Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-12-19
CHAPTER XXII.

"What on earth were you asking that glrl abouts" he said abruptly, taking his hat off, and tossing it and his gloves on the floor
 Madge flushed crimson for moment, and then taking Brian's two strong hands ill her own, looked steadily into his drowning face "Why don't you trust mel" she asked in a quiet tone.
 ssBut it is not necessary that I should" he answered moodily. "The secret that Ro- sanna Moore told me on her deathbed IS nothing that would benefit you to know"
 s'Is it about mel" she persisted.
 sIt is and it is not" he answered epigram- matically.
 "I suppose that means that it is about third person and concerns me-" she said calmly, releasing his hands.
 "Well, yes," impatiently striking his boot with his riding whip. But it is nothing that can harm you as long as you do not know it, but God help you should any one tell it to you, for it would embitter your life"
 'sMy life being so very sweet now," an swered Madge, with light sheer. "You are trying to put out fire by pouring oil on 1t, and what you say only makes me more de- termined to lean what it is.
 "Madge, implore you not to persist in this foolish curiosity. I tell you candidly that I did learn something from Rosanna Moore, and it concerns you, but only indi- rectly through a third person. But it would do no good to reveal it, and would ruin both our lives"
 She did not answer, but looked straight be- fore her into the glowing sunshine.
 Brian fell on his knees beside her, and stretched out his hands with an entreating gesture.
 .sOh, my darling" he cried, sadly, ''cannot you trust met The love which has stood such test as yours cannot fail like this. Let me bear the misery of knowing it alone, without bighting your young life with the knowl- edge of it. would tell you if could, but, God help me, cannot-I cannot" and he buried his face In his hands.
 Madge closed her mouth firmly, and touched his comedy head with her cool, white fingers. There was q struggle going on in her breast between her feminine curiosity and her love for the man at her feet-the latter conquered, and she bowed her head over his.
 "Brian,n she whispered softly, "let it be as you wish. will never again try to learn this secret since you do not desire it." He arose to his feet, and caught her in his strong arms, with glad smile. nMy dearestI" he said, kissing her passion etely, and then for 8 few moments neither of them spoke. ''We will begin new life" he | said, at length "We will put the sad past away rom uA1 anu only ULllh oA 1o e'S '' | dream"
 But the secret will still fret you," she murmured.
 | Ut will wear away with time and with change of scene," he answered sadly.
 "Change of scene!" she repeated in a startled tone. Are you going awayp'
 "Yes; have sold my station, and will leave Australia forever during the next three months"
 '.And where are you goingp asked the girl, rather bewildered. | stAnywhere,n he said, little bitterly. "I am going to follow the example of Cain, and | be q wanderer on the face of the earth"
 "Aloneg'
 ''That is what I have come to see you about" said Brian, looking steadily at her. II have come to ask you if you will marry me at once, and we will leave Australia to. gether."
 She hesitated.
 "I know it is asking great deal" he said hurriedly, Ito leave your friends, your DO sition, and"-with hesitation-"your father but think of my life without you-think how lonely shall be wandering round the world by myself; but you will not desert me now have 50 much need of you-you will come with me and be my good angel in the future as you have been in the past"
 She put her hand on his arm, and looking at him with her clear, gray eyes, said "Yes"
 ''Thank God for that" said Brian, rever ently, and there was again silence.
 Then they sat down and talked about theil plans, and built castles in the air, after the fashion of lovers.
 'I wonder what papa will say7' observed Madge, idly twisting her engagement ring round and round. '-,-
 Brian drowned, and dark look passed oyel hisface : ;.'''': H. ','' ~ f' stt suppose must speak to him about itr be said at length, reluctantly,
 "Yes of courser she replied, lightly. 1T is merely formality; still, one that must b' observed"
 "And where is Mir. Frettlbyg" asked Fitz gerald, rising.
 'In the billiard room," she answered, a she followed his example ''No!" she con tinued as she saw her father step on to tn veranda. "Here he is"
 Brian had not seen Mark Frettlby for som time, and was astonished at the chang, which had taken place in bis appearances Formerly, he had been as straight as an ar tow, with a stern, fresh colored face; bu now he had slight stoop, and his face looked old and withered. His thick, black hair wa streaked here and there with white, and tn only thing unchanged about him were hi l OycS, WHICH were aS Keen ana OT1RQC as ever Remembering how old his own face looked and how altered Madge was, now seeing he father, he wondered if this sudden chang was traceable to the same source, namely , the murder of Oliver Whyte. Mr. Frettlby' face looked sad and thoughtful as he cam along; but, catching sight of his daughter, smile of affection broke over it.
 "My dear Fitzgerald" he said, holding ou his hand; "this is indeed a surprisel Whe 1. did you come overp' 'i "'> .->,'-' '' .' :; '!;'.tAbout half an hour ago,n replied Brian reluctantly taking the extended hand of tn
 millionaire. II came to see Madge, and hay a talk with you" eAh that's right,p said the other. putin his arm round his daughters waist. IS that's what has brought the roses to you face, young ladyf' he went on, pinching he cheek playfully ''You will stay to dinner : of course, FitzgeraldF'
 "Thank you, now answered Brian, hastily "my dress"-
 Nonsense" interrupted Frettlby, hospi ably; i've are not in Melbourne, and I ar sure Madge will excuse your dress. Yo must stay"
 "Yes, do," said Madge, in 2 beseeohin tone, touching his hand lightly, sd don't SC ' l so much of yojl that can let VOL off wit