The Mineral argus., 1885-03-26

Artery In 3Ares Chapters.

CHAPTER (WHICH is 1T To BE?
II am sure don't know!" said Ade-
laide Berry GROSSLY to herself, a. she
stood before the glass, hurriedly tying
on her plain dark bonnet.
And yet, after all, I suppose it must be
YES" Most people would not he able
to see why should hesitate for . nc.
ment."
But Miss Berry frowned more GROSSLY
chan before AZ she said this; and then.
having drawn On her gloves, she forgot
that she had been in hurry,
and stood still for . minute
by the dressing table to think.
The truth was, that the worse part OF
her nature was trying hard to con-
quer the better; consequently she was
feeling by no means happy or ct her
ease.
Words came to her. which she had
read to Mrs. Mountebank only tlat
morning -"NO man is bound to be ricl,
or great; no, nor to he wise; hut every
man il bound to be honest"
"And am honest" she said to her.
self in a low, quiet tone. "Who dares
to say that I am not?"
She was a young woman of seven
or eight and twenty, dark complex
Toned, and rather sharp featured
fairly good looking, with black eyes
and shining black hair-very nicely,
yet, at the same time. very plainly ar.
ranged; for Mrs. Mountebank, with
whom she lived as companion, would
have found fault at once if the slightest
sign of q curl or braid had appeared.
even on On afternoon like the present.
when the two were going ont together
10 drink tea at the vicarage.
Miss Berry," called somewhat ir-
ritable voice now. Il hope you have
nearly finished your dressing! have
been ready these five minutes!"
And Adelaide hurried out, thinking
to herself:
81 should he foolish indeed if l sail
NO / am getting more and more tir-
ed every day Of this kind of life; and
yet"
But now she had reached the hall,
and at the open door stood Mrs. Noun.
tebank-a little old lady, with a pale
face and white curls, and robed in rust
ling black silk, over which white shawl
with lavender border showed to advan-
tage.
The two were soon in the lane; and
there only few hundred yards distant.
was the vicarage-a little, brewn, old
fashioned building, almost hidden by
trees.
And very near 1t was another house,
also partially hidden by trees a larger
and certainly far handsomer house, with
an imposing white front. More than
once Adelaide glanced in its direction,
but Mrs. Mountebank did not observe
her.
The sky was dull, the air was chill
but the ground was dry and both ladies'
felt that the short walk was refreshing
and cheering them. But they spoke
scarcely word as they went; they saw
SO much Of each other that they really
had very little 10 say.
They arrived ct the vicarage, and were
presently seated ut the table in the
bright, cheerful drawing room, and he.
ing talked to by the kind hut absent
minded vicar occasionally: and by his
busy, harpy little wife continually.
And now Miss Berry felt that she
might consider herself relieved for a
time from her duties as companion,
Mrs. Mountebank, being an old in
habitant of the village, would find
enough to talk abOut-with Mrs. Leigh
for some time; and very possibly
would even forget her companion 8
presence.
As Adelaide (even more silent than
usual this evening. Mrs. Leigh thought
her) slipped her tea very leisurely and
composedly to all appearance, the door
was thrown open and Mrs. Stapleton
announced-a' l. thin gentleman, with
face as dreamy and gentle as the vic
ar's own. And Adelaide started WISH
bly, and split few drops of tea upon
the pretty, bright table cover. But no
one observed her, for all were busy in
welcoming the newcomer, who was q
person Of no small importance in the
village. being both rich and benevolent.
He was also unmarried, and, as far rs
was known. disengagetl.
As he went round shaking hands the
gentleman was. in slow, kindly voice,
making his excuses for being late. But
no one appeared especially to regard
them; the wonder would have been had
he been in time, for, as every one who
knew him was aware, he was punctusl