The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-10-06

The next thing to be considered was my
next move-what that ought to be, could
not determine; the fact that | must keep ali
knowledge from my uncle bound me hand
and foot If | denounced Redruth publicly,
and made an open scandal, the whole truth
would be revealed to my uncle, and posi-
lively trembled at the thought of what he
might be tempted to do / walked thus pom
dering for hours, finally feeling somewhat
calmer, but having arrived at no definite
conclusion as to my future plans, | returned
to the cottage. My uncle, aunt and Annie
were all there-mOreover, there was honest
John Rudd partaking of my aunt's tea and
hot bak. d seones.
1T be loike avid times to see Measter
Hugh amang us agen," said he. as | took my
seat at the board; reckon you'll be stayin'
nav till after the weddin'."
l replied that since it was to take place so
soon, most certainly should.
"Ah, then you'll ha' some o the funr' he
continued; "there'il be rare gawns on, l
reckon. They tell me there'll be a tent put
up on the fields and dinner given to all the
miners. Be that true, Mr.. PendragonY'
''Mawst likely" returned my uncle. Il
knaw nOught o that but one thing be GER
tain-the Young measter, he be a gavin
down the mine wi me tomorrow 20 see to
things, and put matters right afoge he gang
away"
Listening to this, inwardly thanked God
that my uncle knew nothing of the real char
acter of young Redruth.
During all this time, poor Annie had been
moving about busily attending to the table;
but | saw that what she did was done more
to cover her agitation than from any real
necessity. Now and again, placing herself
in the shadow, she tried to read my face-in
vain. When they spoke of the wedding, her
eyes filed with tears, and her hands trem-
bled violently.
/ tried to avoid being alone with her that
night, for l dreaded to tell her what had
taken place; but she was over-anxious, and
would not let the night pass. When the
house was quiet, all of us having gone to our
rooms, there came a gentle tap at my bed
room door. Then the door opened, very
quietly and stealthily, and Annie herself ap-
peared
Hugh" she whispered, "are you in bed?''
l answered NO" and she came in, closing
the door behind her. She was partially I'M
dressed, and had a large cloak wrapped
round her. Her beautiful hair was loosened,
and fell in heavy mass upon her shoulders
her face was very pale. and her eyes were
i'll wet with tears. She came up to where
i sat on the side of the bed, and looked at
me, stretching forth trembling hand, which
l took in mine.
my poor Annier' | said, inyoluntarily.
She seemed to understand all that my tone
implied, for, with pitiful sob, she sank
down crying at my feet.
Don't cry, Annie; don't cryr' 1 said.
"He is scoundrel He is not worth one of
those tears. You must forget himT'
Forget himY' she sobbed. '.Ah, Hugh,
dear, it is not so easy to forget; for l love
him so much-I never knew how much till
now! Hugh, dear, she will not marry him,
will she?''
Il cannot tell"
But have you told her? Does she know?''
THAT | cannot tell"
She looked at me inquringly.
Hugh, do you know what you are saying?
Surely, if you told her, you must know"
Il have not told her; but she may know,
for all that. There has. s.been a strange scene,
Annie; and am a biz puzzled to know what
is best to do. One thing, however, we must
be careful to do-keep this from your father.
He and the young master go down the mine
tomorrow. Ii your father guessed the story
you have told me. one of them might not
come up again. Do you understandy'
Yes" she answered, family. But, Hugh,
you have not told me what he said"
II would rather not do so tonight Annie.
He means to go on with this marriage if he
can; but may find means to prevent it.
There is time yet ] must think it over, and
see what can be done. But don't you worry
yourself, little woman. l tell you he is not
worthy to possess one hair of your head"
AT breakfast the next morning my uncle
again spoke of the approaching visit of the
young master to the mine, and seemed in
high spirits about it; nay, more, he seemed
quite proud to think that he should have
been selected above all Others to take the part
of guide.
'Measter dawn't take to the new overseer
chap" said he. Il doubt but he'd be glad to
ha' thee back i thy avid place. lad"
l shook my head.
''You mustn't think of that uncle. I'm
well enough placed where am"
Soon after breakfast he set ont for the
mine. where young Redruth was to join him.
A couple of hours later figure entered the
kitchen where i sat Eliminating and, look
ing up, was astonished to see Made inc.
Her face was very pale and sad. hut there
was look of determinati on about her eyes
and mouth which had never seen there be-
fore. She walked in at the open door and
then stood hesitating, as if uncertain what to
do. She answered my aunt's courtesy with
kindly roa and smile. and then sne looked
at Annie, who. pale as death. had shrunk
from her. No word of greeting passed be-
tween these two but thought that the light
in Madeline's eyes grew softer as she gazed
upon the pale weary face of my cousin. while
poor Annie showed in her face the bitter dis
like she had taken to the woman who had
supplanted her. Madeline turned to me-
Mr.. Trelawney,' she said. Il wish to
speak TO you privately. Can lg'
Ireplied in the affirmative. and asked my
aunt and cousin to leave as, which they ac'
eordingly did.
Left alone with Madeline. | felt my whole
body tremble like a tee bending before the
breath of the tempest But / took courage
to look at her. and thus became somewhat
reassured. Her whole demenanor was calm
| and cold. she made no attempt to approach
me: but she walked over to the window, anc
looked out, turning only occasionally ts
glance at me while the interview lasted.
Mr. Treiawneyr she said, when yol
paid your visit to Redruth House last night
/ was listening. i was in a remote and shaded
| part of the drawing-room when you entered
remained there during the scene which fol
lowed. What ! witnessed was too stormy q
| be very lucid. want you to make it clea
| to me now
s-What do you wish me to do?'
II wish you to tell me. II you will, tn
whole of your cousins unfortunate story
| did as she requested; not dwelling to-
much upon it. but making every point clear
When had finished. Madeline said. quietly
s.How long have You known this story, MI
Trelawnes?'
Two or three days 1t seems that Anni
had given some promise not to betray tina
man, and this promise she religionsly KEEP
until
YES, u.ltii-~
Until she was driven to desperation b
the announcement of his approaching maj
riage. Sick and heart broken she came I
me and told me the story. Horritied beyon
measure, thought Of you; and dreaded
think what your life would be married 7
such villain. came here determined
face him. and. II possible, TO prevent til
marriage. went to him In all good faith
you best know how was received
Il sDo you believe that his marriage wit
your cousin IS legal?s
No; honestly believe It to Be false
Then yoH mean 10 expose himf Sine
your cousin cannot get justice, do y0u meal
70 make her wrongs Known
looked q her for momenk thenI q
II oWered:
no: l have dune ii 60 ID. TohuniI
- him le1o WoQn bet = hunili11e -