The Holly chieftain., 1900-06-15

CHAPTER u.-(Continued.) J

- ChAfA En- iI.-lCOutlnueQ.J
"I remembered this was the day you
spoke of riding over" said DIR. Adair
Rothes-for 1t was he-in a low voice:
but / hardly expected you would
come today. with these terrible rumors
about"
Bluebelrs eyes grew larger than
their wont.
''Rumors? haven't heard any," she
said. What are they, Doctor Rothes!'
You haven't heard?" He had not
very closely now. They say that the
Beers are marching into Natal"
''Oh!" Bluebell uttered little cry.
and the rosy color faded out of her
face "Is it war, then?"
Il suppose So" Rothes answered
gravely. at seems Kruger has as good
as declared war by sending message
to England demanding that our troops
should be Immediately recalled from
South Africa"
Bluebell sat very still on her horse.
her hands clasped; Rothes had at last
withdrawn his.
''Will thew come to Ladysmith?" she
whispered at last.
Rothes nodded THAT is what is
expected. We shall be besieged. The
inhabitants are beginning to fly all
ready. and expect in a few days
Ladysmith will be deserted except by
the garrison"
And you, what will you do?" Blue
bell asked. There was a little Quiver
in her voice, which seemed to send a
swift thrill of mingled Joy and pain to
Rothes' very soul.
Il shall remain here, of course" he
answered, trying to speak in his usual
tone. unless there is fighting out
side. If there is shall go with the
army
Bluebell was silent for a moment,
and then she said:
You will be on our side, of course?"
Il will be with the British army"
Rothes answered quietly. but. thank
heaven, doctors business is not to
fight ON any particular side, or to slay
his brother, but to do what he can for
those who are wounded and dying on
either side. But you are going into
the town. Miss Leslie? must not
keep you"
II have messages" said Bluebell:
but will not wait long. as am 60
ing back alone"
May go bit of the way with
your" Rothes asked eagerly. II do
not like the Idea of you riding those
twelve miles alone with the country in
this unsettled state"
Her soft eyes fell suddenly. Bluebell
would hardly acknowledge to herself
how her heart beat and her veins
thrilled at the proposal.
Thank you." she said the next
moment. 1T is kind of you. l shall
leave the town about three. think"
Then shall be here at that time"
he answered. Goodbye, Just now"
And he moved away.
Bluebell rode on into the town.
The terrible tidings had shocked and
Mortified her. but she WAS not fright
ened. There was little fear in Bluebell
Leslie's nature, small and childish and
fragile as she looked. And che was
woman; and the look in Adair Rothes'
eyes, the close, warm clasp of his
hand. occupied her thoughts almost
more than this terrible picture of
war.
She found Ladysmith in a state of
confusion. Many of the shops were
shut But Dluebell managed to get
her business done. and then went to
see one Of her acquaintanccs.
She found her busy preparing for
departure.
Il suppose it's safer to Co." said
Mrs. Lloyd. pretty little English wo-
man, whose husband was an engineer.
Ted insists on my going: but don't
feel as II could leave him here
alone"
You are going and Mr.. Lloyd is
remaining?" exclaimed Bluebell, with
startled eyes, and then: "Oh, Nellie,
how can you?"
Il would not, Of course, II had only
myself to consider" said Mrs. Lloyd,
the tears springing to her eyes; "but
there is my poor llttle baby. Bluebell.'
What of that?" said Bluebell. "a
wife's place is beside her husband,
surely? Better you should both die
together, II the worst comes, than that
you should be separated. Nellie, how
would you feel II anything Happened
to your husband and you 80 far
away?" HI.
Nellie burst into tears.
Yes. you are quite right, Bluebell.
held out against Ted ever SO long, and,
now that you speak like that I. feel