Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-07-29
THE ATHELSTONS;
OR
VICTOR AND vANQUISHED.


was he guarded, knowing him his son
his son / think Of how he worked and
lived, Lima always cheerful, always
brave, always hopeful; yet never hear
ing one word Of sympathy or encour-
a0emenk never having one loving glance
TO atimulate his earnest, busy hand /
think Of all these things when I lie
awake at night; or ride Alone-As I've
ridden miles and miles lately TO battle
Neil in his search for You or sit alone
staring into the fire, where see 10
plAinest of all and il makes my heart
burn a. it never burned before. Every
thing seems confused and-1 want"
added the girl with great gentleness,
'::to tell him how the remembrance Of
his life has helped me In bearing- All,
clouds that deck my sky are not
troubles, I know it now and want TO
tell him Of the one good which his story
has Taught me, because it was by his
wish that it was told me-"
"He will say you forget he is . pris-
oner-Apd for whatT' faltered Lima,
raising her hands TO cover her wide,
aching eyes.
he viii not be changed by those
prison wallis" returned Marjorie, with
fearful earnestness. "No four bleak,
cruel walls could change him. He must
have the bright bravery In his eyes and
the strong gentleness in his voice. Thai
wretched cell, however Tretched, can no
more take the manliness from him than
could that bare cottage room take from
him his Unborn gentlemanlineRs. Lana,
you see know your story now-yours
and his; and-and does it pain you to
hear that, even to me, in my random
selfishnesS, your brothers story has done
goodT
All, at last the tender words have done
their work; for the tears are falling now
quite thick and fast from the tired eyes
which had been 80 dry % she told her
own tale.
"You know now, dear, resumed Mar
jorie, "that I have heard your story; but
/ think trusted you 30 thoroughly, and
loved you 80 we'll before, that I could
not do il more. Lima, I promised TO take
care Of you If the power were ever given
me. Col. Stuart took the message; but
I might easily promise what is such Q
pleasure TO me, might not I?'
at had meant to tell you our story TO-
night, Miss Castillain, said Lima, when
the tears ceased, and she could speak
again with calmnesS.
And you see it is unnecessary"
smiled Marjorie, with . warm, tender
clasp about the slight, worn form /;
Mr.. your brother-asked Col. Stu
art to tell it me every bit. Col. Stuart
knew who he was alwAys-all through
the summer. Did you guess that1"
Tae Knew " she echoed, wondering
ly; "and he so good to US both, SO
very good to Gerard"
HE is always good, returned Mar
jorie, quietly; "but of course he was
good when he knew all. He had never
believed that first accusation against
Gerard. Mr.. Esdaile didn't believe it
afterward, understand. Mrs. Esdaile
and Clara never had Clara always
loved you dearly, and often and often
talked of you to her-husbapd, Col.
Stuart told me all this himself. Now I
suppose 1 must go. shall be scolded
if I stay longer. VIII You 60 to bed
now, and don't think Of rising in the
morning until you have permissionf"
"Miss Castillain, whispered Lima,
looking up into her face as she rose, and
speaking as if she felt the words duty,
Though Sir Neil did bring me back
when longed and prayed to stay, he
he did it very kindly and generously"
"Kindly and generously p echoed
Marjorie, the tone all scornful now, that
had Just been so soft and pitiful. I'm
sorry to hear he had the power even to
do that I hate to think of any power
he has. You don't understand me, see,
but You will, poor child. Inever thought
OF Neil's power till now; should have
laughed the idea to scorn If II had come
before me. Now am beginning to re.
alize the power he does possess in this
money-loving, title worshiping place,
Lima, literally shiver when think Of
influence and authority being placed in
his lazy, selfish hands, Just because he
is Sheriff of the county and the Baronei
of High Adhesion; while, for all VIZ
know, the real Baronet-oh, I cannot
talk OF that it makes me skeptical and
cross, and all kinds of wrong thingS
Hush, my dear; don't cry SO piteousIy
You will wear yourself entirely out
Goodnight Look at the time-piece
aud promise me you viii be in bed by
Thank you, and so will ]. Another kiss
Goodnight, dear little friend"
CHAPTER XXXV.
Another illness was the forfeit Linz
paid for that long days wandering ant
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