Waverley Library (Quarto Edition) (v. 7) (1883 03 27)
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March 27, 1883. No e. Vol Va PUBLISHED Ly BERET BY asa AND ADAMS, 98 Seiten Sr, N. Y. Fae 5 CENTS ADRTA TU ADOPTED: on, THE THE MYSTERY. OF E LA, ELLESFORD GRANGE. AAA AAA AAA, GY MRS. JENNIE DAVIS BURTON, AUTHOR OF “ CECIL'S DECEIT,” ETC., ETO, VALERIA POUNCED DOWN UPON NELLY KENT WITH CAT-LIKE AGILITY. ‘‘ WHAT HAVE You ; ero” SEE DEMANDED,
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, ae aoe : B45 he * ‘ > LONG Rig Se ~ - bs ES ‘shrewd detectives were sent for and had arrived. - These took minute notes, looked stolid, and popglace The party making the attack must ’ groping his way through darkness; ‘Though not tending toward rx had kept himself resolutely from the surround- rs ? 2 u 2 Adria, the Adopted; The Mystery of Ellesford Grange. AN AMERICAN ROMANCE. BY MRS. JENNIE DAVIS BURTON, AUTHOR oF * THE FALSE WIDOW,” “STRANGELY WE,” “ DOUBLY DIVORCED,” “ THE v _ TERRIBLE TRUTH,” ETC. Bie CHAPTER I. ‘Tue shadow of a great crime brooded low over Ellesford Grange. People came and went in little knots, with scarred faces and sbudder- ing horror, and talked in awe-stricken whispers | of the terrible deed done in darkness, which had left a shocking ip nee ES to be revealed by day. Hugh Ellesford had been found murdered. -»There were all the signs of a violent struggle, to give evidence that he had not died tamely, A curtain torn to shreds, furniture overturned | -—-even the carpet ripped from its fastenings | in a place or two; pools of blood lying stagnant on the floor, and sanguine marks smearing the wall. The corpse was terribly mutilated. Bruised from head to foot, clawed and bitten, as if by a wild animal, but with five livid marks upon the throat, made, unmistakably by human fin- rs. or’ tiny lace handkerchief, rumpled and crush- ed, with an elaborately embroidered monogram, lay upon a sofa in the room. A coroner’s inquest decided upon the appar- ent facts. The place was carefully guarded, that no single article might be touched until said nothing. Only one thing other than the shocking result was made known to the excited ave suffered siabogel > The marks upon the walls were of some one ked the 1 h of th Bioko, stains marked the length of the pa onl and on the steps the profusion of blood seemed to show that the assassin, probably overcome by “aintness, had paused there for 4 time. Beyond this, no single trace was visible. The vraveled walk, indeed, precluded the possibility of footprints, and for all evidence existing further, the earth might have opened before the portal, inclosing the guilty mortal stepping herefrom, The housekeeper, sleeping in an adjoining wing, had heard nothing; but this was not re- ‘maarkable, considering the dead, thick walls which intervened. This woman, the only living soul attached to the place, was of advanced age, — ial sound, attracted the observation of a few. te vila There were some insidious whispers tending to T 1 df g inculpate her, but the manifest impossibility of h a fact soon stilled them. here was a silent ebbing and flowing of the | or tide of humanity which could not have cr the threshold of the Grange at any ople, whose curiosity led them there, while their superstitious imagin- ings pled the dark old rooms with ghostly witnesses of that sanguinary scene. There was the funeral conducted with the gloomy state becoming the po Ho man, and the excitement attendin other time—country position of the mur- the ‘ event gradually wore away as time elapsed, and no further fucts developed. Hugh Ellesford had lived a very secluded life, thropy, he ing world, He had been arather wild yout! running into numerous excesses, but Keped ceived an early check. § _ Rumor said that a fair young irl, to whom he been betrothed, had jilted him for a stéadier rival, changing thus the gay lad toa grave, peeppetnted man. As evidence, the gos- sips pointed to his precipitate for di ay, ao wits The Grange was a great, gloomy building, ancient in style, with ete crialen ene _ Its founder was an English gentleman of small title, and estate so incumbered that no single «+ . ; ~ enters " ' toms and prejudices. In accorda: |, son, who, as soon ’ rp hey gta f t | __ADRIA, THE ADOPTED, _ acme nAl ao tion’ could hope to relieve it; he had, ee ~ ve its. he hid, eeate prudently Pesieme al this next of kin, and sailed for the New World, there to puild up an independent inheritance, But he had brought with him many old English cus- ce with these, ueathed his entire estate to his eldest turn, disposed of it in the same manner, this third heir being the late Hugh Ellesford. ; . Death had come to him so unexpectedly, and ‘so suddenly, that, had he rd Baa he was given no opportunity to signify isposition of the property. In the absence of a will, it naturally reverted to his only near relative—a younger brother. : : This brother, Joseph Ellesford, beginning life with asmall annual moiety, had found it neces- sary to strike for his niche in the world, since Fate, in denying him precedence of birth, had not already carved it for him. He began at the lower round of the ladder, as junior clerk in asmall mercantile establishment, and, though possessing no t taste for the work, devo himself steadily to it, and rose, at a snail’s pace, until he occupied a responsible position among the firm’s employes. A lucky accident, which revealed. to him a plot between some of the light-fingered gentry to relieve the store of certain valuable goods, and their gene- rous intentions being frustrated by his prompt interference, called forth the gratitude of his employers, and was the means of admitting him on a social footing into their family circles, By this time he had passed his third decade, and had come to be regarded as an incorrigible bachelor. Now, however, a new epoch opened in his life. Mr, Stratton, the senior partner, had one child, a daughter, who had been for three years a widow. oung and fair, her charms soon found the ‘‘open sesame!” to Mr. Ellesford’s heart. Her little girl, then five youre of age, shared his affections equally with he mother; and a few months more saw him fairly enlisted in the great army’of Benedicts. He | a few years of happy married life, and then his wife’s decease left him to center all the love of his heart upon the little Adria. With his marriage, he was received into the firm of Stratton & Co., himself, with two small capitalists, constituting the Co. Where so many shared the profits of a limited business it is not to be sup that Joseph Ellesford made very rapid strides to wealth. Still the establishment prospered, and, ten years later, being the time this story opens, he enjoyed a comfortable income. Possessing none of his ancestors’ prejudices, he rie had felt the will which richly endow- ed the elder son and left himself comparatively destitute, to have been unjust. The result was a slight coolness between the two brothers, and, during the twenty years of their separated life, only a nominal intercourse had been sustained. Now, that the estate had ag a ase reverted to him, Joséph Ellesford was inclined to regard the circumstance as a Providential dispenss ; thus SAB rege him for the fo loss of a natural right. he had After an interrsl, during which time the ex- -citement incident to the murder had in some wise subsided, he removed to Ellesford Grange. One of the new possessor’s whims pps foot pia ally direct some aiteratices. he wished made upon the mansion. To this a8 | This had been expected of him by the count peop. The Grange had been a eco Soe and after the horrible y enacted there, the dark rooms must have presented a ly = et ig aspect. But the work brought to light a fact rendering the preceding mystery even more inexplicable. ie A wide, pleasant room, artfully contrived in an angle connecting the main building with one wing, and not noticeable to merely superficial inspection, Was thus discovered. was lighted only by a sky-light set in the arched ceiling. The walls were hung with heey paper, the floor covered with rich key carpet. The ee was furnisbed with reference to Oriental taste, and the gorgeous hues embraced in its yi treme pce were blended in perfect harmony. A luxurious divan and ottomans of velyet sup- plied the want of chairs; a few hanging shelves contained a small but choi library. A dainty bul-bul stand upheld a complete array of toilet accessories. A guitar, handsomely finish rested ased in a corner. A side-table stained soli ‘with pendent sides carve; a variety of grotesque figures, was littered with he? ¥ Poe vs m he sy ve: ae ‘ He a a | indirectly caused his fright, | him such a chastisement,” she said. ee men renner nee “sure rated from the room by silken cur- rei pe eg nd a cedar wardrobe, the partially unclosed doors of the latter dis- closing a few rich, bright robes. Every minute detail displaved the trace of a female occupant. The detectives previously employed were re- called, and put in possession of this discovery. An additional sum was named with the already large reward for the apprehension of the un- known assassin, andthe machinery of the sevret force revolved with accelerated motion beneath the new impetus, . - The old housekeeper, who had removed toa hut in the vicinity, was subjected to another minute examination, but the bewilderment she had displayed in the first instance seemed to have resulted in simple idiocy. . Bribes, persua- sions and threats failed to elicit information from her, and at last her questioners were satis- fied that she either could not or would not give any clew to the mystery. - *‘ You see—she is hopelessly foolish,” said Mr. Ellestord, at the conclusion of one of these frutt- less visits to her cabin. The officer accompanying him thought he de- tected a momentary gleam of cunning intelli- gence in the old woman’s eyes, but subsequent tests failed to elicit any thing further, if, indeed, evenso much was not a delusion. ~ By and by, the search lost interest, but was still prosecuted in a desultory sort of way. And so five years wore away, without more noticeable incident than the endless variety of current events to mark the passing time. CHAPTER II. ADRIA ELLESForD (her father’s name had been Westland but she was known now only by her step-father’s name,) was rapidly nearing her twentieth year, Life seemed very pleasant to er, for as yet she knew nothing of the vicissi- tudes of fortune whi ake strong men quail, ae weaker women fade and dr before em, a ee Ay pees Ellesford’s union had been blessed with fo issue, and from the first ia was dear to him as though truly hisown child. In- dulged, but not spoiled, naturally imperious, though thoughtful of the welfare of others, she was accustomed to beavis, her wishes consulted of trivial import and greater considera iy ae tempted her out ae "phe llesford groun 8 lay on a gentle slope, and the med in by Hom pate eee he forest occupying the domain when the » DeAIn« ing and cheeks flushed with the exercise. She was sip softly to herself. Peet as young ladies are apt to do, of noth er , & filmy white thi draped loosely bout her shoulders, and a ‘air snatching where fe iced vane ht in the branches where its fringed ends caug ches © a. tree by the foadside, aap It was an pg epictas moment for Aolus to pie peat this playful act. aes orseman galloped at a furious pace up the sandy road, C) a black stood aioe and plunged wildly as the snowy fabric fluttered on the breeze before him. Of course Adria scream- ed. Itis not inwoman’s nature to be calm in the face of sudden danger, ven ar A firm hand held the rein, and the heavily- loaded, silver-mounted whip cut relentlessly upon the animal’s flank. Twice the rider forcod his horse toward the object of his fright unsuc- cessfully, but the third time the stinging lash and spurs’ driven cruelly in his flesh brought him trembling beneath the tree. The gentleman coolly disentangled the scarf from the branches and dismounting returned it with courteous address. The conflict between man and beast recalled Adria’s nerve. Her emotions were divided between admiration for the indomitable will which had conquered, and sympathy for the intelligent brute cowed into perfect submission. & “Poor fellow! Tam sorry that I should have _ vas brought upon “The Sultan will like me all the better for it,” his master replied, patting him. ‘He isa * tho contents of a lady’s work-box. An embra- | little inclined to be vicious sometimes and needs
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Aiscipline. For my part I can regret no cir- cumstunce brougbt about through the medium ot such a charming cause,” he added,. gallantly. Adria did not. quite like the neatly-turned compliment, . ; = Colonel Templeton is pleased to rank flattery among his accomplishments,” she said. He looked slightly surprised. “You know me, then. May I inquire—” ‘‘T am Miss Ellesford,” Adria hastened to explain, fearing the repetition of an eulogistic speech. “Then we are quite near neighbors. 1 have taken re possession at The Firs, as you may know. Adria knew, and said something appropriate. Colonel Templeton, throwing the rein over his arm, proceeded to walk by her side, He was a siitiful conversationist and just now anxious to lease. Heseldom failed in accompplishing any object, and Adria was not long in recognizing and appreciating his ability. He was a spare, tall man, with features that in repose were as immovable as though cast in a a mold of steel, but, played upon by varying expressions as he talked, became pleasing: even winning. His lips were thin, eyes cold gray over-arched by accurately penciled brows, an dark hair cut close, just touched by silver sparkles. Forty, he. must be, Adria thought, after carefully studying bis appearance. In reality he was past fifty, but the iron will which bad made him old at twentv successfully 1 ed the encroachments of Time at a hali-cou- tury. When they reached the gate leading into the Ellesford grounds, a friendly footing was estab- lished between them, — “‘T would ask you in to luncheon,” she said, laughingly, as she paused an instant, ‘‘ but per- haps you do not emulate the regular hours we mete Grange.” 4 -past eleven,” be commented, consult- ing his watch, ‘and I have not yet breakfasted. Mrs. Templeton will be waiting. You must call upon my wife, Miss Ellesford.’ ‘*T shall be most pleased,” Adria answered... Colonel Templeton mounting rode slowly up the yellow way. _with brows bent meditatively and vision which might have been sightless as the stone eyeballs of Destiny, for all he absorb- ed of surrounding objects. ‘By Jove, sir! you. are over-choice of your footing I think!” a familiar voice broke his reverie... - The Sultan, left to himself, had quit the high road and was pping daintily over the gravel- ed footpath. The colonel wheeled him into the thoroughfare again, and turned his face toward the speaker. A young man whose easy manner hinted almost of insolence, and dressed in the hight of the prevailing style. The strong re- semblance existing bespoke their relative posi- tion (ae tether: and ao re, . ere are you , “Where, indeed, but to the races,” “Very welli Don’t bet too heavily.” “Trust me for that, sir.” te directions, They | ursuing Opposi Coieist Reableeoh left his horse at the stables, and went into the room where bis wife awaited him, A small, slight woman with pale hair, anda face from which some horror seemed to have blanched every vestige of color, leaving instead a haunting shade that sought in vain a hiding- lace, but trembled always in her eyes and be- irayed itself in a nervous manner. e greeted her husband with a oe at- tempt ata smile, and shuddered slightly as he just touched her forehead with his lips. He - observed the involuntary action, and his mout settled stern and hard, but he controlled his voice to cool ida & -_* Have you breakfasted yet, Irene?” “Yes, with Reginald. Iwas not assured you would come.” ‘ Ah, well, it is.of no consequence. Pray re- main. I wish to consult with you on.a matter of importance.” The last spoken peep ike but Mrs. Templeton was accustomed to her hus- band’s depreciation of woman’s abilities and passed it silently. She rung for the service, and while her hus- band discussed his meal in moody silence, lean- _- ed back in her chair listlessly awaiting his pleas- ure. “JT have seen Eliesford’s daughter,” he said, abruptly, putting down his cup. His wife started perceptibly. “ She will call upon you in a day or oe, Ae I desire that you cultivate an intimacy the family.” ; ; ee With the Ellesfords?” she said, huskily. € “ With the Ellesfords! More than Tint, IT EREASUT 1S ACES Tent noted —) A _ mare A + Nee f o> - oe “il, es - wish you to manage that Reginald shall meet the Penne. lady. The disobedient .young dog would avoid such encounter if he imagined it was desired of him. Let him see the girl once, and he will be ready enough to seek her after- ward,” Mrs. Templeton gazed at her husband im- ploringly, She knew him too. well to attempt to hasten his disclosure, but this morning. he was graciously communicative. Perhaps he knew that his words were inflicting heart-stabs, “I will be candid with you. I am anxious that Reginald shall settle in life. He is a little wild, and nothing, will settle him so soon as taking a wife. Miss Ellesford will please me well as my daughter-in-law.” Mrs, Templeton uttered a stifled groan; and all the latent horror leaped intensified into her eyes. She crossed the room with uneven ste and laid her trembling hand on her husband’s shoulder, ‘For Heaven's sake, Alan, tell me that you do 1.5 mean it! You can not contemplate such a sin—you will never permit our boy to marry un E pe soho 5 14 ' hy nots e coldly, Grange is a desirable property oy His wife sunk into a chair, clasping her hands in bitter, Moeeleas agony. Her silent pain touch- | ed him, and he added more kindly: “ After all the girl is not penity an Ellesford -—-no drop of the blood in her veins. Only a step-daughter, I have heard, but she will inherit the property. Remember, [ shall expect your co-operation.” He turned away dismissing the subject: Mrs, Templeton, with her white face almost ghastly put out her hands in the manner of a blind | P person, groping her way silently from the | r oom. Later in the day her French maid announced that madame was suffering from a nervous re- la and had not monsieur better procure a physician? Monsieur thought it unnecessary, but ‘with his own hands mixed a composing draught with the soothing qualities of which he was well acquainted. CHAPTER Ii. THE sun rode proudly over the hills closing in one of the many manufacturing towns situ- ated in an Hastern State. The houses were ranged in methodical rows, displaying the sys- tematic and uncompromising sort of order in- dulged in by our New England fathers. A town where the wooden streets formed no angles but right angles, where the buildings conveyed an endless repetition of white frame- work and green blinds, with here and there a huge gray factory rising two stories above the common dwellings. The very river running its course on the east side of the place detracted nothing from its regularity, and droned its murmur in an un- varying monotone as it rolled placidly within its narrow . In a place or two some en- terprising spirits had endeavored to mitigate the too great uniformity by dropping a neutral- tinted cottage in a nook of its own apart from the regular street, but these were so stared at by the glaring white and green of the surround- ing w that they quite lost countenance be- neath the general disapprobation. was Crofton. In the center of the town, rearing itself yet & story higher than any of its compeers and em- loying a full score more of workers, stood the ry of the Russell Brothers, The long, narrow windows were let down from the top, and the half-screens mo ew» to revent careless eyes wandering from the duty totes them. From top to bottom the whirr, and buzz, and steady clank of machinery an- nounced that every worker was in place, and every joint of the mechanical anatomy perform- re office. * : slight bustle at the entrance-way, which would not have been heard by unpracticed ears, and word was passed from mouth to mouth that ee proprietors were coming to inspect the wor Two elderly men, very fac-similes of each other from their lank ies and straggling limbs, to their long, sharp features, and twink- ling, deep-set eyes drawn down at the corners with the expressions accepted as ap nara genuine Yankee humor, but with them settl irretrievably into the accompanying attribute, sbrewdness, Down the long room where | rows of catenin swiftly _ deta rd ms, ng in every detail, and listening si- to the ahs of the foreman as he different points in passing. __ A middle-aged, respectable looking woman, an Shes at « DRIA, THE ADOPTED. © * Bllesford | Cet . BS ¢ Ps 2 4 ee leaving her position by a distant window, pion the room on some temporary mission, and was returning when she met face to face with the party. She. stepped aside, silently waiting for them to pass. A great wheel revolved close: by, but she was not heeding. Her eyes were fixed with startled | intent scrutiny on the face of the young fore- man. A second more, her dress had caught within the band and she was whirled aloft, giv- ing utterance to a single agonized shriek, which was echoed by every woman there. An instant, which seemed an eternity, a wild confusion with people rushing hither and thither, crying for help, themselves incapable of action, and then the works stood still. The unfortunate woman was upheld in kindly arms, and pitying, | horror-struck faces crowded around. These | were imperatively ordered back and a messen- ger dispatched for the nearest physician., The woman was severely injured and the workers said among.tbemselves that it was only short of a miracle she had escaped with her life. It proved that her left arm was utterly crushed; there were bruises too upon her body, but these were not serious. : “Who is she?” one of the proprietors asked. A tidy, comely-looking girl stepped forward. “Tf you eee she’s a new hand and comes from the Brankley mills. They say she’s a little touched here,” indicating her forehead, “but a quiet sort of body and steady, . She has a room in Hay’s house,” Orders were given for her removal thither, and twenty minutes later the machinery was again in motion and_ business Rrooneding uiet- ly as though no accident had ever invaded the ace. But one person had been deeply pioned by | the occurrence, The young foreman had caught | the woman’s strange gaze fixed upon him in the same moment she was whirled upward by the wheel, and it was his prompt action that had delivered her alive. Her ghastly face as he saw it for an instant was imprinted on his mem- ory, and haunted him throughout that day. When the factory closed for the night he went directly to Hay’s house to inquire more minute- ly into her state, | Hay’s wife, a ened intentioned person, 1 ut | scarcely calculated for a skillful nurse, conduct- ed him to pie penanus room, She was ering acute Rein and was slightly delirious. Looking w er, he observed that her features, though flushed and distorted, were delicate, and the uninjured hand lying upon the | counterpane was slender and well-shaped though rough with common toil. Evidently her sphere had some time been high above the life of drudgery she had so lately led. But she could never do so again, The doctor had announced that could she gr the amputation of the wounded member it would probably pin paralyzed. He sighed as he turned away, think- ing that death might have been the preferable alternative. ’ He gave a coin of some value to the woman attending her and enjoined utmost care in, her treatment. After this he visited her daily, see- ing that she wanted for nothing. It was weeks before she was thoroughly convalescent, and meantime events were transpiring which thr ened to remove her only friend and benefactor. The Russell Brothers found themselves in ur- gent need of a trusty ay irectly with firms throughout the country to whom they furnished Their distant interests were ee want of personal attendance, and some tedious accounts required an energetic person to push for final settlement. Casting ahout them they settled upon Kenneth Hastings, their foreman, His place could be readily supplied from ex- perienced men in their employ. The proposi- | tion was made and a libera] commission aselgar ed him should he accept it. He embraced the offer gladly. The position he occupied was not one he would have voluntarily sought; but from boyhood he had found employment in the fac- | tory, and had gradually risen to the highest rpost. This pretext-would afford him relaxation | tie that could bind him to Crofton. | . He bad but a single regret. The invalid with the Hay people had grown to watch for, his coming and took a degree of comfort in his simple presence which ae else afforded, She was called Nellie Kent, and the how oenec- e considered her crazed though harmless; but here were times when Hastings considered this a harmless imposition practiced to secure her from the curiosity of those .about her. 'Y 0 He had found her intelligent and refined, and warm sympathy for her lonely condition di~ - ~ e : a ~ agent to communicate | and an opportunity he had never yet possessed — | of seeing the et! _ Utterly alone he a3 . vas ain fp
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_ she anticipated him. ~ pgain, sticks on _ Blaze fro, and chanting a monotonous plaint in a for- - commercial note, ree indifferentl _ tions ever so briefly. ance. but hi Se ek Ce: Sk a, Are ges 1 te ii Py o hy a aia __ADRIA, THE ADOPTED. rected hisfriendship toward her. She possessed 8 small amount of money, enough to secure her | letter. _ from present want, but he knew his departure ‘“Woman’s ruling: weakness which needs con- would leave a yoid in her daily life. stant ressing. , give you a course of dis- His tions were necessarily hurried, and | cipline, not touch it.” he did not find time to visit her until the even- “Now, papal You are cruel,” ous to his departure. ‘But you shall read it to me,” he concluded. waa sitting by the open window with the % ly teasing,” added Adria, with a laugh, far-off look in her eyes which was commonly re- | as her deft fingers — yy the envelope. o- garded as the vacant look of insanity. She | e signature. ‘‘ Valeria welcomed him quietly, and he attempted to find | Walton! Who is she?” some indirect means of imparting his news, but “Never heard of her,” he declared. ‘Per. a the letter may explain.” And thus incited “You are going to leave Crofton, they say.” ria read: He assented, adding, “‘The pleasantest re- “To Joseph Ruesfora, of Hues ange: membrance I shall carry with me will be the | “Dar Sm: w. said moments passed here. You have taught me how ¥might have felt toward my mother whom I never khew.” Her eyes for a moment held the startled look the held in his remembrance once before. Bhd spoke presently: “T, too, am going away from Crofton. I have ‘at least one faithful friend in this wide world, and I shall go to her.” She held toward him a letter, soiled and blurred, written in a straggling hand and inter- with foreign phrases, the meaning of which he could not gather. It seemed to him to be the entreaty of an inferior for the pleasure of devoting her service to a much loved mistress, But one line he comprehended clearly. It was dated Calvert county, Maryland. "It is but little out of my direct route,” he ex- claimed, in surprise. She had not known this, but a comparison of notes satisfied her. This eae 2d produced a change in his plans. He deferred his journe for a day, and when he went Nelly Kent travel- ed under his protection. When arrived at the point where their routes rated, she insisted upon completing the Bevarics aione. So they parted with mutual regret—the reputedly crazed, partially helpless woman, and the young, hopeful man, Parted thinking that théy would probably never meet “TI present to you a few plain facta, and elatm at your hands the bounty which 7 consider my ‘I am a lineal descendant of the Ellesfords, my -mother being the only child of Godfrey, who the ne to be born third son of Hubert Klles- ford, founder of the Grange. From this you will funaly-forteting posseaiicn of the petriarchal amily fo ion 0 ogee ge a ee me ny eee predestined to su mely an imported and un- Tw ri I thrown wholly “Two years was wholly u ™m con resetrces, vince then T have tied a varity of genteel employments, and am . cestor left behind him, [If you fear my Ellesford pride may suffer by rece: these in a form which the world might consider chery: you = tems tae to me some position in your household, pro- viding tt embraces no arduous duties and a liberal ‘Your reply shall determine In what degree I am yours truly, Vaterra Warton.” The address was added in a post-scriptum, to- gether with a for animmediate reply. At the conclusion of this decidedly al missive Adria awaited her father’s comments. “Truly, a self - and complacent youn lady "he declared. ‘ I wondér if she wi like the deeds of the Ellesford homestead delivered into her hands?” “Papa,” said Adria, ‘‘I think she is right. You-have no greater moral claim to the estate than she possesses, ‘“What would you have me do?’ he asked, a little testily. “ e the property into sec- tions, and give a part to every vagabond who real al acaba tas peariar aa rmerae 0. - ‘* At least extend to Miss Walton the privi- she ve her a home.” ‘But, my ter, consider. She may be ie @ or unfitted for your daily asso- eiate. Bpscagy Her Lae? vidya. eee ne — ou may decide capaci - Adleeee Ah, e _ After some discussion Mr. Ellesford agreed to this course. Adria herself wrote a cordial in- vitation and dispatehed it in the same day's Toward sunset she strolled out in the diree- tion of the bay, amd during her walk encoun- tered Reginal . A neighborly so- ciability now existed between the two families. Adria had embraced an ro opportunity to redeem her promise to Colonel Templeton, and from the first had entertained a strong hking for the pale, ennuled woman who reigned as mistress at The Firs. The liking was mutual, and the girl would have gone oftener with her bright face and c manner, had not some subtle instinct withheld her from the e elder lady’s ill-health was a sufficient etext toexcuse the formal return of Miss El- esford’s friendly calls. ; Colonel Templeton had not spoken unadvised- ly when he calculated the influence Adria would exert over his son. With the im ‘veness which formed one of the young man’s principal eee ne a a rani mex alike for or ill, as temporary circumstances inclined, he had ly ‘ioldad up to her the dominion of his affections. Joining her, as has been said, he timed his Old Juana, housekeeper to the late Hugh El- Jesford, sat alone in her humble cabin. It was gath twilight without, and a handful of the hearth sending forth a flickering ave and an uncertain light within, The old woman was rocking herself to and eign tongue. ~ ere was a step on the walk without; a fig- al conden in the open doorway, but § not. * Juana |” . The old woman started up and with a joyful «ry welcomed the comer. Sinking at her {eer sie sobbed forth a prayer of thanksgiving. “ My , fri uanal Your heart ba: never falied me.” : CHAPTER I¥. Avtumn had come and was using his magic wand to glorify the landscape. The dusty green, surviving A s fervid heat, was merging nto the prismal tints of red and orange, wi endless variety of intermediate shades. They were breakfasting at the Grange when delivered his daily budget. Adria ‘daalt out the letters as was her custom. Two yellow business-looking envelopes, and another | which she scanned ously. sq creamy wra initialed V. W., and Sapeneaind ina eminine hand. : can this be from, papa? What lady correspondent dare you have, I should like to know.” Mr. Ellesford, already absorbed ina page 0 | at the dainty missive and put it aside until his other communications were examined. One of these gave him apparent annoyance. “s says things are not going smoothly as | they should,” he observed. ‘'The man has let | his head take leave of him, I should think. He’ seems to have no definite idea of where the fault | oes aye i ; a BE a BF i a2 ES af fe = A : | lies, and i ti t all right, but | e to suit her steps, and engaged in a desul- thinks 16 be wall for the to. persona magic for, conversation. He prosecuted his wooing -Gnto the matter. I may be obliged to go to the | a8 he did any enterprise to which he put his hand, with a persistent energy which seldom failed to accomplish its object. He studied his | Pesources | m —_ General would plan for Mr. Ellesford was a man loving his own asiege, and this very renconter was the result and long absence from the details of ede: tad of mature deliberation. — rend red him disinclined to cope with its fluctua- | Adria taking in his physique as defined in the rosy light streaming in from bay, acknowl- the attractiveness of his manly perfec- Truly, Regivald Templeton had no city for a day or two. Confound the business! there’s enough of them to attend to it, I should think.” cause ry | | Adri thized with her father’s aunoy- edged yo. # hastened to recall his attention to the | tion. “object occupying her thoughte, sande le \ é i. : i ‘i k eR? dy VAS ye a 4 Peer ae. ee Agen eh 5 pe to com grow da sion, and lips firmly chiseled, but with a slight- 7 sensuous curve, His hair, waved and leonine ell quite ‘to his neck. Altogether he .was o that bes of manhood which few women c2 withstand, and no one was better aware of |i; sin endowments than Reginald Temp himself. With unlimited confidence in his own powe he had not once doubted the termination of | wooing, and planned this meeting for the »: ip 2 te of declaring his on. ! Ufully directing the conversation, he to: advantage.of an opportunity it presented, a: ere Adria had jeri 47 his drift, told her. a few forcible words of his love, and pleaded some token of reciprocating favor. J She was surprised and grieved. She bi thought of him wee f as a friend, one growl near to her through common chords of si pathy. Too precipitate action will someti! mar the completion of a plot, and in the s2, manner this unexpected confession broke uli: ere any glamour of love had sufficed to biix the eyes of her judgment. f No true woman can listen without pain to an avowal of eee ns a aoe hen om she is i t prepared returning favor; and * Adria shrunk before his words as though eve * one contained a hidden blow. 4 ‘‘ Adria, my love! will you not answer mef She turned her face to him imploringly, speak- ing Mr a bre oh, pl d t I ‘Mr. Templeton, oh, please do not urge me IT esteem you—regard you as a valued friend, but I have been fade spaced oa for this. Po- ould have ‘* Adria, give me but one word of assurance mea tg + fy and I will be con- tent. I do not ask a decision now, no promise or bond; only tell me that no other man claims precedence in your heart.” ‘Of that I can give you full assurance. No man exacts from me a gher meed than I hold hen I Wes 1 * Then Ww ou ™m TIess Adria!” you yet, my pee With his dark e lowing full upon her, and his face Mumined with paatioute tendern she felt the force of his werds, and wean fhritied by them. Handsome and manly, nha should himself the embodiment of her The prospect was mot displeas- Eat, she knew only the better part of his na- ture. Could she have seen beneath that come} exterior tothe deficiencies of moral princip it inclosed: or had she the reckless exeesses in which he had buried his soul’s purity, she wouki have shrunk from him as from dead)y Yenom. She eould not see and she did not know, Therefore, she did not gainsay the words which his exultant tones seemed to transform into a prediction. r Twilight was gathering as they retraced jad path. Fs man habited in a simple k pe whi might have been worn by a person of almost any degree, was standing irresolute by the roadway. stepped forward and cour- teously accosted them, Before he had time to make known his wishes, there came a clatter of hoofs along the turnpike. A huge black borse, saddled but rider with a lis flaming and white froth flecking from his mouth, rose through the gathering gloom, plunging and striking viciously at objects as he pa Adria shrieked wildly, and young Templeton threw his arm about her with a vague impulse of protection. The animal was bearing full upon them; another instant and his pitiless hoofs would crush them to the earth, “Invol- untarily they bowed their heads to the coming low. The young stranger saw their imminent peril, Scarcely a second could elapse from the know]- edge of their danger until it should reach them, but that brief space was sufficient, With every nerve steeled to action, he sprung at the head of the maddened brute, dragging him down with all his might. 4 Recalled to his senses by the in Reginald hastily drew Adria beyond reach of danger, and went to the assistance of their de- liverer. The horse checked in his headlong career was soon thoroughly subdued. Regi- noi Adria both recognized in bim 1 on terpositit’)-
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detente “The young man who had rendered them such. providential aid endeavored to evade their ex- pressions of gratitude. ; “I am_ seeking a place called Ellesford Crange,” he said, and they noticed that his v.ice came gaspingly. “ you direct me thither?” Almost while he was speaking he turned white to, the lips, and sunk fainting upon the ground. qd CHAPTER V. -THE same day witnessing the events chroni- - din the preceding chapter saw a man skulk- zina strip of woodland separating Ellesford ounds from The Firs. A low-browed, dark- paged fellow, with heavy bull-dog jews, and a | iched hat pulled down over his grizzled hair. | 3 face, scarred and seamed, was rough and ined, and gaunt famine stared from his iehed features, His eyes were glittering ck, with a trick of glancing sideways from er downcast lids. couching within shadow of the brushwood, . bing and waiting as the long heurs wore ‘ously away. Wearying, he strolled back / ough the wood. ; : | .4 voice, low but clear, was chanting a plaint which the breeze wafted. directly to him. He started, stopped, and listened attentively, ‘| Nuife is sad, life is sad A To those weary-hearted; Sundered wide, sundered wide— On earth for aye parted. All alone, all alone, Life wasted, heart dreary, Loveis flown, love is flown, | Has left me a-weary." He glanced around keenly, aor Let him enjoy his new-found well-spring of : rt is a ber of the preseat firm, and who held position as hate a i ; - x an pc ee 4 en) Lae Ne TEE a Ne RE 7 WR) ha Clin Le
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. TY <2" fab, ig _* = Re he i ” Re tne _ * ee b+ ie ole SNS tse WA ; a) S Asse Sg i ‘ £4 ; “ane ey: is was the position when young Hastings ap’ on the scene of action. The firm had bought largely of the Russell Brothers. Years of dealing had given them an unlimited credit, which they had used successfully during their later purchases. Theamount of their indebted- ness, swelling to a large figure, had caused the | ot had owners some inconvenience, but they | refrained from. pressing payment, fearing the loss of areniunerative patronage. At last patience reached its limit, and they resolved upon prompt action. To this end, El- | lesford, Banks & Co. had been placed first upon the list of delinquents whom Kenneth Hastings was deputed to visit. Banks received him cordially, admitted the claim, deplored the neglect which had overlook- _ ed its settlement long before, and sent him sev- enty miles into the country on a nominal errand to the larger partner. And here occurs what may be termed a coin- cidence. Upon the day witnessing Hastings’s interview with the managing partner, a tele- gram was put in Colonel Templeton’s hands,’ reading: “ B. is fleeced. Must have assistance or go under, Meet you at St. George’s Center to-morrow. f (Signed) “J. 8." Toward St. George’s Center Colonel Temple- ton had ridden with the breaking morning light, and returned with the sunset as we have seen. A week had passed ere Hastings’s mind em- braced aught eee to business. The re- membrance of it recalled him from his pleasant inactivity to the knowledge that his employers’ interests were suffering from his enforced neg- lect. _He hastened to procure an interview with Mr. Ellesford, and imparted his commis- sion. ‘ The Russell Brothers were about to add to | | | their immense ‘Manufacturing establishment a department for Para their fabrics from ori- ginal designs, They had obtained patents fora t variety af designs, executed by well- own practical artists. They hoped this de- partment might receive the support of their pa- trons. Banks received the announcement favorably and contemplated a large order, but could not ig eit without the acquiescence of . Ellesford. And Hastings, on the alert for the furtherance of his employers’ interests, had consented to seek u personal interview. Mr. Eliesford heard his business and immedi- ately gave his hearty concurrence. ‘*T can’t understand why Banks should send you o such a needless journey,” he added. ‘His judgment has always guided such details. But it has proved a fortunate circumstance through means of the inestimable service ren- dered me and mine,’ Hastings was plunged in deep thought for a oment, “Mr. Ellesford,” he said, ‘‘ this proceeding of your partner has given me animpression, which | may or may not prove correct. He confided to | ame that the firm was laboring under slight tem- t porary embarrassments. May it not be that | _. these are heavier than he wishes to admit, and he has taken this means to gain time for raising pre Mes satisfy the immediate claim I pre- sen’ Mr. Ellesford thought it improbable. But he concluded it would be well toinspect affairs per- | sonally at an a date. A “And [,” said Hastings, “must no longer in- ‘trude upon your hospitality. With your per- _ mission, I will accompany you to Washington,” | *““You—you, with your fractured ribs and | helpless arm? Pooh, pooh, boy! you will not be | able to travel under a month.” | This decree was seconded by his physician, | and, bon gre, mal gre, Hastings remained at | the Grange. It was by no means a disagreea- | { ble alternative to him. Had it not been that duty commanded his action, I doubt if he would have cared ever to remove himself from the pleasing spell which Adria’s presence had woven about him. . ’ And Adria did not long remain insensible to ‘the noble qualities possessed by the patient Fate had thrown within her charge. a _. “Pity is akin to love.” And from the first Hastings had been receiv- _ed into the immeasurable depths of her tender ___. Mr. Ellesford made a short trip to the city. 2 7 eceived him cordially, proceeded to _ yolubly explain the manner in which the busi- s SoS ® Ses x t A | ness had been sl htly involved. All had come | mobile, where Valeria’s were full and expres- | MG MOTE Fg oT) SE —_— a ‘ " oe Poe right now, he declared, and Mr. Ellesford, ’ easily satisfied, forbore to press personal inves- _ tigations. t was during his absence that Adria’s note of invitation received a mse in the person of Miss Walton, whose coming broke in upon the delightful absorption of each other’s society enjoyed by the two young people at the Grange, CHAPTER VII. Miss Warton sat with Adria, in the room of the latter. She had already fallen in with the customs at the Grange, aptly as if she had been acquainted with them all her life. This hour Adria usually devoted to reading, but, in the presence of her guest, was agreeably conversa- tional. Only in fiction do women devote themselves to the study of each other. In actual life the meet, and, with a glance, decide the status eac shall occupy in the opinion and confidence of themselves. . It had been so with these two. Valeria ab- sorbed her young hostess for a second with codl, scrutinizing eyes, and the. result was instanta- neous conviction: ‘‘Pliable, if warily managed, and with absurd conscientiousness which may be worked upon to advanta, If openly opposed, an enem who wil! not be readily vanquished; if concili- ated, she may prove a powerful ally.” Adria, in the same instant, determined that her guest was a woman who would win uni- versal admiration wherever she moved, but one whom she could never admit into the secret chamber of her best sympathies, No fine chords of their nature would chime in’ unison. They might dwell together beneath the same roof for years, and their affections approach no closer than during the first moment, So the two women had read each other, while they exchan primal greetings. It remained for continued acquaintance an BppOrrnHEy, to prove how nearly correct they ha n. “T hope we shall not prove rivals,” said Vale- ria, taking up a broken thread of the conversa- tion. ‘‘We will make admirable foils, Are you jealous?” “T don’t know,” returned Adria, laughingly ; ‘(it is a quality I have had no occasion to test.’ “‘T love homage,” asserted Valeria; “and if I tread on dangerous ground you must let’ me know. We are to be friends, are we not?” “Certainly,” Adria replied, with some sur- prise. ‘‘ Why should you doubt that?” , “That stupid business of the Ellesford will! You know how I feel about it; but you may consider me an intruder.” “Not I,” returned Adria, with some warmth. ‘“‘T agree with you that it was unjust, and shall willingly combine my efforts with yours in ex- torting such reparation as is possible now.” Miss Walton surveyed her with slow credu- lity. Man, well! We will not discuss it. Come here, until we see which is most Ellesford.” Adria permitted her companion to draw her before the long mirror, and listened amusedly to her comparisons, Of the same type, the Valeria was large and f fair and regular, but passive; her hair light brown, with a satiny sheen, and arranged in elaborate pn hag sat well upon her somewhat massive head. Her handsand feet were of proportionate size and finely shaped. | Adria’s features were less regular, but clearly | defined; her complexion variable, with skin close-textured and pure. Her lips were thin and | were totally unlike. y developed; her face sive of dominant passion, Adria’s eyes were | large, clear gray, and fringed with long dark | lashes; Valeria’s hazel, with light brows, which detracted from the force they might otherwise have denoted, Adria’s hair was yellow, glitter- ing and rippled—her figure slight and lithe. ‘Miss Walton criticised impartially. “JT am nothing but Ellesford,” she concluded, | “and. you are pure Saxon, without any of the family characteristics.” “You have a correct eye, provided you do} not already know that lam uot an Ellesford,” Adria answered. ‘“Are you not?” demanded Valeria. Adria explained. Their conversation drifting back, naturally turned upon Hugh Ellesford and the meres corinected ith hig life and death. ith the facts Valeria was already er ted, ens. Age ia roceeded to give her such deductions and de- tails as had come into general observation. _ “And the secret rogm is the ong in which , \ SN TS eh you have domiciled your young hero?” half questioningly.. — . Ves pa made but few alterations Li, CW Ea Te ot Tea R Memo} ‘it, the chief of which are the glass door, and the veranda in front. The furniture is almost the same, and every care is taken that it shall not be injured. He has an idea that it may yet furnish the clew which may lead to the appre- hension of the murderer.” “Could no information be derived from the woman’s garments which you say remained?” “Nothing. The dresses were rich but bore no mark to indicate the name of either maker or owner. The handkerchief is monogramed, but so over-wrought that it «is impossible to de- cide upon the letters. I have kept it since its return by the detectives,” She crossed the room, and took from her toilet-case a tiny box, from which she shook out the handkerchief. It was of fine lace, elaborately embroidered, yellow now with a aleria examined it critically. “ The first initial may be either I or J; the second is unmistakably, ©; the last F or T.” Adria smiled. “That much was determined upon its dis- covery, but the clew afforded was too vague.” So Valeria replaced the discolored bit of lace no wiser, and took her departure to an adjoin- ing apartment, which had been assigned to her use, Once there, she crapped no facial mask, no evil passions distorted her serene countenance. Instead, her eyes received a deeper shade, her lips a contemplative curve, which might have belonged to a guileless maiden’s day-dream. But Miss Walton was not given to dreaming, especially when her interests would derive greater aid from active plotting. Should this. girl, this alien, inherit the broad lands on which she had no lineal claim, of which she was right- fully ‘heir-apparent? Certainly not, if Valeria. Walton’s fertile brain could concoct a scheme which would dispossess her of them. Reginald Templeton came in during the day. He was regular in his attendance at the Grange, and inquired always, ina Peay Aaa a way, for Hastings. His manner did not tend to ingrati- ate him with Adria, who, brought into daily communion with the young man, had early dis- covered him pos of mental qualifications far in advance of the station he occupied. Kenneth had ventured into the parlor for the first time. Bolstered in a great arm-chair, with a stand drawn to his elbow eee ae crystal dish filled with gra and oranges, his cheer- ful SREONEY betokened him a very resigned id, inva “ Ab, my good fellow, glad to see you u again,” said Reginald, advancing and extend- ing hishand. ‘I have had no previous oppor- tunity to express my thanks or applaud your bravery. Let me do both now. Is endea- vor soon to exp my gratitude in a more substantial form than by mere words, and which I trust may in a measure compensate you for the loss of time sustained.” Adria who was by, felt her cheeks flush hot- ly. Kenneth replied, quietly: : “Tecan not think my action embraced any thing worthy of praise, and the inconvenience J may have experienced through it, has been doubly repaid by the kind care I have received.” you would not estimate your services so lightly if you knew from what a precious trea~ sure you warded danger,” persisted Reginald, who, in his wooing, sometimes let his zeal get the better of bis discretion, ‘Life is dear to all of us,” Adria hastened to interpose, and then skillfully guided the conver- sation to a different theme. Valeria who had silently witnessed the whole drew her own conclusions. “When Reginald rose to depart Adria went. out with him into the grounds. : ““You must see my dahlias,” she had said; but, reaching them, the regal. blossoms seemed to claim but superficial attention. | “Reginald, I must beg that you will not offer money to Mr, Hastings. He is a thorough gen- tleman and can not but feel it an insult, JTun- derstand your motive, and honor it accord- ingly—” Reginald winced beneath the slight sarcasm—‘‘ but am confident you will grant me this favor.” - “But, Adria, you don’t understand these. work-people. Money is their sole end and aim in existence, and this young man is but a better. type of the class.” : ‘Nevertheless, I aust persist in my request, Though Mr. Hastings is but a workingman, he 4 fully equal or superior to the many calling the ves gentlemen whom I have yet met.” er face flushed angrily, and Reginald .
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eras i: ve than making her believe you feel your own un- worthiness and her unapproachable superiority, So Reginald was received again a daily vis- itor. e was tender and deferential in his con- duct to Adria, but withdrew himself from ob- trusive notice. Valeria and he were now thrown much to-— 4 gether. It was in the nature of the man to pay court to every woman. He delighted to exert his fascinating power, and was merciless in witness- ing its effects. iss Walton was a beautiful woman, and her worldly stoicism, which he a was not long in penetrating, invited him to a clash of arncs, Valeria was @ thoroughly selfish woman, and she had centered her ambition upon a ultimatum. Imbued with the fancy of injustice ty indirectly meted to her, “grown with her growth and strengthened with her strength,” ha ford right. To some day reign mistress of the ~ family wealth was the incentive which had directed her mind for years—which had brought her to the Grange in the hope of forcing the re- sult. : ‘ » But now a dangerous counter influence was brought to bear against her preconcerted via Reginald Templeton, young, debonair and _ courtly, succeeded in that which hosts of true — op lovers had failed to accomplish. When the knowledge dawned upon her, she shut herself in her own room and faced the truth in its uncompromising nakedness. She had found a phase in her nature she had not suspected herself of Bh gmc es It seemed as if three Valerias had suddenly blossomed herself, me quietly down and listened to the p ‘ the first presenting her ambitious aim in all its — splendid tints, the last using all the eloquence of love to gain the field. The struggle was tedi- ous and painful, but she would not give up the study of her lifetime to an impulse springing x y salma Tha utara: ) = eee e BES oto re come the determination to regain her natural Elles- | eading of the other two; _ “Peruhe
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2 . > are: Pw i ~ : 4 ad y AN a CR eats, cw ne & 4 x a \ oO ' t 4uy bs : | ; ‘ $ ee iN es LN Chin ali sel AS ele ca a a ha Sekt ele ods es J “I mas Cw recedented interest in this young j hey Hone eatly petilocicilt from Ellesford, Banks & Co., | Wage, regr is accident, and intimated that, | _ though the business intrusted to him was im- | portant, he should not actively engage again | until fully recovered. He knew that he must now soon close his leasantreprieve. He counted the days as the Bed a8 & miser might regret telling out gO. ‘ fait Mr. Ellesford had en very fond of the Hye young man. He found him an intelligent com- | + Sage penne with moral principle denoting him wor- | _ «thy of every trust. Gradually he had come to | ‘nies confide in judgment, and sought his advice | i in many details. ' The two men were alone one morning, enjoy- ing the city papers just arrived, when a messen- ger from the telegraphic office came in haste. “*. Hebore a dispatch, evidently indited in angry aste: (ie __. “Have you been asleep? or why. in Heaven's name | ae have you not acted? The firm is hopelessly involved, and Banks gone—we hope to the devil, as he de- garves, aan * (Signed,) CiaRKE & NELson."’ y Clarke and Nelson were the two small capital- fists embraced in the Co, | if oy : | gaa | CHAPTER IX, The two women in the little woodland hut lived quietly. During her master’s time, Juana, ~ like him, had been a reeluse, and since had dis- | pari aouraged the attempts made by a few curious | ‘villagers to establish communication with her. | Her sullen reticence invited no intercourse, t H + aed and those who had attempted it were soon con- _,_:- tent to let her enjoy the solitude she desired; the | Sarge more readily that an annual stipend accorded | PR her by Joseph Ellesford rendered her independ- “,- @nt of official aid. | When Nelly Kent appeared with her the '. country people wondered a little. But as their unobtrusive existence betrayed sh on which to feed curiosity, their daily quiet was _ disturbed by no importunate meddling. That this calm was not perfect peace to either | was - oe evident. Since the day the strange | dark man had penetrated into the cabin, Juana | had been constantly on her guard. She seemed | argus-eyed in her vigilance. She prowled | through the adjacent woodland at unreasonable | -_ hours, and no living object the arched chamber. Vith hea eaghe ny and a locket studded with rilliants j a e dD. * "7 x BY “ey : os aa : oi, kee r ee Se } 4 PE A) <3 - py eb eng 0 Vashirieess an sie Sh at ee eusrenanay SE Rs Paap ha hash ate ee hn Aeon lelio ace none too soon. Valeria upon th old, caught the glitter of something in quick oar; and th tl drawer shot back to tts Pp - wo- man’s hand conveyed quickly to her bosom, Valeria an fon ant Nelly Kent with cat-like ity. ‘‘ What have you stolen?” she demanded. Nelly met her searching gaze with a vacant stare, then thrusting her hand into her bosom drew forth a common rosary and began telling the beads, as though oblivious of the other’s pre- sence, Valeria was not satisfied. She thought she had seen the gleam of gems, but at the instant Adria appeared in the doorway, and she for- bore to press the conviction. ‘* Had you not better have her searched?” she suggested, as Nelly quietly accompanied them back tothe parlor. Adria gave her an indignant glance. ‘“‘T am sure there is no need,” she replied. ‘‘She is not responsible for her actions in wan- dering harmlessly about, and even were she mischievously inclined there is nothing portable she could have procured. in so short a time which we would not at a glance have found missing.” In ber heart Nelly silently blessed the gener- ous girl, but outwardly preserved her passive demeanor. In a few moments she grew restless, and, in- timating her desire to depart, Adria let her out at the grand entrance door, bestowing a few kind words at parting. ‘* Heaven forgive me,” muttered Nelly to her- self, as she walked slowly down the broad path- way, “if I have made a mockery of any form, but Juana’s beads have stood me service!” Out of the grounds into the hig le wholl absorbed in her own thoughts until a roug. shout aroused her. . ‘Out of the way with ye, I say!” An open, carriage, driven at a leisurely pace was now drawn up by the surly coachman. Oc- cupied in herself, she was crossing the wheel- track in its direct course. A lady, the only occupant of the vehicle, leaned forward to chide the man for his impa- tience. Nelly, glancing upward, met her gaze and fell back a pace, her face blanched to livid paleness, The other, for a second-only, star- tled, then izing the death like counto- nance, caught her breath in a moaning gasp and sunk back senseless among the carriage-Cush- ions. It was Mrs. Templeton. CHAPTER X, | Arratrs at the establishment in Washington appeared fully as as. represented. The smaller partners, Clarke and Nelson, wera steady, thorough men, but lacking that import- ant qualification, brains. Banks had wielded the whole of the business machinery. Had been, 80 to speak, the power driving it all, while they were the cogs and wheels working in obedience to his will. Implicit confidence had been placed in. him. Fora bo period he was known to be at- ing largely with interests foreign to the firm, but, as his own private account was ample, this gave rise to no un ess. It was not until considerable sums had been quietly withdrawn, which at the time, his com- panions in trade believed invested in’ behalf of the firm, and when bills supposed to have been settled long before began to come in on them, that suspicion awoke. Even then no active measures were taken, Aware that Mr. Ellesford had been apprised of the state of affairs, they received Banks’s as- surance that his intervention had canceled all pressing obligations, and that he was keeping actual supervision over the interests of the es- tablishment, With this they had been content- ed until made aware of the deception practiced upon them by the disappearance of the manag- ing partner, and subsequent examination be- trayed that they were on the very verge of ruin. A rumor of their insolvency had got abroad, and bills were pouring in from all quarters. Their paper was afloat to an immense amount, their accounts at the different banks fully drawn by the absconding member. Total bankruptcy seemed before them, - The partners were holding a consultation in their private counting-room, to which, at Mr. ne request, Hastings had been admit- A accompanied by Kenneth, had , with along slender-linked chain at- ; dog d for Washin p ing day. | tached. The trinket was dented deeply, and the | But no penetration or shrewdness could over- They © in haste, the former explaining | chain, pliable in its virgin purity, was bent and come the hail facts apparent. Could the im: to his daughter that business connected with | entangled. Sho took it up reverently. mediate claims be met, the credit of the house — aoe ‘firm ‘satay! pom ata ten ethion “ | i He, po oi it a, orate she murmured. | sustained, SS die odin the ea but, he manner “ ; e, my lovel’ most proba ey would only sui stave pature. t | The rustle Of a woman’s dress caught her ing off the evil day. saree er N orig ‘ f 4 Q FA Se Y ie a YS Ralph EN iat Nia 14 2s! Sad VIS Par
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ime oA rs ing, forehead high and narrow and eyes light co. ep ee Vastings’s situation was peculiar. As author ixext agent.of the Russell Brothers"he was bound tw prosecute their claim. Gratitude to Mr. Etlestord—perhaps a deeper emotion toward his daughter—and a full appreciation of the confi- dence reposed in him, made him shrink from the performance of his duty. ' The latter consideration caused him to har- ard a leniency seldom extended by the Crofton firm. “My dear Hastings,” replied Mr. Ellesford, “your claim is but one of a hundred, and must share equally with all the rest. Should the worst come our assets must, I think, cover to a t extent our indebtedness; and I pledge myself to relinquish my last dollar rather than suffer the dishonor of our signature.” Meanwhile in another of the city a scene was enacting which bore direct reference upon the issue at stake. An inner office, dark and cobwebby, where few visitors were permitted to penetrate. The otter or entrance room was large and light, with two or three clerks’ desks ramged about the walls, and an intermediate apartment furnished with earpet and baize-covered chairs was the slace where Jonathan Sharpe, lawyer and bro- er, was in the habit of receiving his general customers. ; When a visitor was ushered beyond this into the office first mentioned, the clerks in the outer room wagged their heads and exchanged know- = es oe ee prennion eee hese ~ age one ee vanmeenmenaineen <otomee ing smiles, It was always conceded by them that some deep game was on hand, At this time Jonathan Sharpe was closeted close in his private See His figure was thin and pal age hm limbs loosely put togeth- His face was long and sallow, teeth projeet- blue. His sandy hair, straight and sleek, extended in sparse side-whiskers on his cadaver- ous cheeks, His clothes were rusty black, worn at the/seams, loose and dae yo R By nt means # prepossessiiig man, and one whose forty years of life had Poniniod no unselfish deed to add to the or ernie of the world. companion wasof a different and in his erect bearing and e, regular features we recognize an old acquaintance—Colonel Temple- ton. He was engaged in examining some legal- looking documents submitted for his inspection. ‘You find them all correct, sir?’ inquired Sharpe, with professional servility. ‘Quite sol Now tell me how you managed all so admirably.” ‘‘ Well, sir, you know he bad lost heavily in the Pacific Branch Bond business; in fact was far beyond his*own depth even there. Just then the Lu QGuich mining stock began to show. signs of life, and as bis legal adviser, I suggested that here wasa chance to regain his. balance. Stock was low Fa but sure to rise rapidly, He bit greedily. vised him to take the com- mission elgew I was overcrowded.” Colonel Templelon’s lip curled eynically, but he motioned for the other to proceed, ; “Nothing would satisfy him but that I should undertake it,so I consented at last just to ac- commodate a liberal patron, you know. He had lifted the bank account before, and now raised twenty thousand dollars on the Company's pa- ‘§ rr { at Ati per cent. below. Stock went w ily. hen it reached thirty below I consulted with him, but he had got the old fev- er on again and held fast. At twenty below I went to him again, told him I was called away for a day and offered again to sell. But he was determined to walt, ‘Ten hours later I sold at par. Shares went up to four above and then wavered. | A A A A A Att RAE A A RS A NA RR tert NN A eR A a NER “T tooka out of town—was detained two days, Found waiting my return, ragin like a madman. Lucky Gulch mining stock fallen to seventy below, ‘and still going down. » | “ He ordered me to sell at any cacrifica, In his excited state I thought it oo to let him know that I had disobeyed his previous in- junction.” “He received ten thousand of his pte wens and I added a morning Fin with the list o | packet ships marked. Sharpe, lawyer, is better | off by another ten, and be thousand waits | Colonel Ternpleton's command.” ; During his recital he had dropped his servile, | fawning manner, adopting a confidential and | boasting tone. The unreserved communication evinced that Colonel Templeton controlled the warty ind of this establishment. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” mended the other, satisfiedly. ; re was some further communication, and when Colonel Tempieton left the office of Jona than Sharpe, he directed his steps immediately ADRIA, rate toward the great mercantile Ellesford, Banks & Co. ; A blundering cash boy directed him to the counting-room, and he camein upon them ere establishment of the rs had concluded their consultation. Hast sprung up to eens intrusion, but Mr. Ellesford rising bade him enter. Ceangisten advanced, including them all ina genera. oldest member. . * Elesford, is this true that I hear? Js It pos- sible you are driven to the wallf” | , } { } , You have not sbaren salutation, but addressing himself te the comprebend the: **You know—-the woman!” ‘‘Was she—was she in the flesh?’ the old wo | mman asked, in an awesome whisper. The other looked at her fixedly for a moment. . ‘(Come here, my good Juana,” she said. the deception practiced’ upon others—-you do not: believe me crazed? J. ' may have been ward once; I think I must have | think I was spe “Then general rumor has cuught it already,” | coegensed Ellesford, bitterly, ‘Not so! I got it from one who knows some- thing of that scoundrel Banks’s villainous pro- ceedings, and I have come to offer you such as- sistance as lies in my power. I have already commissioned my agent to buy in all immediate claims he may find against you.” ‘ ; Mr. Elesford’s eyes dimmed and his voice faltered with grateful emotion. “God bless you, Alan Templeton, for a true friend,” he cried, clasping his hand warmly, amen mee CHAPTER XI. Netty Kent tottered rather than walked over the frozen road. This unexpected encoun- ter bad aroused conflicting memories which closed down around her, shutting out all of her present monotonous existence. Bitter memories they were, and a fierce passion raged within her breast. Her step pe. firmer and more even, but ber eyes burned still with that inward fire. Her face, dropping its passive mask, was transform- ed so completély that those who had seen her shortly before would scarcely have recognized her as thesame. Her fingers closed involun- tarily over the rosary she still clutched and the beads crusbed within her gra She shook them from her open hand, but the trivial inci- dent had brought a new train of reflection. “Revenge might destroy, but it can not re- store,” she muttered. ‘There is nothing left for me—nothing!” She was xem the strip of woodland skirt- ing the road before Juana’s cabin. <A squirrel frolicking amid the branches peered down at her with bright, curious eyes. A partridge sep- arated from its covey fluttered up from among the deadened leaves. But she noted neither, nor did a shadow flitting from clump to clump of tree and bush attract her more. The air was cut with a whizzing sound anda missile thrown by an unseen hand fell at her feet. It startled her and she hurriedly scanned the surrounding prospect. There was no one to be seen. The stone defined in a bare pathway was wrapped with a strip of something white. Stopping, she detached a slip of paper, written in a straggling but not an uncultivated band: “If you would hear of one yon think dead come alone to the Cross-lot Stile at dusk. this, Ont Wuo Kxows You." Nelly pondered over it. But no gleam of light came to relieve her perplexity, or reveal its authorship. She thrustit into her bosom with the precious trinket and pursued her course. The squirrel in the limbs shove rattled down a shower of chipped bark, and she started as thengh expecting some tw ther revelation. None came and she hurried on. Juana received her silently. blazed upon the eartt, the kettle swinging above it sung merrily. An cdorous beverage steamed upon thehob, Everything had been mace bright and cheerful for ber return. | H been, but you.know I am sane now. Did you ing of illusions?” - “T thought she would see it as it was that night,” Juana muttered, but she said aloud, bumbly: ; ‘ell me?” ‘*T met her upon the road. She was in a car~ riage, but Jeaned forward and looked me in the face, then fainted as she did once before,” shud- dering)y. ' “She remembers it and can speak ealmly,” Juana ned; in ber spirit. “ Mrs. Temple- ton? They are at The Firs,” shereplied. “She seldom goes out, 1 thought you peed never meet pray that I in. Ob, J ray that I may never again. re that ‘i y é Bg! , 1 pray the mysterious words, A lethargic feeling possessed her, an activity which was the natural reaction of ov ine¢ nerves. She shook it off, however. The scrawl had gained new import to her which was not hope, but rather a wild desire, an expectation of finding it through this means. She crept to the door which was ajar and listened. Juana was crooning a monotonous refrain. The fire had burned down to a bed of | dull coals, and over these the old woman was ' the door. crouching, hes weird fi defined in the red- dish glow, absorbed in herself to the exch of md thing which might occur-about ber. ‘ Nelly drew herselt! silently over the floor, reached the long cloak from its peg and gain The latch lifted noiselessly; she fiit- ted over the threshold and away into the dim gloaming. ; F An hour later Juana listened at the door of the inner room. Perfect silence reigned. ‘She'll want no more to-night,” she muttered, Satisfiedly. ‘It’s best so, best se.’ Let no one see | | .of wakefulness from A bright fire | | higher in the sky. Th: old: women undid her wrapping, observ- | drg with anxious eye the troubl look she wore. “T knew it would be so,” she muttered, hang- ing the cloak on « wooden peg in the further cor ner, ‘1 knew she could not there and come back the same. I only wonder ‘tis not worse.” Nelly Jooked round at her presently. “Txaw her, Juana—that woman!” Mi you see nothing worse?” Juana ques- tioned, with <7 oe eagerness, ‘* ‘What could be worre?” Nelly’s eyes caught the lurid glow again. ‘I thought my heart was steeled anddead, but both my love and my ‘hate have come back to me to-day. Juana’s skinny hands clutched each other in potafal gripe, but she only waited and watched silence, _ Nelly’s face was work convulsively, but _sbe turned to the cheerful blaze and witb 4 great effort calmed herself again. “Ts she here? Why did you not tell mef” she | w: ew hot Where? eG Oe , preoceupied | ‘Then she spread out her own bed on the kiteb- en hearth, and was soon lost in the unconseious- ness of profound slumber. a It was broad day when she was _astir agai She added fuel and blew up the coals smotl in their blanket of gray ashes until they pind out a growing, sparkling flame. Then she ti the outer room and went about preparing tte morning meal, listening now and then for soun e other chamber. ; Nonecame. Theold woman muttered to her- self, and went about quietly, fearful of ing the sleeper. The sun moun ' g ‘Strange,” repeated Juana, . “She seldom — os so late.” fred Then she rapped softly on the door of the in-- ner rcom. It swung back beneath her / and with a thrill of apprehension she | within. ; in vain te account for her The bed was disturbed but not: pied. The paraphernalia of the chamber mained in the exact order it had presented cn previous day, but Nelly Kent uot 1ey'e, ore The hours: p and she did not 4 Juana, tortured with anxiety, racked her brain — ence. She sea ' ed the,grounds, where Nelly was commons , walk, with like result. he had di from the cabin suddenly as she had come, ' The day wore on to mid-afternoon, and ; could remain no longer inactive. She w ; ' first to the Coungee but the missir | | ‘sullen expression it sometimes wore : woman not been there. Then she directed her s ward The Firs, her face taking on the deed, She knew better than to apply for. at the servants’ door. She crouched geome bushes at the front, and waited. ee ’ \
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The prom ey. she sought came soon, Reginald came out alone, slamming the door | after him, his step crunching heavily down the path, fairly b: nguinat the bushes which screened her. ‘ _ She darted out of her concealment, up the | ‘broad steps, and: into the hall, ere the slow- | ‘motioned servant whose-duty it was to attend — ‘the door had appeared: the: A rack, hung ith out-door garments; furn her a hiding- | Place. Footsteps approached, d her, and | “the man turned the key im the’massive lock of | ‘the entrance door. i | early within, Juana was at a toss how to | roce Her object was to see Mrs. Temple- A Mott tattvolngate into the hall, and » A lig! neing step came: C) , an peeping m her pm tse she beheld a smart maid-servant bearing a small tray. The man, Still loitering there, planted himsett in the girl’s wa . , Arrah, me honey, but it’s toll ye’ll be pay- in’ for the passage-way, I take it!” TO 7 i her ee ee eee sone pe parley. The brawny; impuden Feiindian was a favorite with her class. f - “Tet me apa Mr. Murphy,” she said, in strong French accent. ‘‘ The madame will wish her tea.” » © Musha, thin, ye’ll not be kapin’ the madame waitin’ for so shmall a matther, will ye, ma- vourneen?” There was some further dispute, but it ended in the fellow snatching the kiss he coveted and the’ maid’s brisk tongue scolded vigorously, as she slowly ascended the stair. followed the “Mrs; Templeton was quite ill, and in her ‘ivate chamber. She was lying back in a vel- et easy-chdir, her dead-white cashmere wrap- per scarcely more colorless than her wan face, " She sent away the maid, but the tray of Poe. edibles stood by untouched. She started nervously as the door unclosed in; and spoke without turning her head. Tho intruder advanced without making reply, and Mrs. Templeton, looking around wearily apg Felice, but Juana. A frighten rose to her lips, but the woman stilled her ith a gesture. «© Bush!” she said. “ I havecome for no harm. Where is my mistresst—tell me that! What wie Tomploton om rows WO dering] Mrs. Templeton regarded her wonderingly. |. S How should I know?” she asked. You met her yesterday—she told me so. rege she was gone. Has she not been re to you ; porte ays eyes distended with some fearful \ oe What is it, Felice?” . ; NY . mee Was that your mistress?” she w hispered. “ Ay, that was my mistress! I have changed your bonny ladyship saw me at the _ Grange,” she added, bitterly. Mrs empleton shrunk back, asthough struck ass (eget blow. st it go,” continued Juana, ‘ Only tell me mers came to learn.” T know nothing of her. She has not been | oa par told you the truth,” declared the other, her w conviction to the heart of bs “* Believe me! He was true to her pat uth itself. I would have told her then, but I as weak and ill, and her ep frightened me. Do you tell ber for me, that werved a hair’s b . Tell her, if you would give a ray of peace > a miserable, tortured woman!” ~ $8wear it!” , __ “1 swear it, by all that I hold dear or sa- bia iSendeitintig® i, CdR tote ‘ered % her. ‘as seal Pi would by Liuadt wabieahy aeteed arid ‘friends soon, and forget us | CHAPTER XIL. THE Washington firm breathed freely ron own Ruin had at last been averted. They no doubt that, with the leniency Colonel Temple- ton would surely exercise, they would recover their tottering foothold. The panic had been productive of serious re- flection in the mind of Mr. Ellesford, apart from the intense anxiety he experienced upon the immediate result. from the actual struggle of business had unfit- ted him for again coping with its complications successfully as he had once done. He deter- mined, soon as the establishment should be fair- ly on its feet again, to withdraw from it entire- ly, and devote his remaining years to the quiet enjoyment of domestic comfort, untrammeled by aught of other interest. : Hastings had proved to him of invaluable aid. The young man’s clear insight and indubitable rseverance had done much toward unraveling he knotted skein of mingled sophistries and facts which Banks had built up as an intrench- ment against the discovery of his embezzlements. The absconding partner had been traced, by an obscure route, on which he bad turned and doubled, until he was, with difficulty, followed by the law’s sleuth-hounds, to a seaport in a neighboring State, where all trace of him was lost. It was supposed that he had escaped to Europe, and there thé pursuit ended, Hastings now found bimself fully.able to re- sume his journey, and the business so long sus- nded. But first he went back with Mr. esford to the Grange, having chosen a ter- minus bringing it within bis direct course, vay a single day’s interval, and then he should leave the pray old Maryland homestead which had given him a nearer glimpse of earth- ly hehge than he had known before. dria was out on her favorite walk, com- manding an unobstructed view of the bay, roll- ing dark now beneath the dull winter sky. he knew of Hastings’s near departure, and fully realized the precious value of every inter- vening moment while she could yet hear the tones that had awakened all her dormant wealth of woman’s love, meet the earnest , ite which sought hers ever with tender per- sistency. Yet, with woman’s inconsistency, she had fled away from the warmth and the brightness within, rendered doubly alluring by his pre- sence, out here bereath the cold gray sky, with the raw wind sweeping in over the water, to get a foretaste of the loneliness and pain the coming days would bring her. She knew her- self, and knew her love, but, Seach him worthy of it, deemed herself ennobled by the purity of her affection, even should it never be owledged save to her own heart. There Hastings found her. He had caught a glimpse of her figure ing across the bare roadway, and followed, knowing it to be his last pe 2 hte ey of incidental things—o landscape, of the ships fiittering their pennons far out upon the bay—of his own departure. “‘T shall miss the pleasant companionship of the few weeks when I go out into the world again,” he said. “But you will return to bs home and ” she replied, with a tinge of reproach in her voice, ‘“T have no home and no friends,” he said sad- ly. ‘‘ Atleast, none to bind me with a single loving tie. If is where the heart is, I shall eed it behind me, on this lovely Chesapeake ore, “T can almost wish it so, that it may bring ‘ou back again,” Adria returned, feeling it in- cumbent on her to say something, and scarcely her words. “But what does ‘papa’s daughter’ say for ‘herself? It is she who will prove my miagnet.” She blushed painfully, endeavoring to disen- gage her bands, . ia, Adria! I love you—so w , 60 utterly, that it does not seem presumption to tell you of it. Now, can you bid me come ese years of absence ' wilestord alone. Valeria came to the door pre- THE ADOPTED, *6Come back!” she said. A step rustled over the ginald with, courtly ease. Out of their sight, ace took on a livid passion, and his white, even teeth ground toge in bitter rage. “Ay, the game is in your hands now,” he i “but luck will turn, I can afford to wa Hastings’s exit in search of Adria left Mr. : x d turf ‘and Re- empleton passed them, lifting his hat sently, starting a little when she saw him, and hesitating. i ‘¢ Come in,” he said, kindly. So she advanced and stationed herself in a position where his eyes, wandering ever and anon from the paper he held, must rest upon her. She was slightly pale, and wore a wearied, listless expression. Her full proportions were well defined against the dark background of the reat. chair she had chosen. Her large, fair ands were clasped idly in her lap, her eyes gazing straight before her with preoccupied, tent look. She would have made a good actress. Her postures, her expressions, were all studied with reference to effect; and this attitude had been conned by her before the long mirror in her own chamber. But Mr. Ellesford could in no wey be aware of this, Jancing at her now and then, he thought what a model of perfect womanhood she was, From that he fell to studying her fece, and w keenly observant of the wearied, sorrow- ul expression she wore. Her. eyes brin.med full of sudden moisture, and two great. crystal Grope hung upon her fringin ca. He threw aside his screening oer with real alarm, Br My dear ae te so ae oe oecrnes to ve you pain ou ere og started, and Tuahed eto the potent rs. : ere “Pardon me. I am foolish, weak; but, be- lieve mea, I did not mean to indulge in obtrusive sorrow.” “Then pe. have a grief? Can we do nothing to alleviate it?. Both Adria and I are most anxi- ous to make your position here agreeable to sts i -You are very kind,” she replied, constrain- edly. He peganiied her closely. * * Certainly ar daughter has done nothing to cause vo pain?” P ‘‘Oh, no, nol It is but my own folly. You would despise me were I to.tell you.” . “ Confide in me, Valeria. Let me show you how anxious I am to promote your happiness,” ‘Oh, thank you for the kind interest you have displayed, and thank you again for reeeiy- ing me 50 readily here in your household. I sce now I was wrong in wishing to’;come, I thought I would find a refuge where I would be content, and your many kindnesses gh ee mo for.yet unsatisfied. But,” her voice faltered brokenly, “it all serves to recall a time when those lived who loved me, and whom I loved. I see you lavish your affection upon your dangh- ter, and think of the. dear father who held mie the idol of his heart. I feel myself so lonely—— so desolate—” Here she broke down with a sob, burying her face in a snowy mist of cambric and lace, Mr. Elesford was much distressed. 7 “ “Oh, pray, don’t,” he said, in his awkward man-fashion, endeavoring to soothe her grief. ‘© My dear Valeria, what can I do for you—how can I assure that we rd you as very am sure a loves you asa sister. Oh, that she was here now,” he conclud- in an undertone. : Walton grew more comp She un- derstood the effects of woman’s tears, but would not risk a too copious flow to the detriment of her beautiful eyes. Inflamed lids and swollen nose would not aid her cause. ‘‘ Adria is very, very kind,” she answered, sad- ly. ‘‘ But ho does not, understand my nature; se gives me none of her warm ripened She deems me cold, unfeeling, an nd her injrstice chills me. I long so for love and tenia Here she had recourse again to her handker- chief. ; Z This was displa fing a new phase of Miss Wal- eons disposition, but @ did not stop to think of “T am surprised—pained,” he began, lettin his hand aap on her brown braids. *Bho put a4 a soft palm touching it, and. thanked him with Her loveliness and her n the glamour PET tall’ mer Low’ can't GoLaaey Yous
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Can my love, my servic ae 2 As” h aroripee ait with vivid hightening of a chee. brow. He was fairly in or on toxicated now with the excitement of revelation which a ton Fare Bain pon td ' “Valeria, my teers ty) beauty oe ea aig citing r to him, “Is it ai Rpt Mh B taht were chased away by trium al cage smiles, and there and then she eg unsuspecting victim with vows exchan “But, ‘AdtHa!—what will she say?”s Ell tioned, presently, with an air of timidity. ' A pang of remorse struck him, but it was too late now for such consideration. ‘* Adria will rejoice in my happiness,” he re- plied. “Tell me again, Valeria, that you are perfectly content.” “More than content,” she said. At the mo- ment, through the plate-glass window, she canght sight oF Regitind Templetons stalwart form advancing up the pa thway. <A bitter, yearning pain shot bits her heart. She re- alized how empty were the words she uttered and shrunk beneath his touch when the old man’s lips pressed her forehead. He thought it ‘woman’s modesty. That same day , Kenpiaili sought an interview with Mr. Hllesford, and in straightforw manly way told him the story of his love ambition. “Tama por man now,” he said, ‘but the knowledge of Adria’s love will strengthen me to overcome opp circumstances, I shall not claim her until I can offer a firm oy and a station not wholly removed from Newent in which she now moves. She is willin wait. Will you not assure us of your combent, Mr. Ellesford?” The elder man might not have acceded so readily had it not been for the bond he had so et assumed, As it was he did not refuso his favo’ “4 T must bs ey that there be no binding en- change, ‘You going into the world, wil bo ma ge. You £ world, w x orton We ; at best you havea rs sing tedious battle before you. It Pade ~ rei ii to confine my daughter to 6 you both prove constant, I you as my son when you are able to : The young poe were, ns satiatlod with this, and the future unrolled itself a hopeful scroll before Pe What a mercy that the bright moments of our lives are not overshadowed by the knowl- edge of events to come, CHAPTER XTIL Hastrres left the Grange full of hopeful an- ticipation. It would be months perhaps before he could return, but he had a high aim now to pak for, and this time of separation was ren- peters on gid Soe tomor bi Npiee ard the i] so m' Pees ‘mount toward the leve he had determin ed 40 attal n. Though Mr. Hi- lesford had. chfeobed ye a paraedl Petrothal be- tween the lovers, he put forward no interdio- tion or + to their communications. od te Adria saw him depart firm in her faith Hey ee ep ecco sic: fabure, With him ng the mystic igh F0 the tithe when t they should walk and, with no fear of parting until death’s severance, Mr. Ellesford took an early opportunity to in- form her of the relation now existing between himself and Valeria, He had dreaded the effect of the revelation. He was haunted by a dim consciousness that he was do his adopted daughter some wrong in thus ng another love to his heart. Adria was taken completely unawares. She had never anticipated such a result, The time had been so short since Valeria’s introduction to the Grange, the ney of ages was so great, and more than either, the supposition had never entered her mind during all tho years since her mother’s death that eRe woman could ever ui that vacant p be was surprised and grieved, and under the influence of the first shock Se not but betray herself. * Ob et reproachfully, “‘how it own conscience might venture to doubt the reroll of his seoghution but be would not gee ent from a: even from te Wag tet tela ae ihe herself fs mt RCE OS ee EN when she was fairly ticipatin a time when she shall leave me. Is potest eg el en to be alone ana man in my old age?” “Papa, “Ki you know that I will never leave a0: is all so different. Valeria does pat bod love 2 you, papa; she never will care for you “Really, , Adria, : ” he said, id, cols ie ae he: gl spoke er, “I can und n at this an- nouncement was unlooked for by you, but I cannot permit hi ou to impute any bat re motives to my future wife. You sh vided a all the ou ‘ea, ts papa!” she cried, a; urt that he should ‘so -misconstrue her oe s. ‘* Indeed— ange I am not so selfish. I was thinking you,” Then you will not envy me that which will add to my ha; ee, yt hter?” nae Not if it make you truly a a kissed her and sent her away, glad to have the interview over. She went immediately to Valeria’s room, with a oe hope which she did not stop to analyze. So ooee iS one striving to be awakened from a ng dream, or finding it true, that the other might have accepted the confiding old man from truly worthy motives. Valeria was expecting her. She was aware ot the interview and its p She remain- peo Bes ag og! A unconscious awaiting the other’s ctics, Adria was too thoroughly in earnest to a apt her subject warily. “ He bag tld You, then’ gape aby are mly. “Yes!” Valerie | had not expécted this straight-for ward questioning. man of the world as she | was, it disconcerted her. With the girl’s ashe | eye upon her she could not declare that it was for love, much as she might wish to preserve that illusion. ss be ng she repeated. ‘* Because—because he asked me.” Then came the pe Mapas had virtuall ined ne ey Bd. Me Miki Aoa ao wae ing the ent which was ng her? It could make no difference in the ent attained, She turned her fair face squarely within Adria’s view, and met her gaze with calm, cold eyes, Her lips curled with a smile half-mock- ing, half-triumphant. Selfish and cruel!” declared Adria, her hope gone, ‘May God deal with you, Vi Wal- ton, as you do by him.” wae tions were immediately commenced 6 marriage. It was Mr. Ellesford’s wish that it should be consummated at an early date and in a strictly private manner. Much as Valeria loved delay sho made nodemur. Per- haps she consoled herself with tho reflection that installed mistress of the Grange, she would control both the liberty and p pew s of rendering her life gay as she could esire, The second week after his departure, Adria received a long letter from Kenneth, He was quite strong now and fortune was already ae upon_him. He had received a large order for the Russell prints, and been successful in Piosaiting an old claim. it as a happy omen,” he wrote, “Knowing that you are praying me ‘God- speed,’ I ea not but prosper. J am more than contented, and gladly hopeful with my dear re- ward set in the future,” The words brought sweet solace to Adria, and in them she forgot her anxiety on her father’s account, Reginald Templeton came larly as of old to the Grange. He was quietly dropping into his lover-like babe 1 as but Y avin was too absorbed in herself and others to note this. He was working with a purpose new, fixed as his unrelenting nature. He felt, too, the value of this time, and the necessity for striking an immediate blow. He startled her one day by bursting out with the full tempest of his pent-n ion. He had not that cool contro] over himself, to plot and to carry into effect, keeping his own emotions out of sight, and thus insurin g greater success, She was all alone at the Grange. Valeria had gone to the city fora couple of days to oversee some details of the trousseau she | was perched ont Bo prepared, notwithstanding the pro- of the coming ceremony. Pro: | ie Ellest rd had embraced the occasion to ] prospect = the condition of the firm and its. Le em maton § sotily acco accompanyin apo’ € piano so nying he gh old love son yme happy re- brought a bi ed glow to her cheeks, a be rw it bight to her eyes. eresinald lettin himself in quietly as was hia t, stood re ling her no an remained anwar of bist presence. Her hands fell awa from the keys and she turned to face his plea ing, passionate gaze. © Karia, pity me! I feel ‘all the leve for which ‘I'd lay me down and die,” = te our sweet sake. But, oh! my love, I can not ve without you! It will drive me mad, or worse, unless I can know that I have saihe | hope. I will wait; if you only will not turn yom. our heart away from me I will yet win your e. in loves. ‘my darling, do not drive me to sinful d He was Cine at her feet, i ee her hands i a a clasp that almost made her scream with pa “Heginald, this is worse than folly. seech you, do not utter another word. Your mera can only succeed in ending our iendship.” “Listen to Ine, Adria. You, and you only, can save me from desperation. I love youas no other man can or will. Don’t turn against me and I will win you fairly, but by fair means or foul I will have you yet. You don’t know how @ man can make any woman love him, Adria! Ob, my darling! give me some assurance, ever so little, and I shall be 60 patient and so faith- ful a yourself shall deem me worthy of you at | “If you love me as yon say, be generous and leave me, A brave spirit uever persecutes a helpless woman.” e sprung to his feet, a quick flush nmnting his cheeks. “ Adria, once mote, Way? of come time honora bly el | before you answer me, have seen the | depth of my love. Take are ‘that you "don't tempt my hate. You don’t know of what lam capable ‘for, either good or ill. Do you treat me tenderly, have pity for ages and I wilt make myself a better man than I ever have been. Tell me that you ‘will, ey if you would save. yourself and me from sorrow, if no worse.” She shuddered beneath his gaze. His hand- some face O paties with ardent love must have a ed to her irresistibl ou give me a ad worn the shield of another’s wielding. Tho his face was full of pleading, his lip was set. Sg: curve. betraying ae immovable re- ve, ‘¢ What can I say or dof” she asked him. can never love you, Reginald Templeton. Go away fromme. Never speak to me a un less you can forget all of this. I was with you before, but you have forfeited the fidence I placed in you. Let me retain at my respect for you. Show you man; leave me to myself and my own peace.” “Which Means your own love?” he asked, his passion suddenly leaving him cold and She met his gaze unflinchingly. Her love ac- knowledged and returned, she would have felt no false shame in spam it, to the w had there been n “Yes,” she re “You know now, how le it is Gav you can ever be tome’ m friend—not that, if you persist in ‘ mad course,” “ And I swear that no other man shall ev im than a a claim you. You have driven me to it. “Let ti the " consequences rest with you alone, Some time ou may kneel to me for mercy and for fore be as t have “this day plead with you. When. that time comes I ow whether I love or hate you most. I can’t tell which now, but either will work to the same end.” He left her then, touching his hat with ly grace as he passed the window a mome ter; but the guiet white Bi be att his" frightened her moro than words had done. ; CHAPTER XIV. TON and his son again con- fronted each ot r in the bright, pleasant brary. They seemed for the moment to have exchan | ed disposi’ “9 itions, Tho latter, calm and cold, with no dentlén perceptibly stam upon his pale | features; ee iy Fees 3 he seldom display Shape Rote — a to follow ho a “ fr couldstt ou be conten w my ee AE. have set _ gir’ ‘will not dey re d you | I ‘oat. COLONEL TE on. ‘ooting, and am wip ng coe had she not. nt ourself a true — { Ibe as you? Reflect, , “yy
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aaron ~ neem na net eee T havo kept my part of our agreement by giv- ing you the exact position, and soliciting your further aid. With or without it I shall adcom- plish my aim.” Colonel Templeton was not wishing to arouse this independent “Of course I the uttermost since my promise is given to that _ effect,” he hastened to say. “ But you must , Bot upset my plans by your rash hot-headedness. . Givo me a little time and I will warrant you if . not a willing, at least a submissive bride, inald looked at him keenly. “You have some deeper interest at stake a the mere furtherance of this alliance,” he to hesitate at no means to forward my designs. shall render my assistance to’ | tweon them/”” | your concurrence,” | _‘*My dear Templeton, nothing would give me greater pleasure were it possible. nfortu- ' nately my daughter is already compromised.” ‘*Trrevocably?” Mr. Eliesford explained the circumstance, and condition. © “ At mosé, a girlish partiality. I am more | inclined to think it the result pique. Adria certainly encouraged me sg attentions, but he unfortunately provoked her displeasure, No doubt she is even now repenting the rupture be- **T cannot think you are right. Adria is nob apt to act hastily. Iown frankly that I should oy i? The father turned upon him sharply, and with ‘evident annoyance. _ “Is it nob enough that I have espoused your _ cause?’ he demanded. ‘Our motives, if not | identical, will ag: together.” Turning to the door abruptly he imagined he heard the rustle of garments, but a hasty sur- yey of the adjoining apartment revealed no one. _., Reginald, striding out through the wide hall- | vay felt a clinging grasp upon his arm, saw a white, agonized face lifted to his. It was his mother, She drew him hastily into the empty romping room, closing and locking the door be- nd them. *T overheard all, accidentally, I beg you to believo,” sho said, speaking rapidly. Oh, wy son, give up your purpose. Promise me that ou will never seek to ally yourself with an | “esford !” **You are nervous, mother,” he said, kindly, for whatever his faults may have been he was universally tender with her. “ You cannot ex- pect to keep your boy always, you know.” _. “ Reginald, I implore you. Go where you will, wed any except one connected with that _ house, There is a guilt there you must not at- tempt to cross, If you love Adria Ellesford, _crush the feeling from your heart if you would | not have it bring retribution on you who are Jyet innocent. If you covet the broad S tied sions she will inherit, for the love of Heaven put such pope from you. Better for you to wander a beggar through the land than to touch a farthing from that source.” ‘Mother, dear, we will not talk’ of it now! If you overheard our conversation you heard 2 peer raroa tion also. akan dnom that a ‘emmpleton never swerves from his purpose. - She shuddered vel, re _ “Oh, my son, listen! See, I will kneel to you, gin tae you, only give up all thought of ber.” '‘* Never, while I live!” i _ Her voice sunk to a hoarse whisper. petri “Reginald! Reginald! Thereis a crime which Spee Bee. raised a barrier between you. A deadly | ’ — a n which has made my life a curse, not, by your own act, bring down the brand upon our } _. “You speak enigmas, mother,” he said, chill- ingly.. “I do not attempt to penetrate your | Weaning. But if Hades itself stood between _ her and me, I would not relinquish my aim.” . Colonel Templeton was steadily occupied all | \__, that morning. In the afternoon he brought out | the Sultan, and mounting, rode slowly to the .. Grange. ?; Mr. Ellesford had returned and was at lberty. | _ He met his visitor cordially, as a man who had | .& warm claim upon his gratitude, “Let me order your horse put away, and do a2 you dine with us,” he insisted. But Colonel Sn Fem leton declin 0,” he said. ‘I have called on business | purely. A rather delicate matter, I admit, but | JI with us a business affair.” | . vy. Ellesford looked with inquiry, and await- | .ed further development. The other continued, | | “indicating the view from the room where they | " “Your unds cover a slope which can be | Cie sw fone for both beauty and fertility nowhere . in, LAL nd, | "Phe other bowed with gratified delight. Ho | was proud of his ancestral estate estate, And The Firs is not a contemptible piece of | =) 4 : property?” _.. On the.contrary itis very fine. Youshould | sia sepepaiato yourself on its ion.” ox “ What would you say to Lari the two?” beet Elles: a tN mee surprised and puzzled. Ra gon thas unged ‘headlong into a ro- ie, paastio r your danghter. : passed ay of youth can afford to at youthful folly, which in this case I fhink tonal wisely, Tho advantageous resulte of ee i i *' 1. , Zé. age -_ a ety % \ i | stewar be best pleased with the consummation you ropose, but the decision does not rest with me, Bho is yet free to act at her own discretion. If our son can succeed in winning her you may assured of my consent.” ‘* And otherwise?” “Thave already assured Hastings of my ap- proval if they both remain constant.” Colonel Templeton leaned toward him, speak- ing in a confidential tone. ‘You can exercise your authority toward in- duciag her to accept Reginald.” ' The other drew back rather stiffly. ** Colonel Templeton, I consider the marital relation of too great importance to be unwill- ingly enforced. My daughter’s choico shall be mine, Colonel Templeton’s lip curled scornfully. “There may be even more important. consid- erations in this case, Will you be kind enough to examine this?” He drew a document from his pocket. It was addressed to Jonathan Sharpe, and con- tained explicit directions to press the imme- diate ae of Pages bape pay, to the ag- ate oO tty thousand dollars, st the ie of Ellesford & Co. 7 ‘* You have no chance of meeting it,” he said, coldly, “and the slightest alarm will bring as much more upon you from other sources.” Mr. Eilesford returned the paper, pale to the ss ‘Tt will bring ruin upon us. It might better have come before.” *Ellesford & Co. take advantage of the bank- rupt code,” rehearsed the other, tauntingly. ‘Colonel Templeton, you mistake me I have a last resource to preserve our name from dishonor.” sili’ 05 3) mean that you would first incumber | the estate?” “T would first sell the last inch of the Hiles- ford grounds!” Colonel Templeton’s face grew cruelly tri- umphant. ‘*Tf you were called upon to deliver up your dship?” he asked. ‘‘On what terms did you inherit the family wealth?’ Mr. Ellesford looked at him, not comprehend- ‘ Was it not in consideration of Hugh Elles- ford’s death without issue?” ‘Tt was, certainly |” Unfortunately he left a son. I see you are surprised. You deemed him an unmarried man. That only goes to prove how well he kept bis secret from his nearest relative and the world.” Joseph Etlesford was first amazed, then in- credulous. “Tt cannot be,” he declared. “T can prove it beyond doubt. Do you realize the consequences should it be done, and the true heir produced?” His confident tone carried conviction that his assertion was not made idly. Mr. Ellesford sunk back overcome by the prospect the future resented to him should this be true. Colonel Wricton regarded him with calm satisfaction, He knew his man, knew the easy natura which, | shrinking from anything tainting of worldly dishonor, might be influenced by a stronger will to a complicity, reprehensible in itseif, but which would result apparently to bis own benefit and do no one a su ted ill. _ Perhaps you would prefer to remain in bliss- ful ignorance,” resumed Templeton, ‘droppin his voice again to that confidential tone, ‘“ have come here to-day as your friend, Ellesford. I have no desire to disturb your security. What Lhave made known need never go further; you and I should be able to keep the secret. Of ona thing I can assure you. The real heir, your brother’s son, has no notion of his station. He has been. reared in a totally different sphere, and believes he belongs there. perate with me an ou remain safe; against’ me, and find yourself a bezgared and dishonored man.” Mr. Ellesford onty stared | Spairing. 18 | |" Give daughter to my son in marriage, | and all will be well. She will not refuse, know- a (Sh rams RroaEe yey, oe ran hangs upon her wo. The other put out his hands with a helpless, | imploring gesture, . | Ly Give ee time, I am unnerved—I cannot think. Goaway. Let me think!” Colonel Templeton drew out his watch. | “In a half-hour the mail leaves for Washing- ton, I give you ten minutes in which to aecu. whether or no you will act with me. If not, Sharpe will receive his instructions by morning, and other consequences will follow.” - Mr, Ellesford bowed his head upon his hands, his face livid and working convulsively. On | the one hand was ruin, poverty, and the dis- honor of his name; on the other, a wrong which was scarcely a wrong when the one against hagas it was committed was none the worse for £. Adria, daintily reared and ions | cared for, rose before him. Then he seemed to see her haggard and ‘worn, dragging out her bri young life in hopeless toil, suffering even for the common necessities of existence. Could he doom her to such a fate? Strange that he should think only of her— that he should wholly forget both himself and his bride that was to be. But for the time Valeria was blotted from his memory com- pletely as if she had never been. “Five minutes!” announced Colonel Temple- ton. ‘Be quick, my friend!” ee CHAPTER XV. Cross-Lot STILE was a place scrupulously avoided by the simple country folk. Detamen it and the highway lay some barren clayey fields, and a deserted old graveyard, which, but for-a few half-concealed mossy stones had lost all trace to denote the character of the place. Beyond, a stretch of marsh-land, bridged by a ruinous old causeway, possibly laid and used by those denizens of that Silent City, now faded at bim, dumbiy de- from the memory of their kind ere their work had fallen into complete decay. Nelly Kent sped through the gathering dark- ness across the open, miry fields, striick by a chill: which was not quite terror, upbeld by something which was hardly hope. Letting herself with, difficulty in through the | Marrow gate, now rusted from its hinges and upheld in its place by a growth of rank shrubs. she hg ag her way cautiously across the where the shadows lay thickest. Somethin stirred in the coarse grass at her feet, ae whirred away with an unearthly scream. It was only a night-bird frightened from its cover, but it startled her so that she caught her breath | and sat down on a fallen slab te recover from | fit of violent trembling, | “What have such as I to do with fear?” she | muttered, half-audibly, rising up again, ‘* Noth- | ing to gain and nothing to lose. Life has no ' charms and death no terrors, Let come what | will it can matter naught tome,” For how long should she vaunt the idle beast? There was another stir in the grass near her, but she was not frightened now. She walked | more steadily across the darker space until she reached the stile. She strained her eyes through the shadow but | could see noone. She listened, the silence re- mained unbroken, A movement caught her eye. It was only a bush swaying in the breeze. She sighed, turning tode then paused again @ moment ere she should put an end to the chance which had brought her there. There was no stir, no sound, but she was caught Wants from behind in the gripe of strong arms. Her large cloak was thrown as a mufier over her face, She was lifted and borne away, almost without a struggle, so un- expected was the attack. he tried to scream but her voice was smoth- ered in the close covering. She endeavored to free herself, but she was weak yet from her over-excitement of the morning. and she found herself pinioned immovably in the elcse Brasp. With the effort she fainted dead away in the erms of her captor. Bearing her unconscious weight he strode straight on over the craggy old causeway, where now and then missing ties and rotten string-pieces plunged him ankle-deep into tenacious. On the other sida was a tract, and be- | yond a brawling little river, which in times of | drought was scarcely more than a strivg of t
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tents, it swe nto stormy, active ion, sweeping e obstacle that came in its way fore it with ble force. On the of this stood a mill, shattered ‘now and i deserted. The builder, a half- crazed enth bad telected the site against en th nt,advice of these knowing the locality. But he sodn had occasion to fim des his: obstk | The summer drought left him without suffi- cient power to turn the freat wheel, and the autumn storms coming w unusual severity, the river broke bounds, and flooding the coun- try about, rose well up in the second story of the mill, tearing the machinery from its piers, and leaving the building wrecked and useless. The land to which it belonged had once been an independent portion, which stretched in a long, narrow strip back of the Ellesford do- , but some years before had been annexed to the Templeton OREN It was toward ruinous old mill that the rogp ipade his way. an Nelly awoke to consciousness again she found herself in impenetrable darkness, She was lying on & e straw pallet, and stretching out her hand it came in contact with @ partition of rough boards. She. endeavored to rise but her head was confused and dizzy, #0 she sunk back, awaiting in a half-torpid sta the coming of light. ‘ ; She could hear the murmur of running water, and the sound lulled her into a doze by-and-by, n the bright sunlight streamed and chinks high up in the wall of her prison, A queer little room it seemed to her, with no windows anda single narrow door which seemed to have been cut through the solid plank. It was, in, fact, one of the great ers in which the grain had been stored, and was ceiled over with movable, rough boards, but through the wide interstices she could catch.a glimpse of the shattered roof and of the blue sky far be- ‘ond. a She wondered vaguely how she had come there and for what p Then the removal of bolts fully aroused her. She sat upright as the narrow door swung outward, admitting the man she had momentarily seen once before in Juana’s cabin. He was no longer pallid and emaciated. As abe re ed him some dim recognition floated ore her mind, yet tantalizingly eluded the men sp she would have upon it, - He e with a kind of native courtesy, dis- a setof even, milky teeth in an evil Beye eahon she knew Sa _** Pedro, it is you! igiee not satisfled yet? Will you weet to the de the” ‘S00: com ntly, bg t will follow the Solarn no fink, # “Oh, my bright, sunny Italy,” she murmured, softly. ‘That you should be brought back to me through such an agency.” ' He regarded her quietly. “The senora, like my humbler self, has almost lost sight of the old titles,” **T am only Nelly Kent, now,” she said. * And I am Luke Peters.” . bate 4 have you brought me here?” she asked. ‘¢'Wasit you who threw the note!” “ Ay, and wrote it!” “ But I never thought yon dead, whatever I might have hoped since you persecuted me so,” “Tr was not of m I spoke,” “Of whom, then?” i “Think—guess! Which of those gone to the silent land cowd you wish for most?’ An intense pain swept over her face, “Oh, not him,” she moaned, to herself, “ for he was false as they all are. Nor yet for my lit- tle sinless babe, to be and to suffer, perhaps to sin and then die.” ; Then ie Coes he ate and returned his eager, ques oning gaze Toll me your business aot let me go,” she said. ‘The sight of you wearies me.” He frowned, resisted. “The holiest love you ever knew—” ** Hush!” she cried, angrily. ‘‘ What.can you know of holy # I would not have a tender sap Be mp led by you!” His dark eyes git and his hand clenched t cunning voluntarily, but a look of keen re- aced his tem: y anger, : “Then you shall listen all the more, Let me tell you. Your little child—the brave boy who was re ee where ek lesndy “De id,” she € ews iets 1 ll Be Le Ra over his grave!” * 3 e. or Sat Nit ew i te Fh Reames so ee ay rae ey. kee ADR LS eee eee She broke out with a m ““Why do you torture me? mock me with the consolation that was never mine?’ He was moved by her agony. BORD ect emer in e made as tho @ would have eat him just as Jeane bad done, then sunk fae, moaning dumbly. “Listen,” he continued. ‘You could no longer keep him near you. He languished in tain. You sent him away with your faithful Juana, the nurse who had tended you in your infancy. You knew I was on your track, searc i for you the wide world over, but you thought 1 would never discover your retreat. ‘I might never have done so,but that I stum- bled across Juana and the boy in the Southern sea-shore village. I knew him by his resem- blance to you. I watched ine chance and sale him on Fs pt ase pane rouily, for she was a ian, but I got him awa from her at last. “ . “Then I sought her when she was frantic over his loss, and promised to restore him if she would guide me to you, She lied to me, told me you were dead, but I saw through the flimsy subterfuge, I kept the boy. She dared not tell you of his fate, or that I was on your track. She thought that she had eluded me when she went back and told you her story.” He checked himself suddenly, then resumed: ““T put the boy in safe hands where I knew you would never find him, and have seen him often since. What will you do, or what will you not do, for his restoration?” ‘*Oh, my child, my little child,” she cried out, with a burst of softened, tender tears, such as she had not shed for long years. ‘‘ Restore me to my boy and I can freely forgive you all.” ‘‘ Nothing to gain, nothing ed, ‘I beard you in the old graveyard, and I said to myself, ‘Before another day passes she IA, THE ADOPTED. the close confinement you were obliged to sus- | | { continued tho other. bac dl “Why not? Today if you wish. It will be over the sooner!” “You are right.” After a word or two more, out, ving the Grange, he proceeded in the di- rection of the bay, but ere long turned into a -lane, grass-grown and seldom tray " yond this, mi versed ing a detour about the fields, he came out upon the bank of the noisy little river, and following its course southward, came to the mill. The man, Luke Peters, came forward from the place to meet him. ° “You have changed for the better,” the gen- tleman remarked, carelessly. ‘‘Good feeding and secure shelter have thrived you.” “Ay, I’m in condition for job work cS the. other returned, gruffly. ‘‘ What’s i’ the wind now, Colonel Templeton?” “You are cynical, my friend. I have come to see after your well-doing.” Peters laughed'sneeringly. “Out with it,” he said. “Ill deeds don’t re- quire delicate mouthing here.” A shade of vexation crossed Colonel Temple ton’s brow. He could not sound his tool in the manner he desired. > “It is no work,” he said, “only a question, “‘ Where is the boy?” ‘‘ He'll not trouble you, Colonel Templeton.” “That is not answering. Hark! what is that?” A wild wail was born upon the breeze. “Only the wind,” said the other, hastily. “It shrieks through the old shell like something hu- man ““T should say so,” returned: the other, dryly. “Very much like a woman. Tb ew lose,” he repeat- | Queer pranks sometimes. But to the point, I | ask you, where is the boy?” ‘Where he’ll trouble no one. Dead!’ said will kneel to me and beg for that which I alone | Peters, sullenly. = can ge : *‘ And I do, I da,” she sobbed, prostrating her- self before him. ‘ Pedro, oh, good Pedro, take me to my child!” His eyes grew hard and glittering. ‘On one condition only will you ever see your boy.” ine caught her breath—she knew it before he spoke, “You scorned me once, drove me from | laughed that I should aspire to your love. swore to be revenged, and I have imbittered your whole life. e fear of me pang. over you always like a threatening cloud. have t power now, and you will never see your boy again, unless you give me the hand you denied me scornfully then. I said I would follow you no more, Neither will I, for leave me again. Never again!’ She did not attempt to plead with him, but Tue and crushed, crept back to the pallet of Ww. “Then I shall never see my child. Never again! Better that he had truly died!” _ CHAPTER XVI. COLONEL TEMPLETON closed the hunting-case of his watch with a snap, returning it his pocket. He rose, taking his hat in his hand. “The time is up,” he said. me with hes decision?” Mr, Ellesford raised his head with slow, pain- fulemotion. He had aged ten years in as many minutes. “To what would you drive me, Alan Temple- ton? 1can not see my way clearly. Give me | time—a bi 7 a day!” | ni Oh, well! I must hasten to reach the | His hand was upon the latch, the door pring Fa beneath his touch. Adria flitted through | the passage-way, humming a snatch of song. Te glanced over his shoulder. “ Better give your singing-bird a secure cage than to turn it helpless upon a world full of | enemies. However, that is your affair!” | “Stop!” cried Mr. Eliesford. ‘‘ Haye you no pity. in your heart?” . wee decision!: At best it is but a choice of evils, , wath can not doom my child to poverty and | “You accept the alternative? You will use your authority to bring about this marriage?” “Tf I must. My poor, poor Adria! It is for her sake only.” i ** You have acted wisely ,” commended Colonel Templeton. ‘‘ But I can notsee it as such # sac- ; Tifice, | pais not an ill match.” rs} _ ~ , a * . Fay emer oS opener MR ee RAEN aL you shall never “Will you favor | | i | I ean ‘not enter into a d Mr. ord was , i! “T must ask you to press the subject at once,” | ‘Mind what you say,” declared Colonel Tem. pleton, menacingly. ‘‘ Remember that one end & rope is about your neck, the other in my . Tm not apt to lenient where any ome plays me false, Now, have you lied tome?” ~ ‘* Why should I? It’s of no account to me,” | the man returned, dogged and scowling slig ly, but meeting the other’s steadily enough. “True. lie low. Pi see that you get fresh supplies in a day or two.” ee Wheeling his horse shortly round, he rode — away at a brisk canter. “It’s as: well,” he muttered to himself, | «Could Joooph Ellestord brow all’ he woul have little fear of my replacing the true heir, even did he live.” Luke Peters watched the ee ty form out of sight, and uttered a low, scornful ante go, my fine gentleman. you ae eit remember that others than you can Riot and work.” Mr. Ellesford sat silently as he had .been left. He tried to fix his mind upon the crisis thus brought home to him, but the alternatives ed to stare at him out of a blank space in which he could find no foothold to grasp or analyze them. - Adria passing presently, looked in at the door, ** Are you ill, papa?” : es—no, I am not quite well, I -be- Come here, say. daughter» ¥y She advanced, resting her hand upon his shoulder. ‘You are pale and faint. What is it, dear?” “What? Only ruin,” he answered, with a sharp, unnatural laugh, She looked at him with a shade of arxiety. her face. She thought him seriously unw slightly delirious, and placed her hand up his it was | forehead, expecting to find it fever-hot. clammily cold. There was a flagon of wine-on the sideboard, She silently filled a glass, holding it to his The generous stimulus im brought back to himself and the situation. “JT did not spenk wildly,” hé said, meeting her glance, ‘ Listen to me, Adria! Total ruin | stares me in the face, and you alone can avert ~ it, Will my daughter see me turned begga upon the world when her act can save me#” ** What do you mean?—tell me plainly.” He took another draught of the wine. Then, collecting his faculties, explained briefly: “ You know I have had_ business di 1 Templeton advanced money, bought up claims fiat Wore pending, got a hold me by which he con reduce me to the strait aid. He alate poneiiey Atiorehapsioe: recoiled appre: vi “You guess what it Ao that We Re you shall mawes ete
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7 hd ae: 1 3 eed get oo * 5, CF A1 / nye b his son. It is the only alternative, my daugh- “Would you Iike to have ter.” fur s y . ep. sit: 2. a ever earns eset —- ate a not be so bad! Your business, the great Elles- | Valeria!’ He had not thought of her for | was_not bers swayed, and after some hot ford estates, they can not all be at stake?” hours, 4 words they had dropped mention of the subject “Every thing. I would not attempt to in- “No,” he said: “1 am resting easily here, | between them, but were neither ready to ignore fluence your choice were the chance less desper- ; but I will retire soon. I think I shall sleep | the issue. er ae ate.” P well.” And, meanwhile, sea not openly press- “Then let it all go, papa! I have alread She kissed him and stole away: ing his cause, was working stealthily toward its ‘iven inald Templeton his final answer. It at ent, ter! : ** Papa, have you forgotten Kenneth?” ~ He caughs at Colonel Templeton’s remark. » “A mere girlish fancy, Adria. You must crash it out. You have been a good girl always, you will not disobey nie in this?” “T must, father. In all else I shall do as you command, but, even for you, I will not prove false to my love.” “ areca girl! Hear, then! It will bring not only beg , but disgrace. Giving up everything, the roof over our heads, even the clothes upon our backs, I would yet be deeply involved. away now and think of it. would have yon comply willingly. Sacrifice = if it bea sacrifice, but let it be done ree An expression of fear shot across the gray pal- lor of her face. “ Papa,” she wh , ‘you have committed nocrime from which this has resulted?” Crime! Something in the word chilled him. “No, no?’ he said, petulantly. “Go away now, I wish to be alone. Come tome when you can say that you submit.” In her heart she knew that time would never come. There was that in her nature which would not brook unjust authority, and she said to herself that her womanhood ‘should not be even’ to keep him from sorrow and ' RVe will bear it together,” she thought, but she left him without a word. . She was confused‘ by what she. had heard. She could not understand how itshad all come She half hoped it might yet prove a about. oer wing a shaw! about her, she went out in the cold evening air. Within she felt limited, Se In the morning Joseph Ellesford sat there still, stark and stiff. salad CHAPTER XVIL . Aportexy, the physicians declared. Th Ellesfords had all been predisposed, that, rere F So the late master of the Grange was laid side those of his kin who had penetrated the dark m before him. Wedding robes were laid aside for mourning garments, Could anything have effected an enduring bond between the two lonely women at the Grange, this grief should have done it, But they were drifting apart now, even away from the assumed cordiality between them. A few months must be passed over briefly. Joseph Ellesford, like many another man bet- ter or worse, had gone the way of the flesh leaving undone an important act. He had made no will True, during the last few hours of his life he believed he had rightfully noth- ing of which to make disposition; but he should have prepared for death’s emergency long rs before. Ho had always intended settlin he full property upon Adria, Had he liv and consumma his marriage as proposed, Valeria would have inherited a life interest, duly acknowledged sole heir. if the remaining Ellesfords descended from the founder of the Grange, one branch had be- come entirely extinct. Another, prosperir but illy on American soil, had shaken its dus from their feet and gone back to reclaim the debt-burdened patrimony and empty title, which, after lapse of a century, was left in the mother-country without representative. ra Valeria settled securely in her new posi- on. She took an early rtunity to impress Adria with their ae cane: “3 ide course you po tay here, my — said, graciously. w uire a com G) and some one to direct posctpt cuatons Meee: hold charges. I don’t think I could suit myself better.” And on the spot she named a sa ary, e As it was she put forward ber claim, and was One of the fast men of his set, De Co . had succumbed to the vicissitudes of fortune— At this Pipa young Templeton came to hit aid. He had some personal influence with a few lax-moraled city grandees, and his father’s reputed standing invested him with more. By a judicious use of this power he obtained a situation for his unfortunate friend as agent on the immediate mail route, De Courcy, like most men _of his class, knew. conscience only asa namé, He had no punctili- ous scruples in breaking his oath and violating ‘his duty to serve the one who had stood by him in need. Through this agency, then, the missives, for which Adria watched and longed and grew sick at heart that she received no word, were transferred instead into the rival lover’s hands. In due time the outstanding claims were brought against the surviving members of the firni. But the controlling spirits of the establish- ment were goné, While ks was identified with them, he had molded the junior partners eg to his will After his flight they ad fallen back upon Mr. Ellesford, believing that he would guide them safely through the financial storm. “With his decease, and the sub- sequent flood ‘ef liabilities flo dn upon them, they gave up all attempt to fight against the workings of adverse fortune. Clark and Nelson were strictly honest and honorable men. They yielded up every far- thing to their creditors, and the result proved more favorable than they had hoped. The assets yielded dollar for dollar, No man was wronged, but they were left without a foothold upon even the bottom round of the ladder of worldly prosperity. It was some trivial matter connected with the settlement of these claims which b: ht Jona- than Shaspe to The Firs. Colonel Templeton had proved a valuable auxiliary in his double nt with the cold sky far | by no means liberal, considering the duties character of patron and client, and the lawyer Pe te tai theta. ot cacill dnd Peter | Gontzived should'test upon Adris’s whiogiders; «|| hdd come persoually in preference to sending before her, she could throw the cloud from her | The latter felt the change keenly. Her pride | one of his clerks. in, and perhaps find a clew to lead her | which was not Ellesford, but of more independ-| Their business concluded 2a) Tose, iting gh the Eiortath of doubt. ent class, would have urged her out into the | against the door-sill ashe worked his large - There was the tramp of horses’ feet upon the | world in preference to this almost menial: ser- | into a pair of dog-skin gloves, road, and Colonel Templeton reined in the | vice in the home where her wish had once been “You know Kerr?” he asked. Baltan by her side, She did not wait for him | law. There was an obstacle in the way, how-| _ ‘‘ The detective? I have reason to,” Colonel to spea ; ever, one reared by her loyal, loving heart, | Templeton’s face shaded darkly, ‘‘He and [ What is this you have been doing with pa- | She would take no decisive step until Kenneth’s have come near clashing once or twice.” pa, Colonel Templeton?” | judgment should pos issue upon it. She tem- He’s not in the force now. Quarreled with -“ Ah, he has given you the situation?” | porarily accepted Valeria’s ungenerous pro- | the chief and was dismissed. He has a devilish “ He has been talking stra a) sal, patronizingly as it had been given. In | spirit but they have lost a good officer, He's “But truly, I don’t doubt,” a hour she indited a few tear-blotted htning, sir, on a search!” “He says e is a beggar unless I give my con- lines to her lover, ** Poor ais gone! ran a h of this missive, oye nnil BPs t ‘Ah, no doubt,” etnon tonch- ing a match to the cigar in his teeth, “He's rusticating with your fair neighbor of © has spoken correctly.” and alone in the world His cool tone brought the an blood to her | except for you. ‘Tell me what is best to be done, and | the Grange. lah up some old clew in the chee She attempted no parley or concilia- | 1 will obey you oe as Il expect to do in the future | hope of reinstatement, I have heard.” F ~, he was firm in his she was no | time when our hopes and interests shall be insepa- ‘The devil!” The lighted cigar had fallen in Ah} Hike With tear senedet rably the same. I have full faith in the wisdom of | the midst of loose papers upon the » but 5 SO, @ spoke withou PP le passion, | whatever you shall direct, and awajt your reply, ured before damage resulted. ry the Pe neh Feonel ean a Mt et we longing for sympathy from the only love left me Gacied ou said?” ge a 1 now.’ 7 ‘ > hag oF “ ves, but not in character. He a he turned then, walking quietly away. . ‘ th & nikin ‘@ measures to Late her within bounds.” ' @ evening wore ong, but Mr. Ellesford remained leaning Whee ack in his chair, At er-hour he excused himself on that oft per- verted plea of headache, and tine servant brin ing im a shaded lamp, at his request preven ‘ intrusion, Adria went to him when it grew late. ‘* Papa, dear! you will make yourself actually ; ni, Go to bed, or let mo stay with you.” ‘He did not speak immediately, but presently ith a | from | day where his commission might | the morrow. So Adria inclosed her missive in’ Kenneth was, she knew not where, moving lace to place, agate himself one ead him upon an envelope to the Crofton firm, begging them to forward it immediately to his address, Herétofore, letters bad arrived from him at regular intervals, every one imbued with senti- ments of hope and eg 8 But now time drag away ; days lengthened into weeks, and no token or word came to assure her of his grief for her sorrow, his steadfast constancy. Still she never doubted him. Could she but have known the actual cause of this strange silence! The reader may penetrate the mystery here, though Adria was destined to remain in suspense for &@ weary interval, A feeling of common respect prevented Re- ; ppears in the form of the lady’s solicitor, and is ostensibly engaged with matters ing to the estate, gig way, how about Jenkins’s foreclosure?” id of his visitor a few moments later, Col- onel Templeton paced the floor back and forth with teeth sunk deep in his under lip. A lower- ing anxiety hung over his face, but no expression to denote the traceries of his thought. ‘Then the shade was swept away, and he went out direct- ing his steps toward the Grange. 6 had already paid assiduous court to the. heiress, and received his reward by penetrating ° her secret. He was well aware ot her partia ty for his son, He read her, too, as a woman well calculated to further his scheme, and one who would not shrink from employing doubt- ful means to procure a coveted end, Valeria was alone, having just dismissed the ; nald Templeton from attempting to 3° ; “ Are you going to obey me, Adria?” breat into Rtoontan during the mont 7 seudo-solicitor from her presence, She met i cal Tecan not do 4g her bereavement. im very graciously, while he turned some “Well, never mind, daughter! Ionly meant| There had been a warm scene at The Firs | read yaya iment to accoun vies bod ou. It was for Your sake I did it, not | between the father and son. Colonel Temple- | , ‘* Reginald was here an hour ” she said. Bovaaiight, dear!” dismissing her ton was now as anxious to destroy ‘the Pace bility of an between Reginald and Adria as he had before to secu! that ot the girl consummation. twas the Ma: ge AES 2 att | pa ee easton aaa eer 2 aa
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‘implement which had aided ell degrees. wench, had listened to his ed his abode, but one day some w nee ee er nn Te tne en EE 2ng her and the extent to which he should deal with ber. ‘‘Then you ‘should take some decisive mea- sures to restore bis mental equilibrium,” she de- clared, with apparent laughing candor, but sur- prising bis searching scrutiny with a anick, comprehensive glance from beneath downca ds. ‘‘Exactly what I have come to consult you about,” be said, half-amazed and half-relieved that she should anticipate the expression of his thought. pet ‘Consult me!” she echoed, her wide-open hazel eyes now delivering an admirable inter- pretation of innocent wonderment. “Yes, you,” he returned, calmly smiling. ‘‘T seo you -have penetrated his hallucination, Strange that still retaining his faculties unim- paired, he should so confound identities.” Their glances met again, his meceg , hers with comprehensive respouse. But she affected child-like ignorance. ‘‘ Please explain to me. I am so dull. You know I shall be only too happy to serve your- self or Reginald, so far as I can.’ A ical gleam shot from his eyes. auf You must know that my son is very deeply in love with-ahem!—with the Eesford heir- ess, I don’t fear_that you will misinterpret my meaning. As I said, very he in love, so much so indeed that brain bas become slightly affected, thereby causing a lamentable peck exceedingly annoying misapprehension, He bas become imbued with the belief that his Jove is embodied in the person of your com- panion—a very good sort of woman I know her to be—while you and I are well aware that his enslaver is your own fairself. Suppose his de- lusion should continue, what deplorable conse- quences he <9: unmeaningly bring upon him- self. I think it is our duty, Miss Walton, to combine efforts toward sayng him,” “Undoubtedly,” she replied. ‘‘My poor Reginald! What measures do you propose tak- ing, Colonel Templeton?” “J think,” he said, slowly, ‘our first «are must be to remove the cause of bis misappre- hension. Not toosuddenly, nor ina manner cal- culated to raise suspicion of any except her own agency, but so securely that he shall be able to discover no trace of her. Yes, certainly, she woust be removed. ‘ CHAPTER XVIIEL : WARISOME winter days that came and went with unvaried monotony in thebare little prison room, -Nelly Kent had long since given up all ‘hope of escape or succor, ° At first she bad busied her brain with impos- ‘sible plans, but the strong rough plank sides and leop-holes high above letting in light and air “were alike impregnable to her efforts. She set- tiled into an apathetic ptote, baaken by intervals of violent grief which t perplexed, then worked alarm, in the mind of her captor. Luke Peters bad not confined bimself closely as Colonel Templeton supposed (perhaps as he de- - sired), to the precincts of the mill. Scarcely a night but be kept prowling vigil about The Firs, and upon the actions of the unconscious occupants, With the distrust which one viilain always entertains for another, he feared treach- ss betrayal. olonel Templeton was not one to keep an his evil-doing about him for naught, ana this long season of in- activity d the ciors of the man in cautiously into the fishing- vill he coast, and there had sueceeded in obtaining an acquaintance witb - the colonel’s son. It has already been intimated that Reginald Tem oton, belonged to that floating class in soci clept f men, otoriously a with the winning manner which none could better assume, found favor for him alike with basin, nontlimied. young" ashe than one buxom, stow oung to the sacrifice of her maiden innocence, On one such occasion Peters had rendered him valuable service in averting the well-merit- ed vengeance sworn by f brother of the victim. In return, inald a fancy to the dark- browed, mysterious man, and intrusted him with some commissions of no very reputable | nature, but which were faithfully executed, During this time Petera scrupulously conceal- him induced emp) te return from the village by to) T way < + Stile. A thin blue vapor curiosity way of Cross- thin ed mi vattraoted ; oleae it. | maintained reign. possessed. Nelly Kent. wasslowly butsure- | he found the man busied over a fire in the shed which had done duty as a wheel-house, but from which the great drum had long been detached, and where a rude clay chimney had been con- structed. Since the chance discovery he had come once or tiwice to the place, but Luke, ever watchful for intruders, met him in the wood skirting the stream. ; Early spring-time came but the season was backward, and the spirit of frost and snow Peters was witha uilty unrest. pining away. ith no hope and no comfort ore her, she steadily refused to make any ' only too glad then to accept any terms I exertion of will which might stay the life-blood | certainly ebbing away. She listened unmoved to the pleadings and threats of her jailer. Indeed, she seldom seem- ed to hear his words, or hearing, to understand their import. The. violent outbursts which came at times when she thought that her little son was somewhere in the wide, cruel world, and would never now know her mother’s care, less often disturbed her morbidly-melancholy | state. She never thought of him except as the brave, winsome boy she had clasped to her breast in all the agony of parting, that morn when he had gone away from her—forever, she always added. Peters went into her room one day with some morsel of dainty food he had procured for her. She turned from it with an expression of dis- t, the first indication of consciousness she d evidenced for hours, ; ‘“ Kat a little, a very little,” he plead with her, humbly and gently now, “ touched nothing to-day. strength unless you eat. “JT want no strength,” she said, wearily. ‘““Why can’t you let me die in peace? You have tort me through all my life. Go away, now, and let me die.” . ‘Oh, cara mia, you must not die!” The sin- hardened man fairly sobbed above her. ‘‘ Live, only live, and I will undo what I ean of the wrong I have done.” C) time in weeks’ she had willingly conversed with him. ; ‘*‘ Men are all false,” she said. ‘* You would only break your word were I well again. I would rather die now.” , ‘‘ | swear I will be true to. the promise I give you,” he declared, vehemently, ‘I will restore ou to your boy and trouble you no more. Think of it—of you and he back in the home that is yours. _ Oh, live, live!” ; Something in his words struck her, and she generar silently. She was very weak and even he exertion of speaking tired her. She replied to him presently, but her utterance was painful. ‘‘I shall be glad to leave so much sorrow,” she said; ** but my boy should have his father's inheritance. I never wanted it for myself. Wil! you not let your enmity die with me, and -restore him to his rights after I am gone?” *‘I will do anything you command me now,” he answered... . “The papers,” she continued, ‘‘ you will need them to prove hislegitimate claim. The certifi- cates of my marriage and his birth! They are in the secret drawer of the little table—the one in the arched chamber, You press the eyeball of the cormorant’s head in the carving, and it will oper; There is something else”—her fin- utched at the locket which all this time ne had concealed about her—‘‘ but I am tired now; I will tell you again.” She closed her eyes and her breath came pant- ingly. The man de her, in that. ant, repented those .acts of his which had brough her to this, After that she slept easily, and he qolenwee quietly that she might not be dis- “Te I can bast Galea hae back,” he though “old Juana will nurse her into life a ino " ' He was scttering upon the river-bank, but with the sound o speccaqhing aces he and walked maealy out of ear-shot, of mill, <A few paces further he met Reginald ton on the look-out for him. “You want me?” Peters asked. met don’t much mind danger,” Peters replied. “ Dm hardened to it, I should think.” f an. i tle minx, who's Ge pee h ae host ee put ee eee and loose indefinitely.” The man an earnestness beneath | ‘ WY Aa phe Be Te = ou have | You cannot keep | ha | corners enough, which wrt 7 marry. her fair and square. She was willing enough once, but another man came between us. [want to get her in my power; she’ll be may offer. Once my wife I defy Heaven itself to : take her from me.” a His face flushed with rising excitement, but him to. the man’s quiet indifference recalled me What d ropose ” pe at do you p “T want you to get her here to the mill. I know its crannies of old. There are sn with a little work, wi | answer the purpose and be tight asa trap.” } } | | | ‘ Peters’ stiffened at the suggestion, until his sinewy frame was rigid as cast steel. ““T- can’t-have a weoman’s eyes an? tong agg here,” he said, sullenly. ‘‘Maike it any other crib, and I’m your man.” ‘‘There’s not another such country,” Reginald declared. a place in tia Tt will. be -but | for a few days, Peters, and I pledge myself that nothing to ‘hei detriment shall come through it. Come, Pil make it well worth your while, Say a hundred dollars for getting her here, and as much more for the time she stays, You'll not soon make another two hundred so easily.” “The pay’s good enough,” Luke said, slowly. He was thinking to himself. Why not? ie | may be the means of saving her! A.woman might | cheer her up—anyway, it will do ne rm, ‘ So he said, alond: : “If you agree to see mo safely through, Jil do as well by you. It’s a bargain, then! is the bit of diniity I am to secure for you” “It is Miss Ellesford, of the Grange. Re- Member, my man, you are to treat her with every respect!” 1 He then proceeded to given lighting jercg of Adria’s personal sppeeente and daily habi u shook her head feebly.. It was the first _ He left Peters to decide upon his own course in accomplishing the abduction. “ To-morrow ht, if possible,” he con : | “1 have a — for wishing to peste te affair.” . : This reason at that moment lay in his ; et, in shape of a note from It an- nounced his return to Crofton, and his inten- tion of pasertias a speedy appearance at the Grange. He received no replies to his numerous letters, but attributed this fact to his own uncertain locations, While Reginald yet lingered, there came sound of horse’s e borne down from the idle-path. ith a last hasty word, he plunged into a thicket of scrubby” ma fields. A moment later his father, Colonel a drew rein almost upon the very spot he had so lately quitted. Coincidences are of not rare occurrence. Plotting and counter-plotting frequently defeat each other unawares. ( or remeron 55 enough Colonel Templeton, bt actuated by en opposite motives, was’ upon the self-same mission that had brought his son. ‘*She must be removed,” he had said to Va- leria. Who so well fitted to undertake the task as his old alley Ea Peters? What place so well calculated to furnish secure shelter, yet re- main free of suspicion, as the ruinous old mili? CHAPTER XIX. ne Ex-pDETECTIVE KERR sat the ueint . side-table in the arched cha yi Y. cian without much d, that former re- searches and the lapse of time had escaped any important discovery. Still, he was sli, 7 dis- appointed whem seru’ ‘ound to the ad worn them. The two handkerchiefs presented a clew more pow which the ex-letective awaited only a ; ible text to follow. eae ust now he was engaged upon a matter which drove from his thoughts all pene nee of t! SEE nares pare com oem out before him, amiae pve Written Sesehn all toe “ the his way homeward over the barren. Lt
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aor es eT eee RNS = ae ‘ a sion in the doorway, with cap awry, an aw 46 ee ow cayenne hace te eee lating to the same subject, of which the ; densed contents ef one slip will give an ink- -e4 “MURDER AND ROBBERY!—Krurp m Dr FERXDING HIS OWN PROPERTY! ETO., ETC.--The double outrage, unmistakably committed by the well-known and daring foreign burglar, Pedro Cardini, alias Rake on ay , alias Dick Brown. Description: Medium ‘hight, thin and wiry; eyes, hair aud te regan dark; tace badly sca “d ; even and w te; forehead Jow and beetling,"” etc. etc, Ex-detective Kerr was conning these different papers carefully over and comparing their min- utest details. is done to his apparent satis- _faction, he refolded them in a secure packet and placed them in an inner pocket. ‘*T have no fear of mistaking my man,” he said to himself, very softly. ‘‘I think I shoul know him in the dark.” He spoke softly, because he had proved, dur- | ing his experience, that walls sometimes have ears, but he breught his hand down u table beside him, by way of emphasis. sibly the action was made without reference to effec At all events, it struck the table’s edge, glanc- ing ungracefully and with tingling sensation over the sharp carving below. He was natural- ly a hasty man, but now he repressed the im- precation which rose to his lips, and, bending forward, gee scanned that portion of the pendent sid e had felt something give be- — oe ich. nit is fingers successively sought every protru- @ grotesque work, and his ahigehes -wes richly rewarded. The cormorant’s eye yielded beneath his pressure. -A little drawer ‘shot-out from the apparently solid wood-work. With methodical precision he drew forth and examined its contents—merely a small roll of yellowed parchments. Whatever surprise he may have felt over his perusal of their contents, his placid countenance expressed none, He quietly placed the docu- ‘ments in the same receptacle which had swal- lowed up the former packet, shot the le drawer, now empty: back into its place, and ut to find Miss Walton. tly absorbed in » was elone, and a deep reverie, but roused herself to greet bis en- _ trance with unusual graciousness, ‘““We women are fickle creat Mr. Kerr,” “se said, after some commonplace o _“T-bave changed my mind about wishing to was merely a woman's whim, as I told you at first, which I was induced to follow from idle ‘curiosity. But Ishall claim you as my guest uutil your private mission to the vicinity has ‘been accomplished.” | Alis inscrutable gags rested for a second: upon her ljikewise inscrutable face. “You are fully satisfied, just as matters Entirely. Tr fact I think I prefer the “Entirely. In er the mys- tery. It gives the ace an of interest: it wouid not otherwise possess. He bowed silently, and the subject was dis _ Misa Walton exerted herself to the utmost to lease her guest. She talked vivaciously, chain- ' ing his attention, if not his mind, until the din- hour. After that she led him bae vosey amgeme where the blazing fire sent flashes of ruddy light inte every corner. Installing him the easiest of -€ iano and played piece after piece in that minor which pe the air with a somnolent iuence akin to the soothing effects of a self- voiced lullaby. No doubt Mr. Kerr, bein man, would have succum epell bad it not been for a withdrawing influ- é ce, bd He was an inveterate snuff-taker, and had, unfortuna ft Macabo upon oeabke in his <n Hoa t in main to excuse bimeelf, but Valeria's assiduities pre- vented his momentary absence. So the ex-de- tective leaned back in his velvet-cushioned chair, lon wp tre Seed his favorite relish, and mentally inveighing t the whim which had suddenly invested him with so great ‘here was a sound of scurrying feet in the y, and the es aston od appeared in dire consterna- tion icted uw her countenance, “What is it, Davis?’ inquired Valeria, sharp- shy. ‘I gave y orders, I believe.” M., Oh, Miss Walton!” cried Da uamindtul : ; . m a ig . shadow,” declared : more false alarms,” sh 4 | command with a significant ook. the | % | ing from the assault made w .in her own room in a distant part of the | This consummation has been studious buildi ‘in the irs, with the genial | ‘warmth about him, she seated herself at the | aes! rat | taway, and those careless maids a-chatting, ear knows where.” . ‘Nonsense! you were frightened at your own ‘Valeria, angrily. ‘“ You should know better than to come with such a silly tale. Mr. Kerr, I beg of you, don’t let this disturb you! My housekeeper is developing a brilliant imagination.” Notwithstanding her evident annoyance, Va. leria went out into the hall, and demonstrated, to her own satisfaction, at least, that Davis's eprerion had been conjured through aid of . Kerr’s overcoat, thrown carelessly upop tae e said Mr. proximity of a strange man, gladly hailed this episode. It gave him opportunity to steal, un- received, away in quest of his ie The Grange, not Se a within limit of gas corporations, was lighted by more primitive meaus, A t chandelier, swinging in the main hall, sent its’gleams far back into minor sa-e-waya. * With no other illumination, he made his way toward the arched room. His quiet enim Meh back no echo. The door swung noiselessly beneath his touch, and he paused one second transfixed with astonish- ment. A dark form bent above the little table, across which a single shaft of light was thrown. There was no sound, but some innate sense must have told this figure that an intruder was present. The dark lantern flashed its light suddenly ‘on every side, then was me in total darkness, The same instant ex-detective Kerr found himself sprawling in the center of the floor, and heard the click of the key in the door by which he had entered. “Neatly done, by Jove!” he whispered, ad- miringly, as he picked himself up from his lowly position, ‘That back-hand stroke would as- sure me ofmy man had I caught no glimpse of at Kerr proceeded lly to n r. Ir coolly possess himself of bis snuff-box, still upon the table, then his way to a glass entrance door. He knew the uselessness giving alarm. His man was safe out of the way for the present, he be convinced, but let him mark their next meeting. The followin morning Adria did not appear, but Valeria sileneed all Se eetren by announc- ing that her companion had left on the early train for Washington, from which she bad re- Kerr, taking no fright from the alleged ceived communications from:one of her mo- | tler measure. ther’s relatives, offering her a Lis phot home, Miss Walton added that she could not censure the girl for a this offer. raat Vik reminder of old associations rendered med reenter ee oon emenrnenae th vente rete Ang wen be ne gaat eee anne eet eet Le oe NR et A ! ' and gently tapping its fila | | INE FUERA POM FUR Es AES TI Sa nH aR TH OY and bolted it behind him. Then she went back to the lor all aglow with ruddy light, and her self-imposed task of making herself agree- able to her guest. Mr. Kerr, snuff-box in hand, Tid, looked the: picture of unconscious complaceney, and smiled appreciation upon the entertaining efforts of bis young hostess. Adria came back to half consciousness and m. sensation of painful lassitude; but fancying her- self in her own bed, she only turned her bead wearily and drowsed into oblivion again. The gray dawn of early morning faintly pene ot tn niet te en ee ; , trated those t garners in the ald mill when “Go back to your duty, and let me hear no | accompanying the | | | she awoke. The narrow Itmits of the unfami- liar apartment dimly traced through’ the semi- obscurity, startled her into a belief that she was still dreaming. Shaking off the impression, she arose and examined the place with a mingled. feeling of wonder and dread. It was exactly similar to the one in which. Nelly Kent had found herself, and had been fitted by Peters for his own occupancy. Adria was alarmed, and for the momentawed. How had she been spirited away from her room. at the Grange to this strange place? She tried to recall any action of her own which might have led her there, but memory paused at the moment when her finished work fell from her hands. But, stop! Some ‘half-tangible recol- lection struggled slowly into her mind. The odor—the pungent inhalation—the ponte nized presence beside her, what were they? suspicion of the truth, glimmering and uncer~ tain, impressed her. Her head throbbed with pain, and her brain whirled dizzily, but as she moved about these wore gradually away. She beat upon the rough planks with her bare hands, and called loudly to be released. Only an echo shrieked back at her, and her delicate hands grew sore and bruised from confact with the boards, Once she fancied she heard low moans, and the sound of footfalls, but listening distinguished but the beating of ber own heart. It seemed to her that hours had worn away wheh the door was opened, admitting Reginald Tempkton, but it was still morning. He had hastened to the mill thus early in the day to make certain of his victory and her help- ess, ‘ She shrank back at the sight of him; then her outraged pride came to the reseus, and she cun- fronted den with just anger. ‘* Was it your doing that has subjected me to Te Ung yo'aise, Altria ss Yor Tats ve me. ‘ me no gen- n not coh that it is ete miliation to mé as well as yourself to be driven to this course? No doubt the | straightforward wooin i i “This is an ungentlemanly and ungenerous “JI forbade you grog Drees gn Templeton, 5 y: ‘One whom I shall be # poem to acknowledge consider myself truly Ca sian drowsy. A listless desire for com- , bound as though our marriage rites had already plete inac applyin chae a _ 4A ‘woman’s voice whispered: e ‘* Allis safe; but you must hasten. Did you lowly ti | written of | { ent rustled by him, and a you in yout sorrow, He re “ Ah, he has shown his fealty! He has sought has offered to share with you bis home, Kine it be!—or lacking that, he has is succeed ?” ' ‘Couldn't have done better,” he returned, in lone bird! Ah, yes! he has proved himeelf Jeal the same tone. Clearing the lighted hall with a couple of | ioe i ‘let himself ‘out at the great | she cried, angrily, and Re potsoles spins oor. A moment Jater Valeria’s fair hands locked ? sf \ 4 ” : ’ t+? . j : 2 7 Aa} . 4 ee PS SE AS a] 5 pe? 3 em and true. aks “How dare you impute such baseness to him?’ umphed, knowing that his shaft bad told. ™ Say no more, but release me immediately, 1 demand of you. 7 f F Ving
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quietly, but his lips were rage, Viakseste hot you de—to bring to my feet, begging for the right and the ratitave offe ou. tt told you once that your influence could make a man of me! I tell you now that I can of eye a devil incarna: Sed ngoia be A eto my purpose. My love for you has nm Soe om emotion I ever knew. Don’t drive me to the des tion which will bring down a weight of shame upon your head. such shall come it will be your own doing. I give ou one last chance. Think well before you triowingly bring upon yourself a fate which you are powerless to avert.” In that moment she realized how utterly en less she was, and she cowered before the scath- ing import of his words. He turned away, not daring to trust himself further. | “J will come to-morrow for my answer,” he said, out and closing the door securely after him. Miserable, hapless Adria! The foul fate threatening her was only more torturesome than the possibility of her lover’s untruth. A wo- man can experience no keener agony than through knowledge that the one on whom she lavished the whole love of her trusting nature, is unworthy the devotion given him. The ‘ knowl will shatter the idol, but it will break the worsbiper’s heart-strings, too. ’ . (The door unclosed a and Peters stood within it. Adria, supposing him a tool of her | ener: acknow his presence by an indif- ferent glance. ‘What do ~ want?” she asked, as he wait- ed there silently. ‘To be your friend, Miss Ellesford,” the man said, civilly. She turned to him quickly. ‘You will help me away from here?” ‘*] daren’t do that,” he returned; “but PU help = nay we the machinations of the man who has ‘sy eft you. Will not this prove my ' sincerity He gave hera bit of crumpled paper. It was Kenneth’s note—the last he had written. She absorbed its contents with eager eyes. “*Oh, thank God that he is true!” she cried, fervently, grateful tears swelling up and blind- ing her sight. eg ae back, she went to = man, taking his hand between her ms, - 5 Pee T wil trust to you,” she said. ‘You have = me back ay precious faith. I can not } ik you as I d like, but a ke Hm God may bless you for your kindness to me this day. ‘ She felt the shudder which ran through his e, “J don’t much believe in prayers,” he said, grimly, “but yours can do me no harm. So pray tor meif you like, little one!” She stroked his hand silently, and then asked: ‘‘ Where did you get it—the letter?” ‘Reginald Templeton pulled it out of his pocket with some—some money a es me.” onset me here?” she ask en 5 “Tm not working for him for all that,” he said. ‘I’ve a stronger incentive on the other side. If I befriend you, Miss Ellesford, can I depend upon your silence regarding such of my affairs as you may learn here?” ‘‘ Yes, certainly,” she assured him. ‘‘T may have. my secrets as well as my bet- ters. I don’t think you will attempt to pry into them.” And then he told her briefly of the other woman’s presence, and her low, morbid condition. N ciated stretched almost helplessly upon the hard couch, the sweet-voiced woman who had once ap at the Gran . ated the influence an- _ other woman’s gentle attendance would exert over the one who had been imprisoned there so long. ‘Nelly Kent, who had ie im ious ‘ to his best endeavors, slow. y revived beneath Adria’s treatment. e girl insisted that she should partake freely of the nourishment pro- vided her, and as her stren returned slowly, | drew her unwillingly out rion the body of the mill, and ually induced her to take much needed exercise, eters demurred a little at allowing them rag ot liberty, but Adria's assurance a ‘that fied swore once to humble your ; : can would make no attempt to escape satis- im. And meanwhile pe beg a ae which should result in the defeat of Reginald Temple- ton’s darker scheme. When the young man came again, Adria met him with less manifest aversion than she had betrayed on the former occasion, He again pleaded his cause ardently, and she did not re- ulse him. ‘““What faith can Ihave in any man if Ken- neth is false?” sho asked, averting her face lest he should see its tell-tale flush. The concession was more than he had expected. “Remember, he was an utter stranger,” he said. ‘‘I will devote my whole life to prove my truth, my Adria.” is evident sincerity appeared to touch her. At the end of a week she had so far yielded to his entreaties as to promise vaguely that his per- sistent suit should receive its reward. Elated at his success, he went out from her presence so absorbed in his triumph that he within a few yards of another comer without observing him. The latter man passed his hand over his vision as though doubting its accuracy, and then assured, with a hardening of Logg lines about his mouth, strode on into the mi it was Colonel Templeton! CHAPTER XXI. As Nelly Kent came slowly back to life and hope, a warm affection sprung up in her heart for the fair young girl who waited upon her tenderly as a daughter might do‘ for a loved mother. ’ . - A day or two preceding the event which elosed the last chapter, the two were together in Adria’s little nook, which bad been furnished with a few articles of comfort. Fresh bedding, a chair or two, a bit of rich carpeting, looking strangely out of place amid its rough surroundings, necessary toilet utensils and a small hand-mirror, had been provided by Reginald. WNelly’s presence had been kept scru- tong’ f from his knowledge, as well as the renee dria enjoyed except during his visits. elly was bolstered up in a comfortable posi- tion, and Adria, deft-handed as any lady’s maid, loosed her mass of heavy, dark hair, which she proceeded to comb and brush very tenderly, that the invalid might not be wearied by the operation. * How beautiful it is,” she said, catching, up the rippling, glossy lengths, and coiling them amiootl y round the other’s head. “ Not a single gray thread! Why, you have a long life before you yet, dear Nelly, and I hope a happy one.” Nelly put up her hand, touching the silky mass, “My sorrows should have turned it snow- white,” she returned, sadly. from ever knowing such.” Adria’s eyes filled with tearful sympathy. “T have often wished,” she began, timidly. “thar you would tell me of your former life. - { do not wish to grieve you by recalling painful reminiscences, unless the knowledge of my lov- ing interest should fit me to receive your confi- dence. Speaking freely of old wounds will sometimes take away the sharpest pain linger- a: them.” ‘ Nelly bowed her face upon her hands fora time. There were anguished traces there when she raised it again, but she commanded her voice to a steady monotone. ‘*My story is a sad one,” she said, “and I have striven vainly for years to efface my old existence from nry memory. I would not have my sorrows dim a single hour of your young lite; but if it is your wish, you shall pene- trate the mystery which left me so long in utter darkness, pierced now by a little ray of hope for future contentment, thank Heaven!” “God keep you | THE ADOPTERS | | } ' ' ee ras aise 7 “Se a When she plead for but a moment’s audience with the stern old man, his orders caused the door to be shut in her very face. But she had one friend beneath that.roof. It was her maid, J who stole forth and joined her lot with that of the outcast. ‘*My father received her, with her attendant, back beneath his protection—unwillingly, 1 have every reason to believe, but he dared not leave her shelterless in the streets. After my birth they bore with each other more patiently. ‘‘He had been a strolling actor once, and when the means derived from the sale of my mother’s jewelry and rich clothing had been utterly exhausted, he went back to the old pro- fession, ’ “The life we led, as I can first remember it, was one of wretched poverty, unseasoned by any of the submission or cheerfulness which true love might have imparted, My mother died, and existence dragged on in the old way, except, as | I grew older, my efforts contributed something toward the improvement of our circumstances. “Thad a good voice, in no way remarkable, and some dramatic ability. These procured me ready employment in secondary parts. When I was sixteen, my father was rendered helpless by a stage accident, and, after months of lin- gering torture, I shed tears which were almost _ joyful that he died. Do not think me unnatural in saying this. I had never given him mueh af- fection, but I am glad to remember that I prov- ed myself a dutiful child. After his injury, his pouty on had been so intense that he prayed | | | | dria poured some wine into a goblet, plac- | ing it near her, and sat quietly down awaiting the elder woman’s narrative. “Twas born in Italy,” Nelly began. ‘‘ My father was an Englishman, and an adventurer —my mother the daughter of a noble house. My father married her solely for the distinc- tion and wealth he hoped to attain by means of the alliance. Judge, then, his disappointment when my grandfather—who had been_alwa bitterly opposed to the match—cast off his fa- vorite daughter, sending her and the man she had chosen out into the world, with his bitter curse and unforgiving enmity, to take their chance among the common herd. ‘‘The marriage proved eminently unha: Py: I think my parents both ette rash step they had taken. Aft one time they | from proclaimin | fusing to encourage his love. hourly for death, and itcameto him as a wel- come release. Sena ‘*T was then attached to an opera troupe, sta- tioned at the time in Parma. A few months later we left tuat place for Modena, and from thence to the principal cities of Tuscany and — Naples. During this time, a member of the company Pedro Cardini, had been persecuting 1 wite attentions, which, in my unprotheted” uation, I was powerless to resent, except by steadily re- _ e@ was both ar dent and vindictive. One night he encountered me, unattended, on the street, and, walking k my side, urged his suit so prey that I grew angry, and replied to him with some scornful words. , ‘ “He was enraged then, and threatened me until I grew frightened, and tried to escape him; but he seized my wrist, hole me fast, “*Dare to love any other man,’ he hissed in my ear, ‘and I will follow you with my ven- geance to the death!’ , “T screamed then, loudly, for aid, and a gen- tleman passing came to my assistance—a for- eign geutleman, with white, aristocratic face, and fair hair curling about his temples. He had a sad look in his great hazel eyes, but it faded out of them as he looked at me. He spoke a few sharp words to Pedro, and, when the fel- low had slunk away, conducted me to the door | of my lodging. _. . “After that I encountered him often, and learned to watch for his fair, handsome face among the multitude turned nightly toward the stage. To bo brief, he wooed me with the love | of an honorable man, and when he sailed for bt American home, I accompanied him—his wife! nad ‘““My husband was Hugh Ellesford,” Adria started with a surprised exclamation, but quieted herself again to listen now with breathless interest. Nelly resumed; “ He wasa proud, sensitive man, and reserved with all except me. During the first weeks of | our married life, he told me of his former en- . gagement. He had loved the lady dearly, he (3) said, but not with the absorbin es es tt pape r er her mi but for me, and he had long egret lack of faith. He possessed i gave it into my charge, telling me to igen 2 if Ichose. Ikept it instead, studied it un , J ¢ that my dark beauty far surpassed her unim- passioned style. { ‘I soon discovered that my husband shrunk to his friends the marriage. which they would term a misalliance, I, remembering Pedro’s threats, longed only f a secluded life with him, and my good Juana, who refused to be separated from bier fe ‘Vielding to my urgent solicitations, after our landing, he procured me quiet country SCORE RODESET tie ected WRRUERS OF cay, retly @ arched chamber for my use. When all was in readiness, hetook methera — + ‘ \ ; : ‘ 7 a5. i he, Ss ‘ ¥ * < i nb, ik =< ae knew every line in her fair face, and rejoiced = = i) oe
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Bee i Ret a AR wigs aye 8, TC, PRR cg Coie aS Many ks Smee Oa Ads Pa Ni tS ae i a Oe ¢ si st ge et 5 a “ ye oo 4S ’ “ADRIA, THE ADOPTED. a tary hen paren Dy bei paswesmp eA Ferny wmpenwheiee Cy ay yet aap bem 2 oe ars cee Pi ea A Le ie siest a Seen nln os eee nian in the night-time, that prying eyes should not ' ence has left me little faith in mah’s constahey, | directly to the Grange, where heheld'a long in- _ discover my presence, : but heis a noble youth.’ terview with Valeria... = Fa _ *“There my life wasone long holiday, disturb- |. Adria’s face held an inquiry which she re- That night a steady spring rain began to fall, ' ed only by fears that Pedro’s vengeance might frainedfrom uttering, Jest it should probe her | but it did not deter Reginald Temp from _ find me out. — _companion’s sore memories too deeply; but ree the mill next day. He had come to _ “When my baby came, my winsome, wee reading her expression, Nelly said: urge the immediate consummation of the cere- boy, my cup of happiness was full. But,as he ' grew older, his father and I realized his need of unrestra at the Grange. Wesent him in char faithful nurse to a small village on the coast. A few weeks later she came back of my irginia one, - almost wild with grief over his death. M a us- | ' row was extreme, but I had my idolize - band left me, and in time became reconciled to ' . the loss of any. boy. view ‘But my health now began to give way, and Hugh insisted upon my taking frequent trips to '_ \ other sections. Such constant confinement to the house, relieved only by night rambles through the grounds, had brought on this evil he said. I must take intervals when I could openly enjoy the light and sunny warmth ne- eessary to my restoration. I yielded, as I al- ways did to his wishes, Sometimes he accom- panied me, but oftener I went alone. "On one of these occasions I was haunted by a vague presentiment of pending ill. It weigh- ed down upon me with increasing force, until, fearing I knew not what, I returned to the Grange a fortnight earlier than had been agreed at our parting. **T came upon Juana unexpectedly. She was > ae crouching on a low step, rocking herself back and forth, with akind of wailing moan she al- ways uttered when in distress. All my worst 2 or revived, I darted past her, expecting to find my husband dying, perhaps dead. She clutched at my garments trying to detain me, but I shook her off and fled toward the room which was his and mine. Voices in the private parlor stopped me there.” , She paused, pale and agitated, but swallowing the wine Adria passed her, continued: ' “T burst open the door and faced a scene I __ -would rather have died than beheld. . - * A woman reclined upon the sofa which was «may favorite resting-place, and my husband, sit- ¥ ting by her, held her hand in his. I recognized her at a glance, though she had grown older and more careworn than the face the miniature 3, ‘portrayed. ,, “They both started up at my unexpected ap- \ ee Fens ‘ =a 5 ats ‘? ae See) 4 Cake 2 ieee ~ Pus SON fem y Stet Ot Sic) « a om ‘ee ers becca the moment. I think I shrieked out my curses upon them; I know there was murder in my ' heart as my eyes rested on her colorless face. . ‘ I turned and fled lest my hands should do her harm, and even then I loved him so I would not - for worlds have hurt the creature who had won ' his heart back from me. , : ““T remember posting more distinctly until I found myself in a littl New England village, estitute of support. Then I went to work in oneof the cotton factories there, in preference + to taking up my old theatrical life, There the gee: i brought the news of my husband’s terri- le death. “TY kept my first situation for five years. After that time changes were made at the it ade B y mills. They changed ownership, and : the new proprietors brought with them employ- / ees fr their own locality, thus throwing many of the old Brankley hands out of work, en § ryself among the number. peer ch St piabopedisd however, in findin aan ment in a neighboring factory, but during m first week there, met with the accident whic disabled me for all future toil. I had commu- i oe ted occasionally with my faithful Juana, “™ and she now wrote imploring my-return. Sol _ left Crofton with the one friend Heaven raised up for me in my extremity.” ee ‘“*Crofton!” interrupted Adria, eagerly. a Pad as it Crofton where you worked during pe as A, ik ta it oe) — ose years?” ; “Yes, First with the Brankleys and after- _ ®, ward with the Russell Brothers!” “The Russell Brothers!” echoed Adria. “Then youmust have known him. Do you re- ‘ member a young man in their employ—Ken- neth Hastings?” _ __ ‘*He was the friend of whom I spoke, who lightened. my grcery illness by his kind atten- _ tions, and under whose protection I traveled,” _ Nelly said, her eyes mis ing with the grateful mémory. ‘But how should you know of him?’ a “Fie is my lover of whom I have told you,” Adri ered, a happy glow upon her cheeks, _“ His generous kindness to you cere ‘him worthy of the respect and regard J have meted gran wit Nally torvedtin ined freedom, which he could not enjoy | Ican not dwell upon the agony of | employ- | experi: ms Ate Keates ‘ OS ce RD ae aI “You would ask me if I knew by what means Hugh Ellesford came to his untimely end. He found his death upon that night when I fled away from the Grange with brain on fire and heart chilled to ice: but of the manner, cr by ; whom such awful retribution was prabiy oi u on him, I am ignorant as you. I never tried pierce the mystery. I never attempted to es- | tablish my claim as his wife; for myself I could not touch the wealth he left, but now that I know my boy lives itis my duty to restore him to his own. “You have guessed that the man who guards us here is Pedro Cardini.” Then she related to Adria how she had been assured that her child lived after all these years she had mourned him dead. After that, she drew from her bosom the jeweled locket, explaining: t mad anger, I tore it from it at my husband’s feet, “That night, in my my neck and dashed declaring that I never wished to look upon his face again. But the morning when you so kindly received me at the Grange, I secured it from the secret nook where it had been placed. Now, that the rancor of my pain is gone, I can forgive him for his faithlessness, for I know I am true to his memory, as the other womancan not be. The faces are his, and mine, painted ere we sailed from beautiful Italy.” She touched the spring of the locket, giving it opened to Adria. The latter recognized Hugh Ellesford’s likeness from a portrait at the Grange; but she lingered over the other dark, glowing face depicted there. It was very unlike the wan, haggard countenance of the woman beside her, but an- gener resemblance struck her with convincing orce. | “YT have seen another face almost its exact counterpart, nearly as a man’s face can be like @ woman’s, and that other is Kenneth Hastings!” CHAPTER XXII. | COLONEL TEMPLETON stepped quietly over | the threshold, but Luke Peters, meeting him, | read the silent anger in his face. All his sul- len doggedness came up to aid him through this issue. “T’ve not betrayed poe Colonel Templeton,” he said. ‘‘I see you think it.” “How then could he trace her here?’ the other asked, . Luke chuckled. ‘‘He hired me to do the job an hour before you suggested it,” he answered. ‘I found I could kill my ‘two birds’ with perfect ease, and ou shouldn’t be the man to blame me for doing t, Alan Templeton.” , Colonel Templeton sunk his teeth in his lips to repress his angry utterance—it was a trick he had when greatly annoyed. RN sey far has the young fool succeeded?” he asked. pane wrung a promise from her to marry Colonel Templeton uttered an oath, and made | as though he would have struck down his infor- | mant. Luke warded off the blow. ’ ““Keep back your hand, Alan Templeton. | You shall see that I have 5 gan your interests better than you think. would have sought pou tonight, ut you have saved me that trou- e. ‘For what?” he asked. ‘‘ You knew thatmy object was to separate.those two.” ‘That you might induce Reginald to woo the Ellesford heiress, and thereby insure yourself of greater safety should time bring to light your share in the tragedy of ‘lang syne? Yes, I know. But your course would never have suc- ceeded, and with your co-operation my plan can scarcely fail.” ‘*®xplain yourself,” demanded Colonel Tem- pleton; ‘‘and be sure you make it a plausible Stary, or you may wear a hempen collar ere ong. ; tetas downcast eyes emitted a vindictive shaft of glittering light, and his fingers worked with convulsive twitching, as though they would have § man who held him in his power. ‘‘Pve served you faithfully more than once,” he said, sullenly, adding to himself: “ But my ie alg ge Yat ne eae it does me 1? n ; Colonel Temple- tat, toting poteudiestas en iat the woieaon and when he left the yall i was to proceed ade ~ of * ladly choked out the life of this . mony which would make Adria his beyond fear of man parting them. She seemed to care little what her fate should be now, assuming a belief in Kenneth’s falsity. ** Let it be to-night,” Reginald:said. ‘I don’t wish to keep you in this desolate place, but I can not let you go until you are surely mine.” “T should like to be married in a church,” Adria replied, wearily. ‘‘ But it matters little; our vows will be but a mockery at best.” ‘Tt shall be as you wish,” Reginald hastened to assure her, glad to propitiate her will in any way. I will-have a carriage near as it can ap- roach here at nine to-night. The priest of the Fittle village chapel is celebrated for tying clan- destine knots. He- will conform to my wishes and ask no questions. We will take the mid- night train for Washington, and then, my love, my own, our true existence will begin.” — After he left her, Adria wept some passionate, remorseful tears. Her pure nature shrunk from the deceit she was aiding, though it was her sole chance of safety. 3 He returned punctual to the appointed time, Adria came out of her little room to where he stood inthe open body of the mill. A tallow candle pinned to the wall cast a flickering, un- certain light, which yet showed plainly her pale face and swollen eyes. She made one ap- peal to his merey. She was not acting now as she plead with him for the last time. “Oh, Reginald, Reginald! It is not yet too late. Do not urge me to thatact which Imeant té commit to-night. For your sake and my pn, relinquish your purpose while there is yet ime. ‘* Adria, this is a mere waste of words.” ‘Oh, think!” she cried. ‘‘I do not love you Inever can. [ belong to Kenneth, heart an soul. You will not be content with a simply dutiful wife.” i ‘Once mine,” he said, ‘I will make you love meso you will forever bless this hour.” She saw how useless it was to plead. Her voice grew calm and solemn. : ‘‘Reginald Templeton, do you take all the responsibility of the unhappy life you may | bring upon yourself?’ He was vexed at her Seowaiay © “Once for all, Adria, Heaven itself could not ba me to relinquish you.” She went back silently into the little room, Then he saw her emerge, her figure shrouded in the large, thick cloak which had been Nelly Kent’s, the hood drawn forward concealing her face. At the instant, Peters, snuffing the single candle, extinguished it. Fortunately, he had already p the lamp in his dark-lantern, and, opening a slide, threw the light on the way before them. His mission was to accom- them and give away the bride. . e rain was falling fast and a ; ‘The ice will break by to-morrow if this con- tinues.” Reginald addressed himself to the man who walked behind them, throwing the light of his dark-lantern on the pathway akead. Peters gazed uneasily through the thick dark- ness toward the river, and made some casual reply. The inclemency of the night made the a shiver as she drew her wraps closer about er. Over the sodden fields until they reached the carriage. The rain increased pm beat against its closed windows, rendering conversation im- practicable. The priest in the little chapel sleepily awaited their coming. A penitent or two, by restless | conscience driven here through the stormy night, knelt in the aisles, he members of that strange arcane emg as- sumed their ‘positions before the altar. The marriage solemnities were pronounced, and the two stood man and wife, Reginald turned to salute his bride. She threw back the covering from her head and re- vealed the features, not of Adria, but Valeria. Colonel Templeton stepped out from the shad- ow of the altar, with a sneering congratulation on his lips, but his words were checked by the pan tramp of heavy feet coming through the body of the church. It was the town constable, with a squad of as- sistants under his command. Before 0 p schey Ping from their first surprise, the o vanced, matin ing his hand firmly on the shoulder of Luke ee “In the name th.accananctSeeeiny pon are y prisoner!” eo : =i pide. | Sis: eae . -s sug at oe Sg
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CHAPTER XXIIT. Kennetu Hastrnes returned to Crofton, af- ter a prolonged business tour. He had done well, both for himself and his employers, and the Russell Brothers. pronounced high enco- miums upon his ability and diligence? It was here that Adria’s missive, containing information of ber father’s death and her own desolate condition reached him, nearly three months after it was dispatched, It had followed him from place to place, until it lodged for a time in an obscure office where he had not deemed it rig to leave his address. From thenee it traveled to the Dead Letter Office, from whence it returned to the Russell Brothers, they having inclosed her envelope in a letter of instructions which failed to reach the agent at the proper time. He was shocked and grieved. With scarcel an hour’s delay he set out for the range. t was quite dark when the train wh up to the little bay-shore station, where he alighted. A heavy rain was falling, and the wind, sweep- ing up the coast, drove it in drenching gusts; . but, deterred by neither the hour nor the weather, he made his way immediately to the Grange. } But here he met with bitter disappointment. Adria had left suddenly, more than a week be- fore. Valeria had gone out in the early after- noon, and had not yet returned. The house- keeper thought she would remain over night with Mrs, Templeton. Mr. Kerr, too, had been zone since morning. There was no one from whom he could obtain the definite information regarding the whereabouts of his darling which he required. So he went back to the village, to rocure a night’s lodging at the single public ous the place afforded. " As he walked, he could hear a dull noise, above the roar of the bay—a heavy, thumping soune but he gave little heed to it, hy should he? He knew nothing of the awful peril it was heralding for Adria. He remembered the location of the village chapel, and, coming abreast of it, was surprised to see it alight upon such a night. It seemed to him there was some unusual commotion within, and he hastened to the doorway tq ascertain the cause. At the instant a man ran down the street uttering hoarse cries of alarm. Kenneth called to him, but he ran on, unheeding. A second messenger came up, less hurriedly, as the people within the church reached the door, : “The ice has broken above, and gorged in the river’s turn. The flats are flooded with back-water, and unless the way is opened speed- ily, the stream will cut a shortér channel across to the bay.” : There was a wild shriek from the group at the door—a man’s scream—which chilled the blood of the hearers. Luke Peters raved wildly, and ‘strove to free himself from those holding him in custody. “They are in the mill!” he cried. ‘The old mill on the river bank. They will die there— die without aid; be choked by the cold water, or crushed and mangled with the ice, Let me go, I say! Are you men, that you will let them perish without an effort?” His captors thought it a ruse to escape from their hands, But Colonel Templeton, meat by the awful danger threatening the girl he had ng mappa in placing there, confirmed is story. ; ‘* Miss Ellesford is at the mill,” he said, know- ing, in that moment of excitement, no one would question how she came there. Kenneth, in the fast-gathering crowd, sprung forward, with an awonheed ery. ‘For God's sake, let no time be lost! Let some one, who knows the way, lead on, and all you who have men’s hearts, find tools for cut- ting the ice, and follow as quickly as you can.” uke Peters caught sight of the young man’s excited face, and relapsed into sudden calm. ‘Tt is her son,” he whispered to himself. Then he watched his opportunity, as the panic spread, and, darting unexpectedly away out of his captors’ , was lost in the crowd and the thick darkness beyond. He had been handcuff- ed, but, with a violent effort, he tore his left hand through the clasping fetter, never heeding the lacerated flesh. It proved asthe man had said. All of the low ground was flooded, and the occasional crash of trees in the direction of the stream’s current, told bow rapidly the bank was being undermined, A faint glimmer ee far out of reach of the men and women flocking there, d the position of the mill, and that its inmates were yet living. 5 " i ~ f three together. ; Every minute held an age of torturing sus- pense. The water rose steadily, and the Jong night wore on. , t last came a loud huzza from below. The __ workmen had effected an outletforthedammed- | — up element, They clambered back to the solid ; ground, and the torrent rushed madly through & the breach, widening it with every second’s space until the entire gorge was swept away. Gray dawn was breaking in the east when kindly men penetrated to the mill, and the res- cue of those within it. ! Foremost was Kenneth, who clasped Adriato , of thanksgiving. fate which had saved her for his rival when she pee CHAPTER XXIV. 2, SAL the sufferers to her home, as soon as they were _ > Nelly and Adria suf- a ad sustained. Perhaps their eS Adria felt herself amply rewarded for allher Z recent trials by her lover’s presence, And the —_ assurances he gave her that they should’not part again. oN Reginald had not been seen since theparty | succeeded in reaching the mill. Valeria grew | nervously anxious. | sult of thestrategy which had made her his wife? What would be the re A note was placed in her hand during the day. She grew sick at heart, and went away by her- be self ere she opened it: See “You have ed my name, so wear it, and flaunt it to your heart’s content. You'll get no — further sa’ on from me. I don’t blame you ~ much for the part poe played, now I know the ‘ girl would have died before she had bent to my will, I shall seek my Lethe where no fa sd i past, ia? ie big Pe associations shall revive things The guard whose duty it was to keep Peters in charge, could not but perceive ie isi leee pat condition. The chief officer detailed twomento remain at the Grange, but otherwise he was Sp left free of restraint. wis He suffered excruciatingly for a few hours, and then his pain alm entirely left him, This, the physician said, was a symptom thah = mortification had already set upon the crushed ~f eS body. He was very weak, but conscious. yp Ee At his desire, a magistrate was summoned, __ and he made a full confession of crimes, . “Td let them go to the death withme,”he said, ‘‘ but some I can tell may help herin get- ting back her rights.” 5 eee early as possible in his own words, but ~~ omitting details unconnected with this story,is . the following narrative: : sett a “The woman who calls herself Nelly Kent is truly Helen Ellesford,” he began. “Iwanted to marry her once, but she knew better than IL She was never meant for the like of me, But ,_ FS: I didn’t think so then, and when she refused to — ~ listen to my love, I swore to take ee ag Seaa's her scorn of me. I hated Hugh Ellesfo: ze for the moment I first saw him, when hé to her rescue pp iPaelaiie ae dy nad insult- ed her in the street. ce im ““T watched them both and saw the growing 34 intimacy. I waited to strike her a blow throu f: nae him which should leave her desolate on Ee brink of expected happiness, But they’ eluded even my vigilance. ey married, and were gone so suddenly that I found myself foiled. % “T knew he was an American, so I sailed for this country, and for years I wandered throughout the United States, seeking some = trace of them. r ‘Il found it in their boy, then about four ~ years old, whom they had sent with his nurse to the Virginia sea-coast. I knew the woman, — a and the boy from his resemblance tohis mother. aia ‘I stole the child, and afterward traced the woman back to the Grange, I was satisfied, for the time, with my meed of revenge, and - / left them to mourn together over the supposed death of their babe. : “are > Wy “Pwas directed to a middle-aged, childless
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_ neighboring State, but, true to our bargain, | _ kept me informed regarding the boy. The lat- ee 4 ter was known by the name of his adopted fa- ther, and by most people was supposed to be his 40wn child. “In time, Hastings also died. But I still as-- _ sured myself of the boy’s continued residence | in Crofton.. It ishe whom you know as Ken- -_- neth Hastings!” _ _ Nelly Kent, or as we must now call her, Mrs. ord, gave a sudden cry, “! crushed out my sentimental ty long ago. Don’t. cry, and don’t fear thaf I'll suffer the fate * they’re planning for me.” us She grew quiet at once, ‘*T know,” she said. ‘‘ Look here, Alan!” She drew from beneath her cloak a file and tiny saw. He took about his own person. “Thank you, Irene!” They conversed quietly on temporal thing until ber time had expired. Then he claspe: her in his arms a moment, and kissed her ten derly. ‘You will be happier without me,” he said, Allher heart’s agony burst out in a hopeless ery. %, I shall die,” she said, “and then I may find ce, A few nights afterward there was a great cry raised in the little village. Colonel Tem- pleton had broken jail. The forces ‘rallied in Pac but he escaped them all. Tidings of im were never wafted back. Notwithstanding Valeria’s ungenerous con- duct, and her complicity in Adria’s abduction, the latter would sill have interceded for her, and secured her a permdnent home at the Grange. But Valeria steadily refused the un- merited kindness, She went instead to Mrs. Templeton, ‘“‘Tam Reginald’s wife,” she said. “T love him so that he can not but come back to me some day. Let me stay with you and care for you until then.” And Reginald’s mother made her kindly wel- come. Mrs. Templeton failed rapidly from the mo- ment she was assured of her husband’s safety. Before the summer passed she sent a tremulous line to the widow of Hugh Hilesford; “Tamdying. Will you not come SG uot ; She went at once. Only pity was in her heart, when she compared the fate of this sor- row-stricken woman with her own—completely happy, now, ‘Isent for you,” Mrs. Templeton said. “I ot to assure you of your husband’s loyal ruth. “I had been ill of a fever, and recovering but slowly, came to The Firs, believing country air would do me good, My husband "—she spoke as though deprecating anger against him—“ had always been jealous of my former attachment, utterly without cause, for I gave him my whole heart when I married him. ** During one of my morning walks, as I began to grow stronger, I met Mr. Enesford. I was looking wretchedly ill, and he spoke to me with kindly solicitude, I had ventured further than 1 should have cone, and he, leading me toa seat, declared I must rest before attempting to return. re aioe he gave me his arm back to my own gate, * That night my husband burst in upon me in an insane rage. e accused me of’ faithlessness —nntruth to him whom I loved better than my own life; taunted me with holding clandestine interviews with my former admirer. ‘ bas ites mers rat me wild. First, I had clung tohim, protesting my innocence; then, re- alizing fully the om he did ae disdained to refute the charges he presented, * * My silence onty aggravated him, 6% ” . raat OT eat "4 ,: } < - - « 7 ” (dy & them, concealing them / 8, { J ¢ wf Why dow 't you go to him penly? he asked, - , ‘4 / 4 ‘ t ‘ome : wise
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me ‘ : as tem tem ee neta ee hate are no ante friend.’ “The fever coursed through my veins again. I was not myself, or I would never have an- swered and acted so rashly. ' ‘“¢T will go to bim,’ I said, ‘and he shail prove to you how wrongly you have accused me, ‘“T fled then, out through the gathering night, straight to the Grange, There my strength de- ser me, and I sunk down, weak and trem- bling, on the threshold. Your husband found me there, and, taking me in his arms, as though 1 had been a'child, carried me within. ‘He rung for lighte, and for wine, with which to revive me, but the woman bringing them mis- understood the situation. Sbe spoke sullenly, and acted strangely. Much annoyed, Mr. Elles- ford dismissed her from the room, and endeay- ored to soothe me, until I could tell him my errand. “Tt was a hard task to reveal my husband’s umjust ion ae gow, but he gathered my mission, wnd promised to accompany me back to The , “irs, and add his testimony to my own, soon as should be strong enough to return. “While we waited, he told me of is happy life. ‘I know you will b fet.’ he sai } °“Then you burst in upon us, and beyond you, ‘ Srough the open doorway, I saw my husband's face, with a vengeful look upon it which struck my heart cold and numb. “*T fainted th and knew no more until I awoke in my own chamber, and heard them talk of the mysterious tragedy enacted at the Grange. ee od aabied heart never beat in man’s bosom yep the one you ‘sheen. by doubting it.” , len EKllesford shed rex orseful tears. But she was happier afterward than she could have been without the knowledge. Mrs. Templeton lingered on through the oo months, and went with the falling ves. The Firs had been secured to ker, and at her death she bequeathed the place to Valeri ou, and of eep my se- eria. And there the latter waits still—a lonely woman, hoping against hope, that the man who is her husband only in name may yet return to her. The happy ones at the Grange do all they can to relieve her solitude, and she has expanded better qualities beneath the influence which could forgive and bury recollections of her own selfishness. \ Let us hope she may at least become recon- elled to ber lot. ‘ THE END, W averley Library. Tas Masxkrp Brion. By Mrs. Mary R. Crowell. Was Iz Love? By Wm. yy Turner, Tar Gru Wire. By- Bartley T. Campbell. A Brave Huary. yoella Southworth, By. Wm. Mason Turner, M. D, OBIS mow 2 Has Lawre. Mrs, 18 Mapcesr. By Corinne Cushman. 14 Way I Marrixp Him. By Sara Claxton. 15 A Farr Facr. By Bartley T. Campbell. 16 Trust Her Nor, By Margaret Leicester. - 17 A LoyaL ER. By Arabella Southworth. 18 His Inout. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell, 19 THe Broken BrerrorpaL. By Mary GQ. 20 OrpHaN New. By Agile Penne, 21 Now anp Forrvurk. By H. Thackeray. 22 Tee Bripe or AN Acror. By the author of “ Alone in the World,” etc., etc. 23 Lear Year, By Sara Claxton. 24 Hur Pack Was Her Fortrunn. ty & Blaine, 25 Oniy a ScHOOLMISTRESS. By A. Southworth. 26 Wrrnour a Heart. By Col. P. Ingraham, 27 Was Sue a Cogurtte? By H. Thackeray. 28 Svar OCxmAsx. y Mrs. Ann &. Stephen? By Sara Claxton, By Agile Penne. By Mary A. Denison. 29 For Her Drar SAKE. | 80 Tur Bovugurr GirL. | 31 A Map Marrrace. | 82 MARIANA, THE PrmmA Donnd. By A. Southworth, 33 Tak Taree Sisters. By Alice Fleming, A 3 A MarRIAcr or Conventencr. By Sara Claxton. 85 ALL AGainst Hur. By Clara Augusta. 36 Sir ARcHER’s Bripr. By Arabella Southworth. 37 Tae Counrry Covsty. By Rose Kennedy. 38 His Own Aaary. By Arabella Southworth, 89 Frreration. By Ralph Royal. 4) Purpenp TO Marry. By Sara Claxton. 41 Buinp Devotion. By Alice Fleming. 42 Bearrick, THE Braurirun. By A. Southworth. 43 Tax Baroner’s Secret. By Sara Claxton. “\ 55S alia (CO AR asin Se Oe 5 ace “7 ison. By & hes 49 His Heart's Mistress, By Arabella Southworth. | 50 Tar © Haurress. By Mrs. Mary A. Denison, 51 Two Youne Grrrs. By Alice Fleming. §2 Tam WinerpD Messenger. By Mary Reed Crowell 58 Aaxrks Horr. By W. M. Turner, M. D, 84 One Woman's Heart. gt George 8. Kaime. 55 Sax Dip Nor Love Him. By Arabella Southworth. 586 Lovn- » By Wm.M, Turner, ¥, D, 57 A Brave Girt. By Alice Fleming. 58 Tun Exon Mask. By Mary. Reed Crowell, 59 A Winpow’s Wriss. By Rachel Bernhardt. 60 Cecm’s Drcerr, By Jennie Davis Burton. 61 A Wickep Hart. BY Sara Claxton. 62 Tue Maniac Bring. By Margaret Blount. 63 Tas CrroLe Sisters. By Anna E. Porter. 64 Waar Jeatousy Dm, By Alice Fleming. 65 Tan Wire's Secret. By Col. Juan Lewis. 66 A Broruer’s Sixx. By Rachel Bernhardt, 67 ForBrppen Bans. by Arabella Southworth. 68 Wravers AnD Wert. By Mrs. M. E, Braddon, 69 Cammute. By Alexander Dumas. 70 Tox Two OrpHANs, B peace” 71 My Youre Wires. By ae: ife's Husband, 72 Tan Two Wipows. nnie Thomas, 73 Rosm Mx "8 My Youne Husspanp. By Myself. 79 A QueEN Amonast Women. By the author of ‘‘ Dora Thorn.”’ 80 Hur Lorp aNp Master. By Florence Marryat. 81 Lucy TrMPLe. &2 A Lone Tram Aao, By Meta Orred. 83 Puaymye For Hiex Sraxes. By Annie Thomas 64 Taz Lavra. Buss. By Miss Mulock. 8 Lep Astray. By Octave Feuillet. 6&6 Jawer’s Reventancx. By Georgo Eliot. 87 Romance oF A Poor Youna Man. By O. Feuillet. 88 A TreRRiIsLe Dezp, By Emma Gd. Jones. 89 A Grupmp Srx. 90 Tox AvrHor’s Daveurrr. By Mary Howitt. 91 Tax Jmr. By Charles Reade. 92 KirkeN ALANNA. By Dennis O’Sullivan, 93 Lovn’s Vicrory. By B. L. Farjeon. 94 TH Hrarr.. By Mrs. Ne ie 0 Letrick ARNOLD, By . Marsh. % Hauntep HEARTS. Rachel Bernhardt. 97 Huew Metron. By Catharine King. 98 Axrick LmargmMont. By Miss Mulock. 99 Marvortz Bruce's Lover. By Mary Patrick. 100 Tarovar Kirk AND Warrr. By Fred. Talbot. 101 Hanwan. By Miss Mulock, 102 Pea Worrrieron. By Charles Reade. 103 A Desrprrate Drxp, By Erskine Boyd. 104 SHapows on THE Snow. By B. L. Farjeon. 10 Tue Grear Hoacarry Diamonp. By W. M. eray. 106 From Dreams ro Waxrna. By K, Lynn Linton, 107 Poor Zeru. By F. W. Robinson. 108 Tux Sap Fortonns or THE Rev. Amos Barrox. By George Eliot. 109 Breap-aANp-CHErss Arp Kisses, By B. L. Farjeon 110 Tae Wanprrine Hmm. By C. Reade, 111 Tae Brorsenr’s Set. Pe %. F, Carien. 112 A Hero. By Miss M , , 118 Pavut anp Vimerma. From the French of Ber- nardin de St. Pierre. 114 ‘Twas In Traraucar’s Bay. By Walter Besant and James Rice, 113 Tur Mar or KruueeNa, By William Blaek. 116 Herry. By Henry : 117 Tas Waysipr Cross, By t. HE. A. Milman. DEUS OF WARSAW. Miss Jane Porter. 121 Tus Kine or No-Laxp. B, L. Farjeon, 12 Loven tar WrpowEr. By W. M. Thackeray. LIS. 125 Leia; or, Tae Srrex or Grenapa, By Edward Bulwer, (Lord Lytton.) Wen THE Seip Comma Home, By Walter By James Payn. Mrs. Gore, Farmer's Sweetheart, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 18 Home.ess; or, The Two Orphan Girls in New York. By Albert W. Aiken. 131 Sister AGaAINsT Sister: or, The Rivalry of 128 Tum Brrerariaur. By 129 Moruervess; or, The Hearts. By Mrs, M Reed Crowell. 182 Soup ror Gop; or, Almost Lost. By Mrs. M. V. Victor. 133 Lorp Rorn’s Srx; or, Betrothed at the Cradle, By Mrs. Georgiana Dickens. 184 Dio He Love Her? By Bartley T. Campbell. 135 Sinnep Against; or, Almost in His Power, By Lilian Lovejoy. 136 Was Sue His Wirt? By Mary Reed Crowell. 187 Tae VILLAGE ON THE CLire. By Miss Thackeray. 138 Poor VauErta; or, The Broken Troth. y Margaret Blount. 139 Marasrer Granam, By G. P. R. James. 140 Wrrrovur Mercy. By Bartley T. Campbell. 141 Honor Bounn. By Lillian Lovejoy. 142 FiLerine rrom Love. Mrs. Harriet Irving. 143 AspuctEp. By Rett Winwood. 144 A Srranee Marriaar. By Lillian Lovejoy. 145 Two Grrus’ Liyrs. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 146 A DesprraTe Venture. By Arabella Sou ca WAS THE Wouss! y 1449 AN AmMBIriIous GIRL. ADRIA, THE ADOPTED. ¢ By Sara Claxto Frances H. Davenport. | & Apams, Pub hen oie 150 Love Lorp or. Aut, By Alice May Fleming. 151A Witp Gru. By Corinne Cushman. ; 4) 152 A Man’s Sacrumict. By Harriet Irving. _. eat 153 Dip Sux Sin? By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 154 Hex Loves Mr Nor. Bcd Lovejoy. . ; 155 Winninc Wars. By Margaret Blount. = tae 156 Waar Sag Cost Him. By Arabella Southworth. i 157 A Gmu’s Heart. By Rett Winwood. ie 158 A Brrrer Mistake. By Agnes Mary Shelton. 4 4 159 Lapy Heven’s Vow. By the late Mrs. EK. F, Ellet. “4 160 Beyine a Harr, lian Lovejoy. 1 161 PEARL oF PEARLS, y A. P. Morris, Jr. Al 162 A Fariru, Gan, By Sara Claxton. q Bis | 163 Tur Crreoie Cousrs3. By Philip 8. Warne. oat 164 A S.4 wING O prart. By Georgiana Dickens. 165 A S'RANGE Girt. By / Ibert W. Aiken, 166 A Man’s Srx. By Rett Winwood. i 167 Tae Haxp or Fare. By Arabella Southworth. 168 Two Fark Women. By Wm. Mason Tu 169 Temprep Turoves Lover. By Lillian Love; 170 Burxp BarBara'’s Secret. By 171 A Woman's Wrrourry. By Sara Claxton, 172 Buack Eyes and Brive. y Corinne Cushman, 1738 Tox Cost or «4 Foxy. By Georgiana Dickens. | 174 Tue Prerry Purrran... By A Parson's Daughter. 17% Is Love A Mockery? By Arabella Southworth. 176 AprIA, THE ADorTxD, By Jennie Davis Burton, 177 5 Me Woman Hx Lovep. By Agnes Mary ton. 178 Tue Lockey Heart. By Corinne Cushman. 179 Parrep sy TrracweRy. By Harriet Irving. 160 Was Sees Wire? By Rett Winwood. A new desue every week. For sale by all Newsdealers, price five cents each, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of six cents, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, \ : $8 William tN The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertains ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! the following authors of world ep Same Mie ee Colonel Prentiss i ee ae, W. Aiken, ary, Capt. Fred. Whittaker, Capt. yne Reid, Josep RBA, ih E. Badger, Jr., Edward L. Wheeler, Charles Morris, i? 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1 Adventures of Buffalo Bill. From Boyhood to Man | 88 The Settler’s Son; or, Adventures in Wilderness aut Oleir: Re hood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, ing. By Edward S. Eilis. ie: 2 The Ocean Hunters; or, The Chase of the Leviathan, By | 39 Night-Hawk George, and His Daring Deeds ‘ol Adventures Captain Mayne Reid. §@” An extra large number. eB in the Wilds of the South and West. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 3 Adventures of Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. Remarkable | 40 The Ice Elephant; or, The Castaways of the Lone Coast. By Bae career of J. B, Hikok. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Captain Mrederick Whittaker. ; 4 The Prairie Ranch; or, The Young Cattle Herders. By Jos. | 41 The Pampas Hunters; or, New York Boys in Buenos Ayres, E. Badger, Jr. By T. C, Harbaugh. 5 bees 5 Texas Jack, the Mustang ing: Thrilling Adventures in| 42 The Young Land-Lubber. By ©. Dunning Clark. of lee the Life of J. B. Omohundro, “‘ Texas Jack.” By Col. P. Ingraham. | 43 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prince. By Col P. !vgruham, Los 6 Cruise of the Flyaway; or, Yankee Boys in Ceylon. By ©. _44 The Snow Hunters; or, Winter in the Woods. by Barrp, Dunning Clark, De Forrest. 7 Roving Joe: The History of a Young “ Border Ruffian.” Brief | 45 Jack, Harry and Tom, the Three Champion Brothers® Or pat Scenes from the Life of Joseph E. Badger, Jr, By A. H. Post. | Adventures of Three Brave "Boys with the ei Pirate.” By! aes 8 The Flyaway Afloat; or, Yankee Boys Round the World. | Captain Frederick Whittaker. Seer By C, Dunning Clark, | 46 The Condor Killers; or, Wild Adventures at the Equator. | 9 Bruin Adams, Old Grizzly Adams’ Boy Pard. By | By T. ©. Harbaugh. serant® Col.. Prentiss Ingraham. ' | 4% The Boy Coral Fishers; or, The Sea-Cavern Scourge, By 10 The Snow Trail; or, The Boy Hunters of Fur-Land. A Narra. | Roger Starbuck. % tive of Sport and Life around Lake Winnipeg. By T. C. Harbaugh, | | 48 Dick, the Stowaway; or, A Yankeo Boy’s Strange Cruise, ie 11 Old Grizzly — Bear Tamer ; or, The Monarch of By Charles. Morris. {- ia the Mountain. y Dr. Frank Powell. ye ll, Fortu a Misfortunes Ass 12 Woods and Waters; or, The Exploits of the Littleton Gun | ri iy Tressel a wren es 2 Se soaral oltedars *: Rae: the Mississippi. By Edward Willett. F Club. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 50 The Ad Life of Neb bat’ we 7 2 es. 18 A Rolling Stone: Incidents in the Career on Sea and Land as | e Adventurous Life of Nebraska Charlie, (Chas. ce pe Boy and Man, of Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By Prof.Wm. R. Eyster. | Burgess.) By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. ee. 14 Adrift on the Prairie, and Amateur Hunters on the | 51 The Colorado Boys; or, Life on an Indigo Plantation. By Buffalo Range. By Olli Coomes. Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 15 Kit Carson, King of Guides; or, Mountain Paths and| §2 Honest Harry; or, The ayeeente Boy Adrift inthe City. By Prairie Trails. By Albers W. Aiken. Charles Morris. Pass, 16 Red River Rovers ; or, Life and Adventures in the Northwest. | 55 pro Boy Detectives; or, The Young Californians in Shanghai, By C. Dunning Clark. By T. C. Harbaugh. tek “ee p 17 Plaza and Plain; or, Wild Adventures of “Buckskin Sam,” 54 California Joe, the Mysterious Plainsman,. By Col. Bah ban, OF 4 4 (Major Sam 8. Hall.) By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 18 Rifle and Revolver; or, The Littleton Gun Club off the | 55 Harry Somers, the Sailor-Boy Magician. By 8. W. Pearce. 19 ad es et i, Rib bended By Ed. Willett. Nepe 97'S, POT* se, A A CES Tae ia 4 20 The Dashing Dragoon Thy Story of Genel Georte A | 67 The Menagetie Hunters on Taony, Hobart, the Animal oA enantca i peg Bes? Western “Mea pe Pea, “By 658 Lame Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Charles Morris. G; * be Edward L. Wheeler, f eitake 4 Sy patel 59 Lud Lionheels, the Young Tiger Fighter. By Roger Starbuck, ‘ BS a2 he Boy Eater of Stun 271. dtc 9 tn Neue Bf Mapes Sorat ge Onaty _ York Boys in the CF ungles. By C, Dunning Clark. 24 The Sword Prince: The Roniantic Lifo of Colonel Monstery, | 81 ‘The Young Mustangers.- By C. Dunning Clark. (American Champion-at-arms.) By Captain Fred, Whittaker. 62 The Tiger Hunters; or, The Colorado Boys in Tiger-Land, — og 25 Round the Camp Fire ; or, Snow-Bound at “Freeze-out Camp.” By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. * Rs A Tale of Roving Joe and his Hunter Pards, By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. | gg Tye Adventurous Life of Captain Jack, the Border by, (oe 26 Snow-Shoe Tom; or, New York Boys in the Wilderness, A (John W. Crawford, the Poet aoe By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Narrative of Sport and Peril in Maine. By T. C. Harbaugh. 64 The Young Moose-Hun on T rail pay Chssige hates tes toe venturous Caréer of Eddie Burgess of Nebraska, By Col. Ingraham, 65 He the Bandit Wreck deers Beatle Bo ya Black Horse Bill, e Ban er; ys 26 Poin “=f tO ap ea te Stag and: Camp and to the Rescue. By Roger Starbuck, cs % 29 The Fortune-Hunter; or, Roving Joe as Miner, Cow-Boy, | 66 Little Dan Rocks; or, The Mountain Kid's Mission. By at ; Trapper and Hunter. By A. H. Post. Morris Redwing. +4 ppe y ‘ 30 ea Ferguson’ s Cruise. A Tale of the Antarctic Sea, By | 67 "Lo ore Lije; or, How a Rough Boy Won His Way. By = ©. Dunning Clark. C. Dunning Clark. hee 31 The Boy Crusader; or, ‘How a Page and a Fool Saved a Kin “Expe n tS By ak, Frederick Whittaker, =i = | 68 sparen: > ta B10 The, NOTE OT cs amen By “iis 32 White Beaver, the Indian Medicine Chief: or, The Ro- 5 eae ep mantic and Adventurous Life of Dr. D, Frank Powell, ‘known on the | 89 The Deer-Hunters; or, Life in the Ottawa Country. By a Ae Border as “ Fancy Frank,” “Iron Face,” ete. By Col, P. Ingraham. John J, Marshall. B, die i 33 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer; or, The Centipede | 70 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Plains; or, The Boy Ree ft: Among the Floes. By C. Dunning Clark. Trappers of Oregon. By Roger Starbuck, Ht. i 34 The Young Bear Hunters. A Story of the Haps and Mishaps way of a Party of Boys in the Wilds of Michigan, By Morris Redwing, A Now Issue Every Week. ay a : 35 tag oh Bor whelorss or, In the Shadow of the North Pole. Brabuw’s Boy’s Liprary is for sale by all Newsdealers, five conte Ph y Malt, copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. 36 Smart Sim, the Lad with a Level Head. By Ha. Willett, |?" °°?” y me dint = AND BLISHE ) ie * 37 Old Tar Knuckle and His Boy, Chums of, The Monten} gis: 2 ae of the Eequimaux Border. By Roger Starbuok. 98 William Street, New York. & oa S rr $ - lie fe TS i x nie, eee % . A . ye A UP Be . Ray Saito, © Fa! ee De way ye ee sre ar gn ee Se oe . bees eal a Y ees my. = bi 2
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pst ea ~ id _s ine ee ” > * — pe eg ri . 3 mone 6. Ss a. * “A. > “2 ~ », OW bee . - 5 = Ten, ‘J ~ 1 ste. ere \ 4 merioun Copyright. Novels oni theutiream of Foreign ar vraliaten Unabridge1, FOR FIVE CENTS. The oes eh: Ever * Poe 1 The Mosked B ree or, we She Marry | Mary Reed Cro Was It Love? or, Culieseen ae Sweet- By Bartley 4A Bruve or, Startlingly St By Arabella ith + oe The Quicksauds of Life. By Wi G4 te of Herseif. By Sara Claxton. * Him? By Mrs, hearts. By Wm. Mason Turner, M. D. 3 The Girl Wite; or, The True and the False, T.C bell. Hea Bouthwo 5 Bessie Raynor, the Work Girl; {liam rer, e Sceret “Marriage; or, A Duchess in | anughter of Eve; or, Blinded by Love. Bs May Few or iL, eart; or 4 "By Arabella Southworth, ™ % Alone ip she World3 or, The Young Ma Ward. By the author is Ctitton,” Pe 10 ‘mir of Gray ERyes; or, The Emerald ecklace. By Rose Ket > It Kn led ah. pea $ or, Dangerous Game. By 12 Mis. oe abet Wile; or, Myra, the Child of | Adoption. Mrs. Ann 8. 8 13 3 adeap, the I Little Serve tin or, The k4 y I Married — or, fps Goakuna- in ISA Haar, Hace jor , Out in the World. By 16 Trust Her Not; o7,A True ier, No 3 oF Knight. By | h7 A Loyal 1 Lovers or. Th The Last of the Grims- ,%8 3 "Sacly or or, ave I warred red Marriage. By heed we 19 e . roRae! hs or, Love verelié’| 20 orphan Nell, the Orange Girls or, The snne, Da | ewe od Worevers or, Why ze She Mar- | y Him? By Henrietta Thackera, Bride of aun Aetor}; or, "head trom Home. By the author of * Alone in the Wort” bs “ Clifton,” ete. o Sane ) Kear} or, Why She Proposed, By Sara 24 Her" Fuce Was Her Fortune, By Elea- us ones a Schoolmtatreas ; AR. Boge Untold Secret. Arabella South £0 ‘Wiinoue a Heart; pa Mek ion § on the Pren Ingrabaim. %.7 Coquette? or, 4 ‘Btrange | Ce ip. By Henrittia Thackera: “8 Sy il Chase; or, The Gambler's "Wite. By | . Ann §. Stephens. “9 For Her Dear Sake} or, Saved Prom Him. | self. By Sara Claxton. sO ane Girls or, A Million of Money. | ‘une. ne A Denon or, The Iron Will. By a, ss Tee Dopeagas or, Roses wor 33 The Three Sisters; or, The tery of he Chalfont. By Alive myilty a4 A lees ge or Conventenve ; or, Was Claxton, serpy vend Mer; or, The Winthrop Pride. . Archer's Erkde Ra The Queen of au Arabella Southworth. titers cousin oF & All is not aon | _ r= het Trust "Her Not. By Girl's a Name. od to Marry}; or, In Love's Bonds. Claxton. . Devotion , Love Against th By Alice Fleming. Saks 42 Montrices the Beautiful or, His Second a South net's Secret} 0 or, The Rival Halt- oy bere © Jlaxton, e aye meter 3 or. Brother against Alice ¥ lemming. dden Foe} or, Love At All Odds. ola Southworth. ce e Little Bistros’ or, Under a Cloud., rs, Mary A, Deniso 47 Because She Loved Him ; or, How Will It End? By Alice Fleming. 48 In ae “ —— or, Jeannette’s Repa- saat Bho R. Sherwood. 9 Hearts Mistress; or, Love at First Sight. By Arabella Southworth. S Eaip oe Cuban Mee or, rg a Prisoner of La Vintresse. ‘nison, +1 Two Young Getty or, The 1 Bride of an : Earl. By Alice ce Fleming. 2 The bbe te Messenger; or, Risking All ashe Heart. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. 2 PTT Ania, rner, a ee 0 i ; 55 She Did Not Love Him; or, Stooping to Conquer. By Arabella Southworth. 56 Lov are ma? or, Betrothed, Married, Divorced | : by N Vm. Mason Turner, M. D, | 57 A Brave irl; or, Sunshine at Last. By / Alive Fleming. or, 58 The Ebon Mask; or, The M rious | By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowell. } ah sed or, A Bitter Vengeance. } el Bernhard Guardian. 59 Set ae y Ra 60 a od Deceit; a The Diamond Legacy. 2S P 54 One Woman’s« Hreght x. Saved from the | | Street. By George 8. Kaim | | } ! eet met pet ee fet et et el et et Mrs. re Davis Burton. | 61 an icked Heart; or, The False and the True. By Sara Claxton. 62 = Maniac Bride; or, Tie Dead Secret of Hollow Ash Hall. By Margaret Blount | 63 The Creole 8 aggre or, The aeons oe the Mrs. Anes = Porte ; 64 MD tent reetows, Oe or, "The Heir of | mae pre. Alice Fleming. 65 The ae cores} or, "Twixt Cup and . Juan Lewis. GGA “Brother? er’s Sin Spake TA or, Flora'’s Forgiveness. 67 Forbidden Pence ty or, Alma’s Disguised Prince, Arabella Southworth. 68 Weavers and Weft; or, “ Love That Hath he. In His Hoe" Sy ee M. E. Braddon. | am ¢} or, e a or a Coquette. Alexandre 2 Dumas. | 70 The Two Orphans, By D'Enery. the 2 PS xouns ife. By My Young Wife's usba: 72 The Two Widows. By Annie Thomas, | 73 Rose Michel}; or, The Trials of a Factory Girl. By Maud Hilton. 74 Ceell Faatlenatnol Nagy, ty or, The Story of a Broidered Shield. B ui 75 The Blaek Lady of Duna. By J.S. le | Fanu. 76 Charlotte Temple. Mrs. Rowson. l77 Christian Oakle istake. By the | Hadita ete. | | author of “ John ax, Gentleman,” 78 = Young Husband; or, A Confusion in ton e Family. By Myself. uecn Amongst Women, By the author of ‘ Dora Thorne,” ete., etc. 80 Her Lord and Master.’ By Florence Marryat.. 81 Lucy Temple, Sister of Charlotte. 82 A Long Time Ago, By Meta Orred. 83 Piaying for High Stakes, By Annie Thomas, | 84 Re eur Bush. By the author of By Octave Feuillet. Be Halifax, Gentleman.” , 85 Le stray. 88 Janct’s Hepentance. By George Etict, 87 7 Romance ofa Poor Young Man. Octave Feuillet. | | 98 ae erriblo ey rtd or, All for Gold. By Emma Garrison J | 89 -" Gilded Sin, a by the author of “Dora oThe authors Daughter. By Mary | bi | The waiit. By Charles Read 2 Blleen Alanna; or, the Dawning of thé Day. | By Dennis O'Sullfvan. 93 Love's Victory. 94 The Quict Heart, 95 Lettice Arnold. 96 Haunted Hearts. 97 Hugh Melton. 98 Allee Learmont. B rdin De St. Pi /114 Twas In Trafalgnren Bay. By Wal- ter Be and James 115 Ghe Mald of Killeena. By William | hee Berg a By Mss py 03 P offington. i Bog Womng Deed. by trskine Boyd Bord. io Shadows on the Snow, eon 105 The meri Hoggarty eI By era, 106 Peet iakbe gel to Waking. By E. n Linto Ze vin! By F. W. Robinson. 108 The Sad Fortunes of the Rev. Amos | Barton. By Georze Eliot. 109 Bread-and-Cheese and Kisses, By | i ae } 110 The andering Heir. By Charles | The. | 111 KY Brother’s Bet; or, Within Six | ue By none Fiygare Carlen. 1 212A ro. By Miss Muloc das Paul and Xireinia. From the French of ) | : '116 A ; ii? ne Waele ‘Or, tte Raid of | 118 The Vicar Ia. By Oliver | 121 ame King of No-Land. By Annie Thomas. By Mise Jane By BL. Far . Thaek 119 “Maud Mohan. 120 Thaddeus of Warsaw. Porter. 122 Lovely the Widower. By W.™ era 123 ‘An’ Island Pearl, Py ©. . Ferjcon 124 Cousin Phillis, 125 Leila; or, The es Gronada. By Ed- ward Bulwer (Lord L; 26 When the Shi Comes Home, Bp Walter Besant end James Ri 7 One of the | esr By y James Payt. & The Birthright. erie Gore. 9 Motherless; or, The Farmer's Sweetheast. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham 0 Homeless; or, Two Orphan Girls in New York. By Albert W. Aiken. apet eaten or, The Rivacry y Mrs. Mary Reed Fowl Sold for Gold, By Mrs V. Victor, Lord Roth’s Sin. By Georgiana Dickens, —_ He Love Her? By Bartley f. aap ai . Lillian Lovejoy. — She ale Wire? By Mrs. Mary | teed The “Village on the Clim. By sis Valeria! or, The Broken Trotm, | Poor t Blount. ret Geshu, By G. ix R. Jame Margaret Bartley T.Campt By Lilian Love) eveiey out Mercy. By Honor Bound, 143 Abducted; or, A Wieked Woman's Work, sinned A 2 2 2 3 31 32 33 ao 35 wad: 87 38 30 40 41 4 2 ss from neve. By Rett Winw 144 A Strange Marriage; id Jokn Foster’ Heiress. By Lillian Love 145 Two. Girl's Lives. y Mrs. Mary Reed 146 A Desperate Venture}; or, For Love's Own Sake. By Arabella worth. 147 ae War of Hearts, By Corinne Cush- 148 Which Was the Woman ? or, Strangely u Claxton. 149 AS ioe tttous ait or, She Would Be Actress. By Frances Helen Davenport. y 150 Love Lord pa All; or, In Her Own at Kore “Alice diay Flesnl ng. 151 A Wild Gare "By Corinne Cushman. Mian’s ae Fad Harriet peving. y Reed Crowell. B A Girls Heart. hy Rett Winwood, A Bitter Mistake; or, A Young Girl's . By Agnes Mary Shelton, ‘ elen's PaAL or, The Mother's Mrs. E. F. Ellet. Ss Goukonw 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cr Ore Sr Or Sr orGr May Langley’ 8 Fann Dickens. ser nge Pier ace By Albert W. Aiken, 166 as Man’e Sin. Winwood. } 167 The éns of Fate; or, The Wreck of Two Lives. tla, thwort 68 ‘Two Fair Women. By Wm. M. Turner. 189 Tempted Through OTA or, Que Woman's Error. . By n ‘ , 170 ee Hal we pat rh bocree. vpy Mory — WL A man: Mi Sie Gita or, Througn dtuch “Tribals ion 172 es ply Eyes ond lue, By Corinny 178 The Cost of a Folly. By Georgivn Dickens. ; 174 oe err Puritan. By A #arson's. Daughte ° n Mockery? or, Revenge Is ae Seat ve B Mockcer worth. 176 Lae the Adopted. By Jensie, Davis o Woman He Loved+ or, Fate- wi For the By Agnes Mary Shelton, : 178 The Locked Heart. By Corinne Cushman. 179 Parted by Treachery. By Harriet Irving. 180 re She a Wite? or, The Proof of Love By Rett Winwood, A new issue every week, Liprary is tor sale all News Tar WAVERLEY Aye vie i. | dealers, five cents per copy, ceipt of six ceuts eac 2 ae . em 2 = ADAMS, Pu t William pon York.