The Washington herald., 1907-08-11

gold. or something bright, as at the sound
of her voice ne hastily swept what he
had been gazing at out OF sight. but in
her amazement, she took no heed OF the
swift. stealthy movement
David, why have you done this?" she
exclaimed again. reproachfully. You are
Furnishing our poor childs little squirt Of
excitement last night far too cruelty,
when, God knows. it should be easy for
US to overlook anything; and while I
hope have no foolish fear Of what peo-
pie will say ! see no use Of going out
of ones way to set their tongues wagging.
as-forgive mel fear this change viii
do For my part, I can't imagine the
tapestry room without IsObeL"
L want the picture here" said Sir
David, curtly, "and it is IsobeTs wish.
besides. She says she hates it; she can't
bear TO see it-she gave proof Of that last
night-well, she won't see il so much now,
that it's here"
"Oh, David. you are taking few hasty
words far too seriously Old Lady Car
ruthers and some others I know have
been talking unwisely about her portrait
to Isobel, and in her present state she is
very sensitive. and no wonder, 70 any
reference 10 her old self as she says,
poor child In fact, think all our nerves
have got rather the better Of US, trying
TO smile. Il think we'd be very much
the better Of a change Of surroundings,
something new 10 see, and to think OF"
And Lady StOrmOnt again unfolded her
plan, dwelling fondly, as she had already
done in thought. on the delight Of open
ing new world to Isobel Of seeing her
fresh JOY in the sight Of Alpine SHOWS, OF
the dreamy, blue curves of the Riviera,
Of immemorial Italian towns. Of marble
villas. with their stored walls.
Sir David listened, or at least he did
not interrupt her; but every now and
then. as his wife spoke Of Isobel, he cast
a glance upward at the pictured face.
Il think it is a very good plan" he
said at last, for you and Isobel that is
Indeed, I think it's the wisest thing you
could do 70 take her away for a while;
but"-sbifdng some papers as he spoke
Il don't see my way TO leave home at
present, and I think you would be better
oy yourselves. You must see that your
self. Three is no company" with a sGrTy'
attempt a a laugh
1T used TO be- said Lady Stormont.
briefly and bitterly. The trite words and
all that they recalled showed but too
clearly the breach between the past and
the present. between her husbands mind
and hers That with their child restored
TO them. n brilliant health and beauty,
and with Quickened mental powers, save
in one direction. he should so brood over
Isobels loss Of memory and the change
in her mind and manner was 10 her. in
her deep. aboundlng thankfulness, wholly
inexplicable. shocking even Loyal wife
as she was, she was conscious Of a GER
tain shrinking.
well. there is another plan" she said.
after a moments silence. and perhaps
even a better one. / could not be happy
20 go away. even with IsObel. and leave
you alone-I don't think you are very
well. David" hesitatingly For all their
twenty years OF married life, she felt
that she was treading upon unknown
ground. I believe you are right" she
went on. with an effort: we three
you and I and our child. for years that
was enough. We wanted no one else. but
but We can't prevent changes by shut
ting our eyes to them. and it is plain
enough that the present state Of things
is neither for your comfort nor our
childs happiness. There is a very sim
pie and natural way out OF it-parents
must stand aside sooner. or later" with
rather a wan smile Let Basil have his
way"
That's settled can't open it up again
/ till Christmas-he has promised. inter
4 jected Sir David. hastily. y can't. 1 say"
with growing vehemence.
But I fear We must reconsider Il"
said Lady Stormont, gently. Basil al
ready feels that he has given an impos-
sible promise. I have only kept him from
coming to you by telling him that
would speak TO you myself I thought
| that you and I could more easilr consult
over ii, with a wistful glance at her
I husbands averted face 1T wOU.d sill
ence all silly tattle at once: il would
give Isobel the chance she needs-really.
with the faintest hint OF impatience-'ft
| is so evidently the right thing to be done
that I feel I need not go over II again"
You are right-there is no need" said
/ Sir David. facing AROUND on her; 4 have
thought of all that"
David" said his wife, as he did not
speak, you must let Basil have his
chance. If you compel him TO silence.
you are running great risk; you cannot
tell what harm you may do. I cannot
read Isobels mind now with a piteous
| emphasis on the word. but 1 believe she
cares for him, or she would not be so
| hurt at what must seem 10 her his cold
ness, his indifference. She knows now,
| as We should have foreseen that she was
bound to know, that they were engaged.
! Think what his silence must seem TO
! her. conscious as she is-too conscious.
! poor darling-of the change Of the little
defects in herself There is harm enough
done already, but If tins lasts much long
er il may ruin both their lives. Davidr'
! Her voice rose to a cry. She caught at
his sleeve as he passed her, in his hur-
ried, uneven stride
Marian" he said, hoarsely you don't
know-yOu can't know-you must let me.
be the judge. I can't go back on my
word. Don't urge me any m0re-I can't
| bear it,"
1T IS I who cannot bear it. and
will not bear it. If you are her father
am her mother l claim my right" cried
| Lady StOTmOnt. passiOnately. I will not
stand by and see my chidS happiness,
/ her whole future. wrecked. il may be. for
wha- seems to me merely an overstrained
sense of duty. I cannot see it other
/ wise; but If you have any other reason.
surely I. your wife. ought TO know Tell
ne; why are you doing this?"
/ Brought 10 a stand, Sir David stood for
a moment, breathing quick and hard. his
mouth working, the heavy reddish brows
almost hiding the baited gleam In the
gray eyes. while the fear which had once
| before crossed COnyerS mind struck
/ cold and sharp 10 the wife's heart
/ why do I do lt2' he cried. hinging
/ OF her hand like a man goaded to des-
peration 1T is all l can dol must do
IT,"
| 1cnNTINIrFTl NENT cIrN-nlxA