Middletown transcript., 1904-04-30

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again,
Betty had more than crept back into
the heart Of her patient. The sslittle rift
within the lute'' had brought them
nearer together by the very bitterness OF
their temporary separation.
lam afraid Of you because you're
great lady and am nothing, Mrs. seaton
said family when the girl stole back to
her side. I ought never to have come
here-never
But for all answer Betty, with sweet
words and gentle touch, stopped and
kissed her, and the poor aching heart
found rest once again and clung all the
more fondly to the girls cheering pres
ence $50 that, when Sir Jasper felt obliged
to return to Hilary Manor, it was only
on the promise Of speedy return that
Betty could tear herself away at all.
Mrs. Seaton did not gain strength, and
could only lie on the couch in her dress
ing-roon, gazing with wondering eyes at
the luxury around her, and sometimes
letting the tears fall unheeded from her
eyes as thought and memory again exerted
/ their power.
Dearest mother, said Tom, as in the
sweet autumn evening he sat by her side
near bright glowing fire and whilst the
lamps were yet unlit, I'm afraid you'll
never get strong shut up in these rooms.
I wish you would let me carry you down.
stairs tomorrow into what We call the
Paradise" room. You could see the
| gardens better there, and it would be
change for you; dear.
+ Why do you call it the Paradise"
room? the mother asked sadly. It all
seems 80 strange to nae!
It's only an old fashion, the calling OF
rooms by different names, said Tom,
smiling down at her and. mother, it's
all as strange to me as to you. I'm afraid
shall never get used to it, after all.
And Erndale, faltered the invalid
faintly-they tell me that would be larger,
grander far?
| It is not likely / shalt ever get it,
mother dear. her con replied gently. MY
father failed, ard why should | succeed ?
Besides, there is no proof that the child
who disappeared is dead /; and, even If he
we're, there is only one chance OF proving
my claim.
And that chance is-what? said Mrs.
Seaton in voice scarcely audible.
| That chance rests on the testimony OF
a man my father used to know, Tom
answered !; and we are advertising for him
both here and in the African papers.
Very likely it is all Of no use the man
may have died years ago for anything We
know to the contrary.
Mrs. Seaton lay back white and breath
less, but in the dim light Tom could not
see her distress, and long pause ensued.
| II was broken at length by the entrance
Of the nurse with tea. The woman lit
the lamps; and Tom, seeing how i'll his
mother looked, thought he had tired her
by talking too much, and went down to
smoke solitary pipe on the terrace.
From the terrace he wandered on across
the lawn to the drive, which wound
through the trees to gate in the demesne; ;
and, as he sauntered on slowly, he be-
came conscious that communicating
man was advancing to meet him.
Poor chapi suppose he is coming to
beg, said the kindly owner Of the Dover
House, thrusting his hands into his
pockets for some loose coins. know too
well what it is to be hard up to turn .
deaf ear to other mems troubles.
| But the man, who had by this time
come up, did not attempt to beg.
Does Mr.. Thomas seaton live here? he
said, trying to peer into Toms face in the
dark shadows OF the trees. I'm coined q
longish way, and I'd like to see him i'll
could.
I am Thomas Seaton. Can | do any
thing for you,, my man? was the good
natured answered.
Did you put this ia the paper? the
fellow said, holding ont Toms advertise
ment with hands that shook in spite OF
himself. II so be We did, I'm the man
YOU want to see-David Callagan-and, if
| ven let me cit down bit, I'll prove it to
ye if ye like.
Tom started visibly.
| III you are my fathers old acquaintance,
David Callagan, he said kindly, you're
welcome to his son. Come up to the
house. am very glad to see you.
| The man'sshard face softened, and lie
drew the sleeve OF his coat across his
eyes.
| II another had spoke to me like that,
maybe. shouldn't have been here to-
night, he muttered to himself.
| But Tom strobe on, not hearing what
lie said, and, taking a short cut across the
lawn, lie entered the window OF his own
particular den, the man following him
slowly. and drawing letter from his
breast, which lie held out rs Tom turned
| up the lamp. Then, as the light shone
| full on Toms face, the stranger staggered
and clutehed wildly at the table.
| I'm bit faintish-like, he said, with a
catch in Ills rough voice which touched
Toms kind heart.
Tom pushed chair hastily towards
him, and he sank down heavily into it,
gazing still with dim blood-shot eyes at
the young mans face.
| Don't hurry yourself, advised Tom
gently, pouring out come brandy and
filling mp the glass with water. Drink
this, and you'll be better able to talk
afterwards and, ringing the bell as he
/, spoke, Tom went into the hall and or
dered meat and ale to be taken to his
strange visitor. The man was clean and
poorly but neatly dressed. Evidently
however he had not tasted food for hours,
for he ate yoraciously.
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