THE DESERTE

 

 

 

 

aia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e
me _ Enterea According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1874, by Street ¢ Smith, in the Office of the Librarian of Conaress. Washington, D. C.

Proprietors.

 

STREET & SMITH, { Nos. 27, 29, 31 Rose St.,

P.O. Box 4896, New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK, MAY il, 1874. Two Copies Pive Dollwns.

 

FRANCIS 8. STREET,
FRANCIS S. SMITH.

No. 97,

 

 

 

 

BY NATHAN D. URNER.

Lookimg out from the west, which the clouds are heaping,
We know that a terrible tempest is sweeping
Up from the hiils,
Like an army that kills,
And tends and ravishes all in the path
Of its ruthiess, irrevocable, rearing wrath;
For we mark the brightening
Spears of the lightning
Gieam thro’ the smoke of the reeling front lines,
And the broad sheet-flashes
Precede the deep crashes
Of thunder guns, masked by the dark mountain-pines.

Now a little bright cloud, like a rocket, shoots higher,
And the ranks of the hurricane open their fire.
Swift overhead
The wild tumult is spread;
Peal after peal shakes the earth to its base;
One's hand cax be seen searce a yard from tie face,
Save when in broad blazes,
Or jagged forked phases,
The mad lightning splits the dense blackness in twain;
While streaming and pouring,
Like cataracts roaring,
From the fleodgates of Heaven down dashes the rain.

But the air slowly clears and the sky slowly lightens;
A sunbeam comes through that enlarges and brightens;
And the dancing feet
Of the rain-drops beat
Through the seven-hued Ivis of God's golden peace,
Till, bient with its beauty, they quiver and cease.
From far o’er the valley—
Not daring a rally—
The thunder-drums signal a sulien retreat;
And with torn standards trailing,
And angry hearts quailing,
Flash the spears of a host that has sufferea defeat.

 

JUST COMMENCED.

A ROMANCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY.
The Shadow of Sin;

— OR

Love's DREAM AND REALITY.
FROM “DARK-CLOSET MANUSCRIPTS."

 

EDITED
By Madame Octavia Walion LeVert.

[The Shadow of Sin” was commenced last week. Ask your
News Agent fer No. 26, and you will get the first chapters. }

 

OHAPTER: ¥. (
WIFE.

Some time before the occurrences mentioned, other in-
cidents took place whieh lave a bearing on our story.

A carriage drew up before a house of plain exterior, in
one of the most obscure streets of New Orleans. The
dwelling was tenanted by a man somewhat noted in gam-
bling circles, aud was frequented by the devotees of that
practice, though it was not a public house,

A lady, Closely wrapped in a mantle and carefully
yailed, alighted from the carriage and ascended the steps.
The door was ajar. and she stopped as slie caught the
sound of words within.

“T tell you a doctor must be fetched directly. Heis |
much worse. I can see the change within the last hour.’? |

“And who is to pay the doctor, woman?! growled a
goarse, masculine Voice.

“That's not your lookout, nor mine,
this instantt”’

As the man pulled the door open he met the lady stand-
ing outside, but took no heed of her. She went past him
and entered the house.

The woman stood in the passageway. The visitor threw
back her vail aud confronted her.

“Where is Martin Bluke?’? she asked,

‘He is not here; he went out carly.”

‘He will be here soon ?”?

4s} cannot tell.”

“J heard you say just now that Gore, his friend, was
much worse. Martin, surely, will come to see him?”

“J do not know that.”? ;

“T know it; even he could not be so hardened as to——.
1 wish to see this sick or dying man.”

“] cannot let you see him, madame,”

«But L must see him—I will see him.”

She forced her way past the woman, and was going up
stairs. The woman caught her by the arm to prevent
her.

The stranger shook off her grasp.

“Stop me at your peril!’ she cried, ‘fam the wife of
your louger.”’

The woman stepped back in surprise, and the visitor
pursued her way to Lhe secund story. The sound of low,
faint moans, heard through an open door, guided her to
the sick chamber.

A young man, pallid, wasted, and almost lifeless, lay on
the bed, scantily covered with a faded quilt. He seemed
to have lost the power of making & movement even with
the hand that lay limp upon the coverlet; only his white,
drawn lips moved a little, and his eyes, in which lingered
the feéblest gleam of life, closed and unclosed.” Over his
face the grayish hue of approaching dissvlution had al-
ready settied,

Tie lady threw off her cloak, went up to the bed, and
took the hand of the dying man, bending over him with
deep compassion in her looks.

His lips moved, but the words were inaudible.

The lady Kuelt by the bedside, and prayed aloud for the
sufferer. When ste arose, he pvinted as well as te could
to a pliial on a table beside the bed. She comprehended
that it was acordtal he wanted, and, having ascertained
that it was such, poured soime drops in a tablespoou, aud
put it to his lips.

Go for the doctor

 

 

 

 

 

Fred was flung out with

by
ut

HAN

 

     

 

 

 

 

such violence that he measured his full length on the sandy road.

 

 

‘Then, Shid Martin Blake, “‘you will give us a certifi-
cate of the cause of death, if you please.”

The doctor hesitated.

aati important,” said Blake; ‘“‘and you shall be well
patd. :

The meareal man mace 2 Sight examination of ine

corpse, and asked a few questions, which the woman of | of my journey. That is nob Swen!”

the house, Mrs. Alton, answered readily. The deceased

was a friend of Mr. Biake, who had been their lodger for | ask of me!’ retorted the brutal husband.

some months past.
hight playing cards. Three days before he had been
taken ill, and Blake had been his sole attendant till he
beenme so ill it was necessary for Mr. and Mrs. Alton to
assist him. Danger had uot been apprehended till within
the last few hours.

Writing materials were brought, and the unscrupulous | ered her face.

hysician made out the certificate required of him. Martin

lake gave him a roll of gold for his fee.
had taken leave, directions were given for the burial, and
Alton went for the undertaker. | Blake took the Key from
under the pillow, and searched the cabinet.

He missed the papers, and called Mrs. Alton.

She said she knew no one Nad been to the piace. It was
a whim, of Mr. Gore’s to keep the Key where no one could
get it. The strange lady was not long enough in the room
to have disturbed anything.

“Gore must have destroyed them himself,” mused Blake.

“Trne enough, sir. | He was always burning up papers
in the candle while he was able to sit up,’? remarked the
landlady.

“Very well; he must have done so wilh these. It is
well. i wanted to destroy the package. But who was
this lady you talk of ?”?

ioe caine in a carriage, and was here but a few min-
utes.’

“What was her business in this room ???

“She would come up, sir; but whether tosee you or Mr.
Gore, I cannot tell, She asked for you, aud wanted to
wait till you came back.”

“It was some one, then, who Knew I lodged here.’’

“She toll me she was your wile, or I should not have
let her come up.’’

“My wife, eli???

With a contemptuous curl of the lip, Martin turned
away. He gave directions as to the disposal of several
articles belonging to the dead, and said he was going to
his hotel to see after Gore’s luggage and send it to his
friends. The death, too, must be announced in the papers.

No opposition was offered to. Blake’s examination of
the trunks of his deceased friend at the hotel; and thus
he satisfied himself that he had nothing to apprehend
from apy papers they contained, He placed a seal on all
the effects. After this was done, and the notices were left
at different newspaper offices, Blake turned his steps
leisurely foward another part of the city.

It was twilight, and the lamps were lighted, when Mar-
tin Blake went up the steps of a neat frame house, partly
overgrown with vines, dud having a garden full of shrub-
bery on one side.

lie rang the bell, and asked for Mrs. Blake.

The black porter conducted him to a reom on the seec-
ond floor. The visitor kuecked, and opened if when a
yuice bade him enter.

A young lady was seated ata writing-table. She turn-
ed aud rese to meet the newcomer, She was dressed in
mourning. Ler figure was tall and slender; her features
were Classically molded; her complexion was a rich bra-

 

 

 

He swallowcd the medicine with difficulty. Then his
cold Gngers cla: ped her warm, white hand, and with all
his sirengilp he drew her toward him till er ear was close
to his mouth. “He whispered 4 coumunication,

The visiior slatted back, pale as death, wilh an ejacala- |
tion of surprise aud horror,

Tne dying man nodded, and again drew her hand to-
ward bin, aud whispered again,

‘Inthe cabinet—the Key—under my-pillow,’? he. said,
faintly.

Yie lady groped for the key, found if, and went and
opened the cabmed.

She drewopen one drawer after another. One was}
locked, but the key dtted it, She took outa small roll of |
papers, and held then: up in the view of the sick wan,
Who was eagerly Waiching her,

*Yes—yesl’? lie gasped. “Make hastel’?

Closing and locking tle cabinet, she returned the key
tO its place under the pillow,

Vhe sufferer pressed the papers into her hand with all |
his feree. She understood that he wished her to keep |
thew, and thrast the rollinto her pocket,

Just then voices in the hall below, and the opening and
shutiing of the door, announced the entrance of several
persons, The lady, glancing at tle patient, saw thatthe
eyes; were closed aud Lic jaw had falien. Le would nev- |
er speak again. With astified sob, she fuug on her lat |
anid mantle,

AS the others ascended the stairs she slipped ont into}
the corridor, passed theut, descended tie stairs, and Jet
herseil. euf.

The carringe Wad driven away, but she walked rapidly,
tured the corner, and beckoutiig toa hackman who, was
driving slowly, gave him (he uumber of her iodgiugs aud
entered Lhe carriage.

The master of tae kouse she had quitted, had returned,
accompanied by the Guctor and anether man, whom he
addressed as “Martin.” They went up stairs together,
accompanied by the wonan. , The pliysician went at
once to the bed, aud affer a hasty examination, turned |
to his cOmpanious and suid Urat the patient was dead. |

| [shall return to Vale School.”

netic, witha clear crimson tintin her cheeks; her purplish
black huw hada wave iu it, clustering on the teuples,
but was plainly put back, and fastened in a Grecian knot
behind. Llereyes were large, black, and intensely ex-
pressive. They were fixed, without Minching, upow the
man who entered, but she gave uo sign of courteous re-
Comghlilou.

Blake slint the door behind him, and furned the Key in
the fuck. Then he strode a lew paces toward the hidly,
his fuce crinisoned wilh unnatnrai excitement; for he had
taken several glasses of braudy to nerve himseif fur this
luterview.

“You were at. my Jodgings this morning,” he said,
roughiy. ; “May Linquire your, business?”

“} wished to see you.??

“Indeed! That is something new.
have had sucha wish.??

“Itis, Martin; aud it was only wilh a special object that
I asked for you this morning.”

*“Alh bal and what was the special object 2’

“Ty tellyou that fam abuul to leave New Grleans.”

“To go whither, pray ?”?

*“} donot know that you have any right to ask, after
your ubandonment of me. But I do net object to tell you.

It is long since you

“Whence you ran away just a year ago, to marry your
humble servant!’ cried Martin, with a mocking laugh.
“Very lappy the lady governe-s will be to welcome a
runaway who hag dune Sv much credit to her establish-
ment?

“t have no fears as to my reception.’

“Perhaps: you can make yourself asefal, from the ex-
perience you have guined, and may become an instructor
of youth,??

‘hat ig my intention,” repited his wife, ignoring his
sarcasm.

‘‘Humeml A very capable assistant. I advise you to

As soon as he

“You had something more to get. than my consent to
the escapade, I’ll warrant me,” said Blake, sternly regard,
ing her. -“‘Some money, pertiaps!”” \

he lady checked » sigh + saris went
: ‘| do wisi (e dischul ge Weeeed! LO (he Fady ofthis house,
Who has been '80 Kid vo-tne}pend towirey the expense

CHAPTER VI.

\ ANOTHER FAILURE
At Halstead Greve matters went on not tothe satisfac-
onof all parties. Young Singletou had discovered that
e affections afthe lovely heiress were givan te another,
nose suit had not met her father’s approval. Myra had
been once or twice on the verge of full confidence to her
cousin, for the purpose of imploring his aid; but the

   
   
  

“Not much, but a—sight more than yen have a right to
“Remember,

The deceased had often spent the | madame, the law gives you notliing. You refused to live | studied reserve of his manner prevented her confession,

with mie.*?
“I refused to live among gamblers and swindlers. Tj
would never have forsaken you, Martin, if you would have
lived respectably.”?
The poor woman sank into the chair she held, and cov-

and i¢ was not long before her quick instinct revealed to
her the impression she had made on Raymond, and his
consequent incapacity to serve lier as she fad fancied he
might. Her secret thus was only shared with her maid.
She was conscious of the unceasing observation of Miss
Kent; and it fretted and galled her impetuous nature to
feel that she had a watchful guardian whose vigilance she
know you were altogether to blame. But I don’t: want could not elude. Whenever she went ous walking, the
you back again. You werea clogon me, And as Iam | governess was her companion; when she was in the
alittle flush, I don’t mind setting you off this time. But | house either Ray or Clarice were with her. Only now
I will know, first, the meaning of your visit this morning and then, through the intervention of her maid, could
to poor Gore, when you found Iwas out. Tell me that! | she receive the tender missives which assured her of her
He seated himself opposite her, and leaned with his el- | absent lover’s remembrance.
bows on his Knees, confronting her with red, gleaming Ray’s spirit rebelled at the treatment his fair cousin
eyes. She remained silent. gave him at times, and he had grave suspicions of the
“Cannot you answer, madame? What was the mean- | governess. She must be plotting, he thought, to gain a
ing of this——foolery? Tel! me ail, or—or position from which she could not be thrust, as the wife
He clenched his fist threateningly. of Mr. Halstead. His letters were addressed to her—she
Florida recoiled from him, au expression of fear and | seemed to have unlimited authority over Myra. If what
loathing on her blanched face. he feared was really looming in the future, what became
“Once more I bid you answer. Woman, do you not | of his own hopes of succeeding to the property? hopes
know the penalty of disobedience ?” which his cousin had held out ever since his boyhood!
“Don’t touch met Don’t touch me!’ she exclaimed, | His mother, whom he kept informed of the state of af-
shrinking from him. fairs, was more uneasy, and indulged in open denuncia-
‘“Then—with a brutal oath. “Tell me what you were | tions of the ‘artful governess.”? With all his prejudice,
about in that man’s chamber ?”? Ray could not call her that. But she was a mystery to
“I—] heard he was dying. I wished tosee him once | him:
more. I had seen him—you know—when he was rich and Miss Kent herself seemed to have but one thought: to
happy—before ” fuifill with absolute fidelity the duties she had undertaken
“Before he fell into my clutches, I suppose you mean,” | and the charge imposed on her. She put forth all her
cried Martin with a laugh. ‘Well, let that pass, What | powers to win the alfection of Myra, and to influence her
were you doing in his room ?” to obedience. When the girl was stubborn she pleaded
“1 tried to pray for him; he could not ratly enough to With her; even entreating her, with tears, to wait for her
pray for himself; he was too far gone.” father’s return before any attempt to relax her school dis-
Martin sneered, mockingly. cipline.
“You could not wring out any of my secrets from him, “| know,” said the willful girl, poutingly, one day,
then ?? “that my father wants to force me to marry Cousin Ray.
“He died a few moments after I arrived.” answered } But that shall never, never be.”
Florida, averting her face, down which tears were chasing “They do such things in novels, Myra, but not now-a-
each other. days iu reality.”
“You called him my ‘vietim? once; are you giving tears | “Don’t you believe if, Clarice! But I am determined
to his memory??? demanded her husband, not to accept any one’s choice but my own.”
“No; Martin; | weep for you—for myself.” “You are not old enough to choose fur yourself.”
“| dowt want my stare, | assure you, I shall:be jolly} The girl hughed.
enough when you are gone, Here is the money you “You are ail leagued against mel”? she exclaimed, bit-
wanted.”? terly, and turning away.
He put a-rol of bills inte her hand. ¥he governess was following her, when Ray put a letter
“Phe funeral and doctor's fees cost me so much I have | into her hands, It had just been brought in by Silus.
no more tv Spare just now. But i can send you——” It bore the inassive Halstead seal.
“No, Martiu; you need not send me’ any more, I The young gentleman walked away when he had de-
shall never trouble you again. Purewelll” livered the missive, fuunng inwardly. Who was this wo-
“Su cool at parting! You don’t kuow when you may | man.that she should be the recipient of his cousin's ex-
see me again, old girl”? clusive confidence and favor? Who? He was determined
“We are parting forever, Martin,’ said the young wife, | to Know. if she were the adventuress he believed, he
soleunly. would not suffer his kinsman’s noble nature to be imposed
“TL have known yon blubber snd cling to me when it | on. AS soon as he returned he would go where he could
was but fora day,?? mattered the man, “What has so} unravel the threads of this cunningly woven plot.
completely changed you??? He did not spend that evening in the drawing-room,
“Do vou need to be told, Martin Blake??? asked the girl | His mind was too much disturbed. From bis room he
wife. with a fasii of the ofd fire in ber midnight eyes, heard Myra playing and singing; and at intervals the
“Weill, never mind. You are going back to school, and | Clear contralto Lunes of Miss Keut. He went to the balus-
I—when Liave sown my wild ovis, May bwnt yeu up f trade to listen,
agiain, Florida, one turn of good luck will bring you lo “When Lheard that voice first,’’ he said to himself, ‘it
me—the recovery of my furtunel? was wuch higher, aid more powerfull It swept through
“You will see.’? the vast hath like a full orchestra of melody. What can
“You wish tne suecess ?? bave so subdued the notes? It secius the voice of another
“Tn all things good and right.” person.”
“Phew! might is rigut! and that you'll acknowledge. Jn time the sounds died away, and he heard the ladies
I won't say goud-by, but az revoir. Shuke hands.” f coming up stuirs to their chambers. Myra’s adjoined
She drew hers baay with a shudder. He laughed. Miss Kent’s, and he heard amerry good-night exchanwed,
*) needi’task for a kiss; you have lost your bcauty in Then for more than an hour ali was silent. ‘The house
iny eyes, I ssy—suceess to you, old girly and when you was locked up by the servants, who retired to their
have niade your fortuue by teaching, VM come aud help “quarters,” the white cabins, In the vicinily, taking the
you spend it}? keys with them, ss was long the habit among the trusted
Ile unlocked and flang open the door. dependants of a landed proprieror,
As he passed ont, he turned and looked back, Rayinoud hud ceased his restless walk on the balcony,
Fiortda had threwn both Arua on the tabie ihat stood | lad entered his room und-extinguished the lamp, that he
between them. and her fice was hidden upen them. might observe the sheen of moonlight ou the lawn and
‘Queer girl!’ the freed husband muttered, as ie went shrubbery., He stood. long at the window, which was on
down the stairs. the same side with those of the ladies. Lis thoughts
AS s00n as he was gone, the deserted wife hastened to} were troubled ones, and sleep refused to approach lim.
complete her letter, which ste sent to the post office by a lis attention was caught by seeing the figure of a man
messenger immediately, She had. before written to the femerging from a ciuimp of ucacias. He came stealthily
superior of the Vale School, offering to return and teach | &cross the lawn, keeping in the shade as well as possible.
for a year, devoting her salary and her leisure to the culti- ‘he intruder ventured nearer and nearer. Suddenly he
vation of her vojce, with a view to a professional career, stood still, and then Gung sume small missile with force
Madame Cantrin had been deeply chagrined, a year be- | tt the direction of one of the windows,
fore, When the pupil in whom she took most pride, for Tere was no mistaking his object; it was fo commu-
whose tuition she had for years received the most liberal | vicate with the young larly of thediouse. Ciosely observing
payments, took it into hergirl’s bend to run away with a him, Ray saw. him make eager gestures to some one,
worthless adventurer. ‘The lady principal had concealed ; aud then retreat rapkily.
the escapade for the reputation of her school, she said; it wag time for himto interfere, and he softly opened
ghe did Hot even mention it to the munificent patron who | his chamber door, ‘The corridor was dark, but ue heard
sent her the regular instalments for Fiorida’s board and another door unelosed, and the rustling of muslin dra-

“Come, come, Florida, no more of such nonsense. You

 

 

 

 

ope with a series of lectures on the mode of pleasing a | instruction; and she had continued to r ceive the money | pery, as if some one pagse2 toward the stairs, He stood

husband,’?

“No need of this, Martin,’ saigfthe lady, wearily lean-
ing upon the back of the chair @ front of her.
simply and truthfully auswered your question.”

“} have } Florida resumed her old place and nawe with o jubilant

as when the girl was with her, Consequently she was |. for an instant irresolute; the uext Moment he fet a cold,
very glad of her return. The money need uot be refunded. soft hand laid on his own.
“We must follow her immediately,’? whispered the

 

 

weicoue.

calm, sweet voice of Miss Kent. “Gu down the stairs, |

lana prevent the meeting. To-night, of all times! What
| must be done?”
| Ray descended, and she followed him. Bat the young
; girl had been too quick forthem. She was already out
| of the house. Like a frightened hare she fied across the
'open space into the thick shrubbery, and found herself
| clasped in a pair of vigorous arms.
“My darling! My own Myra! At last! at last???

“At last, Fred, and only &@ Moment to say good-by!’
cried the sobbing girl.

“Not good-by!’’ exclaimed the young man.
go with me.”?

“Ohl I cannot—I dare not!’

“] have a carriage in the road. You shall fly with me,
and by noon to-morrow we shall be united beyoud human
power to part us.”

“Not now, Fred. My father is coming home! He will
pursue us! Only wait, and [ promise to be yours—to
inarry you in spite of them: alll”

“No, Myra—now or never! I will not give you up!”

He clasped the girl closely, and almost carried her into
the grove toward the gate.

A powerful arin seized him, jerking him forcibly aside.
Myra was snatched from his arnis,

“Villain! coward!” cried the indignant voice of Ray
Singleton.

There was a struggle, but it was a brief one. Fred
was again ignominiously discomfited and dragged several
paces onward till the gate was thrown open, and then he
was flung out with suel violence that he measured his
full lengili on the sandy road. ’

Just at that momenta carriage was rapidly approach-
ing. It stopped atthe gate.

“What is all this?” cried a familiar voice, as a head ap-
peared from the opening curtains.

“Cousin Halstead!’ exclaimed young Singleton.

“What is the matter??? demanded the gentieman, leap-
out. “You have been fighting some one, Ray. Who
dared assault you in my grounds ?””

“No one assaulted me; but I detected a robber, and—
Ha! he is gone! 1 meant to give him the chastisement he
merits.”?

Fred had wisely taken to a timely flight.

in afew moments Mr. Halstead was made fully aware
of what had passed. He linked his arm with Raymond’s,
and walked on to the house.

Miss Kent had borne her pupil, with the assistance of
Sylvia, her maid, into her own chamber. Myra was in
hysterics; but the governess calmed her, and at last per-
suaded her to drink a sedative potion.

Suddenly they heard the noise of men entering the hall,
and Sylvia rashed in.

“Maus’s come!’ she ejaculated, shivering with terror.

“My father!’ the terrified girl gasped, clinging to her
governess. ‘Oh, Clarice, I cannot see him!”

“You need not, dear child!’ said Miss Kent, soothingly.
“Only be thankful that you are saved. He will be good
to you, never fear.”

“Would Fred have carried me away ?” asked the girl.
She was but.a silly child, after all.

“He would have harmed you. You are safe now.”

“I only meant to bid him good-by. He wrote mele was
going to Europe.’

Sylvia came in with a message. Her master begged
that Miss Kent would come to him in the drawing-room,

 

“You shall

 

CHAPTER VII.
A DECLARATION AND REMINISCENCES.

The drawing-room was dimly lighted, the heavy silk
curtains excluding @*e moonlight. The piano stood open
as Lhe ladies had ret The rich furniture and paintings
looked soniber in fhe shadows lurking in the corners.
Miss Kent pausedjas she came in, for she saw no one,
and thought Ray oa with Mr. Hualsteid. As sire stovd
within the door the Jatter came forward and took her fiand,
greeting her with much warmth of manner. He led her
to one of the sofas, and drew a chair for himself, She
glanced involuntarily around the room, bul saw no one,
Raymond was not there.

The gentleman was laboring under mental excitement
that embarrassed him. It was some minutes before he
spoke.

“] have owed you to-night a deeper debt than ever,”’ he
said at length.

“No, indeed,’ replied Miss Kent; for she felt the praise
to be unmerited. ‘i feel iat l have left something un-
done, or failed in some way, or it could not have hap-
pened.”*

“You could have done nothing more. The poor, silly
girl! If that villain had carried her off, I should have pur-
sued and shot him.”

He rose and paced the room in irrepressible excitement.
In afew minutes he returned and resumed his seat.

“This must and shall end,” he cried. ‘The fellow is
seeking to intrap her into a clandestine marriage.”

“But he cannot do that! pleaded the governess, ‘My-
ra has been foolish, but she is penitent now. The young
man had begged for a parting interview, saying he was
going abroad. How he managed to communicate with
her ismore than I can tell. I blame myself, but 1 cannot
see——”?

“You could not have prevented it, Clarice,’ said the
father. ‘Probably some of the servants have brought let-
ters secretly to my daughter. Let me tell you my plans.
We had thought of spending this winter in New Orleans.
We will leave here almost inimediately. I will write to
my agent to have the house in readiness. Can you be
reudy next week ??

“]__) faltered Miss Kent,
then ??

“Can Ido without you? Can Myra be saved from her
folly, unless you co-operate with me ”

The governess hesitated.

“We will keep open house, and have society around
us,’? continued the gentleman. ‘My poor liitle dangh-
ter needs only to see more of the world to become
sensible of her own madness. The school lessons may be
relaxed; she will learn more from real life. She will
learn what is due to her own dignity and position, aud
how to despise x selfish adventurer.”

Miss Kent was discomposed. She saw plainly, but with
an acute pang at her heart, that her companiouship would
not be needed.

“Do you not think the plan a good one ?”?

“} huve no doubt of its excellent effect,” she answered in
a low tone, and averting her face lest the anguish she was
feeling should be legibie. ‘But, in entering society, your
duughter will require the Chaperonage of a lady Whe 1s
her equal in position.’?

“You are such, and I will trnst her with you.’

64% cannot be,” murmured the governess, striving with
all her strength for self-control,

“Why not? Do you fear the comments of the harsh
world, Glurice? No one is so fit as yourself to guide
Myra! you know her, and she loves you, in spite of her
wayward temper. 1 could not trust her with aby one
eise.’?

“But I must consider myself,” said the lady, proudly,
for the proposal irritaied her. How would she appear at
the head of Mr. Halstead’s cily establisiment and his
daughter's Companion, in an aponalous Position ?

“Here, as Myra’s governess, 1 amin wy proper place,’?
she continued; “but whenshe isemancipated from school
rules aud lessons, and enters society as & young lady, ib
will be quite a different thing. You must excuse me, Mr.
Hiaistead, if 1 decline to place myseif in circumstances so
embarrassing.?

She did not look up as she spoke, or she would have
seen Mr. Lialstead’s eyes fixed upon her with au expres:
sion she could not mistake. Suddenly he bent oved her,
and took her land.

“Qiarice,? he said, “I cannot live W ithout youl Be my
wife.”?

Slice did look up now, with a startled expression, her
face growing White as death,

“JT have lung loved you,” he went on! “You are so
young, I dared not think you could return my affections
but of late L have hoped it, Clarice; am I doumed to ais-
uppointinent ??

Her lips trembled as she answered, “No, Mr. Laistead,
you shail make no such sacrifice.”

“Suerifice? Do you think, then, it isin my daughter's
interest alone lL ask you to be minef No, Chivicel Your
noble qualities, even more than your beauty, haveawaken-
ed in me that appreciation, that passionate esteei, which
the soul of man yields to a woman worthy uf his wor-
ship.*!

He drew his chair closer, and wonld have clasped her
to his bosom, but she disengaged herself quickly and re-
treated from tiiin.

“Mr. Halstead, what you honor me by asking, is im-
possibiet’’

“Do you despise me, Clarice ?”?

“Ol, sir, if you knew my heart, so fault of gratitude, of
deep respect, you couki not ask such a question.”

“1 waut more thay that. Can you not give it me?’

“You wish me to go