Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-09-25

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a bow-window upon Il garden flaming
with Autumn tints and sunset glow, lifted
a pair of soft black eyes to Mrs. Tolman's s
face.
"What is the matter p"
An awkward pause followed that qucs-
t;on.
Mrs. Tollman fdgeted under the in
curing glance of the dark eyes, cleared
her throat twice and finally said, with
nervous emphasis
John Furber."
Miss Cameron's face seemed to freeze.
1t was very beautiful face, with pride
for Il leading expression.
"There," Mrs. Tollman said despair
ingly, "I've made you mad already, and
haven't said anything"
81 am not mad" Lconie answered,
and there certainly lurked smile in her
mouth at the good woman's Consideration
"but you have not told me what troubles
you"
It's-it's-John, Miss Cameron and
he's my nephew, Miss, as you know,
though his fathers a rich man, very rich /;
and John is above his mothers place in
her life. She's dead, and John was
spoiled somewhere between the year she
died and two years ago. l don't know
where, but he took to bad ways; he was
brought up IN idler upon his fathers
money, and from idleness to drinking,
gambling and bad ways is an easy road
His father is n hard man, and he thrust
him out year ago-dsinherited him.
He came here, for | love him; rve
nothing else to love-husband and chill
dfen in the grave yard, so | love John"
There was II piteous pleading in the
woman's face, but Leonic's was blank,
save for an air of polite interest.
4" He was most desperate when he came
here, but I've coaxed him up little
But-but-Oh, Miss Cameron, you know
what | want to say. I've no right to find
luult, but-but-don hirt with John.
He's in trouble, despondent, disinterested
and he's falling in love with you as fast rs
he can. l believe, if you play with him
; he will kill himself, body and SOUL"
"If l understand you Alright, you wisl
me to ignore your nephew. 1t is not 50
easy, as he is in your house, so / had bet
ter leave it,"
Goodness I" cried the widow, aghast
at this Interpretation of her words. IL
never meant that. Where can you find
another boarding place near here ?"
can return to London"
"pve put my foot in it. John will neve
forgive me-" said Mrs. Tolman, dscon
solately.
But there was no sympathy in Leonie'i
face, and she turned away at last, per.
picked and more anxious than ever. And
Leonie, sinking back in her chair again,
looked at the sunset clouds and variegated
foliage, and thought perhaps it was time
to return to London.
She had come to s., weary with II
round of fashionable life, tired of tattery,
dancing, flirting, and she found rest and
quiet under Mrs. Tollman's motherly
care. She was rich, richer far than hei
landlady had any idea of but she had nc
near relatives, only second cousin tc
keep her lonely home and play propriety,
Society constituted itself her amateur
guardian, and lying back in her cushioned
chair, in the sunset glow, she wondered
what society would say about John Fur
Der.
Then, from thinking Of society's opin-
ion, she quite unconsciously glided into
considering her own. This dark -browed
man had made fair portion Of her Sum.
mer pleasure for three months had beer
her cavalier in many country walks
trees, sang in superb baritone upon
murmuring waters, looked into her eyes
on a moonlit porch and whispered deli
cately- -worded hettery.
Finally, lifting hereyes with n soft sigh,
she saw him leaning against n tree oppo'
site the low window, looking Mt her. A
vivid flash stained her check as he said
What can you have been thinking of
You have not stirred for half an hour.
Only that your eyes were open, l should
have thought you asleep"
Your powers Of observation are mar
velous," she answered lightly. "I was
only dreaming"
"Of what ?"
"Of the world in general /; my world
in particular. It's almost time / returned
there"
She was prepared for some polite show
of regret, but not for the ghastly change
in his face.
She shuddered, remembering his aunt's
words.
"Going away! Why, of course you
would be soon," he said, trying to speak
carelessly, while his eyes hungrily de-
youred her face, and his white, parched
lips we're drawn as if in sharp physical
pain.
II have been here three months" she
said, feeling her own heart ache at his
misery.
Yes, yes f! You will go certainly"
"And YOU" she said, 'you will be in
the city, presume. should be glad to
welcome you TO my hodse."
"No," said he, harshly; 81 will not
take such advantage of your kindness. l
am a man your friends would tell you to
shun, Miss Cameron-a man who has
wasted life till it is too late to take up the
threads again. You do not know, per-
haps, that my aunt keeps me here from
charity"
~ know you have offended your faith
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