Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1869-02-04

then she picked up a cinder Win hei
tongs. and deposited it carefully on the
fire and then she spoke.
Lady Spencelaugh" said Mrs
Winch.
-Oh, hang Lady Spencelaugh fie
for her Ladyship." interrupted Brack.
enridgc with an angry snap of the fin.
gers. before the widow could say an
other word. Il hope YOU are not going to
fling that old woman in my teeth again
I've had enough of her. can tell you.
Here have | been courting YOU these
eighteen months past YOU have agreed
to take me for better or worse but
whenever speak about marriage. La
DIV Spencelaugh is straightway pitched
al me. and am expected to sit down
quietly. and never say word in re-
turn. But | can't do it, Martha and
what's more. | won't What is Lady
>pencelaugh 10 me. l should like TO
know. or to Lady Spencelaugh. that
she should be allowed To stand be-
tween the happiness of two people who
are fond of ono another: And why
this woman should he so set against
me. is past my finding out. She has
never seen me above half-a-dozen
times. and then only for n minute or
two i'll the shop. And why a sensible
woman like YOU should allow yourself
to be SO guided by her, is a still bigger
puzzle"
a wintry smile fiickcrcd round the
widows thin lips. IF YOU had not
interrupted me 50 rudelv." she said.
II was about TO observe. that Lady
>pcncelaugh's prejudice against you.
whether reasonable or unreasonable.
i still fact. but one which is rot quite
insurmountable."
$50 on. said Mr. Breckenridge. rs
he took hearty pull at the contents
Of his glass. Its all n mys;iiicatIon
to me I'm blessed if il amt
ITO you. Lady >pencclaugh's or
position may seem matter of little
Importance. resumed the widow Ito
me, It j. n ycry awkward fact and
may a. well toll vou nj once. that to
marry IN direct opposition Ia her
very painful 10 me There is. how
ever. one method by which vsi might
at the same time win Lady spence
laughs cordial support to our union,
1 earn handsome wedding present for
yourself. ami h. At liberty 10 name
whatever day might suit YOU best for a
] certain ceremony.
Whatever playfulness the widows
Z words might seem 10 imply. was GER
tainly bolicd by the anxious and care
/ worn expression that sat on her pale
J features
More riddles" said Mr.. Brack.n-
ridgc sententiouslv. In the name Of
I cummon-sensc. what j. il YOU are driy-
! ing Al. Martha Winch :"
Listen. and YOU shall learn"
She drew her chair closer 10 his. and
laii her hand on his arm. To add weigh,
- what She was about 10 say. y on
know Mr.. John English, the photo
( grapher. who STAYED here two nights.
and who is now lodging mex, door 10
vou,"
The chemist nodded.
Lady Spcncclaugh i anxious that
I he should quit Normanforl al once and
for ever: | am anxious that he should
quit Normanfori at once and for ever
, Now. do not ask what reasons her
I Lady ship and have FOR wishing this.
because tell YOU frankly that You will
never know them"
What not when YOU and are mar
/ ried:" burst in Breckenridge.
Not when YOU and are married.
if that event ever take place" answer
cd the widow calmly. There are
some things which cannot tell even 10
you, and this is one Of them
"IIang me if | haven't always
thought there was some secret between
you and that old madam up at Be
lair"
Then your usual penetration was
not at fault" responded Mrs. Winch.
There is a secret between US. and be
assured that secret will remain.
Once for all, l wish you to understand
this"
Some rubbish, daresay. not worth
the knowing" said Breckenridge con-
temptuously. ssBut about this business
what is it you want me TO do:"
II want TO set those quick wits Of
yours to work, and try whether you
cannot devise some scheme by which
this man could be induced TO leave
Normanford."
swell, supposing that were done"
said the chemist, "what could Lady
ship afford to stand in return"
.'Oh, her Ladyship is not person to
tie herself down TO any terms-in fact,
she would not appear at all in the mat
ter; but any one who acted the part
of discreet friend would have no
cause to think himself illiberally treat
sd everything, however, would depend
upon the style in which the business
was conducted"
Very pleasant. but very vague, said
the chemist. For my part. like some
thing definite. Would that be con-
sidered as too much to give in case it
was done well." and he held up two
fingers as he spoke.
The widow pursed her lips, but did
not speak.
Perhaps the case would stand that z
said Breckenridge, elevating three fin
gers.
The ghost Of a smile fitted across
the widows sallow face.
~ he