Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-28

CHAPTER VII.

A Deautiful day to sal on, she said, with a bewitching smile. 1 Yes, indeed,'' he said, looking her over from head to foot. He discov- cred fresh charms in her in the new i. gray traveling dress and hat. These things made the parting bangs in his breast all the more keen.
 T see you like my gown,'' she said reading his admiration in his glance Tt is pretty, isn't it?'
 ''Ies, it is very pretty, but that is not wonderful. You never wore any thing that wasn't just what it should be-
 She glanced at the veranda, on the edge of which stood her trunks, hand bags and rolls of steamer rugs, pill lows and a deck chair.
 You see James has got everything ready
 '.Dut Mrs"
 "Oh, Lucy has agreed to meet me at the ship. of course! She won't fail you may be sure.'
 Mrs. Goddard took a sealed envelope from her pocket and gave it to him.
 Don't, under any circumstances, lose or misplace these," she cautioned him.
 But what are they?" he asked, feel- ing q small object through the paper
 Tt contains a card and key, dear The card is the address of a private letter box on Sixth avenue, and the key is to open, whenever you like, box No. 56S''
 Goddard fumbled them distastefully without comment for moment, but with furtiye glance toward the house, his wife took them from him, and with playful air put them into the pocket of his coat
 You know," she explained, with a little frown, it may be that I shall hant to write to you in some other way than by directing my letters to [.yndhurst.'
 "Oh, Jeanne, these awful-awful de- .ails-''
 And here is a London address, Mrs Goddard Interrupted, her tone sharp and businesslille, as she gave him an other card. Tt has only Mrs. Nolan's address and name on it. All your let ters must be sent to her.
 He stood so helplessly before her that she had to place that card also into his pocket.
 II am almost afraid you will be too weak and silly to do all tell you," she said, sharply. If you fail, I shall never tae you again, and" She did not fin ish her threat, but the suggestion of it had the desired effect on him.
 II will try to do all you want, Jeanne. and l hope it will result in our ultimate happiness
 After breakfast, as they all stood in the dining-room. the carriage drove up to the door, followed by wagon to move the luggage Then Mrs. Goddard shook hands with Blanche and wiped her eyes on her handkerchief
 "Good-by," she said; do kiss me again.
 Blanche complied; her own eyes were dry and full of sweet. childlike wonder. The almost sleepless~ night she had passed had only deepened the mystery which, in her eyes, enveloped the wife of her guardian. Mrs. Goddard moved gracefully out into the hall. still wip- ing her eyes. Talley followed, his man. ner solicitous anC regretful. Goddard left the two together while he went out to give an order to the coachnlan
 While am away, Mr. TaIley," said Mrs. Goddard, coldly. II hope you will clip the wings of your foolish aspira- tions."
 Why. l don't understand you, Mrs. Goddard" he cried, in abiect astonish- ment. He stood as if stunned by blow.
 "Iou think you will win Blanche and get her money" she replied. with guarded rancor, but you might as well renounce your intentions; she'll never look in your direction. She can see what has influenced you''
 My God! Mrs. Goddard" exclaimed the young man. with a lock of deep pain, don't misjudge me. If I have dared to feel the most intense admira- tion for her, have not entertained even the slightest hope of ever gaining her favor. No man could live near her. and see her constant misery and witness her beautiful character and nature and keep from admiring her, but as to dar- ing to-"
 But the major was coming. and giv- ing Talley her hand Mrs. Goddard said. lightly:
 'Good-by, Mir. Talley; don't forget what have said."=
 He stood like stone and watched the carriage drive away Mrs. God dard was waving her handkerchief. but he seemed too deeply stunned to re- spond. When the carriage had disap- peared down the road he turned and saw Blanche standing by his side in- stead of watching the departing ve- hicie she was regarding him with a fixed, inquiring gaze.
 What is the matter with you?" she questioned, considerably.
 Nothing only" he stammered. 'sI-1-she-''
 Wonders will never cease,'' said Blanche. Are you, too, in love with her? l never dreamt of that; why-''
 ''Oh, no, not that, assure you" he declared. recovering a little of his color and animation. "On the con trary. T. Oh, Miss Briscoe, please do not think that of mel"
 She looked into his face thoughtful ly for several minutes, then she sad: You certainly had the queerest look on your face I ever saw on it. She must-did she say anything that hurt your feelings?' "She intinlated that was showing myself capab ble of very nresum ntio,,S