The Glenwood post., 1908-08-08
CHAPTER iv.-continued.

terrace. Through rift in the foli
age they had 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 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, uncultured
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,
land by heaven l 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 foolish, wick
ed woman has well nigh wrecked It,
You are very dear to-me."
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, l leave this
castle tonight May 1 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. l go
back to Philadelphia. There is a
ship belonging to me. a merchant ship
in the harbor of Portsmouth nearly
ready to sail for America II you will
take me there and see me on board,
shall be everlastingly grateful to
you"
My lord thought deeply. Lady FL
zen evidently considered his proffered
service purely q disinterested one. 1t
would hardly De wise to undeceive her
cow. Once he got her away and in
his power. 1t would go hard with him
II he could not persuade her, or con.
strain her. to his own wishes. His
role at present was to agree with
whatever she proposed.
II 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, Ill. faint" he said,
almost carrying her up the steps in
the bright moonlight before she had
. chance to protest.
1t 20 happened that Lady Cecily and
Darlington coming across the mall
caught q full view Of the incident.
what would you have ~ dof"