The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-09-02
CHAPTER III.

meeting Rex at The Poplars. During
that month, in spite Of her better judg-
ment, Jessie allowed Audrey to win
her way into her favor,
She was still jealous at times Of Bob's
interest in his sisters friend, but she
began to think her jealousy unjust, and
tried hard to stiile it.
She found Audrey great comfort,
for she engaged all ReX's attention
when she was present, and often made
opportunities for Bob and Jessie to
meet so that they got to look upon her
as their best friend, while at heart she
was their greatest enemy. So skillful
was she in assimilation that she kept
up the illusion until the last day Of JeS-
sizes stay in Richmond.
Jessie left Audrey with the under
standing that she would forward, under
cover of her own, all letters to DR.. Ray
nor, who, though he despised himself
for the deceit, found it was his only
chance of corresponding with his darl-
ing, for Mrs. Vennimore had forbidden
her niece to receive or send letters to
DR.. Raynor.
One month had gone out of the seven
that lay between Jessie and independ-
ence, and so far nothing had come be-
tween the lovers, and Jessie found her
self placidly enjoying the change of
travel.
Her cousin had sensibly discontinued
his fierce l0ve-making and allowed her
to drift into false security. 1t was
the lull before the storm. Jesse'S tran
| guilty was soon to be broken up.
The VennimoreS were staying in the
Highlands.
One day, when out with Jessie, Rex
entertained her by repeating old tradi-
| tons Of feats and rites held by the
Highlanders on their favorite feast-day,
the first of May.
The starry grass Of the Parnassus,
the warm purple Of the original rocks
showing here and there through the
green and crimson MOSES, the blue
mists that yelled the mOmtain-tops,
the tranquil beauty Of the lake that
washed their feet, all charmed Jessie
and lifted her mind above the Hill of
God to the Creator,
A wish rose warmly in her heart that
Bob were there to share her pleasure,
of her heart. Jessie said:
Il will spend my honeymoon here, if
ever have one, it is grand place.
80 you shall spend your honeymoon
here, cousin. promise you that"
You will not have voice in the
matter" answered Jessie, angry with
herself for allowing her thoughts TO find
voice. Then, seeing her Cousins face
darken, she said, looking up at the
| gushing torrent as ii came leaping over
and under huge masses Of stone which
were picturesquely adorned by a wealth
! OF wild vegetation: "ShoW me which is
the crag they call M'Grcgor's Shield"
AS she spoke large drop Of rain fell
upon her upturned face.
They were some considerable dis
lance from their hotel.
4 mOrose Highlander. whom Rex had
recently engaged as his bOdy-seryant
| and who was now their guide, yentured
TO remark that they had better hasten
to the nearest shelter, for violent
storm threatened.
An exultant look came into ReX's
face, and he said in an undertone that
Sandy alone could hear:
The very elements lend me their
help. This storm is a safe excuse. Are
you sure you can rely upon your
! friends;'
Quite sure. sir. You have but to
make bold stroke and she is yours"
"Oh. Rex, this is awful | am wet
| through and we are so far from home.
What shall we doy We cannot 90 on.
] am blinded and dazed by the tempest.
Hark how the thunder peals, and see
the lightning fash through the mists.'
Don't be alarmed child. ! never
thought YOU could be such an aTrant
coward. Shady tells me he has some
friends quite near who keep sort Of
hali-farlnhouse, half-inn. We must 20
10 them and wait TIL the storm has
passed
The lower ridges of the mountain
were enyeloped in mists, the rain pclted
down furiousy. Jessie allowed herself
10 be led blindly on, her pony stumbling
at every step. After travelling some
little distance the party came upon a
quaint. lOw-roOfed house with an an
cient sign-board swinging noisily over
the rustic porch. A stupld-loOkiug lad
came forward to look after their ponies
and Rex led Jessie into the stone kitch-
en-. on one side Of which were piled bar
rels Of ale and whisky.
A hard-featured woman Of about
thirty rose TO greet the new conner,
coldly. while an old man, who had been
doing on a settle, half rose as though
TO welcome his guests; but the woman
his daughter. roughly told him 10 keel
his seat and not tumble all Of a hear
and brighten the lady,
Sandy laid his hand on the woman {
shoulder and said kindly:
well my lass, where Smy welcomeE
And she flushed and smiled so bright.
ly that Jessie forgot she had thought
her ugly.
You're welcome, Sandy" she said
in her broad dialect, which we venture
TO translate for the benefit Of the south.
ern reader, then went on rapidly talk
ing 20 him in an undertone, while Jcs.
Sic TO whom their dialect was Greek,
took off her dripping lat and shook the
randrops on the spotless floor, looking
about her curOusly as she did so.
Rex strobe TO the fire and called for q
glass of whisky; the woman FASTENED
10 obey him, and Sandy stepped TO Jes.
sizes side, and said respectfully:
81 have ordered the ponies to bt
stabbed, miss, we cannot get back TO-
night. II will be quite dark 10y the
time the rain has ceased. and / caI
promise you comfortable quarters here
1t Is rough, but II is clean and honest
Before Jessie could reply he had left
her 10 get her "A seat, and She anXlOuhll