Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-08-13
CHAPTER lV.-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, 81
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-
cily. Il cannot bear to see you
yoked with such a rude, uncutured
hoyden."
NAY" he began protestingly.
And she played that game with
Strathgate. 1t was all a 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,
"and by heaven | shall before long, or
he me, and then she can take him
with my blood on his hands"
Il 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 it.
You are very dear tome"
''You are the only true heart have
ever known" protested Darlington.
And then Lady Cecily palpably fell
against him. What else could a gen
tleman do under the circumstances
but enfold her in his arms? The arms
of Lady Cecily stole upward She 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 hor away, with
all that 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, merchant ship
in the harbor of Portsmouth nearly
ready to sail for America. If you will
take me there and see me on board,
shall be everlastingly grateful to
you
My lord thought deeply. Lady FL
len evidently considered his proffered
service purely disinterested one. 1t
now. Once he got her away and in
his power, it would go hard with him
II he could not persuade her, or con
strain her, 70 his own wishes. His
role at present was to agree with
whatever she proposed.
Il 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
a chance to protest.
1t so happened that Lady Cecily and
Darlington coming across the mall
caught full view of the incident.
What would you have me do?"