The Lamar register., 1900-06-20
CHAPTER ~.

is not in the least what Barbara eX-
pected. 1t is very short letter, and
out of 1t falls cheque for two hun
dred pounds. And there is nothing
about her engagement at all. except a
casual allusion to the danger of filrta-
tions that can end in nothing And
Barbara is to come out to Tasmania at
once, by the next steamer that sails
after she receives the letter. The two
hundred pounds is to purchase an out
fit and defray the expenses OF the yoy-
age.
Mrs. Saville also receives a letter,
which is possibly more lengthy. and
may contain more information than
the communication to Barbara, in
which her father only says he is lonely
and wants her to manage his house
hold for him.
Mrs. Saville looks keenly at her
niece as she sees her reading the let
ter. while the color forsakes her face.
! And Sebastian watches Barbara, too.
Father wants me to go out to him"
Barbara says. lifting her great, trou
bled eyes. In her heart she knows
that this command Is only to separate
ner Tfoin GeOTSe-
Mrs Sayille folds up her own letter.
Yes, so your father says. He thinks
you are old enough now to be at this
head OF his house: but we will miss
you. dear. And | see he expects you
to start at once. He mentions the
steamer that some friends OF his ars
going out by. Every thing will be
dreadfully hurried. We must go to
London in day or SO and get your
things"
Barbara sits white and miserable
To leave George. that is her one
thought-to put thousands OF miles be-
tween them. The thought is intoler-
able; blt not till breakfast is over,
and Sebastian. with another ineompre-
hensIbIe look. has iounged out of the
room. does Barbara speak. Then she
looks at her aunt.
Aunt Julia. does father say nothing
about George7 You know We are en-
gagged"
Mrs. saville smiles rather provok-
ingIy.
II do not think your father has any
objection to your considering yourself
engaged He hardly mentions the sub
[ ject.
Barbara's color rises. She is to be
treated as child. then, who has Sc,
its heart on possessing the moon, and
| every one knows II is nonsense.
II will go out to father as he
wishes" she says, proudly, but when
! l am of age will marry George Bou-
yerle; so there viii only be a year to
wait. and then nobody can make any
1 objection.
II was not aware that any one had
objected" Mrs. Saville returns. Il
have not tried to prevent your engag-
[ ing yourself TO any one
Barbara's lip quivers. This tacit
| ignoring OF her engagement is hard to
bear.
Mrs. SavilIe, who has no sympathy
with her. proceeds to discuss Bar
hara's clothes.
You will want some gowns" she
saws. II am sure l do not know what
kind OF things you Will want. be-
lieve 1t is nice climate; but I fancy
some one told me there is always east
wind. and that is so trying.
But Barbara can take no interest in
her clothes,
II have plenty Of things. l shall
only get deck chair she says, al
most Grossly, for this bauishment to
the other side of the world Is very
hard to endure. Besides, her nerves
are on tho rack on account of George
Bouyerle's troubles.
Your father has sent you check
for YOUR expenses" Mrs. Saville says
presently. And Barbara says Yes"
and no more.
Ms. Saville gathers up her letters
and rises from the table.
Il must go and tell Mason to com
mence packing. Really. 1t is hardly
fair to make you start at minutes
notice; but the steamer your father
names sails in a few days, and we
have to meet these people who are to
take care of you"
Barbara bursts into tears. She is
stung to a pitch of excitement. and can
only realize the one awful fact-she
must say good-by to George and leave
him in his trouble.
MY dear. there is nothing to cry
for" Mrs. Saville says. crossing the
room in her trailing garments, and
leaving IL as Sebastian enters.