The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-03-15
HALF-PAST -FOUR.
BY FAYR MADoC.

From the Argosy.
In an old manor-house, within long days
ride from Naseby, there is certain stately
apartment known as the great hall, which is
lighted by large windows to the south, and
around three sides of which runs gallery
reached from the southeast corner by flight
of dozen steps, In this gallery hangs pic
ture of young and beautiful woman, attired
in the costume of the Stuart period. A gigan-
tic clock, whose pendulum is inclosed in q
huge wooden case, still stands below the
west gallery, and, in front of this clock, if the
inquisitive visitor should chance to raise the
carpet, he would see dark stain upon the
boards beneath, and he would be told that this
stain is stain of blood, and his informant,
pointing to the picture, which hangs exactly
opposite, would say that this picture is the por-
trait of Mistress Anne Fame, and would add,
with lowered voice, that the blood stain and
Mistress Anne were not remotely connected.
How it came to pass that so lovely and gentle
lady became associated with bloody deed it is
now my purpose to relate.
On June afternoon, in the year 1645, the
great hall of Fame Place was occupied by two
persons. The windows were carefully shut
tered, and only small crack was left open to
admit light. The door was closed. On the
table were spread viands, and gentleman, in
the dress of a cavalier, was hastily partaking of
refreshment. His companion-a young woman
OF singularly prepossessing appearance-mins-
tered deftly to his wants, laying her finger on
her lips when he attempted to speak.
''Hush ~ she said softly. ssEat, Master
Quivil, while thou canst. Who knows what
may happen next? My brother Toby watches,
ha hrir, - -
moment. Eat.'
He ate and drank, therefore, at her command.
But when he had satisfied his hunger Master
Quivil rose and stood before her, with longing
words trembling upon his lips. Hewas young
not more, certainly, than fve-and-twenty-an
handsome, with winning smile and bright
eyes. She was perhaps three years his junior,
and as beautiful as morn in May. There
were, indeed, some who sighed that there was
no court where Mistress Anne Fame might have
displayed her charms and won the heart of some
great noble by her beauty and her grace. But
there was no court now, and the King was in
sorrow, and Mistress Anne's Mechlin lace was
sold, and her mothers jewels pawned and she
herself had donned sad-colored robe and her
eountenance was careworn. Nevertheless, the
fugitive from Naseby thought that she was the
most exquisite sight that he had ever seen, and
his eyes dwelt tenderly upon her face.
'How can | thank thee enough ?' he began
81 came here friendless and thou hast succored
me. l found thee alone-thy father dead-thy
elder brother far away-nobody to defend thee
but lad of fifteen and dotard servant. And
yet thou hast received me-fed me-enter-
tanned me-
''Hush p' she interrupted. ''Thou fghtest in
good cause, and would die for SUCH did
it for the King"
''For the King only ?" he said.
81 did ii for the King,' she repeated blush
ing. "But do not tarry, Master Quivil.
pray thee go, for l cannot conceal thee here
Even our lumber-rooms are bare, and not the
Veriest mouse could shelter here in safety"
The great hall was, in truth, almost denuded
Of furniture. The pictures in the gallery had
gone. The books had been taken from the
shelves. Scarce aught remained but table and
some chairs, a settee by the hearth, and the
clock, whose enormous white face seemed to
stare menacingly at the two young people, and
whose sonorous ticking seemed to warn them
that time sped away and that even now the
feet of the pursuer might be upon the thresh-
old. Mistress Annie heard it and made fresh
effort to despatch her guest.
''Master Quiyil, 1 pray thee to co. she said
again. "Tis beyond my power to conceal thee
here.p
81 will, will p he cried, ''But, first, OH
Mistress Anne, should / not wait till sun
down? l cannot ny in open day. IT'S little
more than by the clock''
She followed his gaze to the clocks face and
hesitated.
''Mistress, will depart at sundown. Until
then my flight would command an easy capture.
Harbor me for these few hours, sweet mistress,
and will be gone. Thou knowest not what
these few hours are to me. But hast thou for
gotten our childish days? Hast thou forgotten
when we played together? That was a dear
and precious time, when the summers seemed
eternal, and peace seemed to be everywhere,
and we little dreamed of coming care and future
Lots at Derwooa Park, $500; monthly pay