The Dickinson press., 1895-03-30

and to conquer the fierce pain gnawing
so persistently at her heart.
II have saved my Yather," she kept
repeating to herself over and over again
until she had grown tolerably calm;
then she went back again to the OBJ
noxious boudoir. only to find that Sir
Mark and her cousin had gone down to
the dining-room to discuss the good
things Brander had thought fit to place
before them. Thither she also descend.
ed-nervOus lest either of them should
notice anything unusual in her conduct
and, taking n chair near her hus.
bands side. as far from Blackwood as
was possible. she tried hard to say
something civil and pleasant about
their journey.
ut would have been lonely enough
without Craven" Sir Mark told her.
although 1 can scarcely cry him up as
the jolliest companion in all the world,
considering that he never opened his
lips the entire way. And-would you
believe it. Katherine?-it was quite as
much as I could do to induce him to
grant us the pleasure Of his society,
even fer a few days? l told him 1 would
complain Of his conduct to you, and
throw him III the tender mercies of 4
woman's tongue. But" he broke of
somewhat a%nxiously, ARE you feeling
quite strong tonight. my dearest? Your
cheeks have lost all the bright color
they gained in Italy. Did you go for
your drive this afternoonY'
Eyes: l went to see Harriet" Kath-
crime answered, ignoring the beginning
Of his speech. but the day was bleak,
and I felt cold. SO cold!!" tightening her
hands nervously. II think l will bid
you goodnight. now, and go to my
room, as it is rather late" rising as she
concluded. and holding out her hand
to Craven. Goodnight, Blackwood,"
she said, quite calmly, but without
raising her eyes to meet his. and, hay
ing pressed her lips tt Sir Marks
forehead, she went quietly away.
During his stay at the Hall Craven
saw but little Of Lady Warrenne. AT
last the Mental torture he was enduring
became SO unbearable that he deter
mined to end it II way or another,
anil after passing Il sleepless night
came to the conclusion that the next
day-his f~ifth-shouM be the last Of his
residence ut Warrenne Hall.
Having made up his mind to this. he
determines to say nothing of his inten-
ton until the morning of his departure,
when he would find some excuse in his
letters to leave by the early train,
which started about al hour after the
usual breakfast time.
Feeling happier in his mind now that
he had arranged his private affairs so
satisfactorily, he started with Sir Mark
about eleven to 80 through his last
days shooting at the Hall.
Having ascertained from the keeper
accompanying them the nearest way to
the desired rendezvous, they walked on
smartly for about a quarter Of a mile,
when Sir Mark suddenly discovered
that he was without fusees Of anything
else wherewith to light his pipe. This
was indeed a serious consideration, es-
pecially as Craven confessed himself
in the same plight, and the keeper had
evidently been depending upon the 9TH
er two both for light and tobacco.
Il will run back" std Craven. "Tel
me where to find some, and I will over
take you in less than no time, or else
I will go v e. the lower field and pick
you up further on"
"Just step into the library by the
French window" directed Mark, "and
you will find some on the table which
I left there last night, in a little silver
affair.""
Thus instructed Blackwood betook
himself back once more to the Hall,
where, entering the library by the
French window. lie came suddenly upon
Lady, arrenne, seated reading in a
large armchair. 1t was the first time
they had been alone since that last
eventful day when he had hidden her
farewell. so that now,, finding himself
in her presence in this totally unex
pected manner. his courage and cool
ness deserted him to som extent.
II beg your pardon. Lady Warrenne,"
he began, pausing Il moment before en-
%tering-he had never called her ''Tita"
since his arrival. not even katherine,
combining himself to her title-"but
Warrenne told mel came back for
some vesuvians of his lying on the ia
ble."
Lady Warrenne rose gracefully:
"Are these what you r looking
forY' she asked. lifting the little silver
matchbox and holding it out to him.
Eyes, thank you," he answered, cold
ly, coming across the room to receive
them from her hand.
AS he did SO their eyes met, and a
wild, uncomfortable desire possessed
Katherine to be friends with him at all
hazards.