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Home My WebLink AboutThe Clinton News-Record, 1902-09-18, Page 3September, 18th 190S : Maud Percy's 1 A • 1 Secret • it Briderroom," son °The un 44 t BY MAY AGNES FLEivinvo ",AseTccerele ot 0.040.0.0.60.41•64Q....04441•114,6•0•0110•11.0•0*() darker shadow rise through the dark, nees to the surface. ierer tea illzitttilt thet white. wild face, glared above t he black bosom of the Thames, LIUU then disuppettied forever; end with a hard, bit"er smite, Menthe to see. the dark, dread ;venom turned Limo'. Away, again through the Itthyrinth or t he city, leaving that "Bridge of Sighs" fur belie d -away from the dark dens and filthy purlieus to the elder end more faehionable part of the town, sptd he gipsy queen. lit chine her breast fiercely at inter- als, with her dark, horny fingers, as a she would tear thence the An- guish that was driving her mad, she flew on, until once again : she found herself before the brilliantly ligated mansion of Earl De CourcY• Swelling on the night air, came borne to her ear strains of softeet music, as if to mock her misery, Gay forms were flitting past the wintiows and. at intet•vals, soft, ntusical peals of !mightyr minghd with the louder SO: n Is of gayety. Folding her arms ovei her btetst, the gipsy leaned against a lamp post, and looked, with a steady smile, up at the ilium- iiatted "marble hall" before her. Her commanding form, made more coin - /notating by her free, .fiery costume, stood out in bold relief, in the light of the street tamp. HOT dark face was set with a look fairly terrific in its inteneity Or hate. .And that smile curling her thin, colorless lips -Satan himself might have envied her t hat demoniacal smile of ma quencheble malignity! Moving through its gorgeous monis, Earl De Courcy dreamed not of the dar:i, vengeful glance that would, if it could, have pierced those solid walls of stane to seek . him. And yet ever before him, to mar his' festivity, would arise the haunting memory of that convulsed face, those disteided eyeballs, those blanched lips, thoee up -raised hands, pleading vainly for the mercy he could not grant. Amid all the glitter and gay- ety of the brilliant scene around him, -he could not forget the pleadings of that strong heart in its strong tig- ony. He thought Iittle of her threats -of her maledictions; yet, when some hours after he missed his son from the gay scene, daek thoughts er as- sassination -of the unfailing, sulale poisons gipsies were eo s il.1ul: in, arose before him; and • he ehueldered with a vague presentment of dread. But his son had returnee sate* and now the stately 01d nobleineh stood gayly chatting with a bevy of ' fair ladies. "Ohl she was positively the most delightful old thing I ever saWl" ex- claimed the gay voice of gay little Miss Clara Jernyngham. "Jtist like "tier -ate' in 'Macbeth,' for all the. world -the very beau ideal of a de- . Mettle] Satanic old sorceress! AVollId have given anything - Iny .dianiond ring, my French Pt elle, every-._ singleone_ , pf _ - my lovers, or evert perfect, those,- delightfully mysterious, en- chanting, ugly old &steles who coine poking round, stealingand telling fortunte. What in the world did she oF • ou, mylord?" A shadow fell darkly over the brow of the earl for a moment, as he ree coliereed that dark, impassioned wo- man pleading for her only son; but,. It passed away as quickly as it came, and he answered, with a smile: . '"ro tell my fortune, of course, lit- tle bright -eyes. Am I not an enviable man?" "And cli,r1 he really tell it? Oh, how delightful! What did she say, ray lord?" "That I was to propose to Miss aura .fernyngham, who was to say, 'With pleasure, my loedr-that I was to indulge her with haves of bane. nets' and French poodles to an un- limited extent -that-" "Now; I don't believe a word of It," said Miss Clara, pouting, while a peal of silvery laughter arose from t.he rest. "I wouldn't ba mere eoun- toss at, any price. I'll have a ducal corenet, if 1 die for it! You know the old Duke of I3—. tor lord?" she ridded in a mysterious whisper. "Well, he is not quite right in his mind, poor man! and I ant going to propose to him the very fleet chance! The family diamonds are superb, and I will become them beautifully, you know! This is strictly ehtre nous, though, and if you don't tell, my hire, you shall have an invitathen to the wedding, and drink my health in his grace's old wine!" And. with her pretty little face all ,ditnpleci with smiles, Miss Clara daire •Ceti away to a window neer, and lifting the Jamey curtains, peeped out. • The earl had bowed, and, with his _ hand on his heart, had promis or with ben Wes grav•ity, to preen.e the young lady's secret inviolate, - when, a goulden ejaculation front Miss Clara's rosy lips brought hint again to her side. "Oh, my lord! only look!" she • cried. "There is that dark, dread- ful git•sy we were talking of, her- self. Only look at that awful. Mee; It is positively enough to make one's bleed run cold. Could slur have lietu'd vs, do you think, my lord?" . At any other MOO, the gay little lady's undisguised terror would have amused the earl; but, nosier with that darter sterh, terrible face gletuning - hat vision fi•oin the dead, iti the fitful 'light of the street lamp, he felt his very blood curd'O. It roee hereto him so unexpectedly, itts if she. had risen front the earth to confrottt Min, that even his strong' heart grew for a. motnent appalled. fler titil foi'm looming up unnaturally lame in the underlain light; her unaheleereel head, • on whieh the rein nicrOliosaly beat; her steady, burning, unswerving gaze fixed on the very Windee? where they Mood -all Combated, sent a thrill of terror to the '<toy heart of the earl. She saW there as they Stood there; by the brilharit jete ef light, his j posing forth wee plainlY revealed t the large tvindOW. SloWly, likean nepired gerbil of the darkest gledln. he, raised one Skinny hand, an'd, hile her Meg, fliekerieg firtger 4minted upward', her otnittotte gaze never for a single instaat ;wandered IrOrn his face. So wild -so threaten.. • big Ives hex look, that the shriek She bad Mined her Mouth to utter froze ion little Miss jeenynglunn's lips; and tht WI, With it shudder, shaded his • • eyes WW1 his hands to shut out the weird sight. Cne :moment later. When he looked again, the dark, portent- ous vision was gone. Slowly end reluctantly, as though unwilling to go, the clouds of eight rolled sullenly back, and morning, wlth clerk sierou•de.d face and dismal g, brke ovet'en on. • The crash, 0 the din, the surging roar of busy life had commted• Alen, looking like spectres, in, the thick, yellow fog, buttoned up in over- coats, and scowling at the weather, peweesi up end down -the thronged thoroughtares. On the river, barges, yachtmei boats ran against each . other in till) gloom, and curses, loud and deep, from , hoarse throats min- . Weil with peals of gruff laughter, from crowds of rowdy urchins on the wharves. The dark bosom of the sluggish Thames ruse and fell calm. ly enough, telling no tales of all the misery, wee, and shame hidden for- ' over uedere its gloomy waves, . A large, black, dismal looking ship lay moored to one el the docks., and a vaet concourse of people were ase swatted, to witnessthe crowd or con- victs who were to be borne far away from. "Merrie England" in her, that morhing. Two -by -two they Cattle, chained together hand and foot, like oxen; and theI�pg, 'gloomy proms. shot wound its tortuous' way to the vessel's side, amid the •Itteghter, scoffs, end 'jeers of the Crowd. • Yet there were sad. feces' hi that orawd, . too -laces hard, :rough, and guilt - stained -that grew sorrowful as bet- • ter men's might have grown, • • as, . same friend, son, husband, or broth- er .went- by, straining their eyes . to take a, last look at the land • they were leaving forever. Now and then some fair young face scarcely past boyhood would pass -in the felon gang. -faces heed t6 useeciate with the idea of guilt: but most were ;dark, sevage, moteese men, with scowling , eyes • and guilt -hardened teethe., • At. last came one who was greeted with an insulting:cheer that rang to • the Verer heavene. And. "Hurrahf for. the gentlemen gipsyi" "Tharali! rah! 'for the thief from. Eton!" • rang Out • again and again, • until the , wet-. - kin meg., • •' • . • Proudly erect, with his hate head ' thrown back; his full, falcon.' eyes flashing Withit scorn that niudeniore • than one .Scoiling gaze fall, • walked . the Son of the gipsy• (Omen. • Shout, atm' shout of derision greet- ed him as 'he went on;, for the 'rabble - ever hate those who, • belta (Mg to their own • class • raise themselves . , ; -above thern. -But when • it women -a I wild, haggehd, despairing .• women ruslieelthrough the crowd, and greet-. Iod'hirn with the. passionate cry: "My • eon!. 0 my sont-ruy soul". a iiietiC0 • like that of death lell •over the vase throng. Unheeding all Lumped her, the gipsy Ketura • would -have forced her way to his side, hut she was held back by those who had charge of the convicts. And the dreary procession ' passed on its way. '• • - All was on 'board hit last, and the vessel, with. a: fair 'Wind,- Was mciedag _ away from the wharf. •The crowd Was . - TRE CLINTON NlirVirfik-REOQIID any Snell thing; I wouldn't insult yo f. r the world. for -for -e" Mr Toosypegs paused for a figure seveth strong enough, "For any am aunt of money, Mr. Harkins." "Well, it don't make tp) matter hi Yoh did," said Mr. IlarMets, coolin suddenly down. "lint what his thl Mrs. Harkins 'ad. Tongs -tongs. Oh yesi tongs-will-eat-ust thet's th name, Mr. Toosypegs. Mrs. Harkin Itnel that," ;said Mr, liarkins, trium phitet ly. • ' "rotten itis, pet haps." insinuate Mr. Toosypegs, welea dtrel, 11.• het Hutt writ 1 said?" eX eitsenied Harkins, rousing • u ;Again. "Fiend iny Jelin Halbert, he' been ned 'ad it Sarah Hell After tion -h" "Cerebral," again ventured Mr Toogsvpet s; hen.ly, hain't that wot 1 seld?' emitted l'sfr, Harkins, glaring say tigely at the republican, who wilte sweldtnly down. "Blessed! if I halc' a good, mind to bring yot a dip 1on Ade the 'end for your imperence- in conter dieting Me like this 'ere beery time Why, yeted perwolee a saint, to yo would "Mr. Iraritem, I'm sure I ne e meant to °deed you, and Vet rea sorry for your trouble," apologize Mr. Toosypegs, in a rentoretastileket tone.. "Well,. it wasn't no trouble," sai Mr, Iferkins, testily. "Cos he go took to the 'ot•se-spittle for fear ha,ny tho rest hot the family woule ta,ke it. Mary Hann; she got het feet wet, and took the inn -flue -end ways; whot yer got to say 'a. in -that 1" deinafided Mr. Harkins, Mr. Wu, a3 es, wlio 1ud beert mut- tering 'influenza" to . hilnEelt, an cliticklieg inwardly, as he though U suspect eneg-" "halt" interrupted Tar. Herkins, t with it look 01 disgust; "nobody ne er said eothia' about, you Well, hir. Toosypegs, took her bin, has she hashed, and brought her along g has far has my 'ouse, where 'Nessus s 'Arlsitte gave ber something to eat , for the little 'un, which was has fine a little rellow has ye(e'd wish to 9 $00. :rim, she went holt and the - neect week we heard she'd gone and \welt grimy," 4 I "Poor thing Why I'm real sor- Iry, Mr. Harkins. I dare say she was• e • a real nice old lady, if sheet been p let alone," said Mr. 1-hheSePegs, in • 1011e Of commiseration. - "Why, who tetched her ?" said , Tierkins, testae'. . "Well, they went and transported her son, and iheesure it wasn't right ' at ad, when .he did noe taunt t� go. - She looked real put out' about it that et night, herself, too." t "S'posit you begged her son Waa 1. drowned ?" "Yes: -3 saw it in the papers and was real' sorry -1 really was. %Ir. Harkins, 1 1I3),)'* Say You Was, too," • Mr, Ifarkies grunted. "Ail hands wee lest, wasn't they?" ✓ said Mr. Harkins after a short 1 pal se. d "Yes ; all hands and feet," seed Toosypegs, veeturing on a weak joke; but, catching the stern look' of d Harkins, at this unbecoming t • levity. he instantly grew ;serious agein; "the ship (struck against 1 something*" . "A metmaid," suggested Mr. Hare • - Rine. "Mr Harkins I'm very much obli ed to you, but it wasn't a mermaid f ' mime d -and 'went to the bottom. with all t hands tine the cook." - n "Which is a melancholic picture $ hof the, treecherousness hof the s hoceait;" said Mr. Har ins, in a raor- f aeizing tone, 'hand should be • a ,. severe warning to hall, when they d steale.not to let theniselves get took - en hup, lest -they be tooken down a g • peg or two, halter," - "But you know, Mr. Harkins, it's t been found 'out Sille0 he wasn't the . one who- stole the plate, at all, That man they arrested for 3nurder, . and f are going to hang, confessed he. did it; I'M sure you might haVo seen it . in the papers, Mr. Harkins," - a. "I don't pia,: no faith hip the pa.; •• pers, reyself,"'• said, W. Harkins, In 1. it severe tone; "they ',ain't t� be be- - Hewett, none of «if they says s one thing,YoUnaty be sure hit' S just hexactry the tether. That there'e thy °pit:Iona' , "Itut; Mr; Harkins, hook here," maid Mr. Toosypegs, • deeply 'impress- , 'ell with . this tiroleurid view of the t newspapee press in" general, "1. dare u shy thr that's tite. enough, . and it's real semible of you to say so; but in this ‘ • ease, it meet he true.- Why,, they're , going to hang the man; Ur. Harkins, tinii• he confessed' he did 'that, along. with. ever , limey :otliee uriitietful things. I wonder if hartging hurts much, ,Mr.• Harkins'?" said 'Idle e Toost•pe s' involuntarily • loosening t his neck -cloth as• he thought of it. don't know," I know," returned Mr.' Franc , tl I gh troll y , . "X never. was . 'tinged ineself but I had 'a cousin ' who mat teed te vidder." Here, Mr.,• • : ITarkitts, advantage of 'a • enoment'S -unguarded pieixfinity„ gave • Mr, Toosypegs facetious dig'. in the • ribs, which hceresed • that .111 -used hohe Gould correct Mr. Harkins, i his own mind. in spite of him, we so completely overpowered by thi bristling' question, that the • blood o conecious guilt rushed to his face and .Mr. 0, 0, Toosypegs stop biushing hike a red Cabbage. "Because if you've got hanythin to say agin hit," went on Mr. Hew Rine, "you 'ad better let hit hon for * heti() hexercise, that's all Come, -.now." • ' 'Wee Harkins,' it's very kind o .you t� glee me' peratission, and- I am very meich ()bilged to, you," said Mr Toosyregv, looking severely at small boy who had it held of his esettetairs behind. "But I'hadn't th* remotest idea of • saying anything whatever, against it, I'm sure .11.' perfectly right and proper Mary •Ann should havethe influenza, if she weeks to." . • "Ah 1 I• didn't know but what you might .think she 'adn't," said Me Thirkins, blandly.' "There Weenie /tatty tellin' you kreow, but what yo Might say a Hinglishrntin's 'ousts Wasn't his •-• castle,, and he couldn't 'eve' whatever lietikes there. Well the baby, -- he got the ereek, which 'ad the theloncholic heffec hof turning hien .perrectry black, in- the face." neesYPeies, , though inwardly surmising Mr: _Harkins meant th croup; thoughtit et. very likely Ohm to ho. biCought, about by either.. ' •'"I'lent Stye Jane took the brown Skeeters, band 'ad to Min. beggar bin .nty hewn. back„ but err the whole, We were all preety well, thanky 'Ph atn. real glad to hear it," • said Mr. Toosypegs, friendly wanieth, "I've been- pretty well, nty- who was guarding xeeturee : moved away with lhe rest, 'casting saconx- pessionate• glatme en. the. face white with woman's' utmost woe. i• tending there, with straining eye-. belle. mid clenched Mulcts, tite•wreteh- • 04,watrian watched the ship that bore awaythe ion she so Madly loved. ' With parted lips'and heaving 'breast, she stood there; as any other mother • might stadd, :tend. watched the • ,kode • .sof since, too,' hem very much. oblige • ed to year." ; • .. • • • ."Let's • see, it's.. neat a month, hein't it. since the, night tookyou to Lotidott ?" seid Mr. 'Harkins- . -"Three. weeks and five days, ly," said said Mr, •Toosypege, briskly. •"Ist111Pogie. you don't -dieremember the hold slimy has we took hin that night -d� you, Mr. Toosypegs r! said .Mr. llarkies. black"The one - wlth the ' short frock? Oh, T remember her," said Mr: Toosypegs. • "I've never seen; her since." , • . "NO,: I -shouldn't spose' You 'ad," said Mr. Burkina, grit et, , seem sliers. as mad' as a March: are, down there with -her tribe. IlySterious is the ways eif PrOvidence. •You blam- ed iittle rascal 1 hif you do that again, e'11 'chuck you inter the Sere pentitat 1., blessed lehif .1 don't." ITis last .sentence, Which began with * 'Plods upturning 61 the -whites, •er rather the yellows, • of Mr, Harkins' eyes, wes abruptly cut .short , bee • depraved. youth, . whe,e'turnieg,.. a course CI .suminersi4Its for the bene - it Of his constitution; rolled sueden- y against Mr. Ilarkihs' shins,. and the react, inetant found himself aed eubbinglore portion Of is •peeson.' where Mr. :Harkins had planted -a kick. 'The Way the pt.inciptilS of perlitee ess .neg I ected ' to 'be ••hinst illeh *into the minh , of youths: retwaa- leye, clistressin' to 'behold," said Ir. Harkinge'. 'with a geimece of lain; 'hue has sayin' habotit .he bold, gipsy she's gone' razy, hand"-thera Mr. .IIark' • . . 1T19, °were& his voice to 'a hoarse whis- 1er)-"she's went hand got it baby." "1)0 tell!" , ejaculated atr. Toosye legs, who • sew It • was expected of im• to be surprised, and who, con- eqUently, was, thoUgh he could not ee any earthly reaSon for it. "A baby.." went on Mr. Harking, 'a real baby, alive and .kickin'?" : "Pshaw I. it ain't possible 1" said Tooeyregs, in a voice betraying not Lite slightest pat•tiele of ewe - time • • • "It its Aiineredulous as it may sound, it's true," said Me. Harkins, solemnly, ."The way I found hit . bout: vete this: I was tomin' }mimg. on e night hurter bringing hoff • e6 wot got 'waylaid in latenora• young gehtleman to spring back with- • semethiree like.A. howl. • • . You don't- know how sheet). yOur . elbow is; Mr e Harkins; and my ribs are real thin. I airiet used to such •treatment, and it berets," said Mr. Toosype s 9" "I. haVe. lieerd it was honTy their shins tts was ;tender hin •Hameeica," said Mr: • Ilarkins. "When are - you . 'pejo' back tie Ilamerica, Mr.. Toosee; pegs ? • - • "Not before a year -perhaps :two," ' :said Topsypegs, brightening sud- denly .up. "And I .tell you what, Mr. Harkins, America; is a real nice piece, and I'll be eyer se glad to get back to it. There vtas the nicest people round went •we • tiered that ever was," went on Me. ToOsypegs, get- . ting etithusiaStic. "There was Judge :Lawless, up at Heath Hill; •and . old Admiral Havenfitl, at the White'. Squall; and loth of other folks: 'Where I lived- \yeti called. Dismal:lit:thew; • • Owing to its being encireled by huge • black reeks on ale sides, and a dark -pine forest oe the other." , "Iheasent place must bave booth?' said Mr. Harkins,. with a. strong; Sneer. • • ' "WellIt wristlet so' pleasant as you might think," _seriously .replied Toosypegs, on whom, his. companion's sareastit ' was- completely . thrown II,War, "the sun never shone there, - tied lie Thstintl Creek, that run right I before the him -se, got "sWelled up every time It: rained, the house always made a point of getting flooded, and - so we lived most of . the time in the at•tic in the spring.' There were runawey-iiiggerts irt the weiods,, too, who used to steal and do a good many Other nasty things, so it wasnht safe to go out at night." "Wot ever made yott leave such a, nice place ?" said Mr, Harkins, With a' little suppressed chuckle. "Why, 'Mr. Harkins, I may tell You •as it friend, for I know you won't . nwetion it again," said Mr, Toosy- pegte.19wering his -voice to a deeply- ' : y pr a ene?'014ty Pa. died when I se. as a little ebout so -year-old, and ma and I *ere pretty poor, to be candid • about it. Well, then; three years ago my ma died iyhich was a Serious in- Aiction to mit, Mr, Intekins, and X , • a-- a of .•••• piled otier'her ,child's grave; and Still she would 'riot. believe he had gone: • forever. At last the Vessel disappear- ' eel; thehast trace of her. white • saile • was gone; teed then. with .a. terrific) shriek that those whoheardmight never forget, She threw.up both arms, • and fell, • In ,:strong convulsions, to '1 the ground. . . • ' • • CHAPTER VIIL• • " h . . • dithya Mr: Harkins, it eiret poesi- • Ile, • itowt" exclaiined a..strugglinge n iecrechilotis voleo. "Just tp thialc We *1 erhottld meet again Ether such a long ( t l'ui sure it's.real 'speaker, a pale. young man, •'I with a, profueion of light hair • ane t bag was taking. a: stroll on the.,clas- I sic hanks • of the Serpentine . ;when 1 suddenlyespying a short,. plethoric, .. gruff looking, Masculine • ledividual coming toward him,' he made a, sud- h den plunge at hint, and graspecl. his s hand with an energy that was quite 'tlli'tlipg. '1 he short • individual addressed; ' with a wholesome. dislike of Low -1°h , picepoefeets before his, eyes, raised it M a out. stick he cringed, with the, °vie hde ea intention of trying the thick - 0088 of the pale youtig:•man's but before it could come done. •the pt oprietor • of thefreckles began, .in a tone of mild expo:Meath:in; • Mr. fralshias, Yoe haven't . forgotten ted -have you? Don't ,yoet freckles, And a 'eandy hand : •cat• ete e recollect the •young • •you broug'.,., to • Lonclori ise your Wagon one rainy- night? hhy, . Mt.. Harkine, I'm 0. 0. Toosypegs!" said the pale young man, in a Slightly ag- grieved. tone. "Why, so hit be! "• ettclairned brightening up, end lotver- inehie formidable Weapon, "Diesel:ell • if you hadn't gene clean hout ilty 'eadt Why, Mr. Toosypegs, this 19 the most surprisingest thing as ever was!" "I'm very much .obliged to you, Mr, Harkins," said Mr. Toosypegs, grate- fully, "I knew you'd 1m Very glad to see me,,and it's real kind of you to say so.. I hope Mrs. ttarkine ateci your lernet family are all quIM well, , X Oahe you?" "Yee, they're hall notorig the told- dlin's," said Afr. Harkins, mditeerent- ly. "Mrs. 'Harkins 'as been and gone and 'ad the -what's this noW'?" said Mr. Haxkina, pausing, and scratehing his hend in perplexity, "Illessedi if hain't dean forgot the mune, it was 'totlgs,' no -yes --it, wets hand something. else." • "And poker," suggested Mr, Too- opegie "Mr, TeehdTege," !mid wt. Har- kins, facing round, fiercely, "I 'one , you don't mean for to hinsult a cove, 'clo ;you?" "Why', lite, Harkins!" remonstrated the astonished and aggrieved Idr, TO0AYPets. "I'M Stirs 1 oever most it s g lnysolf at (hoe song, • the 'Itchatt Beef hof Hold Hinglatide • heed it thinkin) ho more 'arm, Mr, Toospegs, nor it lot hof young pigses goih' to market," said Mr. Harkins: ”It wasn't' it dark night, Mr. Toosy- •nor yet a light ono; the.startes Was a startle' like heVerythieg, when 13011 hot suddint, it 'and was laid hon. the reins, hand it Vole, so deep and orrelelike hit made nne fairly jump, said: " you let me ride 131 it your wagging has far has you're going?" "1 looked terband, 211e, Toosypegs," Continued Mr. Harkins, in a husky whisper., "and there1 seed that there gipsy queen.- lookin' so dark, hand fi erce, hand wild -like, 1 nearly jumped cleith itotit the wagging. Bleasedl f 3 evintn't Skeert I Jest then eerd e, rry from a bundle she'd got It her hornet, hand What do yea .11000011 home to Maryland (that's where X used to live, Mr. Harkins), 0.nci we're going to At up the old place and live there. Aunt Priscilla never wee in America, and want e to fiee it real bad." "Two -- thousand tiptoe," still More slowly repeated Mr. Harkins. "Well, things Is 'etonishing, Just think hof me now, the honest and 'ard-working lather of ten children, hand you won't catch nobody going hand dying hand leaving nee one single blessed brass ferden, while here'$ a coVe =rein 'elf a bass. I say, Mr, Toosypegs, you wouldn't lend,,, me a guinea. or two, would you . "Why, certainly, Mr. Harkins," said Mr. Toosypegs, briskly, drawing out his purse. "I'M real happy to be able to be of service to egou. Here's two guineas, and don't put yourself oat about paying' it," "Ian Toosypegs, you're a brick he seed Mr, Harkins, greesping his hand with emotion, "1 Wora't Put MYeelf bout in the least, Mime you re kind enough to request it; but hif corae and dine With me some day, give you -a dinner of Wiled peyta- ters and roast honions fit for a. lang. liVilhyou come ?" urged lifr, Harkins. "Certeinly will, Nr. Barkings; and it real kind m you to ask me," timid Toosypegs, "I see you're in a. hurry, so bid you good -day, now. %fest certainly' come, Mr, Harkins. I'm obliged 'to you." 1 hoaren could make me do that 1" "You opeale rashly, Teerd EMMA Wait until you have heard all. - dere not aecept the etoble heart an hand you oiler, without -revealing th one greet error of my youth." believe it. valet 7 Yoe, who are as perfect 11 "You commit error, My beatttiftt "It is tree, sottl att in body. 0 Maude, I Cantu> nevertheless, my lord cBaunt Iohc„oltilefet:sehwaltilart tell hytotvue? been what I nen'?" Vateireling her with his arm, he 3 AI II imoniftin L.- .1,101101, Every Woman Should Know. That Prof: W. licalgaOn Bills, . °Metal Analyst to the Dominion Gov- treat:lent, has reeently made a number t,:)1 analyses of soaps, and reports that StInlight Soap eontalnit that high t "percentage of oils or fats neceseary "to a goo laundry soap. What every woman does not lxnow • is that in corral:ten soaps she fre- quently pays for adulterations at the price of oils and fate. Try Sun- light Soap -Octagon Bar -net Wash day, and you will see that Prot ie right. He should know. 206 .1 .." . r ' • 4ove. Speak of 1.1mt act more. Hut • now that the worst is over, will my Mamie tell roe all?" "I have net much to tell, Ernirst; 3b,euatr,ayonuar,$)hr:1:,%1,0bielm4rInidt.INIneaecti,ywntehnreags child of fourteen, I was on a visit to t'nele Iilverly's. My cousin Hu - here, home from college brought With luln a fellow -student to spend the vacation, who was presented to me • as Count Germaine. What lieginald - Uetena'ne was then, you who have seen lain do not need to know. •Hand- some, che faecinatipg, he took e!'ever heart by storm, winning 'love by his gay, (eyeless genet.osity, and respect by his talents and well knoiya. wing. wee a dreamy, i•olnantie hoot -girl; and in this bold, reek - Use by, heneamee its an length, saw the living embodiment of my • Mast. glorious ideal. From ntorithee ti'l night we were together, cal,' • . lib nest, cen yott understanel that wild - dream'? Hoeg I loved him then, words e are weak to express, how 1 loathed and ch :seised him. after no words con ever tell. Ernest, he Persuaded me to - elope with him one night; awl we were ma...ried. tweet, stopped to think of the eonsequences then. I on'y knew that 1 would have given UI my hopes of heaven for hinti. Tem, weeks longer he remained. at . rawly Hate and then papa sent me back. to rah :01 and he went to Lone den. 'No MO was, in • our secret, And we inet. frequently, uneuspected; though . pape, thinking. he was too presum- ing, had forbiddezt me . to associate )it i(h bine One day we went, Out .11r1V- ing; the carriage was upset, I faint- •e1II and Toe- p, long time h. remember- ed n t•hing mere. , • -When reasori returned, X Was' In 8. -little cottage, 'nursed by an old we-: wan, tibie he hovered by my bed- side night End day. Then I learned that 1 had given birth to a child - deed and buried now •I recol- lect. myeelf • as • pooplf . recollect thins . • To be continued.). ' drew her down mita her white face lay hidden M his breast, end then pressing Welles to the dark ripples of hair sweeping against his cheek, he murmured, in tenderest whisper: "Tell me now, Maude, and feat not; for npthing you can say wil convince me you are not as pure and unsullied as the aerie themselves. 'What is this terrible secret, sweetest love ?'• "0 my dear lord 1 every word you , speak, every caress you give me makes myr revelation the harder 1" .1 she passienately -cried. "And -yet it -1 meet be nide, oven though you shoilld spurn me from you in loathe Mg after, Listen, my lord. You think me Lady Maude Percy ?" • CHAPTEA Ix And how fell the news of Regipald ernmine inuocence of the ceime for Which he was condemned, arid his sad end, on the other personege.s, connected with our tale'? • To his mother came the news in her far-off greenwood home; and as she heard he had perished forever in the stormy sea, Reason, already tot- tering in her halatrazed brain, eo- tirely gave way and she fled, a shriekink maniac, through ,the dim, old woode, To Earl De Courcy it came in his stately home, to fill his heart with deepest sorrow and remorse. -Haunt- ingly before hira twine the agonized, despairing face of the lonely woman, as on that last night, she .had grov- eled at his feet, shrieking for that mercy he had refused. Proud, stern ;man as he was, no words can express the deep pity, the heartfelt sorrow he felt, at the thought of that lonely, despairing, childless woman; .6 watt- derer over the wide world., . • To Lord Ernest 'Villiers it cattle, bringing deepest regTet for the bold - eyed, high -hearted youth,- so unjust-, ly condemned, so wropgly accused: He thought of hint as he knew him .first -proud, princely,' handsome, and generous, And now. that young upder the unjust sentence of the law, had passed away; • that haughty head, noble even in its. degradation, Jay far under the deep sea; 'among the bleaching hones of those guilt - co ene men. To one, in her 'father's castle halls, It cante, bringing untold relief. Ile ha.d cruelly wronged, her; but he was dead nowe amishe freely forglivehim for all she had suffered. While he lived, incurable sorrow meet be hers: but he was. gone, '.end happy • days .might dawn for her' yet. She might love aeother now, without . feeling it eriene to do so -one noble and gene erous, and worthy of her in.' every way. One eleep• breath of relief, one love sigh to the memory _of his •sad • fate and, then a look af calm, deer,' happiness. stole over the beautiful face; such as it had not worn for years,' and the• beautiful head, with its Wreath of raven ringlets, dropped on. her arm, ina a veiceless thanks- giving„in a joy . too intense for w r • •-• And title wes Lady Matide Percy. In spite of her steady refusal of his • suit; Lord -Villiers had net despair- ed... , He could net :understand the cause of her strange melancholy and persistent refusal 01 her hand, know- hrtg, as he :did, that she loveel him, but,. believing' the obstacle to ' be merely. an imaginary' one; , he .hoped ,one and •waited for the time to come when this, singular lanky. of hers. 'would be gone. . • • ', That time had eome now. Calling, one morning, and finding her in. the 'drawing room, he was.greeted with a, brilliant. Bridle, with' a quick fitigh of pleasure,' and a Manner so different from he), customary one, that 'his. heart bounded with sudden hope. am truly rejpiced to see 'Lady Mauee recovering her spirits again," •he said, 'his line eyes lit up with Ple'as'ffurLe6rd Villiers Only knew how notch cause had for that !nameless. melancholy, he would forgive me any pain it may •ever have caused Jilin," she said, while a,•sliadow•of the past fell •darkly over her height young face. • "'"1 gee 1 not kn,ow ? Deareeit Maude, when M this :r.eYstery to end? Aral never to be made happy by the possession -of thts -dear hand ' He took the little,, • White band, entail (Old' snowy. as a lily -leaf, and it was no longer withdrawn, ' but nestled lovingly die his, as if there it found its rightful home: • "Maude, Mande," he cried, in a. de- lirium of joy, "lif your dark dream, thee, • in reality over 7 0 Maude speak, and tell me I ' Am I to be made happy yet ?" "11 you tail take me as I ant, it you can forgive and forget the past, I ain yours, Ernest 1" she said in a thrill Mg' whisper. th a, moment, she was, in his arta% held to • the true, heart whose every throb was for bee -her head upon the through h that was to pillow here "Maude, Maude 1 My bride, raY life; my peerless dexling 1 0 Maude, this is too welch happiness 1" he cried, in a seat, of transport betWeen the passionate kisses pressed on her Warnt, yielding lips, Blushingly she. roes) front his em- brace, and gehtly eXtricated herself .1 front his arum. 110 11,4ritide, My beautiful darling' 1 Illay heaven forayer • Wesel pee for that I" he fervenTly exclaimed, all vvith passionate love. She had sunk into a seat, and bent het* head into her hand, not daring to Meet the full, taken gaze, flash- ing eeith deepest tenderness, that he knew was bent upon her. "Speak again, Maude 1 011ie More let me hear those precious words front your own. sweet lips, Maude Maude, sweetest and fairest, speak!" IIe wreathed hie arms (trotted her, While he seemed breathing eta. his 'Very soul tts he asPirated her rtame. "nut you have not heard all, my lord. This setret-do you not wish I to hear it V' she faintly said, with. : out lifting her dark, beatttlful "Not, unless it is your wish to tell liartte'arrinly tnowhne.etro nothing but that you -Vet, when you hear it, my lord, you may reject the hand / haVe offer. "Veveri, never iStothitit under, - "That is not my name 1" "What, Maud?" " "That is not my name. NO; I not mad, Lord Villiers, though look tits though you thought so. °IT have been niad once I You and all the world are deceived. I am pot what I seem," "Whitt h ' , o you I mean? What then, are you ?" "I was a wife I have b.eert mother 1 I an a. widow I" "Maude 1" -- "You ree.oll from ,me in horrord know it would -be so. deserve it - 1 deserve it ! but 0 Lord Villiers, it will killeme 1" she cried, Paesionate- wringirg her hands, ' • "Maude, are You. mad ?" I "I am not -oh, 1 .am not ! if a grief-crezed Jerain, a blighted life, a breken heert be not madness." "But, Maude 1 Good heavens! -You are so young -not yet eighteen 1 0, it cannot be true -1" he cried, limo- • herently, • I "Would to god it were not 1 Yet • four:years ego I weeds; wedded wife!" "Wife, 'mother, and widow at eigh- teen? Maude, Maude -how eau I • tee:Olio this ?" "Oh, I was crazed I was mad and did love him so, then ! Not ; as I Jove you, 'Lord Ernest, with a woman's strong, undying affectiem, but with the wild, -passionate fervor of youth. I meet have -inherited ewe dead ' mother's Spanish bloore; fer • no calei-pulsed' English -girl ever felt . that." . • • "0 'Lady Maude 1 -Lady Maude X „could hardly have .believe reessen- : ger from Heaven had he told Me mercif.ul'IO.humen: err. oil 1. . A long 115 of sorrow . and retnevse, • enuse atone for that first. rash fault." He was, pacing up and downe the ' • long room with 'repideetielteet 'mettles; his fine face fiu:Shed, and his hauls - tightly shut, as if .to keep down the bitterness that • rebelliously. rose 'at this einloaked-foe • .avowal, dIe had • expected to bear some light, trivial fault, magnified by. a znorbid' hentge • ination; hut not it cl&ndeseine noted- • age: • ' .• ' • And therefore,. pacing up. and deem '-up and don, with. brain • and heart in a tumult-4:0rd Ernest Vil- liers' pride for onehriemeet• overcame and mastered his ..love: For -one brief moment only -for HMO his eyes allon ir-nna.Lehd. ydanng' hgeadgure, and the:tree geished attitude went to his heart, , bringing. back adult tide el pityalove • and forgiveness, All, was.. forgotten, • ,but that she was the only one he ever did- or could 'love; • and lilting 'the horrowful head and • grief - bound form: in- his arms, once 'more he -clasped her closer 'to the- - amide' youeg, heart she could 'feel throbbing. under...hee•-own, fend whis- . P•er'thdly: .OWn life's darling. stilt! . • 0 •, . Maude! if you. must geleee, it sha,11 -he on 'My breast. V you . have eirede. so,too, heves has9 have we all,- :of- . , . Len. 'd will .forget all.bat that you havehrionilsed hiY• 1.1,11OS should., • be • y.ote• home. rorever!" • " e • ' "And you • forgiye and :love • me 0 I4Ord Eraesti". !•••• • • ..; • - lie kissed awaY.her. tearer es.: she wept Meted, .."One thine -mare, . dearest; :Who was eny elaudeht first lave?" • 'lie felt: eciethilsive. shiver run through the delicate forin .he held. tio felt her breast, heave and throb as if the mune teas streggling to lee've it. arni could not. • - • "'hell _Me, Mande; far Must ki'l'('I(Ilv..5"ttint s'ilegte• len! 'hoW 1,1 0 Lord Ernestf this humiliateeh • is ntoee than. cam endure." . • . . k'n't")Swpe„itic, Lady Mitudel. ;tot' I must. , eh° tifted her eyes to his, full of unspeakable:weer) h, and then drop- . Ind her head heavily again:. for in that tiered, 'Keseee, noble face. full of love gtial pity ate it was, there: Was 00 yieLling now. • • . "Fell nie; who • WEIS the MIS- batd.of your ehildhood?'! Flom the pale, deivering lip, in it: . dying whisper, dropped the words; r . . "Ileginald Germaine, the •gipsyl" Then) wee itionient's deatialike Se- lenee, glue handsome face of • 1,ord Ernest .Villiers seemed turned to mar- ble, and still metionlesd, as if expire • Mg, she lay in the items that (laved her still • in it 0080 embeace, At last: :doadl Look up, My precious. Maude; for to- thilig on wilt shall ever come be-, tWeen us more!'" . • Calm and Clear, ee the troubled' Wave of her tetnpoSt-tossed soul, the low words fell: but only her deep, totatutsive sobs were his answer. • "hlaudel-iny Own dear Maude!" he cried -at hist, alarmed by her pee- sion ot grief, "cease this wild weep- ing. Forget the troubled .past, dear love, for there are teeny' happy days in :store for utievet.". .1tut Still she went on -wildly, ve. hemently, at first--untll her strong pasesiore of grief had pasSed away, He let her soh on in quiet now, with no attempt to cheek her grief, "axe eept by his silent caresses. ' She lifted het' head and looked ttp, . at last, thanking hint by a radiant look, amid the soft, thrilling clasp of her white arms. I will hot ask yoh to explain now, etvect Maude," he sioftly ,Whispered. "Some other tithe, When you eare more eompoaed, you ehall tell me , "No4-itm. bettee-hoW-far better now; end then, while life lasts, nei- ther' yeti nor 3', Ernest, Will ever breathe one word of t.he dark, stir- rowttil story again. 0 klrnesti can alt the (oldest love of a lifetime set. flee to repay you for the forgiVeness you have shown me to -day?" "I alp Metre theth regap hoW, dear think saw, Mr. r000pegs ?" "Really, Mr. Harkins, 1 don't know, ritt sure," said Mr. 'toy - pegs, grusping his earpet.bag, ner- vously. "A baby 1" said Mr. Harkins, in the eante mysterious, husky Whisper; "a baby, Mr. Toosypegs 1 Notv the tplestioe his, where did that baby come front ?" "A -really, Mr. Harkins -V. -a -I hasn't the remoteat idea," said Mr, Toosypegs, blushing to the Very' ' mete er his ;hair, "I hone tutu dew* Was left, plunged in deepest sorrow arid poverty. The niggers worked the fanny and I was einploying timeiit eUltivating 0. air of Whis- kers to alleviate my grief whorl 1 re - 0011704 a letter front tot uncle here in England, telling me to eome right on, and, if he liked me he'd make me hl- heir when he teMel. That's what brought me here, Mr. Harkins; and I'm stopping. with my uncle and his Sister, who is an unmarried woman of forty-five or so." "Hand the hold chap's 'live yet?" inquired Mr, lIarkina. "Mr. Harkins, my untie, I am hap- py to say, still exists," answered Mr. Toosypegs, gravely, "Humph 1 'As he got much pew- ter, Mr, Toosypegs ?" " lifueh what ?" said the mild owner of the freckleti. "You'll ex- atise me, X hope, Mr. Irierkitis, but, really don't understand," eeen," muttered Mr. Harkins, contemphtiously to hituselt. 'Then aloud: '"Ow much do yOu think he'll. leave you 1" "Well, about, two thousand pounds ,or so," said Mr. Toteeypegs, compitt- "ftt'It " o -thousand pone' 1" slowly articulated the astounded Mr, Har- kins. "0 my heye 1-tv'y, you'll be rich, Mr,. Toosypette 1 What, Will you do with all that there money ?" "Why, my alai MSS PriSeilla Porothea Wooeypege, and I are going • 4........,......0.................„..;... Nov for Oravvford Poaches t . We have them right along. ' ' We have a 'splendid con- nection with Niegara grow- .ers having been In the $ wholesale fruit trade there. . • . ly foe us and Shipped $ matoes etc. picked especial- '• " Flesh from the growers" ' 1 We have onr Peaches, Toe • . 1 , and their best quality at • • ' • ordinary prices. • . ' ' Buy Your Tomatoes BoOn: • Come in and we will tell you • why and talk prices for • . Table Catsup or Greed To- • I matoes, in qua n Mies,' Lombard • Plums are here • atovv. They are not a good , • crop: We advise early buying and will be pleased • ttnoe, Inhaavie6„0 yfoottrrB:tridieertt afnodr Pickling Pears.' Our grocery.stock isias usual, • full and complete. Jest ' a fresh stock of Christie s • fancy buseuits. , • .MA , • • • Successor to Ogle Cooper. Wanted Timothyand Clover seecith sell. • High . est prices. We have it to eseheaW•eHeellehlehleNtelbeellehlee•••• '14 h Our Rimless. Glasses Please.... the,Partiouhtr.: . „ They. See fitttrd be: rOtaingly te, the Amt. tires °reach patron. 'rho finish of our : epectacletvare le thutV • less, the At perfect. • A. j. 'GRIGG Scientific Jeweler and ( Optician. (.4 CLINTON, ONT, 1; VELE 14iA.KING OF A PICTI.IR First, Mt intarcsted spieled see - good liltt1 hackgrotted, ar- ceseories ; third, a skillful artist to repose and others to retouch, paint out or 10 ; and remelt, ex- perience. We Can eoluniettui all OM ad - valance, and 'bath/ why We ure so very successful in the Making of a. picture. 1.16$RY'S MOTO STUDIO. •