, 1883-11-03

In the keen, dark eye he fastened
upon the unhappy Robin there was
an expression of almost devilish tri-
umph and pleasure. Helen, watch
ing him closely, could have fancied
him the evil one himself.
"And this is your wife ?' said the
stranger, turning toward her. "ROb.n
don't you mean to introduce your
old friend?"
An angry flush crossed Robins
face, and in his turn he directed a
menacing look at his "friend." But
he introduced him, nevertheless
nay, even invited him in, and the
stranger, no way abashed by the cold
ness Of Helen's manner, accepted
gaily, and took his seat with them
| presently at the tea-table.
Poor Heleul What 2 different meal
from the one she had anticipated
She had made special preparations in
| honor of the day. Delicate slices of
ham, garnished with parsley, graced
one end of the board; a dish Of pre-
serves and a jar Of orange marmalade,
| given her by her mistress, the other,
while in the center of the table stood
a large frosted cake, prOfusely decor
ated with flowers. There was abun-
dance Of sweet homemade bread and
| butter, while the tea sent forth its
| gentle fragrance from Helen's end Of
the board.
Baby, secured in her high chair,
amused herself with rattle, while
Helen poured out the tea, returning
| the briefest possible replies to the
| remarks the stranger addressed to
her. Robin eXerted himself to talk,
though it was evidently a painful
| effort.
! But BrOckelwOrth, in no wise dis
| concerted, kept up an easy flow of
! conversation. Helen, keenly sus-
| piciOus of all he said and did, fam
Cied a hidden meaning in many re-
| marks he made to Robin, for at such
times the latter would vince as if
some noXiOus insect had stung him.
The unwelcOmc guest and Davie
| enjoyed their supper, but the appe-
tites-of the two other members of
the party seemed to have deserted
them. Helen breathed an inward
sigh Of, relief. when the meal was
| ended.
''RObin, my boy, come out flor a
stroll" said the stranger, lighting a
cigar, 'l've some matters to talk
over with you"
"Nera weel, I'll gang Wi you,"
said Robin, rising with some eager
ness, sand looking around for his hat.
aye wOnna surely gae out, this
night Of all ithers, RObinr' broke
forth Helen.
He stopped Sand looked at her
moment, then said in his gentlest
| tones, "Pll be back in half an hour,
] Hinny; by the time you have put
| the BARNS to bed. GUIDE night,
Davie, my man."
Kissing the children, he went out
before Helen could say 1anOther
word. She watched them from the
window moment, then hiding her
! :, face face. inS hsEs apron, she burst sinto
4
Helen was courageous and deter
mined as she was good. A resOlu-
tion once formed, she had the nerve
to carry it out to the utmost. And
| her courage was put to the proof that
| very night.
They were sitting together by the
| kitchen table, Helen with her knit
| ting, Robin apparently intent on
paper he had brought in. He glanced
up as the clock struck nine and rose
from his chair. Putting on his cap,
he took stout oaken cudgel from a
corner and said, turning to Helen:
"Ilinny, Pm gaun to take the air
| for few minutes. Yes, | ken it's
late" as her eye glanced at the
clock "but l Wilma he lang awa.'
Dinna sit up for me, though ~
"Ah, nEy'puir lad, ye Gamma throw
dust in my cen that gate !" thought
/ Helen, as she threw on her shawl
over her head. "That Satan of
man thinks he's got you, body and
soul, but We'll see if, by the help of
God, the wife Gamma outwit him
yetp
The children We're slumbering
/ peacefully in the next room. With
one fond lingering look, as if lOath
| to leave them, Helen stole softly out
1t was clear, starlight night. Helen
was very swift-fOOted, and she sped
on, nimbly and softly as a hare, soon
coming in Sight of her husband, who,
as she guessed, was walking toward
situated near the entrance gate of
Mr.. Frazer's grounds, and the grove
was Just across the street. But in
stead Of crossing directly over, Robin
was taking n more roundabout way.
Soon he entered lonely, winding
path, leading to more sequestered
part of the grove. As he walked he
swung the cudgel restlessly about
him.
Helen followed him at little dis
lance. Her heart was beating so
violently now, she could hardly
breathe. Robin paused in the midst
Of the grove, not far from Il stately
oak tree, around whose massive
trunk ran a low, circular seat. Here
BrOcklcwOrth was awaiting him.
In the shadow OF the oak tree you
could scarcely see his dark figure at
first, but as Robin paused, he said in
low but distinct voice:
"Who's that 2"
80 you ken weel cneuch % said
Robin, sullenly.
Helen had sunk down behind a
clump of bushes a little distance
from them. She was trembling now
from head to fOOt-a sickening dread
of what she might hear next almost
took her breath away.
"Pve stude this lang eneuch !"
broke forth Robin. "NOu've got the
wickedness Of the dell, Brockleworth
but not his cunning, or you'd know
better than to drive a man to man
Pm dune WI you ~
There was low, mocking laugh
from Brockleworth.
"Bravely said, my man, but re.
member there's two patties to this
business, and Pre not done with
youi Now listen to me for mo-
ment-I propose TO ask one more
favor Of you and then. tear myself
away from you fOreverp
"What do you want moo ?' asked