Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1886-04-01

out directly answering it. But what could
she say to the magnificent gentleman on the
stately horse! He had only to send his serv-
ant into the village to ask who the young
lady from London was staying with and the
answer, in dozen mouths at least. would
direct him to her aunt She cast one ap-
pealing look at Moody, and pronounced the
distinguished name of Miss Pink.
Miss Pink" Hardyman repeated. "Surely
l know Miss Pink" (He had not the faint
est remembrance of her. Where did
meet her lastN (He ran over in his memory
the different local festivals at which stran-
gers had been introduced to him. ''Was it
at the archery meeting, or at the grammar
school, when the prizes were givens Nos
1t must have been at the flower show, then,
surely"
1t had been at the flower show Isabel
nad heard it from Miss Pink fifty times at
least, and was obliged to admit it now.
II am quite ashamed of never having
called" Hardyman proceeded. 1.-The fact is,
have so much to do. 1 am a bad one at
paying visits. Are you on your way homes
Let me follow you and make my apologies
personally to Miss Pink"
Moody looked at Isabel 1t was only
momentary glance, but she perfectly under
stood it.
Il am afraid sir, my aunt cannot have the
honor of seeing you to-day" she said
Hardyman was all compliance. He smiled
and patted his horses neck. Tomorrow,
then," he said. ''My compliments, and I
will call i'll the afternoon. Let me see; Miss
Pink lives at" He waited, as if he ex-
pected Isabel to assist his reacherous mem
ory once more. She hesitated again. Hardy
man looked round at his groom. The groom
could find out the address, even if he did not
happen to know it already. Besides, there
was the little row of houses visible at the
farther end of the road. Isabel pointed to
the villas, as a necessary concession to good
manners, before the groom could anticipate
her. MY aunt lives there, sir, at the house
called The Lawn"
"Ah! to be sure" said Hardyman. 81
oughtn't to have wanted reminding; but !
have so many things to think of at the farm.
And l am afraid | must be getting DID, my
memory isn't as good as it was. l am SO
glad to have seen you, Miss Isabel. You
and your aunt must come and look at my
horses. Do you like horses? Are you fond
of riding? l have a quiet roam mare that is
used to carrying ladies: she would be just
the thing for you. Did beg you to give my
best compliments to your aunts Yess How
well you are looking! our air here agrees
with you. l hope l haven't kept you stand
ing too long? l didn't think of it in the
pleasure of meeting you Good-by, Miss
Isabel-good-by till tomorrow"
He took off his hat to Isabel, nodded to
Moody, and pursued his way to the farm.
Isabel looked at her companion. His eyes
were still on the ground. Pale, silent,
motionless, he waited by her like dog,
until she gave the signal of walking on again
toward the house.
"You are not angry with me for speaking
to Mr. HardynanY she asked, anxiously.
He lifted his head at the sound of her
voice. angry with you, my dear! Why
should l be angry?'
"You seem so changed, Robert, since we
ing to him, could I!'
Certainly not"
They moved on towards the villa. Isabel
was still uneasy. There was something in
Moody's silent submission to all that she said
and all that she did which panied and humili-
ated her. YOU'RE not jealous!' she said,
smiling timidly.
He tried to speak lightly, on his side. 81
nave no llIIle W Dt JcdlOus Willie nave JOuT
affairs to look AFTER" he answered.
She pressed his arm tenderly. "Never
fear, Robert, that new friends will make me
forget the best and dearest friend who is now
at my side" She paused, and looked up at
him with a compassionate fondness that was
very pretty to see. 81 can keep out of the
way tomorrow when Mr.. Hardyman calls"
she said ''It is my aunt he is coming to see,
not me-"
1t was generously meant. But while her
mind was only occupied with the present
time, Moody's mind was looking into the
future. He was learning the hard lesson of
self-sacrifce already. do what you think
right" he said, quietly; "don't think of me-
They reached the gate of the villa He
held out his hand to say good-by.
won't you come in!'' she asked. do
come in."
mot now, my dear. must get back to
London as soon as can. There is some more
work to be done for you, and the sooner do
it the better"
She heard his excuse without needing it.
''You are not like yourself, Robert" she
said. ''Why is it? What are you thinking OFF,
He was thinking Of the bright blush that
overspread her face when Hardyman first
spoke to her; he was thinking of the invita-
ton to her to see the stud farm, and to ride
the roam mare; he was thinking Of the utterly
powerless position in which he stood toward
Isabel and toward the highly born gentle
man who admired her. But he kept his
doubts and fears to himself. 1.-The train
won't wait for me-" he said, and held out his
hand once more.
She was not only perplexed, she was really
distressed. Don't take leave of me in that
cold way!" she pleaded Her ewes dropped
before his, ana ner lips trembled . little.
'Give me a kiss, Robert at parting" She
said those bold words softly and sadly, out
of the depth of her pity for him He started;
his face frightened suddenly; his sinking
hope rose again. In another moment the
change came; in another moment he UNDER
stood her. As he touched her cheek with his
lips he turned pale again. "Don't quite for
get me, he said, in low, faltering tones, and
left her.
Miss Pink met Isabel in the hall. Refreshed
by unbroken repose, the ex-schoolmistress
was in the happiest frame of mind for the
reception of her niece's news.
Informed that Moody had Travelled to South
Morden to personally report the progress of
the inquiries. Miss Pink highly approved of
him as substitute for Mr.. Troy. ''Mr.
Moody, as bankers son, is a gentleman by
birth" she remarked; she has condescended
in becoming Lady Lydiard's steward. What
l saw of him, when he came here with you,
prepossessed me in his favor. He has my
confidence Isabel. as well as yours: he is in
every respect superior person to Mr.. Troy.
Did you meet any friends, my dear, when
you were out walking!'
The answer to this question produced
species of Transformation in NJ IS Pink. The
rapturous rank-worship of her nature feasted,
so to speak, on Hardyman's message. She
looked taller and younger than usual; she
was all smiles and sweetness. AT last Isabel.
you have seen birth and breeding under their
right aspect" she said ''In the society OF
Lady Lydiard you cannot possibly have
formed correct ideas of the English aristoc-