The Delta independent., 1901-06-21
Mildred -
* 6reuunion
Il Il Il X x 4 Z X II II x x x y x !: i: 4: i:
BY THE DvcHEss.


CHAPTER Ix.-Continued)
As for Mildred. no sooner had the
words crossed her lips than she dis
dained herself for the ut.erance of
them, and wished them back unsaid.
Ever since that fatal night In the IL
brary Denzil and she had lived SEEM
slngly unseen and unheard by each
other, as distinctly remote as though
spheres had separated them. instead Of
80 many rooms or feet. as the case
might be. Now she felt that. by this
one rash. uncalled-for act, she had
done away with all the good so many
silent days had helped to accomplish.
Nevertheless. having once given her.
word Mildred felt that she must abide
by II. and appeared at the breakfast
table next morning. to all outward
seeming as imperturable as usual.
Eddie had also risen betimes to see
his friend depart. and rattle on in gal
liant style all through the dismal meal.
leaving no space for the other two to
express their opinions. had they been
80 inclined. At length. footman en-
tering TO announce the arrival of the
dog-cart at the hall door. Eddie rose
TO see to Denzil's further comforts. and
SO left him and Mildred ut last alone.
He came toward her. and. taking
both her hands. held them with clasp
that amounted almost to pain.
Think OF me kindly" he said. in
low tone full of acute meaning.
Il will she said.
is It quite hopeless. Mildred"
You will be late for your train"
murmnred Miss Trevanion. very gent
~.
So II fell out that Kings Abbott was
once more bere:t of guests: and still
the Trevanions were unhappy. because
the very train that carried away
snngly ensconeed among Its cushions
the unhappy Denzil. brought to Lady
Caroline n letter that filled her gentle
bosom with dire alarm.
The letter began. Mr.. Dear Niece"
and ended. Your attached aunt. Har-
riet Disney" its contents being to the
effect that Lady Eagleton-Lady Caro-
lines aunt by the fathers side-had
gsDeroussly made up her mind to sacri-
dee her pleasures, inclination. habits.
and self generally for the purpose OF
bestowing her society upon her dear
heavy blow. her ladyship-having at
tained the troublesome age OF eighty
tvo-being one OF those people whom
to entertain Is n kind OF martyrdom.
A. misfortunes never come single. II
was Just about this time also that Lady
Caroline heard for the nrst time of
Aiidred's refusal OF Denxil Youngc. The
girl had hitherto kept II nervously to
hsrself thinking OF II now and then
With mingled feelings of pain and
something akin TO pleasure. but out
wardly suppressing nil sign until this
day. when Lady Caroline timidly and
without preface touched on the subject
Of his evident admiration OF her.
1T seems a pity you could not care
for him. Mildred" she said. interroga-
lively. as though II were by no means
= certainty that Mildred did not care
for him; I'VE should all like It so much.
and your father Gays
Mildred rose hastily and threw down
on her cheeks.
Mamma" she said. perhaps It will
be better. and will put stop to all
further mention of this matter. II 1
tell you the truth. Mr.. Younge did
propose to me. and refused him.
She finished almost dehantly and
turned to leave the room.
Mildred. is Il possible?" exclaimed
Lady Caroline.
"Oh. Milly!" cried Mabel. who was
also present, with lively reproaeh and
disapproval in her tone.
rs II such a crime them Has moth
ing OF the kind ever been done be-
forei" demanded Mildred, passionate
ly: and then she went out. and left
them to their wonderings and censures
on her conduct.
When eventually Sir George was told
the unlucky news, II rendered him at
nrst furious. and then despairing.
Things were becoming more embar-
rasscd and entangled day by day. the
immediate possession of large sum
Of money being the only hope his law
yer could hold out to him OF ultimate
~ saving the estate: and. as affairs
were, It would be difficult II not I'm
possible task to procure II. Denzil.
with his immense wealth. was out Of
his great love for Mildred, would have
thought little Of lending twice the
amount required But now all that was
changed, and Mildreds had been the
hand to dash the hope aside.
1n ulS
strangely distant and unsympathetic to
her In those days; her father irritably
20. her mother with a sort OF mourn
full gravity that touched her far more.
Lord Lyndon. who at this period
showed tact and an adroitness that
would have reflected honor on clev-
erer man. managed to be perpetually
at her side. His attentions were open
and unmistakable. while he declared
his inability to withdraw from her