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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1886-5-21, Page 2��r _. TO PST �j, �1 WORN SILENCE . , 'mut eo a lr t, and near, lint he oom�bh not, aucl I vaiuii• wonder, 1How will the long years pass, 'Mill shall nod rest andsileuoo, under Thetroos and the waving grassy' on, ALINE RODNEY'S SECRET. Dy RRCs. ALEX. 111c1d;1Gd111d1f1,1L ^UA, Avgehou or Laurel B'ano,, "Ludy Gay's Pride," eta., oto, he 'oh iingod file eubjooti of bile e-ci ersa- tion, "Have you forgiven rno for my rude- ness of last night?" ho inquird d, with a'touch of goutlenoss in his voice. "No," Aline answered, tartly, "I have brought you these beautiful flowers as a peace -offering," he con- tinued, unruffled by her ohildish'resent. ment. "You cannot refuse them, for I know that you love flowers voly dearly." "I shall never love them again," sho replied, obstinately. "I shall always remember that my foulness fur flowers brought down all this trouble upon my head." "I beg your ppardon; it wasyour fond- Bess for peaches," he retorted, with a slight gleam of mirth. "If you had not come into my house to take luncheon with me, nothing would have hap- pened." "I should never have come into your garden even but for the flowers," she replied, offended that he should remind her of her appetite for poaches. He smiled, and then a subtle sigh drove the evanescent gleam away. "Well, wo will not quarrel over the cause," he said. "The result is the same. I am sorry you will not have my poor flowers. I hoped they would beguile some of the tedium of your Mimes. He put the basket upon a stand near her and sat down. "Mrs. Orden has sent me to take care of yon during her absence," he said. "But if my presence is disagree- able, Miss Rodney, you can send me away at any moment." Aline inwardly wished that she was brave enough to do so, but she was too nervous and frightened to take him at his word. There was a sense of pro- tection in his presence that she could not forego even to gratify her spite at him. So she lay silently gazing at his dark, stern profile under her long lashes until ho turned suddenly and caught the curious gaze of the large, liquid blue eyes. He smiled slightly as they fell before his. "You have not said whether I am to stay or go," he said. Aline hesitated a moment, then answered in a low, half -angry voice: "Stay." "Thanks. I was afraid you would send mo away," he said. "I would, but—but I am afraid to stay here alone," sho replied with spirit.. Something like anger flashed into his dark face a moment, but was quickly dispelled by the thought, "Why bo angry with a wilful child whom I -have unavoidably offended ?" "You are very frank. I quite under- stand that I am retained in your pre- sence merely in the character of a watch -dog," ho ropliod, with gomo hauteur. But while I am here, pray make me of service if possible. Can I do anything for you—talk to yen—read to you?" She eagerly caught et the last sug- gestion. "Yes, you may read to me. I do not like to talk to you. You make me angry when I talk to you," sho said. "You are very flattering, Miss Rod- ney. However, I do not forget that you are sick. We pardon the dis- courtesies of invalids," he said, calmly, going over to a little stand Iittered with volumes bound prettily in blue and gold. "What is your preference—prose or poetry ?" he inquired, carelessly turning them over. Poetry," she replied. "Naturally—being young," he mutter- ed, half' to himself. "Do you moan to say that I shall not love poety when I grow old—like you 2" she asked, purposely adding the sting of the last words. But he faced around toward her with an expression of the most palpable amusement. "Do I appear very old in your eyes, Miss Rodney ?" he ingned. "'As old as the hills'—yon are, aren't you, sir ?" she replied,with malice prepense. "I was thremend•thirty yesterday, my frank lady," be answered, coolly. "As for you, judging from your words and manner, I should guess that yon are about ten years old." The delicate shaft of &aroagm wont home, Aline know that she deserved it, and that she had been behaving rudely to the courteous gentleman under whose roof she was. But she Was by no means prepared to acknow- ledge her fault. She was bitterly angry with him, because he had refused to cominunicato with her friends. "Please go on with the poetry," she said, assuming an air of dignity, and taking no notice of his last words, Ho opened the book he was holding, and commenced to read a poem quite at madam: "How many years will it bo, 1 wonder, And how will their slow length pees, T1111 shall find ree6 in etlonoe, under The trees and the waving grass 1' "Many there be in the world who love it, Who offing to its trifles and Wye; But I could never and aught to covet Among its vanishing loye, "But ones, indeed, was my heart elated, And pleased with a dream of its own.. A beautiful dream terms, but fated Soon to be overthrown. "Beath like a shadow tell and darkened mo light that had eiioue to clelt�'- Thmeft since then havo,I tat1ilyheorkenedt, Ho paused, and Aline, impressed agaiust her will, but determined not to show it, =led out, almost peevishly : . "Why do you read such h dolefal thing? I do not like sadoetry." "That is the fault of p your youth again," ho quietly auswered. "Now 1, on the contrary, rather admire the pathetic style. The time may come, perhaps, when you may have that very fancy, Nay, you may even subscribe to the sacl sentiment it embodies." "I should never do that if I lived. to bo as old as Methuselah 1" cried Aline, with the rash confidence of youth, and Oran Delaney smiled—that slow, pen. sive smile whose latent sarcasm she already began to understand with the swift intuition of woman. "Why do you despise youth, Mr, Delaney?" she cried out, hotly. "I do not despise it, I only pity ib," lie answered. ' 1 can fancy age deserving pity, but vet youth," sho answered, resentfully. ••1"; by Flo you pity it 9" "! ur its illusions," ho answered, and this time the sarcasm had faded from his voice and face. Both were genuinely sad. "Its illusions — what are they 2" queried the girl, and again he smiled, sadly. "Do not ask mo. They will Dome home to you soon enough, as they have done to me. Youth is the heppiesb period of life. I pity it because it opines to an end. I do not despise it, ttnd'I felly subscribe to the poet's plains: g1, ." The loss of youth is sadness To all who think or 0001N - A. wound ho after.gladness can ever wholly heal.", ..0 Aline lay very still for a mernent, gazing sileubly at him with a feeling of venation that she had permitted herself to listen to him with interest and oven with an unconscious sympathy. She was about to make some careless answer to show her utter indifference, and to provoke him again, when she suddenly observed that he had turned deathly pale, and that a stream of blood was pouring from inside his coat sleeve deem upon his hand. "You aro wounded, too I" she cried out in (balmy, and feeling a deathly faintness stealing over her at eight of the trickling blood. • "It is nothing—a mere flesh wound— a scratch," be muttered, tearing off, his coat, hastily, and then Aline saw that his shirt -sleeve had been torn.open and his arm bandaged above the elbow, but the linen had become loosened in some way, and the gaping wound was bleed. Mg profusely. �He tried clumsily to draw the crimson bandage tighter about the wound, but ho was very awkward with his left hand, and he did not succeed. Aline could not help being sorry -foe him. ,,,,.,, CHAPTER IX. She had a very tender heart, this little wilful heroine of ours, and although she thought she hated Oran Delaney she would not willingly have seen him suffer. She eaw that he was growing pale and faint from loss of blood, and she could not keep frompity- ing him. She cried out, hastily: "Come here, Mr. Delaney. I will fasten the bandage toy en ° Ho looked surprised, but he. came to the bed and held down hie arm within reach of her little white heeds. She drew the band tighter and, 'behind her haudkerohief tightly around it. The blood ceased to flow, but her own hands were stained with blood when she had finished. Does it frighten you much?" he asked. "You look very pale." "No, I am npt frightened," bravely. "Tell me—how did you come by your wounds 2" In much the minx. manner as you came by yours," he Milled, reservedly. "Through that horrible—sometliirml" she inquired, with a.shuddet. "Yes." A gleam of intelligence flashed from Aline,'s eyes. . Ah, now I begin to understand," she said. "You met it first. It was your blood I saw upon the knife and the hands and the dress 2" "lest..,, "And you did not ran away from me to—to save yourself? I thought— thought—" She paused and looked at him, half inquiringly.' "Well, what was ib'you thought 2" he inquired. "When yon left me in the hall, you know," she said, with some embarras. trent, "I believed that yon had deserted me and fled like a meninx') leaving me to the mercies of that terrible creature. I was mistaken, perhaps." He looked of her with a slow flush rising through the pallor of his face. "Every moment I am with you, Miss Rodney, I lear,ri mono and more how contemptible I am in your eyes," ho said, with irrepressible ensu rin. "But I told yon I was mrbtaken," said the girl, with unconscious repentance in her voice. "Was I right ?r' "1 met the danger first," he answered, simply. "Yeas, I understand, and I am sorry I thought you a coward. I beg your pea - dos," she said, gently. "Ybu aro freely forgiven," Mr. Dela- ne replied, quietly, eg ho brongbt a d tfsp bongo acid caret -Ely removed the b ` ed -stains. from her delicate, dimpled 'bite hands, She submitted quietly to . the opera- tion, thodgli"he had half expected that slip would snatch her hands away In pptitlant anger. 1'I am agroat deal better today, am I not, Mr, Delanoy 2" dui inquired as ho mermaid his seat. blink so,"'hereplied. "Your wound was not serious. It wee struck too hastily. I hope you will soon recover POW. You are bearing it very bravely." "Thank you! And when aro yon going to lot mo go home?" The wistful tone of the young girl struck him like a reproach, He burned away his heart as he answered : "As soon as your wound is healed. That will be in a few weeks, I hgpo." "Can I say or do nothing that will in- duce you to let me go now ?" she en- treated. "That would be impossible. You are not able to be moved yet, Tho result of such an imprudence might bo most serious." "And you will not communicate with my friends 2" she went on, "I am sorry to be compelled to dont' you that gratification," ho replied, with decision. "And in the meantime they must suffer all the pangs of doubt and sus- pense. Oh, Mr. Delaney, is that right, is it just?" cried the wounded captive. "There aro many things in thisworld, Miss Rodney, that are neither right nor just," he replied. "This may bo one of them; but circumstances will not ad- mit of my acing otherwise. I am com- pelled tokeep you hidden here, unknown to any one, until you are well enough to be returned to your home." "You have no pity for them nor for me I" she cried, almost wildly. "I cannot follow the bent of my fool. ings. I am compelled to pursue this course," replied the the mysterious ra- dium. you know," she said, "that my friends will be very angry with you for keepingme hidden away from them ? Wham iI should die here in this dread- ful house 2" "They would never know what fate had overtaken their darling,' ho an. swered, gloomily. Aline stared at him with wide, torri. flied blue eyes. Indignation was rising within her again—indignation added to somethinggike fear. CHAPTER X. "Mr. Delaney, I cannot understand you," she said. "You talk strangely. I am tempted to believe that you cannot be sane, that you are not in your right mind." He looked at her steadily with his grave, dark eyes. "Do I look like a lunatic, Miss Rod- ney?" he inquired. "No, but you talk like one," she cried out petulantly. "Do you really imagine that you can keep my presence Here a secret from my own people? Do.you not know that they will search for ane until they lied mo ?" "They aro already soarehing;for you, but I am quite certain they will never find yqu," he replied. "The last place where ldr. Rodney would thiuk of look- ing would be in hislieighbor's house." Sheknew that it was true. Her heart sunk heavily, but she cried out, spirit- edly pirit- e "But when I go home and tell him— what then ? Are you not afraid of his angor when he knows the truth 2" "Ile will never know," Oran Delaney relied, strangely. Tho pale face on the snowy, lase - fringed pillow grew paler still, the blue eyes darkened with agitation. "Not know ?" she meed out passionate- ly. "Why, what con you mean ?" "you will not tell him," he replied. "Now I am quite surd thea you are mad," said Aline. "Do you thiuk I shall not tell Siem when I go home 2" "I am quite sure you,viii not'." Aline could not speak for a moment. She was mystified by Mr; Delaney's words and manner. She almost began to believe him mad indeed. To what did this strange talk tend ? While she puzzled within herself he drew his chair nearer to the ledside— near enough indeed to touoh her pulse with his cool fingers. "Pray do not excite yourself unduly " 'he said. "There is really no noes ty for it. Oaunot wo discuss this ma coolly and dispassionately, and comb to an understandingg?" Sho drew her hand away with a heavy sigh. "I do not believe I can discuss it coolly," she amid. "I am frightened at the mysteries of this 'house, and the mysteries with which you choose to sur- round me. I am hero within a stond's throw of reylown iiomo, wounded,' help. less, a prey to grief and every auif"rgty, while my friends are seeking for mo everywhere in sorrow and c#istross. I cannot be calm and cool. I am period -1y wretched. .tow oan you explain away these things'?" "Will you listen to me while I try to do so ?" asked Oran Delaney. "Yes," aloe answered, impatiently. "I will not take long," he said. "In the drat place, Miss Rodney, I tape gomo blame upon myself for this. I should not have brought you into my houee—I sbouldnot even have admitted you into my garden. But I thought you ar a lonely child, d was carelessly Will- ing to gratify your penchant for my beautiful flowers.'" "Those dearly bought flowers," sighed Aline. Through your own thoughtlessnees and mine," ho continued, you have stumbled upon the mystery of Delaney House—a mystery too terrible to be given to, the world—a secret I will guerd with my very life, if need be. Therefore-----" He palmed, after his odd fashion, and gazed gravely into her face. "Therefore," sho repeated, wonder- Ing.yy. ""Thp Deieneys havo been a proud race from the beginning -4 am the proudest ono yet," he Said. "That which HURON AND BRUCE Loan & I nvestment Co. ThisCompany is Loaning Money on Farm Security at LOWEST RATES of Interest. MORTGAGES PURCHASED. SAVINGS BANK BRANCH. 3, tk and 5 per cent, Interest Al- lowed on Deposits, according to amount and time left. Omen. --On corner of Market Square and North street, Goderich. Horace Horton, MANAGER. Goderieh ,Aug.5 th,1SS2 MONEY TO LOAN. Moneyto oano•t arm rot arty at LOWEST RATES. PRIVATE AND COMPANY FUNDS W. B. Dicxsow, Solicitor, Brussels, Ont. Money to Loan. PRIVATE .FU,NDS. $20,000 ofPr.vatel undshavoj ustbeen plaood in my lrandsfor Invostment AT 7 PER CENT. Borrow;rscan havetheirloan ecomplete in three day s if title is satisfactory, Apply to E. E. WADE. MAY 21, 1886, 0USToaz TAILOIU1bG, • The undersigned begs leave to intimate to the publio that ho has opened a tailor shop in the Garfield house block, over Powell's store, where he is prepared to at- tend to the wants of the .Biblio in cutting, fitting and making clothing in the latest Rad d nob fashionable styles. My long ex- perieneotogether with a oourse of instruc- tion under one of the best cutters inTorqu- to is a gunrauteo of being able to do satie. factory work. Satisfaction guaranteed. SS-ini Q. A. 11155. MONI?.Y TO LEND, Any amount of Volley to Loan on Evian or Village property at 6 & 6k PER GENT. YEARLY. Straight Loans with Privilege of repaying when required. Apply to A. HUNTER, Division Court Clerk, Brussels. BRUSSELS PUM:P WORK. The undersigned bogs to inform the public that they have manufactured and ready for nee PUMPS OF ALL. MDS, WOOD Sc IRON. Cisterns of Any dimension. GATES or ALL SIZES. GLoTIme REELS of a superior construction. Examine our stook before purchasing elsewhere. A. Call solicited. We are also Agents for McDougall's Celebrated Windmill. Wilson &. Pelton, Shop Opposite P. Scott's Blacksmith Shop. P. S.—Prompt attention paid to all re- pairing of Pumps, &c. LISTOW L WOOL N For the Season I886., MILLS. Cash Paid. Z am prepared to pay the highest cash price for good fleece wool delivered at the Lis- towel Woolen Mills. Having been eleven years in business here, 15 has always boon my endeavor to pay higher thou tbo market allows, and in the past years have paid city market prioes. Wool being so low in price, it will afford mo pleasure to pay the highest price going. In exchanging woolfer goods will allow a few oents more. Will also guar- antee to 6011 my goody at Cash prices. I don't have two prices—cas:1 and trade—my rule is ono price only. Running the year round enables n,e to parry td large stock. This year having a larger stook than usual, will offer you. The best Stock of Tweeds in, the Dovtinion to choose from. Double and Twisted Fuld Cloths, Flannels, Blankets, all Goods of the Newest wed Latest Designs. come early with your wool and you will find ❑sready and willing to give you our best attention. We will be happy for you to Inspect Goods and Prices before disposing of your wool. I remain, yours rospectittlly, 3-3. F'.. 3 RO01 • 10 LLER 0I'tr. CHANGE F .PROPRIETORS. Having leasee] the well known and splendidly equipped Roller Flouring Hill from Messrs. Wm. 'Vanstone & ,Sons for a term of years, we. desire to intimate to the farmers of Huron Co. and the public gene:'al]y that wo are prepared to turn out the best brands of Flour, look after the Gristing Trade, supply any quantity of Fran, Chopped stuff, &e., aud'buy Any QuanWheat. Tho .Billie recognizetitydof as ono of the best in the County and our long experience in this business gives us confidence in saying we guarantee satisfaction, Flour and Feed Always on Hand. iar'Gristing and Chopping promptly attended to, A CALL SOLICITED. Stewart & Lorick, PROPRIETORS.