Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1889-11-21
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CHAPTER VII.

y
Tessa nor Cleveland was much inclin-
ed for conversation. There was in
deed SER ely word spoken until they
reached the entrance 10 the Hall gar
dens. Tessa would have said good-by
at the gate, but Cleveland insisted on
escorting her to the house.
They fingered for a few minutes in
the porch, admiring the beauty of the
twilight sky and the crescent moon,
which was rising behind the hills;
then Tessa held out her hand
Goodbye, Mr.. Cleveland. | want
TO say that-that l will not speak of
tonight TO any one,n she faltered con-
fusedly.
Cleveland looked down at her with
a melancholy smile.
dear child, there is no need TO as
sure me OF that" he said; and then he
raised the little hand to his lips.
Thank you for being so sorry for met"
he said gently.
Then he dropped her hand and NOV
ed away; and Tessa. after hesitating
for few moments, turned to enter the
house, and, as she turned, encounter
ed the wrathful eyes OF Mrs. Calender
who was standing Immediately behind
in the porch. Ies5a, TO use her own
expression, felt she "was in for it,"
and, as usual, her spirits rose at the
prospect of "a fray. She assumed her
most defiant expression, her most in
different smile, as she addressed the
indignant matron.
Back already! l did not expect
you for hours yeti" she said, with a
snucy toss of her pretty head.
$50 it appears" Mrs. Calender re-
marked sarcastically. fortunately
however, l returned in time to witness
your sentimental parting, and also to
see, as l passed the Priory gate, you,
arm in arm with Noel Cleveland,
standing in the avenue. May inquire
if you have been spending the evening
with him?"
"You may inquire precisely what
you like" Tessa retorted. You
won't get any answer, however"
perhaps Aus zen may be more sue
oessful," Mrs. Calender said coldly.
81 have tried my best several times to
bring you to sense of the folly and
wickedness of your conduct, and
failed. l will see now what he can
do"
Tessa flushed crimson. Austen's
good opinion was very precious to
her-how precious she had never real
lied until now-and she dreaded be-
yond measure the thought Of the dis
approving look which would cross his
face when the story of her escapade
should be told by Mrs. Calender.
Don't tell Austen, and | will prom
Use TO be more circumspect for the flu
ture," she said coaxingly.
But Mrs, Calender was obdurate;
and Tessa, irritated by her cold manner
and taunts, grew reckless and defiant
which only week before Austen had
bought and sent home as surprise
for her-and sung song after song
gay little French chdUSORS of love and
war, which were Mrs. Callender's es-
pecial abhorrencc-till the carriage
which had been sent again to Penning-
ton 10 meet An ten returned, and she
heard his step in the hall.
She clasped her hands together and
sat with mocking smile on her face
as she listened while the story of her
misdoings--woefully and unexpected
ly black it sounded, she thought rue
fully-was told by Mrs. Calender.
Austen listened in silence; but there
was disappointed angry look on his
face as he turned and looked down at
the pretty culprit's flushed face and
sparkling eyes.
''And what has Tessa TO say for her.
selfPr he aeked gravely.
Tcssa bit her lip. Two or three
times during the last five minutes she
had been on the point Of interrupting
Mrs. Calender and attempting TO JUS
tify herself; but she was SO terribly
afraid that che might befray the real
reason OF her errand to the Priory
that each time she forced back the
wordse Now She gave faint laugh.
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