Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-02-26
met MI. Hardyman. 1 couIanu nelp SPEAK
ing to him. could II"

ing to him, could II"
Certainly not"
They moved Cd 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 humil-
ated her. You're not JEALOUSY she said,
smiling timidiy.
He tried to speak lightly, on his side. IT
have no time to be jealous while | have your
affairs to look after.' he answered
She pressed his arm tenderly. "Never
fear, Robert, that new friends will make ne
forget the best and dearest friend who is now
at my side She paused, and looked up at
him with compassiona te fondness that was
very pretty to see 81 can keep out of the
way tomorrow when Mr.. Hardyman calls"
she said 1T 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 looking into the
future. He was learning the hard lesson of
self-sacrifice already. DO what you think
right" hetsaid, quietly; don't think of me. ;
TheRareaelaeaathe gate of the villa l!e
held out his hand to say good-by.
'Won't you come in. she asked Do
come in
Not now, my dear ! must get back 20
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, Rooert," she
said. ''Why is its 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
IL.
powerless posi- ion 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. ''lhe 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 If ms in tina
roi wavl' ~ so, da-' 11ar wn d
oerore his, and her lips trembled a little.
Give me 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 lepose. the ex-schoolmistress
was in the happiest frame of mind Tor the
reception of her niece's news.
| Informed tina 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" he remarked; she has condescended
in be omin" Lady Lydards steward. What
| l saw of him, when he came here with you.
prerossessed me in his favor. He has my
confidence, Isabel. well as yours; he is in
| every re rect a superior person to Mr. TROY.
Did you meet any friends, my dear, when
you were out walking!'
The answer to this question produced a
| species of transformation in M IS Pink The
rapturous rank-worship of her nature feasted,
SO to s~eak. on Hardyman's message. She
| locked taller and younger than usual; she
was I'll SIN les and swee ness. ''At last, Isabel
you have seen birth and breeding under their
ric ht aspect" she said. I'm the society Of
l. dy Lydiard you cannot possibly have
forued ,orrect ideos of the English arlstoc-
racy Observe Mr.. Hardyman, when he
does me the honor TO call tomorrow, and
| you will see he difference"
''Mr. Hard man is your visitor, aunt, not
mine. was going o ask you to let me re-
main up stair. in my room"
| Mi Pink was unaffectedly shocked. "Tnls
is what you learn at Lady Lvdiard's," she
o. served mo. Isal ell, your absence would
be reach of good manners; cannot pos
sill ly permit it. You will be present to re-
| ceive our distinguished friend with me. And
mind 'his," added Miss Pink, in her most i'm
n essve manner. "1f Mr. Hardyman shout |
by anv 1hance ask why YOU have left
Lad Lydia d, not one word about those dis
graceful circumstances viii connect you
with The loss of he bank note! | should sink
into the earth if the smallest hin of w at
has really happened should rea h Mr.. Hardy
mans ears My child, stand towards you
in the place of your lam nted mother. l
have the right to command your silence on
thi horr Bile subject, and do imperatively
| command it."
In these words foolish Miss Pink sowed the
seed for the harvest of trouble that was soon
| to come.