The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-31
The SECRET OF LYSTON HALL

The Honorable and Reverend Francis
Morland, vicar Of Lyston Magma. to whom
the words were addressed. looked up from
the pages of the Guardian
What is mysterious, my dear?" ne in
quired.
His companion was silent a moment tap
ping her lip thoughtfully with her knitting
needle as she looked out through the open
window at the garden. now in all it's mid
summer beauty
The vicarage was a handsome. dignified
old house. which stood with an air of aris-
tocratic seclusion In the midst of its
smooth lawns and brilliant hower-beds.
It's grounds were divided by a belt of
siarubbery from those of 1.yston Hall. whose
Tudor chirnneys were Just visible, peeping
above the tres.
II was thinking of the Lystons,' she ex-
planned at last; of the strange manner in
which they have secluded themselves since
their return from abroad. One would sup
pose that after a four years absence they
would be glad to welcome their neghbors,
particularly such old and intimate friends
as ourselves. But they go nowhere and re-
ceive no one Except for one formal call
from Lady Lyston in return for mine. we
nave seen nothing of them since their ar
rival six weeks ago."
1T seems to me that we have seen a good
deal of one member of the family" Mr..
Morland remarked dryly, gancing toward
the lawn. where two figures, a young man
and girl, were seated on a bench under a
spreading cedar tree.
The young man was Julian Lyston. son
and heir of the master of the hall. and the
girl, Evlyn Morland, the Wears only child.
Julian? yes, poor fellow, he is glad to
come; 1t Is the only change he has had from
II Sir Richard knew of his visits here, even
that innocent pleasure would be tabooed.
Mr.. Morland's brows contracted.
do you mean that his father objects to
his coming to my nome2
1T appears so. But in fact he objects to
his going anywhere, and If he had his way,
would make his son as great recluse as
himself. Julian says that they live as if the
lowed TO enter or leave it except on special
business and all the park gates are kept
locked, except the wicket leading into our
shrubbery. which, fortunately. has been
overlooked. Sir Richard was always eccen-
trio" she concluded, but it seems as If his
.eccentricitv were developing into something
like" she touched her forehead signifi-
cantly.
The vicar nodded gravely.
There is insanity in the family" he said.
'"The old baronet Julians grandfather, was
under restraint for years before he died. -
He rose and stood for a moment looking
at the group under the ce'lar, and his
frown deepened.
Julian and Evlyn. seem to be on very IA
niliar TERMS" he remarked, in a tone OF
That is not surprising; considering that
they have known each other all their lives.
and were almost ike brother and sister in
the old days"
HIM Mr. Morland stroked his chin re-
affection for her still?"
His wife laughed.
''Of course it is something more than that
now. ANY one can see that he is passion
ately in love with her.
And she?"
IT don't know what Evfyn's feelings are.
and / question whether she knows herself.
She is very fond of Julian but I sometimes
fear that she cares more for Gilbert Con-
why Impossible? p /" the vicar demanded
turning suddenly with his hands in his pock-
She raised her eyebrows.
Surely you would never consent to her
marrying a mere country surgeon, without
fortune or position?"
''But with ability to make both'' he put
and tie best man to whose keeping I
could entrust the child's happiness without
And could you not trust Julian?" she
returned half reproachfully. Il am sure
that no one could be more amiable than he
IS, and as TO cleNerness, 1 nave heard you
say Yourself that those poems of his
showed real genius"
II don't deny it. like and admire the
to Evlyn. she needs tie guidance OF a
stronger will. Besides there is another
cbjection-the family infirmity. Julian HAS
escaped it; but how can We tell that It
might not reappear in his children? No.
he concluded with decision: cit will no do
If that is the object of his visits here, they
must cease
Mrs. Morand looked protest. but did
not utter it. knowing that when the vicar
spoke in that tone argument was useless.
Meantime the young couple under the CO
dar tree were. improving the shining hours
in their own fashion, all unconscious of the
shadow Of coming separation
Julian had changed his position and was
now lying on the grass at his companions
feet, his head supported on his hand his
me dark eyeS--the eyes OF poet and q
dreamer-fxed adoringly on her face.
Evlyn took the alteration conposedly, be-
ing well accustomed to such tribute, and if
the truth must be told, somewhat spoiled
by it.
She was a tall. slender girl Of eighteen
with that radiant yet delicate complexion
which only English air and English hab-
its can produce; pretty, willful mouth and
clear blue eyes. which yet had looked
only on the sunny surface OF life, seeing
nothing of tho depths beneath. At this mo-
ment they were unusually soft and dreamy ;
but she was gazing away from her COM
panion, as if her thoughts We're elsewhere
Il wish / were artist, that / might
paint you just as you look nowl" Julian ex-
claimed after a moments silence.
She reused herself from her abstraction
with a laugh.
''Immortalize me in a sonnet" she sug-
Bested demurely.
4 am going to immortalize you in a
whole Volume OF .sonnets. under the name
of 'Apri's Lady" he replied.
And pray. why 'Aprils Lady?"
because TO April day was ever more ca
PRECIOUS" he declared. This afternoon. for
example you are all that is sweet and
gracious. Tomorrow, perhaps, you will not
have word or a smile for me: they will
yers.''
She colored consciously and looked awav
i don't know why you dislike Mr. Con-
yers, she added, after a pause 'sHe is a
IaNorite with every one but yourself
He is a favorite with you am aware
her lover answered resentfully. you con
scarcely expect me to feel much affection
for a man who / know is my rival-and a
dangerous rival too"
You foolish, jealous boyr' the girl ex-
a moment on his dark hair "As if there
could be any comparison between my feel
irgs for you and for him. lie is only n re-
cent acquaintance, whereas l have known
you ell my life"
And J am still first in you hearth" he
asked eagerly, raising himself and detain-
Ing her hand. You do not
Hush!" she interrupted. CHANGING across
the lawn. Here is papa plotting a visitor
your pet aversion himself! Now do be
civil to him for once"
He dropped her hand and rose hastily
his handsome face darkening with look Of
Jealous hostility as he turned towards the
newcomer
the surgeon was a long-limbed, spare
athletic man of thirty. with fine, strong
intellectual face. which might perhaps
have seemed somewhat hard but for the
kindly CLEAN in his honest brown ewes
which lighted it, They had a questioning
wlstful look as he greeted Evlyn then
turned 10 shake hands with young Lyston
nave Just come from the hail. he re-
marked addressing the latter.
How Odd you find my father?" Julian
Ancflired ~~'ANA'