The Forrest City times., 1891-05-22

fail to hear the sound of approaching l footsteps.
 Release me, sir" cries Florence I'm. | periously.
 Nay; first answer me one question:" entreats Dynecourt. Do you love my cousin?"
 T care nothing for Sir Adrian!" re- plies Florence distinctly, and in a somewhat raised tone, her self-pride being touched to the quick. Two figures who have entered the gallery by the second door at the upper end of it, hearing these words uttered at the tdbleuu presented to their view lower down. They hesitate, and, even as they do so, they can see Arthur Dynecourt seize Florence Delmaine's hand, and, apparently unrebuked, kiss 1t pasSionately.
 "Then shall hope still" he says in a low but impressive voice, at which the two who have just entered turn and beat precipitate retreat, fearing that they may be seen. One is Sir Adrian, the other Mrs. Talbot. Dear me-" stammers Dora, in pretty confusion, "who would have thought itp was never so amazed in my life" Sir Adrian, who has turned very pale, and is looking greatly distressed, makes no reply. He is repeating over and over again to himself the words he has just heard, as though unable and unwilling to comprehend them. II care nothing for Sir Adrian!" They strike like knell upon his ears-a death- knell to all his dearest hopes, And that fellow on his knees before her, kissing hopel Hope for what? Alas, he tells himself, he knows only too well-her love.
 "I am so glad they have made it up," Dora goes on, looking up sympatheti- cally at Sir Adrian. Made it up? I had no idea they were more than ordinary and very new acquaintances.'
 Tt is quite year since we first met Arthur in Switzerland" responds Dora demurely, calling Dynecourt by his Christian name, a thing she has never done before. because she knows it will give Sir Adrian the impression that they are on very intimate terms with his cousin. He has been our shadow ever since. I wonder you did not notice his devotion ill town" T noticed nothing" says Sir Adrian, miserably; "or, if 1 did, it was only to form wrong impressions. firmly be- lieve, seeing Miss Delmaine and Ar
 
 nothing but a rooted dislike to him."
 They had not been good friends of late" explains Dora hastily; that we all could sec. And Florence is very peculiar. you know; she is quite the dearest girl i'll the world, and 1 adore her; but I will confess to you"-with another upward and bewitching glance from the charming blue eyes-"that she has her little tempers. Not very naugh- ty ones, you know"-shaking her head archly-"but just enough to make one a bit afraid of her at times; so I never ventured to ask her why she treated poor Arthur, who really is her slave, so cruelty"
 And you think now that" Sir Ad- rian breaks off without finishing the sentence.
 That she has forgiven him whatever offense he committed2 Yes, after what we have just seen-quite sentimental little episode, was 1t not?-I can not again right between them. It could not have been q very grave quarrel, as Arthur is incapable of a rudeness; but then dearest Florence is so capricious.' "lll-tempered and capriciousw Can the girl he loves so ardently be guilty of these faults? It seems incredible to Sir Adrian, as he remembers her sunny smile and gentle manner. But then, is 1t not her dearest friend who Is speak ing of her-tender-hearted little Dora Talbot, who seems to think we'll of every one, and who murmurs such pretty speeches even about Arthur who. if the truth be told, is not exactly dear" in the sight of Sir Adrian You think there Is, or was, an en- gagement between Arthur and Miss Delmainef" he begins, with his eyes fixed upon the ground. T think nothing. you silly man." says the widow playfully, until l am told it. But I am glad Florence is once more friendly with poor Arthur; he is positively wrapped up in her. nearly interrupted given you distaste for all other pictures? Shall we try the smaller galleryy'
 Just as you will"
 "Of course"-with girlish laugh-"it would be imprudent to venture again into the one we have just quilted. By this time, doubtless, they are quite re- conciled-and-'
 "Yes-yes,' interrupts Sir Adrian hastily, trying in vain to blot out the picture she has raised before his eyes of Florence in her lovers arms. What you have just told me has quite taken mo by surprise" he goes on nervously. T should never have guessed it from Miss Delmaine's manner; it quite mis- led me"
 "Weli between you and me-" says Dora, raising herself on tiptoe. as though to whisper in his ear, and so coming very close to him, Il am afraid my dearest Florence is a little slyl Yes, really; you wouldn't think 1t, would youY The dear girl has such a sweet ingenious face-quite the loveli- est face on earth, think, though some pronounce 1t too cold. But she is very self-contained; and to-day, you see, she has given you an insight into this slight fault in her character"
 'She has indeed" agrees Sir Adrian, with smothered groan.
 Well" - triumphantly -- "and yet, here we find her granting him private audience, when she believed we were all safely out of the way; and in the north gallery too, which, as rule, is deserted'
 She didn't know we were thinking of driving to the hills says Sir Ad- rian, making feeble effort to find flaw i'll his companions statement.
 "Oh, yes, she didl" declares the wid- ow lightly. T told her myself, about two hours ago, that intended asking you to make party to go there, as 1 dote on lovely scenery. and dare say" --coauettishly -- she knew --- mean thought-yo1 would not refuse so small q request of mine. But for poor Lady FltzAlmont's headache we should be