The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-08-08
CHAPTER XXXvII.


her drawing-room for visitor, whom she
ardently longed, yet half dreaded to see.
This was Biddulph. But she little,
guessed, as she sat there with flushed
cheeks and beating heart, that this meet
ing, during which she meant to re-estab-
lish the old friendly feeling between them,
was intended by him TO be parting one;
the last before he left, Scotland, never to
return.
He had made all his arrangements 10 do
so; discharged his servants. and meant to
shut up the house at Dunbaan. He had
told his friend the doctor this, but made
him promise not to tell Nora of his inten-
tions.
81 should break down." he said. at
would but unman me if she asked me to
stay; and must go-I have not strength
for more"
And it seemed to him as he neared
Rossmore, where Nora was waiting for
him, as If he scarce had strength even for
this last meeting. He was pale and deep
ly moved as he went into her drawing
room, and when Norah's eyes fell on his
haggard face, she saw that in truth "the
iron had entered his SOUL" that the mans
heart was still darkened with the shadow
OF a great despair.
"Jamesl" she said, with wonderful
softness and tenderness in her voice,
starting up and holding out both her
hands.
lie took them for n moment, and then
released them. And he spoke no word it
seemed TO him that words were poor in
deed to express the intense emotion that
overwhelmed him.
Don't look like thatp prayed Nora,
again clasping his cold hand. 81 have
thought it all over, James. We must lust
be great friends like we used to be, before
all this happened; and-and we must try
to help each other"
III should be poor help, Nora"
I'VE are not to blame, you know" went
on Nora, eagerly; 'it has been terrible
pain TO us both, but we must try to forget
all that. James, am going to try to be
brave, and you must try too"
"All bravery is gone out of me-"
"You must not say that. We have got
lots OF things to live for, you know, though
we can not marry. / have been think
ing OF what we can do 10 help the poor
people; | have thought OF establishing
free school, James, for the children"
my dear, my dear, could not do it,"
His voice broke into sort of wall, and he
sank down on a chair and covered his face
with his hands.
ooh, please, do not distress me thus %
said Nora, piteously.
''It is selfish, l know" answered Bid
dulph, raising his head: "but this has
quite broken me down, Nora. II have
come to-day to say goodbye"
"Good-byep she repeated; and she
grew little pale.
"For a time, at least; I shall get stronger
by-and-by. Just now l am better away"
Nora did not speak a chill pang of dis
appointment and pain darted through her
heart.
81 mean to leave here tonight; to go
up to town."
"Oh, Jamesp
1t was the first reproach she had uttered
through all this pain. But to leave her to
bear it alonel 1t seemed to Nora at this
moment that this was thoughtless of Bid
dulph, and she drew a little back as if his
words had panied her.
"Nly aunt is still with you, is she not ?"
he said abruptly, the next instant.
"Yes; she has been very good to me-"
"And Mrs. Conway-Hope, is she here,
too2"
ooh no." answered Nora, with little
smile. "She and Lady Barbara do not
agree; and | am thankful to say Mrs.
Conway-Hope left yesterday"
"And you, Nora2 Are you not going to
leave here, too?
'I have scarcely thought of it yet; at
least, have not decided when shall go.''
81 should be pleased TO think that my
aunt remained with you until you go
south"
81 shall be very pleased if she will"
There was just a little touch of pride in
Nora's voice as she said the last few
words; and Biddulph, looking at her with
his gloomy eyes, recognized this.
mora" he said, going up to her, and
speaking in voice broken with emotion,
al seem strange and changed to you, do /
not? But-but, 1 dare not talk to you as
/ would; dare not tell you what | feel"
Nora did not speak, but great pity for
him again filed her heart.
81 suppose loved you too much, went
on Biddulph, impetuously. "Do you re-
member me telling you / could not live
my life if were parted from you now2
This is what / feel, and must leave you"
"You will feel differently by-and-by,"
said Nora, gently.
"In how many long years, wonder?
But have not thanked you yet for the
ring you sent me. l shall always wear it,
Nora"
Every WELL" she answered; and she
smiled.
"And there is something else I want.
Will you give me one OF these little
curls ?" and he touched her dark shining
hair as he spoke.
eyes, OF course; but shall see you in
town, even ii you do leave here tonight"
'Still, l want the piece of hair to carry
away with me. viii you give it to me
now, Nora2'
eyes," and she went up to the mirror
over the mantelpiece, and cut off one of
the little curls be coveted.
'ThereI' she said, handing to him with
a smile.
"And there is something else."
"What else?"
"May kiss you before goW
Nora blushed deeply.
eve must forget all that, you know"
she said, not raising her dark eyes to his.
"Yes; but for the last time, Nora-for
the last time, may kiss you nowp'
She looked up one moment and he took
her in his arms.
Goodbye, my darling, my darling" he
murmured, with his lips on hers-"good-
bye; God keep you;" and the next mo-
ment he was gone.
ITO be continued nezt tceek.)
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