The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-11-12

with the dlsfaN0r OF the HlllcheSter
matrons) }, and curled naturally all over her
head like a child's.
"Tria. it is silly perhaps, but something
l have heard to-day has troubled me
greatly
about me?" Trix asked gayly. "Of
what fresh enormty am | accused, John ?"
and sudden gravity crept into the sweet
voice. 81 thought you said that you
minded none OF these things"
II do not" the vicar answered quickly.
Indeed" gently strokirg the soft, vet
strong looking hand, II love you all the
better for them butt is better to speak
out. TIix, have you been driving with
Gerald Merton lately?"
The next moment Mr.. Kenrck would
have given much never to have fsk I'd
the question, for Trix turned to him
quickly, a whole world of scorn shining in
her blue eyes
And 50, John, this means that you
cannot trust me, and you choose rather to
believe any idle story people may tell
Tell me there is no truth in it, Trix,'
Mr.. Henrick said quietly, though his ewes
had clouded with deep look Of pain
beneath her implied rebuke land l
promise you | will believe il"
But Beatrix had removed her hand. and
all the sunshine had died out of her bonny
face "a she said YEARLY: "Mr Morton has
driven over to Castletields twice this week
Is there anything else you want to ask
me?'
NO, there was nothing else. Mr.. Ken.
rick felt it was almost sacrlege with those
pure eyes looking into his to breathe the
doubts which now seemed to him so I'M
worthy.
1t was month later, and Beatrx Har-
court was walking swiftly along the dusty
road leading to Castlelields, carrying a
small basket containing some delicacy for
the sick woman she was going to see The
sound OF wheels made her turn her head
and the next moment deep musical voice
said pleasantly: Miss Harcourt are YOU
again bound on the same journey? Now
do let me have the pleasure of giving you
lft."
Beatrix hesitated one moment; then she
said frankly; THANK you so much You
know Jennie, that poor crippled child
told you about Well, have had q note
from her this morning to say her mother is
very Ill, and there is no one to do anything
for her."
Gerald Morton looked admiringly down
at the fair face beside him. 1t was the
young men Of Hillchester who had given
Beatrice Harcourt the name Of 'the fair
philanthropist" and tspoke we'll for the
girl that even in the fastest circle her name
was never mentioned but with respect.
When Beatrix reached the little cottage,
which lay close to wood five miles from
Hlllchester she found everything in a state
OF confusion. One glance at the poor
woman showed her to be in high state of
fever and slightly delrious, while an omi-
nous crimson rash was beginning to make
its appearance ON her face and neck.
why, Jennie, your mother has the
fever! Beatrix exclaimed rapidly.
Haven't you sent for doctor, child :?
And is there no neighbor who would come
and help to nurse her?
II wrote to the doctor, miss when
sent your note, but he has not been here
yet, and as to neighbors, miss there are
none for mile or more"
All the morning Beatrix waited, doing
all she could for the poor sick woman, and
the afternoon was well on its way when
the welcome rap, which surely told Of the
doctors appearance, sounded at the door,
Beatrix literally flew to open it and
found herself face to face with the
vicar.
For the last month, ever since the gossip
about Gerald Morton-in fact, matters had
been rather strained between the vicar and
his ianoee, but all was forgotten now as in
impulse OF the moment Beatrix exclaimed
"You must not come in here, John, or
touch me. Mrs. Carr has the fever!"
For moment look OF keen anxiety
darkened his grave blue eyes, and the
next Mr.. Kenrick had folded the slight
form close in his arms as he murmured
brokenly, "Trixie, my own brave darling,
would you have me greater coward than
YOURSELF"
With his arms still about her she told
him how Gerald Morton had driven her 10
the cottage in the morning, adding, cit
was we'll he did, for should have been an
hour later, and Jennie and her mother
were quite alone
erik, will you forgive me for letting
that horrid scandal trouble me even for
one moment Dear heart, ! feel l shall
never forgive myself"
eyes I will forgive you" Trix
answered gayly, the last shadow gone from
her honest eyes, "only you must never do
! it again, as the children say"
! A fortnight later all chichester was