The Irish standard., 1892-10-15

We now resumed our conversation on
q still more confidential footing than
heretofore Miss Birch1nore related
many amusing anecdotes Of her late ex-
perience in New York, as well as of her
earlier days i'll the convent. and even
some passages Of her child life previous
to the latter epoch. | observed, how
ever, that ever and anon she would
check herself, seeming to pass over GER
tain passages in her history in silence;
and this reminded me of the similar be-
havior which had noted in her father.
That secret, that mystery-whatever it
was that weighed upon him-had cast
ITS shadow over her young heart like
wise. Honestly did sympathize with
her unknown trouble, and ardently did
I long-all vulgar curiosity aside-to
have the knowledge OF it impaired to
me. Few calanlities are so heavy as
that by earnest and friendly help they
may not be lightened. What could it
he? In vain l asked myself that ques-
ton.
Here was this lovely girl, in the first
fresh bloom Of existence, just beginning
to taste with eager, uncloyed palate all
the sweet joys and novelties Of life
health, youth, a happy temperament
and ample wealth ranked on her side.
and yet this bitterness of a isfortune,
not by rights her own, must needs COM
municate it's blighting influence to her!
1t was tragical to think of. Yes, ever
T ~
vivid face and winning bearing; a pass
ing gloom of sadness in those wonder
full eyes, CULVER of apprehension about
the lips; an involuntary gesture OF nerv-
business or lassitude; many rifing signs,
scarcely perceptible perhaps to a regard
less keen and watchful than mine had
already become. Already But time
lin an acquaintance Alike this is not to be
measured by hours or minutes. 1t is a
:trite saying, and yet how true, that those
who are under the influence of a strong
emotion may live years in a few heart
beats.
~Please-oh, please don't look so sol
:enan, Mr.. Gainsborough! What has
happened? | should think. to look at
you, that you had been robbed OF your
diamonds at the very least"
"No; they are safe enough" said l,
calling UP as cheerful a tone and aspect
as could master, and putting my hand
over tho inner pocket as spoke, Are
you fond of diamonds"
"Oh, did you ever hear OF girl who
wasn't? think there is nothing sc
beautiful! Papa has great many, but
he says mustn't wear them until after
] am married. Isn't that hard?''
but perhaps you think of being mar
ried before long??' l inquired, with posi-
lively jealous throb at my heart
.sNo that's the trouble; l know
shall never be married. These words
We're uttered in a lower and graver tone,
and once more thought could discern
the fitting traces Of that mysterious
melancholy. But she frightened ul
when | said:
We'll, he won't object to your seeing
my diamonds, at any rate; not even tc
your putting them On, perhaps!''
Just for a minute-may |? that will
be splendid! Papa says that some Of
them are the finest he ever saw
'sFor longer than minute, Miss Birch
more, if you are willing-I mean if he"-
What did mean, pray? Was going tc
make an offer of my hand, heart and diar
monds on less than an hours acquaint
ance in a railway carriage; and was
going to forget that the diamonds did
not belong to me at all, but to my re-
spected mother, who would probably SEE
me cut off with shilling before grant
ing me the disposal of them? Luckily
for my self possession and self respect
the train drew upjust then at the station
known as "Krippen, on the bank Of the
river Immediately opposite Schandau
The guard opened the door; we alighted
and the first person we saw was Mr.;
Birchmore, and close behind him short
ungainly, beetle browed fellow, a valet
or footman apparently, with camp
stool, an umbrella and a small basket Of
fr11it ON his arm