, 1862-10-25

but she drew back with dignity
a might have loved you once, Frazer, or fan
ced that did; but your own words have dispelled
the illusion. Henceforward you are no more than
the merest stranger to me-"
Martins handsome brow darkened. "Are you
serious, Ellice MayP
81 am"
"And you really dismiss me from your pres
encee"
81 do"
"Very well. accept the dismissal. Return
to your first love, if you choose; but remember, my
tickle fair one, that you can not smile me back
again when you are wearied of playing the CO.
quette. Make your elertiof saw, or never !"
"It is made good-evening, Mr. Martin p said
Ellice, calmly. And calmly she stood there-her
white dress futtering in the sunset breeze, while
Martin twitched the reins of his splendid grays
from tie post and sprang into his carriage, driv-
ing off like a whirlwind.
Noble little Ellice she was true to her wo-
manhood, true to herself; and even at the time
when Hugh Irving lost his ancestral patrimony
he gained wife who had learned to love him for
himself alone 1t was a ray of hope in the dark
ness ; and with brave heart he set to work to
build up the fallen fabric of fortune once more.
"Qute romantic, upon my wordw sneered Fra
zer Martin, as he read the marriage of Hugh
Irving and Ellice May in the newspapers. Gust
as they can afford But" he added, between his
clenched teeth, if the days of Faust were here
once more would sell myself to the Evil One,
soul and body, for the chance of striking that
mans cup of happiness to the ground!"
Twenty years had wrought but little change in
the dark beauty of Elice Irving. One or Two
threads of silver had, perhaps, interviewer them
selves in the abundant braids of ebon hair, and
the peach-bossom color of girl-hood had given
place to a softer rose on her cheek but Ellice
was lovely still as she Stood in the frosty October
twilight, shading her eys with one fair jeweed
hand, while the other pushed aside the crimson
trails of the frost-touched vine which hung over
the piazza pillars. Looking for her husband
All there was no loving eye to watch for Frazer
Martins erring foctstepsl
AT length he came, welcomed home by the
glow of freight, and the merry voices of little
children and the peaceful calm of Ellice's smile!
The world called Hugh Irving fortunate man;
because he had prospered exceedingly in its paths
of commerce; but what would the world have
said could it have peeped into his bright home
circle ? There must be yet an undiscovered word
to express such bliss
"But, Hugh, something has annoyed you; you
look grave and thoughtful" said Mrs. Irving,
when at length the noisy crew of little ones had
been safely piloted to bed, and husband and wife
were sitting together-Hugh in velvet easy
chair, and Ellice on a low ottoman beside him,
her cheek resting on his knee, as she had been
used to sit in the days of brde-hood.
"You are veritable witch, Ellce!" said Hugh
laughing. Il believe you know every thought
that crosses my mind. Yes, dearest, have been
excessively annoyed"
"Tell me about it, Hugh; you know you never
have any secerts from me-"
She put her little hand caressingy into his; he
stopped and kissed the dimond sparkling fingers
81 have an opportunity to-day, Ellice, to pay
very old debt-to pay it with interest. What do
you advise ?"
"Don't talk in riddles you provoking fellow !
Speak out plainly or | never shall be able to COM
prehend you, said Mrs. Irving.
Listen then, my dear wife" said Hugh sud-
denly growing grave, almost stern in his manner.
ftN L. IL 7 bo, bok 6 4
posting, from time to time, any unappropriated
sums of money in the =" Bank, at New York
Well, l had occasion not long since, to send for
supply 1t was duly forwarded to-day, with
notice that l had slightly overdrawn my account.
knew this to be impossible, as the balance lying
there was nearly ten thousand dollars, and my
order was but for five. On examining the state
ment of accounts sent on with the funds discov-
cred that a check for five thousand dollars, bear
ing my signature had been presented and cashed
some six months previously. Now had never
heard of the thing, nor signed any such check"
We'll, said Ellice, her lips apart, and her eyes
fixed earnestly on her husbands grave face.
"And the name of the man who presented this
check-this forged check, remember-was Frazer
Martin -
Elce grew pale, and clasped her hands tightly
together. "Good Heaven, Hugh, can this thing
be possible ?"
"Not merely possible love, but certain. fit
winding up of his career of reckessness and dissi
patton, ," said Irving bitterly.
sD., Ill .ulo+ ,oooe,roe baya ,,o, faka 81
asked Ellice, who seemed scarcely able to realize
the stupendous fraud.
"Nope as yet; but at the earliest practicable
hour tomorrow morning shall set the officers
of the law upon the track of this undetected
felon!'
"What is the consequences, Hugh p
imprisonment for life !" was the stern answer.
Ellce trembled and half opened her lips, but
there was no CLEAN of encouragement in the
dark brow of her husband
"Oh, Hugh, dear Hugh, to think that might
have been the wife of this wretched man !"
Mr.. Irving passed his hand fondly over his
wife's hair and drew her closer toward him, as if
he would avert the merest thought of danger
from her.
"If you please, ma am" said a servant, putting
his head in at the door, would you step into the
hall a minute? The housekeeper wants to speak
a word with YOU"
Mrs Irving rose and passed quietly out of the
room. Hugh remained in his old position, ga
zing into the fire with set teeth and corrugated
brow. In moment his wife returned with