Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-01-04
CHAPTER XIV.


 THE TIGER SHOWS HER CLAWS.
 After this very chilling reception at the hands of the object of his affection, Edward Cossey, as may be imagined continued his drive in an even worse temper than before. He reached his rooms, had some luncheon, and then in pursuance of previous engage ment went over to The Oaks to see Mrs Quest
 He found her waiting for him in the draw ing room. She was standing at the window with her hands behind her, favorite atti- tude of hers. As soon as the door was shut she turned, came up to him, and grasped his hand atfectionately between her own.
 '1t is an age since I have seen you, Ed ward," she said, "one whole day. Really, when l do not see you, do not live-I only exist"
 quick movement.
 ''Really, Belle," he said, impatiently, 'syou might be a little more careful than to go through that sort of performance in front of an open window-especially as the gardener must have seen the whole thing"
 II don't much care if he did," she said de- fantly. What does it matter? My husband Is certainly not in a position to make fuss about other people,"
 What does it matter?" he said, stamping his foot. What does it not matter! If you nave no care for your good name, do you suppose that am indifferent to mine?"
 Mrs. Quest opened her large violet eyes to the fullest extent, and curious light re- hected from them
 You have grown wonderfully careful all of sudden, Edward" she said meaningly.
 ''Nhat is the use of my being careful when you are so reckless2 I tell you what it is, Belle We are talked of all over this gossip ing town, and l don't like it; and, what is more, once and for all, I won't have it. If you will not be more careful I will break with you altogether, and that is the long and. short of it,n
 IVY here have you been this morning?' she asked, in the same ominously calm voice.
 Il have been to Honham castle on mat ter of business
 "Oh, and yesterday you were there on a matter of pleasure. Now, did you happen to see Ida in the course of your business?i
 "Yes, he answered, looking her full in the face II did see her. What about it2n
 ''By appointment, suppose?"
 'No, not by appointment. Have you done your catechismg'
 "4es-and now l am going to preach homily on it. I see through you perfectly. Edward. You are getting tired of me and you want to be rid of mo- tell you plainly that you are not going the right way to work about 1t. No woman, especially if she be in my unfortunate position, can tanely bear to see herself discarded for another. Certainly l cannot-and I caution you-caution you to be careful, because when I think of such thing am not quite myself,n and suddenly, and without the slightest warning (for her face had been hard and cold as stone), she burst into flood of tears
 Now Edward CosSey, being but a man, was somewhat broken down at this sight Of course he did his best to console her, though with no great results, for she was still sobbine bitterly when suddenly there came a knock at the door, Mrs. Quest turned her face toward the wall and pretended to be reading a letter, and tried to look as unconcerned as possible,
 "A telegram for you. sir" said the girl, With sharp glance at her mistress "The telegraph boy brought it on here when he found that you were not at home, because he said he would be sure to find you here-and please, sir, he hopes that you will give him slxpence for bringing it round, as he thought it might be important"
 Edward felt ill his pocket and gave the girl a shilling, telling her to say that there was no answer. As soon as she was gone he opened the telegram and started. It was from his sister in London. and ran as follows:
 Come up to town at once. Father has had a stroke of paralysis. Shall expect you by the o'clock train"
 ''What is itF' said Mrs. Quest, noting the alarm on his face '' :'-3
 Why, my father is very ill. He has had a stroke of paralysis, and must go to town by the next train"
 .'Shall you be long away2'
 II do not know. How can tell? Good-by, Belle. l am sorry that we should have had this scene just as l am going, but l can't help it."
 "Oh, Edward" she said, catching him by the arm and turning her tear stained face up toward his own, ''you are not angry with me, are youa Do not let us part in anger. How can l help being Ejealous when love you so9 Tell me that you do not hate me-or shall be wretched all the time that you are away,n
 ''No, no, of course not-but must say that l wish that you would not make such shock ing scenes. Good-by."
 "Good-by," she answered, as she gave him her shaking hands. "Good-by, my dear, If only you knew what feel here," she pointed to her breast, 'you would make excuses for me-" Almost before she had finished her sentence he was gone She stood near the door, listening to his retreating footsteps till they had quite died away, and then flung herself ill the chair and rested her head upon her hands. II shall lose him,n she said to herself ill the bitterness of her heart "I know I shall. What chance have I against hers He already cares for Ida sgreat deal more than he does for me-. In the end he will break from me and marry her some time. Oh, 1 had rather see him dead and myself too,"
 Half an hour later Mir. Qaest came in.
 "Where is CosseyS' he asked.
 ''Mr Cossey's father has had a stroke of paralysis, and he has gone up to London to look after him."
 'Oh," said Mir, Quest. "Well, if the old gentlemen dies, your friend will be Sone of the wealthiest men in England.n
 "Well, so much the better for him. I am sure money is a great blessing. It protects one from so much"
 "Yes," said MT. Quest, with emphasis, s'so much the better for him, and all connected with him. Why have you been cryinga Be- cause Cossey has gone away-or have you duarreled with hma' ,> '-"How do you know that have been cry
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