The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-04-08

in the easy chair, and feeling as if school
life and "the griffin" were very far distant.
1t was pretty room, with its rose-colored
drapery and tinted walls hung with pic
lures, one of which, spirited likeness of
Percie Lennox, attracted Cecil's gaze. A
pain darted through her heart, and the
question she began to ask George died on
her lips, as she thought, why cannot
be brave enough to ask one question and
end all this mystery?"
George left Cecil for while, and upon
her return announced that she had a shock
ing headache, and therefore would order
tea in her room. 1t was cozy meal, as
they sat before the bright fire, and George
was delighted to find that her friend looked
almost happy among her new surroundings.
"What a bore !" said George, dismally,
as Holmes came in with card just as tea
was over; 81 forgot to say we were en-
gagged. What shall do?"
81 might go down as proxy" said Cecil,
laughing, "except that don't know your
friend"
George colored uneasily.
Then he fibbed," said she, laughing to
cover her slight embarrassment. "You
did not see the card, Cecil; it's Give
Harold"
Cecil started.
"I do know Mr. Harold, but he is
not person whom care to meet"
every well Holmes just say" But
a gesture from Cecil stopped her.
A sudden thought had struck the girl, an
unaccountable desire to see the man who
had so injured her, which afterwards SEEM
ed to her like an inspiration.
GIVE changed my mind if you do not
feel we'll l will be the bearer of your ex-
cuses.''
George looked more relieved than the
occasion seemed to warrant, though she
begged Cecil not to go unless she really
felt like it. But as soon as Cecil left her,
George gave very triumphant chuckle.
81 wonder what my prisoner is doing
Poor Percie must run down and let him
out of the house while she is away. Ger.
tainly, the most unluclSy chances always
befall me who could have foreseen that
the dear fellow would get back from Eu-
rope just at the very hour of our arrival
l never'will undertake to manage love.
affair again p' From which it will be seen
that Miss George was only sad naughty
plotter in disguise
Unconscious of all this, and that tricky
fate was preparing another trial for her
Cecil followed Holmes down stairs. Har
old was bending over fine engraving, and
did not hear her light step until she stood
almost at his side. Expecting to see Geor
gle, he looked up with merry smile, tx
meet the eyes whose grave reproach haC
haunted him ever since that stormy inter
view on the sands of Wachahasset.
"Cecil land how changed p burst iron
his lips as he started up.
'It is some months since we have met
Mr.. Harold" she said, gravely, "and
have not been well this winter. / do no
wonder that you find me altered l can Sc
1t in the mirror myself"
81 never hoped to have the pleasure O
} seeing you here" he said, recovering him
self. 81 did not know that Miss Georgi
and you were friends. How do you fin
/ Mrs. Evelyn ?"
"I have not met her; she is absent fror
home"
, "Not met her ?" he said, ..surprisedly
5 "You used to be great admrer of hers
! What p answering her puzzled face "i
) is not possible that you are not aware tina
, the present Mrs. Evelyn was formerly Mr.
a Lennox ?"
, Her shocked start and change Of count'
nance convinced him how ignorant she wa
' of the fact Like flash many mysteriou
! acts of Georgie's came back to her mind
! the locket-Percie-he stepmother.
. "What can you think of me she crieC
!, passionately. 81 did not know where WI
: coming in my seclusion never eve
Q heard of Mrs. Lennox's second marriag,
Q And Percie is away-for Heavens sake,
Q not think mean to break my word p
He looked at her remorsefully; looked
Q the sad pale face, until tears dimmed IL
o eyes of that bold bad man.
IT 81 would not have believed that SO mob
!, woman breathed on earth as you are, G
Gil Dare How did you ever come to !
,, me see you thus? Did you think even n
heart proof against your lovely wan face
y Too amazed to answer him, Cecil on
|, fixed her large eyes on him in wondermer
,r r1is faatiires vyorked eoncInsivalv ..he saiz,