The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-07-25


friend. But the sight of pen and pape
woke a strong temptation to say again b,
their aid all lie bad already said to Beatrice
as well Us all he meant to say when cut s.
suddenly short. But his pride would no
allow him to break SO quickly his resolution
number three.
Then he tried TO read. Naturally he turnet
10 poetry. All lovers turn to it as inevitably
as duck does to water. He took Tennysor
from the shelf, and for tho first time in hi
life sympathized with the ill-usel, egotistica
hero Of Locksley Hall. After this he chancet
upon volume Of Mrs. Browning's, and reaC
all about the poet who, although so passion
ately in love with Lady Geraldine, was thick
headed enough not to be able to detect The
existence of u corresponding sentiment On tn,
part of her ladyship.
And just as Mr.. Carruthers reached the part
where the lovely lady comes by night, passes
through the poets window, and in rather q
| forward way does all the wooing, he heard a
| light faint ilnger-tap on the library door. a
wild but net altogether unnatural thought
ran through him. Was second Lady Ger
aldino episode about to occur! Could it be
that Beatrice
He ran to the door and threw it open. On
the threshold stood, not Beatrice, but-terri-
bic disappointment-the black-robed figure Of
Mrs Miller, the nurse. What in the world
could this sombre, embarrassing woman want
with him at this hour of the night
"You-Mrs. Mller!n he exclaimed. as
anything the matterp
May como in, sir" she asked.
Certainly; what can do for your
She entered the room and carefully closed
the door. Franks wonderment grew. He
could not help picturing the dismay which
would fall upon Horace and Herbert had they
known that at o'clock in the morning lie
was conversing with female member Of
their establishment.
Mrs. Miller drew near to him. "May speak
a few words TO you, Mr.. CaruthersN She
asked the favor respectfully, but as one who
fully expected 1t would be granted.
"Speak away" said Frank, good-naturedly.
"But il there anything wrong in the
houseN
''Nothlng more than you know OF, sir"
Her words bore a meaning which did not
scape Carruthers. They told him that Mrs.
Miller was quite aware Of what had taken
place between him and Beatrice. He WINGED
mentally. The thought Of his rejection be-
coming the gossip OF tho servants hall was
lot pleasant.
"Well, let ne hear what you have to saw
&c spoke with more asperity than usual.
The strange visitor laid her hand On his
irln. She was tall woman, Lie WIS man
IF middle height, 50 the faces Of the two were
al but on level. Frank, who had never
1ntil now taken particular notice Of the
nurse, was much struck by the wild, intense
ook in those dark eyes which CLEANED from
The white, worn-looking face. He began to
wonder il her wits were all right. But she
poke sensibly, although there was passion in
ler voice.
"Mr. Carruthers," she said, ''teu me how
much you love Miss Beatrice
The sudden question staggered as well as
annoyed Frank. He frowncd. II am not in
the habit Of making condolences toto stran-
gers He was going to say interiors" but
it was word he hated using.
ooh, sir; don't misunderstood me. Tell
me- tho woman spoke with startling eur.
ne5tness-"tell me: set my mind ut rest.
Let ne know that you love her with all your
heart and soul-that the very ground her
foot presses is holy to you-that you could
cherish her. care for her, be true to her I'M
til death! Tell me this and make me happy.
Surely YOU are not ashamed OF loving herN
Her manner was so impressive that Car
ruthers for the moment for got it was but a
servant who addressed him. mo" he said,
speaking slowly, and with his eyes fixed on
the opposite wall. "No, / am not ashamed
of loving her. What concern tits of yours
1 cannot divine; but love your mistress as
much as u man can love woman."
Mrs. Miller bent down and kissed his hand.
She murnured few words which he could
not catch. Most men, not being kings or
princes, object TO having cir hands kissed.
Frank did. Have you anything moro tc
sayn be asked.
"Only this, sir-you will wait, will you
not"
wait! For what"
"For her--for Miss Beatrice. Oil Mr..
Car1uthcrs, you won't 60 in fit of anger,
and give yourself away to the first doll-faced
woman who smiles on you. You will wait
for the woman you love-tive, ten, twenty
years, it may be"
She clutchcd his arm, and her eyes looked
nt him with that sane intense, imploring
gaze.
II shall never marry another woman" said
Frank
'No-never. Wait for her. She shall h
yours ut last"