The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-01-01

said.
quite true" Henry admitted. ale had
arranged to start for England tomorrow,
snd TO leave you and Lady Montbarry and
the children 10 enjoy your holiday in Venice
under my care. Circumstances have &C
CURED, however, which have forced him to
alter his plans. He must take you all back
with him to morrow, because ] am not able
to assume charge Of you AM obliged to
give up my holiday in Italy, and return 10
Enriard too"
Agn,s looked at him in some little perplex-
ty; she was not quite sure whether she under
stood him or not 4Arc you really obliged
% 20 backf- she asked.
Henry smiled as he answered Der. Keep
/ the secret he said, "or Montbarry viii never
forgive mei'
She read the rest in lis face. "Oh.' she ex-
claimed, blushing brightly, 'you have no,
given up your pleasant holiday in Italy On
my account
Il shall 10 back with You to England, Ag-
1ea. That will be holiday enough for me-
She took his hand in an irrepressible out
burst of gratitude. aHow good yon are
20 me.' she murmured tenderly. "What
should ] have lone in the troubles that have
,otne 10 me, without your sympatllyl can't
ell you, Henry, how | feel your kindness"
She tried impulsiveIy 10 lit his band TO her
Ups. lie gently stopped her. "Agncs," he
aid, care YOU beginning to understand how
Iuly ! love YOUR
That simple question found its own way to
her heart She owned the whole truth, with
,ut saying a word. She looked at Lim-and
hen looked away again.
He drew her to his bosom. My Own
larling,7 he whispered-and kissed her.
Softly and trcmulousIy the sweet lips fingered,
and touched his lips in return. Then her
head drooped. She put her arms round his
leck, and hid her face in his bosom. They
poke nc more.
The charmed silence had lasted but n little
while. when IL was mcrcilessly broken by a
Knock at the door.
Agnes started to her feet. She placed her
elf at the piano; the instrument beng oppo
lite to the door. it was impossible, when she
eated herself on the music stool, for aay
cerson entering the room 20 see her face.
Henry called out irritably, "Como in"
Tie door was not opened. The person on
No oiiicI <lI" IsktJ "A SAiutrt Ih'H-iDnF
as Mr.. Henry Westwick alonef
Agnes instantly recognized tue voice Of the
countess. She buried TO Il second door.
which communicated wish one 81 the bed
looms. Don't let Der cone near meF she
whispered, ~nervously. Good night, Henry!
good nightp
II Henry could, by an effort Of will, have
transported the countess to the uttcrmOst
.nds Of the earth he wonlI have made the
.Iort without renIorse. As 1t was, he only
repeated, more irritably than ever, Come
INF,
She entered the room slowly with her
everlasting manuscript in her hand. Her
,tep was unsteady; a dark flush appeared on
her face in place Of its customary pallor. her
yes were bloodshot and widely dilated. In
approaching Henry she showed a strange in
.apability Of calculating her distances-ehe
truck against the table near which be hap
,ened to be sitting. When she spoke her
articulation was confused. and her pronun-
,iation Of some OF the longer words was
hardly ineligible. Most men would have
suspected her of being under the influence
If some intoxicating liquor. Henry took a
Tuer view-he said, as he placed a chair for
ger, "Countess, am afraid you have been
working too hard; yoa look as if you wanted
-cst."
She put her hand TO her head.
My invention is gone" She said. 81 can't
write my fourth act It's all a blank-ali a
5lankl'
Henry advised her 10 val, till the ncxtday.
Go to bed, - lee suggested, land try and
,leep."
She waved her hand impatiently.
Il must finish the play" she answered. Il
mly want a hint from yon. You mas,
snow something about plays. Your brother
has got n theatre. You must often have
beard him talk about fourth and fifth acts
yon must have seen rehearsals, and all The
rest Of it." She abruptly thrust the manu-
script into Henry's hand. 81 can't read it TO
you," she said; II feel giddy when look at
my Own writing. Just run your eye over it,
here's "a good fellow-and give me a hint"
Henry glanced at the manuscript. He
happened to look at the list of the persons 81
The drama. As be read the list he started
md turned abruptly TO the countess, intend
Ing to ask her for some explanation. The
words were suspended on his lips. It was
out too plainly useless to speak 10 her. Her
head lay back on the upper rail OF the chair.
she seemed 70 Ire half asleep already. The
bush on her face had deepened, She looked
ike a wona who was in danger of having
fit
He rang the bell, and directed the man who
answered ii to send one Of the chamher1naids
a~pstairs. His voice seemed to partially rouse
The countess; she opened her eyes in a slow,
irowsy way. Have you read itT She asked.
II was necessary, as a mere act OF human
ty, TO humor her. II will read it willingly"
mid Henry, "if you will so upstairs TO bed.
You shall bear hat ] thiDs of i, tomorrow
morning. Our heads will he clearer, We
shall be better able TO make the fourth nc, N
the morning"
The chanbclruaid caine in while he was
speaking. IL am afiaid the lady Is ILL.,"
Henry whispered. "Takc her NJ to her
room, Tie woman looked at the countess,
and whispered back, "Shnll we send for "a
doctor, sirl'
Henry advised taking her upstairs first,
and then asking The managers advice. There
was great difficulty in persuading Ter to rise
and accept the support Of the chamberinaid's
arm. ], was only by reiterated promises to
read the play that night, and 10 make the
fourth act in the morning. that Henry pre-