Middletown transcript., 1904-02-27

furnished with heavy old-fashioned furn-
iture. They had looked gloomly to Stella
on her brief visit the evening before, but
they looked still more so now in the
cheerful morning light, which seemed
only to add to their dreariness. She
shivered little as she advanced towards
the great curtained bed where her siste
sat, supported by pillows.
Miss Passingham had been handsome
woman in her youth, and her face still
had a haggard witch-like beauty OF its
own. Her dark eyes were as keen as ever
under the overhanging brows, and her
snow white hair added to their brilliancy.
She stretched out a claw-like hand to
Stella, but made no attempt to kiss her.
Stella was thankful. She had been kissed
the night before, and the touch OF the
dry parchment lips had made her shud-
der
Did you sleep well? Miss Passingham
asked.
Her voice was hoarse and weak, hardly
above whisper. The stern commanding
tone that Stella had been familiar with
in her childhood was altogether gone.
I slept very well, Stella answered
quickly. My room is charming, Cathar-
inc. l could not be more comfortable.
That was Mary's doing, returned Miss
Passingham. She would have cut her
head off if it would have added to your
comfort. How do you think she is look
ing?
The question was asked SO sharply,
with such fash from the deep-set eyes,
that Stella was startled.
Molly? che faltered.
Yes-Molly, if you like to call her SO.
It is name for a child, not grown-up
woman. But what do you think of her2
Does she look happy? CAN'T you speak,
child?
She has been anxious about you, Stella
said hesitatingly. You have been so i'll.
Catharine!
/ am better now, or so the doctor says.
am not going to die just yet. Why was
Molly crying last night? She thought l
was asleep, but l was watching her all
the time. 1t is years since l saw her cry.
She was never one Of those who shed
tears for trif1e. Child, you have bright
eyes; you look as if you could use them
we'll. What do you think? Is Mary un-
happy about anything?
Again Stella hesitated. Miss Passing
hams eyes seemed to be searching her
very soul.
/ don't think that she has been very
happy, Catharine, she answered after a
moment But now that I have come
home
Miss Passingham broke into harsh
laugh.
You think that she has been fretting
for you? There-that is enough. Go
away now. Mary was happy before | fell
i'll, or perhaps she pretended to be. l
must find out which it was. What if she
did care, and L But there-go, child
Say nothing to her. l do not want her
to know that was awake last night.
She waved Stella away and turned her
face to the wall. As Stella left the room
she heard her utter low moan and NUT
ter something which she could not catch.
Stella hurried away, and drew breath of
relief as the gallery door shut behind her.
She was glad to he out of Catharine's
apartments. An air Of tragedy brooded
over them. Catlarine's eyes, as she had
gazed at her, were full of unutterable
pain. No wonder poor Molly had broken
into tears as she had watched by her
through the night! Molly was worn out.
Her life had been such lonely one. But
it should be happier now. And bright
visions OF the future foated before Stella !
az she ran to dress for her walk with |
Miss Passingham should have kind |
to wait on her, and Molly |
should live more than half the year at |
the Abbey or at Cadogan Square. In
each house there should be a suite of
rooms set apart for her, furnished as
prettily and brightly as possible. She
should have her own maid and her own
carriage. For the first time in her life
she should know what ease and luxury
meant. The strictest economy had been
necessary to make both ends meet at the
Grange, and all the luxuries had been re-
served for Catharine. But now there
would be plenty of money for Molly
She should never be poor or lonely ag.in.
CHAPTER "
But, Stella, you promised. Miss Mary,
The promised. Is it too far for your
,ould get the pony carriage round in five
minutes. The falls will be glorious this
afternoon after the rain last night. Do
you really mean that you do not want to
20?
There was wondering reproach in An
,hony's voice as he stood, cap in hand,
before Molly and Stella, who were sitting
IN the lawn after luncheon under the
'hade Of the big chestnut. Stella had
promised the evening before to walk with
Anthony across the moors to Deepdene
Falls that afternoon, but now it seemed
hat she had changed her mind.
/ am tired, she said almost pettishly in
'nswer to hisimploring appeal. We have
had SO many long walks lately. l am
Iondoner, remember, and miss the
,avements. And there is this dinner
,arty tonight. Molly and have been
having all the morning 10 make the table
ook pretty.
Yes are both very tired, said Molly
With kind smile at Anthony. l am
orry that you are disappointed, but .
eally don't think that Stella ought to
o.
She got up as she spoke and put her '
mbroidery away in the dainty basket on
he wicker table.
n ~