The Leon reporter., 1901-03-07

Better send the young people to
bed, 1t is now daylight almost" sug-
gested the elders, and they carefully
avoided looking at each other.
That some terrible calamity had
happened even Lady Jane, whose first
fear had been that the bride had run
away, was fully convinced.
But, Leila, you will stay by me?"
| quavered the mistress of the house,
| suddenly transformed into broken
| down old woman.
II will, dear aunty.' gravely said
Leila. Il shall see little Syb safe in
bed, then shall return to you"
Leila Desmond, slenderly graceful,
soft and caressing, womanly to the
finger-tips, was yet one of those loyal
strong natures we 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 wnom he and this
perfect woman, nobly planned" had
sacrificed themselves so fatally
Every hour was bringing home to
him the terrible blunder he had made
in his life. Love between man and
woman was God-given, to be prizel
as sacred; but under the specious pre-
text of sacrificing himself for the good
of his house, he had torn love from
his heart, and then sold that empty
shell for gold. That it had been a bit
ter, sinful bargain he now knew.
Perhaps this impending calamity
which he was helplessly waiting for
the new day to discover might be
heavens punishment for what he had
done.
1t was still and quiet in the old
house. There was lull of expectancy
until the daylight should come to al
low action to be resumed.
In Leila's room it was silent as the
grave. Beside the white-draperied bed
knelt Leila herself. She was praying,
with frightened tears now no one was
by to see them-praying earnestly for
the hapless girl who had shadowed 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, shiver-
ing in her little blue dressing gown,
her face working convulsively.
HT non'f
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 gripped the thin wrist, her
breath coming thick and fast. Syb
| knew, then!
II heard cry, smothered scream
from the old oak chest, as walked
round the gallery; but 1 hated her so
that would not speak before! And
when saw you, through the open door
between our rooms, praying with sobs,
l knew it 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.
tits Leila! She has found out some
thing! Mother dear, stay here, l pray
you!"
He pressed Lady Jane back on her
seat.
mo one knows what, we have got
to facet"
Bring Barnes! Oh, be quick!" Le-
ilas voice cried again in an agony of
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-covere STAIR
case, and yet the old man was doing
his best, though Gervis would fain
uofC vi eS6cu ulul uU Two SLepS dC d
time.
Where are you, Leila?" he hoarsely
shouted.
Here! here! Quick!"
Round the curve of the gallery they
found Leila, tearing frantically the
holly and moss decorations from what
had been a bank of greenery.
The blood was trickling down her
hands and wrists, as the holly tore
them cruelty. But, unconscious of
pain, Leila continued to pull, until the
old blackjack chest, which had been
the foundation of the green bank, was
displayed.
Press the spring, Barnes! Nobody
in Temple-Dene knows the secret but
you. Press, for Gladys dear sake!"
painted the girl, madly beside herself.
Whatever" Barnes was begin
ming, and fumbling with his specta-
cles.
Man, do as you're bid!" shouted
Gervis. catching the infection of Le-
ila's frenzy. And he dragged Barnes
forward
Something in his blazing eyes made
the old man pull himself together.
He stopped forward With shaking
hands, he felt along the carvings; but
how slow he was! The watchers
caught their breaths and shivered
"'Tis in the shamrock, do mind
srr.-