The Democratic advocate., 1893-04-08
aGo on. said the old gentIeman

ITO on, salu Jhe oiu Seutielnah
hoarsely.
"She's the Lady-the lady in the road
-or in your picture. But they're the
same, only the little wrinkles don't show
here. She's talking shes looking at me
and smiling. She's looking at me, though
she can't see me.
Looking, yet never seeing, echoed the
hoarse voice.
The old gentleman started to his feet.
They've gone on now There's only
green left, said the boy.
The old gentleman covered the telescope
and closed the portfolio The little shut
ter closed with it. The summer-house
was in darkness.
"Come out You shall see my treas
ures, as promised, said the old gentle
man, taking the child's hand. They
stepped back into the cedar avenue and
he locked the door Beyond, above the
meadow, the female figures were still fit
ting to and fro
''Does she live at that white house p
asked Robin. ,'Are those people her sis
ters 2"
"Come on. Come back to the library"
said the old gentleman, quickly turning.
CHAPTER v.
Two or three times weekly heavy bas
ket was now delivered at the brick cottage
with always the same message-respectful
from the Gentleman 0ppo-
site, and would Mrs. Savile pardon the
liberty?
The basket was invariably returned by
Robin, in whose visits the old gentleman
found strange pleasure. He asked testify,
if more than a day divided them, where
Robin had been? He hunted out quaint
pictures for the childs amusement, allowed
him to rummage through ancient cabinets,
and explore the unused rooms and long
passages of the rambling house to sit,
moreover, beside himself in high chair
disinterred from an attic, aud watch in 81
lent admiration while he sketched and H.
Illuminated in establishment of his slowly
progressing work, the History of the Sew
enteenth Lancers.
Were you field-marshal with a cooked
hat? Father couldn't find your name
among the officers. | thought the reason
might be that feld-oficers are above com
mon officers, said Robin, looking WISE
"The real reason is exactly the reverse
replied the old gentleman, coloring a mag
nifcent crest enshired in shield of gold.
81 was private.
Robin stared.
"Clara's brother is private. He sa-
luted me" the child said meditatively.
81 had been an officer before-a cornet
for a short time, said the old gentle
man; 'but | sold out, owing to family
misfortunes, before was twenty Then,
years afterwards, was in trouble and very
angry-with myself even more than with
Others; and the Crimean war had just be-
gun, so l enlisted
''And the Queen gave you medal and
a clasp, cried Robin with enthusiasm.
''That was later, said the old gentle
man, .when the war was over and we came
home. And what do you think | found :?
Fifty thousand pounds waiting in the
bank for me, Some relations had died
and left me a rich man. felt tired of
soldering, and bought myself off and set
tied here. And here [ have been ever
since
II wish my father could find money in
the bank | expect mammyll die before
long, if we don't get any remarked Robin
confidentially. "She'll be happier then,
so | mustn't cry, she says. If she died,
I'd enlist like you. Perhaps they'd make
me drummer boy. Wasn't it very nice,
though, to get rich all of sudden?
The old gentleman laid down his brush
and sat back in his straight chair.
Then-as often, taking Robin by sur
prise-he rose.
"Come out and find some fruit for your
mother" he said Allows her appetite,
my boy? Does she care at all for duck
lings, when they're tender2 Her strength
must be kept up.
at came too late, boy he murmured
dreamily, leading the child away. "Too
late
aLittle I.adr' said voice which Robin
recognized next day as he pushed at the
iron portal. Behind him stood the lady !
with the same blue, wild eyes, full of
smiles.
"That's right, Little Lad Ghosts are
lonely. see you often going in and out.
But tell me, and she looked down upon
the child, her smiles replaced by strange
intensity, SIS he really ghost? Was
mistaken? ? | dream sometimes Is he
ghost after all 7
Before Robin could answer she bent
lower.
"Will you take him message she
asked, "from me r
The boy, magnetized, bowed his head
ssFrom Ruth, said she; "'Did you
love Isabel?' That's all. Four words.
From Ruth, tell him. There they come !"
She looked over her shoulder Two figures
one tall, one short--were approaching
in swift pursuit.
"When we meet again, give me his an
swer. I'll manage it, I'll be on the
watch. Did you love isabelle 2 Only
that"
.Don't distress yourselves, pray don't,
she cried, in quite different tone to her
companions. Il am perfectly safe. This
young gentleman is quite able to protect
me-
She waved her hand with stately grace
towards Robin, who, half-frightened, made
haste to disappear.
The old gentleman was in the cedar
avenue.
'I've got message for you. From
Ruth, said the boy.
The old gentleman stood still. The
color vanished from his cheeks. his chin,
almost from his lips. His black eyes
gazed like two dark globed lamps upon
Robin.
at was the lady. saw her in the
road again. From Ruth, she said.
'Did you love Isabel?' That was all. |
am to give her your answer.
q will give it myself
He strobe forward.