The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1874-12-24
III.

Christmas in the tropics, and roses
everywhere. Lord Arthur Drum
mond, commander of the Psyche, sat
IN the AdmiraPs pew a handsome,
stately man, with clear eye and Van
dyck beard a sailor about whom
clung that reputation for bravery and
aristocratie birth dear to colonial
society. For the rest, a quiet and
unassuming gentleman.
The ladies of the garrison rustlsd
in; opposite was an untenanted
pew. Lord Arthur glanced ct the
gilded cross of the altar, rising from
garlands of roses, and down the aisle,
with the habitually bored expression
Of one who endures much attention.
When he raised his head after prayer
the opposite pew had an occupant in
aspect SO unusual that he was guilty
of fixed stare of surprise. A girl sat
there, glorified by shaft of amber
light from the altar window, in the
perfection of beauty as rare as 1t
was luxuriant. The complexion was
dazzingly fair, the hair like masses
of molten gold. Her costume match
ed, in the audacious combinations,
certain defiance Of expression. She
wore dress of silver brceade and
pink satin cloak ; one hand was en-
cased in blush-tinted glove, the 9TH
er decorated with an antique sap
phire ring. She seemed a bird OF
paradise alighted among a flock of
sparroWs. She never glanced at
| Lord ;FArthur during service. The
admiral's lady used her vinsigrette
Ifoo lu i'm a rFTlrOIf
Alfred Dearborn was preaching. At
this moment Lord Arthur became
aware, by an uncom Portable consci-
business, that the girl opposite was
| looking at him. Two large gray eyes,
like wells of limpid light, were turned
full Oh him with the intentness OF
one seeing beyond.
"Who is that girl ?i'
"An eccentric being, called Made
moiselle Caprice. An old man died
and left her his fortune year ago,
and since, she has revelled in child
/ ish extravagance. The nephew, our
clergyman, Mr.. Dearborn, should
have inherited. Will you drive ?''
Thanks, I will walk instead"
A dozen PAGES in advance was Cap
rice, her very step betraying exuber-
ant vitality, the bTocade held up dain-
tily, thus revealing slippers with dia-
mond buckles. Suatehes of song es-
capped her lips. A gang of convicts
were coming from the shore. They
wore straw hat, and Coarse blOuses
marked with the number and name
of their hulks. AS they filed past, a
slight, pale man looked at Caprice
Not q sound escaped his lips, not a
gesture betrayed his surprise trifle
paler, No. 40 moved on. Caprice
stood as if pstrifed. Lord Arthur
overlook her. Color had fled, her
4 eyes were wildly diiated, her hands
rigidly elinehed over her heart
"Are you ILL.," touching her arm
gently.
'NO," gazing straight before her.
"Perhaps the convicts frightened
you. Can 1 be of service -
''NO, it is nothing"
He went on. Dignity demanded
no further interference; curiosity
made him look back. Sine was fol-
lowing rapidly she had disappeared.
Where !? A flight of steps were cut
in the high wall, leading to q path
above, and 10 this path the girl lay
on her face, like one dead. He bore
her swiftly toward the hOuse-an old
mansion, with the sun shining peace
fully on white walls and chimneys
II Doors and windows were open q
tall clock licked solemnly in the hall;
la glimpse Of sideboard loaded with