Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-05-16

AAV anew uoJnlnB save lnat In some
manner she was under the especial
protection OF the king: that was assur.
ance enough that she was well cared
Tor. FOR no man questioned the hon
esty, sincerity or kindness of George
the Third. Il would be three years
before he would see her again The
thought was maddening 70 him. lie
did not even know where to write 70
her lie was not at all sure that the
king would cause his letter to be de-
hvered to her. He came to a desper
ate resolution. He would write her
another letter and send it from Wey.
mouth by special messenger to the
king and beg him TO see that II was
delivered.
II was not until late in the after
noon. when the Bellona was fairly in
the channel beating down toward her
destination, that Darlington went be-
low. As there was no captain vet on
the ship the quarters OF that function
airy by right belonged to him. He
entered them without ceremony. The
cabin on the new ship looked bright
and CHEEKY. Its equipments were rude.
OF course. as were those OF all ships
IN those days. but they were better
than those in ordinary vessels. the
Bellona being the newest and most ad-
Vanced product OF theshipyards.
To a sailor OF that day II was both a
spacious and delightful sea home. To
Darlington IL was only a prison. He
did not attempt 90 enter the state
rooms on either side. but sat down at
the table. buried his face in HIS hands
and groaned aloud. II was the first
moment OF privacy that he had en-
Joyed. Il was the first opportunity az
torded him TO give way 90 his feel
ings, and he INDUCED himself at Will.
Separated from his wife. and through
his own folly! The future that had
opened so fairly before him utterly
wrecked Three long weary years at
The least. and possibly four. TO inter
Nene before he could see her again.
lie almost envled Strathgate-fghting
desperately for life at Blythedale Hall
and likely 20 be an invalid for the rest
OF his days-because he would be in
England while Darlington was far
away.
He had gone through so much. He
had drunk so deeply the bitter cup Of
repentance that he gave way com
pletely TO his emotions.
This will never do" he said at last
My punishment seems greater than I
can bear. and yet must bear e.:
must show myself a man for her"
a little hand fell softly upon his
shoulder with touch as light as that
OF thistledown. Where that hand
touched him was the center OF his be-
ing. My lord turned his head. looked
AT II slowly. turned his body. followed
II up. saw face he dreamed OF. tears
rolling from eyes that looked love at
him. and in another moment he was
clasped in his wlfe's arms.
This was the punishment melted out
90 him by little George He was 10 go
20 the Indies. but not alone. When
there was time for coherent speech
Ellen handed her husband another pa
per appointing him captain OF the
Bellona. subject only to the orders OF
his wife.
God bless HIM" cries my lord.
folding his wife again to HIS heart.
And l say so. too" answers Ellen.
although we fought against him SO
long. he hath kindly heart"
He hath, indeed" returned Caring.
ton, after time. He gave me his
royal word that you should be well
looked after for the next three years.
and the keeping Of the kings word is
intrusted to me. ! shall see TO IT."
Nay" said Ellen. you are under
my command now. Look at your or
ders"
IT'S even so. my little captain"
laughed my lord. sweeping her 20 his
heart again. And what orders do
you propose to issue to me?"
Il should like to present to you two
OF my friends"
Your friends are my friends. my
dear" returned Darlington. and
when occasion serves l shall be happy
to greet them"
1T serves now" said Ellen. draw.
ing herself away from him. And in.
deed she found II difficult. for he
would by no means let her go. follow
Ing her aft and still keeping his hand
about her waist as she opened the
door OF one OF the cabins.
Out thence, for ali the world like a
Jack!n-the-box. popped Mistress Deb
orah. her cheeks redder than the scar
let ribbons she affected. and stalking
behind her came Sir Charles Seton IN
great dignity.
II did you an injustice. Charles!"
cried my Lord Darlington. II humbly
beg your pardon. / have not heard
the story''-and Seton was glad my
lords remarks were so spontaneous
but know that you were true"
ITS granted. Bernard" said Seton
heartily. Il could forgive you any
thing. knowing how you felt over the
loss OF your wife. for today can put
myself In your place in one particu-
lar"
And how's that?"
I'm this way" returned Seton. Per
NIT me"-he seized the blushing Deb
o. orah as he Salute Lady Seton,
o. Darlington"
What Is Il so?"
we were married this morning, the
king himself being one OF the wit
nesses."
And do you go with us to India?"
Nay" answered Seton only 10