The Red Cloud chief., 1900-12-28

ktSttu tht tiutlC, oi' 'hNy
avoided looking at each other.
That some terrible calamity had
happened wen Lady Jane, whose mrs;
fear had been that the bride had run
away, was fully convinced.
But, Leila, you will stay by me?'
uuavered the mistress OF the house,
suddenly transformed into a broken
down old woman.
81 will, dear aunty," gravely said
Leila. II shall see little Syb safe in
bed, then | shall return to you"
Leila Desmond, ~slenderly graceful.
soft and caressing, womanly to the
finger-tirs, was yet one Of those loyal,
strong natures W. turn to lean upon
In the day of trouble"
Gervis gave her one look OF rever-
ence, then he placed his arm round
that mother for whom he and this
perfect woman, nobly planned had
sacrificed themselves so fatally.
Every hour was bringing home to
him the terrible blundcr he had made
in his life. Love between man ana
woman was God-given, to be priGel
as sacred; but under the specious pre-
text IF sacrificing himself for the good
of his house, he had torn love IRON
his heart. and then sold that empty
shell for gold. That 1t had been a bit
ter, sinful bargain he now knew.
Perhaps this impending calamity
which he was helplessly wait ng for
the new day TO discover might be
heavens punishment for what he had
done.
II was still and quiet in the old
house. There was a lull Of expectancy
until the daylight should come to al
low action to be resumed.
In Leila's room it was silent rs the
grave. Beside the white-drapcried bed
knelt Leila herself. She was praying.
with frightened tears now no one was
by I o 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 IN long
er! dare not, though l do hate her
sol" the deformed girl was saying, her
teeth chattering as much from terror
as from cold.
Speak, Syb!"
Leila gripred the thin wrist, her
breath coming thick and fast. Syb
knew. then!
81 heard n cry. a smothered scream
from the old oak chest. as | walked
round the gallery; but ! hated her so
that l would not speak before! And
when | saw you, through the open door
between our rooms, praying with sobs,
knew 1t 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 shrieked
loudly. Her voice, sharp with fear,
rang through the old house and made
Gervis leap to his feet.
Its Leila! She has found out some
thing! Mother dear, stay here, ! pray
you!"
He pressed Lady Jane back on heI
seat.
mo one knows what we have got
TO facet"
Bring Barnes! Oh, be qulck!" lie.
ila's voice cried again in an agony ol
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 doinf
his best, though Gervis would fair
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 thu
holly and moss decorations from wha'
had been n bank OF greenery.
The blood was trickling down he
hands and wrists, as the holly tore
them cruelty. But, unconscious o
pain, Leila continued to pull, until tn
old blackjack chest, which had beer
the foundation of the green bank, wa!
displayed.
Press the spring, Barnes! Nobod!
in Temple-Dene knows the secret bu
YOU. Press, for Gladys dear sake!'
painted the girl. madly beside herself
"Whatever--" Barnes was begin
ming, and fumbling with his specta
Giles.
Man, do as you're bid" shoute'
Hop,ia oatohipg tho inPaptipu nf 10