The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-21

lhough on the pOlnt Oh leaNlnB Wnat
was to him an earthly paradise, Capel
felt joyous-almost exultant. In spite
of her ambiguous speech he thought
Grace had betrayed a 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 to come" 1t seemed, too, that
every one was sorry to part with him.
The usually radiant countenance of
his host was graver than Capel had
seen il before. Grace was very pale
and quiet, though when her eyes met
those of her lover, a soft color rose in
her cheeks and faded away. Ellen
O'Grady tried to laugh and talk as
ing and sleeplessness.
81 am so glad il is fine and dry" she
exclaimed. 'Mme. de Suresne has such
bad cold she has quite lost her voice."
"Yes, faith" put in Mr.. Digby, "she
was as hoarse as a raven last night.
She'll be all right, however, when shc's
safe on board his majesty's ship Cali,
ope, but we are all in the doleful dumps
this morning. Begad, colonel, we1l
miss you terribly. You must come
over as often as you can spare time
from hunting the rebels, and restoring
peace by dint of licking them"
IL only hope you may not find me too
frequent visitor"
"Ah, not II or the darlings here, I'll
promise YOU"
"Yes, colonel, dear, you'll come back
soon," said Nelly, caressingly; land
now I'll go and see that madame eats a
good breakfast. 1t will be quite q
fatiguing day for her."
"Grace, my heart" said Digby,
snake sure that they put up lunch,
con basket with o bottle of port; vel.
low seal, mind"
sand, 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 to assist her cousin i'm last atten-
tions to their invalid guest.
IL wonder ,Ehat ails that little
O'Grady girl" hiought Capel. "she is
not sorrowing over my departure; she
has anything but a fancy for me-"
An hour later chaise and pair was
at the door, and "all hands," that is. all
the masculine hands in the house,
seemed busy about IL, strapping on the
luggage, putting in the wraps, looking
70 the wheels and talking to the post
boy.
'What a queer, thoughtless, fun-lov-
ing lot they are. Why, none of them
ever served me ct 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,
limping, stick in one hand, and the
other resting on Digby's arm. She
was carefully wrapped up in large |
cloak of velvet, q 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 courtesy in spite Of |
her injured ankle, and thanked him
hoarsely for his kindness in taking |
charge of tiresome old woman. Then |
with much care she was assisted into
the chaise.
'They do say the boys has been hav.
ing bit of a scrimmage there by |
Murroghmore pass" said the butler; |
"but sure you'll get through in tho
height of daylight, and If they meddle |
with you the colonel can just say he
comes from Athgarvan."
IL can tell them that. Did not use
the noble Irish tongue in the old times
when was helping the dear lady who |
is gone, in her charities" said madame.
"Come, NJ. le Colonel, let us be go
ing"
Capel took leave, therefore, kissing
the young lady's hands. He thrilled |
at the look that came into Grace's eyes
as they met his-they were infinitely |
sad, wistful and loving; yes, absolute
ly loving. With this delightful inn
preston he sprang into the chaise, the
post-boy cracked his whip, the assem-
bled men servants gave cheer,
through which came n sound of laugh. |
ter. and they were Off at good pace
down the avenue.
Capel, in a state of considerable ex-
altation, showed his companion every
possible attention. lie rolled up his |
cloak TO put under her feet, drew up |
one window and let down another. and
was most tender In his inquiries as TO |
her comfort Her answers were brief. |
but IL was evidently an effort to her 20
speak. Presently she seemed 10 sleep,
and Capel cheerfully resigned himself |
TO silence and castle building
Two hours had nearly passed when |
the old lady stirred and reused herself
Capel was Immediately on the alert.
and administered sandwiches aud wine.
but madame did not seem any more In