Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-05
CHAPTER Nv.

CHAPIEh ~.
From that day Edith and were on
a different footing. The interest | felt
in her was changed rather than les
sened; that which she felt in me had
been increased by our mutual conf
dence. When we met, cleverly parry
ing my efforts to ascertain the name OF
her lover--and / confess / was GU
rious-,-she turned the conversation to
the subject Of the estrangement with
my nephew.
The mysterious person referred to as
she" or Shin" had evidently de-
parted from our neighborhood, and l
think Edith missed him good deal.
Mrs. Lyall asked me more than once if
/ did not think change would do her
good, which gave me an opportunity of
teasing Edith on the sly. 1t ended,
however, in her going on visit to some
friends. She departed with so much
cheerfulness that ] felt convinced she
had contrived some means Of see
ing the nameless one," as |
called him, and ] accused her Of it;
but she only laughed and said Non
sense !" and that is easily said, and
we had quite touching little parting
in the garden, and | called her "my
dear child" | found the place very
dull without her, and went abroad un-
Ill the following autumn. Twas pleased
to find Edith did not forget me, and re.
ceived several letters from her, in
which she chopped tho waters were do
ing me good" for my reason for ex-
patriation was to drink Of a very
nasty spring recommended for the
govt, which afIiicts me intermit-
tently. / found she was still harp
ing on my estrangement with my
nephew, for she trusted had become
reconciled with him. II am sure"
she wrote, " if you have you will be
happier, for you have kind heart
although it is rather an obstinate one"
When came home in September |
heard the Lyalls were at the seaside
and having, as usual, nothing to do, |
thought would 60 down and ascertain
how Edith's love affair was progress
ing. They were staying at little place
which has been familiar to me from
child, and which is mixed up with all my
early memories its attractions therefore
were two.fold. arrived there late in
the evening, and found | had forgotten
their address, so went to the hotel,
deciding to ascertain it in the morning.
When it came was awoke by numer-
Gus and noisy family on my floor who
were eager to catch the first train.
Nature had supplied them with pecu-
liarly penetrating voices, and they
could have hardly made more Of their
feet if they had been centipeds. Sleep
being out of the question, dressed
and went out. The bright sea and sky
put me in good spirits, and the salt
breeze made me consider with
some interest what would be the
incest breakfast could order
when | returned from my early walk.
left the little town, and made my way
to the grassy summit of the cliffs, which,
sloping down from the brink, shut out
the sight of the sea from the footpath
marked at Intervals with patches of
white chalk landmarks at night for the
coast guardsmen in their lonely rounds.
How well | remember the place Re-
calling the past with that strange feel
ing, half pleasure, half pain, when we
scarce know whether to smile or sigh,
advanced to the edge of the
cliff very cautiously, just as ! used
to do when a boy, and looked
down at the yellow beach and
sparkling sea. was neverso astonish-
ed in my life. There, below the beet
ling wall Of dazzling white, stood
Edith Lyall and my nephew Charlie.
Their hands were clasped in each
others, and they were gazing as
lovers, | suppose, do into each others
face, needless Of the sharp eyes watch
ing them from above. Ny intrusion
startled a jackdaw from a chalky
Granny, and he flew off, the sunshine
cleaning on his glossy wings, cawing
clamorously; but they were too intent
on their occupation TO look up. By
this time their figures were beginning
to reel and dance in the haze, seemingly
to melt away into the pebbles like
shadowy wraiths rather than headstrong
young people, and was forced by a
feeling Of giddiness to avert my aston
ished gaze. No wonder Edith took such
interest in me, 1t did not arise at all
from the reasons / had fondly imagined.
Then wondering what might be the
most satisfactory use of my discovery,
l retraceG my steps and sat on a bench
on the parade, where a flight Of step;
was the only means Of ascent from the
beach below.
had no need to wait long. Edith
appeared alone. Charlie, for some di
plomatic reason, suppose, had beer
left behind.
She was even more astonished thar
when | met her at the stile.
"Have you dropped from the clouds
Mr.. Merton " she exclaimed.
"You don't look too pleased to Sc,
me-" said /, as we shook hands.
"I'm too surprised to look glad,
said she "but | am, all the same"
"Was it troubled conscience tina
called you forth SO early?" / inquired
~ don't know if / have a con,
SCIENCE" she said, smiling; 81 got W
TO battle"
"You don't look as though you haC
been bathing"
81 haven't this morning."
"What made you break so virtuous
. rule? Anything to do with the
nameless one? ''
"What tease you are"
"A tease, indeed. Are we not fel.
low-conspirators? Come, on what
sly errand have you been this morn
ing?"
But Edith looked at me with grave
gray eyes, and said it was time to &
in to breakfast, adding, "If you hay,
nothing else to do, perhaps you viii
take us on the pier this morning."
''You will be sorry to hear" said
on our way to the house, "that Nv,
heard nothing of that scamp Of