Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-10-20

never comes near me now, but has taken to almost living in the library; and though hs once interpcses to rescue me from one of Mrs. Peverils lectures, it is dene in way which shows mo he thinks me quite as much to blame as she does. He looks terribly i'll, it is true; and yet when once ask him (timidly, for his manner is so altered) if he is unwell, he says ''No," very shortly; then comes back, apologies for his abruptncss, and goes quickly away before can speak. Indeed, hardly see him at all now, and he seldom speaks to me even when We meet. It is very strange. Sometimes feel almost inclined to cry about it; he used to be so kind, so won- drously kind and gentle. And even now he is not unkind, for often find the very little duties l have been neglecting frightened for me, and that papa has taken out the children for their afternoon walk, so that am free to amuse myself as list and ''look melancholy over my freedom, as Capt Glyn says when ho suddenly overtakes me in my solitary con- sttutional
 "Mr. Clifford has taken the children" say pettishly.
 And are not you thankful? l should have thought you would be delighted to get rid of the little plaques. Why, they are always plastered to your side.n
 Indeed they are not" cry. ''They used to be, but HOW they are quite-quite glad to So So IliSA AU IS yer ana nGI6 choke and try to wink away something misty in my eyes.
 And you are jealous' exclaims Carr. Jealous about q couple of tiresome brats! I wish to heaven were in their shoes for one half hour Why, you ought to bless old Cliff ford for his paternal affection"
 He Is not so old" say resentfully. "He is only A."
 And therefore old in comparison with my self of 25 and you of 21."
 "How do you know my age2"
 George told me. Please don't look so in- dignant. can't help your pupils condolences But must say was glad to hear it."
 Il must say I can't guess why!'
 After that solemn age young lady is out of leading strings, and is free to be as un- worldly ani happy as she pleases. l like freedom"
 Capt, GlynS voice is merry, but his eyes are not. Their blue depths are looking into mine with a tender, anxious expression Somehow 1 can't answer by reason of a flut- ter in my throat. Also my face has turned scarlet, and all of a sudden it flashes on me that the rector's guest has no business to be walking with the rectors governess
 II am going home now," say, stopping abruptly. ''So good-by for tho present."
 "Good-by! and why2 am going homo, too.'
 ''No, you were going to the hall"
 II have changed my mind; like beng with you better.n
 But do not like ik"
 ''Again why?'
 Because - because I don't" (rather lan.ely).
 Do hol,e you SO dreadfully then?'
 No, not at all; but I don't think Mrs. Pcveril would Dc pleased.'
  but that l am happier with you than with any enc elsa, and would fain snatch every nlinute''-
 Capt. Glyn, don't talk in that way, please"
 ! am hurrying oil quickly now. He over takes, and puts his hand on my arm.
 Miss Leslie," he says, "why arc you so cruel? Am I not unfortunate enough, that you grudgo me even the few precious mo- mentS of yoUr society which makes life bear ahle?"
 "Unfortunate! You."
 Yes; don't you know? An, Miss Leslie Marion, let me call you so once-can't you pity me at least for my folly, if folly it is in loving you and"-
 Miss Leslie! Papa, knewed it was Miss Leslio Do stop!"
 It is Georges voice, and it comes through & break in the hedge under which we are walking. I look up with start, and see> on the other side, MT. Clifford with Dollio in his arms and George by the hand. Even in that moment of agitation think how i'll, how awfully ill and worn he is looking, somewhat as he did in that terrible time after Mrs. Clifford's death, more than year ago; but though I try to say somcthing-what l hardly know-in my confusion, he does not look at me- he looks at Capt. Glyn, and to him he says:
 Il thought you had gone to the hall, CarrY
 Was en my way there, but met Miss Les lie hulrying home alone, and thought had better see her safe to the gate. So many tramps about just now
 "Thank you. Now have met you, how ever, will take care of Miss Leslie myself l hope she will never be in want of protec- tion under my roof"
 There is something stern, almost menaciug in my masters tone; it makes me trenble in- stinctively. Capt. Glyn, who, of course, Is not so foolish, merely helps mo through the hedge Squeezing my hand at the same time, for which I should like to box 1 his ears), lifts his hat and departs trudge on at Mir. Clifford's side, and feel wo- fully inclined to cry. It is miserable walk, and my masters grave, constrained efforts at talking make it worse. Once Dollie bursts 1 out, "+elly, does Cuthin Carr love co wellyN- but is peremptorify checked, and after that terrible silence falls-a silence SO terrible that it makes even this little cow ard desperate. As we near the porch, and Mr. Clifford gives Dolhe over to her nurse, I say hoarsely:
 May speak to you, sira'
 For the first time he looks at me, keen, searching look, half pain, half relief; then he says very gently:
 "Assuredly you may. Come with me, and leads the way to the library. The sun is setting in a haze of golden fire behind the dusky, purpled line of woods on Birnam hills, A gentle breeze comes in at the open window, cooling my hot face, rump1ing the papers on the writing table, and laden with sweet scents of faint, red clover and fresh cut hay. I, in my white dress and straw hat, am in the shadow; but my masters noble oounten- ance and tall, bent figure are all gilded by one last ray of deep red gold. 4 bee Is softly b,,p,p,iDo euooDo tho feafbar.y surava of c1a.