Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-09-01

uA &1E~
I can see them now. The beautiful
wife SO proud and happy, the fair young
sister, and the returned lord of the house
Let me describe Philip Langton as
saw him then. He was tall, his figure
splendidly proportioned, massively but
not heavily built, his head set with perfect
pose upon his shoulders; in face rather
fair, with thick, curling black hair and a
long, dropping moustache; his features
clear and regular, his eyes,. Why
do pause when speak of his eyes3 By
most women they would have been con-
sidered to complete the beauty of his face
large and dark, but to me they were a
most startling indication of the character
of the owner Could 1 have seen the
mouth. did not doubt 1 should have
made certain my conviction. Yes, Philip
Langton was undeniabIy handsome but
why was it from the first time looked
upon him sudden fear rose in my hearth
His face was neither cold nor hard. What
was it then3
hardly knew, but in my Utmost heart,
try as 1 would to put the thought from
me, rose the firm, unwaving conviction
that if ever I had cause to fear a man, It
was the one before whom l stood for the
first time that night.
This was Lady Isobeps husband. Why
was my next thought one of pity for the
seemingly only too happy wifef She
evidently saw no shadow on the pathway;
this man was her husband; she believed
in him-nay, more, loved him, as it did
not need a very keen observer to see, with
heart and soul
How proudly she introduced him to her
little sister. "Madoltne, dearest, this Is
my husband"
Again ask, why did that fear rise in
my heart as those dark eyes swept the
fairy figure from head to foot, fingered
for brief moment oarelessly on the pref
ty faoeP Then the dark head was bent
and saying lightly; so this is my sister
Madeline We must try and be friends"
the full, red lips brushed the low, white
forehead lightly in brotherly salute.
Then Lady Isobel drew me forward,
but luckily for me, although Sir Philip
returned my bow with a courteous one, he
did not pay me any deliberate attention.
A poor musician, no doubt, was beneath
his notice.
Lady Isobel insisted upon my being
present at the meal which was prepared
for the traveller, but took no part in its
gaiety. 1t was truly merry party round
the table. Madeline had fully recovered
her spirits, and was, If anything, gayer
than before; Lady Isobe1 radiantly hap
by in having her husband once more at
her side, while Sir Philip. could not but
acknowledge, was host in himself
One had not to be long in his company
to be completely fascinated by him-his
flow of conversation, his wit, his extern
sive knowledge of every subject which
came to hand, above all his general good
breeding and the quiet air of nobility
which distinguished every action. 'sNo
WONDER" thought "Lady Langton wor-
ships him. He is just the man to please
woman" This he seemed to do without
any exertion and art envied him. 1t
was pleasant to see his lover-like courtesy
to his wife, which showed itself in the be-
stowal of every little attention, while she
with her love shining in her face, smiled
in wordless happiness up at him. Present.
ly he began searching In his pockets for
something.
"What is it. dearestY' asked Lady
Isobel.
81 was trying TO think what did with
the-Iittle presents bought for you. All,
| remember, ! gave them into Pedros
care" AS he spoke he touched the bell
and babe the servant who came in answer
TO it send his valet to him.
A moment later the man enteEed, and
once again l was conscious of a disa-
greeable sensation at the presence of~this
second stranger. If ever there was Te-
pulsive-looking man, Sir Philips servant
such manner that he looked like a
hump-backed dwarf but his face was one
the like of which l have never seen
equalled for ugNness; small irreR14ef
features, round. deeply-set eyes and
head of bu6hy black hair, which added p
most grotesque look to his already strik-
ing appearance. This however, was not
what struck me so forcibly; it was the
expression which made such an impress
sion upon me. If ever a man bore his
character stamped upon the face, that
man was the one before him. Rogue,
knave, vagabond-every attribute Of q
william was his
| ton.
Instinctively glanced from him to his
| master, and in moment guessed that
| what the holder spirit did not care to hide,
the perhaps more cunning one carefully
| concealed behind a mask such as few
could haNe penetrated.
had OF " moment for making these
| Observable g. The valet had handed to
| his master small case which he carried
in his han and quilted the room, but
not before he hal respectfully returned
| his mistress's safutation. Madeline, I
noticed, did not look towards him even,
nor respond in any way to the low bow OF
| his quaint little figure. Was it nay fancy
that Sudden dark look crossed his face,
or was it only the shadow which his
masteB'a tall figure just then cast upon
| himf
A cry OF delight from Lady Isohel
| reused me from this train of thoughts.