The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-05-17
UNDER THE GIIBlB,

his would be wrong as veil - undeeir
able he Ind thought, and u Nee ee9E' ~
imagine that the natural intonsruities
AZ taste would cause intense suffering
and great disappointment. sisi
But Ellen Warde was not Ike other
vounr women. She was 20 sad and staid
that. even II he had paused TO anaiyze
his feelings, he would scarcely have
thought OF her youth IS an objection
An, that had been his mistake, which he
realized more keenly still az she came
forward to meet his son with frank
smile Of welcome and outstretched handi
For moment too the small white I'M
gers were abandoned to his clasp, but
this was only because It would be IN
vidious to make distinctions, and abe
had known him first. So at least he
thought, and at the earliest opportunity
left her side and opened converse
tion with Mr.. Bowyer.
He spoke connectedly and with his
usual clear judgment, but quite mechan-
fcalIy, for his whole attention was con-
centrated on the other two, who were
seated on an ottoman turning over the
leaves OF an album. Charlie was In high
spirits; once or twice he laughed heart
lily; and presently, unable to resist the
infection OF his merriment, Ellen Warde
laughed at Charlie.
The Colonel glanced wistfully across
the room to where his son sat, leaning
forward, bright with animation and
gesticulating slightly-in affectation OF
the foreign fashion--as he talked. Ell
lens gray eyes were raised to his face In
evident interest, and the color came and
went in her excitement; 1t was as though
life had been suddenly breathed into .
statute, so different was she from what
she generally was.
Charlie, who had seen her only so, adj
mired her without reserve, betraying his
admiration at every turn. Colonel
Severn got up to go, feeling that he
could bear 1t no longer.
He was little surprised when Ellen
proposed to Mr.. Bowyer that they should
walk part of the way back with them
more so when she pointedly showed her
intention Of walking with the Colonel,
and not with his son.
Charles disappointment was visible,
but he rallied almost Immediately, and
made himself as agreeable as possible to
the Anglo Australian, who had once
been in the profession which he himself
was ultimately to adopt.
The other two gradually dropped be-
hind, talking generalities at first, until
Ellen Warde stopped quite suddenly
and faced her companion.
want you to help me, Colonel
Severn" she said to him.
If / can do so, you may be quite
sure that will,n said the Colonel.
Miss Mary Featherstone, the wears
daughter. called on me to-day"
g. am glad Of that she is such nice,
girl, and will be pleasant friend"
THAT is quite impossible" she. said
at last in low strained voice.. can
never be her friend am In mourning,
you know; do not visit"
But the wears daughter surely !"
at makes no difference. IL don't
wish to break through my rule. It is
for that l want your assistance. You
know very well, and can explain to her
that am very grateful to her for her
kluuutSS Ill COlLlllB W pCO LklO 1O 0OOAA
but-but j never make friends. We are
neither of US sociable. In your case it
was different; but, If returned Miss
Featherstone's call, others might come;
and-and--'
!" Thank you very much for making an
exception in our favor "-gravely.
. You must not thank me !; it was be-
cause Mr.. Bowyer likes some one to talk
to- she began; then, conscious Of the
ungratefulness of her remark, she added
with winning smile, You were a
stranger then; now too ann glad you
did not remain so.
Severn bowed somewhat formally. In
his own mind he decided that she was
glad on Charlie'saccount, not on his own.
!. And So" she went on, hurriedly, II
want you to say all this to Miss Feather
stone without offending her or arousing
her suspicion. ] mean should not like
like her to think that there was any reas-
on for our strict seclusion."
Your recent loss win be sufficient ex-
cuse. By and by, when the first violence
of your grief is past, she may hope to
make your acquaintance, even II you viii
not accord her your friendship.
1T is not recent loss-it happened
nearly year ago; and nothing can alter
my resolution. cannevermakea friend
nor even an acquaintancep she broke
out, petulantly at last.
Not a recent loss Then 1t must
have been some one very dear" He
stopped, awed by the pain and passion in
the eyes that for a moment met his own
and seemed to beg, his silence. For
give mel" he said, humbly, and dared
say no more on the subject.
q will leave it to you to say what you
think best, only let it be definite. And
now will you go on and join the others
Tell Mr.. Bowyer that am tired. Idare
say that he will overtake me.
. will always do what can for you,'
he said, abruptly, then turned and, walk.
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