Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1897-05-12
CHAPTER XVI.

Major Llewellyn Is sitting with his head
leaning on his hand; the untasted lunch.
con dishes before him, and, in the gloomy
light of the lowering sky and pouring rain
he looks very solitary indeed in the big
silent room, with Miles empty chair al
the head of the table as usual.
Muriel cannot but perceive the start and
the quick look of glad surprise with which
he sees her enter. a slender, pathetic
looking young figure. in the black gown
which cliIgs in somber. unadOrned folds
to her girlish outlines, although he com
poses his expression instantly into gra y esl
calm, and rises silently and places q chail
for her.
II came down. thought it was no,
kind to-to-leave you alone" she says
faltering and coloring timidly. Besides
there are things to be attended to, and
must not indulge In grief selfishly"
after you have had some luncheon w
can discuss matters" he says, gravely
and gently, but very formally still, anC
MuriePs heart sinks.
He is deeply hurt and offended with her
she thinks, secretly; and so she obeys bis
every request and eats and drinks as b.
wishes her to do. and fears him more and
more each minute as the luncheon comes
to an end and the servant clears away
And then Major Llewellyn stirs the fire
places an easy chair for her at a mos,
respectful distance from himself. and
coughs. as persons do when they intent
it as a prelude to a disagreeable speech
as he seats himself facing her.
What was il you were anxious should
be attended to?" he inquiries, very bust
ness-like.
"About-about the funeral" she says
shivering. II must, You know"
''The person from the undertaking firm
will be here early tomorrow morning
you can give what orders you please, Mu
riel." he says, gently; '.and the dress
maker from Dublin will send a person to
morrow also with everything requisite
have taken on my self to do SO much
without troubling you"
You are very good" Muriel mutters
family, feeling humbled and sorry, ant
more afraid of him the kinder and more
patient he appears. 1T is very kind OF
you; l should not have been able to thinl
If everything in time"
She cannot get any further just now
and Eric walks away to the window un
til she recovers herself In a few minutes
II won't cry again IL can help it," shs
says, as he returns: and there IL a little
more hardness and coldness in her voice
at what she thinks is his impatience with
her grief "You have been very kind te
me, and will give no mote trouble thar
I can help. Is there any thing you wished
% arrange with me"
mo, not to-day. think" he answers.
Then there is but one thing more
wished to say just now." she says, in tn.
same tone. You know, dare say, tha,
dear Miles left me a little property-very
iittier' falters poor Muriel, with downcas,
eyes, as she thinks of the amount of heI
dowry; but it was all my darling brother
had to give me-a few hundred pounds il
mine shares"
"Yes. 1 know all about it-he told NE, y
.nterposes Eric.
"Well, l want you, please, as they an
mine now" Muriel says, trembling, AND
trying to be business-like, ITO sell them al
soon as possible. You understand al
about it; they have risen very much
Miles told me, and l want the money, you
know, TO pay every one"
"Muriel," he says sternly.
Yes" Muriel says, growing red and
white by turns at his tone.
DO you forget that married you thil
morning."
MO-" Muriel replies, affrightedly.
''Then why do you talk in that manner
about money!" demands Eric, harshly
relieved to have some just cause for re
preaching her. when 1 gave you my
name. presume gave you my purse. too
You need not fear shall encroach hair
breadth on any distance you choose Il
set between u.s." he goes on, with cool
composed bitterness but at least claim
to be allowed to hold the relation hav,
entered into of your legal guardian ant
nearest relative" and Eric puts into he