The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-06-27

Tie neard TINS IN the afternoon OF the
same day that Nora had sent for Jock
Fraser. 10 tell him the news. Biddulph
had not seen Nora since the night of Mai
colm's flight, and they met with some EN-
barrassment. Nora was conscious that,
in the excitement of waiting for poor
Malcolm, she had looked and talked to
Biddulph as she had never done before.
And he also felt that he had almost spoken
of the love which they both knew filed
their hearts.
1t is strange thing, this knowledge
this silent and mysterious binding to-
gether of two souls; for true love is this,
though what the world mostly calls love
is not. They met, then, these two, with a
brief fiuttering handclasp, blush and a
little nervousness, which the woman be-
trayed the least. Nora began eagerly to
tell Biddulph about Malcolm--to tell him
how she had sent for Jock Fraser, and all
about the mothers anguish and despair.
''Thank God, the boy is safe, then," "
said Biddulth; ''for I have never been
able to get poor Mrs. Fraser out of my
mind"
1T was really too terrible TO see her. And
Jock said when the police went 10 Arid
linn, he should never forget it. But she
will be happier now, thanks to YOU
Il only wish / could make her happy
did not like the grim suspicion which
Malcolm Fraser's mad act had cast upon
my name, but yet / declare. when my
good friend the doctor told me of the pite-
ous condition of mind and body to which
this NOR Nvor,ar Rrqg hrorrcrbt fbof4rrbf
il almost pity that the blame did not rest
upon me still, for l have no mother"
DO not say so. IL was shameful that il
ever fell on YOU" answered Nora quickly
1t was unjust, at least but | shall be
honest, and l will not say that / would
recall that poor woman again 10 life now,
even if l could; but l will say / never
would have raised my hand to iniure her" :"
"0f course not. And yet it was heavy
burden"
"a burden almost too heavy to be borne !;
burden that grew and grew. But why
speak OF it? 1t has slipped away from me,
and still left me-hope."
He took a step nearer 10 her rs he ut
tered the last word, and his eyes were
fixed upon the pale. lovely face, which
possessed for him the subtle charm, the
wondrous beauty, which he only found in
her. And as he stood, over her fair cheeks
crept another tint, and her white eyelids
drooped, and her sweet breath rose and
fell with quickened throb.
mora, you know what that hope is" ne
began, his deep voice broken by the strong
feeling surging through his heart; you
know"
Nora was not destined at this moment
TO know, or, at least to be told. The
room door opened, and the angular, black
robed form of Mrs. Conway-Hope ap-
peared, and Biddulph naturally took a
step backward in consequence.
"Ah, Mr.. Biddulph, how are your" said
Mrs. Conway-Hope, holdingout her hand,
and probably quite unconscious that she
was in the way Her fate in life, indeed,
appeared to be TO say things that were
not needed, and to appear where she was
not wanted. Some people are like this,
and a cross grained sprIte must certainly
have attended at the birth of Mrs. Con-
way-Hope.
"We have not seen you since you came
that night, about this dreadful affair Of
young Malcolm Fraser" continued the
lady. at is truly terrible, isn't it? And
l am very sorry for poor Mrs. Fraser,
though / must say she was ridiculOusty
proud of this young man, whom | confess
/ always thought very ill-bred, though 1
had no idea. of course, what dreadful
character he really was"
81 think, Cousin Margaret, we need not
talk of the poor boys faults now" said
Nora.
"But, my dear Nora, the whole country
side is talking of theml Where do YOU
suppose he has escaped to, Mr.. Bid
dulph?
''ro some of the holes and corners
among the hills, dare say, Mrs. Conway
Hope" answered Biddulph, with an un-
moved countenance. "You have heard,
] suppose, Miss Stewart, that the lad Bob
Mackenzie, whom my long-eared friend,
Mr.. Sandfor3 Hill, overheard relating
this unhappy story to his brother, has
also vanished2"
"Yes, l have heard this" answered
Nora. 'The faithful boy is, no doubt
determined that his evidence shall not be
given against his master"
"But is this right, my dear Nora?n
asked Mrs Conway-Hope pensively. 81
think faithfulness should cease with re-
Pect What do you think, Mr.. Bid
dulph?"
a have fellow feeling for erring sin
ners, Mrs. Conway-Hope, and therefore
think it should not"
"And | think said Nora, lifting her
nttt4 VIII kiIAlllllE eyes bildL
ness is only shown when the dark clouds
gather, and the storm is near"
"And you too" said Biddulph, looking
at her, would have gone out as this lad
has done, to live hunted life amid the
rocks and caves, rather than swear away
beloved life. i can understand il, and
Bob's dog-life fidelity moves my heart
so much so, that / mean to-day TO seek
out the brother, and tell him that when
Bob reappears shall be glad TO take him
into my service. should like an honest
hearted fellow such as this always by my
side"
''TIe will prabably live to cheat you,
then" smiled Mrs. Conway Hope. 81
have invariably found that, il you trust a
person Of this class too much, they always
do"
'"Then / shall be cheated" answered
Biddulph, rising, and holding out his
hand TO Nora. "May l soon see you
again, Miss Stewart"
"You can see me when you like TO
come" answered Nora; and again that
lovely tint stole TO her cheeks.
Goodbye. then. / shall call to tell
you how get on with Mr.. Tam Macken-
zie."
''He certainly is a gooS looking mar" ("
said Mrs. Conway-H Hope, after he was
gone, going on vigorously with her knit
ting. "But did you notice, Nora dear,
that he spoke with certain latitude, a