The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1908-08-05
CHAPTER IV,-continued.

terrace Through a rift in the foil
age they had a fair view of the CEN
ter of the arbor. Through the same
rift the moonlight fell and displayed
two figures. One with his back toward
her was her husband The other fac
ing the couple was Lady Cecily. They
were close together talking earnestly.
Ellen clenched her hands and incau-
tiously stepped into the moonlight.
Lady Cecily caught a glimpse of her
before Strathgate drew her back. Here
was her opportunity. The distance
was too great to enable the watchers
to hear what was being said. but they
could see.
My dear Bernard" she said. Il may
call you that for old times sake?"
Yes. yes" said Darlington, would
that those old times might come
again."
1T would please me" said Lady Ce-
oily. Il cannot bear to see you
yoked with such a rude, uncultured
hoyden.'
Nay" he began protestingly.
And she played that game with
Strathgate. 1t was all matter of pre-
arrangement. No money was to pass.
She hath no need to give Strathgate
money. His purse and all he has are
at her disposal"
My lord gritted his teeth and
-clenched his hands.
Il would like to kill him." he said.
land by heaven shall before long, or
he me. and then she can take him
with my blood on his hands"
81 would not have you die, Ber-
nard.' said Lady Cecily tenderly. at
that moment catching sight of the
other two. Don't think that your
life is wasted because a foolish. wick
ed woman has well nigh wrecked 1t
You are very dea. tome"
You are the only true heart have
ever known" protested Darlington.
And then Lady Cecily palpably fell
against him. What else could gen
tleman do under the circumstances
but enfold her in his arms? The arms
of Lady Cecily stole upward. sShe lift
ed her face to his.
kiss me-" she murmured, family.
And although Darlington had not in
tetnded anything of that kind, yet be-
ing tempted, he hesitated and was
lost He kissed her full and fair in
the moonlight.
Have you seen enough. Lady Car
rington?" whispered Strathgate from
the other side.
Enough" said Ellen, choking with
jealous rage. MY lord, leave this
castle tonight. May l depend upon
you to help me?"
Il shall help you." said Strathgate,
turning and leading her away. with
all that l have. My life. my fortune.
my sacred honor are yours
You mistake me. my lord. go
back to Philadelphia. There is
ship belonging to me. a merchant ship
in the harbor of Portsmouth nearly
ready to sail for America. If you will
take me there and see me on board, l
shall be everlastingly grateful to
you
My lord thought deeply. Lady FL
len evidently considered his proffered
service purely a disinterested one. 1t
would hardly Oe wise to undeceive her
now. Once he got her away and in
his power. it would go hard with him
If he could not persuade her, or con-
strain her, to his own wishes. His
role at present was to agree with
whatever she proposed.
81 will do my best to carry out your
wishes" he said, heartily.
And as Ellen stumbled and fell at
the foot of the steps he took advan-
tage of the occasion to support her
with his arm.
You are weak, i'll, faint" he said,
almost carrying her up the steps in
the bright moonlight before she had
chance to protest.
1t so happened that Lady Cecily and
Darlington coming across the mall
caught a full view of the incident.
What would you have ME do?"
said Strathgate as he and Lady Ellen
reached the top of the terrace.
Il would not have you lay hands on
me again. my lord. / am in full vigor
and able to serve myself in that"
Forgive mel said Strathgate. 81
thought you were faint"
NO more of it," returned Ellen. 81
would have you meet me at two of the
clock here tonight on the terrace
equipped for travelling"
DO you ride away, madam"
Il shall take my lords travelling
carriage. Can you drive, Lord Strath-
gate?"
Il am the best whip in England"
he said boastfully.
At this juncture Darlington and
Lady Cecily Joined the others on the
terrace.
Have you been taking the air. Lady
Darlington. after your exertions in
the dancer" queried Lady Cecily with
\ hooking sweetness.
I'VE came to seek Darlington and
yourself" interposed Strathgate swift
ly.
CHAPTER v.
A Midnight Conversation.
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