Weekly commercial herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1884-18??, 1885-07-24

should have been shaken IN some way and
appeared cloudy, not to say thick Il might
have been as thick as pea soup for all kttlnk
] cared.
Nothing, or next to nothing, was said dur
ing dessert about the recent painful event.
Frank sat moody and silent. He was work
ing out problems; connecting Beatrice's flight
with the man Of the afternoon and the visit
to the inn. For Beatricss sake he was now
fighting for his own hand. Horace and Her
bert he eliminated from the inquiry.
His moodiness affected his hosts, and upon
his refusal to take more wine they suggested
an adjournment to the drawing-room. Frank
agreed readily. At any rate he could sit
there and gaze at Beatrice's portrait
"Do you mean to take any further stepsF'
be asked.
II think not" said Horace. ''Herbert and
Ihave talked the matter over and feel there
is no more to be done. We saw a great
many people this afternoon, and / am sure
have left a general impression that Beatrice
has gone to visit friends"
ut WA a most painful duty" said Her
bert, sbut one we felt must be performed.
In fact, it was due to ourselves to forestall
gossip"
~ an sure Frank quite understands the
situation" said Horace.
A s~atirical smile curled round Franks
lips. sit must have been most painful, /" he
said; ''you must have felt like two Spartan
boys with a joint fox under their clothes"
HYes.n said Herbert, simply; 1--WE did"
II have often heard the smile used" said
Horace. ''but its great strength never struck
me until now"
Carruthers gave a short, quick laugh; he
could not help it. The brothers looked sur
prised. They could see no reason for any
approach to merriment. A biting sarcasm
came to the young mans lips, but he re-
strained 1t, and in a moment was glad he
had done so. 1t would have wounded these
two kind, mild-looking men, who, no doubt,
were as unable to realize the anxiety raised
III his breast by Beatrice's flight, as he was
unable to comprehend the Importance of the
consequences which they we're making such
sacrifices to avert. Seeing things in the
same light is a matter Of constitution, educa-
tion, and training.
Just then Whitaker brought in tea, and
whilst he handed it round Frank had leisure
to rejoice, insomuch as he had kept his tongue
in command. But misfortune had not yet
done with Hazlewood House. Frank, in
moving his arm, knocked down a cup, and
sent it's scalding contents over one Of the
several delicious little C~hippendale tables,
the pride of the Talberts' hearts and the envy
of their lady friends.
The smile Of the Spartan boy and the fox
must have seemed even more appropriate tt
Horace and Herbert as they smilingly assured
Frank it was Of no consequence, none what
ever. They did not even ring for aid, This
however, was because Whitaker, who had
witnessed the catastrophe, was already OF
his way to the scene with an armful Of soft
cloths. He mopped and dabbed and wipet
the table as tenderly as a mother might per
form the additions of an infant who suffered
from som irritation of the skin. Horace
and Herbert watched him for a while, anC
then, no doubt thinking their apparent care
lessness had eased Franks mind, joined il
the rubbing and wiping. They twisted VI