Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1899-07-08
CHAPTER xvi.-(Continued.)

Nv
visitors, and laid aside all his usual occu.
pations, lingering on. n forlorn and un.
spcakably wretched man, at Wynmore
Manor.
In the cottage itself Mabel was hardly
more secluded. more entirely shut out
from the world, than was Neville Wyn'
more, the wealthy, courted young peer.
One day, as she whom he mourned ana
remembered so faithfully stood watching
the trees swaying In the wind. she SUDDEN
y resolved that she would 20 home.
"Mary," she said, In her usuai Quiet
tones, turning to the maid. who genera!iy
sat working In the next room. Il nave oe-
cided TO 90 home. Will you pack up my
things to-day, rs I shall write to my fatn'
er 70 let him know that we may be ex'
pected tomorrow"
Mabel was surprised to notice sup
pressed smile on the maids countcnance'
but she rose, folded up her work, and an
swercd:
Every well, miss"
II shall leave by the two o'clock train.
that will give you and Jane plenty OF
time" added Mabel.
There's sure to be time enough, miss"
replied the girl, turning AWAY her head.
Mabel thought the servants manner
odd, but proceeded to write to her father
never without shudder did she 40 name
him-then packed up a few books ana
other valuables, and spent the rest OF the
day till nightfall gazing sadly from tne
window at the swaying trees ana tne
leaves whirling In the wind.
The thought of her return nome kept
her awake, and she did not rise TIL late
the next morning. Before leaving nei
room she noticed that her trunks were not
packed.
"How Is this, Mary she asked. Yen
have got nothing packed. and It 10 BOW
eleven o'clock"
"No, miss" answered the woman, some
what confusedly; but, II you please.
miss, II I were you, I'd wait and hear
what Mr.. Charlford says. No doubt he'd
like best to come and fetch you; and, be-
sides, there isn't train at two o'clock"
"You are mistaken-1 have looked at
Bradshaw; and my father begged me to
return at any time I wished. And, %
have written to him. I shall 20 to-day"
"Oh. indeed, miss, I cart sst your
trunks packed till tomorrow" declared
the maid.
"Then I shall 20 without my luggage,
and Il must be sent after me. cannot
understand why you should try to defer
my Journey" rejoined Mabel, wondering
at the girls conduct.
"Well, miss, your papa's orders are most
positive that We should take the utmost
care Of you In your weak state; and the
station IL q place you couldn't In no wise
20 to-it's too noisy and busting. You'd
best walk In the garden. or somewhere
where It's quiet"
Mabel looked at her Axedly. A whirl Of
emotions overcamc her. What was the
meaning Of this? Was she then prison.
err
She sat down. completely Frustrated BY
the frishtful and sudden conviction that
II she was not allowed to leave the house
Il could be only by her fathers orders. He
had not scrupled to deceive her - be had
done before. oh. heavens! had be deceiv.
ed her In that other matter which concern
ed fellow creatures lifef
bel that It rendered her speechless for the
moment. and the woman slipped away Il
avoid further questioning.
whatever happens. viii sscopeel
win escape! To stay here after thls would
be too cruel fatew she thought. "But
must mislead them, or all hope 10 past"
This 6xed resolution supported her. ohs
must seem to acQuiesce-she must 70
strain herself, and be quiet and gentle
allowing II to appear % II she awaited ths
arrival OF her father to take her away.
She caught giimmerlng Of the truth
oil her attendants In the house-all be-
old friends and acquaintance Mis,
Gray. her sisters. Dick himself, Nevill,
even, believed that she was dcranged.
She was lost to them because they hat
been induced to believe that no love-eve,
such love AZ theirs-could reach her. Oh
terrible moment! II her present awfu
captivity was ever to be changed. Il mus
be by assuming the state Of mind will
which all about her credited her; but
she could only see Dick she could open hi
eyes. A for Neville. had she not re
uounced him foreverf