Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-03-07

The Story Of a Tragic
Life Drama.
E. M. DAVY.
CHAPrER mI-Continued.

Neither message nor note reached me; |
and L went toward my room at last, more
disappointed than I should have cared to |
own.
AS I was about to open my bedroom
door, however, I heard a light football
behind me, looked round and there was
Edna.
at II tomorrow, in the Fernery,'
she whispered hurriedly; and, without
giving me time to answer, turned and
fed.
Here was an assignation thrust upon
me for the following morning, but which
Of the two ladies was the originator of it
whether mistress or maid-I could not
for the life of me determine.
1t might be that Miss Hargreave-
availing herself of this means of COM
Embellishments to claim on the NOR
row my promised aid. Or, equally likely,
Edna LyntOn, repenting her strange con-
duct, sought an opportunity to explain
why she had affected not to know me.
The situation was becoming complicated
with a vengeance, but bore it with the
greatest equanlmity, smoked innumerR-
BILE cigarettes. and while I did so there
stole over me feeling Of such pleased
confidence in myself, my appearance and
my prospects as for five long years 1 had
never known.
Next day, Sunday bright. chill Octo-
Der mOrning-after watching few stray
glers set off for church, among whom was
Mrs Hargreaye, bent my steps toward
the "Fernery," q small grOttO situated in
the grounds, close to Glendale House.
1t was filed so full Of ferns and green
cry, fish pond and towering palms, that
more than two persons moving about in
1t at the same time was impossible. L
reached this spot early, and sat down on
the solitary rustic bench the place con-
tanned
The distant church bells ceased to
chime, IL o'clock struck, and shortly
afterward I could hear approaching foot
steps.
HE has not come!" Miss Hargreave
exclaimed, impulsively.
Hush!" Then followed a few whis-
pered words.
anything not intended for my ears, rose
and showed myself at the entrance. Ed
ma LyntOn drew back instantly, and,
without looking at me, walked away; but
Miss Hargreave, with slight bow, en-
tered the prOttO and sank on the rustic
bench as though exhausted.
I'm weak still, " she said, family, and,
leaning back, she closed her eyes, while 1
gaZed IN silent admiration at the dark,
curved lashes that dropped on the flushed
cheeks, noting also the exquisite figure
set off by the tight-fitting velvet dress.
Sit down, Mr.. Dudley" she said pres
emily; but I declined, and continued to
stand over her, waiting, In a respectful
attitude, till she should feel herself sufi-
GENTLY recovered to say more.
AT length, with a deep sigh, she reused
herself and looked straight into my face.
This is very humiliuting," she said
with a laugh that sounded hysterical;
very humiliating-fOr me.
With all the elOquence I was master of
in words, in lOoks-I besOught her to
put aside such an idea now aud forever.
She had but to command, I would obey.
Was I not her chosen kOipbtp
How delightfully."- rOmantic!" she
cried; her whole face, but above all, her
glorious eyes, lighting up with that look
of espiegierie which had so charmed me
on first seeing her.
/, at least, am IN earnest, / remarked,
And so am L. God knows Ineed help
sorely! 1t is with the greatest difficulty 1
have been able to arrange this meeting.
But for that good girl who came with me,
L should have been pOwerless to do so.
must make haste and tell you everything,
MIR. Dudley, or you cannot understand
My own mother died before can remem-
Der. My father married again about
twelve years since-I believe solely on my
account. L was charge, a trouble, to
him. L called his wife mother, and /
loved her, Tor she was very kind. Two
years go my father was thrown from his
horse-in the hunting field-and died
next day. Oh, 1t was a terrible time !"
she said, shudderingly; and for a moment
she covered her face with her hands. Il
was i'll after that-so i'll! And then
mother changed to me. She
became less kind and, later, she turned
severe, unfeeling, cruel. She insisted
upon leaving our beautiful home, and
she took me about travelling from place
to place. She says it is for my good,
but hate it-Oh, how I hate it! My
father was a rich man, I know it, and she
has plenty of money. But I-oh, how
am 1 to tell you for very shame?"
Then springing from the seat and
pushing back the little fur hat she wore
so that it fell down among the ferns, she
laid her beautiful white hand upon my
sleeve.
aI am not allowed to have even thu
smallest coin you would fling to the poor
est beggar!" she whispered, and the
CLEAN of her dark eyes fixed on mine
seemed to exercise magnetic influence
over me.
Fine dresses, Jewels, ANYTHING tina
can be bought, are NINE simply for tn,
asking, but L have no money have Nc
freedom! Mr.. Dudley, she con
tinued, speaking more rapidly and Gag
erlv with both hands now clasped upoI
my arm, Il am treated like a slave,
dragged about this country, al
was about the continent last year, from
place to place. We can keep no serV
ants If my mother engages a travelling
maid and I like her, she is at once dis
missed. The servants mother approves
hate. They are set as spies over me
The girl who was engaged and came froI
Wexham yesterday will be sent away i'm
mediately it is discovered have made
friend of her. But a man can help 10
best-a man like you! There must surel
be some English law to protect poe
Girl placed as am. But without money
how am I to appeal TO law? I want
know about my fathers viii. He mus
have left money that 1 should have, no
am of age. 1t is not possible he eOul
be so unjust. so cruel, as to give it all {
her"
you would like me to find ont particJ
lars Of your fathers Will. suppose, Mil
Hargreave?" said 1, with difficulty r