Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-01-09

man gave him one steady dark look and turned also. And then Belthorpe sud denly remembered that Michael had once been Olive WinfeIl's promised husband. It was no wonder that Jane Challock and Aaron Fenlalle should dislike the sight of him.
 Shall we go back now?" the farmer asked.
 His companion assented, and they began to retrace their steps, Michael silently making up his mind to shorten his stay in Eastmeon. He had not thought of seeing Aaron here.
 II fancied that young Fenlakc was in London?" he said after a pause.
 He has come here to manage old Bartlett's mill," Belthorpe replied. And he is to be married to Jane Chal lock in the summer, am told"
 No more was said about the Fcnlalles or the Challoclls that evening, and it seemed to Belthorpe that his guest did not care to hear much of old friends and neighbors. They talked politics and discussed business matters until it was time to retire for the night. And then Michael, with some slight awkward ness, remarked that he must return to town tomorrow.
 II thought we should keep you here a week at least" said the farmer, in surprised tone.
 "A week? No, no, Belthorpe, l cant allow myself such long holiday. Mrs. Chase is nervous about my health, and must go back tomorrow.
 Well, Chase, you really do look as if you had been ncglccting yourself. My wife would be nervous enough if looked as you do," Belthorpe said kind ly. Perhaps you can persuade Mrs. Chase to come with you into the coun- try"
 We shall go to the seaside later on, :" Michael answered with preoccupied air. II have been thinking about Ann Crake," he added, putting his hand in his pocket Will you give her this from me, Belthorpe? And tell her that shall not forget her in the fu- ture."
 He laid fve-pound note on the table and went quickly out of the room. That sudden encounter with Aaron had set him quivering with annoyance and pain. He had come here for peace and the flash in Aaron's eyes had cx- pressed wrath and bitter contempt. If he had been the man he once was Michael would have given only scorn- ful thought to his old companion; but he had changed greatly, and all his coolness was gone. Ill-health and Mrs. Chases temper had deprived him of that self-assurance which had helped | him to overcome many obstacles. He was shaken and worn, his nerves were out of order, and he found himself longing foolishly for some tender voice to soothe him in his loneliness tonight. The crowned head, moro fiendish than ever by candlelight, attracted his eyes; | he almost fancied that it smiled, a wicked smile of subtle meaning, and turned away from it with disgust. | There seemed to be no chance for rest | for him. He was miserably wakcful, and vet aching with wcariness from head to foot. There was no help for it, he must take q sleeping draught, al though he knew that it was not q wise | thing to do. He had had recourse to these draughts often of late. After he had swallowed the opiatc he went to the window and threw it open. | The air was sweet and cold and seemed | to revive him. He let it blow in upon his hot face and then threw himself, half undressed, on the bed. He meant to lie there thinking for a few minutes
 before he closed the window and put out the light. Even now he was not
 sure of getting any sleep; the draughts
 had failed sometimes to prOdu 70 the desired q fleet. And tonight he was SC
 restless and wide-awal<e that it seemed
 as if nothing on earth could lull him ! into oblivion.
 As he lay there, gazing out at the