Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-05-07
The COST OF HIS HEAD.
by MRS. ALEXANDER
Author of "The Wooing OF"
PART ".

PART ".
It was u fresh bright morning when
khe party reassembled at breakfast
next day.
Though on the point of leaving what
was to him an earthly paradise, Capcl
felt ioyous-almost exultant. In spite
of her ambiguous speech he thought
Grace had betrayed certain degree
of liking for him which he hoped to
transform into tenderer, deeper feel
ing by the force of his own passionate
devotion, and "he dreamed of bright
DAYS 10 come" 1t seemed, too, that
every one was sorry to part with him.
The usually radiant countenance of
his host was graver than Capcl had
seen it before. Grace was very pale
and quiet, though when her eyes met
those of her lover, n soft color rose in
her cheeks and faded away. Ellen
O'Grady tried to laugh and talk as
usual, but her eyes told tale of weep
ing and slceplessness.
Il am 50 glad it is fine and dry" she
exclaimed. mime. dc Suresne has such
bad cold; she has quite lost her voice"
was as hoarse as IA raven Inst night.
She'll be all right, however. when she's
safe on board his majesty's ship Cali
opc. but we are all in the doleful dumps
this morning. Begad, colonel, we'll
miss you terribly. You must come
over as often as you can spare time
from hunting the rebels, and restoring
peace by dnt of licking them"
II only hope you may not find me too
frequent visitor"
"Ah, not l! or the darlings here, I'll
promise you"
"Yes, colonel. dear, you'll come back
soon," said Nelly, caressingly; "and
now I'll go and see that madame eats a
good breakfast 1t will be quite u
fatiguing day for her"
"Grace, my heart said Digby,
snake sure that they put up lunch
con basket with u bottle of port; yell
low seal. mind"
"And. Col Capel, you will see our
dear friend safe into mademoiselle' s
house, 72 Domenic street. All the post
boys know it," said Grace; and she also
rose 10 assist her cousin in last atten-
tions to their invalid guest.
~ wonder what ails that little
O'Grady girl" thought Capel. "She is
not sorrowing over my departure; she
has anything but fancy for me-"
An hour later q chnse and pair was
ut the door, and "all hands," that is, oil
the masculine hands in the house,
seemed busy about it, strapping on the
luggage, putting in the wraps, looking
to the wheels and talking to the post
boy.
what a queer, thoughtless, fun-lov-
ing lot they are. Why, none of THIN
ever served me at meal without broad
grin on their faces" thought Capel,
as he stood on the doorstep looking at
the group.
But Nine. de Suresne now appeared
Dmping, stick in one hand, and the
other resting on Digbys arm. She
was carefully wrapped up in large
cloak of velvet, a huge bonnet, over
which an extensive black lace veil was
tied under her chin, and black kid
gloves, with long empty finger ends
She made Capel II courtesy in spite of
her injured ankle, and thanked him
hoarscly for his kindness in taking
charge of tiresome old woman. Then
with much care she was assisted into
the chase.
"They 10 say the boys has been hnv
ing a bit of scrimmage there by
Murroghmore pass" said the butleri
."but sure you'll get through in th'
height Of daylight, and if they NEEDLE
a. hn
comes from Athgarvan."
81 can tell them that. Did not ust
the noble Irish tongue in the old times
when / was helping the dear lady whC
Is gone, in her charities" said madame
"Come, NJ. lie Colonel, let us be go
ing"
Capel took leave, therefore, kissing
the young lady's hands. He thrilled
Mt the look that came into Grace's eye!
as they met his-they were infinitely
sad, wistful and loving; yes, absolute
ly loving. With this delightful i'm
preston he sprang into the chaise, thu
post-boy cracked his whip, the assem-
bled men servants gave cheer
through which came sound of laugh
ter, and they were off at good PACE
down the avenue.
Capel, in state of considerable ex
Altation, showed his companion ever,
possible attention. He rolled up hi
cloak to put under her feet, drew u
pne window and let down another, an,
was most tender in his inquiries as t.
Der comfort. Her answers were briei
but it was evidently an effort to her t.
Speak. Presently she seemed to SLEEP
and Capel cheerfully resigned himsel
r silence and castle building.