The Globe-republican., 1891-12-10

swept over him-he scorned at that vir-
tuous resolve Why should he not fight
It out, and perhaps win her. and save
her from the mysterious life Of unnatural
seclusion which seemed to await her,
through no guilt of hers?
And again honor spoke, and he re-
called the love and duty which he owed
his kinsman, and the entire faith which
he had always felt in his nobility.
He could never have acted unjustly
nor cruelty toward his child.
Edgar bowed beneath these conflicting
gusts of passion; his soul was in deep
waters.
During his illness Lady Dunraven had
been much with him; he could not dis
associate her constant, lowering pres
ence from the long, burning. restless
nights of delirium; nor her eager, spirit
like face from his death-ike SAUNDERS,
when at first sleep came back to him.
AS he grew stronger, she still sat with
him hour by hour; pale, burning-eyed
presence, that seldom spoke, but fol-
lowed her own brooding thoughts by
the hour; yet always ready with her
sweet kind smile, if he sought her eye;
or with her small, deft, nervous hands
when he wanted help Others served
his material wants; Mr.. Sircombe, my
lord s bOOkish secretary, amfably sacri-
feed many hours by his pillow, reading
to or conversing with him; but he felt
as if unhappy Engelonde had been so
very c.ose to him in spirit through all
the mystic labyrinth of fever, that he
could never regard her with the imper-
sonal interest he might have given an
other woman.
His unacknowledged acquaintance
with her secret had also lent such Pc
culiar, tender sweetness to his manner,
that Lady Dunraven unconscio0sly
yielded herself to its destinations. and
gradually turned her starved affections
toward him, with that loveliest of senti-
ments, the love a woman gives her
young brother The romance Of her
heart had all been lavished upon her
husband-she could never take it back;
but she had yet some deep emotions
left, and Edgar Arden had set them
flowing.
She had always found strange pleas
ure in contemplating his features, from
that first night when he lay unconscious
before her; she still INDUCED in these
long meditative studies; he would wake
seemed to live around them save the
itual face bending toward him out of
the darkness, with such yearning look
that, knowing her secret sorrow, his
whole soul would respond to the mute
cry for sympathy. and he would feel
wild impu Sc to offer her the service Of a
true knight II mortal could bring her de.
liverance from her grief.
Edgar had not conquered himself so
far as to resolve upon leaving the island
and Viva Immediately, when an invita-
ton came from Lady Dunraven to join
the ladies in her parlor il he was feeling
capable of the exertion.
Mr.. Sircombe was good enough to
visit him while he was still coming over
the welcome note, with sparkling eyes
and bounding heart He came upon
him, gray and haggard, with some prick
ing discomfort fresh upon him, shade
upon the lovers exultation.
"Ah, that is right; you have forsaken
your invalid habits!" said he, affecting
genial interest He shook hands with
Edgar, touched his pulse a m cement. and
shook his head with q rallyinQ smile.
~But you must not overdo it, MI. Edgar.
No new exertion to day. am not quite
with that pulse. You are too
easily excited, and excitement is special
ly to be avoided, il you mean IN escape
from your captivity this week."
Il feel capitally," said Edgar, unsus-
piciously; Il mean to make my first de-
but in the ladies' parlora Lady Dun
raven has asked me to try it TODAY"
Sircombe's hardening face showed that
be had already learned this item, and felt
no elatiOn at the prospect.
He hesitated little, then looked sig
at Edgar, and said:
Il would advise you not to try it to-
day."
SIndeed!" exclaimed Edgar, dryly.
"Nor ever!" proceeded the director In !
D toneless voice.
"Sorry to disoblige you," retorted Ed
gar, his blood rising at the mans cool |
of authority, "but I feel |
that will accept Lady Dunraven's kind |
invitation. Oh, don't suffer from anxiety |
on my account l am far stronger than |
you imagine" he added, ironically.
Mr.. Sircombe walked about q little, |
knitting his brow and gnawng his lip.
He made an abrupt pause in front Of |
Edgar, astonishing him by the intense
animosity he betrayed in his face.
Il warn you," said he, quietly; "as one |
who has for many years been intimate
with the interests of this house, warn |
you not to take advantage of the acct
dent which has thrust you in our midst |
Retire, as you came, a stranger; in no |
other way can you so worthily repay |
the kindness which has been shown you |
here
Edgar's own conscience echoed these
words; but Mr.. Sircombe's involuntary |
glare of hatred multiplied thcm in his |
mouth. What personal stake had he in |
the matter, that he should indulge in |
personal emotions.
~Pardon, but l am quite content to |
submit to Lady Dunraven's will in the |
said Edgar, calmly; Il should |
be sorry. indeed. to cross you in any
thing that concerned yourself
"Sir, sir, would have you understand |
that this matter concerns me neariy,"
cried Sircombe in great heat; my lord |
placed me in this house as his own rep
resent ative-I am sole director here"
do you then wish to inform me that |
Lord Dunraven would object to my pay
ing my grateful devoirs to the ladies OF |
this house, to whom l owe my life?" |
cried Edgar.