The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-12-28
CHAPTER XII.

OAAI En- Al.
III sne had been partaker Of my flesh. and cost
me the dearest groaus of a mother, could
noC nave owed her more rooted love"
we have met before, Mrs. Denison. I
believe" said Lord Algy Fitzherbert. az he
stood before Winifred, hat in hand, politely
bowling.
The unexpected temperance Of Lord
Algy revivified the whole of the dreadful
past, from which, after more than eighteen
months Of serene happiness she had expert
enced in the faithful discharge of her du-
ties as hospital nurse, Winifred believed
that she had succeeded in cutting herself
loose. The part of her life, which was
never remembered except with a shivering
horror and loathing. had grown to appear a
dim and distant event which the stream of
time was carrying farther away from her,
to trouble her no more.
The new sense of love born in her heart
for Claude Maclean inevitably tended to re-
vive memories that had grown indistinct in
consequenceof the greater fullness of her life
that left her little time for moody and futile
reflections. But Winifred fought bravely
against passion that she felt was vain and
hopeless. She gave no dalliance to the en-
ervating thoughts Of the happiness that
might have been hers if she had not been
betrayed into foolish marriage. She fed
from herself and the thoughts that would
have embittered her, plunging with greater
ardor than ever in her work, and she dis
covered as the reward of her brave striving
that the "labor we delight In physics PAIN
So the memory of the past was laid to rest
by the busy activities that filed her days
after Claude Maclean left Glen-Orloch for
his house in Kensington; and the seclusion
that she enjoyed at Glen-Orloch helped to
maintain the illusion that she had parted
company forever with those three years of
unhappiness and shame that had fallen to
her share as the wife of Sir Reginald Deni-
son.
1t was bitter awakening from sweet
dream of peace when Winifred saw Lord
AIgy standing before her, claiming her ac-
quaintance on the ground of his former
visits to the establishment in Cavendish
street. His appearance was like menacing
specter newly risen from the grave.
There was no room for doubt that Lord
Algy regarded their meeting as an uncom-
mon piece Of good luck, from which he
hoped to derive some advantage. The
manner in which he barred Winitred's pas
sage, aud the light Of gratifed triumph in
her confusion that shone IN his large fish
like eyes were sufficient to tell her that a
great crisis in her life had suddenly arisen,
and that on the manner in which she met 1t
her whole future depended.
She paused irresolutely, overcome with
confusion, and feeling like hunted animal
suddenly br ought to bay. For moment
the wild desire possessed her to rush past
him and disown the acquaintance that he
manifestly intended to force upon her.
But she soon recovered herself. The
energy with which she had thrown herself
into the task Of living an unsullied life,
separate from the worlds evil that was for
ever personifed to her imagination in her
husbands character and manner Of life, had
taug her courage and developed Der re-
sources. Her hesitation was an affair OF
moment. The next instant she saw her
way clear before her.
ut would be untrue to say that am
pleased at this meeting" she said, holding
her hand out frankly to Lord Algy. but
since we have met it ID desirable that L
should explain my reasons for requesting
that in the future | may be left free from
molestation."
II am awfullv sorry have vexed you,"
returned Lord Algy. II hoped that the
pleasure would have been mutual. I'm de
lighted to see you again. You will pardon
me SAYING that you are looking very well;
more beautiful than ever"
"Pray do not indulge In compliments.
They are offensive" said Winifred, with
freezing hauteur.
.No Compliment at all, I assure you. 1t
IL the simple truth, ;" said Lord Algy, with
warm glance of admiration.
"May | without offense ask you one ques-
tionY' demanded Winifred, ARE you gem
tlemanp
The incisive manner in which Winifred
asked this question and the hxed, penetrating
glance that she darted upon him covered
lord Algv with confusion. He feebly STAN
mered forth an assent.
II was certain of it. You are better
than you appear" said Winifred, warmly
you are too brave, too generous to pers9-
cute q defenseless woman. A chlvalrous
nature like yours would scorn to take
mean advantage. You would succor the
weak, and the oppressed would find in you
a champion and friend"
Lord Algy raised his eyes In astonisn-
meQt be entertained HO OOuOt tnoV " All
fred's language was to be taken in Pick
wickian sense; that she considered him fair
game for 'chaff, ;" and was batting him to
her hearts content.
lyon are mistaken" she said, answering
his look of astonishment. II am In deadly
earnest, believe that all / have said of
Won NAV be true. Your errors are OF the
head. and not of the heart. Your heart is
good IL YOU did but knowit. Learn TO rely
on the better instincts Of your nature, and
YOU win cure yourself of folly and win my
esteem" ,,, ~,
Lord Algy was staggered at Winlfred's
appeal, the sincerity OF which ne couId not
permit himself TO doubt.
81 should be glad Of your esteem" he re-
piled, with emphasis.
~ have shown you hog you can do that.
Put an end at once TO the folly that has LED
You b expect that we can be anything ex-
cept strangers 10 each other. You knew
me under circumstances that have exposed
me 10 your censures. Believe me that your
Judgment, though natural, Is unwarrantsd.
A. a man OF honor y0u'wil viii give me
your word 20 forget that you have ever
known me, and You will Leave me 70 20 my
own way N Peace. DO INC this service and
you viii prove that my estimate " you -
got uBfouDde1.'
''Bursly 40 may 10 good friends, teid
4 ss4aaAfenim FmuTW 10 fall IN