The Washington times., 1894-08-05

of the living? Do all men who have loved
the first wife with all youths fervor and de-
yotion feel thus when contemp plating the
taking OF n second?
He has asked himself these questions often
during the last five weeks. and the answers
himself what shall he do? Shall hc as lover
should. offer himselfto her, without doubt or
fear or question: Or shall he be influenced
blythe coarse gossip OF two halt-tipsy men
and probe into the sorrows of her past. 1t IS
impossible that what they have said can be
true. Shall he ask her to be his wife or shall
he not? Well he will write to her from home
within the next few days and the question
will forever be settled.
The rectory garden inclines rather n the
wilderness style. but is lighted up well with
big iahlias and flaming giadioli and ever-fra-
grant old wallflower. Mrs. Rector sits on
a rustic bench. bamboo tea-taale beside her
and merriiy from the tennis lawn come her
children-small stars circliug round the
newly risen planet OF n cousin from London,
fresh from the joys of Eer first season. She
is a dainty figure in n sun-Aat and muslin,
'fair-haired. blue-eyed. her aspect blithe. u
adored by the Darradaics. cousins aunt and
uncle alike. She says herself that her life is
simply record of "favors receive" >" and it
is true that to her, at least, fortune has coma
with both hands full, perhaps captivated by
natures nandiwork in her, and so size lacks
neither money nor good looks nor pretty
ways.
As they move to the tea-table-a gay
group-a man slowly passes, carving on his
shoulder little boy. who looks eagerly over
the privet hedge. then laughs and claps his
hands to the younger Darradales, who are
signaling with thei- racquets. The man
turns pale, thin face, al dark eyes and
IL a
raises his hat with long, shadowy hand as
he passes on.
"Who is the phantom?" asks Cousin
Philipra and the eldest MISS Darradnle, who
is just at the romantic and susceptible age,
turns 4 sigh into pout as she replies:
That is Mr.. De Ia Poer, the new organist.
Isn't he bandsome?"
.'Hm-isn't ne little bit like ghost out
for an airing?"
"Oh, hate fat. red, beefy men," says Kate,
with warmth. ~ think llr. De Ia Poer is so
interesting; papa says he is sure there is a
story connected with him if We only knew.
By this time they have arrived at Mrs. Dar-
radale, who has begun TO pour out the tea.
which the boys busy themselves in handing
about. whilst Kate presides over some tempt
ing fruit. In the midst of their enjoyment
the rector appears, claiming share OF the re-
freshment, and his wifcputs her diurnal ques-
tion.
''Did you hear any news. dear?"
"Lord Willard is expected home; that's one
item. For another. I'm sorry to say that there
is an outbreak of diphtherin.'
"Oh. dear" says Mrs. Darraiale, glancing
at her ''steps and stairs" with anxiety, and
there is a little silence. By and by one of the
rosy boys breaks it.
Papa. Berthe De la Poer is coming 10 play
with US tomorrow; may give him one of the
young rabbits?"
'Why, yes, Joe. if he likes to have it. By
the way" the rector goes on. addressing his
niece, "you will be pleased when you hear
our new organist. / consider him a very
able musician"
I've saw him pass just now," says Phil
ippa. HE looks a melody in the minor"
II dare say Re is anxious about the child"
says the kindly mother; "a dear little fellow
but not very strong"
'Is he widower?" Philippa asks, and
there is a perceptible pause before the rector
replies.
"N-no. In fact, I can hardly say The boy
calls him papa and uncle indlscriminately
and never asked which really was the rela-
tionship. In fact. De la Poer is not the man
one can question; he is extremely reserved
and taciturn. His references were unexcep-
tionable, though, and he is gentleman. He
has class at the high school, and they tell
me he is quite u musical genius. But he is
very distant. as he receives no visits and sys-
tematicaly declines every invitation. He is
less popular than dare say he deserves to
be- and people are very anxious to know what
he did before he came here"
1.-THE little boy must have lively time Of
It behind such u high wall of mystery" says
Pbilippa, whose life is clear and open and
sunny as her eyes.
"Oh! as to that, De In Peers whole heart fs
in the boy; he is devoted to him. and denies
him nothing. I feel that he is smiling when
he knows that BERTHE is enjoying himself here
with our youngsters. And as to the wall of
mystery, my dear, think others have built
1t. Mr.. De Ia Poer Is simply reserved,
silent man, who declines TO talk OF his own
affairs, and may merely be suffering from an
artistic hatred OF gossip"
Philippa feels rather more interested in
sthe phantom;" sensation which deepens
when she hears tho waves OF music rolling
through the gray old church, rising and fall
ing beneath the long thin fingers Of the man
in the threadbare coat shining at the seams.
She wishes that he had not quite such a
ACKNOWLEDGMENT face, and is anxious to see
the boy at close quarters, to know if he is in
any way shadoWed by the paternal gloom.