The Press., 1886-11-18

says sweerIy, tears standing In her bright blue eyes. She presses hls hand warmly, and even raises it to her lips ina transport of emotion. Standing there in the pretty pink dressing gown that shows off her complexion to per lection, Dora Talbot looks lovely. ss,s You are very good-Yery kind: re- turns Sir Adrian, really touched by her concern, but still with eyes only for the white vision in the doorway; but you make too much of nothing. am sorry have been the unhappy cause of rousing you from your rosy dreams; you will not thank me to-mor- row when there will be only lilies in your checks 9g gefs ls1ts.. .5.sa
 The word lily brings back to him his last interview with Florence. He glan- ceS hurriedly at her right hand; yes, the same lily is clasped i'll her fingers. Has she sat ever since with his gift be- fore her, in her silent chamberp Alone lin grief perhaps But why has she kept his fower2 What can it all mean?
 "We shall mind nothing, now you are safe," Dora assures him tremulously. \ "I think I might be shown some con- sideration," ;" puts in Arthur, trying by aviolent effort to assert himself, and \ to speak lightly. "Had anything hap pened, surely I should have been the one to be pitied. It would have been my fault, and, Mrs. Talbot, I think you might show some pity for me. He holds out his hand, and mechanically Dora lays her own in it.
 But it is only for an instant, and she Shudders violently as his touch meets hers. Her eyes are on the ground, and she can not bring herself to look at him. Drawing her fingers hurrledly from his, she goes tothe door and dis appears from view.
 In the meantime, Sir Adrian, having made his way to Florence, points to the - ny You have held it eyer sinceY' he for so much But you have not con- graduated me, you alone have said nothing"
 Why need I speak? I have seen you with my own eyes, You are safe. Be- neve me, Sir Adrian, congratulate you most sincerely upon your escape
 Her words are cold, her eyes are dOwncast. She is deeply annoyed with herself for having carried the lily into having noticed it and spoken to her about 1t has shown her how much 1m- portance he has attached to her doing so. What will he think of her. He will doubtless picture her to himself sitting weeping and breeding over flower gwen to her Dy a man WnO lONoS uoi not, and to whom she has given her love unsolicited. a----------
 Her marked coldness so expresses him that he steps back, and does not venture to address her again. It oc- CUTS to him that she is reserved because of Arthur's presence.
 Presently, Lady FitzAlmont, marsh aling her forces anew, carries. them all away to their rooms, soundly rating the Sobbing Lady Gertrude for her want of self-contrOl.
 The men, too, shortly afterWard dis perse, and one by one drift away to their rooms. Captain Ringwood and Maitland the surgeon being the last to go. s2 s3sa a..
 "Who is thenext heir to the castlep" asks the latter musingly, drumming his fingers idly on table near him.
 "Dynecourt, the fellow who nearly did for Sir Adrian this evening"" re- plies Ringwood quietly. *&
 1t would have meant very good thing for Arthur if the shot had taken effect,n says RingWood, eyeing his com panion curi0usly. a ss
 aIt would have meant murder, sirl" rejoins the surgeon shortly.