The National tribune., 1890-04-10
How it Brought Joy to an Unhappy
Family.
BY HENRY cREsswELL.

AnNietk leGible III MS NNuuutAdAANNs
We'll Thomasg" asked Strickland.
al beg your pardon, Sir; but do you remom-
Der what day IL IS today ?"
No, Thomas"
Your wedding-day, Sir"
Stricklaud's face clouded.
Il did not know, Sir. whether you would
wish for dinner the same wine as-as you used
% have"
No, Thomas; shall probably dine at the
club"
q ordered dinner as usual, Sir, and bOu-
ouet. IN case"
quite right Thomas, quite right"
For ar instant tho heart Of the promoted Of
fetal sank The fidelity of his old domestic
was Illuminating. How he would once have re-
seuted the suggestion that Thomas would re-
member the anniversary better than himself!
And that il should fall TO the old servant TO or
der from the florist the bouquet Gerard himself
had been formerly so proud to bring homo on
this evening TO his wife! But the slight sense
Of annoyance passed away quickly. IL was
with absolute indifference that seeing the man
servant still waiting, he asked
Anything else, Thomas ?"
"This morning when you had but just gone,
a lady called. Hearing YOU were not at home,
she said she should call again this evening,
about six. She wished TO sec you on important
business"
Her name?"
I" She left none"
Did you see her?"
No. SIR
Did John say what she was like?"
Rather tail, Sir; young lady, dark, and
fsshionably dressed"
If she calls ] viii see her You may go,
Thomas" The servant left, aud Strickland
continued 10 himself: " Tall, young. dark, well
dressed, business with me. Who can she be -
The lady is here, Sir. in the drawing ROOM"
said Thomas, returning 10 the library, after
about ten minutes.
Strickland went To the drawing-rO0m. At
the door he paused a moment 10 steal look at
his visitor She stood by one Of the tables,
idly turning the leaves of photograph album.
Her back was toward him, and he could dis
tinguish only the tail and graceful figure of a
woman, well dressed, and wearing expensive
lRces.
Madam :" he said, advancing.
The lady turned. Stricklan started as II he
had received an electric shock. To conceal, TO
the best Of his ability, has surprise, and the
sudden pAl0r Of his face, he made her pro-
found bow.
81 hope / am not mountaineering YOU" she
said, at the same time returning his salute.
Then, with q quiet ease she selected chair
and sat down.
Not in the least; am al your service"
Gaid Strickland.
AS shall avail myself Of your eondescen-
sion, hope that was not merely acompli-
ment"
No ask bow can oblige your"
The lady sIToked the soft fur Of her muh, and
once or twice lifted her searching eyes 10 his
face Apparently she was bestatiug 10 name
the purpose OF her visit Meanwhile. strick-
land gratIGed his eyes with good look at her,
lovely fascinating still. as the first dag bc had
seen her. Only her pure profile lad gained
more decision and her eyes had pT0ioundeF
a. those q woman who had lived aud suffered.
At length she said
DO you still correspond with my father1"
Yes IL IS however, a fortnight since last
wrote to him"
] received letter from him yesterday. He
Ia coming % town tomorrow"
This time Strickland made no attempt to
conceal hiss suTpr!se
Tomorrow, Your father who never leaves
home."
TIE medical men order him 10 the south
coast and be WILL Oh his way, stopin town TO
spend the night with"
She paused.
"His daughter" said Strickland.
&c says bis son And 50 we find ourselves
In pleasant embarrassment"
She leaned back. and with a small hand be-
gan drubbing waltz on the table at her side.
You call it pleasant" said Strickland.
81 did not come here 10 discuss words, but
" discover plan Of action"
see none"
And you are politician, man Of genius
III those subtle arts that have been 50 success
fully employed in your own advancement could
be, without prejudice to you, this once en-
pl0yed 10 CXtTicate me from"
Excuse me. Madam; but your reproaches
are scarcely likely 10 assist me 10 exercise my
imagination"
Bah! Well. / have plan. First do not
wish. cost v bat il may, TO let my father know
the truth"
The unhappy truth"
She made little gTimace and proceeded !:
BY father would be cruelty hurt and the sins
Of the children ought not 20 be visited upon
their parents Ny remorse-I beg your par
dOn. that is Of NO consequence here she
looked aside 10 warn him not 70 eXpostulate.
and continued: Hitherto, thanks 10 our pre-
cautions. the distance Of my fathers residence
and the seclusiou IN which he prefers 20 live,
be has been spared this sorrow Tomorrow
our clever ediGcc Of dutiful falseh00d falls 10
tie ground, and ] al least am unable 10 con-
lecture the consequences"
{" And J."
! "Mr Strickland, It is absolutely necessary
10 prevent this scandal. i trust you will assist
me. Ny father NEST End us together; and we
must avoid everything that would serve 10
awaken suspicion"
She spoke sadly, as well as earnestly. A
deep shadow Of concern settled on her hearers
face Wrapped in thought, he delayed the an.
hwcr. His visitor became impatient.
:" Your promised courtesy costs too much ? -
abe demanded.
No. am ready. But SEQ many Difficult.
ties. The sergantsI"
give the new man-servant found here
this morning holiday. 1 will speak e
Thomas"
III friend should callf"
You will see no one"
IL we meet your father, people will see nj
together"
We viii 20 IN a closed carriage"
Your father viii stay here several hours
Good and simple hearted as be is do you be
leye il possible be will not recognize a-bach
slOr's hOusel"
viii send my work, my music, and 50 on
this evening. My rOOmf"
is as you left H."
"Senumentaiityi"
"AO-respcct"
Have you any further Objectionsf"
None. IL remains 30 be seen whether W
shall be able 10 deceive Mr. Gregory
by playing the adectonate couple. Ca
you remember your Rrimaces and fo0leries q
two years ag0f" she asked sarcastically
No; have forgotten them" replied Strick
land with frown.
And the two looked into each others eve.
like TWO dHelists
When will you come hereYD asked strick
land