The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-07-30

OF OlloeTb unuerWent an entire Cnhnge.
Willis eyes covered him continually -
he noticed the evident shrinking the un-
easy movement, and q smile of triumph
lurked around his lips. All this was
read by Florence. VIZ
You have travelled much, i sup
poseS" said Willis, quietly.
For three years." returned the other,
speaking as with an effort.
Have you ever been In Australia Y'
Willis tones, look and attitude, were
n study. He sat leaning forward little,
his lips parted, his eyes fastened upon
Gilbert, and his fingers working un-
easily.
Gilbert Arlington started one instant
and his blanched lip was quiverIng, his
cheek devoid Of all color, his eyes un-
steady In their glance, and the whole
expression that of man exceedingly
terrified. 1t was, however, only for
moment Shivering once, he came out
of the strange, tIance-like manner,
caught at his selfpossession us they say
drowning men catch at straws, and held
it fast. With the utmost calmness, even
while the astonished glance of Florence
was fastened upon him, he answered the
insinuating question.
have been In Australia glorious
country It is, too"
did you reside there longY" querled
Willis, trembling.
Have you any particular reason for
wishing to know :" asked the stranger,
his voice changing to sternness that
was almost awful.
have" returned Willis.
Then perhaps you will have the
kindness to wave the subject for to-
night, and meet me at some other place
for the transaction of this important
business"
Willis sank back in his chair, breath
less. This answer had daunted him had
blunted the edge Of his cool, revengeful
audacity. He turned his eyes fercely
upon the stranger, as he said:
Il will meet you tomorrow, - and ris-
ing stormily, he left the room.
This man seems to conduct himself
strangely" said Gilbert, with smile,
turning to Florence.
She merely answered:
" don't understand it,
" 1 do" was the quick reply. " He is
evidently trying to pick quarrel with
me, for some insane purpose"
1.
Mr.. Arlington ~
"Who, L? / have no wish to meet
him at all, Miss Florence. l think !
understand the secret of his animosity.
We must overlook much that seems out
of place in those who fancy themselves
injured Yet Heaven knows 1 would
not injure any man 1 have suffered
too deeply myself.''
You must remember that he is
Southern-born, and of warmer tenn
per,by nature, than we of colder Cline
she said, family, trying to excuse his
abruptness, though in truth there was
no reason why she should, save that
love made her pity him, although he
was not its object. Besides, she felt the
tenderness of the glances that were be-
slowed upon her, and this appeal to her
womanly sympathies made her anxious
to soften the errors of one who had been
very kind to her from her earliest rec
elections.
For some time nothing more was said.
AT last Gilbert arose, hastily, almost
nervously. He stood by the table, quite
close to where she was seated. He gazed
down upon her with one of his rare
smiles, and seemed about to speak. The
strange book that Willis had brought
in lay directly under the light of the
chandelier. Carelessly he lifted it in his
hands, and as carelessly opened ii =
another moment the book was on the
floor, he stoop ing with white face to
pick it up again.
objectionable carelessness, he said, /,
restoring its disordered pages, and plac-
ing it in its old position,
Florence could not forbear seeing that
again some storm of passion or regret
was sweeping over his soul, for his hand
shook as he put it back, and his chest
heaved. The smile did not return that
night, and left alone, Florence, halting
between love and a haunting fear, which
like presentiment saddened her, re-
hected bitterly upon the events of the
evening. Something akin to hate sprang
up in her bosom toward Boynton, who
seem ed determinad to Iat NO onDort,,ni