The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-02-18


times a trifie headstrong.
Ardsley made no further remon-
monstrance, and soon, with quiet
goodnight to the ladies, left the room
But the grave look had not disappeared
from his face.
Up stairs in her luxurious chamber
Lesley seated herself at the window,
and was soon buried in thought.
AS In kaleidoscope, the important
events of her life passed quickly be-
fore her, so vivid that they seemed
the living pictures In which she was
again prominent parsonage. Her
imagination, becoming more powerful
as 1t was INDUCED, came hurriedly
down to the present hour; she thought
OF Lurline, and of the portrait of her
husband, Barton Chadwicke, which
hung in the gallery, and on which she
lesley had looked so often that the
llneaments were familiar.
Half in dream, half awake, Lesley
Imagined she heard a football. In a
vision she saw the form and face Of
! Barton Chadwick, for she had long
studied his features on the painted
canvas. The face was pale, sad, and
seemed to be that Of an accusing spirit;
for the lips moved as If forming the
startling word:
Murdered"
With wild cry Lesley dashed from
the room. In the hallway she en-
countered Mr.. Ardsley, ON his way to
his own apartment. He started in
amazement
Good heavens, Miss Dinsmore!" he
exclaimed; what is the matter?"
And half sobbing with terror the
frightened girl repeated to Mr.. Ardsley
all that had occurred He did not
smile, He listened quietly, his eyes
flashing with a strange light, and he
clinched his hands together fiercely.
Murdered" he repeated under his
breath. "Ah, Lurline st. Cyr, begin
| to see all now!"
Lesley did not catch the muttered
words, and he controlled himself with
fearful effort.
Miss Dinsmore," he said, soothing
ly, do sot be alarmed. This is evil
IDENTIFY one Of the strange mysteries
one Of the incomprehensible occur
rences which sometimes come into our
lives. Do not give way to nervous
fears he added. Il will 90 all that
man can do to protect you-Lesley."
The word faltered from his lips be-
fore he was aware Of it. Then, with
sudden start, he whispered Good
night" and was gone
Lesley, thoroughly terrified, sought
Mrs. Greyson's room, and begged to re-
main there all night.
But when the morning came, with its
bright sunshine and blue sky, her spir-
its were light and care-free again, and
she was her own audacious self once
more. After breakfast she had
Brownie brought around to the door;
beautiful, satin-coated creature, ey-
cry proud movement revealing his ped
gree. In her riding-habit of navy-blue
with black hat and long, sweeping
plumes, Lesley was perfect. She vault
ed lightly into the saddle, and smiling
at the remenstrances of the groom
(she had not seen Mr.. Ardsley yet that
day., she bad the man remain behind.
and dashed away like the wind.
She had not gone far ere it became
evident to her that Brownie was run
ming away. In vain she endeavored to
check him; the horse few on like a
man creature down the long, green
road on. on to certain destruction.
The road which Lesley had chosen
wound beside pretty little river; it's
banks were very high and steep; the
road became mere bridle-path; still
the frightened animal few on. A few
PAGES forward, and certain death
awaited the terror-stricken girl one
bound farther on, and horse and rider
would go over the steep bank into the
foaming river which coursed onward
over its rocky bed. Lesley closed her
eyes.
Heaven help met" she murmured |
piteously. ooh, that | had taken he |
advice of Mr.. Ardsley! 1 am SO young
to die!"
AS though in answer to her prayer.
out from the roadside a tall figure dar-
ted, like an arrow from a bow; and
a strong hand grasped the bridle-rein.
throwing Brownie, in sudden surprise.
back upon his launches. 1t was a
masterpiece Of boldness and bravery
there, upon the very edge of the pro-
iecting bank, with the foaming river
below.
Faint, and sick, and giddy, Lesley
fell backward. A dizzy mist swan
before her; she closed her eyes; then
she felt herself lifted from the saddle
and strained madly against wildly
throbbing heart; while faint and far
off 1t seemed, she caught these words
painted rather than spoken
MY Darlington, my darling!"
When she opened her eyes again she
was sitting upon the green grass at the
foot of tree; John Ardslsy stood near
her; while holding Brownies bridie--
SubIuCu anu OOuQu6T6Q now
was Max Ruthven.
Which of the two men had risked
his life for hers? She. remembered
hose whispered words, and her heart
.hrobbed tumultuously.
She struggled to arise; but at that
there was rustIing in tho
pushes which skirted the roadside. and
4urline Chadwick suddenly appeared
Ter face demoniac with rage and hit
er hatred.
John Ardsley ground out a word be-
ween his set teeth. and with a bound
lie was at her side, and one hand was
IN her shoulder.
Woman" he cried. sternly, chow
Iare you come here7 Out of this
ady's presence, or, as Heaven hears