Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-09-11
Dark DarrelIPs Bride.
CHAPTER VI -coNTIvUEp.

trait of the last OF the barrels. How
long she could have gazed on that remark
able countenance, IL it had been possible to
do sol She noted the vacant space beside
IL, and wondered ii it would ever be occu-
pied by the picture of Philip Darrelps wife,
or that OF u stranger. Rose had told her
that the next heir claimed through the fe-
male line, which branched off in the reign
OF Henry VIII, and thus escaped the
, curse, which fell only OH the descendants
OF Sir lngclhard. Could Sir Philip Dar-
rell endure the thought of u stranger
rcigning ut the Court, oil alien faces on the
panels which should reflect the dark beau.
~ of the Darrelps? lima who knew SO
! little, could not bear To think of it. She
could not keep back the tears, nor speak
Tor the choking sensation in her throat; she
was obliged TO turn abruptly from her
companion aud walk away.
Sir Philip stood still, folding his arms
tightly on his breast, and looked after her,
but he did not stir step to follow her,
His face was deathly white, his heart was
beating heavily; his eyes glowed with
look almost OF defiance, rs though he dared
some invisible power. either from without
or the voice of conscience. But, when IL
ma came back to him, he had rcsaincd self
command, and smiled and asked where she
would like to go now, as though she had
done nothing that could have been no
tced.
"Suppose," he added .wc do some .hing
brighter, and do some more pictures after
luncheon, if you wish it; these family his
tories have driven all the brightness from
your face. Will you come to the stables
and choose your horse!"
.Ycs, thanks. / should like that"
10
close by, which will lead us by short cut
| TO the stables"
They descended few flights Of stairs,
and passed through some mysterious pas
sages then Sir Philip Darrell opened
postern, and the sunlight blazed full upon
them. After going through some shrub
berries, the stables were reached.
"Why," said lima, looking round the
immense range of buildings, "you might
! stable a regiment here, Sir Philip
Say. and more than 4 regiment has been
stabbed in old times; and in my fathers
time, and always till mine, all those stalls"
pointing TO "a long range Of stables evil
IDENTIFY disused-"were full of hunters, and
there"-indcating another building-"my
grandfather kept his racing-stud. 1t was
the finest stud in the North in those days;
but my father sold 1t; he did not pat
ronize the turf. The hunters were dis
persed during my minority, and l never
filed their places. Poor old Marsh, the
head groom, raves at me and calls me
names because | don't hunt. Bah! /
would as lief shoot Il fox as run him TO
earth; but when l said that to Marsh once
he almost had "A tit OF apopleXy. But here
is Marsh"
Up came the old groom. lie saluted his
| mi lie N
broad dialect of Cumberland. The stables
were not what they used TO be, he told her
Marsh was very old servant, and said
pretty well what he pleased-but there
were some beautiful horses in them yet
AS they went towards the stable where
the animals were from among which lima
was to choose, the old man glanced several
times from beneath his shaggy brows ut IL
ma and wondered who she was, and wheth-
er his lord had taken fancy TO her.
Marsh hoped he had; for Sir Philip ought
to marry and keep up the line, he consld-
cred, whether he loved his wife or not.
"Now Ilma," said sir Philip, as they en-
tered the stable, the doors Of which Marsh
respectfully threw open, al should recom-
mend Zuleika. She needs skilled hand,
for she is full Of spirit, but she is az gem
tie rs a lamb; and her pedigree is unim-
peachable. Her dam was thoroughbred
Arab"
"Yes," put in old Marsh. "she's the
beauty, Sir Philip, ii the young lady's a
1irst-rate rider; and take 1t She Is, or you
wouldn't put her on Zueika."
"But," said lima, as Marsh entered the
mares box to lead her out, al would rath-
er have one that is less OF favorite, Sir
Philip. If by any chance Zuleika came TO
miscnief-o
..ohe could not in your hands, lima; and
she is as sure-footed a. u mule, like all her
race"
Zuleika was brought out, and lima
clasped her hands with almost cry Of ad-
miration, for the mare was like picture
she was deep bay in color, with 4 bril-
liantly glossy coat, aud having the superb
lines and soft dark eyes Of u true Arab
She tossed her head and paved the ground
with coquettish gidce; but llma's tender
touch and caresscs made her instantly "a
, willing slave; and she stood almost still,
only responding TO the fondlinS she rccei,-
ed, as Hassan had done, and following IL
ma when she moved few steps. and lay
ing her nose on the girls shoulder.
.sShe acts" cried old Marsh, .'as if she
! knew you was beautiful creature like
/ herself, missy, aud you were sure to love
her."
I lima colored and laughed, and turned
to Sir Philip.
"Oh, Sir Philip" she said, ..there can-
not be another horse such a beauty, except
Iassan! 1t is too good of YOU to let Inc
mount her."
.She goes like the wind" interposed
Marsh, "and she's as knowing Us Hassan
! himself or Christian. You ask her ii
she'd like an apple
lima obeyed, and the mare laid back
her delicate ears. whinnied, and pushed
her nose coaxingly into the girls white
hand, old Marsh enjoying the exhibition
immensely.
"Hold hard, missy" he said, "and I'll
fetch some apples tor ye;" and off went
the old man..
, cit ia n ease Of love ut first sight OH both
sides, Think" remarked Sir Philip, smil-
ing. "Zueika seems TO have made her
choice. What say you, child of gentle
ness'?"-laying his hand OH her flowing
name. "Wil YOU change your quarters!
Yes? Then will you, lima, ratify the
choice:"
The girl looked at him wonderingly,