New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-16

single penny. These gloomy thoughts were his
disagreeable companions as he skirted In
leisurey fashion the somewhat steep bride path
in the highest part Of the downs. suddenly LIS
face frightened and his pulse began TO beat
more quickly as he caught sight OF a ngure on
horseback. followed by groom coming swiftly
toward him 1t not the first time. no. nor
the second. that Harry Ninnicombe and Lady
Anne Blunt had met on the breezy sussex
downs and to Judge from the expression on
both faces they met II was an experience
they most thoroughly enjoyed. Many peope
admired Lady Anne. and many dld not one
was young woman OF quite eXceptionalE
strong character. and always knew her own
mind exactly. She was the third daughter or
the Earl Of Felsham. and the painest; never,
theless she was the only woman the world neld
for Harry Ninnicombe. Nor was he alone in
his admiration of her. Many suitor had
passed the two handsome sisters and laid
their hearts at Lady Annes feet but so far she
had scorned them all. or. to put 1t more cor
rectly. looked them straight in the face it'll her
honest eyes and given them no as blunt as Der
name Some people called her positively plain
and certainly there was scarcely a good iea' ure
in her face; and yet it was one Of the dearest
faces in the world. and those who loved her
would not have exchanged her dark skin. her
vide merry mouth. her saucy little nose. for all
the classic features in the world She was very
tall and carried her fine figure with striking
grace Perhaps she looked her very best on
horseback. because she was one or the most
daring and fearing riders in the county
They met and exchanged greetings with frank
Cordiality, and an ordinary observer would nave
OF either There no sort Of hesitation IN
Harry Vinnicombes manner or action After
they had made few commonplace remarks,
he turned his horses head and walked beside
her as a matter of course the groom keeping
discreetly in the background. Then Lady Anne
began TO notice how very grave was her COM
paniOn's face, and in her usual frank manner
desired to know the cause.
I've had some very bad news this morning.
and before | saw you coming thought life was
hardly worth living
tbaro ufu she
Piled with a kind Of whimsical banter, which
the deep light in her saucy eyes rather belied.
MAY inquire what the trouble is?'
Il don't know hate to tell you; and yet l
must Anyhow everybody will know II soon.
My mother is going to marry again.
Now Anne Blunt did not like Mrs Vinni-
combe. and had often asked herself how shall
low frivolous. and insincere person could have
such an honest good fellow for son. But she
had never thought that she would be guilty of
a second marriage and for the moment she was
rather too shocked to say anything Her COM
panion surveyed her anXously, but could gather
little from the tip OF a very pink ear, her head
being so persstently turned away
1T would affect you more if you were girl,
she said at length. Still, l am very sorry for
you"
She turned and looked at him as she spoke,
and he something In her face he had never
seen before, though he had often wished 10 see
it. And for the moment he could have blessed
the trouble that had called forth that swift
CLEAN of exquisite sympathy.
"Who is the gentleman, may ASK? was her
next question. r4
Mr.. Deorme."
Lady Anne gave slight start, and her lips
parted in scorn.
Il am douby sorry for you" was all she said.
and though the words comforted him, they were
not without their sting. For such would he the
opinion of all his friends. and man does not
like to see his mother an object OF wonder and
scorn.
Il don't like the man." he said. HE is a cad
Of the first water. But the thing that bothers
me most is that it may seriously AFFECT my po-
sitiOn."
How" she asked, turning her fine. clear eyes
on him inQuiringly.
II am absolutely dependent on my mother for
the very clothes ! and the bread | eat,
he said with some bitterness. My father left
everything in her hands and l have never
thought or felt it hardship until to-day"
difrerence' If she becomes Mrs. Delorme she will
naturally go and make her home wherever
Mr.. Delorme may desire. You will
still be master of High Void"
Il wish 1 felt so sure of It" he said. shaking
his head And was going to speak to Lord
Fclsham this week.
What about?"
She asked the question with delicious inno-
cence which made him wish the solemn man.
servant a thousand miles away.
about you l was going to ask him to give
me YOU Anne, and very well you know IT.
but YOU have not asked me yet.
In well-regulated families 1t is customary to
ask the co lsent Of the parents first. he retorted
would not have said no. Anne.
"Why do you use the past tense?' she asked,
coquettishly.
future" he replied
She said nothing for a moment. but guided her
horse step nearer to him. And across the little
space which separated them she stretched out
her hand.
1T will make no difference to me. Harry" she
said. and at the words his face holly flushed;
and careless of the keen but kindly scrutiny OF
hob ind no ~ iS Inns
God bless you. Anne. my own darling" he
said. passionately Then they fell to talking
soberly over the whole matter, and when they
parted the sun shining through the clouds
which had briefly overshadowed Harry Ninni-
combes heart
the beech avenue to Felsham Abbey and asked
to see the Earl. There was a very set, deter
mined look about his mouth, and his face was
pale his eyes Swallowed, as If he had passed a
restless night. and was even now troubled about
many things The Earl was disengaged, and
pleased to see his young neighbor, for whom he
had a sincere liking and respect
Lord Fesham tall thin, careW orn-loOk-
ing man. bearing in his face the signs of an anx-
ious and troubled life. He had been harassed
for money all his days. and was wont to say
that FelSham and empty title did not COM
pcnsate for the loss of peace OF mind. The up
keep Of a burdened estate on strictly limited
means is indeed problem which presses hard.
Yet he was proud Of his name, and passing
proud Of his old home; his one regret, that he
had not means sufficient to restore and keep up
the former glory of its traditions. He had
large and expensive family, and though his two
elder daughters were very handsome, they had
made poor marriages. He did not hope much
from Anne. who was his favorite. though he had
resolved that unless she could II AIRY money. she
should not marry at all.
Such was the man, then, TO whom Harry Vim
nicombe came in his trouble, knowing before he
came how hopelessly ii would be regarded.
He did not beat about the bush. but informed
him at once OF his mothers contemplated mar
riage, and the change it might. nay, had al
ready made In his position and prospects.
Il think your mother is fool. lad, If you'll eX-
cuse my speaking so plainly; greater fool than
most women and that's saying lot Delorme,
The fellows no gentleman. as she will find TO
her cost But l don't see that II materially af-
fects you. You are still master of High Wold'
I'm not The place is my mothers every acre
Of IT. They are going TO live there. she says. and
when | explained that it would, of course. be i'm
nossible for me TO remain at home under these
q said she MOuld give