The Eddy current., 1899-03-18

"oh, Paul, dear do help me 10 get
rid OF this stupid mani I'm tired 10
death of him. and be won't leave me.
You look tired yourself. and as II you
had quite enough OF tho festlyity."
II was thinking of going home. Arc
you ready go come. Edie?'
quite Let us start at once; I'm 30
glad met you. Paul.
Bidding her cavalier an unceremon-
lous adleu, she put her hand within my
arm and we walked home across TIE
fields. leaving the pony trap for Helen
10 order whenever she liked.
Tho hours went by. Edlo and ! din
cd toto-n-tole made music together,
took a moonlight stroll 10 the river.
still Helen dld not return At last
some time after midnight, we heard
thC sound 90 approaching wheels. aud
presently she entered with glowing
checks and glittorlng eyes. escorted by
Sir William ilernshaw. who she In
formed us had persuaded her TO remain
10 dinner at the Grange, where they
had had such delightful dance after
wards. then. with a careless nod 10 me
and Edith. and a whispered good night
to her escort, she went straight 10 be.
/ stood rooted 20 the spot staring after
her. until Edith's soft palm was passed
pltylngly over my hand. her lips. close
TO my ear. murmurod soothingly:
II am 80 sorry so sorry, dear boy
hut YOU must make excuses Tor her
she ls young. YOU know, and from her
bringing up does not understand the
usagcs Of society. n YOU like I'll give
her hint tomorrow that English gen
tiewomon do not do those things She
means no harm. I'm sure"
could have no explanation with
Helen that night for. when ! went up
to her room she was sleeping heavily
and the next morning she rose at day
break. and did not appear at breakfast
when returned from the club at
shorten. ! found Edith established at
The tea table with her dainty work
atrown round her. waiting 20 pour out
my tea. just us had pictured her, with
timld rapture. q hundred tlmes during
the months ! had o0urtod her so rev
oroutly. aud my wife sitting under a
tree on the lawn facing window, Jim
ruddlod up in her arms. and Sir VIII
liam Hcrnfhaws bold dark eyes look
Ink into hers with unlisguisod admira-
tlon
started from my scat with q sudden
desire 90 kick him then and there out
Of my rroundB. when Edith diyinlng
my movement intcrposcd.
Paul. Paul. for heavens sake re-
strain yoursolf Think OF the shame
the scandal that would follow and she
means no harm I'm sure Oh. indeed.
I'm sure of that Two no; had the
opportunity Sc, Of speaking 10 her.
but
DO not seek the opportunity" in
torruptcd ncrcoly: n would be OF no
use. ! will speak To- her; but ! think
she mus, be losing her head. | cant
mako ont what possesses her ! mar
rlcd. as thought. q harmless. limo
cent child married her through
pity. generosity, through the no
blcst spirit NJ golf-sacriico. oh, guess
the story of your courtship ana your
marriage. my poor PAUL. have
guessed % some time. and q has not
helped go make my lot lighter. to rec
oncllc mo to what I lost in losing the
tho love of one OF the truest, noblest
-ah. what am ! saying wha, am 1
saylng?" she cried, covering her face
with her hands and shrinking from me
when ! SEQ you treated like this. II
can't help 60. my heart speaks ont. Oh,
go away go away! DO not lool, at me,
please"
was about 10 Leave the room when
servant entered ana handed me a
letter After reading %. I laid u sl-
loutly before my companion. When
she had read she turned TO me with
burning face aud sobbod falngy:
II wish ! were dead oh, wish
were dead''
Hush. hush ! whispered; you
YOU must not say thau TonightEdio!
IL must be-"
She shyored
You you VIII bc with me. Paulg
You viii be with me. Paul? You wiz
not leave mc?"
Gro be Con,inued)
HIS BRUTAL AND BLOODY"