Catoctin clarion., 1881-05-26


but the station master also looks SUR
prise'l, and shakes his head in strong
disbelief of the possibility Of any We
hicle whatever being in waiting from
Evreton Court.
"Are you going there, ma ann" be
asks civily.
VI must go there" say I pitifully,
looking fist at my tired baby and then
along the vacant railway track, but
its long lines guide my eyes to no 9th
er haven. Il am Captain Eyreton' 5
wife" explain with dignity-"Mrs.
Francis Eyreton. I am come to stay
at the Court with my uncle; something
n ust have been sent for me"
well, Ma am" says the station
master in tone of confidential apollo.
cy, II doubt if there is anything at
the Court to send. Mr.. Eyreton lives
secluded like, and he don't have occa-
sion much for vehicles. 7 could get
You CART he continues, pitying my
disconnected helpless ook, but it
would take some time. If you do not
mind, the carrier is starting now
he'll trke your boxes; and. if | might
make bold to suggest, perhaps you
would take seat toe"
For one moment hepitate. It is
not very dignifed mode for Mrs.
Francis Eyreton to arrive at her hus.
bands inheritance, perched among the
carrler's baggage; but il seems the only
chance of reaching it at all tonight, so
| swallow my pride and accept thank
fully.
Twilight has almost faded when we
drive up an i'll kept avenue and stop
in front of large, once handsome, but
now almost ruinons. looking house.
Only one CLEAN Of light shows sign OF
habitation through the whole dark
ness. and this streams from one Of the
deep windows to the left of the hall
door. The carrier takes little Frank
from my arms, lps me to descend,
pulls Justify at the rusty bell handle,
ani then drives off to the back Of the
house to deposit my nggage Five or
ten minutes pass without any answer
hrl Z accor,r'i to the -unmonS, and |
am nst gathering courag- for another
attempt, when the light leaves the
window aud travels into the hall A
slow step approaches the door; bolts
are drawn and chains unfastenrd, and
an old man looks out, holding a fix
erng candle high above his head.
As he steps into view, an indetina-
BILE likeness 10 my husband assures me
of his identity, and cry
"Sir-Mr Eyretonl'
But the words have scarcely left my
lips when the candle drops from his
shaking hand, and he leans against
the door for support.
What brings you here9" he cries,
scanning nv face. WHO are you?"
'Fank's WIFE stammer He
sent me You said We might come
And here stop short, for even in the
dim light the old man s face looks pal
lid, and his lips form wor Is he has no
voice TO utter. At last with g'eat
effort, he speaks in slow wandering
tone.
Frank, nv son, you must know my
repentance; why do you mock ne, Of
fering me opportunities that are but
fantasy?"
| touch his arm, crving-
Are yon III? What is it?'
My touch rouses him; he starts; looks
into nv face and murmrrs-
The likeness is not fancy. Who
are yon?' Then more c4lmly-"Yon
spoke of Frank-whom do yon mean?"
"Frank, your nephew" falter,
heartily frightened, 70" the old man
seems really mad. "He has gone to
the Cape and you said we might come
here"
As | speak, lights appeat, and two
or three women servants enter the hall
One, old and pleasant faced, hastens
forward, and on seeing me, scans my
face as curiouslv as her master has
done, and with slightly startled air.
Nv speech has cleared matters little
to him, for he replies in perfectly
sane but somewhat sar 'astlc tone
"Oh, 30 you are the girl Of whom |
have heard the blow to the family
,>r;la ,,y ponheu', bonofnl ocb;ova-