The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-12-02

nelp nm, Dut now, on the contrary, Cir
cumstances impelled him down the
dark road, and he must 60 on.
He betrayed no traces of these per.
turbing thoughts, however, when he
called at Ivy Cottage On the following
day. He had long and satisfactory
interview with Mrs. DaltOn-Who, al
though he could make no promises
with regard to settlements, seemed
quite content to trust to Lord Alphing-
tons generosity then had the graf.
ifcation of being received by Lena
with sweet smiles. Mrs. Dalton had
taken care to hold out before her daugh-
ter'S eyes all the brilliant advantages
of the conquest she had made, and un-
der this influence Lena had, to all out
ward seeming, recovered her equanimi.
ty. She liked being battered and ca
ressed; she liked the soft places of the
world; and, if the little drawback ex.
listed of not being able to feel affection
for the man who was about to set her
on the pinnacle of her aspirations, abe
must submit. She could not expect to
have everything her own way. Thus
her reasoning did not differ very widely
from that of her betrothed
Some time elapsed, and the tro,aseau
was in active preparation, when Lena
found an opportunity to express her de-
sire TO have the antique opal ring imi-
tated. Fancourt was willing enough
to crafty this or any other extravagant
wish of hers, and appointed the follow.
ing afternoon, when he would call in
his brougham for Mrs. Dalton and
Lena, and take them to the jewelers.,
where Lena might give her directions.
1t therefore happened on this afternoon
that Bertha was left alone, much to her
relief.
The more she saw Of Fancourt, the
more thoroughly she dislikad him. He
filled her with fear. She scarcely knew
how to bear the idea that the happiness
OF one she truly loved should be intrust-
ed to his keeping. She was weary also
Of the everlasting talk of clothes and
jewels and furniture, as il naught else
connected itself with this momentous
step in life. The girls slept in adjoin-
ing rooms, and it had been their custom
to meet in one or other of the rooms
while brushing their hair, to have a
sisterly chat about the events of the
day. But now Lena shut herself In,
and refused to talk under pretense OF
being tired, so that Bertha, excluded
from her sisters confidence, was doubly
anxious, and also lonely, though her
taste and her active fingers were called
into constant reQulston for advice and
help.
Finding herself at liberty for an hour,
she opened the piano. Scarcely had she
struck a few chords, however, when
Douglas came in. She sprang up to
meet him, a glad look upon her face
She liked him much, and had never felt
the want OF a little genial companion
ship more than at that moment.
do | disturb you?n he said, holding
the hand she held out to him.
"Oh, no. not in the least" she re-
Piled. with a bright smile. Il am 80
glad to see YOU have some new songs
here; you shall give me your opinion Of
them, IL you like
Douglas did like; be delighted in
hearing Bertha sing. When she had
ended, she turned round the music
stool on which she sat. so az to face
him. After making some remark upon
the music, Douglas said:
will YOU be very angry With me If |
ask question on a subject that seems
to be no business Of mine?
~ don't think am likely to be angry
with YOU. What Ia IT, inquired Ber-
tina.
AS | came along | saw Mrs. and
Miss Dalton in carriage with Mr.. Fan
court. Is there anything serious in
that quarter Douglas looked grave
as he made the inquiry.
Most serious" Bertha replied. Il
don't think need hesitate 10 tell y0tr
that my sister is engaged to Mr. Fan.
court"
Indeed. Has it come to that" he
exclaimed; and his countenance wore q
troubled, perplexed look very unusual
with him.
You frighten me, Mr.. Douglas"
Bertha said, in alarm; you know
something of Mr. Fancourtp"
Il know nothing Of him personally
In fact have seen him but once before,
and that was when | met him here by
accident few weeks ago; and yet
wish this had been otherwise" Douglas
returned,
Douglass tone more than his words
alarmed Bertha.
Il am sure YOU know more than you
like to tell me, y she said, Pray speak
out"
Douglas arose from his chair, and
went TO the window, as if to collect his
thoughts.
Il ought not to have spoken" he
said az he came back and resumed his
seat; II have made fool of myself be-
cause | cannot explain how matters
stand. A secret is involved that is not
mine. And now have frightened you,
and you will think me a meddlesOme
fellow with no more brains than Pinch
here he added, pulling the ears Of the
dog, who had followed him into the
room.
II don't suppose shall ever think
that Bertha observed: but | am sad
ly troubled. don mind contessing to
you that what you say agrees with my
own feelings toward Mr.. Fancourt.
And YET | shall net care 10 say anything
to mamma or Lena without some sure
ground to 90 upon; they would deem 1t
Simply nothing bnt my own prejudice
SAY rather your ONn pure iuStincts,"
Douglas returned. II verify believe
there are women who through their
very goodness nstinctyely discern
what is evil" lie paused awhile, seem.
ingiy in consideration. win You make
me a promise. Miss Dalton" he said at
last. will you let the know when this
marriage is fixed To take placer
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