The Delta independent., 1901-07-26
CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.
1t was late the same evening. and
Mildred sitting in her mothers room,
with one hand clasped in Lady Caro-
lines. was gazing idly into the fire,
seeming pale and detected in the req
light Of the flame, that ever and anon
blazed up and sunk. and almost died,
and frightened up again. Yet in her
heart there was q great well of thank
fulness, of JOY unutterable- had
not the doctor. fully an hour before,
declared Denzil out Of any immediate
danger?
Up to that moment Miss Trevanion
had remained in her own apartment,
not caring to encounter the gaze Of
curious observers-now walking fever
ishly backward and forward with un-
spoken prayers within her breast, now
sitting stunned and wretched. waiting
for the tidings she yet dreaded to hear.
But, when Lady Caroline came to
tell her all was well for the present.
she could say nothing; she only fol-
lowed her mother back to her own
room where she fell upon her knees
| and cried as II her heart would break.
Suddenly the door opened and SER
want stood revealed.
Lord Lyndon's compliments to
| to see her for a few minutes In the
north drawing room." he said, and lin
gered for reply.
Il will be down directly" Mildred
answered tremulously. and when he
had withdrawn turned nervously to-
ward Lady Caroline. "Oh. moth2."
she said. what can say to him?
What must he think Of mel"
Have courage. my darling" whis-
pered Lady Caroline. land own the
truth-plain speaking is ever the best
and wisest. Afterward he will forgive
you. Remember how impatiently
shall be waiting here for your return"
"Of course he will understand that
It Il now AL over between us?" MI
dred asked. half anxiously. as she
reached the door.
"Of course he will" said Lady Caro-
line, with q suppressed sigh. How
could she help regretting this good
thing that was passing away from her
daughter. Nov go. and do not keep
him in suspense any longer"
So Mildred went; but, a. she passed
the threshold Of the room that con-
tanned Lord Lyndon. a sudden rush of
memory almost overpowered her. car
rying her back. as 1t did. to that other
night. few short weeks ago, when
she had similarly stood, but in how
different position In the sight OF the
man now standing opposite to her.
Then she had come to offer him all
that was dearest to him on earth, now
she was come to deprive him of that
boon-was standing before him. tudg-
ed and condemned as having given
away that which In nowise belonged
to her.
She scarcely dared to raise her head.
but waited, shame-stricken. for him
to accuse her, with eyes bent sorrow
fully downward.
Il have very little to say to you,"
Gaid Lyndon, hoarsely, in a voice that
was strange and cold. all the youth
being gone out Of 1t. but thought II
better to get It over at once-to end
this farce that has been playing 10
long"
No answer from Miss Trevanion-
NO movement-no sound even, beyond
slight catching Of the breath. y
why you should have treated me
as you have is altogether beyond my
fathoming." ne went on. Surely
could never have deserved 1t at your
hands. When gave you that paltry
money a few weeks ago, little
thought 1t was accepted as the price OF
your affection. Affection! Nay. rather
federation. Had l known 1t would
have flung 1t into the sea before II
should have 80 degraded boA yourself
and me. Had you no comb passion
no thought Of the dreary future you
were SO coldly planning out for US
both-I ever striving to gain love
that was not to be gained-you per-
petually remembering past days that
contained all the sweetness OF your
life? There-it is of small use my re-
preaching you now; the thing is done,
and cannot be undone. You have only
acted as hundreds OF women have act
ed before YOU ruined one mans hap
piness completely. and very nearly
wrecked another's. all for the want Of
little honesty"
He made few steps forward, ~
though to pass her, but she arrested
him by laying both her hands on his
arm.
1 "oh, Henry, forgive met she az
claimed. with deep emotion. You can
not leave me like this. know have
been bad, wicked. deceitful. in every