The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-12-16

In her mind through the delay consequent
upon old Mr.. NewtOn's death. The fu-
neral took place In the morning; this was
In the twilight of the chill March after
noon; but she knew tomorrow Mr.. New
ton would be Mt the Office. and she wished
10 obtain an interview with him before
that could happen.
Her heart sank within her; the twelve
dark windows frowned down 50 gloomily
upon her. and she thought Of Paul's ac-
count of the Anglo Indian, and she stood
aud treniblcd In her shoes. But this was
the house; there was single name, New
ton.' on u brass plate on the door. Twice
shs spelt over these six letters. whisper
ing to herself the name they formed, be-
fore she dared to ring. The porter was
some tiue in replying to the timid sum-
mons.
Can I SEQ Mr.. Roland Newton'' fal-
tered Milly. fsG
Milly's shabby dress did not warrant
any necessity for particularly respectful
behaviour upon the porter's part, and no
did not show 1t. rr..a a
We'll, Miss, seeing rs how he's just bu-
ricd his father, It's most onbecOming o.
you to ask such thing, l should say, If
I might be allowed an opinion
u, but I must sec him. cried Milly,
clasping her hands, If it's only for few
minutes; Il Is business of Importance
almost life and death. Won't you give
him my name, and tell him I'll not detain
him longr
Now Milly Grassland was extremely
beautiful: and ever since the world began
beauty has won its way whero merit, in
ugliness, could not gain admission; and
by virtue now Of her pleading voice, her
soft eyes. and pale, sweet face, the porter
did what, under any other circumstances,
he would hardly have been tempted to do
-he offered her seat In the hall very
ciyilly. and went. mt her request, tn beg
that Mr.. Newton would see Miss Cross
land. ..1 ....
1t was full five minutes before he re-
turned. and then his demeanor was con-
siderably altered. Tho butler was with
him. and he had orders to conduct Miss
Grassland Mt once to his masters pres
ence.
Millicent was shown into an apart
ment that had an air OF sombre and OPP
pressive grandeur; the funer j plumcs of
the mourning hearse hail left their atmos-
phere behind, and their shadow upon
the brow of the man who sat upon the
hearth.
When he arose. Milly did not recognize
In him the Roland Newton of her brothers
description.
.I-i-beg pardon for my intrusion
said Milly, nervously; 1t Is Mr.. Roland
Newton | wish to see
This was young man-at least one
not much over thirty-with spare fig
ure, deeply bronzed but handsome face,
and crisp, curling, dark hair.
i am hc,' he replied, in quiet, grave
tones.
Poor Milly became confused and trcm-
bling all Mt once. Last night she had
dreamed of casting herself at his feet, land
of refusing to rise, though he entrcatrd
her with never such calm benevolcnce,
until she hxd obtained pardon for her
brother. All mt once strange, sweet,
pride stole into her heart, that prevented
her, even for Paul's sake, casting herself
Mt the feet of this man. Instead of be-
having in such heroine-like fashion, she
took tho chair he placed for her, In the
most ordinary manner imaginable. She
tried to remember all she had prepared
to say. but all mt once the power Of speech
even deserted her. Mr.. Newton saved
her the trouble of recalling 1t.
Il am so glad to see you,' he said sim
ply; for in truth he felt very glad. The
name of Grassland was almost the last
my dear fathers lips uttered. He seemed
to think he had neglected to perform the
duties toward you that his friendship for
your father warranted, and he LEFT the
task for me to complete. What is there
can do for you?'
Then Milly forgot everything but the
cause she had come TO plead; forgot that
the young man she spoke TO was young
and handsome. and tho owner of untold
wealth; she remembered only that with
him rested the power to ruin her dearly
loved brother for life, to expose him. tn
prosecute him. to remove her only friend
and natural protector from her side, and
for herself and him she pleaded, having
made confession of his guilt.
He is so youngr she cried; and our
lives have been so dull and hard since our
poor father died. that he was sorcly temp
ted 10 seek amusement where he should
not have done. Ii you will only have
pity, II YOU will give us time, Paul has
promised never to touch cards again, and
we will both work increasingly until We
have repaid you the debit
She had thrown herself upon the floor,
impelled by the magnitude OF the cause
she pleaded. to that humble posture. She
raised her streaming eyes, and the sight
of SO young u creature In such deep dis
trcss went straight to Roland Newton's
heart, rs no woman's loveliness had ever
done before. He raised her from the
floor and placed her in the large easy
chair no had occupied upon her en-
trance.
you must think that am the hardest.
hearted man that ever lived, Miss Cross
land said he.
Involuntarily she smiled through her
tears, though that smile was Immediately
followed by an hysterical sob.
You have made my task easier for me-
he continued; for il was nv task, my
dear fathers legacy to me, to seek You
out and learn In what way could most
benefit you. am extremely sorry to hear
that your brother has made himself amen.
able to the laws Of his country, aud !
trust the fear and pain no has suffered
himself. and has caused you to suffer, may
be q warning to him. Ineed hardly say.
after what have told you. that cannot
entertain any idea of prosecuting him.
II. rs you say, it Is In consequence of the
acquaintance he has formed with dissipa-
ted young men. who have led him into
temptations he could not Withstand, the
best thing we can do Is TO remove him
from his tempters. But this Is for future
consideration. For the prcsant make
yourself quite happy upon his account.
believing in me as a friend You snail
Overcome with gratitude, Milly could
but murmur few broken words OF thanks.
Then Roland Newton conducted her to
the hall. with suddenly assumed and