The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-17
CAHPTER XXXIII.
A BROKEN BOND.

and their mellow light showed that Miss
Sinclair's handsome face was unusually
flushed and the rector's plain one unusually
pale.
"I asked you to come here to tell me
something" she began, quickly, and rather
nervously.
Again the rector bowed his head, and his
eyes we're fixed upon the floor.
"Why did you pass me as you did, when
you were going TO Lord Ennismores room
an bour agogn went on Miss Sinclair with
some excitement in her manner. al
thought that we were friends, Mr.. Pres
cottT'
81 should rather you did not ask me this
question, Miss Sinclair" answered the rec
tor, very gravely.
Then there Is some reason. Some one
has been Iibeling me to you. l thought as
much"
Your name has not been mentioned to
me-"
Then why have you changeda 1 have
done nothing. 1t is hard cannot even have
one friendn
The rector did not speak, and once more
his eyes fell on the floor, and there we're pain
and much embarrassment written on his
cou1tenance.
"Plea.e tell me, Mr.. Prescotts" pleaded
Miss Sinclair. "Ycur friendship has been
so much to me, cannot bear the thought
of losing it, without some explanation at
least"
Then the rector did look at her with his
grave and steadfast eyes.
"Whv do you say this" he said, when
you know it is untruep
''UntrueF' repeated Miss Sinclair. sit is
Brackenford whom have had-any regard
for"
"And Mr.. Curzons" asked the rector in a
tone Of mild reproach.
"Mr. Curzon?" echoed Miss Sinclair, with
q relieved laugh.
She thought the poor man was only
Jealous. and she knew that jealousy is a sigu
of love.
"Why Mr.. CurEon is just a boy; you
could care anything for him-though l
believe, poor boy, he is rather stupid about
me-"
Such treachery was too much even for the
kindly rector TO endure tamely.
Miss Sinclair" he said, and again he
looked at her very steadfastly, ian hour ag,,
was sitting in the library, hidden by the
window curtains, for was trying to read by
the waning light, when you aud Mr.. Curzon
entered the ROOM"
Miss Sinclair's face suddenly flushed.
And" continued the rector, ~ over
heard your conversation-your comments
on myself"
"For moment she was silent; it flashed
back through her mind all that she had
said: all that had been said, and she knew
her own folly ad cost her very dear.
''It was very gentlemanly," she said, Bit
terlv and scornfully, ito sit and listen to
private conversation; very gentlemanly,
truly"
at was unavoidable on my part, and very
painful to me-"
81 remember now, he was chatting me
about You, wasn't he, and / was joking?
You need not have taken such folly in earn
est, Mr.. Prescott
1--WE had best not speak of it any more. l
think"
"But surely you won't quarrel with me
about such nonsense" snid Miss Sinclair,
who was lightning to recover herself. HAS
our friendship to be ended by the Jokes of
stupid boy.n
''Miss Sinclair" and a certain look of
dignity came oyer the Tector's homeiy fea-
lures, there is no friendship where there is
not sincerity, and you must pardon me when
/ tell you have no faith in yours"
"Oh, very WE'LL" answered Miss Sinclair,
with q toss of her head. Il shall not break
my heart whether you believe it or not"
mo, do not suppose you will, answered
the rector, with grave smile.
And re- eatit was most ungentlemanly
to sit and listen to a CONVEX. alton not in
tended for your ears, and if you did over
hear some home truths -"
81 think We had better end this converse
ton. Good evening Miss 81 clair"
But the angry woman made no response,
and as the rector turned and left the room
she began to pace lack " ard and forward IN
a towering passion.
That she should have flung away such a
chance in life for the sake Of a youth who
had coolly recommended her to marry an
other man! And for that old wretch to sit
and listen; and Miss Sinclair stamped her
foot on the floor as she remembered every
word that had been said.
She knew now, indeed, that it was all over
with the rector.
Il hurt his vanity, poor creature she
said bitterly, half aloud, with curling lips
land no man ever forgives that And
Curzon-he ought to consider wnat he hal
donen
fanally. after looking at herself in the glas.
she left the mornipg-room and returned t
her own part of tie house; and as SD,
neared the comforta lie, well-furnisheC
school-room, she suddenly stopped short
and stood with bated breath.
She listened, and then she distinctly hearC
mans voice talking and laughing from
within. 1t was young Curzon, she knew il
moment, for he had sometimes-no
often-since Lord Ennismore's illness he,
tea with herself and her pupils in this room
But she felt extremely annoyed that b
should be there in her absence, and withou
her leave.
'W hat if Miss Sinclair comes in and find
you hereT' said Julia Bingham's soft voice.
"Theres no fear," answered Curzon wit
laugh: II watched her waylay the ancien
person a quarter of an hour ago, and the
felt safe. She took him into the morning
room, and no doubt IL spo ming him there
30 / snatched tue opportunity of seein
you, Julia. without her sharp eyes to wetc
u.s."
Miss Sinclair absolutely gasped 70
breath, anc she began TO tremble Violent
with rage.
''Do you really think she wishes 10 MARI
birnP said Julia, IN her slightly langui
way.
II don't think, :" answered Curzon with ar
other laugh, "pm sure, and a very goo
thing u would be for her TOO. Tho parse
seems q decent kind Of fellow. though
SHOULDN'T Ike o bs in hig shoas I confess