Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-07-04

His face was careworn and sallow.
She looked up AZ he approached.
"A beautiful day TO sail on" she
said with a bewitching smile.
Eyes, indeed" he said, looking her
over from head to foot. He discov-
cred fresh charms in her in the new
gray travelling dress and hat These
things made the parting pangs in his
breast all the more keen.
II see you like my gown" she said.
reading his admiration in his glance.
at is pretty. isn't II"
"Yes, 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 deck chair.
"You see James has got everything
ready"
But Mrs"
ooh, 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 ii TO him.
Don't, under any circumstances,
lose or misplace these" she cautioned
him.
"But what are thev?" he asked. feel
| ing a small object through the paper.
| ct 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. Sos"
Goddard fumbcd them distastefully
without comment for a moment. but
I with a furtive glance toward the
| house, his wife took them from him,
end With a playful air put them into
the pocket of his coat.
"You know" she explained. with a
little frown, AT NAV be that I shall
want to write 10 YOU in some other
way than by directing my letters to
Lyndhurst,"
"Oh, Jeanne, these awful-awful de-
tails"
"Apd here is London address," Mrs
Goddard interrupted. her tone sharp
and busincssike. as she gave him an
other card. at has only Mrs. Nolan's
address and name on It. All your let
ters must be sent 10 her"
He stood so helplessly before her that
she had to place that card also into his
pocket.
81 am almost afraid You will be too
weak and silly to do all tell you" she
said, sharply. "If you fail. | shall never
see you again, and" She did not fin
ish her threat. but the suggestion of it
had the desired effect on him.
81 will try to do all you want. Jeanne,
end hope it will result in our ultima e
happiness"
After breakfast. as they all stood in
the dning-room. the carriage drove up
to the door, followed by a 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 SOLICITORS and regretful. Goddard
lcft the two toget her while he went out
to give an order to the coachman.
while ! am away, Mr.. Talley," said
- IL IN
clip the wings of your foolish aspira
tons"
"Whv. don't understand YOU, Mrs
Goddard" he cried. in abject astonish
ment. He stood as if stunned by q
blow.
you think You will win Blanche nj
get her money" she replied. with
guarded rancor, but you might as wei
rsnounce your intentions; she'll never
look in your direction. She can see
what has Influenced you."
"My God Mrs. Goddard" exclaim &c
the young man, with look Of deeT
pain, don't misiudge me. If have
dared TO feel the most intense admira
tion for her, have not entertained ever
the slightest hope of ever gaining he
favor. No man could live near her. anc
see her constant misery and witness
her beautiful character and nature a nt
keep from admiring her. but as to dar
ing to"
But the ma ior was coming. and civ
ing Talley her hand Mrs. Goddard said
, lightly;
"Good-by, Mr.. Talley; don't forge
,, what I have said"
He stood like a stone and watched
the carriage drive away. Mrs. God
dsrd was waving her handkerchief
but he seemed too deeply stunned to re
> spond. When the carriage had disap
peared down the road he turned ant
saw Blanche standing by his side. In
> stead Of watching the departing We
! hicle she was regarding him with
fixed. inquiring gaze.
c what is the matter with you?" sh
questioned considerably.
> "Nothing-only-" he stammered
: "I-l--she-"
Wonders will never cease" sal
: Blanche. Are you, too, in love witt
= her? I never dreamt of that; why
; "Oh, no, not that, | assure YOU" h
, declared, recovering little of hi
color and animation. "On the con
trary, / Oh, Miss Briscoe, please d
- not think that of me-"
She looked into his face thoughtful