The Press., 1885-01-08


 So far MT. Daere had read, and the mine was sprung.
 locked my room door, and fell back despairine, into an easy chair. was re- solved to hide all from my mother till Mr. Dacre had seen Dolly. Hunted up Brad shaw, and found that train started about three o'clock that would convey ms to Highwood by seven-thirty. If Dolly wrote to nae at once should get her letter by Wednesday. I dreaded every ring, every postman's knock. All day Wednesday passed, and no letter arrived from my sis ter or her lover.
 On Thursday morning ] ran down when I heard the usual welcome sound On the table lay a,thick letter addressed in Dol ly's handwriting. ran up to mamma and gave her the one found enclosed in it for her; then sat down to read mine, after for;ifying myself with cup of coffee I must give every word of it:
 s'You are well aware that catastrophe Las happened through my hesdlessness The best thing will be for me to describe fully the whole consequences of that mis- fortune. On our return from the garden party on Tuesday, I found telegram awaiting me from Jack-'shall be with you by seven ffty-five.' Of course this awoke no fears in my mind, for l knew Jack might run down at any moment the trains permit. Lady Millicent sent me off at once to be dressed by her artist maid. What she made of me you must have seen to believe, Kitty. I would not look at myself till the whole process was complete, and, when glanced in the long glass, was really amazed at what saw. It was the result, now know, of many discus sions between Lady Millicent and the gift ed young person. You may imagine how I exulted in the thought that Jack would see me look as he had never seen me look before, for am so improved in health that my whole appearance is changed. We'll, the bell rang. Lady Millicent re ceived MT. Dacre in the morning room, and came to send me down at once.
 sI ran down with my heart bounding. I entered the room. Inoticed Jack gave one start; but he received me in such a very un-Jack like manner that was terri fed. .Mamma-Kitty? I cried. Quite we'll when I left them, said MT. Dacre ; but when he placed me in chair and took one opposite to me felt matters were des- perate. What is wrong? I gasped. Dearest Jack, pray speak Only an ad- dress, said he, and put the unfortunate envelope in my hands. 'Th!s contained letter for your sister, which l, perhaps for tunately, read before perceived the mis- take. have just seventeen minutes be- fore I leave for the return train, so if you wish to say anything, let me beg of you to speak at once
 s'I sank'.bac in my chair andScovered my face with myihandkerchief, ltrembling with agitation. Will you hear my expla- nation?' I stammered. Needless the letter er'canthavelbut one meaning. l came to releaseE. .you.. ..fromi.. youriengagement to me. Did thisAscoundrel know you were engaged ? covered my face again. To hear Sir Charles North called a scoundrel was too much for me- did not speak for..several.- minutes, fbut. time. Twas flying fast, and at length I said If this is in truth our last meeting, grant me one favor, say that you will before you. what it is. Of course it is reasonable, honora- ble request that wish to make; but l own it is one you will not like to grant. He paused moment, then said, I will do whatever you ask. I ask you te see Sir Charles North He winced, but bowed silently. left the room to sec the baro- net I foundhim in his own room intent ly studying an immense book. but only the illustrations, I believe. asked him to come with me to speak to gentleman, who was waiting to see him. He hatly refused. Time was rushing on. I knelt hy him, implored him. At last kissed him and he yielded.
 ''Taking my hand in firm clasp he de- scended with me to the room where had left MT. Daere. Jack stood, moody and We entered. led Sir Charles toward him. r' Hat ox,& &vv<s $r Sir Charles North, baronet. Jack started, paused, then seized Sir Charles in his strong arms and-threw him ont of the window no, kissed him For this 'scoun- drel, this fiat, greedy, idle little man is the dear little son of Lady Millicent, aged just two years Now you see, Miss Kitty, you had better have had 8 little faith in your sister for once You put all this in- to my head, and could not resist the joke, but it shall be my last, for never more do wish to see such look of pain in the face love best in all the world.
 ''Jaek did not go back by the return train, though he was obliged to leave ear ly this morning but do not think I can stay away from him one day over month. Lady Milicent says you must come to take my place. She will write and ask mamma. You will soon be as madly in love with Sir Charles"
 And so it proved. went to stay with Lady Millicent and of all the darling, quaint, noble, chubby little pets had seen, Sir Charles was the king. At the end of the year Frank returned in time fer Christmas. He did not go back to India 1; he settled in England. He and I were married about six months after Dolly.
 We both live in lovely part of Kent. Dolly's husband pets and loves her devot- edly. My husbaad adds to all his love 8 delicate, tender homage infinitely precious to me.
 kitty, dearest" my mother once said to me, you and I have tasted the fullest earthly happiness. We both know that reverence is tAe perfectly peerless jewel in love's crown but we must cara it. :"
 A brave Eton boy spends as much time with us as his mother can spare him, and the most welcome guest in Jack Dacre's home is Sir Charles North, baroRet
 The condition of Chief Justice Waite is again giving his family much concern. While his disease has yielded to treatment he does not regain strength. Much is hoped from contemplated trip to South