The Red Cloud chief., 1897-08-20

Edinburgh for a time. The young girl
was reluctant to leave her home. but
did not dream Of disobeying any wish
of her foster-father
BY early the next afternoon all was
doue. and as Marjorie was to start ear
ly on the morrow. she. in obedience TO
Mr.. L.orraine's wish. put on her bonnet
and went up to the Castle to wish Miss
Hetherington goodbye.
She had heard from Mr.. Lorraine
that the lady was i~ndisposed, but he
had not spoken Of the malady as seri-
Gus. and she was therefore utterly un-
prepared for what she saw.
She was admitted by Mysie. conduct
ed along the dreary passage. and led at
once toward Miss Hetherington's bed
room.
She's waitin' on ye,' said Mysie;
shes been waitin' on ye all day"
Marjorie stepped into the room,
looked around, and theen shrank fear
fully back toward the door. Could this
be Miss Hetherington-this little shriv-
eled old woman. with the dim eyes
and thin silvery hair? She glanced
keenly at Marjorie: then. seeing the
girl shrink away. she held forth her
hand and said:
ME: come e
"You-you are not well. Miss Heth-
erington." said Marjorie. Il am so
sorry"
She came forward and stretched forth
her hand. Miss Hetherington took 1t,
held It. and gazed up into the girls
face.
I'm no just myself. Marjorie she
said, but whites the best OF us come to
this pass. Did We think was immor-
tai, Marjorie Amman, and that the pal
sled finger o. death couldn't be pointed
at me az weel as at another
"Of DEATH" said Marjorie. instinc-
lively withdrawing her hand from the
old lady's tremulous grasp. 'Oh. Miss
Hetherington, you surely will not
die"
"Wha can tell? Surely I shall die
when my time comes. and wha will
there be to shed a tear?"
For a time there was silence: then
Miss Hetherington spoke:
What more have you got to say &c
me. Marjorie AMMAN"
The girl started as IL from a dream
and rose hurriedly from her seat.
Nothing more" she said. mr.. Lor
raine thought | had better come m
wish you goodbye. ! am going away
MIR. Lorraine!-you didna wish Il
yersel'?'
Yes. II wished tt"
"Aweel. goodbye"
She held forth her trembling hands
again. and Marjorie placed her warn
fingers between them.
Goodbye. Miss lle~therington."
She withdrew her hand and turned
away. feeling that the goodbye hat
been spoken, and that her presence wa!
no longer desired by the proud mistres
of Annandale. She had got half wa,
to the door when her steps were arrest
ed-a voice called her back.
Marjorie. Marjorie Annan."
She turned, started. then running
back. fell on her knees beside Miss
Hetherington's chair. For the frs
time in her life Marjorie saw her cry
ing.
Dear Miss H~etherington, what Il
it," she said.
"'Tis the old tale. the old tale" re
piled the lady, drying her eyes. Won
you kiss me. Marjorie, and say onl,
once that you're sorry to leave me sick
ening here?'
81 am very sorry said Marjorie
then she timidly bent forward ant
touched the lady's cheek with he,
lips.
Curiously enough. after having soil
cited the embrace, Miss Hetheringtoi
shrank away.
Gold and loveless," she murmured
But, Marjorie. my BARN, I'm no blam
ing we for the sins of your forefathers
Goodbye, lassie. goodbye"
This time Marjorie did leave the room
and the Castle. feeling thoroughly mys
titled as to what 1t could all mean.