The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-09-24

FoSdyke.
1t seemed as though they were anxious to
make some amends for the shameful treat
ment had already received on board the
Golden Hawk. FosdYke hal an endless,
store of interesting anecdotes relating to
criminal cases and the peculiarities of
famous judges and counsel; while Drank
somes talk was what had found it to be at
Scarborough with wit and an
intelligence such as very few men with
whom | have ever been in contact have pos
sossed.
But all conversation was stopped by the
arrival of the letter bag. Ridiculous as
knew that it must be TO expect anything else,
confess that l was disappointed when
found that there was nothing for me in the
bag l had secretly chung to the hope that
Mauleverer might have betrayed my posi-
ton to Daisy in which case felt assured
that she would seek some means of commu-
nicating with me.
But though there was no letter for me- there
was news from Great Lorton Hall My in
stinct told me which of the letters that
l saw Branksome turn over when he received
the parcel from the steward was that which
concerned me most deeply. Yes, l remem-
bered the large, square envelope Daisy had
used when she wrote to me, Iand across the
table 1 could even identify my darling's
handwriting.
1 could not take my eyes off Branllsome's
face as he read this letter-the first which he
opened. 1t was not very long, but evidently
it gave the doctor something to reflect
upon He read it second time, and APP
parently pondered its contents carefully in
his own mind. Suddenly he looked up and
caught my eyes fixed intently upon him.
"Ahp he said, with smile, ~ can under
stand how much you must wish to see what
Daisy has written. Well there arc no
secrets, so far as 1 can sec, which need pre-
vent you reading her letter." and he tossed
it lightly across to me.
1t was written in a tone of affection and
confidence, and it related some of the events
which had happened at the hall since Drank
some left. AS the letter had been written
only some three or four days after his de-
parture Daisy had not much to tell But
to my surprise and relief the news she told,
so far as it concerned herself, was good
Her uncle, she said, had altered consider
ably during the last two or three days.
The passion and irritability which had
marked his temper for some time had al
most entirely disappeared. ale is becoming
more like his dear old self, and ne no longer
treats me in the strange, cruel way in which
he did at first. o, l do pray SO earnestly
that this happy change may continue. God
grant that he may yet give me back his love,
and that the cloud which has arisen between
us may pass away. You know, dear doctor,
what mean when say that-or rather you
know what l do not mean. / shall naver
prove untrue TO Mr.. Fenton. 1 have prom
ised him to be faithful, and though 1 may
never marry at all, shall never marry any
but him."
My eyes sparkled with delight as read
the dear words. / could tell that both
Branksome and Fosdyke were watching me,
but could not restrain the smile of Joy that
broke upon my lips.
"Where can no BET" she continued. ~ am
surprised tina. l should not have heard from
him again; and sometimes fear that no is
i'll, or that some misfortune of another kind
has befallen him. When you return to
England do befriend me, dear doctor, and
try to ascertain where he is am forced to
trust everything in your hands now. You
will not desert us bothp There was post
cript to the letter which / confess read
with little interest compared with that with
which l perused those passages that more
Immediately concerned myself. 1t ran as
follows: