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The Sentinel, 1881-08-19, Page 2-.411MailL11••••••••••••.- -The saidees Wife. The sun is shining o'er the sea. The morn is fair as morn can be, And on the sands she waits for me, While OVOT the waters I roam; My bonnie boat has been afloat upon the bay, Far out of sight, for many a night and weary day, But on the sands she waits and stands, and e'er will stay, 'Till I come sailing home. The breezes blow her golden hair, The suu beams kiss her forehead fair And she is ever waiting there, Watching the great ships speed away; And every gale and every sail from o'er the sea A message brings of happy things awaiting me - Two eyes so blue. a heart as true as heart can be, A prayer breathed up each day. Oh! soon my voyage will be p'er ; Ob! soon my barque will touch the shore; And then she'll never, nevermore Wait on the sands for me. Fox as the sun, when day is done, sinks in the west, Or when the bird's last note is heard, he seeks his nest, S3when shall dome the goinghome, we both will rest, Together bv the sea; - LOVERS YET. — — (Iv the author of "Madonna's Lover.") Lillian Earle did. He watched her keenly; she was truthful and open as the day. He never heard a false word from her -not even !one of the trifling excuses that pass current in society for truth. Ile said to himselfe if any one was all but per- fect, surely she was. To use his own expression, he let his heart's desire rest in her ; all he had. ever hoped for or dreamed of was centered in her. He set to work deliberately and with all the ardor of his impetuous nature towinher love. . At first she .did not understand him; -then by degreesahe watchedthe Pure young - heart awaken to -consciousness. It was as pretty a- development ot love as ever was witnessed. At the sound- of his footstep or his voice the faint color flushed into her face, light came: into her eyes; and, when. he stood by her Side, bending his handsome - head_to read her secret, she would speak a. t word or two, and then hurry . away from him, .If he tweeted to join her in her walks *" or rides, she begged to. be excused t • th trembling pps and drooping eyes. 4i - She hardly knew herself whet had come ,her -why the world seereed suddenly to• - haye. grown " E4 --faii-Avhat mado. fresh luster in the skt above, ./1 vague, delicious •.happiness stirred it the gentle heart, , She ' longed :fete_ Yetihalf dreaded, 14On:eV's pre-.-- • Berme,When he was near her, the little - hande treinbled„ and the sWeetface grew ' - warm and flushed.' _1(..et the measure of her - _ , . _- . _ _ . _ content andhapinness seemed fun. - 'teLioidel-saw-itiall, and lie. Weendered• why such a precious treasure as the love of pure this .pfire innocent.girt should be his. What had to ever done "fo,deseree .it f Through , her hebegan to ilesPect. ait Other women, • -_. threughher he teegautevalueithe high: and -- linty teitehings be had hitherto_ overlooked:. She was his ideal realized. - If 'ever the time shoelacdroe--for him- tale. disape • . * painted .itliera then he ; Would- believe - all ,-t,hingsfalea-:-7bat it never .eouldebe. . !How should be tell her of his love? It ., would be beTlike trying to : cage: a -startled; ,-.::--bitcl, .He 5toodi abashed- before her 'sweet innocence. . -- . . ' - But the time lcarne when lie resolved to ... e - woo and win. 'her. :1 -`.•where he felt that his. life wourdbentbeerable with -out her e end- •-- he said to hinaseg - that Sweet Lillian Earle • should be his wife; �r he would never look Upon a wonien'elfaee again, -LioteI fen some slight,je.alonsy of- Bea- trice ; he paid dearly enough for it in the - dirk after days. 1- He fancied she ' eclipsed Lillian.- He aid -tight_ if he ,epoke to Lord -, • _ . Earle of: his lOVeielle- woad insist. upon - k • ,both marriages. takingplaceon brie. day; and then his fair gentleelete would, as- useah-beseconditeher brillian 4 sister. .- 4 n That shall everhe "-he said . to hiine ., , . , self. _ "Lillian Shall-laye a -.Wedding- d -ay •. all her . own, . the. honors Unsharede She _ ..:shallbe the Oneicentie_of attraction. .. - • •. .: .He determined to : saYtothing_ to Lord Earle until. Beatrice- wae Married; :surely- - her wedding Mest take place secni-7Lord - Airlie seemed -seemed unable to :exist out Of her _ eptesence. • .When they were Married:- and - goide,-. Lilliat ehauld have her turn of admiration and flove.---","-elt was nothing" but , proud,' jealous care for her that teethe :him delay,- - _ f•. A.,:a. Lillian discavered het:Own:secret at 'eat. ' She k-neiefsheseared for Lionel. -He, .:-- was so souniike every_ ooenise.-- Who- wasso handsome, so bravo, so .goOd 2" - She =liked to •- leek shyly at the- frank; proud fece and the • careless wave. Ofiliairtbrawn. beck from his "--:- hid*: his voice fmade _ rangeit her • heart; .and she wondered whether • :he -really _cared • fOrhere ... :k , : . _ '• • ',------ - • ... In -het rare Sweet -humility.. she never 7 - • saw hciw far -she 'Wes above WM.; she never. dreamed that he looked up to her as a -cap-. tain to his -queer!, . He was always by her ; side, he paid heel a- thouserid.grkefelatten.- • -- tibias, he sought tier advice. and .ekrariatily; - eared outspoken. words seemed everonhis• . - lips. Lillian Eakieleisked herself -whether he loved. her. ---t, ''. - - . '• She was soon to know. From some care-, • ?fess yiorde of Lott' Earlde,-Lionel. gathered , ' that Beatrice's Marriage -Would take .place - in November:- Then he decided, if he could wit her consent, that Lillian's_ ' wedding should- be whet4 the 'spring -flowers were ' • . blooming: - -:-. - ..-.- e - - -,:- •- Yaiguat, With is sunny days; WAS at an end.. - Early in la September Lillian :stood aloneon theshdre-of the deep; clear lake. .--Lionel saw her there; . and hastened to join • ...... - her, wondering at the , gtiwe expression of . her face, ' , :, f .. . • :.--.- - . :. - .- - "What aillY you tint -king -of -Lillyr -he - - - - e - - 2. asked. -" You look so sad and serimni.". - ,_ "1 was thinking Of Beatrice," she replied. "She- seeina So lachanged, _so different. ..1. - cannot untierstaMditr ," I can," Said 'Lionel: "Yon -forget ,she. '-' wilt soon leave the old life far behind her: •„- She is gehigeto. ei new world; a -change-- so great may well-eaake oho. thoughtful,” " Shelovea Lord Airlie," returned Lillian • ;--she _ emilel-heaf even 'the' intaiCai Voice saying;..`e Ieleye. thire so dearly, Lilly "-e-- "She cannot be titha.p y. - - - - _ "I do. net.. Mean. that," he replied ; -4 t . 1 _ - thought and not alwayscaused • by unha,ppiaess..e Ah, Lilly," he cried, "I_ ender ifleii. .gtesseVer ea faintly at ...the _ ._cie hat 1i4 myeheart I- - Iwencler if =y0,11-.k4OW hoW dsarly I love you, -. Nay, do - AU ' tiro froni.rue, donotleek- frightened: ni • _To me you: aro- the ttuest,. noblest and faire t:ia eat_ 'woman -fir the -World. 1 love yet -fia . _ . . .. dea,riy, Lill, y that I have thought . e , not a _ or sa. 'wishawaY from. you.: I am -not worthy to si , . . ;win. you, Iknewe-t-yon are as above inc --- . _ „ e .._ ,, ._ , . _ _ , _ _._. • as the 81.14 shining_ over heal -but-, if - you az would try, you might make me what you would. Could you like me ?" The sweet, flushed face was raised to his; he read the happiness shining in the clear eyes. But she could not speak to him ; words seemed to die upon her lips. Lionel took the little white - hands, and clasped them in his own. "1 knew I should frighten you, Lilly," he said, gently. " Forgive me if I spoke too abruptly. I do not wish you to decide at once. Take me on trial -see if you can learn to love me weeks, months, or years hence. I am Willing to wait a whole life- time for you, my darling, and should think it well spent. Will it be possible for you ever to like me?" "1 like you.now," she said, simply. "Then promise to endeavor to love me," he persisted-" will you Lilly? I will do anything you wish me; will try my best to be half as good as you are. Promise me, darling -my life hangs on your answer." "1 promise," she said; and he knew how much the words meant. On the little white band that rested in his own he saw -t pretty ring it was a large pearl ring set in pale gold. Lionel drew it from her finger. "1 shall take this, Lilly," he said; "and, when Beatrice is married and gone, I shall go to Lord Earle and ask him ta give you to me. I wilt not go now; we will keep our secret for a short time. Two love affairs at once would be too -much. You will learn to love me, and when the spring •time comes perhaps you will. make me as happy as Beatrice will by then have made Lord Airlie. I shall keep the ring, Lillian; you are "my pearl, and this will remind me of you: Just to make me very happy, say you are pleased." '1 will say more than that," she replied, a happy smile rippling over her face-" I •have more than half learned my lesson." He kissed the pretty hand and looked at the fair, flushed face he dared- not touch - with his lips. "1• cannot thank you," he said, his voice full of emothion. "1 will live for you, Lilly, and my life shall prove my gratitude. I begin to Wish the spring were nearer. I wonder if y•ou will have learned your lesson then." .. • CHAPTER XXXIV. • - Lord to.Earieteourt.7 had been delayed.' The -changesto take .place at LytintoninvolVed more than he -thought.. -"-sva. quite three weeks.- before 'he. _could leave the and seek theptesetee- he loved best on_ earth. - - -Throe weeks, yet nothiog.had hope:tech - Beetrieer had watched. each . day begin and end,: mitii her heart. grew feint -..with faar -she --Waa -4S fares ever from a solution of: her difficulties -as far as -ever-froin finding herself free- from Hugh Fernely„:. - • Lora Airlie,--On- his arrivalewas startled at the,change.in her:brilliant-lace: Yet lie was flattered bY . it Ile thought hoti iii - tensely abeezdee &mid „affeat--her se Strengly... .ge kisscd het pale facteover:aida.-over deelaring that ha weuld.not ]ave her any reoteilo Pne else knew how to take beee of her. ' 'They were all pleased to -welcome- him:. for every one liked Lord' Airlie,eatid the family ci.z.ele- aid not seem- 'complete- with- out hior. -That yety:night he had view. with Lard Earle, and besought hind to allow the 'Marriage to take _place -as -800n espeseible.. 1:1e- had been -miserable.. away_ from Beatrice, he declared; and he thought she looked -pale-- and grave. 'Would Lord Ee,rle be ' to eay- '.'Neyeeinber, -or. perhape, the latter end_ot,Octeber? - ,•"Xy daughter meet,- arrange the: tine hereelf," said Lord' EatIe -; whate-Ver day slie_chooaes: Will .-meet with my a,ppre-vel," -Lord went baele-- to the - drawing, tooth where he liaa- left Beatrice, and: told -her Lord Earle's :anSwet ; she smiled but he eeve-the •pieucelipa----quiyeras so. Only one 'One-1month his pasSiobtae, loving •Werda tria.de -sweetest rnusic te, -her now ehe iieteted' and tried to. look like -herself- but her heart was cold with...Ye-gee unutterable dread.e; "The- -14.th. of October "H:elever, -Leta Airlie; .by senie syiteta of Calculation leteven. oilly to hinieelf, ,persuaded Beattie -a- -that that was the." latter end the mouth." e" -Net another word I". he eaid, gayly. "1 Will, go and: tell Leta Eerie.- Da not say afterward. that. you lia,ve changed your mind, as many ladies - do. ,Beatriee SaY, to inc. 'Hubert, rpromiso:to marry you on the 14th of Obteher.'": •- • - - She rePeateci the words after. hide, .4 It be almost whiter," ha- aatlea;- " the , lieviet's"a will have faded; the leaves - Will: have -fillet from thee:tree:4 ; yet he - summer day will eyorbeso,bTiOlt to the as that" - - -• She - watched him quit the room arid . a -long low cry came from her Iipie -.Would it ever be? She went to the window;ana looked at the trees. Wihene the green leaves lay dead,- *oUlcl slib he Lord Airlidswife, or. Would the dark cloud of ehatne and sokriew, -have 'fallen, -.hiding ber forever from his - - - Ah, if she -bad beennioreptudent -Ibow t:riane and foolish, how .diStaetefill -thee rceidance .she had once thought delightful :seemed now! If she had but told all • to LerdEarle ! - :- It was 'Me late tow. Yet despite • the -deacily fear that lay- :at her heart, -Beatrice still felt something like hope Hope is the -last ..thingtp die in the human - 4r-ea:et:Hit was' not yet dead. in hers: At least for that vie . evening-1ring-7-the: .3U -A after:lord ,Airlie's return -77 -she would ' be- -happy, ' SlieWoeldtbrawthedark shade* away -front :her, :forget it, and enjoy Iher lover's society. - "shoetd eee es:miles on her face, and hear bright wordi.such4She. . Let the'morrow bring What it would, :she would he happy that tight.- Andi she kepther Weide: - Lora Airlie looked back afterward onth at: evening- as one of -the -pleasantest...of -his life; -,ThereWita- Tie shade upon- the beeetie fill fate he 'loved so - Beatrice_waa all life - opa arernatiot eler gay sweet :words: Charmed every, one who -heard them. -Even reitmet, .-fergot, to hee:Jealous,- and admired het more than he ever had before.' Lord Earle 1m:tiled as he remar.kea ,to La-dy -Helena. that: all her fears for her grandeldild'e. health . Were - Vain -the ,tten physician: was cm* at last. • e. - 'When --Lord tAirlie bade Beatriee geed- ght,-hebent over the white jeweled: na, I - - • : fotget. all-time' When with; you," . he icl• .4 it . does ..not; seem to me art- hour noe;_T canie teEarleseotirt," The_:ndotro* brought the latter she :had: eaded, yet _eXpected.te:see." - ' - • It was not filled with loving, passionate words, as was the first Hugh had written: He said the time had come when he must have an answer -when he must know from her own lips at what period he might claim the fulfilment of her promise -when she would be his wife. He would wait no longer. If it was to .be war, let the war begin -he should win. If peace, so much the better. In any case he was tired of suspense, and must know at once what she.intended to do. He would trust to no more promises; that very night he would be at _Earlescourt, and must see her. Still, though he intended to enforce his rights, he would not wantonly cause her pain. He would not seek the presence of her father until she had seen him, and - they had settled on some plan of action. "1 know the grounds around Earles- co.urt *ell," he wrote. . "1 wandered through them for many nights three weeks ago. A narrow path runs through the gardens to theshubbery-reeet me there at 9; it will be dark then, and you need not fear being seen. Remember, Beatrice, at 9 t� -right. I shall be there; and if you do not come, I must seek you in the house, for -see you I will." The letter fell from her hands: . cold drops of fear and shame stood upon her brow; hatred- and disgust filled her heart. Oh-, that she should ever have placed her- self in the power of such a man. . The blow had fallen at last. She stood face to face with her shame and fear. How could she meet Hugh Fernely? What should she say to him'? How -must such a meeting end? It would but anger him the more. He should not_ touch her hand in greeting, she said to herself; and how would he endure her contempt? She Would not see hiin. She dared not. How could she find time? Lord Airlie never left her side. She could not meet Hugh, The web seemed closing round her, but she would break through it. • She would - send him a letter saying she was ill; and begging him. to wait yet a little longer. Desnite.his firm words, she knew he ,wOuld not refuse if :she :wrote kindly. Again cande the old- hope soridething might ha,ppet in ae few .days. If net, she -west- tin away; if everything failed and she ceald not free 'herself :from him the -n she would.leave horns; it 'any case she would not tali jute his hands -rather death than that, More that once'.ahe thenght.of..q-itepar'fi, Weida: -Ile. --Was ki true,' iSo brave -he .Would have.died for her. ,-.. Ahl; if . he e.buld. but help -her,. if sha could hilt call. hinl to her aid! - Iiithisthedati hour Of her life,: -by- :lief :awe, deed .slie bacl.--place-d- herself. beyond. the tea,Ch of all human - I She. would :write -upon that she ewas eleteireined; but-Wlio.wbeld taketheletter ?: Whenucould.the. ak to stand -at the Shrub-- berpgate fand.giVe to the atrapaer , it _sive, from '.lierseif ? If she: aaked such a: . - • favor from a sery.ant, she would Dart rviith 'her= secret: to one Who .englitholdit a - rod of - iron _over' her. _ was too proud r • forthat. T -here Wee only 0110 in the World, who could help her, and that was her eels:: ,ter LiIlian. ' -." , :Sheihrank.Witheinutterable shande .She renienibered long ago itt Knutsford -that. she :had said toniething which _had shoeked. tree 'sister:eland : the scared, startled eip.ressioni of her face was With her still. It Wils. a. hUmiliation, beyond :.woecle. .if:eshe: Could- iinderga , it, 'there ....Weida: be. • c.oncifOtt _in . LiIliaiissyznpathy. - would -take her lette4eshe_eyould,see...,Hugh; aud tell hire she was. ill. she felt in 'very truth. 1 41*h-would- be pacified- for a time,ifhe - ea.ve .She could _think of --ethet I argangenient- evenieg ghee:Would fell • her 'sister -there was teat " even" in the thought. _ • - • e - Loegbefere dinner Lady Helena:berme in , -sea,rch .of Beatrice -it •wae., high time; she saidethat orders sh.ould. be sent to London 'for her troaseeaue-en.i the 114 Joliet be made mit- at enee. . ; .; • .-„ -She' :eat .Calinly in Lady Helena's reeidd,. writingit.cibedienee to her Words; thinking all the tittle how she -shouid tell Lillian, - beW hest -make het -Understand" the deadlY error .cOmMittede yet save herself .ei-"ziduch, as She . -Leak- Ea.rle 'talked of lades and etabroidery, -Morning- -dresses and. jewels, swhile--Beatriee- wept over her mmd every word of her tenteseion.-.- -"That: will do," said Lady Earle, with a- spille; T-ihave_...been very _explicit; but I fear it has been in vain. ;Have you-. heard anything bave_ said, Beatrice ?" She bluehed,ana looked:Sa'cOnfeseel that Lady Helena said; laughingly: . : - - - - • • .; • - "You may go -do . not , .ee ashamed.. _ • . _ - Many -years ago I wasjustreuele in love myself, and just as unable to think thing else .as you ere • ': - There was Fioine finding Han; she was discovered et last inthelibrary, looking- over eonde. Ate.. Old engravings with. Mr. : D.acre-ee -Helgoked -up ha,stily ar4 asked her sister to -Sipa:re-her-half' an hour, • e " - "De : tot go,- Lilly,"e he said,. jestingly ;, "it: , ie'eacnne -.. nonsense . about Nvedding- .1riessee. Let Us -fitish this folio." But • Beattice.hact:: gay kepa.r.tee. for him.. She looked grave; although' she .tried to:foree'asini10.- _ • I cannot understand that girl," he Said to --hireself„..- -es,' the - library -deer. closed behind the. two 'sisters.. fancy that ppreething clietreasing ." ."said: Beatrice, "1-, want. you veryinuch. iani :sorry tetake you from Menet ;.:yoe-like being with him; think.7. The - fair 'face of her her sister: -flushed. - . "But I want you, dear," said Beatrice. "..011, Lilly, I antin bitter trouble! NO the cao,helpinebet - • Then theyWent :together into the little. boudoir eBeetricar- ..- her own... She placed her: Butter it the 'easy lounging -chair dravvir- near the window, :and "then half :knelt, half eat -at be.r . "Lain in.anelitroeble; Lilly 1" the pried', "Think -hoWeagreatit is when X know uot- bow•.to-:-ten yeti." • . Thee -Sweet, -gee tie eyes Ipolled wonaer- ingly.ieto het wire- -.:Beattice:elaaped hor - " You . must tot judge .erne, harshly." .-she "lt: am Pot .goddelike Lilly; I -never could be patieet and gentle like Title p "Da yeti remember, long ago, how. T. toned :you :oho-. morning -upon the: :u „cliff:4e and told:- YOU how hated iny: life? Idid-bate it:TAM-at "-she Continued.-- "Yen: h -can never muchiits quiet • Mond; toey--was killing mee have aoneewronge but sureak'they-areta.blanieWho-iiiadendy life What it was -theneiVhbeeliut •out: from the world, instead of giving me my rightful share of its pleasures. I cannot tel you what'I did, Lilly." She laid her beautiful, sad face on her sister's hands. Lillian bent over her, ar-d. whispered haw dearly she loved her, aed how she would do anything to help her. "That very morning," she said, never raising her eyes to her sister's face-" that morning, Lilly, I met "a stranger -a gentle- man he seemed to me -and he watched me with admiring eyes. I met him again, and he spoketo me. He walked by myside through the long meadows. and told me strange stories of foreign lands he lied visited -such stories 1 I forgot that he was a stranger,and talked to him as I am talking to you now. I met him again and again. Nay, do not turn from me: I shall die if you shrink away." The gentle arms clasped her more closely. "1 am not turning from you," replied Lillian. "1 cannot love you more than I do now." "1 met him," continued Beatrice, "every day, unknown to you, unknown to every one about me. He praised my beauty, and I was filled with vain joy; and he talked to me of love, and I listened without anger. I swear to you," she cried, "that I did it all without thought; it was the novelty, the flattery, the admiration that pleased me, not he himself, I believe, Lilly. I rarely thought of him. He interested me; he had eloquent words at his command, and see- ing how I loved romance, he tojd me stories of adventure that held me enchained and breathless. I lost sight of him in thinking of the wonders he related. They are to blame, -Lilly, who shut me up from the living world. Had I been in rciST proper place here, at home where I could have seen and judged people rightly, it would not have happened. At first it was but a pleasant break in a life dreary beyond words; then I looked for the daily meed of flattery and -homage. I could not do with- out it. Lilly, will you hold me to have been mad when I tell you the time came when I allowidethat man: to hold my hands s.s you are doing, to kiss my face,- and in from me a promise that I would be his - wife?" Beatrice looked up then, and . saw the fair, pitying face almost white as snow. "18 it worse then you thought?", she asked. „ "Oh,yes," said Lillian -le terrible irre- trievable, I fear!" CHAPTER XXXV. - There was :thibroketu silence for some minutes : and then Lillian bent over her sister; and said -" Tell me all, darlingeperhaps I pan help "I promised to be his wife, Lilly," cot- tinued-Beatrice " I and Imre laid not mean it. I was but achact I did not realizelal1. that thewOrds Meant He kissed my lace,: and ealclebe should drtie elaiU4_ inc. Believe Me Liliy:'I never -thought of Mar- riage, - Brilliant pictures 4 of foreign -lands filled key,:mind 4 I looked.upori Hugh .Fer: Pely phly as a ineens of _escape froma life I - detested. ..11p pronlised - to ,taktr„ me to. places the names of • Which filled me with, wonder. I never . thonglit of leaving- you. or triainnia-I never thought .of the- man_ hinaielt as 01 11. lover." _ - - - Lon did not Fare for him, then, as you, "do for Lord Airlie _ Da not pain *_!" begged Beatrice. „" I love Iluhert with the love that domes- but once.* lifee. that mat wee_ nothing to ine, except that IiiS flattery,- antlethe excite. merit of centrivingtO me:et 'him; made iady life . more endurable: He -gave- Me a ring, eta- 'said in two. years' tirne he _ sheeld return to claim inc. He" was going oh: a long voyage. Lillye- r,felt relieved when be was gene.; the novelty wasover- I had grown tired. Besides,. when the gleaner.. fell from my --eyes,Lwas ashamed Of what"' haddone. _ tried taforget ail about Mai e every tithe the rereembtarice Of him :.canie to my mind; I _arove it from -inc. I - did not think it possible he *Mild ever return. Xt . -was .but .a aummer'a _ pastime; That sumniet has -darkened my life.- :Looking back, I own I did, vetywrong, , There is a greet blame attaching- to me Init surely they who shut Me out from the living world wereblameworthyalso.. - - ; ; • • - -1` Remember all.theough my stork, ;dar- ling, that,I Mt not So goo, not Se -patient- and gentle as .yeir. I Was „restless.at the Eline;-like a bird it a cage; you were d4ne: tent.- I was Vain, foolish and wilful -3 . but looking back --at ItheimPetuptis, IMPeriegs child, fell of tortance„ uritrained, ;hinging: for the; strife of „life,lopging for: change; for exelternent; for gayety, -chafing wader restraint; I think there Was some little- . excuse for inc. There Was no excuse for whatelloWed. i:When Papa spoke to oar: - yeti - teniernbei it, Lilly -and- asked -80 gently if Weliad.eitherof.es a •sectetiu our lives-ewlien- he -Promised' to pardon Any, thing, provided We kept nothing trom-hlim -I ought to have told hiniethen. There is no excusei Mk that error. "I was ashamed. Looking around upon the noble facei.harig- ing On the Walls,' looking at him, so 'proud, so digidified,.1-coeld not telt hid' what "hi 'Child had done. a- 0_11, Lilly, if I had told him, I shouldnot kneeling _here at your, feet now - • - - . Lillian Inaate no -reply, - but pressed. the proud, drooping figure znore closely to here "I • can hardly tell thereat," said Bea- trice; "the -words: frighten •:nde- as I titttdr them. This who has - beenthe bane of my :life,. was going. away -for two years: He was to claim 'Me When _he returned.; I never, thought he would- return, was fib hippy, I could not believe Her sobs choked het; uttetance„ Presently she continued___" Lilly, .he is here 3 he claims ,the, and also the -fulfilment of My Proniise td be his Wife " • .A :leek of unutterable dread -came over -the listener's fair, pitying face "He . wroteto'me three Weeks since.: I tried to put him He, wrote again this: :morning; and swears hewillsee me, He will he here" to night at.: 9 o'clock. Oh, Lilly, save, save Mee or I shall the !"- - Bitter sobs broke _front-. the -Prowl.: lips. "I -never knelt to a14 0110 before," Bea- trice sted: "1 kneel to you; rny sister:, No ne- else can help pie., You must see- him or -me, give hieite a letter 'from -tnee and ell him I,- am very: ill.: It is no untruth, ani ill, -lazy brain berms, and •my, eart is cold with feee, , Will you do this or-ree ?" I 7 4 " _ _ " Weell rather e,lteoat giVe-yop. iddY " aid -Lillian, gently-- - . :".--Oh; de net -say .that I- you -know what there is at stnke ? Do you remember papa's words- that, if ever he found one of us guilty of ,...): deceit, or involved in any dander,:.t: love -affair, even if it broke his heart he -,v, Uid send the guilty one from him, and never see her again? Think, darling, e i at it wculd be forme to leave Earleetoure -to leave all the magnificence I love so dear:e. and drag out a weary life at the Dins. 1)0 you think I could brook Lord Earlee-e angr3- scorn and Lady Helena's pained we -Aider? Know- ing our father as you keew him, do you believe he would pardon 11.11' ?" "1 do not," replied Lilly, sadly. "That is not an," col:willed Beatrice. "1 might bear anger, scorn, and privation, but, Lilly, if this miserable secret is dis- zovered, Lord Airlie will tease to love me. He might have forgiven tue if I had told him at first; he would not do so now. He would know that I had lied to him and deceived him. I cannot lose him -I can- not give him up. For mother's sake, for my sake, help me, Lilly! Do what I have askedl" . e, .. , "If I do it," said Lillian, "it will g.ive you but a few days' reprieve; it will avtAl you nothing; he will be here again."- " I shall think of 80131C rneaes of escape in a few days," answered Beatrice, wist- fully. " Something must happen. Lilly;. fortune could not be so cruel to me; it would not rob me of my love. If I cannot free .myself,. I shall run away. I would rather suffer anything than face Lord aiirlie or my , father. Say you will help me for love's sake! Do not let me lose - my love 1" "1 will help you," said Lillian; " It is against my better judgment, against my idea of right, but I cannot refuse you. I will see the mare and give him your letter. • Beatrice, let me persuade y-ou. You -can- not free- • yourself. f see DO way -running . away is all - nonsense -but to tell Lord Earle and your lover ; anything would be better than • to live as yod-i do,- it draw4-; .sword hanging over your head. Tell them and- trust to their kinanees 3 at least you will have peace of mine. then. They -will 2-- pte-vent hire from anneyieg Von." .- . " I cantet," she said, and, the breath came: gaspingly from her 1+8. " Lillian, you do not know what Lord Airlie is to :me. ' I -could neYermeet - his ange. If ever you love any :pne,yeni will uncle ataed - better. He is everything to inc. 11 would suffer - any - sorrow, even. death, reilier :than 'see hie. face tuned- coldly froze me," -,- -.Side loesefied , her grasp 1- on Lillian's : .haiada -awl fell _ upon :the door, .weePieg bitterly - and .pa,ssionately; her . sister, .- bending ever her, her, beard the pitiful : words - --" My loie tidy' love 1 I .catin 't Jose my - 1- °- *The' pat:01 ion. efe w. eepiii" g•cea'sed,..and th: -e pieta; sadtace- grew calm _and still.. 1".01.3. eatinat. tell . Avlmt LI a•ve suffered, • -hilly," She said; - hembly. ." See; 'ely pride is all beaten: -down e-oilly ..thi,se who have had :a-seeret eating- heart:an d :life away; could _tell fWhat I have eiiilliied: . 4 -few _- mote. daye -of-agaray:_ like thie, and -I -shalt be free foreverfreed ;11u,gb I' -rnely." - " He will he twee et - 9,". idle :iiried, --4-.‘ and - - _Her sister tried to soothe ti -i- with gentle wards, but they brought poebinfort. ' - ... it ie -6 now. I:Will: write ne letter.- He tie note I Will Write, speak t -hirid'for me, ' niy will be .at the slirubberk gate. .1.will 'man- - age sia-that -you shall. have ti 0. . "Givel-nm • ' - tell -him I km ill and. car -Mots e tim._ Shall _ - you be -frightened ?"-"..- :. • _ .•• . _ yesrloeplied Lillian, eutly 3. 4 but • , that will net Matter:- I must;thinkof you, . :not of -myself:" . - - - - ' - ---- ..-- • _ - . ; - • : -" You need not -fear him," eald_Beatriee, "Poor Hugh, I could pity hire if I aid not :hate hitta,.- Dilly; I ' Will thaille- you when • my agony ni: :over ; I cemnot nOW. , ,, . - She, *tete but e few- word, :saying the was ill,- and unable to..,see bhp ;, he •must be : 'satieflede _and willing to Wei yet a -little: - . -,17.?3S:gheer7 gave the letter te- her sister. L'ib - :lien's heart ached! as AM. -rioted the trem: • hlitg hands quivering -lip. . - ,- • ‘-‘. T have anoteaskedybe telt ep mysecret, -- Lilfy,"-eala_Beatrica, sorrowfully. There.1 is , tO-:peed;" waii. the simple • . I.' - - , 7PS1iYr;.liarrl Y. and . Lady- .-Lawrenee dined rooti. -The..evening was somew it 'chilly:3e- : .. 1 that day .at,Eatlescduit, ;and 't was nearly ' 16 - before the gentlemera. -who did licst sit • -over their -le wine, -came into 1.1 drawing; , 1), bright -burned-in the -grate and tbe - - - lamps were. lighted, • Sir Ilartrylsat -down to his -favorite game eof ' _elress With Lady _ ,Itelena ; e Leta - -Etitle. 'clielleriged' , Ladye - - Lawrence taa-,game of ecarte. ' he: young:.: : "in -twenty years' time," said Lionel to . Tho peeple_were left to themselves. - ' Lillian; "we may seek refuge it .bards; -:-: at present mesip , and m:eotlight• are iprefer. able, Lilly. You neversipgtome: cored to ' the piano-n:0v," . ' But She reniernberea, the dreaded hour . _ _ was drawinnear.' . '... -.. - . : • - ; "Pray :exeuse'me," she begged :,"I will 7 - Sing for you presently." - He looked eirrprised ; it Was the .:first . time she had -ever refused 'him, a favor: • - - : "Shaul We finish the folio of engravings 27.- - he added. ' • • - • : Knowing that, when once She Was Seated, by his sitlee it wool be inip.OsOble to •get - • limey,. she again - declined: T but this - time. ilthioepirittrd::..l'op.flus.,17d......1:.. the: -eWeet. ..-t1.7e13. - , "How guilty you . look!" :lie ertia. there any i mystery on -, hexed? - Are ' you . . tired of me ? . Or -ie there -to be another . • . • . important. consultation over -the .weddiuge . dresses i" ,.. : "1. have esomethipg .tei attend -to," she , replied, evasively. -:.-. "Get the- folio ready - 1 shall not be long." - .:. -:: . " .•:, . . :-...' Beatrice,". Who :had listened . -to '-..the". brief dielegire itlfeveriabseseense, now 'came to •. the- tee -et -ea asking Lionel trzi give there the - benefit,ofhis Clear, ringing :tenor in a trio_ of MerideleSehn'ae I:. . - • e ' . , ' r e.„:"1,1 -y -.f-elear, ringing .tenerj' iseqtite .at yournervice,"- he said, witha Smile. ef billy .- is very. unkind to :me tonight" ' -..,atie e ' e They : went to .the. piano. l Where' zdte- . Airlie - awaited them - and -Lillian iodized - at her small jewelled: wittch-e:Lata Eakle's : ,. present-sawthat it waptea three minutes .. to 9.• ,. , e ".• :- :- • , She at. 01*6'.quitted tbe reond, unobserved - es alie thought, but Lionel slaw-het:go. . .. .., No words :eat -tell how ' -distasteful and. . repugnant. was the task eheltadundetteken. • "-Sheewinildhave ..euffered anytbitig almost - to have evaded it, ' She wird had never had. .: • - !e, secret, 'She whose every word and action Wereopen; as the•ilaye she who shrunk from • ` 'all' 'Cleeeit-ratd7iiiitruth asfrom._a _deadly. ' ' (eantinuea, co seVentheeage). - - 574.