Morris tribune., 1883-03-14
HILARY.

:
hand was laid upon her shoulder. With
something of terror she turned round.
"Johnp she gasped, his name slipping
from her in fear.
Dr.. Majendie spoke with grave COM
passion.
II do not uuderstond what you do
here; but if you will trust me, l can get
you, I believe, more than eighteen
pounds for your pearls-that is if you
must sell them"
Hilary was white to the very lips. The
stern ring in johns voice told her that
he was displeased and vexed. Was it
her lot to be misunderstood by him?
With a mighty effort she collected her.
self.
II must; but if you know anyone who
will"
"You let me arrange it," he said
quickly. Very we'll will"
A minute or two later the necklace
was back in its case, and Hilary and the
doctor had left the shop. They walked
together in silence. Hilary was too
weak with agitation to think connected
ly; words were altogether beyond her.
John was filed with jealous wrath that
for time prevented his speaking.
"Will you take my arm?" he asked,
suddenly becoming aware that Hilary
could not keep pace with him, and look
ing into her face with an expression
that startled her.
"No, thank you," she returned, mex
pressibly wounded by his tone.
For time she walked on briskly.
Presently some heavy rain drops fell.
John looked around.
''The storm is here he said: at has
been brewing all day"
Without more ado, he placed her arm
in his and strobe on. Hilary dared not
withdraw it.
Where are you going?" she cried
he had taken different road from that
to which she was accustomed.
Home by rail. You could not have
walked even if the rain had not come !;
you are almost exhausted"
She knew this was true, and did not
deny it. She suffered him to take her
ticket, and place her in the railway carri-
age. He took his seat beside her; but the
compartment being full, few words
passed between them. Yet, in spite of
the surroundings, Hilary felt a tunultu-
Gus pleasure not unmingled with pain.
1t was raining heavily when they reached
their destination. With curious re-
pressed tenderness John helped Hilary
to the platform. A thrill passed through
her as she felt the touch of his hand.
Oh, for an explanation! Oh, that they
had not been at cross purposes!
ut is good thing my ca rriaee is here"
John said relaxing for the first time
you will get to the Abbey safely. Will
you entrust me With-With the case?"
She put it into his hands shyly.
How will you reach homer" she
asked timidly.
"Oh; shall walk" he said carelessly.
"a wetting more or less is nothing to
me. Must you part with this?"
81 must!' she cried, with livid, COM
pre- sed lips.
II will do my best for you" but the
voice was cold,
He bowed gravely, and Hilary missed
his smile as she was driven away.
Autumn deepened into winter, and
winter gradually gave rise to spring.
John and Hilary were still apart, he
misunderstanding aud misiudging her,
she suffering silently, unable to speak
and re-establish herself in his eyes.
Their friendship had apparently slowly
waned; but for the remembrance of
what had been, they would have been
strangers to each other. Johns visits
in his medical capacity to the Abbey had
almost ceased. Esna Trelawny, whose
bodily strength had improved so much
that she was able now to 60 out for
daily rides, accompanied by her nurse,
was under the care of a celebrated Lon
don physician, who at stated intervals
came to, Lily to see her.
Lois, shrewd, sharp Lois,
guessed the cause of the seclusion in
which she lived, OWNED the reason why
her impassive notwithstanding attend
ant was 30 rarely absent from her. The
secret Hilary had entrusted SO long be-
fore to DR.. Bfajendie was hardly secret
now. A few others besides Lois Aus.
lem comprehended that Edna Trelaw-
ny's reason was unsound; but fortu.
nately Hilary was unaware of this.
John had handed Hilary thirty pounds,
the sum for which he had-so he said
disposed of the pearl necklace which
Hilary's grandmother had worn in her
youth. Very bitter tears had fallen on
the bright gold the doctor had so silent
ly given her; but not a word of explana-
ton as to why she wanted the money
had passed her lips, and John, even as
he listened to Hilary's broken thanks,
had remembered Lois words, that
where mystery was, shame was general.
ly also.
Hilary sat in her bedroom unpacking a
dress. There had always been need Of
economy at the Abbey, but of late need
had grown much greater. In everything
this was apparent. Dormand, under his
mistress's directions, exercised o strict
surveillance over the household expend'
itlre. Hilary herself spent an absurdly
small sum on dress; she "pinched" anu
contrived in every way to avoid spend
ing an Unnecessary shilling, and was al.
ways studying if it was not possible to
save more. As she sat at her work now
she was turning over in her mind how
she could raise a few pounds. She had
a large sum-large to her--to make up
in few weeks, and in spite of all her
contriving, she foresaw she should be
some pounds short. With little sigh OF
perplexity she ran her hand through
her hair. There were yet few jewels
left which she might turn into none
Dormand must be trusted with their dis.
posal this time. She could not run the
risk of acting in the matter herself.
A quick, sharp sigh escaped her lips
80 pitifully unsteady nowadays. She
bent her head on her hand, letting her
scissors fall. Oh, iflife were less bassen
and hard, if John only loved her!
Miss Hilary, you are wanted" an
nounced a servant. "Mr. Searles is in the
library"
Hilary rose hastily, fear appearing on
ner face. Was she never to be at peace,
never to have brief interval of rest!
She went slowly down stairs, listening to
the uncanny suggestions repeating them
selves in her mind. Jasper Searles came
forward as she entered.
There was curious expression on his
face; ho looked even more absorbed than
usual. Hilary felt that something fresh
was about to happen. Their meeting
was Of the coolest. Hilary barely