The Iola register., 1901-02-22

Don't, under any circumstances,
lose or misplace these" she cautioned
him.
"But what are they?' he asked, feel
ing a small object through the paper.
at contains 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 fumbled them distastefully
without comment for a moment, but
with a furtive glance toward the
house, his wife took them from him,
and with a playful air put them into
the pocket of his coat.
"You know" she explained. with a
little frown, "it may be that l shall
want to write to you in some other
way than by directing my letters to
Lyndhurst."
"Oh. Jeanne, these awful-awful de-
tails"
"And here is II London address," Mrs.
Goddard interrupted, her tone sharp
and businesslike, as she gave him au-
other card. at has only Mrs. Nolan's
address and name on it, All your let
ters must be sent to 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
tel 10. . l. .r, -
had the desired effect on him.
81 will try to do all you want, Jeanne,
and hope it will result in our ultimate
happiness"
After breakfast, as they all stood in
the dining-room, the carriage drove up
to the door, followed by 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, childlite 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 solicitous and regretful. Goddard
left the two together while he went out
to give an order to the coachman.
"While am away, Mr.. Talley," said
Mrs. Goddard, coldly, 81 hope you will
clip the wings of your foolish aspira-
tions."
"Why, l don't understand you, Mrs.
Goddard" he cried, in abiect astonish-
ment. lie stood as if stunned by a
blow.
"You think you will win Blanche and
get her money" she replied. with
guarded rancor, "but you might as well
renounce your intentions; she'll never
look in your direction. She can see
what has influenced you"
"My Godl Mrs. Goddard" exclaimed
the young man, with a look of deep
pain, don't misjudge me. II I have
| dared to feel the most intense admira-
tion for her, have not entertained even
the slightest hope of ever gaining her
favor. No man could live near her, and
see her constant misery and witness
her beautiful character and nature and
keep from admiring her, but as to dar-
ing to"
But the major was coming and Civ
ing Talley her hand Mrs. Goddard said,
| lightly:
"Goodby, Mr.. Talley; don't forget
what ! have said"
He stood like stone and watched
the carriage drive away. Mrs. God
| dard was waving her handkerchief,
but he seemed too deeply stunned to re-
spond. When the carriage had disap-
! peared down the road he turned and
saw Blanche standing by his side. In
stead of watching the departing We
hicle she was regarding him with a
fixed, inquiring gaze.
What is the matter with you?" she
questioned, considerably.
Nothing-only-" he stammered.
"l--I-she-"
Wonders will never cease" said
| Blanche. Are you, too, in love with
her? | never dreamt of that; why"
"Oh, no, not that, | assure YOU" he
declared, recovering a little of his
color and animation. "On the con-
| trary. I Oh. Miss Briscoe. please do
not think that of mel"
She looked into his face thoughtful-
ly for several minutes. then she SAID:
"You certainly had the qucerest
look on your face | ever saw on it,
She must-did she say anything that
hurt your feelngs?"
"She intimated that l was showing