The record-union., 1894-03-10

thetic. they naturally held mournful
pleasure in the great anxiety Of their
hostess, and were secretly consumed
with curiosity to see the merry vixen
with whom the powerful Duchess of
Manchester was unable to successfully
cope.
1t was but step to the rectory which,
even in early October nestled under
mass of roses, bloom and ivy. and leaned
against the ancient square-towered
church, whose south porch fronted the
shadowy village mall, and whose private
entrance, as is the custom of parish
churches under manorial and demesne
beneticeS, led into the castle court itself.
In this beautiful and slumbrous old
spot the Rev. Hector Brisbin prepared
comforting sermons for the house of
Banchester for five months of the year,
and during the remaining seven was ath-
lete, sportsman and dreamer of dean
ships and prelacies, under the Immediate
care and supervision of an INDECENT and
querulous maiden aunt. Being so near
it was but little time before his foot
steps were heard at the drawing-room
door.
The Duchess, with roguish wink to
her friends, and a whispered, study
him, and tell me what you think when
he leavesv ~ met the rector most gra-
Lady Gray Molde, whom he noticed was
exceedingly stout and showed decided
asthmatic symptoms; to Lady Mlncer
Mather, spare of flesh but ample in adj
iectives; to the Hon. Mrs. Edgefurther,
square as hewn timber, dark and hard as
antique oak, and rigid as ships steel
mast, as if bound to make up in austerity
what she lacked in title, and to the evil
dent pet of the party, Lady Odde Pos
oh f1onif lon NJ or
about, with jelly-like body and quiv
ering little head like a painted apple,
with whom there were secret hopes in
the breast of the Duchess of entangling
her wayward son. Lord Randeville.
Anyone could have seen that the young
rector, who found himself quickly seated
among the noble ladies, was good deal
of a man; good deal of man along all
the lines of body, face and brain. He was
powerful fellow, physically; more Morse
than British in color and look; with a
fine, firm mouth and square determined
chin; an almost classic nose, a broad,
white forehead and large eyes of grayish
blue, which looked kindly and Sduarely
at those before him, resting on the face of
each without boldness, but with steady
look of attentiveness, of inquiry, or of
both.
There was but one pair of eyes about
Ballnagee that ever looked unquailingly
back for any time into his. Those were
Lucy's, and Mr.. Brisbin always remem-
bered that when he first began noticing
this characteristic in the girl be had some
yagarouS ethical reflections as TO whether
in the world at large perfect purity of
nature positive fearlessness of spirit or
irrevocable hardness of heart gave hu-
man eyes their most unhinching, stead
fast glow.
1--WE are all dear friends together, Mr..
Brisbin," began the Duchess wheed-
lingly. "We are all in perfect sympathy
about the matter Of Lucy" here all the
ladies nodded and smiled; land we all
wish to know, briefly, how you have pro-
gressed with the strange creature, since 1
decided to permit the Noggins family to
remain at Ballnagee. 1t was really ask
ing too much of you, Mr.. Brisbin, to at
tempt the reformation of Lucy; but [ do
hope there have been rewards to man
a man of your calling, Mr.. BriSbin."
''It mas been a pleasure to serve your
grace" he replied measuredly. after look
ing into her pleasant face a moment with
unusual attentiveness. And then, as if
hardly knowing how else to answer her
until better intimatiOn of her own
thoughts were given: "She is but little
different than when you left for the con-
tinent.o
poacher?"
1.-The same impulsive, happy hearted,
fearless, generous nature" retured the
rector, as if politely emphasizing milady's
line of thought ana words, but convey
ing in his manner and intonation world
of different meaning.
Indeed ~ exclaimed the Duchess,
scarcely Disgusting her contempt in her
quickly following smile. do you think
l., Il I,n..
character?"
THAT depends, your grace"
"On what. Mr.. Brisbin?"
He was never more sQuarely cornered
in his life. but he did not show it, as he
gently tapped the fingers of his two hands
together, laid his head back upon his
chair and apparently studied the rich
frescoes of the ceiling.
''Well, chiefly upon environment and
association. Sho has really noble quail
ties. If these could be wisely developed
and nurtured-"
''She could almost become the wife of a
nobleman, [ supposeY
''If be were truly a noble man, yes"
Mr.. Brisbin's living" was a good
one; il was held at the whim of the mas
ter or mistress of Ballnagee; and he had
never before been quite so frank in the
ex Expression of sentiment.
''Could perhaps become a suitable sue
cessor to myself" pursued the Duchess.
She knew where to stab the deepest
but she could not tell whether or not she
had given a cruel hurt, from the kindly
impassiveness of his face.
''0h, L could not say that, your grace.
Indeed, could not even think or wish
it,"
The eyes of the Duchess were full of
banter and smiles, but a steady blaze OF
D, 81, Il.
hind"
''Mr. Brisbin," she concluded, rising
and changing her manner instantly to
one of sympathic concern; you have
made me deeply interested in this girl.
My friends here are interested, too. Is
she about the grounds now? l would
like to have the ladies get glimpse of
her."
2.'I saw her in the courtyard as came
in," he answered with something like a
tiny cloud drifting across his fine face.
''Oh, very well; thank you" The rec
tor had already bowed to the other ladies
and was leaving the room. 1--WE must
see you often while we are here. And
another matter, Mr.. Brisbin" The
duchess came quickly to the rector's side
and took his arm confdentially. eff you
can find that girl the right kind of hus-
band-rather soon, Mr., Brisbin, a real
splendid fellow, you know-why, if he
were handsome and able as yourself, Mr..
Brisbin, / wouldn't mind seeing that the
BaIlnagee living was made perpetual
one, and give my cheque for thousand
pounds, to boot! Good afternoon, Mr..
Brisbin.'
Whatever the rector might have
thought, ne parted smilingly from the
duchess and descended the grand stair
way as sturdily as he had come.