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" . wl Grantley was biisy writing]. his study, about two evenings later, when "his servant came in and announced that Nancy Ham-| ilton wanted to speak to him---in- deed, refused to go away until she had done so. "The doctor put down his pen at once. ; ; "Let her come in," he said, | wheeling his chair to the fire. Nancy came in very quietly, al- most before he was aware of it. "S86 you want to speak to me, my dear? Don't be nervous, I will? 2 'Dr. Grantley I'-=the girl's voice was hoarse and thick "with much weeping--"1 am in' great tromble, J have come to you." I=I have no one else----"' ' * The doctor turned round, and his brows met ss ha saw her face; it was deathly white save fof the cruel . black circles round her wonderful | 'eyes, and the mark of a blow across | one cheek. | She unfastened her cloak at the throat and went on: { "I have left my uncle's house; i I 'will never go back--never! You , don't know what my life has been "all this time, and what I have had $0 endure there. When you know all; I am sure you will pity me. It. was dreadful before, but since Jostenday it has been awful. Uncle lenry has gone away to the fun eral of Aunt Matilda's brother, and it has been one long torture during his absence. Auat Matilda has nearly driven me wild, and -- and---"' "She has struck you?' the doc- tor finished, pointing to the fair young cheek. "Yes, not an hour ago. I don't mind that, it does not hurt; but; oh! Dr. Grantley | because I refus- ed to marry Thomas Moss, she was so infuriated that she insulted me before him. She said such terrible things; and he only laughed--cow- ard--coward"'--Nancy clenched her hands--"and when I stood up to defend: my dead mother, she~she pushed me from her, till, taunting me 'with my dependence on her, I ell against him, and--and"--her voice was almost choked with pride and disgust-- 'he dared to kiss me «<-to kiss me! and I hate him -- I Joathe him! 1 have told him this again and again, and----" And Nancy buried her face in her hands, and burst into tears. i Dr. Grantley had listened to her incoherent words in complete si- fence; his heart beat with indigna- tion as he saw the shattered condi- » her nerves; dnd. realized how greatmust have heen the trials that had crushed her young spirit so utterly. He, went across, and, putting his hand on her head, soothed her gently, poured out some wine and water to give her strength, then very quietly he drew the whole story from her. It was of Thomas: Moss she spoke most bitterly, and her limbs trembled with indignation as she rélated how he had persecuted and insulted her, "And. it I go back there, Aunt Matilde will make me marry him-- "oe JL Know 1 * she said, hurriedly, lift- Bei "ing 'her pretty,'distressed face to his. "Oh,.Dr. Grantley, I shall die if she does this! Won't you help me, please! You have always heen so kind; that is why I come to you "mow! , "What do you want me to do?' bless me, child, what are you do- ing"! 2 5 » For Nancy had gone down on her knees, and was puting her soft, fresh young lips to his hand. "I ¢an't thank you, II can't,' she said, brokenly, "but 1 will. do all T can to show my gratitude, in- deed--indeed, I willl" "Of ..gourse--nonsense; yes, IL know all about that! There--there my dear; be calm; you are a goo child, and I am glad to help you. Now. let 'us ring vhe bell for Mrs. Deamer, my housekeeper. What! keep your secret? Of course I will; I never do things by halves. All here comes Mrs. Deamer."" =~ And 'in two minutes Nancy was led away up to one of the old-fash- joned bedrooms and temded most|> pleasantly hy the prim housekeep- er, who had served Dr. Grantley for over twenty-five years, and who was used to her master's frequent and eccentric fits of generosity.and charity. And down ifi the study the good doctor was trying 'to write, but his thoughts would stray to the picture of that distressed young: face, with ite "eyes of wondrous depth and beauty; and its tremitlous lips. "Yes, T'm glad," he declared, af- ter aewhile.- 'She has been out of her element: she is too delicate a flower for blows and. coarse words. How her poor little heart has been hurt! I should like to give that fellow. Moss a hiding! Well, she shall be looked after, and if she does not rise above all this, then I am a Dutchman, that's all!" OHAPTER IIL Laburnum Cottage was just out- side Ripstone village; it was & tiny, neat abode, with a moderate-sized garden surrounding it, which in the summer was always a sight to be- hold, for Nurse Wortley was a hit of a gardener, and took tremend- ous pride in her flowers. z Nancy Hamilton thought she had never seen so sweet & place, even in her dreams, as Laburnum Cot- tage, when the village fly, contain- ing herself and Mrs. Deamer, drew up at the gate; and she won her way right into the owner's heart by her few exclamations of genu- ine delight. Dr. ed the girl both nol well. 20d despatshed er a, from: use very ear morning, | under Mrs, Deamer's care, first Juttips a sum of mohey in al Ado