The Forrest City times., 1890-06-07

v l tinted skin. great hazel eyes, and hair that was neither red nor yellow, but . subtle combination of the two. And yet, perfect as was her beauty, thcro was m expression on her face that re- pelled rather than attracted me--a look of hardness and insolence in the dark eyes that made me think nothing could abash that scornful glance; and was sure that l detected craft and cruelty in the curved scarlet lips aud | thin dilatcd nostrils. As 1 looked at the beautiful woman standing so easily and gracefully among us, felt a despairing consciousness that, let mo | try as might--and for uncle Archie's sake, would try zealously to ingra- tiate myself with the new lady of the Hall--Estelle Gcrrard and l would never be real friends.
 s.Well,n she said, drawing her chair up beside poor mother, who looked the picture of conscious misery and | guilt at her approach, s.so Archie has been entertaining you with the story of our courtship and marriage, Mrs. l Walter. Very stupid of him by-tho- way, for he does not shine as a rdcon- tcer, and had much better leave such tasks to me. What has he told youp" Mother looked steadily at the bril- liant mocking face, and said, with 1 sudden outburst of resentment--
 For one thing, your mothers name"
 l thought that, in the circumstances, ] r1, ..l her; but Estelle was not of my opinion. She leaned back in her chair, arrang- ed broad gold bangle more to her l satisfaction on her white arm, and answered, with airy unconcern
 ..Of course that Is the prime fact which poor Archie relies on to explain his apostasy from the perpetual celi- bate creed--to which, he tells mo, you l and your daughter and all Ludleigh believed him vowed. By-the-wayn-- turning suddenly 10 me you have accepted his excuse and forgiven him, 1 hope?n
 l looked around for uncle Archie; but he was gone--he must have slip ped away noislessly almost directly his wife appeared. She noticed that had turned to look for him, and laugh cd again as musically and as unpleas- antly as before.
 ''1 ou must answer me--your uncle has vanished. Irene. Accept that us warning, my dear. All that any one has to say to him now must be said through me
 It was difficult to listen 10 that speech, even though it was spoken in half testing tone; but, for uncle Archie's sake, hoping against hope to keep the peace with my provoking new rela- tive, kept my temper, and answered, almost civilly and quite sincerely, that my uncle and 1 understood each other quite we'll, and 1 had nothing to for give
 She eyed mo curiously for no ment, then said
 You arc Il queer girl, Irene Ger rard, not without spirit, l am sure; and yet, though 1 have done my very best to provoke you, you will not show fight. Well, since we cannot make u quarrel. suppose we agree to be friends2'
 She bent forward, offering her smooth, volvety tinted cheek, upon which 1 was forced to bestow q kiss. but my lips wore cold and stitf, and felt that we were in no way drawn to- gethor by that conventional caress Estello however seemed qui.e sat isfied, and went on pleasantly
 "Now i can tell you my story more ntI <..tl IA ... such different fashion to keen critic and sympathetic friend. Please do not look so shocked. Mrs. Walter, The facts cannot vary gof course; but whereas their dry bones are enough In the one case-in the other we'll. ir the other, one may let a little feel ing be seen.n
 .'Do you really think it necessary to tell us more than we know already, Mrs. GerrardP" interrupted mother; and knew the stiif protest was sim ccre. Curious as she was. she shrank from hearing the story of Archibald Gcrrad's wooing told by those scorn- fully smiling lips; but Es,elle would have her way
 "Quitc necessary. if not for your satisfaction, then for that of Ludleigh at large. Of course the gossips are on the qui rire to know all about me. and will mctaphorieally tear you and Irene to pieces if you are not pre- pared to gratify their curiosity to- morrow. You cannot deny that.
 Mother could not; so she simply shook her head and allowed her sis ter-in-law 10 proceed.
 ''Teil them that my mother made a great mistake when she tilted Archi- bald Gerrard for Frank Egerion's sakea mistake she repcnted within week of her marriage and to the last day of her life My father was spendlhrift, gambler. and a bad cruel h,sband; he made her miserable Tor fifteen years. and then deserted her and her last living child deserted her on her death-hed.
 1 She was evidently excited by her own story; her eyes flashed, but her voice neither softened nor broke as she spoke of her deserted and dying mother; her lips sill retained their seornful curve; there WAS no touch of pity in the bril-! lace; and yot, hardly know why, | began 10 feel u certain amount of pity for her. She looked at me and laughed.
 .'iou think mo very horrible to speak so Of my own father. Irene; but if your experience had been like mine, you would perhaps have grown us hard us |. But there is no need to go into all that now. When my mother felt that she was dying. and knew tha, she must leave mo aionc in the world, sho wrote out and gave 10 me last despairing appeal to her old lover, asking him 10 befriend her friendless child"
 Has she only just died thonY" asked. as 1 had asked nnrle Archia n