The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-03-13

her money. Shirley had fallen upon him with tempest of tears and reproaches; he had tried to stammer an excuse, had confessed that he was despicable cu- prit, had been forgiven by the heiress and had gone away from a place to which he was now rather ashamed and loath to return. Shirley knew what kept him away, but she did not tell. She took counsel, ,however with MT. Yorke and Louis. and they all agreed that the busi- ness required Roberts immediate return and that the thing sure to bring him back was a knowledge of the rumor about the country that he was afraid to return on account of the vengeance which the frame breakers" and their leaders had sworn against him for the conviction of their comrades.
 A letter from MT. Yorke informed Rob- ert of these rumors and Robert set out on his return as fast as his horse could carry him. Caroline was so much im- proved in health now that she was able to visit Fiedhead and did so at the earn est request of Shirley, who often came to the rectory to see her. She met Louis Moore, of course, and took an especial in- terest in this new-found cousin of hers. Also she felt relief of heart which she hardly dared acknowledge to herself when her woman's intuition told her that 1t was Louis and not Robert that Shirley loved. Then one night as they talked together Shirley confided to Caroline the true state of her heart and Caroline hoped again.
 Returning toward Briarsfields from his journey Robert stopped at the market town of Silboro.T It happened to be mar ket day and MT. Yorke was there. The two at nightfall rode homeward together. Robert fingered a little behind Yorke to water his horse at brook A shot rang out and the millman fell from his horse; the frame breakers had kept their oath and one of them had shot him from be- hind a hedge. Yorke's place of Briar- mains was not far off. Yorke managed lowered between life and death for days and was confined to his bed for many weeks. Mrs. Yorke was a dragon and she hired a nurse who was also dragon. Even when he was convalescent none of Roberts friends were allowed to see him, only his sister at rare intervals.
 Caroline, repulsed by Mrs. Yorke in her attempts to visit the sick mans chamber, walked daily in the woods near the house. She wanted to be as near the man she loved as possible. In the woods one day she met one of the Yorke youngsters and made such friends with him that the boy not only brought her daily news of Robert, but, at last, ar- ranged to smuggle her up the back stairs into the invalids room You are come | at last, Cary" said the meagre man, gazing at his visitor with hollow eyes. | Did you expect me?" For two months we have been very near. and have been | in pain and danger" But I could not come before, Robert. I tried, but they would not let me in." "Oh, have wished | for you, Caroline,' murmured Robert; keep on talking. I am Saul and the music of your voice soothes my soul.' So they talked there tenderly until the benevolent imp who had arranged the interview came to tell them that it was time for hurried departure of the secret | visitor.
 Robert now recovered rapidly, finally l shook off almost by force the well-meant subjection in which the women at Briar- mains held him and returned to his cot tage and Hortense The very evening of his arrival at his own house he requested
 his sister to send note to the rectory asking Caroline to come and take tea
 with her The rector's interdict against the Hollow cottage and it's inmates had
 been modified, or rather had fallen into something forgotten, and Caroline came. Left alone by Hortense the two became
 most confidential. Robert told her with
 shame the story of his proposal to Shir- ley, and Caroline, in turn, told Robert of
 Shirley's love for Louis. He was very,
 very tender with her. declared that he felt
 like falling at her feet and that he could
 not bear to have her away from him.
 but he did not quite say the word which
 Caroline was waiting to hear. However,
 she was satisfied, joyously. abundantly
 satisfied, with what he did say, for he
 showed her beyond all doubt who held his
 heart, and after waiting so long she could
 wait little longer with patience.
 While these events were taking place
 MT. Sampson had been busy arranging
 suitable matches for his niece. Two most
 eligible young men of the neighborhood
 one of them baronet, had been brought
 to pay court to 6hirley-and Shirley had
 rejected them both! When Mr. sympsor
 found that Shirley had rejected the baro.
 net he arose in wrath and said things
 which aroused all shirley's spirit. The , way she talked to her venerated and
 stately relative was a caution; It. made , that pompous individual gasp. He declared that he would leave Ffeldhead at once and Shirley pretty plainly intimated te
 him that the sooner he got out of hei
 house the better she would be pleased
 But the Simpsons did not depart at onc'
 their quarters were comfortable ant they fingered on. Suddenly great chang, came oyer Shirley. She lost all her spirits
 seemed nervous and as if haunted by some secret dread. One day while still II this mood she rode over to Stillboro ant
 saw her lawyer. Within two hours thu rumor was all over the neghborhood- Shirley Keeldar had made her will
 Louis Moore heard 1t and sent for Shir
 ley to come to the schoolroom. Do yot want me. sir?' oaid Shirley as she came
 in. ''Yes," replied Loouis. pray bt
 seated. I have observed that of late youl = spirits are at low ebb; there Is nerv :, ous look of apprehension in your eyes = dlsquiet in your manner. This Is no . the natural bearing of Miss Keeldar I Q ous without cause. Your pain Is mental