The Newtown bee., 1879-10-15

next day when he returned to see his
| brother. Mr.. Hunter told him he had
accepted an invitation from Mrs. Eyer
ton to dine with her and bring his
friends; and Major Stapylton felt bored
by the prospect of going among com.
plete strangers.
The next morning he visited the asy-
lum, and mad a most satisfactory inter-
view with his brother, and was after
ward assured by DIR. Smith that he felt
certain of his speedy and complete re-
covery.
Then Major Stapylton rather awk-
wardly began his inquiries about the
young lady OF the night before. Zone
of your worst cases, you said"
"Oh, yes," he answered. $50 you
talked to her? She is very i'll this morn
ing, poor thing and / think cannot live
long"
Major Stapylton felt it impossible to
make any request to see her, or even to
ask more questions about her, only ven
turing to say: 'She seemed in the most
perfect health last night"
Excitement does great deal in some
cases; but l feel sure she will not live
through the winter"
Major Stapylton's preoccupation and
sadness on his return soon attracted
Mr.. Hunters attention, and he ex-
pressed his fear his brother must be
worse.
"No, no; much better; sure to be all
right soon, Smith said. The fact is.
Hunter, can't get that girl out of my
head told you of last night. So young
and intelligent, and / should have
thought so well; and / hear now that
she cannot live through the winter"
Violet Brook dressed for dinner with
very preoccuried thoughts and the pro-
foundest Indifference to Mr.. Hunter and
his friends. Major Stapylton entered
the drawing-room decidedly cross, and,
having been introduced to Mr.. Egerton,
looked round the room and instantly
caught sight of Violet, standing at lit
tie distance and looking at him with in
tense surprise.
He sprang toward her and seized her
hand.
i Ou nere!' he exclaimed
Violet, terrified, gave a slight cry of
alarm, and Frank Egerton moved toward
her.
"What is she doing here'" asked Major
Stapylton, Dewildered, and dropping her
hand.
Mr.. Hunter" Frank called out, rs
Violet clung to him for protection,
what is the meaning of this? Why
have you brought this madman here?"
my friend, Major Stapylton? What
on earth do you mean, Frank?"
Major Stapylton eagerly addressed
Mr.. Hunter: ''She is the girl told you
of; one of DIR. Smiths worst casesi Why
have they brought her here?"
Miss Brook mad'' Frank exclaimed
Indignantly. So My mother took her to
that dance last night"
And / took Major Stapyltonm an
swered Mr.. Hunter, bursting into roar
of laughter, as he perceived the double
mistake.
All, even the two victims, were
Obliged to join in the laughter. and a
more hilarious party had never before
entered Mrs. ESerton's dining-room.
She, of course, assigned Major Stapyl-
ton to Violet; and he thought her more
charming, if possible, than before, rs
they offered mutual apologies, and she
how she had mistaken him for
his brother, and expressed her JOY at
the hope CT his speedy recovery.
Their conversation was continued
after dinner till an impromptu dance
was started. In pause of the figure
he drew her aside. "I cannot help it,"
he said. "even if you think me mad
again. Ours is no OF dinary acquaint-
ance; and must tell you before I go
how love you. / dare not hope you
can care for me; but may come and see
you in the city?"
In confused, hut quite satisfactory
words she confessed more than he had
ventured to believe possible.
The Emperor of China recovered in
time to be the best man at their wed
ding; and in their happy after life, Violet
and Major Stapylton often laughed over
the recollections of their first meeting at
the Dunstone Lunatic Asylum.