The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-01-20

head-shaking, and fresh subject, some thing to do with pilchards. or the new tan for the nets they bred occupied their minds.
 Bat, though the simple people of the fishing village talked no whisper reached lack I.oron, who would come back fresh and bright of eye from some battle with the winds and waves ready to praise the last picture, smoke with his guest, and make him as welcome as could be. He never saw ,ha, there was any change in his wife's behavior perhaps there was not, and-poor woman-those of the place who whispered lightly of her repu- tation were miserable scandalmongers full of lying words.
 .''l SHY, when is Murray going" said Lorton one day to his wife.
 "'l don't know, dear said his wife, coldly.
 ".Hasn't he said anything about il
 ".No; to me. dear, was the calm re- ply.
 Because he has regularly settled himself down, and Il gets tiresome.
 "'Surely Edward Murray does no, in- terfefe with you. Jack 7
 =. iBu, he does. for he is so different in his ways. Now. fl he had beca bit of d fisherman or fond of a boat. i, would be different; He's fearful cur oat q, sea
 Every man cannot be expected to ike the sea- said Mrs. Lorton. flushing. I think he ha, just begun upon large canvas perhaps he will go after he has done
 ".Oh. don't wan, to hurry him, my dear. replied I.ot;on.
 Remember II was your doing entirely that he came
 Well, don't be cross about 1t, dear | dare say II was. Let ham alone don; suppose we shall feel thls visit much
 That night after dinner the two gentlemen adjourned as was usual to the smoking-foom, lack Eofton's favor ite sanctum. where books were few, but guns, fishing -tae kie. and nets formed the ornamentatlon of the walls.
 There was a chat about the days work and then. as often had been the case before. the host dropped off fas, asleep. and Edward Murray. af:er hnish- ing his cigar. rose quietly and went into the drawlng-room. to pause by the door and stand gazing with an artists eye at the fgure seated upon low chair by the glowing ire, into which she WAS pcerlng. her head resting upon her hand. and the ruddy glare flashing Tn her eyes and heigh,ening the color of her cheeks.
 .. He stood drinking in the picture for some minutes, watching the play of the light in her glorious black hair. the full ruddy lips. and gleaming teeth jus, dis played; and at last he crossed softly to stand behind her. and lay one hand upon her shoulder
 ''She did not start. bu; rose uprish, in her chair slowly, before leaning back and gazing full Tn his eyes.
 ..l never saw you look so beautiful before. he whispered passionately. and clung there till by has,y movement she freed herself, eNclaimins in low. ex- cited whisper
 There must be an end cf this. You must go.
 Not without you. he cxclamcd hoarscly I eLnnot-I wili not. Ella, l.,stcn.
 ".IIush.
 Sine rose an! pointed quickly to a seat. which he walked to. III ,klng .,n i'm patient sesticalation. while after glance a, the door Ella Loti3n wen; io the win- dow seat. to throw herself down and gag. t,t,. T, the sky,-benes.tii. winch shc could dimly make ou, the fam, s,eam oi the restless winter sea. a, restless then as her own breast.
 Are you no! cold and ,ircd:' said Murray. at ia,.. Why Ja you noi come ,o the ire
 "Shc started a> If iiom ;, dream.
 "'Cold:' she sad, bitterly. and with a tain, laugh. No. w.,h tha; l MAS
 Why did you say that must so:' he said then. in d low voice. Has lack
 ,'
 There was loN hunm.ns. as of some one staging beneath h;s breath then there WIS step. the door-handle ratticd, and lack Lorton entered the drawing room.
 Going to be d storm. he cred. cheer fly. Hello where's Ella:
 ." I am here. lack, she said. hu.hily. from where she sat in the shade of one of the curtains. completely hidden in the gloom of the broad bay window seat.
 'hl N''aN st ibNNt ot NRlCSS Nbi arc. he said merrily. .'Rins the bell. Murray. and lets have lights.
 As he spoke he seated himself by his wife, and seemed to be gazing ou, a, the stormy night, whilst sine, according 10 old custom. laid her hand upon his ann. ba, only ,o start ani draw il back.
 Why. you are wet. lack. she ex- claimed.
 -"Am 7: Oh, tfi'le I, Is jus; com ing on to rain.
 "Havc you been out :'g
 "Aes. just had Il look round the house. Whew how the sea getting up.
 'lt was dark where they were sitting :: but a bright flash seemed to come from Ella Loron's eyes as they were turned toward her husband. Then she glanced at the uncurtained window. Her eyes closed. and there was dead silence in the room. which Lor,on was the first to break by challenging his gues, 10 game at chess.