The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-07-28
THE ARKANsAW TRAVELER

should be ostracised, madam, and be deprived of civil rights"
 But no one paid any attention to Nesbet, while the colonel seemed iD excellent spirits and told some good stories that set everybody laughing at his end of the table.
 As soon as the ladies made move, Colonel Carmichel lighted . cheroot- a thing previously unknown at "The Willews"-and came to sit beside Rob- ert.
 "So, young fellow. you have been very kind to Mrs. Carmichel, hear. I am glad she found good friend. poor girl, for her husband-.he was one of the Staffordshire Carmichels, Robert-was the best friend and com- rade ever had"
 "I don't understand" stammered Robert.
 "Poor fellow" said the colonel, shaking his head. "I stood beside him when he died. Some stupid people muddled the matter, hear, and re- ported me as dead; but have come home to settle at last. I shall come and stay with you, Robert, tor bit, if you will have me-"
 Robert said "Yes;" but he was too much confused and mixed up to know exactly what he was doing or saying. He was glad that his father carried him off straight from the dinner ta- ble and took him to the theatre and Roberts club and home to Roberts chambers in the small hours of the morning.
 "An unlucky fellow was Jack Car michel," said the colonel between the whiffs of his cheroot. "Quarrelled with all his friends, muddled away his fortune; at last took this appoint ment, which told him meant certain death, and, would you believe it, a fortnight before his death an uncle died, with whom he had quarrelled more than anybody, and left him a hundred thousand pounds or so, and the poor fellow never knew it, and died tormenting himself about the fate of those he left behind him; and those children will be well off now, you see, and the mother, too"
 This last piece of news decided Rob- ert he could go no more near Denise. How could she bear to look upon him, who had obtained so much love and kindness and sympathy under false pretences?
 Robert buried himself assiduously in his work and went near Highgate no more, hearing plenty of news about it, however, from his father, who spent the greater part of his time there. But, one evening, coming in late, the colonel brought home note which he put in Roberts hands.
 "Dear Robert" ran the letter, "I see that you condemn me as an i'm postor, although, indeed, an innocent one, and think me unworthy of further notice. But the children, you must own, are innocent <; and they are won- dering that you don't come, and Toto, I fear is fretting. So come to see them even if you avoid DENISE.
 .'P. S.-Your father is going to marry the lady of The Willows and l tell her she will have to change it's name to The Laurels,' in honor of her warrior. And Clara is engaged to young Levison. And there is nothing but billing and coolng in the air. It is all very fine for them, but for me a little dull"
 Robert despatched his business in all haste the next day and hurried up to "The Willows"
 First he tried the library, where he found his father and Lady Jones sit ting with one volume between them, and that turned upside down. Then the sounds of disconnected chords of music led him to the drawing room, and there he saw Clara sitting at the piano and playing with one hand, while the other was imprisoned by Mir. Levison.
 A sympathetic maid told Robert that he would find Mrs. Carmichel in the morning room. She was sitting by the window, looking rather pale and depressed, while the children were playing unheeded by her side. The little ones gave cry of delight at the sight of Robert and Denise sprang to her feet, blushing very red, while her eyes were filled with light.
 The children clasped his knees.
 "Oh Robbie dear," said Cecile, "we are so tired of here; do take us chez nous"
 And Toto, who was losing his French as fast as he could, tugged at him and shouted:
 "Yes, yes, come home"
 "And you, Denise," cried Robert, twill you come home, too?"-AH the Tear Round.
 The Little Seed.
 \ Iiftln aaod Ia n the carfer,a naIh.