Morris tribune., 1899-08-26

less deluge upon the wood.
The dark mass of trees, stripped OF
all foliage, looked unspeakably somDre
through the grey, wet mist; but Made
line seemed to find sort Of melan-
choly satisfaction in gazing at 1t.
Marjorie stole glance at her more
than once, and saw she was not in
clined to talk.
She was paler than usual, and there
was a look of brooding melancholy In
her eyes,
Edgar Hyde kept getting up from his
chair and pacing about the room in
impatient restlesgness, occasionally
venting an objuFgation against the
weather.
Hfs uncle sat absorbed in thought.
Marjorie felt strangely sad and out
of sorts, and Of all the party Charley
HYDE alone retained any vestige OF
on that dull, dreary Feb
ruary afternoon.
He kept talking genially to each
one in turn, and it was only when ne
found that no one-not even Marjorie
was in the mood for conversation,
that he took refuge in book.
ct feel just as though something
were going to happen-something
1readruI." thought marjorie, Win lit
tie shiver of apprehension, as she
watched the cold, driving rain.
Then she remembered that to-mor-
row was St. Valentines Day, the ami
versary of her fathers awful death;
and at the recollection she shiverec
again, though she could scarce tell why.
Dinner at Denelands was served earl
Ter on Sundays than on other days.
The rain continuing. no one attempt
ed to go to church, and the evening
to be as dreary as the afternoon.
'I think I'll go round to the stables
and have look at that horse" re-
marked Charles getting up with a
yawn,
The horse he alluded to was the one
they had purchased yesterday
He was away about ten minutes. and
when he came back he limped badly,
and was evidently in pain.
''The brute has kicked me!' he said.
sinking into chair.
"Why, what the -" began Edgar,
angrily; but stopped at reprovlng
look from his uncle. do you mean to
saw YOU can't walk any better than
that?' he demanded. after pause.
eff you'd got my foot, question
whether you'd walk as WE'LL" retorted
Charles, with perfect good humor.
There's bruise on it, I'll wager. as
black as my hat"
Come upstairs and let's have look
at it," said his brother, impatiently,
81 never knew such careless fellow.
The horse would have been right
enough if you'd let it alone. -
And he cast an almost savage look
at him.
All three gentlemen left the room
together, Charles, leaning on his broth
er's arm.
In about ten minutes Edgar came
down, looking cross and slllen.
'Is his foot really much hurt?'' ASK
ed Madeline, while Marjorie was con-
sumed with the secret anxiety she
dared not show.
"Oh, yes, he's hurt right enough, +"
replied Edgar, GROSSLY. What did he
want to go meddling with the horse
for? His cursed folly may"
He stopped short, biting his lip IN
some confusion, as the door opened to
admit his uncle, and. behind him.
Charles, with his Injured foot in alarge
slipper and his face trife paler than
usual.
Marjorie sent a glance Of sympathy
towards him. and he acknowledged 1t
The horse would have been right
enough if you'd let it alone"
And he cast ar almost savage look
by getting near her presently, and TAX
ing her hand for a moment with q
gently reassuring pressure.
my dear. let us have little music"
said Mr. Hyde. turning to Marjorie:
and she went to the piano, and played
his favorite airs from Handel and Men
delsshon.
He praised her efforts, but scarcely
seemed to enjoy: them so much al
usual.
He leaned back In his easy chair
with his hand to his head. as though
not quite well.
"Have you a headache, uncle?" ask
ed Charles, with kindly interest.
Eyes, my boy, / have. One of those
wretched headaches which make me
feel i'll altogether. l think, if you'll
excuse me, I'll go to bed"
He rose as he spoke, and prepared
to say goodnight.
isn't there anything we can do for
your asked Marjorie, gently, as she
took his hand.
"No. my dear. nothing. A nights
rest will do me good but nothing else
can. God bless you! Goodnight"
Then he took leave of his daughter
and nephews. Never had Marjorie
seen him more genially benevolent and
kind. His fine countenance was not
quite so bright and jocund as usual
but tenderness beamed over his every
feature.
Long, long was 1t before Marjorie
forgot how he looked and spoke that
night