The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-03-22

'ner 0vuYu, nor wn,ss nunus gently 10Y
ing with the glossy, wavy blond masses
OF hair that rippled all down over poor
Nathalie's back and shoulders as che
knelt there, her face buried in Mrs.
Barry's bosom, abandoned to her grief.
She did not even hear or heed the bell
did not know who had come or that any
one had come, until she heard these
words:
"Mrs. Stannard-Mrs. Barry-I'ye
heard this most cruel accusation, and
I've come to say don't believe word
OF it, and won't rest until I've got at
the truth"
The servant after admitting him still
stood al the parlor door, looking doubt
fully after the young officer and glanc-
ing inquiringly at Mrs Stannard as
though to ask if she had done right or
wrong. Mrs. Barry, without turning or
disturbing Nathalie, held out her thin
white hand smile Of welcome and
pleasure OH her face, and as Maynard
stepped forward and eagerly clasped the
proffered hand he bowed low over it and
over the beautiful, rippling tresses of
the girls BUNDLED head His eyes,
clouded with distress and sympathy,
gazed one moment into those of the in
valid and then sought the kneeling
form. No woman that ever lived, unbe-
reft Of the faculties God has given her,
could have failed to read the infinite
yearning In the brave young face, the
love and tenderness and longing that
shone In his fine, truthful eyes. Mrs.
Barry read and saw unerringly, and her
heart went out to him as she drew the
sobbing girl closer to her side. Natha-
lie, too, seemed conscious Of his nearer
presence. She was striving to check the
violence Of her emotion and had in
stinctively moved little, as though to
make room for him or possibly to draw
a trifle away. His knee was almost at
her shoulder.
Mrs. Stannard half turned. eft Is all
right" she said in q low tone to the
still lingering servant. "You may co."
and slowly and almost reluctantly the
maid withdrew. They heard her voice
the next moment in the dining room
as though answering question. "Lieu-
tenant Maynard, she said, "to see
Mrs. Barry" -whereat Mrs. .Stannard
looked in some surprise into the room
beyond, but no one was then in sight.
at was the cook, fancy" said Mrs
Barry. "She usually comes to me about
this time each day to get her orders, and
being very particular, not to say SUI
perior, person, she did not wish in her
kitchen attire to come into the presence
Of gentlemen. Bridget is quite swell
when she goes to town. Do sit down
awhile, Mr.. Maynard. We are all glad
to see you, and again her arm seemed
more closely to encircle Nathalie. at
is good to hear your voice again, espe-
cially when you say such good words"
Only too willingly Maynard found a
chair and drew it toward the couch.
Nathalie made an effort to rise, but
Mrs. Barry held her firmly, murmuring
some encouraging words in her ear.
Then Mrs. Stannard came forward
again.
II think will 60 over home awhile
now and look after matters there. Then
III come to you again, Mrs. Barry. Mr..
Maynard will have a chance to talk
with you while I'm gone"
Again Mrs. Barry held out her hand.
"You have been ever SO good to us, and
Well be glad indeed when you can come
back, both Of us. Would you mind tell.
ing cook to make little tea now for
The kneeling girl shook her
head in protest, but unavailingly. Mrs.
disappeared through the din.
ing room door and went to tho kitchen
just beyond. She returned in moment.
Bridget isn't there, but told Mary.
She thinks Bridget may have gone up
stairs moment. She left her in the
dining room. Mary will make the tea"
II didn's hear hoS 80 up" saia hfrs.
Barry, "but it may be. She's the quiet