The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1885-03-22

Is waiting" The torture was more than she
could bear. There werelimits to endurance;
and though she mistrusted Lorette Tracy,
and her heart chung obstinately to its belief
in Talbots fidelity, her season was begin.
ming to yield. Wharf.-The report we're true
Who could blame him II, hurt at her cold re-
lection, he had consoled himself elsewhe re
and carried his suit where IL would find
more ready heering' II only IL had been
any one else Hester moaned In her despair.
The girl had left the manor house with a
promise to repeat her visit to Talbot's parents
as soon as possible. II had been arranged
her over one morning early in the following
week and leave her to spend long day
with her old friends.
Hester for her part burned with fevcrish
impatience to find herself once more at
Guestwycke. Perhaps amid the old scenes
her faith In Talbot would revive, and this
horrible conviction which was forcing itself
upon her would loose its hold. Alas poor
Hester
Upon her arrival at Guestwycke on Tues
day morning she found the quiet household
stirred into gentle commotion. fire
burned In the large seldom-used drawing
room; freshly.cut hot.house flowers we're
disposed about the tables. Mrs. Guest came
to meet her in n strange futter OF excitement,
though with the usual affectionate welcome.
"My dear You have heard the news
How little guessed II when we last talked
togetherl Mrs Tracy comes TO us this after
noon--we could not do less than ask her
here-she who would have been our poor
boys wifel" The old lady's lips quivered.
She made her young visitor sit beside her on
the old-fashioned couch and began unfasten-
In bar xv;tb ira, Ill Hpnors
"Dear Hester you will not mind driving
back In the sociabe this evenings The
barouche must go for Mrs. Tracy we must
show her every honor for Talbot's sake; or,
better still"--with sudden happy inspira-
ton" won't you stay few days and help
us entertain herr 20
"No, no impossible I" Hester broke
ont, smitten with sharp and sudden pain.
Mrs. Guest turned with mild surprise in
her bright old eyes.
"My dear I would not press you against
your will. You have many duties and
engagements know"
Hester recovered herself with au effort.
Dear Mrs. Guest I am always so happy
here! Some day when you are alone again.
One visitor at q time will be enough for
you"
"Ah, well It seems all 80 strangel II
Did you never suspect II, Hesterf You and
my poor boy were always friends: iudsed. /
once hoped *"-passing her hand
caressinely over the girls auburn hair
4" but 1t was not to be II"
Hester writhed under the kind touch
which almost broke down her composure,
She could not speak a word,
"You know this lady, [ think, my dear"
Mrs. Guest went on, "Tsll me, what ia she
likeY PrettyY Gentle Well-mannered p,
HOh don't ask me ~ poor Hester broke
out in uncomfortable agony. Her over
charged heart seemed bursting with pain.
Then in stitied voice: "Ikuow-so little
about her."
g am not fond of strangers, sighed Mrs.
Guest.
wish you could have stayed, Hester
But of course she is very nice, and We are
sure to like her dear Talbot's choicei" the
mother consoled herself softly.
As Hester in the humble sociable reached
the end of the drive the returning barouohe
dashed In at the great gates of Guestwycke.
The groom who was driving her pulled up to
make way for it, and its occupant, Mrs.
Tracy, leaned forward with bow and a
smile. smile of triumph Hester thought
bitterly. And this was the rival who had
at Guestwycke as the child of the house!
II had been some comfort to her sore heart
to think she could be of use to Talbot's dear
ones. To cherish and care for them-to fll
the place he had left empty-what else was
left to her! Poor Hester covered her face.
and in her loneliness and humiliation broke
into a flood of tears. The blow had fallen
80 heavily. sweeping away all at once. not
only the peaceful present. the hopeful fu-
ture-it was the past also. the past. with all
its memories. which had vanished in an hour.
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