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M $2.50 a year. Entered at the Post Office at New York. N. Y.. at Second Class Mail Rates. Copfright. 1883, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. it. April 3. 1883.1 '
N0 177. VOL. VII. PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, 98 WILLIAM ST., N. Y. PRICE, 5 CENTS

 

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AUTHOR on- “A BITTER MISTAKE,” ETC., me.

 

 

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 ' ,QHAFTER ‘-  .
AR'IIJrSTLBREn ADVENTURE--
'  was a large, low, rambling
'hohé,‘~bh”ilt or  brick, and almost covered
¢ 3 ivy, which clung around its‘stone portion,
" and, when the wind was high, tapped, as if
V with ghostly fingers, against the long, narrow
 windows. Both outwardly and inwardly the
;, once handsome mansion bore traces of neglect
“ and'decay. indicating either poverty or parsi—
,,,mony,on the part of its owuer, Mr. Matthew
Guntherpe. The garden resembled a wilderness,
 {and within doors such of the rooms as were not
shut up, but reserved for family use, looked
it “dull‘fandoheerless, With their faded carpets, old—
, tashioned furniture, and general absence of, all
'uusuul‘orname‘nts; t v
_, “The day had been lOWering and chill, al-
though the season was spring; but now, as
evening approached, the sun struggled out from
betWeen masses of gray clouds, and shed a few
géjbright rays into the small apartment specially
heuse.
 ‘There he sat at his writing-table, sorting
papers, making up accounts, and glancing over
firbusiness documents, occasionally ceasing bis
T'lab'Ors in order to exchangea few sentences
with his sister Sophia, a spiuster ot- uncertain
age. whoior many years had been his chief
confident and adviser. , ' "
 Matthew Gunthorpe was over fifty, and look-
ed'even more advanced in life. I
'~ His thin, bellow face was worn and furrow
used, his scanty heir, once the deepest of fiery
‘~,auburn, was thickly sprinkled with gray, and
.‘lhéis’e'r'ival hues also contrasted strongly in his
along, straggling whiskers and unkempt mus-
] ' Q .

fl ' VOne ofhissmall haae‘l eyes had a cast nearly
"degenerating into a decided squint, and the two
, are placed  closely together under overs

pits of these drawbacks, however, Mr.'

H ,rpe‘ was not an exceptionally ill-favored

coon tenance had had either an amiable
A ' mammaliarn general appear-
ance aid haveme muster. ,
‘flnfortanately, however, his prevailing char.

' ' ‘ intense obstihacy, distrust and
written tooflainly in, every 'line

 the ledger he" had an

a

consulting ,

itfrom'him. ' \
Mathews laid down her knitting, and
-..  her brother with. some anxiety.

 surely  not mean that those Arizona '

, which you hoped so much, have

we  " , r V

W x  fallen low, and an oppo-

 yhas started; ;But.that is not the

or *two still larger speculations

 out ill; besides, [have lost several

‘ I y Wisdom of Huntley's bank.

I «play, unlessa tide or prosperity

tam my direction, I must sell Raven-
,"hfil‘zfl-  ‘ .I u ’- ' '-

& ajheldup‘herhandlin horror. '

fr .

n L "but can  up woe  will

dedicated to the use of the master of, the‘

with’a sharp snap, and lrritahly
;  reins badly with as. Sophia—5

Bavarian-sis, that has been, in dire-
fen  . grapes-gins: on

until she is  urinal-fries, that  End '
thongh‘Icouldiobtain the consent of golonel
heCBllESfl my on~trustee,?w is at this moment
with his regiment in;? Indian: erritory. ' " "

“ _“It,§l'erissa were of age we could easily
pursuade her ,tovtgive‘iwhateyer pecuniaryas-
sistanceis needed. «I often wonder whatshe
will.  or say." when ,she disoOvers she is an”
heiress, for she is so headless "and; void of sense.
that I question whether she bestowsa thought
on the subject, and you "warned me it was
beet to keep her in ignorance."

“I did, for the reason that a girl’s'head be-
comes turned when she knows her own im-
portance,” he said, testily. “ She would think
of nothing but dress, gayety and lovats. Our
quiet home would grow dull and distasteful to
her; she would yearn for a season it. New York
and opportunities of making an eligible mar-
riage. No, am, sister; it is ‘wgu that Nerissa

" Marsdenf should blossom" here like? a. {{wild

‘flower, beautiful and innocent as:}thos§ she
gathers in the wdods to term her solo adorm
ment.” " .

Miss Gunthorpo regarded her brother with
an air of amazement. / , , '

“ Good gracious, Matthew, you are growing
quite pocticai! Just fancyvthe folly of com-
paring Nerissa to a flower! A careless chit,
running wild all day about the grounds, Wiih
tangled. hair, a ragged frock, and a hat with
the brim half torn away! If she resembles a
flower it must be the ragged robin.”

“You women always run down one an-
other. Nerissa is very beautiful.” ‘

“ To those whoadmire a baby face and sun-
burnt complexion, with tawny hair and eyes
of an indescribable tint, ‘neithrr blue nor gray;
I cannot see any attraction in her.” ‘

5‘ It is quite unnecessary that you should do
80.” said Matthew, with his cynical, smile.
“ But has it never struck you, Sophia, that
Nerissa’s fortune, although not large, as for-
tunes now are reckoned, would be or consider-
able service to a needy maul” ~

“I suppose it' would, I only wish that it
was yours in this emergency.” ‘

“ Why should it not be!” .

“Only a minute ago,” observed Miss Gun~
thorpe, sharply, “you talked as it you were
powerless to touch adollar." - ' ” I

«“And so I am.” “Herelhe paused andooe
vartly glanced, at the spinster's firm, severe

- countenance, as if doubtful how she would re-

ceive his next “sentence; “You know, Sophia,
that when Net-ism marries,- noh only will she
have control over her, property, but her hus-
band, it he is a clever‘fellow, can glee geta
soodlmbm on New?! Panda” '

,  in  Sophie‘s lace, man.
tling even tothe tigot her long, thin nose, as

she wmmheaded'tbo'ddft of her brother’s ‘

speech; 3 'r‘  I. , -
.Eversalnae' lilrwife’s death, some fifteen
. ears ago, she had reigned lady 
'venhursh .. 1- I a
It whatnot likely'g‘ho was going 
that supremacy without ra'struggle. (   '~ ' 
813de w as. ' I ma tyr,  
mature yémwso since poor Arabella‘dledhaw

notepahoim‘tbe slightest inclinfitilm   ,_ V
ryxagain, are” now thinking of marrying,a1_

'harum-mum girl, who ever since she came
iron) the West, nearly ten years ago, has been
"the plagued mythic!” '_ '
 tacitly, softly, Sophia. You take too so-
vere.--aivtaw or a young girl’s whims. 
  foundihe liberal sum awarded 
as late-genera? to those who 
charge of his daughter during  minority
'rextmiiély Mink Esme remote misfit be i“-
Mturod“mozngh to hint thatfisrissa’s faults
' '  owinggn-I do .not say to the
cessation" Wihhflflfiil'ééajm'i
the heating

 

obtuse  I,

\

 thisimpll‘edlre
it very‘difilcu'ltto borrow anything unit, even. r'

‘ selection. »

, the ziulmown future, which, to the, y ‘

;,riages—«eome young and beaming with

 

w» 

"i- “You ans unreas

: _,  1%,“: r ,
sure met during her childhood I tormented my- ‘ 5
self with hearing those weerisomeleeeons day ‘

fatter day, while thathalt hours "superintend- ‘
ence "of the  of those,“ at

y Y W :rmlneble;
scales turned my halxggray' ,at,  five years,
before the proper time. ‘ I' did ituall for your ~
sake, to save the expense of a properly-quali- 1
fled governess, and this is my reward !” . .y‘
“ l was only joking. Sophia.” " _ 
“ I believe the girl has bewitch‘ed yen," sho' -
grumbled, ,“aithwgh- you pretend that her
money is her chief attraction.” , , %
Be made no answer. Indeed, vhescarcoly ,
knew clearly whether love or avarice was the ,
basis of his strong desire to make Nazism. ,
Marsden his wifeeNerissa, a girl‘young enough
to be his daughter, beautiful, lively, and im— 
pnlsive, a very type of innocent maidenhood,
besides possessing the solid charm of an inherit- ,
Lance which would‘»,enrich the husband of her

With Matthew 3 speculation had become a." .
mania. He looked upon it as the high road to 5
the wealth for which hisvsonl crowd and not— 
withstanding repeated disappointments, was T

' ever ready to fling fresh gold into the vortl‘x L

that long ago had swallowed up his own small, 5:
mans. - .  ‘ "
General Marsden could searcer have chosen
a less trustwmthy guardian for his only child, “
but the gallant cflicer did not know. Hound 
Mat Gunthorpe had been college chums, and}
had corresponded at intervals during hia'long 
years of service. M'sa Sophia's virtUes' had
been duly exmlled in her-brother's correspond-.2
men, so the general might be pardoned for f
having considered the painfully qualified to
undertake the charge of his most preciousf
treasure when he was removed. 4 L ‘ f 9
While Nerissa’s fate was being discussed by
those who never paused to consider whether '7
their schemes were calculated to promote her;
happiness, the girl herself was wandering about
the grounds, singing loud in her clear sweet ’
Voice wild snatches of melody, such as shel-
might have learned from her feathered tarot- 
i'es of the 1590068. A Sometimes she would
gather a cluster of flowers, and place them ,
carelessly amidst the masses of goldexi-brbwn 
hair that curled closely round her shapely
head; or, it they seemed specially worthy or;
admiration, the old straw hat, disparade by i,
Miss Sophia, formed an excellent substitute for 5
a basket in which to convey them safely) home, 5'
to decorate her simply-appointed chamber.
When she was tired, the bough of a tree, whose .
lowest branches nearly reached the grows
became her seat, where she swayed gently to"
and fro, indulging in bright day-dreams of r
 bears
pronfiso of so much happiness. , . .u
It we: sweet to Nerissa tube  amid.‘
trees and flowers, with the o ’ 7 1g
headyout‘ot machot§op
One day, however; i
yield satisfactiourso'ship '
aideigate, «and  ,

Art‘s short distance  A , ere she walked
 a high embankmeuty‘al‘ong which, ran
 i! railway, and‘shehngw that inanimate
ftho‘oipmss‘ pass on itazwsy fro
 the] . town, to New  p
 liked  the great. iron monster
pursue its furious career; to notice theatrango _ r
 peering from the windows of the MES
happiy;
nose, others worn and anxious. ' , v a 

':_ ' In that momentary glimpse she often ,tound V

materials for Weaving a romance inherihue’y
brain-«tor the wayward girl had ceramic
turn of mind, which was. fosteredfihyher al‘
most solitary lite, deprived of. 
companionship and the 

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..  train  ‘rapifdiydd “ ng. and the
j' smite  it ; pass, wondering  it~
'vwo‘uld over her to the great metropolis——
, ,eunknown world where so many marvelous '
Sights were to be seen. " ‘ '
, ‘ A sort of commotion on one of the platter-ms
; f'attracted her attention. I ‘ ‘ i
' What are timee men doing?
They, are struggling—fighting.
. As she gazed. W'her horror and amazement,
one of them either‘ leaped from the train or
 was thrown out of it .
‘ '  The iron horse dashed on at full speed,
 ,,While the slight, dark figure rolled down the
steep embankment, and was lost to view.
' A cryot horror'rose to Nerissa’s lips; her
. heart throb? ed violently.
 ‘ The train’was‘ already nearly out of sight,
 rloefing behind this stranger, who might, she
 V'tbOIJg‘ht be dead, or at least seriously injured.
Intently she watched to see whether he would
again become visible, and strained her ears lest
A cry for help should be vainly uttered. All
j; , Was silent save for the twittering of the birds in'
;3”;the trees, and for the lowing of cattle in a dis-
 ‘tant field. ' ‘ V
' V $he could not bear to leave the place, evento
‘ summon assistance, for he might die unwatched
" and alone before her return, a thought that
‘; _*"made»her shudder. '
 v ,‘Impelied by pity, flavored by a slight tinc—
r: lure of womanly curiosity, she at last hastened

    

 

 

  

 

 

‘w‘.

., 3. 

, toward the spot where he must still be lying, .

 making her way amid the long grass, pushing
f none climbs and brambles that impeded her
1,- Progress.‘ until she stopped beside the prostrate
013m of him she sought

_ Very pale and still he lay beneath the calm
v (evening sky. . , ' > ‘
,_ H A tall,'dark-haired man, whose age might be
 stew years over tifienty, with‘a well-chiseled
 face, down one aide of which blood was slowly
. - trickling from a‘ wound on the temple, inflicted
- by a sharp stone. '
'  " Nerissa knelt down beside him. and, conquer-
‘I lng her; nervous fears,
,Eheart. 7 It was beating stili,'enrl with renewed
 hope she hurried toalittie brook that ran at no

Israeli; distance, and dipping her handkerchief in
a"  cleanwaters, returned to the unconscious“
ii,  and gently wiped the blood-stains fromhis

3 ‘;Then, remembering that Miss Sophie’s scent».
s hon e, which ‘she had been desired to bring

"i downstairs for its owner’s use before she start-
'- 9‘1 9» her ramble, was still in her pocket, she ap-

' , , the strong essence to the" young man’s
 scan-in It seemed to revive him. '

" ' He opened his eyes, gazed about rather wild-
. if “rand said, in an agitated voice: “ Have those
1 :ivrM:£Pilel-eam I free!” ..

.. . fines not whether his brain wandered,

i. ,2". 3113’  to make.
rain!"   had uneven fall. You melons ,
 A .  .3.” 3'0}! my friends on the train!”
‘;~ chassis, hammer.

" , I "Wimbfll’mwfi he murmured, passing

 

mam: his gerobbinlg brow. “l mutt
'7 or ywilbeonmy track,
and {shall have riflked my life in vain.”

 

 >7,“‘V'wi10!ffi’do"you fflair?” she asked as he at-
 rnaano fell- back Again with a.

nu  i - ‘ '
i. lady; may I trust you You have a
. face and ,will. not betray , me. I am
/ With a crime or which I‘ am guiltless.
‘ or to shield one whom I invalidate
mypinnocence apparent. I have just
 _ in the hands of the police. In the
Wage; managed to slip my hand-

   

 
  
   

   
  
  

    
 

  e‘alast‘ *efl'ort for liberty. You
 death“ “9 the hack to a fate worse than

“ also 59 2503M are; the words; lift- ’
m I . to Nerissa’s face; and the
7 P,“ We feelings were, sweetly stirred.

can ' the altered}; ' '“ I, "would ,

 

 
 
 
 
 

  

    
 
  

 

-wood

laid her band upon his '

 
  
  

 

 

 ' ’  dream a ~
., 8. which‘pwim ,Lwili' aflord’me
"for" thsni'ght.  Tomorrow :I must think what
can next be done. Lady, if inqifiries should
be made, you will not, breathe a word of hav-
ing seen or spOken with me? ’You will keep
my secret, will you?” pleadingly. '. ‘

“'I promise,” she ansWered, with a firm de-
termination to keep, her word. ' - ' J ‘

Slowly and painfully he‘ aroée, and dragged
himself“ a few yards onward, Nerlssa watching
him, with an ever-increasing compassion.

Poor fellow l he was weak and euflering, and
wrongfully accused by his euemies.‘ If, for
the sake of some beloVed friend, he had taken
a burden of guilt upon his own shoulders, it
seemed to her the inflection of self—sacrifice.

Wli n he disappeared among the trees, she
wen. slowly home‘to the oak paneled parlor,
where Matthew generally dosed over his news-
paper, while Sophia knitted stockings or
played “solitaire.” ' ' .

,In the tumult of ‘her mind she did not no-
tice that her guardian and his sister were em-
barrassed and 'ill at ease, sometimes glancing
at her askance, with, strange scrutiny. She
knew not that, after a stormy debate, they
had succeeded in amicably settling their differ-
ences. and arrived at the conclusion that, alter
all, Matthew Gunthorpe could not do better
than espouse “the insignificant chit," Nerissa
Marsden, and her fortune. -

So, in happy unconsciousness of the coming
struggle, she” sat in her favorite corner by the
window, listening to the wind moaning amid
the trees as evening shadows gathered, ‘and
wondering how the unknown fared in thosc
dreary woods, with nocther canopy but the
heavens above him. :

CHAPTER II.
THE 5'10an or A m.

Nxmssa passed a sleepless night; she felt as
though burdened by fate with a heavy respon-
sibiity. , .

This stranger had been thrown in her path.
He was suffering and oppressed.

Was she not bound to succor him? '

Had she been older or more experienced she
might havo locked upon him merely as a
criminal fleeing'from justice; or at least have
weighed the probabilitiesor his guilt or inno-
cence. , i »' . I

As it was, she implicitly believedrhis assur-
ances, though she could'have given no satisfac—
tory reason to account for'her conviction.

She resolved to Visit the woods next day,

e

 

taking with her a basket containing such pro-‘

visions as she could abstract from the larder
without rousing the siispicions of Miss Sophia,
‘or’ Hannah, the cook; and as she was acous-
tomed, when the weather was fine, to spend
the, whole "morning out of doors, rambling

about. the woods, her absence. from home -

would not excite observation. .
One thought troubled .her.-' Perhaps‘ the

fugitive had been again seized. and conveyed

to that dark and loathsome dungeon which
was Nerissa’s idea. of a prison cell.
' The sun, which was peeping brightly through
the curtains, dispelled (ibisfi‘gloomy reflection.
She sprung from her‘ couch with alacrity,.
and throwing open the window, looked out
upon the thousand natural beauties ol‘a‘ fine
sprihg morning. _ i p
The dewy grass sparkled in- thcr'sunbeame;
the tangled flowers of the neglected garden had
beautiful tints and rich perfumes, A few
bright-winged butterflies were already skim-
ming through the air to pay morning . calls
upon their floral favorites, and me birds greet-
ed day with a harmonihus concert. 3 I ' , "
listless Became more cheerful. She sung

herT’g’ayest songs while completing her toilet,

and entered the breakl'a‘stjparlor 'so‘bohny a‘nd'
blooming; that Matthew j-Guntho‘i'pe'e smell
eyesptw’ihkied

    

,‘ that ,his fair young creature v’raslfidi‘ififid’ior"
     « l .
files So" is  new

 

 

    
 
 

shelter:

» how fond some

I want them so badly._f,I h‘ear, too, that a
traveling circus Willi give-9a 

  
    

with new?" light. as, he éttoutht‘ " ‘

      

heard iii-om one at them“, whdeissbe. was i. 
retailing to her brother. - I '  i 3.5:. 
“Such a terrible catastrophe'i-vz  
curring so near seems to maize it worse,
I don’t exactly know why. Just fancy, Mai:—
thew, four cars "broken into splinters, nihe ",1
pastengers killed, and I know not how many. -
injured! It really makes one shudder.” ‘  
“ What has happened!” asked the-girl,
a vague impression that anything new 
startling must hava some connection with yes-
terday’s adventure. ‘ ‘ , ;,  x ,
“A railway accident, my dear,”explairsed «-
Mr. Gunthorpe, attempting. to blend in, his.
manner the character of both gmrdiau andL
lover. “ The 6:30 express from Bridgeport to
New York came in collision with a number 
freight cars, that by an unfortunate mischauce’
were'left upon the track. The result
have been still more fatal had not the .
been slackening epeed at the moment; but it is if.
bad enoughas it is.” .'  f
“ I think so, indeed!” chimed in Miss
“Engine—driver and sicker noteXpocted to]
live; poor Jones, the grocer, killed—he was a
civil man, though I sometimes complains
that he gave, short weight; then there was a.
woman add her baby, and. what was strange,"
two policemen and their prisoner.” ‘ . *5
“Was «the prisoner killed?” salted Neris
doubtfull y. ‘ l I'
“Have I not said soil” was the sharp;
joinder. “His features were enmeshed-ant
mutilatedtbat they would not be recognisable.
by his nearest friend; but he was close beside -
the other men, and people remember having
seen them enter the cars at Bridgeport." ' e '
“Perhaps they are mistaken,” murmured
Nerissa; then stopped, confused, on 
the eyes of ‘her companions fixed on henwa
prise; while ,Miss Sophia. remarked, in :94
proacbful accents, “that it was wonder ’
persons were of 

    

  
     
    
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
   
     
   
   
       
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
   
    
  
    
    
  
   
      
    
  
  
 
  
   

 

 

  

     
   
   
      
 
  

 

   
   
  
 
   
       

tionl” . 1 . ,. . i .r l ,
As-the meal prbgremd, Matthewuddressefl"
’a‘ few remarks to his fair wardwith magma _.
clumsy gallantry which. not ill  him; '
her mind was so preoccupied that she did,
notice the change in his manner. ‘ ‘ i ' ' V  ‘
She was the first to risei'i‘om the “Hay in:
patient to set forth on her mission, but it
Gunthorpe laida restraining hand upon her
“Can you spare me half an hour, my
Karissa? I wish to speak to you 
ofthe deepest inipoitance." ,  , 3
Never before in her remembmceéhad 
guardian desired'a th~  ‘
Her heart began to flutter.
heard what happened on theprevi
tsend was about town his
“.I hope you are mtgoingtoscfld'nieg"

said. ' , » V
' “Soold you, myvdeai- girll, 
too highly, love yourmuch‘too Mytfi; " 
iHow fortunate I should esteem mm}? 
would only let me devote “my lite to  
you happy?“ ’ ‘ I a. .   V y,
Sophiahad discreetly withdrawn. ~ Mr 
thorpe seized Nerisea’s handgaz‘mguml
with lover-like tenderness: while 
somewhat startled at the sudden! transfusion,
tion, in her simplicity had no summit» 
she was about tube honored by  ‘
climax-rings. - '*  .r g; N
“no you really wish to make setups...
she asked, after a short pause.  '
mind revolved’all kinds of 
iities. ' r  " -‘
” It is my dearest hope: a -, l
,, “ Then perhaps yen Would not W asking
Miss Sophia to ‘get me easier two new dresses

           
 
      
 

 
 
  

  
 
 
  

 
  
     
 
   

    

  
  
 
   
     
   
 

   
    
    
  
   
   

 
 
 

  

the .

liege: tomorrow.  i
i i . -'  H vJ/ "

  
 

 

 

 

 

     
  
 
 
    
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
    
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
    
 
    
     
  
 
  
   
  
   
   
 
  
  

.: sunscreens last life.” .. , .
5 . . f: Imus afraid you  refuse,” sighed the
girl, who hoped thatin her guardian’s present
Katalin-of mind he mightbe induced to grant
 one or two small favors. “I have so little
amusement.” . ‘ ‘ v
“ It. would be diflereut if we ware married,”

, , he answered, eagerly. “I should he so proud
 .of my pretty young bride! ,Be my wife, Ner-
w  i883, and I willtake you abroad—to London,
‘   Wherever you care to 39.. You shall
' have fine dresses, jewels, anything that takes
your fancy. Ah, ‘my sweet one, you shall
, ‘n’cver repent being'Mrs. Matthew Gunthorpel”
» _ f “I your wife!” she exclaimed in consterna-
". ‘tion, forcibly withdrawing her hand and
, springing to her feet. “Mr. Gunthorpe, sure-
- , ly you are not in your right senses!”
» VHis brow knitted-into an ominous frown.
,; , “Thisis a strange reception of, my proposal,
«  Nerissa.” ' .
f‘ Not stranger than it deserves. Why should
/" I marry unless I fall in lovei—and of course I
 cannot fail in love with you!”
‘ ' “And why should we not be very harpy
, I even without that ridiculous passion which is
'. talked of more often than felt? If I made an
' indulgent husband you would have no reason
to complain; and, young as you are you would
 ‘ soon learn to perform your duties- as, a wife.
. You" like me already. Nerissa, do you notl”

,  “Yes,” very hesitatingly. “I could not
dislike poor pope‘s friend.”
‘ "“That is sufficient for the present! warmer
feelings will come by-aud-by. The affair is
Ccounsel. You must regard me as your future

V husband. The marriage shall take place
\ehouftly.”
,  No, no!" she cried, vehemently, as he at.

, ,tempted toplace his arm around her. “I will
V  forced. into an engagement from which
’my heart revolts. You never can persuade me
, tormarry you!’

r  " ‘f Obstinate fool l” he cried, losing his temper.
. 2‘“ Do you think I cannot bend you to my will?
Jon depend on me for the very roof that
centers you, as well as the bread you eat! What
will. become of you if I turn you from my
. doors?” ,« V .

. ,, ffEeaven ,will raise up newfriends to help
meltiexclaimed Nerissa. .

 “Xou are, brave because you have never
‘4 known real trouble; but do not think you will
escape me. I am a. firm man; my enemies
call me. obstinate. We shall see Whether the
strength of my will cannot conquer yours!”

,“ At least, you cannot drag me to church!”
>‘  the, undannted Nari-am, as, anxious to
‘,terminate the» discussion, she hurried from the

 

. room. a I
1;.  half an hour was over she was on her
,‘myto the Woods, where she supposed the fugi-
Cues was still'hiding. It cannot be denied that
31(r..£1unthorpe’s declaration had made her un-
 Mutable; but she was far from being sub-
 ' 8M ‘marveled that a man at his age
'  so degrade himself [in the eyes of a girl
- ’a enough to be his granddaughter.

  Yet there was something ludicrous in the
.  of a gray-haired man choosing a giddy

' girl/of seventeen for his wife; and when she
 of=Misa,Sophia meekly surrendering
 keys, and taking the second

place in the Wold, scandalized by the ex-

“  and mismanagement of her brother’s
bride,  laughed outright.’
v Reaching her destination, she had hardly en—
]tarednthe woods when she perceived her new
 limping toward her. In the
 morning WShine he looked haggard
9 find Worm but his face lighted up when he saw
 when). be welcomed with many ex-
, , no of gratitude. , p
 V ‘31, fiercely dared hope to 896 you.- Yet
 was such hhglefm OIMmeaizllOnbzllii 331m
«my. my. W, t col not 9 ,e as
 would come to my aid. All last
;  I, layie the hollow of“ a tree, faniuthe
' ' '  ,rv‘bfg. that  but?” ‘Iyei‘ept,’ I
ed, as I  dices: child a

, \

 

.\ t. .

terested.

loved her!”

 

memento our

charity. But, now ‘emlu’to do? ' My
ankle is so painful "that I; cannot, walk for. x If
I go into the village for food, people may look

suspiciously open me, a stranger. Iam already

half famished.” -

“l have brought you food,” she said, dis-
playing the centeuts of her basket.

While be, seated upon the trunk of a felled
tree, made a hearty meal from the viands she
had brought, Nerissa gave him the news of the
railway acindent.

“ Fate is kind,” he said, “in removing these
men at such “a critical moment. It must have
been through their signals that the train
slackened speed. Death frustrated their de-
termination to pursue and recapture me. So
perish all the enemies of Everard Vaughan!"

Nerissa was shocked.

“ These were not your enemies!’ she said,
indignantly. f‘ They were only doing their
duty.” ’ ’

“Ah, do not turn against me,” he muro
mured, in a soft, melodious voice. “ You have
been my friend, and, “outcast as I am, have won
my eternal gratitude. Pardon .me if I have
spoken bitterly; believe me, I have been se-
varely tried. Accused of a crime which I
never committed; the woman whom'I dearly
loved lost to me forever; do you wish me to
turn hypocrite, and Use smooth words, when
the language of demons would not express the
bitterness I feel?”

The tide of pity surged once more about
Nerissa's heart. He was so young to undergo
such troubles, the more so when they were un-
deserved!

“ Take heart,” she said, softly; “ all may yet
be well.” 3

He shook his head dcspondently.

“ Something has gone out of my life which
cannot be restored to it. Hope, love and trust
—-all have vanished.”

In spite of dusty clothes. disordered hair and
haggard visage, Everard Vaughan was still re~
markably handsome; and, say what we will,
the feminine heart is peculiarly susceptible to
the influence of good looks in the oppOsite sex.

Nerissa might not haVe taken the same inter-
est in the confessions of an older hnd plainer

'man; but, gazing at that slender, well-knit

frame, and thOse velvety dark eyes, she longed
to hear the story of his life.

He seemed to read her thoughts, and re-
markedi, “ It is only right I should tell you
something about myself and the crime with
which they charge'me,” he said.’

“ You would scarcely suppose, seeing me here
in misery and degradation, that I come of a
geod family.

“ My father was the third son, and being ex—_
trevagant, soon ran through, his moderate in-
heritance. \ ” .

.“.He died when I was a lad of eighteen,
leaving me nearly penniless. 5

“Through want of means, I was not educated
for any profession, and my. father was too
proud to let me learn a trade. ‘

“ HOW could I get my living? 1

“ A bright idea struck me. ‘ I ‘

“ I had always a predilection for the stage, so
my mind was made up to become an actor.

“ After some difficulty I succeeded in getting
an engagement at a minor theater, but either I
wanted talent or perseverance, and made no
great hit. ‘ ‘

“But the turning point of my life now ar-
rivedw—I met her who was my fate.”

“. You fell in love?” cried Nerissa, deeply in-
“ Was the lady beautiful?"

“In my eyes she possessed more than mortal
beauty.” _

..“ Was she an actress?" _

“ Yes; and her husband joined dur company
after making- a ‘wccessful ' tour through the
States.” v r , ‘ , ‘

Nerisss’s countenance fell. -

“Then,

“,I‘Inoultlknothalp It . e _ ,
 "  resonant-Well in we”

 
  

 

 

9110 yes married,  you an: ion
fishers I m.

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‘33.
,2. f“ny '"y , ‘ 5 J" ‘  I ' '.'  ' ’(VV  U'“ r"   ;h . .y I; I ‘ m» "1“ .r’ V I [I “A %’ “~1,‘: on ‘ J'l'rv’ ,I, 
“consideration. The  to which“! re—  that you might’be rewarded for. your ‘ “she was a fair, queeniy creature, born.

,rule' over the
“mitigated mine. “ ,: r a 
“ Her husband was an idle, fellow,
who passed his leisure time in haunts where his
Wife could not penetrate, where/the bottle was
circulated too freely. _ p ' ' 
“ On such occasions he wouldreturn home ,in'
a morose and savage humor, and she was made],
the victim of his wrath. , J i 1
" She had married him for love, against the
wishes of her friends, and bitterly did she re:
pent her bargain. ‘ p Y
“I acted with her in many melodramas. 
’where her beauty and spirit infused lite into.
the whole performance; and when, 'as her
lover, fortune so far favored me as to ‘give me,
such a part—I felt the touch of her hand, or,
her breath upon my check, I became as one,
inspired. ' I
" Those who knew me, wondered at the tal-
ent I would then exhibit.
, “ And thus things went on for awhile—3' r
“ And then?” questioned NeriSsa, finding,
that he paused abruptly. " '
“Then came a day when there was discos"
cred a room in disorder, the furniture brokenp
the carpet drenched with blood, and in thef
middle of the floor lay the dead body of a man,
with a dagger through the heart. ‘
“You killed him, then?” exclaimed Nerissa,
shuddering, as she shrunk away from her com-S:
panion with dilated eyes and quivering lips;f
“yet you told me you were guiltless!”
, “ So I am. I will swsar ten thousand time ‘
that his blood is not on my head!” ’ 
Perceiving the expression of \incredulity and?
astouishment with which she regarded him, he:
cautioned, earnestly: , ‘ ' ‘ Z
“ I repeat that I had no hand in his death:
I neither stole upon him with the crafty pur—3
pose of the midnight assassin, nor in, the heat
of passion did I stain my soul with, murder,
But I fled.” - I,
‘* Why did you flee, " when you are inno~ .1
cent?” ‘ _
“ Because I dared not face the terriblearray‘
of evidence against me, and .I could, not (fix
vulge the truth. I was suspected and hunted}
do“ n. A felon’s’ doom ' loomed, darkly before.
me. Careless whether I lived'or died, I made",
a leap for fi'eedomeanything rather than the’
gallows! And here I am!” ' ' ,
The impress of truth'seemed to be stamped"
on his words, and strange though his narrative‘i
was, she was forced to believe him.’ , ‘_ i
“Who, then, took the life of the ’niihappy;
man?” she asked, ‘ln an awe-struck Whisper.‘__
“ is it possible that he committed self-’destruci
tioni‘.’  ’  V
“Do not lotus talk of him longer. Your.
girlish heart should not he’saddenedgby ml
of sorrow or crime. I cannot tell youmore’f
than I‘have done.”  r '
Everard Vaughan now began to speak on,
the subject he had, most at heart-ethat of
escaping from the clutches of the “law. H
was doubtful whether the detective who too,
him on the platform of the Bridgeport station:
.had had time to telegraph to Pinkerton}; and»
even if the authorities there knew of his [arrest,:
they might suppose he had met the, fate of the ' '
subordinates. . r  y ,
He proposed to conceal himself in the woédp
now thick with. summer foliage, until hisanhleb
was strong enough, and he .could travel on’
foot to some seaport town, whence'he can!
work his passage On board some ship bound. for»:
a foreign country. I i r " M ,
He had mane ed to secrete a small stereo!"
money,but if e ap cured in the.vi!lage' t 
purchase the necessar es of life lame, Vhaggerdgg
and wretched, he might excite attention, an
finally suspicion. ‘ . g ‘ '
Throwing himself at, Karissa’s feet,gheim
ploi-ed her to finish the good work she had be

at “no;  WV}

 

 
  
  
   
 
 
  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

    
 
    
   
  
 
  
   
   
 
    
   
  
  
  
 
    
 
  
   
  
   
  

 

 

 

 

no . l, ‘\ ' ‘ ,
g“It was'ouly for a short time, he urged, the
he should trespass on her  a lien: day

 

 ' [her no more,

ms week‘ortwoat most, rindhe would 

I

 

 
    

  

 

  

. . ,Hi‘érentxealies' did.  fell upon deaf ears.
. Before  left him to return to her
." gloomy horns, now even more distasteful to her,
_ She promised to contiiiue he: visits to the wood

    
 
  

he could depend upon her word.

CHAPTER III.
A FATAL 813?.
ON the border of the woods which lay to the

 

   
   
   
 

 hut, inhabited by an ancient dame named
~ . Dorothy Trent.
I  ,Her once tail figure was bent half-double by
3!  rheumatism even more than age; her snow-
L. White hair was loosely twisted under a black
 silk handkerchief, wreathed turban-fashion
round her head, whence escaped long tangled
 locks, framing a shriveled visage, with a rather
I - malevolent expression. ‘
 , '19 was well for Dorothy that she lived in
, ; ‘times when the belief in witchcraft is confined
Z5403 few of the most ignorant, or she might
' have been offered as another victim upon the
shrine of superstition. As it was, people
. Shrunk from her pathway when she walked
- tbl‘lllllgh the village muttering to herself. She
[was very deaf, which might have accounted
 .fot‘ the habit. Some pronounced her to be
' .. :razy; others alleged that she had " the evil
' Ye? , -
 In reality the old woman was neither mad
' “no” gifted with supernatural powers, although
. .. r§°meWhat eccentric from having lived 50 long
r_ . alone and having seen much trouble. Nerissa
. “ had met her when quite a child in some of her
. flountl‘y rambles, and attracted rather than
 daunted by her strange appearance, made
17; j-Of’ertures toward acquaintanceship. at first by
;. gifts of flowers and fruit, and afterward by
fj s Small presents of money ' '
a}. g . Old Dorothy did,not repulse her advances;
 , 89 it happened that~ for several years Miss
‘Marsden- had been a frequent visitor to the
dilapidated cottage, where previously visitors
‘ were as things unknown.
. y_ ‘It‘was a sultry day in the beginning of July
 When Karissa entered the low-ceiliuged room
' : Where Dorothy sat close to the fire, which even
V in the warmest weather was essential to her
'r pomfort,  - x y
a, Q- ' “We have been expecting you these last
' 3"0 days, Miss Ncrhsa. He has been weary-
’lns for you cocaine."
“1 could not get away before; you know I
g Vain not-free how to come and go exactly at
:' jmy. own pleasure."
' ' “Ah, poor birdl your wings have been

 » capped at as." r
‘ patient!” asked Nausea,

 

 

  

. __ ow is your
Waging the subject.
. “Getting wall by degrees, though he has
-f_ 5:11:01 $13,933?“ fever, mind you; andIl
_‘ .‘ c He bringhim through it. t
 [hehad'dled I might have got into trouble—all
g grypur account—fl” not calling in the doc-
], I “Well, never mind, Dorothy, since all has
,~ turned out well. Your decoctions of herbs
;_ ave proved as efficacious as a doctor’s pre-
scription, and I told you at the first that my
. Iriend‘ bad a perfect horror of doctors.”
b.“‘So'yuu did, Mi-s Ncrissa, and it was no
“finest; of mine whether he lived or died:” ‘
‘ ‘ Surely you are glad to have been the
\ figmmeut of saving a human life?"
 I am glad to have been able to oblige
‘ your“ Karissa, though I am thinking that
 * {0‘11" stamens would not be rest vleased to
 In? what ’an interest you take in this good-
, ll poring young friend of yoursl” "
'4 bl “13 Web, uttered Win83“ W31“ 1”
\ “Sb '50 Karina’s cheek.

  
 

."3 Q§H° 93“ scarcely be called a Mend,”.ahe
' anon: guitar. “but 1 pity his forlorn sonar:

A ._ , . he is well he will leave Bridge-

Wl‘t, and we mayhever see him again.”

«MFA   heel-asst Vaughan
7.  illness, an and

 "skewers fies WW as he

“'fitneai'Ner-ssa. T I 4’.’ ‘ '

   
 
 

   
  

  
 

. at certain intervals,and Everard Vaughan knew _

“west of the village stood a solitary, low-rooted.

 

l

 

' .4. .. ..  - -i, ..... 2-; . ,  .-'  .

' , W l'lhought’yoa forgettng the.
no; I will—not.wrong you by adoubt~you
have proved your goodness. And now do you
not see how strong and well I. am growing?
Soon you will be rid of me forever."

She smiled, “but her smile was followed by a
sigh. ,He‘noticed her usually rosy color had
faded, and her eyelids bore» traces of recent
tears. ’ .

“You are ill!" be exclaimed, anxiously.

“ Not ill, but very unhappy.”

The ready tears rose in her eyes. She had
been harassed and tormented lately almost
beyond endurance, and the sympathy, Everard
evinced found its way to her heart. '

“ Yet there is no reason why I should keep
my troubles secret," she said, “ and I have no
one to guide or advise me. You may have
fergotten my telling you that I had a guardian,
an old, grumpy, disagreeable man, whom I
never liked, and now thoroughly detest. Well,
he insists that I shall marry him.”

She said this with such a tragic air that
Everard could scarcely avoid smiling.

“One cannot be surprised at his desire; but
if you do not share it, why, dismiss your im-
portunate suitor.”

“Oh, if I only could! You do not under-
stand. When he found that fair words would
not move me, he had recourse to menaces,
even to violence. I have bruises now upon
my arm caused by his cruel fingers when he
forced me to stay and listen to him. His
sister is just as bad. They threaten to keep
me a prisoner in my own room until I promise
to marry him.”

“The monsters! But have you no- relative
or friend who could interfere on your behalf!"

She shook her head sadly.

“I am the last of my family. There is an.
other trustee somewhere in the West, but Mr.
Gunthorpe takes care never to let me know his
address. He and his sister have always kept
the secluded; so I have no friends.”

“ You aretoo yOung and pretty to venture
forth into the world alone,” he said, glancing

at her fragile form and child-like face, “or I I

should say be independent, leave their house,
and, .if necessary, earn your own living.”

“ But how!" she demanded, anxiously.

‘ “ You could be a governess.”

“ I am afraid ‘I am not clever enough. 'Miss
Sophia has never sent me to school. Then I
am‘ not skillful with my needle, like some girls.
I could not be a milliner or dressmaker."

“Could you go upon the stage?" he has-
arded.

But the very notion was distasteful to the
unsophisticated girl, who considered a first ap-
pearance in public only a shade less terrible
than marrying Matthew’Gunthoi‘pe. I

For the moment, Everard had no other al-
ternative to offer. .

“I am a bed hand at giving advice worth
taking," he said, smiling; “ but if your aver-
sion to your gua‘rdlan’s wooing proceeds from
a preference for some more favored miter,
why not mhrry him at once, and thus settle
the question?” 7

“ l have no lover!” she answered, petulant-
ly. “I hate all such nonsensel"

“ Then you have never known life’s sweetest
joys and keencst sorrows." I

“ One may know a great deal of happiness
without being in love," said Nerissa, wisely.
"I was happy enough with my pet birds and
flowers, although I used sometimes to want a
little change and amusement, until Mr. Gun-
thorpe began to pester me with his absurd love«
making." '

“ You will one any change your mind. "

“ Why should ii I like my freedom."

_ He'smiled a little sadly as he looked upon
this young, untade thing rebelling against
the very thought of bondage.

Would she ever become amenable to love‘s-

soft discipline! 1 v 

“ I hid my selfish to stay  talking about
remit? she rammedmm’onghuy.  "use;
vb.  WIW I 1 has. hourly «brewers. i9
sire-re! a?le of news ‘

   

use some telling    

. way."

but a question of time when I will make   '

 

Igovérlierird'fiiss’ 1" will immure you in yonder house. as it 

   

 

have heenmade concerning the  
killed in the railway accideirt.” ‘ ‘ _ " 
“ You mean the man whose corpse was sup»
posed to be mine?” be interrupted 
turning a shade more pale.  M
“ Yrs; but his clothes and watch have ,boen,
identified. He had been for the last four years
in Australia it seems, and his family did not
know until lately that he hadreturned. Peer V
fellow,“ was indeed sad to lose his life when." ' !

within so short a distance from home and

friends.” ‘ l ‘.

Everard Vaughan rose from his seat and ' ‘ ‘
paced the room in agitation. “

“ Do you not see, Mics Nerlssa, that this dis-7
covery increases my danger!" ' ' ~ .  ,

“ No one would think of looking for'you
here," she replied ccnfldently.’ ' .

“ We cannot tell. These men employed to
bent out criminals are like bloodhounds on the '
track; no possibility escapes them. I must dis; ‘
guise myself as “well as loan, and leayethis  :
neighborhood.” I: . ‘

The clock in the chimney-corner struck
the hour. It’ was later than Nerissa sup-

Bhe bade brief adieu: to Everard and   ,. 7
Dorothy—the latter had been dozing over the 1,
fire, since her deafness made the ‘cm versation .
inaudible beyond a few stray sentences—4&3 I -
was soon hurriedly making her way home— _ m L
ward. v " g A z 

In the gloomy avenue of elms leading to the ,
principal entrance of Ravenhurst she met her  ' ‘
guardian, grim and severe (f aspect, hit  , 
eyes literally ablaze with indignation. " ‘ . ‘ . f

“I was coming in search of you, Karissa.” 
How dare you absent yourself from home-
without either my consent or that of Sophia?

“ I have never been kept a prisoner, ” replied
the girl sullenly. "Fer years I have 
hours out of doors daily,.,neither_ you nor your _
sléter troubling yourselves whither l {Weill}  _
or when I returned, :6 that I was not in your ,,

“ All is diflerent now," he answered, his v 
beny fingers tightening on her wrist until  ‘
could have cried aloud with ' pain. f“ You 
were then a child, and we allowed you a child’s 
freedom; now you are a woman, and my dril- 
tined ware." ' ‘ ‘ ‘ 
.“That I will never be, asIhave often  ~ =
you!” ‘  e

“ I pay no attention to your caprices. "It fl - 3
submit to my flxeddetermination, and become ~
my own for life.” I, . ’ V

Suddenly she stopped, ad’dressedh‘img.
with quivering lips and eyes that glorified. 1 _
brightly through rising tears. ' " 

" Mr. Gunthorpe, why should you desire.  .
conde mn me to a miserable future? I cannot 
love; if I were your wife I might learn to hate 
you. “My dear lather trusted you as a friend; 
do not let his child have reason to regard, and ' f
as an enemy. Let me have the money  j s
queatbed to me. I know not whethor the   
will be great or small, but it will be enough {9" '-
afiord me subsistence. Then *I will  
Ravenhurst forever, and“ you shall soon  -
get me." I " 

She had never before referredto her faim‘ ' ,
will. or shown any knowledge of the lubed-3e
tance which one day must be hers.  ‘ a \

“You wrll not be of age for full  3*
years," he said, doggedly; “and untfl'illefi-g
you are under my control. I decline at  )3 .
present time to even attempt a settlcmmlofi ’
the trifling property left by my friend  .
den. It was to be invested for your  
until you were twenty-one or got married lo a? .- "
suitable person. You shall have the paltry 
sum when you marry \me.” , , i E 

“And if I chose to wed any one also,” "
she asked, defiantly, “it would equally 

mine?" . g g  _ _

1

“‘Herissa,'you talk like a child. , Do
aginethatlamSuchaweek fool as to , ..
hush""t’r¥f“

_ " opportunities to obtain a’ lovero’r

 

  

   
   
 

  
   
    
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
 

  
 
   
 
   
  
    
    
   
     
 
   
  
  
  
  

  
     
    
   
      
          
      
  
         
  
     

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

   

H , a sometimes

u ' willgive‘ your consent._ to our

_ .., Thee,» Katina the stemsuardian
“she hates Platonic the adoring husband, .er ‘* 1
,iovsyou‘.” ~ ’ ‘

y, ,Apd,“placing hisarm around her shrinking

form, he (creed her toward the house.

1

   
   

  

 
 

  
   

 

  

5 .I'I'hat’eveniné, when the sky had- darkened
{favor with clouds, and thunder rolled in the
A'distance,¢Nerissa came through the ,peltin‘g
strain—a forlorn, bedraggled‘ little figure—to
 'Dorothyle cottage, and had a second interview
' with Everard Vaughan. ‘ H

,t-Igong and earnestly they talked together.
The young man expostulated, the girl persisted.
Her eyes were glowing,,her hands were burn-
ing with fevar; see had the distraught air of

onedriven to desperation. .

:1}: 3 you consider you have cause to be
meters: to me,” she said, “you will not re-
g,"fuse,‘tu do as I wish.” .

,’,“But I fear you may repent taking such a
“instep, MissNerissa.”, '

j“,,.:No,,no; it is you who are: unwilling to
tar your liberty. Yet if you have really
gdpand she whom, you love is lost to you
ver, 1.60 not ask a great sacrifice. See, I

 

  

   
   
  
   
 

  

 
 

to mother. . They are o£,;no_great value, but
mayraise artificial-it moneyeto carry you away
from America. As far me, Iremain here unm
it'll“; atthew. Gunthorpe gives up the money
 V'Ican then farce fromhim.”

> “Karissa,” he'said, gravely, as he watched
\r eXoitemsnt with the {compassion a man must
.. leek for 8 Weak woman’s folly, “ I. warn
y  hat you are m'nning a great risk without
3; sing any compensating advantage." "if I
“ arried to you by the justice of the peace
, dgepcrt disguised" and in a feigned name,
doggoignagine that your guardian would at
since oeaeeto annoy you, and yield up what;
ever, Lpropert‘y may be u yours under your late
father’s will?" ‘

-e_mustfi.h ,He ownedto me this morning
wrestle auditions”

as: Icould not beagto leave "you to his
when he found himself bellied.” "
not supposethat he will kill me,” said
'reflectively; “and as he struck me
,lostping—ryegwith his hard, cruel hand!
_ vs no greater indignity to fear. Go
 thezcereinony, and give me the cer-
W which.le vouch for my marriage, and
' we fill my good-by, never, most likely,
_ Les each other’s paths again.” _
” versrd Vaughan was an ,unscrupulous man,
ofixed principles, but he felt, a twinge of
‘ ‘ in agreeing, to Nerissa’s desperate

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

van—.-

I, _ tor all, not much harm could come of
account) a marriage Would constitute no
bond, hotweeu them; whileithe reward of:
‘ 2‘ his compliance~nameiy, those few
toned trinkets worn by a happy wife in
long. primed away—would smooth away
“‘ lties,and provide means for his jonr.
some distant countrv. , ,
 and beautiful as Nerissa was, he had
he to persuade her to link her fate with
‘ cave Bridgeport in his company.
\ lmbersyof alformer passion were not
, to extinguished; and he could love no other
‘ ' nasave her who had enslaved him. He
"  performed his duty in his own esti-
‘m tion 3, continuing the‘headstrong girl to
‘ ' ' _ . ,e'sh‘e perpetrated an sctof reckless
she ,chose to disregard his warning she
er the consequences.
ll  as you wish,” besaid. ) .
N rises, smiled, her thanks, already, in
alien, gléatiog over  Gunthorpo’m

    

   
 
  

  

salon-alien lady and gentleman left

 ‘ ’, mil ..rsteiivaersa.in-srmlwd
”   '

   

' i new  515431“? i935“  firem-

flnd 1 am a married woman!” - -

use brought: some trinkets that belonged to .

door, imagining that I was in« safe keeping.

. train that takes me back to Ravenhurst.”

 

w, 

 

thick a vailthat,  dentures were fight" distin- j
guishahlel. The gentleman had a ionghlack’,
beard, concealing'the lower parrot his face, a
quantity or straight.ka hair hanging down,
over his coat collar, and blue spectacles. His
figure, too, was not at all/ prepossessing, as be
was extremely roundshouldered. '

This pair were, of Course, no other than
Everard and Nerissa. , ~ ' '
” “I scarcely knew you,” she whispered, as
they walked swiftly 911; “although you’told
me what disguise you had prepared, I had no
idea it would be so effectual. D ) you not feel
very strange with your padded shoulders and
false beard’i,’ ‘ / ’ '

“You know I haveappeared inthis guise
once or twice already when I went touthe
ofiiceto‘give the necessary notices, so am be-
ginning tobe reconciled to the inconvenience
it entails. : I have chosen Mr. William Lee for
my all 8, because it is common and unassum-
ing”, - '

“One name is as good as another," she re-
plied, carelessly. "‘ How astonished my vener-
ated guardian and his sister will be when they ‘~

“By the way, how did
their vigilance?” -

“Nothing was easier. Mr. Gunthorpe
started yesterday for New York, where, fortun-
ately for me, he had some impertant business
to transact, and Miss Sophia was left in charge.
This morning was devoted tomaking up her
housekeeping accounts, [so as she wished not .
to be disturbed she slyly turned the key in my

you manage to elude

But Hannah, the cock, is a dear old soul, and
I bribed her with kisses and ribbons to set
me .free whenever Miss Sophia makes me a
prisoner.” 4

“So Miss Sophia does not suspect that her

bird hae’flowui But here we are! Once more,
Nerissa, are you bent upon this folly i”
' “A thousand times, yes! It is my revenge
on Mr. Gunthorpe for his cruelty. He shall be
made to feel that his firm will cannot subdue
mine." * . , .

They passed into the office, which looked '
dark and dismal» after the sunshine in the
streets. -

Nerissa’s heart began to beat violently, and
for the first time a suspicion that this reckless
step might one day cease a bitter repentance
crossed her mind. . ' i ' ~

But it was too late to retract. She heard
like one in a‘dream a strange voice asking
questions, to which she gave the answers re-
quired. ' ' ;

The final declaration was made, their names
were signed in the registrar’s hook, and with ,a
start, as if awakened from a troubled sleep,
Ncrissa. Marsden heard herself addressed as
Mrs. William Lee, while the marriage certifi-
cate, which she had risked so much to gain,
was placed in her hands.

1

She trembled so violently. and lher face bore, .

such a ghastly hue, that Everard feared she
was about to faint, so he hastily led her into
the street; The freshair “revived her, and she
smiled faintly. ., I ‘

“ So it is over, and} have had my willful
way l"- ' '

“Nerissa, your-courage is failing already.
I regret that  ever-agreed to carry out your
whiin.’ ' . ‘

“ Whatever happens, you were not to blame; /

the fault and punishment will both be mine.
We must not stay here longer; I shall lose the

Everard murmured a .tew incoherent words
of farewell as be pressed her unresisting hand;
then glided ,swittly away down the narrow
street, in search of some secure hiding-place
where he mi ht remain until he could start
,tor New Yo by the Visual] train. v
_, ‘Neiissa W88 left standing there alone. Show
feltgmorsr {bloodless thansover, now he 'had

autism     we

 

charity, were females of all ages, some bowed

   
  

steam  e...  r ‘

wae‘clear tether ‘ arsed mind“  a

comfort; ;  unthorpe'fiwould’ find that his 
schemes had encountered]. an insurmountable i
‘obstacle, as he could scarcely expect her to

commit bigamy even for his sake. *

 

CHAPTER iv;
a FRIEND 1N  y ,

IN a quiet New York, street, at some dis-I ‘

lance from the fashionable quarters, of the
town, stood a large but unpretentious-locking:

bonse, with a board placed inaaprominent po‘
sition over the dodr, bearing the inscriptitn,

“ Temporary Home for DestituteIWomen.”

      
    
     
      
  
        
     
     

Here, gathered together by the hand of 'i ~

   

by years A and llzflv mities, others scarcely more

than children, but all bearing the stamp of'
poverty, combined in many cases with sick4
The “Home,” was sup”

ness andimisery.
ported by subscription; and subscribers" only
had the privilege of recommending deserving

cases which were brought under their notice. “

Neither vice, thereibre, nor confirmed mendi-
cancy were likely to find admittance.» . .

In the matron’s room—~a small apartment;
plainly furnished, but with some regard to
comfort—sat a young girl, thin even to attenu—
ation, pale and ill-clad, yet bearing that unmisé
takahle impress which marks those who have
been” well-born and bred.

The shabby dress Worn by Karissa—for it 
was she—had been carefully mended, and was 
put on neatly, while her golden-brown hair, '.

so‘long andluxuriant that a queen might envy

such a crown, was wreathed around her» final 

head with unstudie'd grace «

As Miss Wilton, the, matron, lacked or her ’"‘

drooping face and delicate hands, evidently
unused to‘iabor, she understood that this “girl

had a histo . ’ , .
’ “Doctorrg‘reherne will‘ be here presently,” ‘
MI think ~ ,2;
he will find that the improvement in your qr:
health is maintained and you are, already j?
stronger.” i ‘ >  

she said, glancing at the timepiece.

_ “ Thanks to

I think the cones of my falling into the swoon

which alarmed my landlady in Black street 
was want of food. She did not know that for“ 

days I subsisted upon the most coarse ‘and

scanty fare; I had spent my last'dimegand saw 

no fats hetero me but death by starvation i”

“My peor girl, it you had cometo'such'a 

pass. the workhouse would, have received you!"

“I would have died rather than entered it)? 

cried Karissa, with a‘i:shudder. ,
“ In that case it‘is lucky that you-met with
Doctor Traitor-us.

tune he has devoted a g ’ ly portioa'to we

poses of charity. Ah! th 9 tea ring at the. ,1;

outer door, and no doubt it is he.” ’-
Tbe matron’s surmise was correct, for almost

immediawa the expected visitor was ushered

into the room. ‘

He was a tall,
about eight~and~ twenty, wilth intellectual
rather than» strictly handsome, face, iilumi» on
by black—fringed eyes oi? grayish blue; Thr'lu.

was something peculiarly winning in the awn—t, ', '
grave smile which often irradiated his nature, 5

and bicycles was mellow and pleasing.

Miss .Wilton received him with the impact , (j;
due to a gentleman who gave his bankeriotea‘
freely, and his services as medical attendant to "

the institution Without tee M‘M'ard. '

“I perceive, Miss Wilton. that under your 4::
ly improving,” he‘s’re- 5

cure my patient is re
markedla‘king the'c cred seath‘ea‘r  laid
“ I trust “wthis waste Nerissal-dWhatyou new
arouse MG":fW imi ,
removal from the amalhmnhealthy roomwvhere

   
 

     

$70.“, 3'9"”?    . .,    
“Jan onlythav ntyonfor'  ng ‘ ,m, w . ,I’
be  ‘ 3‘ ‘ a,

'r.

 teem

    
   

hiskindnesa and your east;—»»,,,_ 
turned Nerisaa, gratefully.‘ ‘filnaeeaymadam? K

Kortmbecribes‘ liberally. to 
ourtfuude, and - since he came into .a' for— 

dark-complemented man of;

     
   

: as ‘1‘ did tamer »

      
      
    
  
  
    
   
   
      
    
   
    
     
 
      
   
 

 
 
    
    
      
      
   
  
  
  
  
 
     
  
 
  
  
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
   
 

 

         
   
   
       
  

 
       

 outfit for, human mundane» '-

 

 

’ ‘, _ ‘rose beneath his scrutiny, and she found cour—

' a, deserted and friendless.

l 160$ though, I be, I still can dare say that I am
,not unworthy the sympathy of a pure-minded
:Woman, nor the assistance of a true—hearted

.' oouldlénct exert so

' mined upon rescuing Karissa from'the’deplor~
.  WWW‘wthese

*when it was no longer necessary as a means

'  Emmrediwitha

L are an orphan, you say, without any living

- ploymentl"
-‘ Wines.

"than.

H reference as to character, turned away from

Observcd'the matron, pursing up her lips.

a/good‘heara- as you are aware,” he continued,
“turning to Miss Wilton; “and ever since my
« cousin Muriel oflended her by making an im- ‘
. prudent marriage, has" led a lonely and se-
cluded life.- I have often heard her express a.

‘ Wish for the society of some young girl whom

LN mould/she not take Miss Marsden, under *her
' filtration! .At least, I can make the propo-
~V OD.’ .

 hut instincts did not go quite so far as Doctor

 , “I . ‘ It was while attending a consumptive mason
' = .-Who.occupied a. room in the house where Ne-
1. . flssadwelt, that he was summoned to the miser-
._ ‘ '... arable garret where the young girl lay swoo‘n-
" .  weakness and inanition. .
 fhfemeiving the cause of her illness, she was,

 , Which-Mao Wilton presided.
” Orson

; and satiety

‘.._

  

Ji‘lf .-'50-8reat " ~  '. ; ‘.~ '
W    was rage that she iaucied her

 

 

 

 

 

 

    one;
[armor assoc, chdos’e Inc. home,” as

l

, ,sishw:

's-fi'fiButvwe mustflndmealis tohelp you. You

relations?” ,

“ Ihave not a friend in the world.”

“And you came to New Yorkto seek em-
he continued, pursuing his in—

; “Ah, New York is acruel place!” sighed
“I walked all day for weeks in
leareh 01 work, but people looked at me sus-
nsly because ‘I was a stranger; and when
told them they must take me without

me with a sneer and shrug of the shoulders.”
"‘ But is there no one to speak a word in your
favor?” ‘
‘ She shook her head.
“ Flew are in such an isolatedvposition, unless
may have tortelted the esteem of their friends,”

Alaric Treherne’s penetrating but kindly
eyes sought Nerissa’s countenance”. Her color

839 to rebut the matron’s insinuation.
 “Do not misjudge me, madam,” she said,
firmly but not disrespectfully, "‘ because I can-
not explain the reason why‘you see me thus
For no fault of mine
have been persecuted by those who should
haveprotected me, and haw-l become a beggar
and an‘outoast. Dear madam, poor and ab-

man.” . g .

“And thatoassistance I will give,” said
Alarlc, .raarmly; “or, ‘what will be better
stillhmy aunt Pennington shall help you. I
know! can interest her in your favor. She has

Ska/fight love and treat as a dhughter. Why

Miss Wilton looked dubious. Her benevo‘e‘

Treherne‘s, but‘ then perhaps .Nerlss‘a’sbeauty
. great an influence over her

feminine heart.
 Alaric left the “flame,” be deter-

tble condition in which he found her. He was
Mwmwyhut in early youth had felt the sting
“‘Wy, and that experience softened him
, who were wallowing in that
West «demon. . a , ‘

3° had been brought up to the medical pro-

0

688191), and-lured“ too well to abandon it

of gain; bill; be practiced most among the poor.
refueling pa ment for his services, and leaving
wealthy pat cuts who could adorn high fees to
his more impecnnious Professional brethren.

this request, admitted lathe instiution over
 had fled from Ravenhurst in 6 par,
b in! termr‘caused by her guardian’sfury
w flares the next occasion of his pressing his
all“.  him she was married, and‘to go
‘ himself. of the last at the omce of
the Justice: in Bridgeport. ' -

  so took flight from the
 .
m eteivsthing' ‘ miscremnned‘

@3939? i0 mw’,-¥o.rk§rwd  «other ‘- 30“
swatch, whiehshe hadnomdispneadof 

‘ ness shebade‘her take courage.

. brave and have

  

 

 

 we to;



to. providelfood and lodging: .,

As Nerissa fell asleepthat night in thelong,

whitewashed dormitory where so many com-7
panions in misfortune found temporary refuge,

her last waking thdughtsl Were of Alaric Tre-
herne. She knew that‘he trusted her, and al-
though he was a comparative. stranger, the
knowledge somehow compensated, for allshe had

undergone of late. ~

Suddenly she awoke from ayfearlul dream,
wherein Matthew Gunthorpe and Everard
Vaughan were dragging her to the mouth of a

furnace, whence leaped flery tongues of flame ‘

readyto devour her, while in the distance the
young doctor stretched out his hand to aid; but,
despite her struggles she was unable to reach
him. -

The smoke from the furnace seemed still in
her mouth and nostrils, as she sat upright in'her
narrow bed, palpitating with fear. Though
fully awake the suifacating Sensation rather in-
creased than diminished, and: she realized that
her dream was but a reflection of the truth,
and the house was on fire.

With trembling bands, which alarm rendered,

almost pewerless, she hastened to put on her
her clothes. She could hear the hoarse mur?
mnrsof a gathering crowd outside, while the

inmates of the dormitories, roused from sleep,

shrieked wildly for help, and increased the gen-
eral confusion. Doors were thrown open, admit-
ting fresh volumes of smoke and the dense heat
caused, by ad'Vancing flames. Terrified women
climbed upon window-ledges, and prepared to
cast themselves headlong to the ground, being
only restrained from doing soby the excited
cries of the crowd, who urged them to wait for
the fire-escape. The heat became unendurable.
Nerisss, panting for breath, attempted to reach
the window, but a dozen rough hands were
ready to thrust her aside, for the atmosphere
was suflocating, and the women fought for life.
, At such a moment, forbearance and courtesy
had no place. The strong triumphed over the
the weak. ' -'

One woman, however, Whose coarse features ‘

and loud, harsh voice had repelled Nerissa dur-

. ing her'short sojourn at the Home, shoWed that

a warmheart and unselfish ‘ nature lay hidden
beneath an unprepossessing exterior. Taking

thegirl’s arm she forced her forward until her

suflerings were relieved by a breath of the cool
night air, while with 9.1th metherly tender:

You are sore afraid; but ‘be
patience; we may still be

“ Poor chlldl

saved.” , , ' '
"The flames were rising higher, and" spread
with rapidity.
lost. But now were heard the tramp of
horses mingled with the yells of the crowd.
The fire-engines were coming, and the luddy

glow of that dreadful blaze shone on the helm- '

etc of those brave men, who soon were seen
darting hither and thither, intent upon the ex-
ecution of their duty. ,

The water.played upon the burning building,
the escape was raised, and from the louver
floors many were rescued, while Karissa and

, her companions awaited in an agmlyof impa-

tience the moment when
rive. o ,

Suddenly arose a about of consternation.
The escape is injured by the flamearand will,
not no longer. ‘

Can the power‘of man save three who still
entreat for old before they are ingulfed‘ by
advancing waves of fire! \ .

At this juncture Nerissa’e despairing eyes

their turn- might ar—

iall on a tall figure of a man, pushing his way

amid the crowd with the determination of
Bpproaching‘clos‘e to the house. and ‘8 Win 0f
hope I wranger disproportioned ‘to its cause
goes through her heart as sherecognizes Alaric
Treherne. Policemen-labor his passage with
Vain remembrance: as to ‘waflflfie dangers: 138
thrusts  aside,  stands" beneath-"gas:
.   «enema

 loan 
order '

Nerissa gave herself up for .

 

tarily’ he mar-mesons toward 
mistakes the-gesture tore sign it?»
one says her, ‘and disregarding 
gory, springs. lightly upon the: windowitedgaz
and takes the perilous leap which will  g
to death or safety. ‘    -' ‘ I,
By a‘ superhuman. effort be succeedsiin calcite“; . ,
ing her; but his shoulder is dislocatedénd he ' '
suffers acute pain. He scarcely feels how ‘
ever, as he gases on' the easiest uncmxsciOus
face, and knows that she has escaped all sari ,
ous injury.‘ I ‘ “ ~ " - ~
He refuses to go. in search of stugical‘ni
until Nerissa is taken into one of the neighbor
ing houses, where, carefully tended, 
recovers her senses. ' ;  
Bythis time the other inmatesof the Horn
have been rescued in various ways by'  
,men and eager crowd, thereof has .fallénj‘iha
with agreat crash, and the buildingitmltihid
fair to become only a heap of smoking 

 

 

CHAPTER V. ' ’/
( ms: RETURNED PRODIGAL. _
“I an glad, aunt, that you are so pleased
with Miss Malsden. I always said that you
required a cheerful. young companion to
up your spirits, and new" you see '   "
right.” " /  - V
“ You generally are, my dear ’AIariefi‘nnd
the speaker gazed affectionately attberl’iiyonn”
relative, as they sat together in the  o
ly~furnished room she called. her boudoir, non“
joying aconfidenlial Chat. " ‘ ' . V  
Mrs. Pennington was tall and thin, with an,
appearance or delscate health, but 'in- her 
complexion and the deep lines around ,her,
mouth and temples. She was simply dressed;
in some clinging black fabric, u'ithoutmtri‘m’.»
ming or ornament, relieved by pan: linen coi
Iar and cuffs; while her dark heir, thichlx
r streaked with gray, was plainly 
a cap which owed little to the mifiinerh: an
_ She was a rich woman and spent moneyiarisao
’ 1y on art or charity, but who: asundernhieiit
she practiced the stricteaecnnomy'; ‘  i 
r “ Miss " Marshes: Seems happy? 
' pose?" saidAlnriqinterrog‘atively, umiifiifihh
panes. “ Shebareto'rered the shock 
'by the fire?" . r .7  
“She is well in health, but sometimes-rallies
pensive. It, is mysterious, A'laric, the!
charming a girlrshcvuld be without; eels“
,friend, and I cannot induce her tospeali'dti‘t
N 7 ~ 5.

7

g “ All in good time, my dear aunt,”'iéfld

‘ young man, soothingly. “When.  

been longer acquainted, she still he 

confide her secretsto‘ you." ' : = f 3
:‘Do you think her pretty?” " ; ~ ' x, V
“ More than 1) " y-heautifnll”  '

. phatic answer. ‘ * 

“‘Yet she is not like Muriel.”
' “Not in the least." " E; ;
none: was Mrs. Pennington’s do  
six years ago, when agirl of eighteen,  
.trothed of Alaric Treherne. ‘ ' ’   _ ,
“I wish, Alaric, that '1 had 
forget things as easily as you min to 35,994: 
the lady, with some asperity. “You'=\tailr 'M
calmly or my child as if you had 
playmates together, friends and writings
that ever-to-be-regretted day when‘jh’e
nuanced her intended marriage with 
St. Aubyn.” ~ . ,V. ‘
“You do not blame me,  ,
nouncing all‘allegiauce' to anotherrman
'remarked‘oAlaric, quietly. ’“Wheu’ Which
changed her mind, and gave me to 
that. I was no longer an  " , a,
would you have me pine away 
fickle?” *'  "  '  4
“Younever really «iewed her!”“exc 
Mrs. Pennington, unaware, however, 
her words a gem; of truth lay hidden. ‘ 
1 ., “My datin'aunt, why need worsen?
past, with  mortiflcations  

  

a

 

 

 

       

    
 
    

 

. _ ,5???

mental    ,_
 . h  fiffi‘fi'  ..
farm the handsome and 

    
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
 
 
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
 
  
   
 
   
    
   
  
  
   

 

 

 

,jjfltlahubyn'  plodd‘ingdoctor. l
, m  were charmed‘svlth'him, llhturiel
1  rest, on the evening we saw him
 the dramatic entertainment given at
the armory. He was rather a stick, in theatri-
 psriance; but then, as they said, he was so
, ’ guild—looking.”

 “I fear he was a worthless scamp!” sighed
.era'I’enhington; “yet, Alaric, I sometimes
' find myself wishing that I had borne his inso-
'-,lencs, and not allowed him to find a pretext
-- for estranging my daughter from men Had
"we, not quarreled, he must have permitted her
‘ to write or visit me occasionally; now I know
v not what has become of her.”

5 ‘T‘Muriel should never have forgotten her
k'mother’s claims!” said he sternly. “Even duty
[to her husband cannot excuse neglect of that
» sacred tie.”, _

V * “Mydear boy, younre so severe!” remarked
»‘ Mrs. Pfenningtou,rdeprecating his indignation.
 Nerissa’s entrance was a seasonal-1e inter~
ruption’ to a subject which usually gave rise
.-“to‘a decided difference of opinion between
flaunt and nephew. The roses of health were
«again revisiting the girl’s cheek, and her form
followed the roundness of youth in its graceful
curves. - In ,a dress of blue serge, with a clus-
3 tér of scarlet geran’ums fastening the creamy
  which encircled her swan-like throat, she
y brightened the room like a gleam of sunshine,
gsnd Mrs. Pennington cast, aside her deepen-
decoy, and Welcomed her with a smile.

_ “ Well, my. dear, you seem the better for

you; morning stroll. You look quite bloom-

its. ‘ t t .
., “I mean toget rid of my pale cheeks now,
and, become bright and rosy,” returned the
(girl, layfully, “since I have met with kind
 fried send a happy home." ,
" "‘  it is a happy home to you, Nerissai”
9' How can you doubt it?” ,
1' _'And~she'seated herself on a low stool at, the
feet of “her benefactress,‘ and stroked her thin,
“ Igcannot remember my mother -shs died
while I» was an infant. Had she lived, I can»
scarcely believe she could have been more kind
 than you have been to me.” ,
I“ You dome'good, too, Nerissa. I was often
dull and‘moping until you came to cheer me.”
., t “It is pleasant to. hear you say that I have
 you good,” cried Nerissa, joyfully. “ But
131w not forget,” she added, “ that I owe all
thisih‘appiness to Doctor Treherne. Had it not
handler his kindly interest I should long ago
have«perished in that miserable room where he
Quintessence.” v .
3330* not let your mind dwell upon sorrows
hieh are best forgotten.” he said. “You
have now a fond protectress in my aunt, who
. '_  .yonasa daughter, while you may re-
~ gard’ the as a—-—" 

5. He was about tosay a brother, but it struck
him suddenly with a feeling of surprise thethe
 glad Karissa was not his sister. 80 he
 the word “friend,” and the mo~
 embarrassment caused a shade of red .
to " ‘ ' ‘ upon his generally colorless and dark-
 face. "

__.A servant entered at this juncture and au-
manned, "Mrs. St. 'Aubyn.” ,-
‘Theftnbther started wildly from her chair
with story of delight, and in an instant had

~ ' " her arms amend a tall, slender lady,
_, I in deep mourning, who had advanced
with the uncertain air of one not quite sure of
 tics. ’ « ‘
‘g‘flnrlel, Muriel, my

d
n'
a!
O
«15'
i3
9'

 

 

I _ child, why have you
 the so-cruellyl I have been hungering
sight of your sweet face,  touch of
insures“ henna." I
, “It was not my fault, mother.”
 Anbyn‘gently disengaged herself
 that‘clinging embrace, and offered her
were floater Treherne. ‘ ‘

 .miriends, cousin Alene. are we not?"
_{  with ’a winning smile; “though I,

"   res utensils.” . ,
' J‘  “4 nears 

. \

this»: an

,  ‘ » ........ ......

added, turning to Karissa. who stood user, can:
fused. “Will you introduce us?” -

“This is Miss Nerissa Marsden, who lives
wiih my aunt as companion.”

“Indeed!” she interrupted, without waiting
for the introduction to be completed. “ But I
have come home now to be always with mam~
ma—that is, if she will forgive my apparent
neglect and receive me again.” .

She cast an appealing glance from eyes of a
deep sapphire blue at her mother as she spoke.

“My child, you are welcome as a bird to its
nest! But what will .your husband say?"

“Do not let us speak of him during these
joyful moments of our first reunion. He is
dead. These mourning robes are worn for
him. Yes, dearest mother, you have back with
you a widowed child, who has regretted often
that she did not allow herself to be guided by
your good advice. Ah, Alaric!”-—onoe more
her sparkling orbs lifted to his face—“ a wom-
an who forsaken her first love is never really
happy-1’

Nerissa stole from the room. Surely she
was not wanted during the progress of such
confidential communications!

“ I am lad she has the sense to with-
draw,” was uriel’s comment. “ We can now
feel more at ease. Mother, how could you let
this stranger take my place?” She spoke re-
proachfnll y. Y

“ It was a place you voluntarily resigned,”
observed Doctor Treherne. “ But my aunt
ton charge of Miss Marsden at my request.
She was a stranger in the city, poor and unpro-
tected. I attended her professionally, and was
glad to secure for her so unexceptionable a sit-
uation.” .

“I suppose young doctors always take an
interest in their pretty patients,” remarked

which concealed a covert sneer. “But, dear-
est mother, I had great difficulty in finding
you out. I, could not believe that the rich
lady, Mrs. Pennington, of Madison square,
was the some who used to economize so pain~
fully in the dingy houso at Harlem. I sup-
pose. that, contrary to all expectation, that
seemingly interminable lawsuit is at last con-
eluded?"

Was she telling the truth in pretending that
her desire for a reconciliation preceded her
knowledge of‘the change in her mother’s cir.

' cumstances‘i

Alarichad his suspicions, but Mrs. Penning-
ton embraced her daughter all the more fondly
for believing that" she would have been sought
ought in her poverty as eagerly as in her
Wealth. , .

There was, something so winning in Muriel’s
manner that s harsher critic than her mother
might have been led to forgetlthe delinquen-
cies which in the past gradually raised a bar.
rie'r between them.

The clandestine meetings with George St.
Aubyn when she had been engaged to her
cousin Alaric. the obstinate resolution to marry
the former, notwithstanding all warnings and
entreaties, . with subsequent unkindness‘ and
neglect, wereallowed to sink into oblivion un-
der the influence of that captivating smile and
caressing touch.

“ i must send for my baggage, and make
myself at home again,” she said, with Mrs.
Pennington’s hand clasped in=her own. " And,
mamme, you must let me have the very next
room to yours, as i used to when I was a child,
willyou not?” , . -

“ Certainly, my. love—that is, you shall have
it soon, but at present it is appropriated to
Nerissa Mareden.” ' ' ‘ .

A shade passed over her fair

“ I shall be jealous of your ,
, Alaric.” _
{‘Such‘ yealonsy is unworthy or a noble

“aims? h? refllifid'iufi
o watercourses. ynrhtrmninisns”.

face.

 

not ..
L ,. seam will lecture  
is a ‘

,4 ‘

   

‘ u a... noble» :of m, to a} as: race you
are glad to seesneogaioi- And‘this-ladyi” 

Mrs. . St. Aubyn. with an assumed simplicity -

rarely. , filliesshould, ,

 

 

 

"jig; m.  oui’wiilnetmindigrantinghim  * 

privileges”: _ _   , ._ 
Already “seemed as it the last six years

were a dream, and Muriel had neverl‘e‘fther:~ - ’

Then the thought flashed through her mind

that, after all, her dearest hope. might have I “

been only deferred instead .of abandoned, and
the two she loved bash—her daughter and
nephew—«night at length unite their destinies, ‘
and be happy together. ‘ "

Perhaps Alaric‘s reproof had a goodreflect
upon his cousin; for when she met Nerissa
again she greeted her with a friendly warmth
which efifaced from the girl’s mind the unplea-
sant impression made by their first introduc-
tion. . 'r '

_ It was evident, however, that Mrs. St.
Aubyn had learned from her mother how little
the latter knew of the antecedents 'of her young
Companion; for Nerissa soon found extreme
difficulty in partying her apparentrby guileless
questions. When it was impossible, to frame
answers wi bout danger of betraying her
secret, she took refuge in silence.

Muriel did not appear- to notice her embar-
rassment, but chatted on with a. confidential
air. ‘

“I am determined that you and I shall be
great friends," she said; and Alaric, who stood
near, heard that remark, and smiled kindly
upon her. .

They all dined together, and the evening
passed pleasantly away. '

Muriel was sentimental and guy by turns. 1
She sang splendidly, in a fine contralto voice,
which clntrasted strangely with the sweet, un— '

trained notes of Nerissa. '

It was into before Alaric departed, and the
ladies retired to their own rooms. i ,

. It was a wild night. The wind in heavy
gusts shook the windows and whistleddown the
wide chimney. -

Perhaps the noise it made caused Nerissa to
be wakeful, for she lay thinking over the events
of the day, and wondering whether this unea-

,pected return of the daughter of her kind iriend

would cause her expulsion from the home Which
she dearly prized. She should not sink again
into the condition whence she had been rescued;
her confidence both in Mrs. Pennington and Dre
Treherne forbade the suppositiOn, but she had '
become attached to her friends and their sur-
roundings, so the idea of being sent among ‘
strangers was unwelcome. ”

A heavier gust of wind than usual prevented
her from hearing the slight noise made by the

'opening door, but happening to turn upon her

pillow, she saw, with some alarm, the tall,
slender figure of a woman, bearing a 
lamp, moving ,at the further end of herebam‘ ‘ '
ber ‘

Swiitly but silently it made its way toward .
a side-table, where Nerissn’s workbox, writing»
case, and a few favorite books were neatly ~
placed in order, and the gamer recognized, with

- surprise, Muriel St. Aubyn. 1

She wore a long, loose dressing gown of r
cashmere, and her dark hair, released fromvits
fastenings, fell, in uncurled masses, over her
shoulders. f -

As she turned her pale, eager face tode
the bed, perhaps to make sure that her entrance
had not aroused the sleeper, Nerissa uttered her i
name. -

She started, but in a moment her light laugh  ,.

echoed through thevroorn. .

“ Miss Marsden, you look quite frightened.
I am afraid I have alarmed you. The truth is.
that I could not sleep owing to the excitement
of to-day, and I remembered hearing you say ,
that you often rose early toread or study, so
thought yen might have some book withiwhich ’
I could while away the wearisome night~heura
Is there One here that you can recommend?"

She scarcely waited for an answer; bnt'tak-
ing up the volume which lay nearest, bade
Neris‘sagtaodmight, and left the room. ' ‘ »

“I must  careful in my next ate?

tempt,” she .mnmm   v. ’ it":
, _ ,ns :fimi."vm;l:,mflm¥flmm' Insure" v'

as?  were a

J

discovered this girl": history. ,
 ‘_y,_u““_‘ ~ .1

',-,.l
.

 

   
   

  

fir

.a..-,. .... . '.

oh thiamine  aim  a? my"

 - mother’s most shelf-m close at hand. There

 in ithraietters orpapers which willgive

,theolow I want to find. HI discover any ’
secret which does not redound to her credit, I‘~

-Wili not hesitate to make use of it. It is in
Win she lays her snares for Alaric Treheruel"
When Nerissa arose the following morning,
almost the first object that caught her eye‘was
.8. white card lying on the carpet where Muriel
Stoodonly a few hours previously. Thinking
it must have fallen from her drawer or work-
bOK, she picked. it up, and was surprised to find
flint it Was the photograph of a young man in
thud of, fancy dress. A second glance, and
1181' heart beat fast, for a closed page in her
Past life seemed reopened.
. ,It was the likeness of Everard Vaughan.
Yes, there could be no mistake; the face and

7 ' figure both were his, though he did not wear

depressed and melancholy expression

. ,‘ “Eh, during their brief acquaintance, had

been stamped upon his lineaments. He stood

  smiling a goblet” uplifted in his hand, his lips

# .
!.

Danced, as if giving vent to some mirthful sally,
-0r song in praise of rosy wine. Yet it was

Everard—her husband.

' At the remembrance of that hurried scene in

the magistrates oflice, a faintness as of death ,

‘I stole orer her. Then, panting for freedom
from Matthew Gunthorpe’s addresses, she had
j°yflllly raised an irrevocable obstacle to the
furtherance of that gentleman’s plans; now she
598831 to realise the extent of her folly. Mar-

“ . ', fled, in a, falsename, wasshe legally bound for

“610 one man, when it was possible that she

~’ might one day fall in love with another?

38371883 was not lawyer enough to decide the
Question. These were her first thoughts as she
fill300d gazing on the photograph; then she began

2 to oonsiderhowit oams‘into her room. Cer-

. ; 'tainlyithadnever been in her possessioube-

' r .6

fore; andywim-a thrill of dread she began to
imagine M Mrs. St. Aubyn knew her secret,
and  that measure for making her aware
of the fact. Suspense was terrible; she must

,” hum-“the worstwithout delay.

‘ ’ ‘ ' Hastily finishing her toilet, she descended to

 

i‘\

f ’

i ' - careless tone: “Oh, yes; it i: mine.

 

" and

the breakfast room. »
' v Muriel was standing near the window, very
fair and graceful in ber long black robe, but

' her toes flushed a deep, dull crimson as Nerissa‘
‘ 039M her the photograph. *

‘f You must have dropped this in my room
a Mrs. so Aubyn."
. ‘Itseemed at first unit she were shoutto deny
“5, but after an instant’s pause she sec}, in a
was
1°03“: over the photographs of some actors
"ml Was I. was unpacking last night. I

'  .am so fond of the stage, Miss Marsden, and this

' mm  caught in my dress. I forget who it
represents, or why I bought it, but he has
“the: a also face, has he now"

Shoslipped the photograph into her pocket,
began to talk upon another topic in a man-

‘ a ‘Mt'mhiehset Karina’s heart at ease.

 

 

CHAPTER VI.
A ancoomrron.

Wm had set in with severity—“ flue, sea-

  maable weather,” so the skaters said when sal-
‘  ‘2 3‘33 forth to enjoy their favorite'psstime; so

 with
m  cold
I’l'tion,’

"' the s‘ChO'Olboys thought while pelting each other
WOWhalls, regardless of the fact that the
which braces a young, healthy constitu-
lio those less richly endowed by nature

"  ~ “83 Mating, disease and death.

VH'snow

- “proved with Matthew Gunther-pa. A
 caught during long exposure to a
3 . 2 remlted in a serious illness; bad
limp-mom appeared, and it became evident that
,‘e 101‘ him would seen be over. ' ’ ‘
moan indefatigihle none. She loved

 '1: her “who all the more because their charac~

1.3”" manner; has  would bevera-
 pelted Woolybrmght them closer together.
 . the gray twilight,

  

 

 

    

 

 tossed‘uneasilyou his-pillow, mute
terng a tewdisjolnted  whose sense es.

r. - '

“ What troubles you, my dear brother?” she
asked, soothingly. ‘  I,

“ My mind is weighed down by a heavy hur-
den,” he answered, feebly. v “It is only when
a man is stretched upon a sick bed from which
he may never rise again that conscience per-
sists in making itself heard. I have long

- turned a deaf ear to its whispers, but it speaks

loudly too—night."

“But, Matthew, you talk as if you had'
committed some great crime l" -

“I have wronged the. orphan child of my
dead friend; I haVe driven a thoughtless, inex-
perienced girl into making a rash marriage,
which she may long ago have bitterly repented.
Where is Nerissa Marsden, whom her father
committed to my care? Is she alive or deadl-—-
prosperous or pennilessl Sophia, unless these
questions are answered how can I die in peace?"

His weak voice rose in sudden passion. So-
phia attempted to calm him.

“Dear brother, do not make yourself un-
easy. No doubt she is with her husband— the
husband whom she preferred to you, Remem-
ber her deceit, ingratitude, and obstinacy, and
you will no longer condemn your own short
comings.”

He knew the casuistry of such reasoning,
and groaned aloud in perturbation of spirit.

“ Oh, Sophia! would that I could be blind to'
the unwelcome truth! It was our ill-treat-
ment that drove her to desperation. And yet
I loved her—loved her even when l was most
cruel.”

“She should have felt honored by the odor
of your hand.” '.

“I thought so then. but not now. What
was I, a man in the sere and autumn of‘life,
to expect that bright young being to link her
fate to mine? Beauty and youth Were her at-v‘
traciions, which rekindled in my heart a fire
that had long sunk into ashes. What had I
to offer in exchange!”

“You could have given her a good home,
and—«and—”

Miss Sophia paused, for she suddenly recol~
looted that Nerissa was no portiduless damsel,
and Matthew had wanted not only a wife but
a fortune."

“There is one reparation I can make for all
she has snfiered through my foolish scheme,”
he continued. “Things have prospered with
me strangely lately. I seem to havehad the
gift of Midas, for all I have touched has turned
into gold. The small sum of money belonging
toNerissa which I managed to get into my.
possession formed the nucleus of a large for-
tune. I will provide for you handsomely, So
phia-—it is your due, for you are my only sis-
ter; but Ravephurst and thalargeet share of
the recently-acquired property will go to N
rises.” '

Miss Sophia was startled. At first her feel-
ings were outraged by the notion that her
claims were ignored'for the sake of “ that re-
bellious, obstinate chit," who had given so
much trouble. »

But Ravenhurst was a rambling, gloomy
mansion, and she was fast becoming old.

A home less pretentious might be made
more comfortable, and a moderate income
would amply supply her wants.

“ Let it be as you wish, if it makes you hap- ,

pier," she said, calmly. “Nerissa will be in
luck, for I suppose she comes to her own for-
tune as well?”

“ Yes; the girl was right when she claimed
it on her. marriage, for by her father‘s will her
choice was left absolutely free and unfettered.
If her husband had shown himself amen, and
asked it at my hands, I must have yielded it
up or faced the consequences. Helmust be a
pitiful, sneaking,» our to keep, in . the boob
ground, and not ' ‘ forward boldly. to claim
his wits. Sophia, there hassles-mystery about I
this wnlismlas. {sodium no tastes as, him»

 

4- beyond the  the register! .
i  an: 

   

 

a...  ‘often    

‘ Nerissa showing that the proposed uremia. as;

 sion "‘“M’X '
,g 61% more an Fewest“ WW 

 

‘1'

  

     

suflicient for legal purposes. I I '

“Her father made a great mistakes—"began. 
Sophia, when her brother’s gesture stopped her ‘ * 
in the middle of a sentence. " , " ‘ ,

“Sister, my business is to repair myowu 
faults, not to condemn others. I shall put the 
matter into the hands of my lawyers, Quill &  3
Steele, at Bridgeport. They will see Nathan  ,
righted when I am gone.” i ‘ ‘ ‘

Matthew Gunthorpe passed away that night, _' ,
but not before he made his atonement. - .

His will, properly signed and attested,   
in the lawyer’s possession, whovpromised to use 
his utmost endeavors to carry out the-wishes oi: ,
his respected client. ‘ a V f ‘.

He also managed to scrawl afew farewell fl ‘
words to Nerissa, asking her [fergivenesa ‘ ' V .

If the excitement and exertion consequent 
on these efiorts accelerated the end, at  '
they rendered it more peaceful. , . , l

, ““You areright. Sheiss'wifewthat  

    
  

    
  

 
      
       
        
     
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
   
   
  
   
      
   
    
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
     
   
 
 
    

.,,

 

Christmifis was over. that season of good 
cheer, holly-berries and general festivity. 
Madison square it was spent quietly. yet With 
all due observance,‘and ,whennthe NewYeai'fi-
came, and was welcomed, as Dickens has writ— 
ten, “ like an infant heir to the whole wot-1dr” 
the three young persons who ware assembled 1' .9
under Mrs. Pennington’s roof to hear the  ’
ring in its ad vent, had no premonition it would 
bring so many changes with it. . '

“Aunt Pennington,” said Alaric, as 
sat round the fire, a sociable family/circle, “I f
arc-going to ask of you a favor.” a  ,

“What is it, my dear boy!” . ,

“ I have taken a box for tomorrow atflibrf,
10’s, to see the pantomime everybody is f ' '7
of as a triumph of scenic art. It is dull, work 
to sit in‘solitary state, so I trust that you,  I:
gether with cousin Muriel and Harlan, will. 3
oblige me with your company.” i ’ - ,' J .

‘.‘I 0 not care much for the W;”W;
Mrs. nnington, smiling; “yet I cannot 

ject your offer.”  , ,. ,. 
And  . :«.  I

“That is fortunate!
ladies?” ,
I He turned inward the girls, who  
side by side, each to beautiful, yet so mimic» ‘ ,
i “ We shall be charmed!” exclaimed-Hrs. 8t. 
Aubyn, for herself and companion. ‘ . y .5! 
1 “Eat, my dear child, in your deep  
u! '  
“Now, mother, do not throw  
the way of my enjoyment. Why 
have a share in the gayeties of the nearest pl"
can sit Well back in a privatebox, so,th no:
one need be scandallsed by my presence.”  .
Alaric would have liked some sign front-

i

was agreeable, but she was looking in 81143135
posile direction, and appeared‘to think 
her companion had answered for both. ' '-
He thought, with regret, how seldom she’
spoke to him, unless directly addressed. Ila-
deed, sometimes it appeared that, far from
taking . pleasure in his society, she. rather.
avoided him than otherwise. a ‘ ‘
Yet she had gradually become very'dsar to!
him, a thousand time more dear than Raised:
had ever been, even in- the days, when, tram
being constantly thrown together, he 
he loved her and she could make him'h'nppyu“ '
Now the illusion was over, and not likelyt
be renewed. Muriel might led: her 
and smile her sweetest; she might even 
pathetically while referring to their only.
love, and the blight which fell upon  fie
could not forget that, when bound to him 
the most sacred promises, she listened to.
George St. Aubyn‘s wooing, and jilted him for‘
the sake of a man who, judging by the 
reverence she paid his memory, could
have been really loved? .. v  ‘
, When Karissa descended the next evenfig’
the drawingcroom,’ dressed for, the '  
  in Alafic’s eyed; 
as” 5'

    
    
        
     
     
 

 

  
 

 
   
 

  
 

I

   
 

   

  
 
 
 
   
       

in the
 I599 , fill/lush iuekpenflve emu.

 ,    dark ail-ltdress,¢tho
under throat androunded arms, not quite so
(only voiledaagusuahsstrnck him: with admi-

3 no scarcely glanced at his 'coueim» who
“audible indiflerence; and - frowned until her
' ,iSTbrows almost met.
“ x _  this heronly mortiflcation. Mrs.
finfigt‘on was a Woman of the old school,
‘ndnssuch a great stickler‘forvpropriety; so,
 her mother’s prejudices, the young
‘ .l- found- herSelt compelled to sit at the back
or the box,.while llerissa. was placed in front,
tint/here many wandering eyes were attracted‘by
hangairlace’.
,“Aloric often leaned forward to speak to her,
listen; to her criticisms upon the perform-
‘ ;‘ therefore, although Muriel was his next
r, and as such should have been satis-
“ , was unable to commandvhis undivided
attention. ' r v
~ The pantomime, like most others, was a suc-
" ’91:, of scenes more or less gay and glitter-
ing; .There was the usual display of Spangles,
' inkling feet, hideous masks, and the army
“papernumeraries that throng the stage on
‘ . available opportunity. - » , .
manpowerlknew when first she began to
” that the , figure and movements of
.mgrz’oiq these. men were » familiar, but she
 ghtylherself watching for his appearance
5 i or as a daemon in the Palace of Discord, a
 in the most impossible of regiments, or
 tothe most wonderfulof kings.
Whenever he, entered, in spiteof groleeque
atksrv and. outrageous dresses, her thoughts
 her old~home at ‘ Ravenhursa and

.V‘auehau; . . ,

 r ‘tfseemed that this man, whoever
‘jbepwntched her too. She could not

pussy-but the face was/always turned

I. g I . a V

thawimtmn by accident or. design.

‘ __._.nlipped aside for an, instant. v, She was

g Everard was before her, and recog~

-

y

 
  
 
 
  
  
  
    
 
 
   
   
  
  

rienoed a strange conflictlof feeling.
,hgriended the unfortunate young man
' was in; agriuvous strait, and earned,
‘ , as,  hgsured her often, his lifelong
tu‘ .

gomldhaw rejoiced to‘hear'ot his welfare
’ ‘ ,utlund‘, whither he intended to de-
' xl'ast met. But seeing, him now
) I croihly to ,rnindyher anomalous posi-
.. . She-pictured, Mrs. Pennington’s conster-
V (lion,  Trohernels amazement, it they
‘ A "  thatshs and Everard, Vaughan had
3 ,\ outnumber by the sacred names-ct hue»
 Wife- . ' ' t .
 thanktul when the vharlcquln’s wand
Mmuglztpite (last transformation, and the
 his final somersault, when the
,uunafuwas‘drnwu down ,over the lime-
sosng-inud she was able toshrink into,
  or the carriage which con-
. l  home, andsbrood over memories

  

  

 

  
 
 
    

  

E
d
E
s

_ New Yorker knows and loves Central

 It wmmeifa When the brightlytinted
’ ,aoitens the glaring, sunshine, and
 greeusward seems like a velvet

 

to tired feet weary o: the hard pave-
; eneyroada - . » . .
; a. bright winter day, when the leaf-
are clothed in amantlelol snow, and
I  their loudest on» the boughs or -'
ately heroes the quiet paths, it is not
it local: thought .Alaric Treherm, an,
‘ hand. lie-W , l. trhkiypam

   tutor“  

  
 
   
 
  

 
 
 

 
 

  
  
  
 

 

new: it limes; stiller) great, that ‘

   
  

 
 

? L—ilhric’s! -
practice
whom 101‘ years" . ,
terms, and he removedfrcmhis apartments in
the neighborhood of the “Heine” where
Karissa. once “found shelter, and took rooms
near his aunt’skresidence,’ southat, without in-
convanience. he“ could be avfrequant Visitor.

\ He still spent a goodly portion of his income
on philanthropic works, but ‘was scarcelyso

ing that the time might come when his ex-
penses would increase, while his leisure was
much absorbed by a thousand trifling duties
which devolve upon those who find their chief
delight in ladies’ society. ‘ -

In truth, Alaric was deeply in love, and
things which once most interested him now
seemed dull and vapid, for his whole heart was
set upon winning Nerissa for his wife. '

At an abrupt turn in the path he saw her
walking at-a short distance before him. .

It was a golden opportunity for putting his
fate to the test. He accepted. the good omen,
and, quickening his. paCe, a few moments
brought him to her side.

He noticed ~the vivid blush with which she
greeted him, and how her small hand fluttered
in his broad palm. Although he was no cox-
comb, he could not help fancying that such
maidenly embarrassment augured well forhis

suit. » .-
After awhile, as they walked slowly side by
side under the spreading branches, he managed
to Slammer forth a. few incoherent words
declaratory of his love. - , _ 1

Nerissa, her eyes swimming} in tears, laid her
hand'upon his arm, and murmured:

“Pray, Doctor Treberne, say no more. I
cannot—indeed I cannot be your wife!”

“.Do not deCide. too hastily," heurged, deepv
ly wounded.
me axoept use friend; butnow, since you know
how fondly I love you, you may learn in time
to reciprocate my attention. 1 will be Very
patient, and not press for an answer unul you
are ready to'givo-it, only donot quite reject
me.” I ‘

“To do so is the truest kindness,” she fal-
tercd. 'r - I

“Do you then so utterly hate me thatunder
no circumstances you would consent to become
my win?” a « "

“0h, Doctor. eherne, you must know that
I do not hate youl” ,

" Indeed 1, Of: ccume “I have no right to ask
the question»! am going to put to you, but my
life’s happinwejs at stakel ~Nerissa, ,do'you'
love another?" ' r

_0

even this poor! consolation; “ I have never
loved.“ . . ‘
“ Then, dearest, I cannot. relinquish the hope
of winning you! Jan: content to bide my time,
strong in the belief that devotion and constan-
, cy will bring their reward, and the girl I love
will be my own dear wife!” 7
.- “ That can never be!” she answered.
“But "why, Nerissa?”  ’
His persistency distresged her.
would be restrained no longer, coursed down
her cheeki. ‘, . 2
“How selfish I am, my darling, to vex you
with my importunityl I will accept my dis-
appointment manfully' if we may still be
friends. You ' do not- dismiss ‘me to en-
tirely that I may not dare to approach you,
Nerissal’" ‘ ‘ 1
She faintly smiled through her tears. , -
“if you‘will be friendly, it will make me
very happy. 1 have not forgotten all your
goodness, and what you suffered to save me
from a terrible deathl ’I should, have lost
my title the mlghtwfi; the fire had“ not
your strongrarms hammocme

‘ ' ‘ ‘ a 35‘.
. thymine boom am

 
   

 

“ our}  ,
xae-ri'aingvyonngcaedlml man with _
he had been onlizintlmate

lavish in expenditure as! formerly, remember—g

“ You may not have thought of '

«a No,” she sold, glad to be able to give" him

Team, which i

‘\

 

 

 

-’eé,l.jhi'm, trom‘the: wihdosv. ' ,
3, Serious. lockedihe
"her, and indulged
goodcrylv / m ,, .r = .. I
Thisoccupation becoming at length mount-r,
onous, it occurred to her. to ask
' was she wept. - - ' - _/
v Did she loveAlaric Trehernel ‘ She, a. girlxof
eighteen, inexperienced in the ways of the
world, having no one from whom she could
seek counsel, yet the wife of. Everard Vaughan!

she had not dreamed of either love or marriage
until Matthew Gunthorpe had suggested- the
subject .to her. Now she‘recoguined the error
she had committed in marrying Eterard
Vaughan. . ’ ’ >
the aspirations, of Doctor Treherne, by telling
him point-blank that she could not marry him,
he did not discontinue his visits to his aunt’s.
On the contrary, he called more frequently;
but he directed the greater part of his conver«
setion to Muriel and his aunt. .Muriel did not

could not enduie the pang of seeing herself
supplanted in his affections. Once she was
dear to. him, she‘knew; anda marriage be?

the newly-acquired fortune might be “kept in,
the family. .-

into the library, where they could speak with
out fear of interruption.
curled her full red lip.

visit at Norman’s chamber, and this time her
researches had been rewarded.

scarcely merited that ambitious designation,

in the house. There were  chair,
and couches, inviting to luxurious easb'rcther‘
‘than. -study;. a 'llong table, upon whichlay
maganines and writing materials; pictures

ing the long windows.
Muriel seated herself: ,
log fire, and Alar‘ic at
what communication she had. tomato
demanded so much privacy. .
. “Dear Alaric,” she began, “1am.

chanting-gm!

which

come to you, in my. little dimcultiea’i ; Y
He bowed his head iii-assent. . . » ‘
-“ You must promise, however, to, p
on inviolable secrecy regarding what-""1 
about to tell you.” -
“‘ 0t course, Muriel,
fldencefi he answered,» rather stiflly.
,do not keep me’ in suspense any longer."

quired over my mother.” -

should not be a favorite with my cunt."’ ,
“I fear,” returned Muriel, parsing her roe
lips, and striving to look grave, »“ thatshe has
entered the house under false pretenses. “It is '
dreadful to think of, but she is an impostor,

without even a right to the name she hears.”
“ How do you know

“ My dear. cousin, please do not ask“ me to
give you my authority, for. honor compelcvme
to keep silence. All I know is, that‘thisgirl
who pretends to bevguileless—J' - e .: ;_. .

He interrupted her wildly. _«  . r ‘ x
' “‘It’ is no pretense. i would  mylife;
upon her innocence and purity!” »~  ~ "
\ “Good melons, Alarm,» You-neodnotex
claim to vehemently; an it 1.  intake;
am thrown at w woman  ,.

 
   
 
 

 

   

bytes,  
_ t’upinh‘arown 
inthe‘tieminine-Eluxurys or a ‘

herself why it. ‘
During. her isolated existence at Rarenhmt "/

Notwithstanding Nerissa had put a period to ' ‘

love her cousin, but her vain, coquettish nature T I

tween them was in every way desirable, so that ,
One evening she met Mario in the vestibule, .

and with a. mysterious air invited him to come, , ,

A smile of triumph

The night before she had paid anothersecret I

The room called .the library,  it ,‘ 5

was one of the most cheerful and: comfortable ,7:

,ppon'the  rich crimson curtains vail— . '9:
near her, wondering“ '

shun,  "not '
take you; into my Confidence. ‘As'm cousin ‘
and. early friend, it is natural that v. should, : 

. “we .
VI shall  your can; .. If

“ Well, then, to begin stance, I am jealous '
and angry in noticing the influence‘which this ,
girl who calls herself Nexis” Mutation-haunt:- l

“Muriel, why do you speak thus slightingly ,
of Miss Marsdenl There is no reason why :she ’

thisi” he asked,in grant 7
'agitation. ‘ r I  ' '

  

    
  
 

  

 
     
  
   
  
  
    
 
  
 
   
   
 
      
  
  
 
  
    
  
    
  
      
  
    
  
  
 
  
 
  
   

 

     
 

 

   

  
 
 
 
 

 
    
        
   

   
    
   
    
    
  
     
   
     
      
    
         
         
  

    

 
      

 

 

       

 

 

   

  
   

~“,‘;Marrledl-'rierissa Imarried

. , o. ,

 

  
  

, make ‘
_» . . “Have! not said that
proofs?” ' ‘ ' ‘ "
 , ' “‘It is impossible to live in this state of
5’ V doubt,” said Alaric, pacing the apartment to
w and fro.
’I’lfése her hand in friendship—to gaze into her
truthful eyes, and keep this secret locked up in
my breast, would be worse than death!”
,“You‘are strangely excited, Alaricl”
“Because you seek ’to destroy my faith in
r': Woman by insinuating that treachery and
_' falsehoodare hidden in the heart of Nerissa
 ’g Marsden." ‘ ‘
 There was a s‘ight rustling noise as one,of
the heavy curtains was pulled aside, and Nerissa
  bolero them, her fair head drooping in
“ ‘ Shame and confusion.
“ An eavesd'ropper i” said Muriel. r
f‘Not so, Mr‘s. St. Aubyn; I came into this
room an hour ago, and, oppressed by troubled‘
thoughts, ensconced myself upon the window.
:a , coat where/undisturbed, I‘ might reflect on 'my
_ past life and future prospects. I must haVe
f .o dropped asleep; but your voices disturbed me,
When I discovered that the Secret I hitherto
deemed it expedient to conceal'was a secret no
longeri’
‘ ' - "‘ Then youaro married, Neri‘ssai” said» Alar-
ic, in accents of reproach. '
.sv ' u. 1 all)!” ’
“ And your husband still l’iVes‘i"
“ He does, I "believe. We have parted, and
we not likely to meet again.” '
“At least, you will tell me his name?"
“His name is William Lee.” ‘
,“Then why did you deceive us?” said Alaric.
“If 'your’marria’ge‘ was unhappy, as I fear has
been th-é'ca'Se,‘ Why didnot tell'nsl .Ne-
32'  rises,  have committed an irreparable
- wrong!”  ' ‘
y . p p .“ I own my fault,” she replied humbly. “ I
  never thought that it Would hear such hitter
traits. My marriage was a mistake—the mad—
ness of folly; oh, that it could bohlotted from
v the record or my life I”
‘ ' “Of course you will leave my' mother’s
. _ house,” remarked Muriel, coldly; “it is. no
w; ,' place fer aniimpostorl" "‘ '5 " » ' ' .
,5 I .“ Be not so harsh and cruel, cousin.” pleaded
‘1 A, Alexia, deeply §moveda “Karissa,” he contino
"_ .ued, turning tode her, “ it other friends are
_ , ' unwilling to forgive yourcon'duct, remember
«if. that you‘ha've not" thrieited my sympathy or
,. ' j protection.” ' ', ‘
x ' thanked him with a look of gratitude.

i cannot give you

   

. r

/

Never  he seemed so dear as now, when. '

.- she thought cf the love that might have made
 , her happy had she been free. ‘ '
. v r ,“,Y0n'will-not, then, refuse’to give me your
‘ advioel'"‘hhe said meekly, as, advancing to the
table, she placed before him a copyof the
,H'rcdd, and laid her finger upon a certain para-
., graph. 3“This” advertisement must refer to
:  me. I noticed it this morning, and knew it
, .g'was vain to think of keeping my secret any
 , ' longer. v No doubt Mrs. St. Aubyn sawit, too”,
 '  Alarlc took the newspaper, and read aloud:

’ \

“ Ir’Nenss’aLee m Marsden)wlll call at the office

 v or nasal-s. Quill & teele, Attorneys at Law, Bridge-

 ‘ port, Conn, she willihear of something g to
 r ler advan under the will of the  Matt ew
‘1 Quathorpe, "

é \ ' ' Vi,‘ lie was my guardian," she said, in expla—
 nation, “ and did not treat me well. I. fled from
1 his. house to New. York, where you came to my
v v Bullpen? » . ,
V ,' (.‘I‘hatwas all she would tell him about her
j  ‘ alive the slightest clew by which, William Lee
,   associated, with Everard Vaughan,
" a ‘ she wa’s‘still wanted by. detectives one war-
‘  charging himyvithnmurdonf  ,

.

    
  
 

 

 " I H fitted-onto;
.  row    
V What have you; for "   2

“To meet Nerissa every day—to“

bilebend. “Karissa, felt bound in honor not to "

last 'niia‘mdh‘imf‘ : _

 

 
     

 

‘1   of 'Nerissa,  :35 therein“ ’ino , one"
were mottled. Early‘in the ,springj

installed thereas mistress. I »
Familiar as the lawyers  with strange
clients and curious familiihistories, they were
puzzled at the reserve of atthew Gunthorpe’s
heiress, who-was neither wife" nor widow, and
would tell them nothing regarding her past,
life. .
But it was no business of theirs, this man.
riage with a sort of phantom bridegromn,
who seemed to have departed without leaving
a. trace behind. They must act according to
their instructions; and as General Lascelles,

the co4trustee, had” died in the,West a few

weeks before Mr. Guntherpe, there was really
nobody who had any right to pry into her a!-
i’airs. Society, however looked very coldly

burst. , _ ’ l .

Nerissa, who had been accustomed, from her
childhood to lead asecluded life,‘did not per-
ceive the coolness of her neighborsror have
any idea of the scandal which was circulated
at her expense. ' .. . ,

Mrs. Pennington had been persuaded to take
up her abode for a time at Ravenhuxst. Mu-
riel accompanied her, for she was inquisitive
in regard to everything that concerned Ne-
rissa. '

repairing and adorning the grim- old mansion.
Worku‘ien were. employed, and. upholsterers
consulted: Any one who SHW Nerissa busily

furniture. or deciding upon, improvements.
buying dresses and jewelry for herself and
presents tor her friends, might have envied
her good fortune. In reality, however, she
was often restless and“ miserable.
that Alaric suffered. Although he neverspoke
of love, or behaved ‘in- a manner inconsistent
with the friendship which could be the only.

him, and would have given worlds it she could
have been free to rewardhis constancy.~

F -Nerissa‘hadher cldlikiag tor-solitary rum;
bios; and in the lovely. summer weather, when,

earth and’ sky were their most hecomingaltire‘h
scarcelyxa day passed that she did not wander
for. hours through the garden and grounds.
Butane no longer skipped blithely along,
singing as she-went. She had grewn grave.
and thoughtful. Her waywardgirlhood had
beenleft- behind, and love had matured her.
into a woman, enduring” the trialsand anxieties.
which are the heritage of Eve’s daughters. , '
One day, as she issued from the lodge‘gates,
Dorothy Trent stepped forth to meet her.
“Good-morning, my pretty Miss Nerismw,
orers. Lee, as they call you now! 'It is a

long timesince I saw you; last. at my poor cot~
tags. Welcome back to Ravenhurstl”

“ Thank you, Dorothy. You must drink
my health.” - . , ..

She drew out her purse, and placed a gold-
piece in the shrivoled palm held out so eagerly
to receive it. . ,

“ That is g gift worth the having; and now
that you are a rich lady, and can do what ,you
like with your money, you will often remem»

,berto reward poor ‘old Dorothy for sailing,

your husband’s life?”

Karissa winced in finding from the woman’s,

'manner that the old bag was conscious, she?

held some sort of power over her.

“You need not frown, my lady,” continued
Dorothy. “I was not so dear but that I
heard you plan that journey to Bridgeport;

» but I am not going to chatter, soysou need not

be’ afraid.  “I have'been waiting here more than
an beanie! theatrith ~.of;seeing you. I dare

talk.” *
‘   r :

   

 

iotoioommuu‘ieatio with!    ,

   

to    
so
Sophia/vacated" mmhm,.and  was ,

hpon Mrs. Lee when she came back to Raven— V

A great deal had:to he done in the way of ,

engaged in the pleasing dutiesof ordering new 7

She knew .

bond between them, she saw the struggle it cost ,,
».aso-”

Lwas the hand of destiny. 1 I c

The old crone chuckled and leered; while: V
,could inspire her with fear:

V lhalfjmyfortu
not come to the house, lest. servants :inight. 

    

_ medias in
“am r w 

,, y i . 1

guns of a main thing: igthrou
darkness. I‘ thought it‘must he a:
beggar, he, seemed so,footsore andgw‘ , , 
as he got nearer I’ knew my old ledger “He.

        
  

  
   

 
  

 
 
      
   
   
    

:asked if Iwould take him in again, a’
yes. for (recourse you will not let
, oser. So he'is now at'my place; and p 
to go there without loss of time. He who to-
aee you most .partickler.”f M ‘ x i  by .1.
"‘Was that the message!” inquiredfie 
while her pride rose at 

   
  
  
  
  
    
   
 
   
       
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
       
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
 
    
   
  
  
 
    
    
  
   
     
 
 
   
    
   
  
 

    

.mons, , _ n . ,

Dorothy noddedknowin‘gly; and,» ,_
waiting for further converse, hobbled ‘13.
the direction of home. . _ I p A,
g Nerissa, stood reflecting for a moment, 
followed the Woman slewly. _ ' " i, x I ,’ 

Through the yell—remembered" I? ‘
went where she and Everardwtalked 
be all graéitude and Submission, she 

womanly compassion.  ,  )-
Were their positions now who 
' her mesa;

and the suppliant to he changed into
ter? . Very dimly this patient-dawned
rissa‘s'mind, only, to be dismissed «with
At last she reached the lonely h' ‘
looked more miserable and dilapidatfii
when she saw it last. Two or three pa ‘
the casement windows were broken. 
,As she loitered, with, a. strange to "
that. some fresh cloud was about to damn 
destiny, Everard appeared on the’thfeslilolfi. '
‘How gaunt and ill he looked! V Therew
darkcircles re d ,his‘eyes, his choc" ‘
hollow; hié \ shabby, clothes hang:
emaciated form, many sites too large.
Butane. was most impressed by“
change in his countenance—~a,_sgnold
in his large dark orbs'she Hedi not”
notisczd. .    "
“ Tiyollhareme, .e _.  ’
be we  resin 2    .
' ‘-‘ Why awoken here!” she asked; as? ~
L,upon the rough settle. “It  ._ _, ,
,_trve,9n,n§ that 37931 should 
«the funds I provided you, more

542

s: so I did. 1km my promotes-its
and started for England two days
parted. But I‘could' not remai
hand seemed to beckon me tows” '
where nxyheppieet days had 

‘ cold

influence; where; am once;
soil." ”  j ‘
“ You have _, not ‘ j ,.  .
met,” she beganptilnid 37,16QO
now rich, and could ,afl'ord 
stantial pecllnizziév assistance. ,, 1 ,
He interrupt ' her roughly. ‘ }
“ZProsperedl How  I,
always forced to be, i
stay long in the sam‘ ,,
namél .Forher'sake, ‘ m whun . 
have epemies ready to gleat'dvermy 
,am not very careful and cunning; ’
wealthy, Nerissa—at least, I gnesse
from the advertisement which aspen ‘
Hmld soon alter}, saw‘ you at ii
that weakh you must eha're’with as.
She began to tremble. “He-"yup
_,diflerent ’iropa his 

      
    
   
 
  
  
 
    
   
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  

   

   
 

‘ _ -“,I~will give you a handsomesum,”

in a conciliatory, tone, “though'it win a M

that neither of us had anilfitfl Y

each.other. Every? Vaughan Vi
. t .

   
 

  
 

 

rifles

   
  

 

like

   
 
 
 

   

   

gs ,mnetyefir’own. 0h, Everard, set me
 and I will bless youl”. ' ,

"  He laughed outright.

.980 ithas come to this—and so soon!
 tears, and blushes tell their own story!
You are in love, madaml It is well [or you I
 not one!" i
., ‘f"You have not yet given me an answer. ”

 ,“ Because your appeal is too exacting. Am
Ito thrust myself into the ielon’s dock to suit
your convenience! You married me for your
,, unpleusure, and my safety requires that I do
“not intrude myself upon public notice.” w

    
  
 
      
   
   
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
  
   
   
 
 
   
   
  
    
  
    
   
   
  
     
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
 

,‘2 prepared to give whatever you demand it you
‘ assist me in regaining my liberty.” .

, FRO, nolf’ he answered, roughly. “ My
plan is something very different. You are m y
wifa«You shall come with me to some country
tenancy, where you will teach me to forget
liliepast and be happy. You are very beauti-
ful;- Nal‘lssa. . Come, my wife; let me kiss you.
 pure kiss will chase away those memories

as are driving me mad”, ,
. Ket'n'ad to seize her in his arms.

 glare of insanity was in his eyes.
fghefoverwrmight brain, which had struggled
 against adverse fate, was giving way

 

 

I .Wl‘th o‘er-y of terror, Nerises broke away
rem, him and hurried from the cottage.

 now the punishment of Nerissa's' folly
 burden almost too heavy for endur-

ll’lay after day she was haunted by the witch-
‘  tech ot‘Dorothy Trent,.-who appeared at
 glimply hours and unseemly places, either
with amperative messages 1er her lodge-r or
dupeaisvonher own account for money, which
 degenerated into threats 0! on
Mrs '

 

 Dorothy was no simpleton, and more than
 that there were strong reasons why
"erardshould so long remained hidden, as it
is, inher poor cottage. -
lion and she the visitor Nerissa most dread
ml l, ‘4, 6’, I, I .
  twilight, when night begins to
 they'vail’ which affords a friendly shade to
 who ,dare not to venture among their
  in. the broad light '0! day, Everard
 would steal through the gather-
,  toward Ra‘venhurst. It Nerissa
, .out upen’the terrace. or stood under
 which sheltered the front of the
  would hear a voice that would fill
  unutterable fear, or see two gleaming
 “new , p every movement.
‘3'  ‘tgwies she had? spoken with him,
"  .sums if he Would only
', iii  but the arguments and en-
 , ’  alike Wasted upon a madman.
 lonely and friendless,” he told her;
,7 -. ,ffplace to place by enemies who
,1  to have his} life. Her presence
ij..,:fih19ld him. fromtheir persecutions. She
can  once when he was most hardly
f ', ‘, ,. ~;”xcenld'she not be his guardian angel
’ end?"- ‘ '
 ,niter talking thus pathetically, his
j j  shame, and she Would shrink
 expressed in every word and

 

 
   
   
  
  
 
  

'  ingreth perturbation, she was her-
 by, a toe whose vigilance never

     
  
 
  
 
 
  
     

_7s‘~'-‘te Alexia.

‘ ', to him one day whenzthey were driv-
 the lanes in the pretty pony—car.
‘ '  “purchased for the ’ledies’ use.
 ‘ that now she is rich and inde-
_ able to lam,,lnoney at her on ca-
  
  :  ‘ er’s f  "

 
  

    

    
  

  

,    «  
‘ é!“ “fellow , 

 

  new...  steam you I
m,
Yes;

" who is totally unworthy of her.

‘33-“,Yet surely'it could be managed? I am]

 resins otteu melancholy,” '

halfsdpressed sigh. “Alaric, you can pity

' Nerissa. Have youan compassion to bestow on.

me?” r
“The two positions are not analogous.
Death has taken yOur husband. and you are at
liberty to form another marriage if it be your
pleasure. Nerissa is evidently united to one
She knows
not when he may come to claim her.”

“ls it not curious that he should leave his
wife in nudisturbed possession of so much prop-
erty? Most men would expect a share. ”

Alaric twitcbed the reins rather impatiently.
There was no conversation more distasteful
to him than speculations regarding Nerissa’s
husband. , /

“Do not be angry with me, Alex-lo,” she
continued, in the soft, cooing voice she usually
adopted in addressing her cousin. “But I
cannot help funcying that We may be misled
iu‘ imagining that the pair are entirely sepa-
rated. They may meet. occasionally, although
for. some inscrutable reason their interviews
are kept profoundly secret. 0- cc or twice in
the gleaming I have seen the dark figure of a
man lurking about the house near the west
wing, where Nerissa’s apartments are sutuat: d.”

“ One of'the servants’ lovers, most likely.”

“ l scarcely think he would have the hold-
ness to come so near the quarters assigned to
the mistress of the house; surely he would

loiter in the rear, where his sweetheart would '

probably be found.”

“We cannot tell; besides, we haVe no right
to pry into secrets which are not our business.”

“You are always right, dear cousin! Only
it is unple asant to know ti at a strange man is
in the grounds when we least suspect his
presence, who may be either a rustic swain, a
burglar, or Nei-issa’s husbandl"

And She laughed lightly, as if she were half
in jest. ' ’ -
' Alaric was silent. He still loved Nerissa,
but lately he felt alienated by her want of con.
fidenoe. Why could she not trust him entirely?
Surely she could rely upon his discretion. He
might have forgiven the conclalment '0! her
marriage in the first instance; but now that it
was owned, why preserve such an obstinate
silence upon all things connected with the
event! He could have borne to see her a
happy wife, loving and beloved, while be per.
sued his course alone, or sometimes «l asked'in
the sunshine of her presence as a sort or brother
and counselor, but'nhat he could not endure
was to be distrusted.

And then he would wonder whether deceit
Was a natural tomlonent ol' the female mind,

and would be inclined to forgive his cousin
.Muriel for jiltiig‘ him so long ago. ‘

The latter was not more vain and frivolous

than the rest of her sex. So when the caress-

ing voice again addressd him, he listened to its
soft cadence as he was wont to do when Muriel
had been doubly bound to him with the ties of
cousinan‘d promised wife.

They had spent many happy hours together
long before George St. Aubyn come between
them, and be loved her; not with the passion-
ate dewotion he could have given Nerissa, but
with a quiet aflection more calculated, per~
ham, to promote matrimonial felicity.

Alaric beganto wonder if he were wise in so
persistently ignoring the fact that a renewal
of those half-forgotten feelings was now his

best chance of a happy future.

 

CHAPTER IX.
.wnrsn’s rsiunrn.

It: had been raining, all day, and clouds.
looking‘very black and threatening, Were still
wedding across the sky. Muriel &. Aubyn
turned away from the window, and seated ber-

 s lowered. closest an when:

IL” _, l, . r " , ' ’
We   *-“,Eow. ,, (yam thing looks tattered»

 

 

s


., 

    

’Wi MlYf’hQilE‘W '

     

   

  

 
    

“AsI have found,” she murmured. with a

“a, , do: sentinel/i arisilt‘ste",{rewr° ; v
rt" ' j  1 . "v'€h‘5¥’e‘edf a

   
 
 

  

Mrs. Fenniogtonlaid a hand upon
the smooth, dark braids. , '

“ I am afraid that this place isdull for you,
my child, and that Nerissa's low spirits will
prove‘ infectious. If it were not that I am
anxious she should have companionship, we
would return without loss of time to our Own
comfortable home. '

Muriel sighed deeply.

“Dear mother, go where I may, I shall
carry with me the cause of my despondenoy.
You know not how hard it is to bear Alaric’s
continued indifference. I had hoped that at
least our old friendship would revive, and in
time hemight forgive me; but I see that. in
his eyes no contrition on my part can blot out
the memory of his wrongs." -

Mrs. Pennington closed the book she had
been reading, and her countenance assumed in
expression of lively interest. '

Like many worthy matrons, she was at heart
a match-maker, and it was once ber dearest
wish to see her child united to Alaric Tre-
herne. . '

That wish had been thwarted when she
thought matters were progressing to perfec-‘
tion, and her disappointment was severe.

Muriel’s afieciions, however, seemed now to
be drifting into the right channel, and she
could not bring herself to believe that Alaric
would remain odeJrate. I

“ My dear, you are too sensitive,” she said,
tenderly. “I am sure Alaric is your friend,
and is too manly to esteem you less because,
like many other young girls, you were denied ,
by brilliant external qualities, and, indeed,
hardly knew your own mind." ,

“You call him my friehd,” she returned,
in a scorniul tone, “and speak of his esteem!
Mother, th09e are cold words, and fall like ice.
upon my heart. I wish to have his love?)

She lined her beautiful face, glowing with
fervor, and Mrs. Pennington’s maternal par-
tialii y could not doubt of her success in Win~
ning back the heart she had rejected.

“My child, 1 cannot help feeling that you“
are not a women to be easily forgotten, al-
though Alaric‘s pridemay render him reluct-
ant to let you suppose that you are still dear
to him.” _ , , "

- “I have sometimes fancied that Nerissa is
the object of his admiration."

“He admires her no doubt,” said Mrs. Eon-
ningtoanoughtlully. “She was thrown in '
his way under circumstances which to a man
of Alaiic’s enthusiastic temperament made her
doubly interesting. Pity is in some natures
dangerously akin to love, and a- beautiful fgirl
in deep distress can scarcely be beheld with in-
difference. I do not conceal from you, Muriel,
that Once I was reconciled to the probability
of love springing up between the two, but then.
I had no, idea that Nerissa was already mar-
ried.” ‘ 1

"That discowry has scarcely retrieved my
rival from my path; ior if Alaric prefers her
to me, be may not lransier his eifections, el-f
thangh it is hopeless ior him to think of marry.
ing her.” _

“My dear child, do not be so deepondent.
You must have more patience. liesides, it is
somewhat premature to think of forming a
second union; you are“ yet in your early
widowhond."

“ My husband died more than a year ago,”
she said, coldly. “ I have no reason to “inc-um
his loss.beyond the usual periv d.”

“Pardon me, my‘ poor girl, for alluding to
former troubles. It is strange that both you
and Nerissa should bays suffered from ill as:

" sorted unions; yet it ought  create a bond of

interest bettvecn you." I V y
“ Do not compare me to herl”lciieli Karla], \
with sudden fury. “I hate her!” ' v '

Mrs. Pennington Stood aghast. " »
Jealousy, she was aware, had occasioned
thateuddenouthhreton the part of her daugh- ,

her, and she sympathined with tie lose which

methmuma r .  1 ‘    a; 

I ‘Qfiorealin; my dear, and trust tort-Into,”   '-
f‘fferhape l cannon»;an a  

. 4

 

   
   
  
  

    
 

‘w-n,

 

  
   

. his; usual

inseroorii.‘ _. ,

r. Nerissa was in her ' cwn apartments, and
mum: had a headache, and was lying on the
couch in the library. She would, join them
presently, when she hoped to be better.

“Is M‘uriel ill, then?” asked Alaric, struck

With an indeflnable impreseion that something

"u , ’ Was amiss more serious than a headache. ‘
.3  'Then Mrs. Pennington began to plead her
 ' ' daughter’s cause, not quite openly, but in half;
‘ ~ veiled hints that Alaric could not fail to com-

. 'prehend.
She expatiated upon Muriel’s altered looks and
unequal spirits; reminded him of the proverb,
, "‘We return always to one’s first love;” gave
him to understand that being cured of her
.- ’ 'yonthful frivolity. there was no reason why
' ' the once fickle girl should not sober down into
an excellent wife. ' . x

“ I will not aflect to misunderstand you,
aunt," said Doctor Treherne gravely. “ You
would have me ask Muriel to renew the en-
gagement which by her own act was broken?”

' “I think you would both be happier, my
dear boy—indeed I do. I am growing an old
woman, and should feel satisfied if I could
leave my only child to your protection when

, .my time for departure arrives. Muriel is a
‘ creature or impulse. She requires the guid-
ance‘ of a firmer mind than her own. That
guidance you are capable of giving her. And

' ' she loves you; surely that should cover many
imperfections in your eyes."

f‘Can she .really love!" murmured Alaric,
lhoughtfully. “We deceived ourselves once;
and now I hope you are again mistaken." I

" “ You are not very complimentary," replied

, Mrs. Pennington, with maternal warmth.

“ My dear aunt, I hope you believe me when
I say that» no one estimates Muriel’s attrac-

‘ tions more highly than I do. She is a charm-
ing, accomplished woman, as worthy of admira-
tion and love as she was six years ago when I

"bowed at her shrine. But the play is played
out and the fire is extinguished. Now I could
only offer her a divided heart.”

“ You need say no more-,1 can guess the
rest," said the lady, deeply mortified. “ You
love Ner'issa!” . w

“ And can you wonder? When I met her
first the wounds inflicted. by Muriel's perfldy
were nearly healed, yet I retained a dread of
all'coquettish beauties who play with men‘s
hearts as children with their toys. But this
girl, sosuflering and uncomplaining, stole into
my heart during our first interview, and on
the night of the fire the pang of mortal fear

. which I experienced as she leaped from the

~ , flames into my arms warned me of my danger.
Then came a brief, sharp struggle.
. “But Love conquered, as it always does
when it is real the thing, and not a spurious
 Bolts-solvedto woo Nerlssa, and win
her If, I could. She was coy and reserved-
sometimes she appeared to avoid me. But'I
never guessed that in honor she was bound
to shun those, vows I anxiously longed to
plight. ' l ,

".lnfatuated,'1 disregarded the tokens by
which she would have warned me, and oflero
ing her my hand, met with a prompp refusal.

' Since thenIrhaVe schooled my‘hem until it

call, he found her alone in the-draw-

 

beats for her with tender friendship rather

‘ than with love. If she were happy, I as least,
could ‘he- contented. , ‘
, u And now that I have told yen am.“ you
still believe that my marriage with Muriel
could secure our mutual felicity?" -
Mrs. Pennington considered for a few
meats. ,
. “Frankly, Alarie, I do not see why this van-
ished lovedream need I interfere with your fu-
ture, or preVent you from having a wife who
'_  ,You acknowledge that friendship
' has superseded'a warmer feeling for Harlem.
13  you are has toured another.” v}
" ‘ ‘ L'Merewasal‘mg pause. ' _
f  Flinn said Muriel-was lathe library," said
Mic, at length.  5‘ Have

mo-

  

)
". - I I )v ‘  "'3. I ‘

 

  

' an hour later, when  to make.  and  suchlove as I‘have‘

dressed man, who was no member of the house-

‘Alaric being taller and more muscular in build,
succeeded in holding him fast, in spite of his

 

I your permission

  

 

“give!” I ,, '7 EV. / W , g I
_ She extended her- , hand unstressed the
young man’s warmly... . .

“ Go ,to her, dear Alaric, with, my blessing
and best wishes,” she said;

The library at Rav‘enhurst
lower rooms in the west wing. ,

As Alaric went slowly down the long corri—
dor leading to that part of the mansion, he
saw coming toward him a tall, shabbily-

was one of the

hold...

He mustjust have descended the staircase,
which was seldom used except by Neri5sa and
her immediate attendants,.as it led to a suite
of apartments specially appropriated to her
private use.

The man was a’gaunt, ill-favored fellow—wt
least, so thought Alaric, for his long'shaggy
hair and untrimmed beard gave him a neg-
lected, half-Wild appearance, which was not
belied by his glittering eyes and scowling
brow.

In his hand he held a purse, evidently con—
taining gold, for it chinli’ed as be tossed it with
the sound given forth by that precious metal,
while his other hand clutched fast a pearl
necklace and gold chain, both of which Alaric
remembered to have seen Neriésa wearing.

The doctor concluded, of course, that he
was a burglar, esiecially when he saw him
make an attempt at thrusting his illlgotten
booty into his breast.

Alaric seized him by the collar.

“Who are you? What are you doing herei”
he said. ,

The dark eyes glared fiercely; but there was
no answer.

“You have no need to speak. You are a
thief, a burglar, who shall be prorecuted with
the utmost rigor Of the law! Give up that1
money and those ornaments! Ho! help there!"

The man began to struggle virlently, but

frantic efforts to gain his liberty.

A faint cry was heard, an exclamation of
distress, and Nerissa rusheddown the staircase,
and. pale asa lily, clung to Alaric’s arm.~

“Let him go!" she gasped. . '

“Let him go?” he repeated, in amazement.
“Surely you do not know that he came to1
plunde’ri—that even now your property is
upon him, both money and jewels!"

“Yes, yes; i know i” '

Involuntarin his grasp loosened, and the
other, profiting by the chance, dexterously
wrenched himself free, and dashed down the
corridor. ‘

Alaric would have followed in hot pursuit,
but Nerissa’s arms were around him, and the
thrillpf that first embrace—though thoughts
of love were furthest from her mind—re-
strained him as powerfully as fetters of iron.

“ He hasgone,” said he, as she released him.
“ Nerlssa it was your fault; you should have
let me follow him. What mistaken motives
of compassion made you spare a thief?” '

“ He is no thief I"

“What is he then?” he laughed mockingly.

Her face drooped upon her hands.

“ Alaric, he is my husband!”

As he stood looking down upon the slender
figure now convulsed with sobs, a great pity
surged over his heart. it was worse for her,

, he thought, tobe linked to the man who had but it She dismissed it with a 

a minute before broken frOm his grasp than to
be friendless and alone, as he saw her first in
the great city.

Was she united to some escaped convict or
notorious criminal, that he visited her thus
secretly! '

He longed to know; not from curiosity so
much as kindly interest. but could not summon
the courage to frame the question.

3“ You will ‘not mention this encounter to.
your aunt or to Muriel?" she said, anxiously.

“ certainly‘not, except with your consent?

‘.‘ Thanks. D pier Treherue ” '

with fit: as a  to  

 

' «But; Noriega, doubt be,  

A .

  

a 8374
   Was 

      
 

    

    
 
     
      

  



. g a:
. '.

interview totbitmwnukéewn W the  {if '
the household. Your‘fair “rants might?" 
If he is your husband why should   sins“
you openly, not like a thief?”  ‘ '  
“ There are reasons which you cannotgu‘ ‘ I”
“ Oh, Nerissa! if I could only, persuade you“: v_
confide in me entirely, ‘ 1 might be able
to help you, for I know you suffer. Cast '
aside your doubts, and let me know the 1.
history of your marriage, and what chain‘oi‘ '
events united you to one whom you do not
profess to love.” g ’ ' ‘_
“' You must not ask me,” she said, hurriedlwa
“ It is his secret, not mine, or I would gladly .
tell you. And do not condemn him too severe?
ly. He is not himself. He was once so dikes».
ent. Oh, it is very sad; but I think the” ,.
troubles he has undergone have unsettled his
brain, or he would not have come 
night.” . ’ ’ j . '
“ He came, I suppose, for money,”,:said’ ’
Alaric, contemptuously. “He could desert?l
you in your poverty, but now that wealth has ‘
poured in upon you, his visits ‘will be more no:
quent. If it is his right to share your fortune,
why dos not he claim it opmlyf" ‘ |  F‘
“There are difficulties we cannot carer-come. 
He has never entered the house beform‘apd.‘
probably never will again. , I supply “bluizlibr "
orally with money in order'that’ he may 
away; but~but——” she broke ofl, fearig'tjo
say too much. 3  ~ ,
He moved away coldly. ,, ~  fl’
“I see you prefer keeping your claim
wrapped up in mystery, and I am aptto surges
that I have no right to meddle between 
and wife. Excuse my pertinacity, Mrs. 
This is your own house, and you have a right
to choose your own visitors. I will not that
you longer.” u ~  I
Badly she turned and ascended  will,“
staircase. The cherubs'painted on the  l
fashioned ceiling seemed to look upon beneath-
passionately, as ‘it they longed to  gown
the wreaths they carried, so that a 
might mingle with the theme 
nth. '   l
p Alaric pursued his way to the library; . 2
When he opened the deer Muriel rose 
the couch where she was half~~reclihihgflwifitz
outstretched hands and a bright glands of
come. '  i‘
‘If her head ached it did not   "
liancy of her beauty. , 
Her black dress was set ofl‘by a 
damask roses at the bosom, and 
placed with assumed negligence rewarded!
hair. , ' ’ é  .
Something in Alaric’s face assured lfé!‘ '
triumph was near, and she rejoiced» in  
ing victory.“ _ g; - I "
To win was Muriel’s proudest am 

despise her rival when won, the untold}?
come of a nature at once shallowan’d“

Even when, seated by her 
listened to the words which would have” n , _
another woman's heart to beat with tout?
lion, she was inwardly criticising  “ 
of wooing. ‘ ’ x . j

Cold and measured seemed his  ,
pared with that which had been masses;  V
her by another, whom, she thought,   " "
have really loved bad fate been him 

Why did the recollection of him flit 
her brain at such a minute! ,

      
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
     
    
   
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
  
      
   
    
     
 
    
  
    
     
   
    
     
     
   
     
   
      
  
   
    
  
        
 
 

 

ing up one of the most bewitchiag 
muted an mptance o'f Alaric’s suit. ,'  
CHAPTERfX. . j
THROUGH DARKNESS 1'0  k 
Tun Wedding was to take place early in
autumn. « ' 7 ‘ 
There Was no reason for delay.
Alaric, indeed, was no impatient n 1‘ ‘
and even hinted at the expediency of  I ‘_
his happiness until the second year of 
widowho'mi steamer.  % ~ a. -" »;

     
     
   
  
  
     
    

 

, f

 

A, .

_ But the mummies at his monies

   

    

 

    

 

“Who can tell how short my time may be!"
 said,“ with a. sorrowful smile: “yet I do
:Wf gly‘to depart, without being aesured of

3: 1’ future happiness.” ‘ ‘ ' ,
 It hadbee'n a hard task for Nerissa to offer
or"he';'qbngratuleltionr, which Almic r‘eceiwd
h a constraint which made it more embar-

 
   
 

& ‘ V V : -
g’Jiuriel, on the contrary, was never tired of
talking over everyplan connected with the
:Eéflhdeming auspicious agent whenever she was
in the society of her sweet Nerissa, for whom

alarmed into a sudden, affection.
momma, she must be
mother’ihouse in the city.
 wedding, must be quiet, for such was
liu'lc’s desire, and ,she 'liked to defer‘ to his
ion; _ yet she was anxious to be dressed well
 upcomingly, so that she might look hot
‘ glans admiring eyes. ‘ ,
“ow shameful it was that people would

married ' from her

drvnuptialsl White suited her so well, and
patinlpohed. :too old and, matrouly for a.
 {mound-twenty. ., '“

13inch discourse Nerissa listened patiently
many weary hours, bravely trying to hide
untied heart, and to as=ume an interest

{,3 of thehighest importance.
“ * ‘ Alaric happened to be present, she

H gemegzts, ‘wh-ich, however, did not pre-
_ _  from keenly watching both him and
I, lean, whoseunhappiness she more than sus-

mark’eid‘onemday when, the weather being
a m,th young girl appeared, in a dress of‘
mygtextnre ,and the pure hue of the lily.
V  ‘ fancy, Alaric, if , she were so attired on
” *‘dding morning; you might make a mis-
,, an carry her oilfio church instead of
u wn destined wifel Tell me now, would
’  or disappointed when you dis-
, dy‘our error?” , I ‘
. Julio  Vcare to jest on serious subjects,”
\,  he, frowning; while Nerissaturued
(g ’ ith‘jan unwonted color on her checks,
3, ,v  resolve to wear dark colors only
 Ifme left Ravenhurst‘. . 4 V
the last day Of the prolbng'ed visit
“toacloee. g r w
 the next morning Mrs. Penning:
her daughter were ‘to set out on their
3,150 New York, whither, of course,
.7 ,astoescortthem. , ,y I
 hijee Were walking on the lawn in the
hi, enjoyingthe balmy freshness of the
. breeze, endotalking ever the amount

 

 
   
  

  

  

  

 
  

  

 t ‘ L which'inithe ladies! opinion;th
  before the wedding could take

' tor  at dinner, had left
it .own devices, feeling, perhaps;
turn in Which ‘she bore no part would
, nonvoniontly discussed in her absence,
was forced to give undivided atten-
’ ' detailsocnoerning millinery, upholstery,
88 and bxeaklasts, ' with other mat-
‘_”void'of interest tohis masculine

  

  
  

  
  

  

  

male} wasqu enunciating her «nutrients

  
  

lancer the that she could ride or
' , V re every day during the season, when
the" womensarvants came, running
will: “it

‘ l  . k. 
EOE, skis-gob, ma’aml Such a dreadful



  

 
  
  
 
 

 

 
 

.  kitlbeforfe‘i
 W  “ll-2

if she appeared attired in white at her,

commonplace matters which to Muriel _

eni‘mjorg inclined to discuss the bridal.

Heitlssa‘looks like a bride herself,” she re- "

ointagnecessity of securing -a’

a, white,scared face and.

Lumen was ,so upset in any re-'
"on,,before, ,The police is in the
“(imfiimmrghWWXWWWW: ,. .

 

 

, intrinsic they, ,  1
band, :And,’ oh," «Mr. ,Treherne, it seems e
‘committed murder ever soleng ago,and they’ve,
got a warrant out against him‘l" ‘ " ’ '-

nble story connected with that man,” remarked
Muriel, spitefully; “and it would not have sur-
prised me to hear thathe bad forged a check,
or embezzled money, or something of the sort;
blilxt :eally I did not suspect it was so bad as
t is.  ‘ v ’

“ Where is Mrs. Lee?” asked Alaric,

“She is in her room in the west wing)!

"‘ These men will not intrude upon her
‘ there 1'” '

“They said they were going to Search the
house,” persisted the excited domestic. “ lie —
the mark-has been followed here; and, oh.
what adreadful thing this to happenlin a
family where a respectable girl is living as
underahousemuid.” ‘ I
_ “ Let us go to Nerissa,” exclaimed the young
man, hoarsely. “She may want her friends
around her.” ~

They were not long before they reached the
house, where awe-stricken faces confronted
them, and a general 'pauic prevailed. ‘ y

The detectives had already searched the
principal lower rooms, and insisted on pene-
trating to Mrs; Lee’s private apartments,
where the fugitive was supposed to be con-
cooled. v .

By patient investigation they had at last
rsucceeded in tracing the miserable Everard
Vaughan, under the alias William Lee”

They had discovered the marriage at Bridge-
port. the subsequent voyage and return to
America. Then they had follmed his career,
first as a billiard marker in a low tavern, after-
ward as supernumerary in the pantomime,
until. often disappointed, but never quite los—
ing the scent, they found he was sojourning in
Dorothy'l‘rent’s cottage, and in constant com—
munication with the mistress of Ravenhurst,
who was'identifled as his wife. -» . l '

When Alaric and 'his companions reached
the eleganin furnished bou'ioir'where Nerissa
spent most of her leisure time, they saw her
standing pale and erect before these respectable
but determined-looking men who invaded her
privacy armed with the dread powers of the
law. ' . r -

Her face brightened when the beheld Alaric.

“ DectOr. Treberne, .will you send these men
awayi"!ehe said, with the girlish simplicity
which believes everythin is possible to him she
loves; “They demand  right to search my
apartments, which I emphatically refuse. ”

“We have'our warrant all regular,” 're-I
marked the foremost stranger with composure,
'offering the document for Alurlc's impaction.
“ Lady is natarally put outé—most oi ’em are
when it comes to the point; but we have only '
to do our duty.” is '

l “I am afraid, Karissa, we cannot defy the
law,” murmured Alaric, with white lips. .

“And surely Mrs. Lee can have ‘no desire to
shield at man who is accused of having com-
mitted murder?” obsegve Muriel, in ‘her clear,
musical tones, while or eyes uhoneyith ma-
“lignant triumph. _ ' ‘ ~

‘ Immediately the sound of struggling, anda
cordoned murmur of voices, was heard pro-
ceeding from the inner chamber.

The door was flung open, and Everard
Vaughan stood upon'the threshold, old, Doro.
thy cling-ingltophis ‘emmand vuiuly' striving to
restrain him. ’ ‘ r I ‘

“ Muriel; Muriel!" he cried; wildly. “ I have
desired to see you once more before I died. and
the desire is new fulfilled. ,Oh, my beloved,
look upon the ruin“ you have Wroughtwwith a
tender tear of pity, and I will make no sign,

but cheerfully lay down my life for your

sake.” ‘ ,_ ,
w himself oil-his knees at her feet,
‘h 'fcce "in the {Older oi her dress.
Yementmhad  so sudden that?

   

   

   

 

 
  
   

    
 
 

“ I always thought there was some .disreput- *

‘ for

l, “

hindsigmp“ -- .3,-

. nastiest intimation”  a ‘

“’Unhand-this'dadyl Shedoes not 
7,011!” . '     7 f i 
Everard’s eyes literally blamed with frenzy.

 

“ Yes, yes, she does! She remembers the old 

days at the Standard, when we noted together,
and I first .loved'her.. She had a husband then,
but he is dead, and now'no other man shall '
come between us!” , , ‘

The detectives raised the wretched man, and ,
\clapped handcuffs on his wrists. ’ r .

, “ Come, we’ve had enough of this. Once be-
fore you gave us the slip. You’ll not have the
chance of doing it, a second time..” ~ ’ ‘ ‘

r “ The , poor fellow is mad!" exclaimed Doro—
thy Trent, as they led him away: "I knew
his '_»brain vas turnpd, ever since the fever.
That was why I followed him tonight “hen,
be rushed out of the cottage in one of. his tran—
tic film I thought harm would come oi, it."

" Pale as marble, withllipe firmly compressed,
Muriel stood statue-like where Everard had
left her. ' p, ,_ = ’

:. Alaric took her hand, and it was cold, as ice.

“Muriel, did this man speak trulyi Has he
ever been one of [your friends or acquain-
tances?” . ' ‘ v i I

With a desperate efi‘ort, she found voice to
atswer. = - l

“I have seen him before. And, Alaric, I
never liked to tell you, for it’was so can, but
my husband died no naturaLdeath. - Everard
Vaughan killed him." ' r -

She queiled and shivcred under the horror-,

stricken gaze bent upon her; then, gathering"! 

courage, continued, in a firmer tone:

V “ Yes, they quarreled, and George Sf.
Aubyn was slain. You have possibly read the
account given in the 'newsiapcrs; but the.
names being different, preventui recognition.
You know that in the theatrical world actors

are seldom known by their real appellations,  ,-

and in our case a change was especially neces- ,
sary, as George was always in pecuniary difv

flculties, and we wished to avoid being followed "

by our creditors as we moved from place to
place. It Was under the name of George
Trevelyan that he was passingwhen he met his '
death.” ‘ ‘ . , _ ' , '
The cold, hard accents suddenly oeuséddhe
forced c<:mposure gave way, upd‘Muriel fell‘
senseless at Alaric’s feet, like one dead. ‘

 

' Everard Vaughan was never brought to.
trial. , Death had long hovered over him, mind
and body being alike diseased. He w as spared
the mournful alternative of enduring the 'ter-
rors of the law, or fingering out his  as
a confirmed lunatic , ‘ , ' , , .

Toviard the end blamindvgrew more clear, I
and he wrote to Muriel St. Aubyn, desiring to
see her. ' . e A ' _ '

This summons'the lady thought proper to dig,
regard, and ' thus committed an irtemreblo

~ blunder.

l 4 ,.
Stung by her cruelty, Everard, in a_/ fit  ,
jealous rage, summoned Nerisse A and. ‘Almic in '
his bedside, and confessed the secret he lsuil
guarded at the peril pf his life. ' '  _ .
' ‘ “Muir-lei has dared to disown moi” he ‘uiur—V‘
mured, in his weak, fasciailing woice. r‘Bhe
refuses a few parting wordsto a dying man;
but she shall repent of her inhumanity.” T 'I "
“Lieten,bothofyou.' , W 7i .'
“ A word fro me would consign her to the -
prisoner’s cell, for by her band St; Aubxnwaa ‘
slain! } I “
-“ He treated her cruelly, shamefullyuntil
she learned to hate him. But he wasl’deaious
allihe same; and thoughhe made hergc upon
the/stage, was forever on the watch lost another:
might win her favor.’ 7. I .  I i q
“She and I often acted together. at the ‘

Standard. r. - i_ ,';y,_
‘ “George distrusted nae—snot without reason,
I passionately “ loved, ‘  beautiful 
witch and fwciednthat: eflectio ' ' ,
mine; one evening 2 i ' '.
to   boarding Miami

   

 

 

   swmggtmmmm

    

   
 
      
   
   
  
 
    
   
   
 
 
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
    
 
   
    
  
  
   
 
 
  
   

 

   

 

         
    
 
 
       
    
     
    
 
        
       
       
    
    
     
      
    
      
  
      
       
    
     
     
    
   
       
   
    

  
     

  

 

 
   
 
 

- , "hreatesao to inflict candlgnhpunishmentupon

She had scarcely {altered forth the
Words when we heard his foot upon the'stairs,

' , and, with savage imprsc‘ations, he vowed to

break open the door if I did i not allow him to
enrer. Muriel, terrified at his violence, oon-’
, ‘l‘iealid herself behind the window curtain, and
'5'. let him in. It seemed be had followedliis
(wire, and seen her enter the house.‘ He de-
manded to know where she was, and I was
forced to,stoop to falsehood, and deny having
Been her. From‘words We soon came to blows,
find {ought like wild beasts together. St. Au-
byuwas ad taller and stronger man than I.
After a sharp struggle he flung me to the

‘ around, and, rushing to the window-curtain

 behind which his wife cowered, dragged her

'. forth in triumph. , r
 ""l‘hen— ' How can I tell the rest? Isaw
Muriel snatch up a dagger, which lay with
other things or mine upon a side-tablH
quaint old dagger, which I had purchased at a

 curiosity-shop as being suitable for a part I

Was then playing—sand in another moment St.

‘  ' Aubyn fell to the ground with a deep, groan.

W

. house were alarmed. The

{What have I done?" cried Muriel, in an agony
, 01’ tear. ‘ I
‘ “We heard voices outside; The people of the
_ police would soon
be upon US. . " Q
‘,,._"“You will be suspected, Ever-3rd,? cried
'  ‘Let me busteu away through that
6091'. yonder, whence I can easily reach the
landing and escape unobserved. You will not
betray me, and it can never be known that
[the guilt is mine. Come what may, Everard,
_ ‘ if you really love me, keep silent.’
. “ Her cool selfishness and utter disregard of
the danger I should incur dumlounded me, but
I gave my promise, and she managed to quit
the house unseen. My eyes seemed at once
Opened to her indifference, for bad she \not un.

 .. 'concernedly given- me up to a {elon’s doom,

(

perhaps to a shameful death to save herself
from peril! _ I. too, fled, for nature revolted
3.8gainst the risk I ran- by remaining with the
corpse of the murdered man until the officers
\ of justice‘oame to seize me. I
‘ “But not for long did Iielude their vigi-
lauCe. - 7
§ 1‘ Arrived at Bridgeport, whither I had inur-
‘I'leyed on my way to Boston, I was taken into
' custody, and once more, in desperation,- at-
tempting to escape, was for the time sheltered
through ,the compassionate kindness of this
. amiable’girl.” » ‘
[He pointed to Nerissa. '_
Eben, after a short pause, addressing her, he

‘ FWD! badly have I returned your kindness
Ingmar.» BN7 try to forgive me. My head

v  ever aching and throbbing beneath the
' ' PWN of a heavy burden. I scarcely knew

v I whatldid.

l

,“ Dorothy Trout too; was eager for mono
’a’nd hinted that it"shs weren‘ot well bribed);

it a . 6 might be worth her while to’tell all she knew. If

A

 

 ‘ a “)9   0581‘” a reign-d for my 3p.

 prehension that wo'man would longwago have
 betrayed me. But now it is beyondtho power
of than to harm“ me. Noriega, youwere never
really my wife, for, with your concurrence, I

‘ t  " married you under a feigned name.

l '  it matters little now.
3, 4,2931 free sooner than the law."

vy

   
  

 

Death will set
"G'entlyshe' soothed him with words at peace

0' yéMpwdon, owning that her reckless folly de-

. {

served a still more‘severe punishment. '
 Allarlo would not have felt justified in he
lievmg his betrothed had committed so serious .
. a/oflmd onthe unsupported testimony 0" 9001',

, f i half‘mad Everard Vaughan; but Muriel, when

 
  

heard of the interview, last her presence of
d hogan to defend herself in a manner
” at ,full'oorroboration'of her for-

she
 .-

;. __me‘that very night in the green-room of the.
- theater. 3

“  tributaries 

to any human beigg' .
trouble him- no more. , . .
V ‘She had been a deeply-injured woman, and
now her cousin and betrothed husband was se-

cretly rejoicing that he had a decent excuse for

breaking his word and marrying Nerissa.

Soon after she started With her mother upon

a European» tour, firme resolved never to re-
turn to her ‘native’ shores.

But wherever she wanders she will be tor-
turedlby a guilty conscience.

If the virtues of wernanhood can atone for a

girl’s folly, Nerissa has long expiated the.

faults of the past.

As Mrs. Treherne she is respected by all who
kngw hen-and her husband calls her a parteot
W1 0..

Dorothy Trent did not long enjoy her ill-
gotten gains. 1 ' .

‘ One night, in a state of semi—intoxication,
she happened to set hervclothes on fire, and be-
fore assistance arrived was burned to death.

 

    

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Dialogues No. Two. _
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Dialogues No. Four.
Dialogues No. Five.
Dialogues No. Six.
Bigogm 1%“ will? Dial N Tm, ' SM
1' ogues o. " ogues 0. wt - ’
Dialogues No. Nine. 7 Dialogues No.  
Dialogues No, Ten. Dialogues No. 'l“ ' L 
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Dialogues No. Twelve. DiologuesNo.Twe Q ,
Dialogues No. Thirteen. Dialogues No. b . ‘
Twenty

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Dramas and. Readings.  
' 161 12m") Pages. so Gents. "
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(fly, I \

 

1 The Flushed n ide .or, ill She Mar
 flint? Byhlrs’. Mm Read Cr‘owell. ry
’2’Was It Love? or, Collegians and Sweet-
; , ehrte. By Wm. Mason Turner, M. D.
, .8 the Girl Wife; or, The True and the False.
 ' 4 A nBartley giCm‘plmlL S
v I ' rave ear 3 or tart 1 Strange.
, By Arabella Southworth? / “my
"Sfiessle Raynor, the \Vork Glrl or,
‘ The QuiWnds of Life. By William n
. one“. . ' I
I ‘ ' en 't-rct a arr ago or. A Duchess tn
‘ I r 8 ite of Hemeli’. B Sara;(fla.xl'on.
 7 A ughtcrot‘ - aye; or, Blinded by Love.
u ' .8 lfy M:5.tMnr Reed‘ifrowelé.‘
’ x v our .0 car or air Ph *llls' Lov
. 9  Araibelltahso ltvhwgil'gl.‘ Th J 8.
; pone n e, or ' or .eYoungMan’s
, Ward. By the'nuthor ’02. z‘(.‘l.ifton," “Pride
' ’ and Passion,” etc.
10‘ .Pair oi Gray Ewe“; or, The Emerald
* ; Nee . By ‘ Kenn y.
r 131 Entangled; or, A Dangerous Game. By
new new M ‘
; w  «n aw ' e or, theChild of
. 1.“. Adoption. ByMrs. An‘n S. Stgprgéns.
.,, 13 m dcap, the Little uakcress or, The
. a.an Cadet’s Woo . yCori'nne ushmnn.
im; or, The Woman in

     
  
  
 
   
  
   
    
 
  
   
    
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 

Y 1 14 Why 1 Married

, -. Grg‘y. BySaraClnxton. ,

‘ .15 A , uir Face' or, Out in the World. By
, i ‘6 TBartlteyl'I;  T '
.4 i: run or at or, A rue K ht.
«.L   Ilargarct Leiceser ’ mg By
 121. 3. Loan ,Lover or, The Last of the (hims-
 ‘ . he. B Arabe1e80uthworth.» ’
> , 1.8", is. Ido or, The Ill-Starred Marriage. By
M 16  .8 k edlg‘rowell.h
. 'l I ._ 1 lo ro en etrot a] or, Love versus

V  y y to. By'Mary Grace Helpline.
,fiOOrphan Nell, the Orange Girl; or, The
‘ .4 s. cir. By Agile Penile.

‘ - Him? By Henrietta. Thackeray.
, 22 .T e Bride of an'Aetor; or. Driven from
w v ' 1101118. B the author of “Alonein the World,"
A A '_“Clil‘ron, ’ etc. “

, '88 Leap Year; or, Why She Proposed. BySara

‘, '. ' m
93%» Ker Face Wan Her Fortune. By Elea-
‘ norBlnine.
g52390111y2a Schoolmistreu; or, Her Untold
. L: ‘Sec’ret. By Arabella. Southworth.
26 Without a Heart; or, Walking on the
 Brink. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.
gif‘Wan

She a C 'uette? or, A' Strange
‘ 'By Hgn‘flettn Thackeray.

,L.  hens.
139, For 'fier Dongshke; or. Saved From Kim-
,  I now. By Sara Clexton. .- .
Fig-,0 no“ net Girl ; or, A Million of Money.
A ymAgilenennel. T In) W "
' .,~,.nrr:,eor,h ,i.
May A. DenisOnF ; e n 4 n By
one, the Prima Donna; or, Roses
.  _ - By Arabella Soutlfivorfli. f
16 yste 0
F1 hung. W

I Convenience or Was
By Sam Ciaxton ; ’

d Lilies.

’ lion‘sz

3.8;  Agllgst.

' vine/v  .fi  t

 36. . .Asrcigar e Bride; or, The Queen of His
72:1" 3* a .  _. y Arabella Southworth.

0 country Cousin; or, All is not Gold

8 Rio Own A 'n n or. ’l‘mat Her ‘Not. By

 .  llaSou wort .
131 133th»: gm or, A  Gigsgood Name.

 to Marry; or; In line‘s Bonds.
'1

 
 

fil‘dfi‘gxtilih Lov'Agm‘tth
, n V0. in. or, e

 By Alice flaring. ~ .. a
4.,  ce thence“ ml or,HinSocond
 . aim-abeua Southwo h. -
  ye argyggs Secret; or,'rheRlval Hall'-
 \ .. a. v n. .

 Dan htcr- 01:13 there ainst

‘ 3} fileminé. m g

  

' 5,? ‘ Ara' - _ . r
' 371;“; Little Heiress or Under a'Cloud.
.  1 y Mrs. “Big A.  '

4'1. Manse. ti o Love‘a Him; or, How Will
-‘ the? By Alice Fleming. .

.' “ ration. . e - .

 49!! R Heart’s Mistress; or Love at First

_ g ‘ t. By Arabella. Southwozth, I
domino-Cuban Heiress or. The Prisoner of

, Mrs. A. Denison,
if!  You ‘ lo or,’The Bride oi an
'  M ByAfi‘oe. 3.

,  me “By  I“
 Ia

. :00} p.
338, 8&1 (Ignace; or. The Gambler‘s Wife. By’
’ tAnn I

l

 

4

, i
'

n
i

 [New and Forewor; or, Why Did She Mar-.‘

lime” or, The Winthrop Pride.‘ '

- e.
i h
' n 

 

89 A Gilded Sin.

'96.

".

J . ._ ..._. . .... w._-.

54 One Woman’s Heart; or. Saved from. the
Street. B George S. Knime.

55 She Did . 0t Love Him; or, Stooplng to
Conquer. By Arabella Southwortb.

56 Love-Nina ; or Betrotbed Married Divorced
and ——-. B“: Wm. Mason Turner, M. D.

57 A Brave .‘irl ; or, Sunshine at Last. By
Alice Fleming. ’ *

58 The Ebon Mask; or; The Mysterious
Guardian. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell.

59 A “'idow’s Wilen; or, ABitter Vengeance.
By Rachel Bernhsu‘dt. i

60 Cecil’s Deceit; or. The Diamond 'Legacy.
By Mrs. Jennie Davis Burton.

61 A Wicked “cart; or, The False and the
True. By Sam Clnxton.

62 The Maniac Bride; or, The Bend Secret
of Hollow Ash Hall. By Margaret Blount

03 The Creole Sisters; or The Mystery otthe
Peirys. By Mrs. Anna E. l’orter.

64 What Jealous Bid; or, The Heir of

Worele Gm . y Alice Fleming.

65 The ll‘c’s . crct; or, ’Twixt Cup and
1.1%. By‘ilol. Juan Icwis. .

66 A rot er’s Sin or, Flora‘s Forgivener
, By . e1 Bernhar t.

67 Forbidden Bans; or, Almn‘s Disguised

' Prince. .By Arabella. Southw‘orth. ,

68 Weavors and Weft; or “Love That Roth
. Us In His Net." By Miss m’. E. Brendon.

>69 Camille; or, The Fate of a. Coquette. By
Alexandre Dumas.

'70 The Ttvo 0r hang. By D‘Enery.

71 My Young il'e. By My Young Wife‘s
Husband.

72 The Two Widows. By Annie Thomas.
'7 3 Rose Michel; or, The Trials of a Factory
Girl. By Maud Hilton. "
74 Cecil Castlemaine’s Gave or, The Story
ofn B idered Shield. By (S‘ui a.
76 By J. S. Le
Mrs. Rowson.

The ack Lady of Dunn.
Fanu.
76 Charlotte Tom le. B
‘77 Christian Oak c ’3 Iistako. By the
author of “ John Ha ‘fax, Gentleman," etc.
78 My You ng Husband; or, AConfusion in
the Family. By Myself. ‘
79 A uccn Alnongst Women. By the
‘aut or of “Dora. Thorne," etc., etc.
80 Her Lord and Master. By Florence
Marryat. .
81 Lucy Temple, Sister of Charlotte.
82 A Long Time Ago. By Meta ._
83 Playing for High Stakes. By Annie
! Thomas.
84 The Laurel Bush. By the author of
“John Halifax, Gentleman."
8 5 Led Astruy. Bjr Octave Feuillet.
86 J anet’s Repentance. By George Eliot.
87 The Romance oi‘a Poor Young Man.
By Octave Feuillet. ‘
88 A Terrible Deed; or, All for Gold. By
Emrnn Garrison J once.
By the author of “ Dora.
Tho " etc.
0 The Author’s Daughter. By Mary
llowitt

91 The Jiit. By Charles Reade. ‘ '

92 Eileen Alanna; or, the Dawning of the Day.
By Dennis O'b‘ulllvan. .

03 Loyo’s Victory. By B. 1.. Fa con.

94‘ The Quiet Heart. By Mrs. 0 phnnt.

95 Lettice Arnold. By Mrs. Max I.
hunted Hearts. B Rachel Bernhardt.

97 I ngh‘Meltbn. 'By Knhnrine King.

98 Alice Lenrmont.’ By Miss Mulock.

99‘ “£11316 Bruce’s Lovers. By Mary
I a

ti .
100 Throu Fire and Water. Byll‘red-
erick T'

t.
101"]lunhah. By Mes Mullog .
l8? K°fiow°"".‘“‘3:‘éa” ’mhemno °‘
._ e era 0 . . .
104'8hndogvs on the Snow. By B. .m

jean. -
105 The Great Haggarty Diamond. By
W. M. Thanks-ray. '
106 From Breanne to Waking.

L nLinton.
10'!” legal- Ze h! ByF. W. Robinson.
108 The sad ortun‘en orthe new. Amos
a ' Barton. By George Eliot.
109 Kristin-and-Cheeoe and Kisses. By

B. eon. .
110 The aija“delving; Heir. By Charles

Brothel-9e Bet; or, Within Six
, By Emilie Fggam Carlen.

1125A Hero. BY Miss ulock.

1 13 Paul and Virginia. From the French oi
. Bernardin De St. Pierre.

114 ’Twun Iandrffalgarh Buy. By Wal-

ns Blew... $233355... By William ‘

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33E-

 

'162

170 Blind Barbara’s secret. .

 

l 19 Maud Malian. By Annie Thomas. ,
120 Thaddeus of Warsaw. By lilies Jilin

Porter. _
121 jl‘he King of No-Land. By B L. 5.4
eon. .. , _ .
122 towel, the “’idoWer. By W. 1!”. Tuna:

may. . v

128 An Island Pearl. By .3. .1. F-.-ieon.

124 Cousin Phillis. ‘ ‘ t

125 Leila; or, The Si of Granada. By ~96
ward Bulwer (Lord Lfison). ‘

126 \thn the Shi 3 (tomes Home. 83?
Walter Besant and amen Rice. ,

127 One of the Famil ’. By James Pam

128 The Birthright. {MRS Gore. I

129 Motherlesu; or, The Farmer‘s Sweetheart.

. VB Colonel Prentise lngrnham. V N

1301 ornelesu; cr, Two Orphan Girls in Salt
York. By Alpert W. Aiken. _ ’

131 Sister a ninst Sister; or, The invalr: 3
Hearts. y Mm. Reed Crowell.

132 Sold for Gold. By Mrs. M. V. Victor.

33 Lord Roth’s Sin. By Georgiana Dickens.

4 Did He Love Her ‘l 133' Barkley .l‘. Jaw

b4 1. ,
5 s nned Againét. By Lillian Lovcjoy. 3
6 Was She Ills \Vil‘e! By Mrs. Mary Hem

Thackem .
8 Poor, aleriu!
B Margaret Blount.
9 . ar tarot Graham.
0 “’it Iout Mercy. ‘
41 Honor Bound. ilhnn yejov.
142 Fleeing from By Mrs.

Irving. ,
143 A bducted; or. A Wicked Woman‘s Walk,
By Rett Winwood.
144 A Strange Marriage; or, John Foster’s
Heiress. By Lillian Lowjog.
145 Two Girl’s Lives. y Mrs. Mary Reed
or, For Love!

Crowell.
146 A Desperate Venture
Own Sake. By Arabella Sou hworth.
147 The “far of Hearts. By Corinne Cush-

or, The Broken l‘wta.

By G. P. R. James.
y‘Bartleigl‘lhmpnelL

l-IHI-l III F1 HH H“

B
By
Love.

man. ‘ . ~
148 Which “(as the “’ornnn ’l or, Strangely
Misjudged. By Sara Claxton.
149 An Ambitious Girl];I or, SheWould Be
An Actress. By Frances elen Davenport.

150 Love Lord of All; or, In Her Own an ‘

B _ Alice May Fleming. .
A Wi d- Girl. .Bv Corinne Cusbman.
A Man’s Sacrifice. By Harriet Irving.
Did She Sin. By Mrs. Mm Reed (hmwll.
He Loves Me Not. 1‘36? illian Lovey-y,
.- Winning “'uts. By . nrgaret Blountt
“’hat She (‘ost Him; or. Crooked Paths.
By Arabella Southworth. I
A Girl’s Heart, By Rett Winwood.

i: BitItserAgMisfinke Ola}. Young Girl‘s
oll . has my e n. r ‘
Ln y ficlen’s VoW' or, TheMother‘s
Secret. By the Late Mrs. F. Eliot.

160 Buying: a llcnrt. By Lillian Loveioy.
161 Pearl ot‘PeurIs. By A. P. Morris~ r.
A Fat m1 Game; or, Wedded and Ported.
By Sara Claxton. . _
163 The ' rcolo Cousins; or, Famous Fair.
By Philip S Warne.
164 A Seething Ordeal or,May llanzley‘s
Mad, Marriage. B ‘ Mrs. eorglann Dickens,
A Strange Gir . By Albert W. Aiken.
166 A Man’s Sin. Bv Rett Winwood.
167 The Hand of into; or, The Wreck of
' Two Lives. By Arabella Southworth.
\Vomen. By Wm. M. Turner,
Love; or. One
11 mvejoy.
By Mary

Inuit-lid
viii-“NH

9! 910! §t¢i€flm€fl°1
rag-1 a:

II‘ 'I‘H Hill

¢

168 ' wo Fair
169 empted 'l'hrou h
Woman‘s Error. By

. line.
171 A Woman’s
I Much Tribulation. ismclaxto ‘ y I
172 Black Eyes. an Blue. By Com"
u man. : y
173 The Cost of {I Folly. By Gotrgio
Dickens.

‘ByAi‘arton'e

1%itchery; or, Throw la
n.

1'14 The Pretty Puritan
Daughter. .
Love
115 gvsireet. By Arabella. Bout worth.
1'16 Adria, the Adopted. . ByJennie Davis
' Burton. n L d _ _
the Woman e ove t or m.
I." flanks. By Agnes Mary Shelton. ' I
178 The Looked Heart. By CofinneOnehntan
179 Ported by Treachery. Z’y Ila.me

1 0 Was She a Wire: or, no.)de
‘8 wood. I 5 v I

By Bett Win
A new team. mm «neck.

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dealers live centeper oopy,.or sent by
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87 The Village on the Clifl‘. By W,
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