The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1908-08-28
CHAPTER lV.-continued.

NnAF En- iN.-SOiilhluC0s
They had come to the edge OF the
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 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 &c,
CITY. 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,
"and by heaven l shall before long, OF
he me, and then she can take him
with my blood on his hands"
Il would not have you die, Der.
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 we'll nigh wrecked it.
You are very dear tome"
You are the only true heart I 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
tended 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 | depend upor
you to help me-"
Il shall help you" said Strathgate
turning and leading her away, witt
all that have. My life, my fortune
my sacred honor are yours"
You mistake me, my lord. l &C
back to Philadelphia There is g
ship belonging to me, merchant shiI
in the harbor of Portsmouth nearly
ready to sail for America. If you viii
take me there and see me on board,
shall be everlastingly grateful tt
you
Iy lord thought deeply. Lady FL
len evidently considered his profferec
service purely disnterested one. 1
would hardly De wise to undeceive he
now. Once he got her away and il
his power. it would go hard with hin
If ne could not persuade her, or con
strain her, to his own wishes. Hi!
role at present was to agree will
whatever she proposed.
Il will do my best to carry out you
wishes" he said, heartily.
And as Ellen stumbled and fell a
the foot of the steps he sook advan
tage of the occasion to support he
with his arm.
You are weak, i'll, faint" he said
almost carrying her up the steps i,
the bright moonlight before she hat
chance to protest.
1t so happened that Lady Cscily ant
Darlington coming across the NAL
caught a full view Of the incident.
what would you have me dor