The Morning herald., 1878-05-25

to- Lady Temple, who was already in her
carriage, whilst Eva, angry with herself,
him, and-most of all-Mrs. Elton, vented
her ill-humor on poor Tom till she had re-
duced him to the lowest depths of despair.
' As the carriage drove off, Geofrey looked
round in search of the Eltons, but they had
disappeared, and he slowly wended bis way
to his little lodgings. horrible notion
was weighing on his mind that if Tom was
right, and he had unconsciouSly misled Eva
Dayrell and won her affections, he was
bound in honor to marry her. If he had
not, why was she SO angry and bitter about
this unoffending stranger? Godfrey shud-
dered. Handsome, rich, well born, and at
tractive in many ways. Eva undoubtedly
was, yet the thought of making her his wife
was horrible to him.
Nonsense he exclaimed aloud, as he
ran upstairs to change lis coat. II am not
such a conceited rs, as TO believe she really
cares for me. 1t is only u woman's jealousy
at seeing admire another more than her.
self. Tom was blinded by his fears. I
wonder where she will 20 this afternoon. /
may as well stroll that way as any other.
The "she' ltst referred to was not Eva
Dayreu, and, his Nghtaluncheon over--for
even at Sandbeach the young Londoner
could not bring hms Ii to conform to an
early dinner-a straw hat and light coat SUBJ
stituted for his "go-to-meeting toggery," as
he himself worded it, and pipe in his
mouth, he wandered slowly up the village
and past the cottage, where he saw through
the long windows Cecil and his mother still
seated at dinner. "...
Il shall give resolution treat to-day"
he muttered, "and have as long chat as
circumstances will permit, to make up for
yesterday so may as well turn in here and
see what they DO after dinner"
As he spoke he turned into the field near
the cottage, and, lying down fiat on the
grass, with his band under his head-a fa-
eorite position Of his--he waited to see what
the Fatcs had in store for him. He had put
cut his pipe unwilling that it's fumes should
betray him, and was just getting sleepy,
when Cecil's voice reused him, exclaiming
Mamma, dear, do let us take our books
20 the pine-woods, and you read to me. It
would be much cooler than here and ever
50 nice, and it's not very far"
He could not hear Mrs. Elton's answer.
bat the boys shout of pleasure betrayed itg
purport, and ten minutes later the pair
emerged from the garden-gate and turned
toward the,pine-woods that lay in the direc-
tion of Newland Abbey Geofiey let them
pass and get several hundred yards ahead,
and then followed them unseen They
were resting when he found then-Cecil to
make soft seat for his mother, having
gathered heap of the dry spikes with
which the ground was covered, and, lying
by her side, his head in her lap, he was
drinking in the story she read aloud. Her
hat was off, and single ray of sunlight fell
on the bright hair turning it to wavy, gilt
tering gold, and Geofrey stood for several
minutes unwilling to disturb so perfect a
picture But mans patience is soon ex-
hmustcd in such circumstances, and he came
forward, causing Master Cecil to sit bolt up
right with beaming face.
II say, isn't this place nice and cool?' he
exclaimed, in tone of delight. "Come
and sit down here, Mr.. Geo1lrey, and tell
mamma and me about Jack and the bean
stalk or any other st ry you know"
Geotfrey laughed and looked at Mrs. El-
ton. He was disappointed that she did not
offer him her hand, for he longed to touch
tho oft little slender fingers again.
n dare not accept Cecils invitations nm
less you ind rse them," he said "Shall |
be dreadfully in the wayS I AIN very
lonely.
''You are very welcome to stay if you
like" she answered, in those grave, COM
posed tones that seemed unnatural from one
so young. Il brought book to read In
case Cecil wandered off, and you will not
disturb me.
Geoffrey flushed. This was little more
than he could stand.-
"That is almost saying shall be in your
way, replied he quickly. Il think l had
better walk on, as you are SO dlslncllned to
talk"
She looked up in surprise at his tone,
and her color deepened.
81 did not mean to be rrde," she said.
II did not know you wanted to talk to me.
I will not read if you do not wish IT,
"Certainly I 40 not" he answered with
SMILE as he threw himself on the ground at
her feet where he could watch her every
expression. 81 don't always agree with the
old adage about two being company and
three none, though it is wise enough some
times. Jack and the Beanstalk' will keep
till tomorrow, Cecil-it isn't Sunday
story"
But perhaps I shan't see you to-mor-
row." pleaded Cecil. II didn't see you all
day yesterday. Where were you?"
II rode over to Stillborough, and l did
not forget you. On the table in my bed
room is the prettest boat I could find in
the town, and, if mamma will bring you
down to the beach in the morning, we will
try how she sails"
''Oh, thank you, thank you, you dear
man! 7! cried the boy, clapping his hands
and mounting astride on Geofrey. Glow
fine that will be! Is it boy-boat or girl
boat2 What is it's nameT
lit has no name as yet" answered Geof-
frey, 'and, as it is a lady-boat I think we
ought to givei it tho same name as your
mammals don't you think SOP
"Yes, yes, we'll call it Sibyl" was the
enger response. And Godfrey, delighted