheerily : "" You were quite right my dear. I calf - not say like Sir Bertram. He was ex- tremely rude to me last year ; but; poor old :fellow, it was not to - be wondered at. It will be -nice-- for you to see your 'friends again." "Natarally,"•replies Brandon. On -the Saturday -fixed for -Vanessa's visit to Sir Bertram, she is in a state of restless excitement—she is longing -to see her old :friends • several titles slie has been on the peint olwriting to them, but has thought .it better to wait for their meeting under Sir Th3rtirain's auspices. He -heart beats quite fast as they drive up to the door of of his river -side chateau'. They are ushered into the drawing room a moment later their lost steps in at the 'French windowii open- ing 00. the lawn. . . • Are Edith and Mabel here 1" asks Van- essa, as soon as she has greeted- him with the usual formula. ' • "1 am so sorry," he answers, they are unable to,coine.' • As a matter of fact he has not invited them nor Mentioned Mrs. Brandon's name to them. , - " I asked two Or three Pleasant people to treme dryness, '4,1, suppose that after listen- ing to his exalted sentiments- you would finiimine very fiat\and conunonplace. ;But, all the.same, let Me *give you the result of my experience." : Vanessa experiences a sensation of un- easiness. Has she betrayed the tinge of disappointment which has crett into her meet you," he ocintinues,' but at this time 'heart now and again _during t e last few of the year it is impossible to get any °neat church. what my wise and good-nattire re ablWL say ? Be -friends with um out of the gooda nese of your heart, because I Want, III friend, and if you find me taking advantage of your -kindness, ,pr trying to do so, kick me out, and have nothing more to say to• . me." _ So Vanessa smiles and makes a compiat 'with him and the rest of the time which they spend together is 'pd in perfect harmony. Itewants a c,,,ftlseer to eleven when Sir Bertram., and Mr. -Brandon jobs them. Both seem in the best of spirits—Ur is evident that no qualm has visited the husband about his wife's tete-a-tete with. Lord Ravenhold:• • TO :be Continued.) • • Mrs. Goodkind--theres only one troale about poor Mr. Carele.ss. He's gentrouirte a fault.: Mr. \ druff=llumph i It's a pity that he isn'tftenerous to his family. • Manager—Ah, I remember you. You are the song -and -dance soubrette who wishes to join my company. What Is your compass Applicanteeelf yon refer to my voice, why, it's only two octaves, but I can kick over nineteen. • Mr. Nicefello (playfully)—What -makes your- earsSmall Terror—SU pulls 'em like everything every time I tell 011 ers. .1 - . -THE 'WIDOW'S COYNESS. 0 Woman! In your teens a tease, Uncertain, coy and hard to egtipete But when a widow blithe and teay, You meet us then atteast half way. Rev. Wilton M. Smith, of New Yorks states that out - of 300,000 young men in that city, not over 15000 ever .enter "--- t.