Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-12-07
Autumn Leaves.
CHAPTER IV.-AND LAST.

taxing my sister from nome acted as
thought best. The probability of
marriage between Clarice and Sir Gerald
never struck me- knew that her beau
ty and her grace, her innocence and
truth, made her worthy of any rankin !
my own secret heart did not think the
inferiority on her side at all. But
knew the ways and prejudices of the
world. could imagine Lady Mayne
and Lady Horton sitting in solemn judg-
ment upon my darling shaking their
heads dolefnlly over ..Sir Gerald's in
fatuation.'' She should never submit to
it. There was some little surprise in
our household at the unexpected journey
better that than for Clarice to suffer
another days torture. | could not for
get her words.
The end of the second day found us
safely established in a pretty suite of
rooms opposite the sea at Dover. |
wrote to Mrs. Gordon at once, and told
her how comfortably we were settled.
With all my heart ] tried to undo the
harm that had been done; but.at the end
of few days it seemed to me an oversight
to have brought Clarice within sight and
hearing of the dreamy summer seas.
1t was the middle of July then, and the
weather was most beautiful. We spent
the whole day out of doors. She had no
need for restraint now she knew that
her secret was mine, and she made no
effort to fight against the languor and
sadness that overpowered her. Hour
after hour she would sit. her eyes upon
the restless murmuring waters; the wist-
full expression of her face grieved me be-
yond words. If, to arouse her, | asked
her to read, she read; if | talked, she
answered me if | wanted music, she
sang but everything had to be suggested
to her. believe she would have dream
ed the whole day through without NOV
ing, but for me. All the sweet snatches
of song had died away from her lips the
bright smiles and sunny words never
came. was very unhappy over her,
and yet-poor child, she did her best.
Sir Gerald's name was never mentioned
between us, but [ could not hope that
she had forgotten him.
seemed to be nearer Hugh when
sat by the sea. He had gone over the
waters he had watched the grand swell
ing waves rise and fall on the restless
ocean. At times, when | woke during
the night, could fancy that his voice
was calling to me far above the mur~
mur of the sea.
The bright summer faded and autumn,
my favorite season, came in its place
Clarice seemed better and happier, but l
had no intention of going home; better
to stay away two or three years, if it was
necessary, than to take her home too soon.
But all my good intentions were frustra-
ted by the sudden illness of Mrs. Gordon.
She wrote to me, asking me, if possible,
to return. passed the letter to Clarice
she read it through.
LET US go home, Laura she said
Il have learned a great deal of wisdom
here by the sea. Say that you trust me
and have no fear for me-
| kissed her and repeated the words
l could trust her; she was docile, gentle
and truthful. l resolved that if Sir
Gerald came again would speak plainly
to him.
We returned home. Deep Glen looked
gorgeous in its autumn dress. Clarice
never spoke as we drove by Beecham
. court and through the village. but her
face was calm and still.
was much relieved to find Mrs.
Gordon more frightened than i'll. We
, had some tea, and spent an hour in her
room, and then went together to-see how
the garden and orchard had Jared during
our absence.
The golden brown leaves rustled at
f every step we took-the fruit in the or
t chard was all ripe. | stood under the
| shade of large damson tree, when the
sound of quick footstep reused me.
We had been home only two hours,
vet he stood there-Sir Gerald Mayne-
looking thinner and paler. and with a
t most reproachful expression on his hand
some face. | looked quickly at Clarice
Good heavens | had thought the child
cured, yet her face frightened and flush
ed. He took no notice of me but went
straight up to her.
"Clarice," he said '-where have you
7 been? How could you leave me without
| one word ? Do you know what you have
made me suffer?'' He had grasped both
her hands, and she shivered and trem
bled at his touch. do you know" ht
Q continued, '.what cruel, reckless thing
e you have done, leaving me, as you would
:. have left stranger, without one word 2
thought it time tceome to the rescue
Il tried to unclasp her hands.
! $50 into the house Clarice.' | said
n 81 will talk to Sir Gerald" But b,
: would not release her.