The Irish standard., 1888-01-28

very air seemed oppressive. Iaken alco
gether, it was a most uncomfortable meal,
and felt glad when it was ended.
The children Immediately withdrew when
breakfast was over. I remained standing
by Miss Armund, hardly knowing what to
do. Mr. Clayton arose, and placing his
hands in his pockets: regarded me IN
questioning manner for few moments,
aud then asked: "What is this child here
for, Lena:'
"Eis tone was more the one Of a servant
addressing master than that Of husband
addressing a wife, Thought.
Mrs. Clayton flushed angrily at the ques'
i ton, but her voice was steady enough When
! she answered him.
'sshe is protege of my friend, Miss
Armund,'' she said.
"Oh! obi yes; very fine one, Miss
Armund,'' he said, suayely.
''Thank you,' was Miss Armund's chilly
reply: ,:. =, : =, 40, % 81, >, and +ah;r .
his hat, he hastily left the room.
Again a strange stiffness fell upon us.
! Mrs. Clayton had risen and gone to the win
dow, where she stood idly beating
against the panes with her white
| jeweled fin gers. Miss Armund sat still and
grave, the hard lines around her mouth
harder and grinmer thar ever. She clasped
her large, bony hands together and looked
like one who struggled with great passion
of hate or remorse. but her face cleared at
last. A look of deep determination TOOK
the place of the frown upon her features.
She broke the oppressive silence IN ner
usually quick, abrupt way.
"I am going now, Lena" she said "but
want to say to you before ! go that have
brought this child here for the purpose OF
educating and taking care Of her wish
you to treat her ss you treat your own chill
dren. Allow her the same privileges you
allow them, and am content. 1t ISL she
continued, thoughtfully, 'but small recon-.
pense for the wrong done her, but IL VIII
suffice. Carry out my instructions and YOU
need do no more; but wish them carried
out, mind you," and her voice grew stern
''You understand me, Lena?"
Mrs. Clayton had turned from the window
at Miss Armund's first words, and re-
mained quiet and attentive to what she was
saying Her face betrayed no expression
but that Of extreme indifference; but al
Miss Arn,und's question: ssDo you under
stand me, Lenae" she raised her head and
! answered, coldly:
s'Your instructions shall be regarded,
Miss Armund.'
avery well. Tell James to get the car.
rage. will be ready in moment. can
not just say when I will come again" !" in
answer to Mrs. Clayton's polite invitation,
which could rot help thinking was given
under protest
Miss Armund came toward me then and
held out her hand. "Good-bye, Dorcas, ~
was all she said, and shyly repeated good
bye. Then her lank form disappeared in
/ the doorway and she was gone.
CHAPTER Nv.
Mrs. Clayton turned to servant who was
in the room, and said quietly: "You may
take this child to the school-room for to-
tend to her as to others.
Iobeliently followed the girl to the school
! room, which was handsomely furnished
apartment OH the second floor.
The servant opened the door and gave me
q shove inside. S,hlistress said she was to
study here today she cried, and shut the
door, leaving me standing in the middle OF the
! floor I raised my head and looked around.
AT a desk IN one end OF the room, grave,
plain faced girl Of perhaps two-and-twenty
| was sitting listening to p recitation from
one of the three children under her charge
When she saw me she balle me be seated
but she neither smiled nor gave me any
word of welcome. Her thoughts seemed far
away, thought, for her voice, though even
and well-modulated, never raised or fell be-
| low the same quiet monotone When she
had finished the lesson upon which she was
engaged when entered, she came forward
and questioned me somewhat in regard to
| my studies. This done, she gave me book
and requested me to read certain passage.