The Yale expositor., 1900-12-28

avoided looking at each other.
That some terrible calamity had
happened even Lady Jane, whose frs
Gear had been that the bride had run
away, was fully convinced.
But, Leila, you will stay by me?'
luavered the mistress OF the house,
suddenly transformed into brohen-
down old woman.
II will, dear aunty," gravely said
Leila. Il shall see little Syb safe IL
bed, then / shall return to you"
Leila Desmond, slenderly graceful,
soft and caressing, womanly to the
lnger-tlps, was yet one of those loyal,
:trcng natures we turn to lean upol
u the day of trouble"
Gervis gave her one look Of revcr-
ence, then he placed his arm round
hat mother for wnom he and this
perfect woman, nobly planned had
.acrifced themselves so fatally.
Every hour was bringing homo to
IN the terrible blunder he had made
4 his llle Love between man ana
conan was God-given, to be pricel
IS sacred but under the specious pre-
cAt of sacrificing himself for the good
L his house, he had torn love from
ais heart, and then sold that empty
hell for gold. That it had been lit
or, sinful bargain he now knew.
Perhaps this impending calamity
which he was helplessly waiting for
he new day to discover might be
.eavens punishment for what he had
one.
Il was still and quiet in the Old
ousc. There was lull of expectancy
ntl the daylight should come to al
ow action to be resumed.
In Leila's room it was silent as c.,a
grave Beside the white-draperied bed
knelt Leila herself. She was praying,
with frightened tears now no one was
by to see them-praying earnestly for
the hapless girl who had Swallowed her
life.
That something dire had happened
Leila instinctively knew; but all she
could do was to pray for help from
above.
Leila! Sis!" A hoarse, shrill
voice made her spring to her feet.
Close at her side stood Syb, SILVER
ing in her little blue dressing gown,
her face working convulsively.
Il can't keep it from you any long
err! 1 dare not, though I do hate her
sol" the deformed girl was saying, her
teeth chattering as much from terror
rs from cold.
Speak, Syb!"
Leila gripped the thin wrist, her
breath coming thick and fast. Syb
knew, then!
Il heard a cry, smothered scream
from the old oak chest, as / walked
round the gallery; but l hated her so
that / would not speak before! And
when I saw you, through the open door
between our rooms, praying with sobs.
u knew it must be for her. So l must
tell, and you'd better be quick!"
Syb slipped to the floor in a swoon.
But Leila was already gone. With
flying feet she was rushing downstairs
from the third floor, where her bed
room and Syb's were.
"Gervis! Gervis! Come, and come
quickly! Bring Barnes!" When she
had reached the gallery she shr!eked
loudly. Her voice, sharp with fear,
rang through the old house and made
Gervis leap to his feet.
It's Leila! She has found out some
hi " etc I
you!'
He pressed Lady Jane back on her
seat
"No one knows what we have got
to facet"
Bring Barnes! Oh, be Quick!" Le-
ila's voice cried again in an agony of
haste.
Barnes. the white-haired old butler
was stiff and rheumatic. 1t seemed
as though he would never reach the
top of the wide, crimson-covered stair
case, and yet the old man was doing
his best, though Gervis would fain
have dragged him up two steps at
time.
where are you, Leila?" he hoarsely
shouted
Here! here! Quick!"
Round the curve of the gallery they
found Leila, tearing frantically the
holly and moss decorations from what
had been bank of greenery.
The blood was trickling down her
hands and wrists, as the holly tore
them cruelty. But, unconscious of
pain, Leila continued to pull, until the
old blackjack chest. which had been
the foundation Of the green bank, was
displayed.
Press the spring. Barnes! Nobody
in Temple-Dene knows the secret but
you. Press, for Gladys dear sake!"
painted the girl, madly beside herself.
Whatever" Barnes was begin
ming, and fumbling with his specta-
cles.
Man, do as you're bid" shouted
Gervis, catching the infection of Le-
Has frenzy. And ne dragged Barnes
forward.
Something in his blazing eyes made