Year: 1877

band the visit to the cabin OF the OLD couple
and her conversation with the latter, and
asked him if be did not think that something
could be done to alleviate the discomfort OF
their present condition.


"They complain of neglect in the agent
and, indeed, to me everything appears to be in
very ruinous state, not only where they
live, but all about the place" '~.-


81 have come to the conclusion that the
agent is scoundrel," said the Earl. II find
he has paid little or no attention to my affairs
here, and have serious thoughts Of turning
him of. I shall see him this afternoon, how.
ever, and give him chance to speak for him
self, though do not see what excuse he can
have to offer for his conduct"


Think this must have been lovely little
place when it was in order," said Geraldine.
II dare say you will laugh at me for saying
80, but do you know that almost like it bet-
ter than Desborough CastleY'


Lord Desborough smiled. "That does in
deed seem to me singular idea," he replied.
"You surely do not mean that you admire it
morew


at is far palmer and simpler, of course
and there can be no comparison between the
dwellings, as dwellings-but yet"


"But yet, whatw he asked as she paused.


81 was going to say" she continued, color
ing, "That already feel more at home here
than have ever been able to do amid all the
msgDifcence of the castle.


"Do you not then feel at home at the cas-.
tles regret that very deeply, Geraldine"
was his serious reply. "It has been my ear
nest wish, and endeavor, to make you conten'
ted there"


"Pray do not mistake me-" said Geraldine
Quickly, and fearing that she had spoken un.
wisely. II fully appreciate all the evidences
you have given me of your consideration.
You have lavished 80 much upon me that l
have nothing left to wish for; but what l
meant was, that the grandeur to which am
unaccustomed, oppresses me, somewhat, at
times. while here feel a sort of freedom in
the simplicity of everything around me-"


"Would you then prefer to live herer he
asked.


"Under some circumstances, perhaps /
should" she hesitatingly replied. "But not,
of course, if it was contrary to your desire" ;"
J, "It would be simply out of the question-st
least, as far as am concerned" he rejoined,
coldly; "but, perhaps, that would be no OBJ.
lection to you. You might find pleasure in
staying here alones"


aII- had no such meaning, my lord" said
Geraldine, in tone as cold as his own. She
was too deeply hurt, at his suggestion, to say
any more; and, turning away with naughty
air, she commenced to arrange some little Or
naments, which stood on table near her, in
order to conceal the pain which she really
felt. .......


"The world might, perhaps, regard such an
arrangement as singular one" continued the
Earl, "and, unfortunately, we are compelled,
. to a certain extent to conform to the estab.
lished customs of society, no matter how irk'
some we may find the obligation" So saying
he walked out of the. room, giving her no
chance, even had she desired it, of offering
any protest against the mistaken meaning he
seemed to impute to her words.


Geraldine, in a sort of impatient despair,
caught up her hat, and opening the front door
went out, taking care to turn her steps in the
contrary direction to that which, from the
window, she had perceived her husband take.
She felt too greatly perturbed to apply herself,
Just then, to any household occupation, and
though she had spent nearly the whole morn
ing in rambling about, she thought that lit
tie additional exercise and fresh air would be
the best antidote to the unpleasant feelings
which had just been awakened within her.
She chose a shady path, leading to thick
wood in the rear of the house, and after stroll
ing along for a time, sat down to rest, being
somewhat fatigued, on the fallen bough OF a
tree that offered convenient seat, near the
side of the road.


While sitting thus alone, many painful
thoughts crowded into her mind. Her first
excitement had passed of, and subdued sad.
ness took its place. Would there never be
anything but coldness and misunderstanding
between the Earl and herselfi Only little
while ago, she had felt diferently-had begun
to hope for better things. He had seemed 50
cordial, so unreserved had looked and spoken
once or twice in manner that was almost
affsctionate, or she had been foolish enough to
fancy so But she had been childish and ab'
surd to build her hopes on 60 slight founda-
ton. Had she not already sufficient proof
that he did not love her, never could love her ?
Had she not known this from the beginning
Why had she allowed thoughts and possibili-
ties 80 far from the reality to take possession
ofher2 He was kind and polite to her, he
treated her with all outward respect as his
wife, surrounded her with luxuries, saw that
she lacked nothing BETTING her rank, exact
ed nothing at her hands. What more could
she expect. What more had she right, un'
der the circumstances, to desire or look for !
Nothing, surely! Yet her aching heart cried
out for something more-something which,
freely given, would have made her life in the
humblest home one of perfect happiness and
content; without which, all the splendor OF
wealth was but a-mockery and empty show


"Oh mother" she murmured bitterly to
herself as she brushed away the hot tears that
had forced themselves unbidden to her eyes,
"Itis you who have brought this misery upon
me. Why could you not let US 60 our sepa'
rate ways in peace? Joyless as my life was