The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-05-23


| bad read it.
II was trying to read it," she answered,
smiling, "when you came"
They talked about the book little while,
| and Malcolm Fraser stood, turning first
red and then pale, deservedly shut out of
! the conversation. Then he bade Nora
goodbye with scant ceremony, and with
out word to Biddulph, stalked out Of the
room.
"What is the matter with that very good
looking young Scott" asked Biddulph,
with smile, as Malcolm disappeared
! Il cannot imagine what has come over
Malcolm" answered Nora, who, perhaps,
really had her suspicious what allied her
| young kinsman, "he used to be nice
youth"
Biddulph laughed.
''He evidently does not think / am
NICE at all events, said Biddulph, rising
! 81 shall go, now, Miss Stewart, as l don't
wish wish to tire you. May come againT
Indeed, you may"
II shall tell you the promised story.
perhaps. next time, and ask your opinion
OF the hero"
Every well; goodbye. then. Come
soon; am curious to hear the story
They shook hands and parted, and, as
Biddulph went down the steep avenue at
Rossmore, TO his surprise, near the end
| of it, he found Malcolm Fraser, who was
evidently waiting for him, and who raised
his cap punctiliously as he approached.
wantaword with you, Mr.. Biddulph," "
he said
Certainly" replied Biddulph.
81 am Miss Nora Stewards near kins-
man." continued Malcolm, growing pale
with excitement, ''and, as such, have
right to ask why you, a married man, pay
my cousin such marked attention ,"
1t was now Biddulph's turn to grow
pale, but his eyes and voice were alike
steady as he answered the young High
lander.
''You have no right either to ask such
question or to make such an assertion"
he said.
81 shall find right" answered Nal
colin, haughtily; land can you deny my
assertion p
81 deny your right to speak to me in
such tone, or to ask me any questions
whatever; and do not mean to answer
you. Good morning"
Biddulph would have walked on, but,
with fierce exclamation, Malcolm sprang
to his side.
"Look, Mr.. Biddulph, this won't serve
you'll You shall answer. Nora Stewards
name shall not be dragged to the dust by
youp'
"Boy," said Biddulph, care you mad?
Miss Nora Stewards name is as sacred TO
me as my own mothers"
''I know nothing about your mother"
said Malcolm insolently; ''but do know
Miss Stewart is my cousin, and unless you
cease your attentions to her -"
Biddulph's only reply was to commence
walking on, while Malcolm fercely dogged
his footsteps.
"Will you answer me? he almost
shouted.
Biddulph neither looked round nor made
any reply.
"You won't speak," cried Malcolm, be-
side himself with rage. ''Then you are a
cOward-a sneaking coward Do you
hearP
Say that again ~ said Biddulph stern
ly, now stopping.
81 did say it," answered the jealous,
maddened young man, "and l strike you
as | would dog"
He struck out his clenched hand as he
spoke, and dealt heavy blow right on
Biddulph's face, who, completely taken by
surprise, reeed back for a moment. But
the next he recovered himself He had
been a practiced athlete in his earlier
days, and now, with all his passions reused
by the insult he had received, he attacked
Malcolm with such strength and science
combined that the young Scot found it
was all he could do 20 defend himself from
the well-directed iron blows Of the man
whose fury he had provoked.
Malcolm began 10 step backward down
the steep hill, and presently heavy thud
on his chest sent him sprawling on the
ground.
Have you had enough ?" cried Bid
dulph.
"Nol" shoutetLA1alcolm fercely, spring.
ing once more 20 his feet.
Again they closed in battle; but NAL
colin, blind and mad with passion, never
looked where he was going, and, his foot
catching in rut-ior the ground was very
uneven-he fell heavily, his head striking
against a small block OF granite in the
rough grass, which cut his forehead.
When he struggled 10 his knees the
blood was streaming down his face, and
lac grew faint and dizzy.
"Are YOU hurt2' asked Biddulph, APP
preaching him. But Malcolm answered
him with curse and tho victor, seeing
he was in no danger, felt thrill OF stern
JOY"
''rhe next time you make an assertion"
said Biddulph, rs q parting shot, 81 advise
YOU 10 be sure OF your iaCls" and with u
harsh laugh he turned away, leaving poor
Malcolm 10 gather himself together as
best he could.
CHAPTER XI.
NOT FIT TO BE SEEN.