Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1898-08-06
CHAPTER III,

Tho squire went Of and rode about the
estate to avoid meeting his daughter ut
luncheon. Lilith rode over to say g0od.by
to her young friends, the Grahames Ut
Withcrs Court-a great house about sew.
On miles away. Mrs. Drew watched her
ride OF; she was looking out Of the paint.
Ing room window. She then resumed der
brush. Tho col0rs were mixed on her
palette. and she was busily working away
when Mary opened tho door and announc.
Cd tho rector.
"You have come with had news" she
said slowly, huskily, a. she noticed hts
unusually grave face. II was IN ASSET
tion. rather than IN Inquiry.
II have" said the rector desperately,
rising and laying his hand gently upon her
head. But she jcrked L away with a
Don't speak" So he stood, gnxing o..
lcntly at her motionlcss figure. wondering
almost stupidly how hc was to tell the
rest Of bis tale.
Presently she raised her face. flushed.
| tCsrful.
"V" ~ a.. kul-himsclff she asked.
"Thank heaven-no..
Lillian's head went down upon her fold.
Cd arms agaiA.
"He di< ~: kill himself. Was it-s
dacly'
A. Mrs. Drew asked hcr piteous ques-
tiOn, the rector seated himself near her.
She stretchsd out her hands to him. % .
frightened child might: and. gently and
sOothingly grasping those poor trembling
hands. he told bis tale. avoiding the men.
tion Of Lillisn's rival ~ much ~ possible.
| "She was-with him-when-it happen.
| cd?" asked Mrs. Drew.
Mr.. Rawson bowed bis head.
Il am glad" she sighed. II felt, when
they went away, that he would be happier
she would understand him; never
c0uid!'
The rector felt slightly embarrassed.
This was curious case.
"He was-he looked 90 strong" she
said, In low, awed tones. II could not
have belleved--he would desc young.
And IL never said, Heaven bless you!'
How hard! He would have liked that.
I am sure at the last he thought Of me-
Of Lilith. Oh. poor Lilith. your father ID
dead.' Her head went down again; she
sObbed.
LILLIAN, you are downright good wom'
an. and heaven will reward you," said the
rector feelinsiy. How ever that poor
fellow could leave you 80 heartlessly Is
mystery to mo-"
TT Is no mystery to me. Mr.. Rawson,'
rcjOined Mrs. Drew, struggling to regain
her compOsure. 40 you mind listening
NOT Then will tell you exactly how u
was. When I met Reginald, was very
young-Only just out. He dashed me
bis cOurtship seemed too wonderful to bt
true. It was all fairy tale, and my one
feeling was that must wake up and tint
our engagement q dream. Our honey
moon was spent In u rapid race through
Europe. We were up at dawn, seeing
sunrises, then rushing through picture
galleries and churches till ! was breath
less and almost brainless with the hurry
and furry. ] found out that, II did MOI
take an active part In all that he was In
terested In, he was disappointed, disgust
ed. So ! concealed my exhaustion rs IA
o. could, intending to recruit strength
when We got home. Fallacy. Home wat
worse. He was bored, and looked to M
to amuse him. My health gave WY. Th'
doctor said must on no account keep lat'
hours. But all our friends gave entertain
ments In our honor, and literally daret
not stay away. He used to try hard Il
give me pleasure. He would surprise nj
with boxes for the opera or tho theaters
which had to thank him for rs II like.
them. Liked them? Sometimes wOul'
faint when was dressing; fought faint
ness In the hot atmOspheres. Once di'
faint away quietly In my chair, and re
covered to find him thoroughly out of TEN
per, saying, Everything ! do to try t
please you IL a failure DO you not se'
that he was right from his point OF viewi
said Mrs. Drew, pausing rs she saw
J fr0wp ON the rector's brow.
Ill ITO he cOntinued.l