Denton and Haughton Examiner, etc. — 1879-08-09 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

WITH GODFREY DARWIN.  " MARIAN! why, Godfrey, here's Marian!" exclaimed Letty, joyfully, as she threw aside her work, and started up to welcome her sister. "But how pale you look, child! You are doing too much at Mrs. Isacey's; Jam sure y.cti are. Why will you make a slave of yourself for an mdolent woman who is nothing to you 2" "Better wear out than rust out," Marian answered with forced gaiety; "besides, I am very well; it is heat, I suppose, that robs me of my colour. Godfrey" —she could not prevent her voice sinking and growing tremulous now—" I have a message for you." She had not approached the window at which Mr. Darwin was sitting, and, though compelled to turn in that direction while addressing him, his eyes were averted, and her hand that would have been offered so frankly in the old times was busy with the clasps of her mantle.  That he perceived her agitation she felt rather than saw; and a conviction that be was keenly if not suspiciously watching her did not tend to restore her composure. Lary. who saw nothing amiss, gently pushed her sister towards Mr. Darwin.  "Go, love, and sit down in Godfrey's shady corner; and don't fancy that we shall let you run away from us till after dinner. I'll run and ask cook if there is anything you like." As she left the room Marian reluctantly drew nearer the window and sat down.  " A message for me," Mr. Darwin echoed, laying aside his newspaper. " From whom ?" She repeated Colonel Lacey's request, and then, receiving no reply, she raised her eves to his face for the first time.  He ivas lying back in his chair with the same ghastly hue stealing over his features that she had seen them wear once—and but once before. As soon as he saw her terrified glance he made a great effort and recovered himself.  'Don't be frightened; it's only a spasm of the heart that I have been subject to lately. You need not mention it to Letty. What was it you were asking me ?" _  -- • While she tremulously repeated her words, he put his elbows on the table, and leaned his forehead on his hands, as if still suffering intense pain. _ . • • •  "Mr. Moncton's address? Oh, yes, certainly, as soon as I know it myself; but the last letter I received was to warn me that he intended travelling by easy stages to the coast, where he would embark for England. You'll make Colonel Lacey thoroughly comprehend this, Marian? How is the Colonel hhe likely to live mush longer r As he asked this strange question his voice sank to a whisper, and, half rising, he leaned across the table till their eyes met. There was something lurking in the depths of his that made the blood grow cold in Marian's veins, and she shrank from him with horror and aversion, which she had no longer presence of mind to conceal.  Her looks recalled him to himself, and he rose saying, " I think I must go and lie down till this spasm passes away. Tell Letty not to be uneasy; I shall be all right again presently." She did not answer, for the pretence of indisposition was so transparent that it would have been hypocritical to profess regret. Quitting her seat, she moved on one side to let him pass, but pausing directly in front of her be held out his hand—that supple, well-shaped hand she had learned to shrink from as a murderer's. She made no movement to take it, and Mr. Darwin asked, "What does this mean? Do you blame me for Percy's departure? Was it my fault you quarrelled with him and drove him away?" I have never brought any accusation against you," was all Marian could say. 'Perhaps not; but neither have you trusted me, nor even Letty, with 'our reasons for such an incomprehensible proceeding. Was it only a girl's caprice? No, I see that it was not; then you had some hidden motive for breaking off with him. What was it? I insist upon knowing !" As she did not answer he was about to grasp her arm and draw her towards him, but she shrank from coming into personal contact with Godfrey Darwin, and shuddering and sharply drawing herself away, gasped out, "Don't touch me! oh, don't touch me !" There was a momentary pause, and then the hand