The Morris County chronicle., 1906-01-23


hot and cold by turns; and it was an
actual relief when, at length, her
guardians noiseless step gllded into the
room, and she knew that her time had
come; the rack was to be felt-its tor
ture ina gined no more.
Mr. ClitherO was fine specimen of
the now nearly extinct class Of old
fashioned London lawyers. His man
ners belonged, like his straight-cut coat
collars, and lawn cravat, and dainty
shoes, to a generation gone by; and
Jane had never felt quite at ease in
presence of that elaborate urbanity
which, while too stately to be obse-
quious, yet delivered itself in periods
too rounded, and with bows and smiles
too finished, to have the effect upon
her girlish imagination of coming from
anywhere at all near the old mans
heart
Miss Lynch is well, ! trust? Ner-
vous; ah, dear, deari--poor lady! We
have had a very unhealthy season in
town, very unhealthy. You will find
the sun warm there, my dear Miss
Jane" and he bowed her to a place OPP
posite his own armchair; an awful,
business-like, ominous proximity it
seemed to the poor girls trembling
heart You have had something to eat
since your arrival in town? No; then
let me offer you glass Of sherry and
biscuit. My dear young lady, must
really insist upon it. Miss Lynch,
am sure, would make you take some
refreshments after SO long journey"
And then the bell was rung, and the
solemn old man-servant was requested
to bring in wine; and Jane, in spite Of
her protestations that she required
none, was forced to take some, and
listen all the time to Mr.. Clithero's
bland remarks about the heat of the
weather, and the height at which the
thermometer had stood on such day,
and the likelihood that the papers
seemed to say there was of an ample
harvest, and the likelihood, also, of a
war between Spain and America; with
other such enlivening and momentous
subject Of public interest.
But the glass Of wine rallied her
courage, as the old lawyer with his
perfect knowledge of all the lower
mechanism of human nature -intended
1T should do.
Sir" she cried, suddenly, and before
he had finished speaking of the un-
usual show Of fruit now to be seen
at Covent Garden, Il have come here
to-day upon what I believe is to be a
painful errand. have come to you to
hear the history Of my fathers life.
I never knew MIN, Mr.. ClitheroI
never knew either of my parents. It
is right, now that am woman, that
should be told more concerning
them"
Mr. Clithero had faint-very faint
attack Of coughing, and looked at the
ring upon his hand, not in Jane Grand's
face.
II have received letter from Miss
Lynch on the subject" he remarked,
"and ] must congratulate you, dear
Miss Grand, upon the circumstances
which have rendered our present inter-
view necessary"
Il have been very fortunate, sir. l
have won the regard of man who
does not think my poverty or want Of
friends any bar to my becorbing his
wife,
Here her voice trembled painfully.
"AIr. Mohun of Yatton," remarked
Mr.. Clithero. IA very old family, the
Mohuns: and this young gentleman, !
am told, comes into his property unen-
cumbered.'
'sThe old family and the great estate
are the only things that seem against
my happiness said Jane, with a
broken smile. Perhaps it might be
better il CLIFFORD if Mr.. NIohun- and
myself were not SO widely separated
by rank and fortune"
my dear young friend, rank and
fortune were never bars in the way
of any ones happiness. Rank and for
tune can live down a great many
things. Rank and fortune may enable
man to take step, to incur re-
proach even, which, if he were a little
poorer, or a little lowlier born, he
would not have the courage to take
upon him"
Jane looked hard into Mr.. Clithero's
face, and this time his eyes met hers.
She read there look. not so much OF
positive pity or Of softness, as OF hesi-
tation; and she knew that he was try
| ing to brhing her gradually to a truth
| bitterer-harder to bear-than she had
dreamed Of.
"What is there to live down?1 she
cried. What reproach will Clifford
have to take upon himself in marrying
me2 Tell me quick, sir. can bear it.
am very strong The only thing that
| is difficult to bear is the suspense OF
not knowing
1T is not long story, Miss Grand,
though fear it will be Il painful one
for a daughters ears to listen to. But
for yonr engagement this disclosure
need not have been made; and we must
hope that the happiness OF the occasion
| will be more than sufficient to counter
| balance the inevitable suffering which
| you will have to bear
II am ready to bear it am ready
| to listen," said Jane, with her lips be-
! ginning to look strangely pale and set.
| Only, as you say, don't let it be too
long come to the point quickly, and 60
back to tell me the particulars after
ward"
IT knew scarcely anything Of your
mother. Miss Grand he began. "She
was Of French origin. she, gave up
| her profession of the stage to become