Halton Hills Newspapers

Flesherton Advance, 14 Feb 1884, p. 6

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Did eer you stand ID the crowded street, In the glare uf the city lain i<, And list lo tbu tread of n Billion feet In Uie quaintly mumcal traiupf As to* MUriiuK cruwd gotta to aud fro, Til a pltasaut light, I weou. To mark the flxurwi that oome auJ go la tbe ever chaufjiug Beetle. Here the publican walks with the tuuuer prout Aud tbe priwt in hit glcouiy cowl, Aild Dives walk* iu tbe uiotlvy crowd Wiili l.au'ui, cueek by jowl, And the daughter ol toil, with bur fresh you heart, An pure ai tbe ipotlen fame, hI' n step witb the woman who make* be mart In the htuuti of lin aid shame How lightly trips the country law la tlio uiidnt of the city'* ills. Ai frenhly pure as tha daisied grail Tli t RTOWI on her native hills; And thu bonitar. too, with bin buogry eye. And bib lean, wan facu and crutch, Qivea a blesuug tbe aauie to the pastar-by, Ai he uivai hiui little ur uiuoh. Wbeu tiuie has beaten tbe world'l tatoo. Aud in dusky aruior Hujbt U trsa.il i) n with eoboleu footsteps through Tbe gloom of the silent night, How iiiiuiy of those shall be daintily ted, And shall eiug to slumber* sweet. While many will go to a tle|>lusa bed Aud never a crumb to eat ! COUSIN FELIX. bl ACTBOB OK " MIKH MOLLY," " DELICU," ETC It was only when aba had poured all ber story iuto bli sympathetic ears, and list eued to the variouH rctimikn witb whiob ii wu received reaiark that oumoided ao exactly with ber own view of tbe case, that dismay tilled ber, and wouder aa to wbetber tba Mtury bad beeu ber own to tell. But Mr. Weatoo soothed ber fear*. am glad you told me," be said in an odd, jerky maoner. " I am sure it waa beat, so do not trouble about it. The secret U quite ate with me ; I," witb an uncomfortable little laugh, am not the leaat likely to apeak of it. But all tbe same it ia pre- posterous, it ought not to be all >wed. Why iies abe give in ? If >-he bad aaid no even if abe doea say DO, there ia no power in tbe world that can force bar agaiuat ber inclination." " You do not understand Charity," Pellie aid, lifting rather a tearful faoe to tbe dark cue bent upon her. "Why." with momentary enthusiasm, " abe would marry anybody to pleas* father ! But," abe added more quietly, "however luucii abe may pretend when tba time cornea, I shall know it is only because she ia so good, and would uot vx or cross him for worlds. I shall remember how often aba has cried at the thoughM of it." Mr. Weaton waa pacing up and down tbe room now, Pollie'a worda apparently bod- ing a ready echo in bia heart. " Itmustbe prevented." at last be said as if to himself. Why, Felix himself," and then stopped abruptly. "Tea," said Pollie, raining her bead, " there ia juat that ooa faint hope he may not like ber I" " Not rnuoh fear of that." " Not much hope, you mean. But, Mr. Weaton," watching him anxiously aa she tpoke, to see what effect ber words might have, " he may be a nioe man" evidently the possibility was a faint one" and if ha U " "Well?" " I am going to ask him to tell him I mean" " But what ?" "Why, how is it that Charity agreed, jmt for father's sake , and I have quite made up my mind," with quiet determina- tion, " to try and save bar, because I know she would not do it herself. Bo," with a long breath, " I am going to ak him to go away. Un, Mr. Weaton, do you think he will go ?" " Vary little- doubt of it, I should say. That in, of course, provided he believes you. Why, what on earth, under those circum- stances, would make him wish to remain ."' " Why, tba money of course I" At thoee words her listener started, and seemed about to make a hasty remark, but after a second's pause, be said quietly, " No, uo, Miss Pollie, you are bard on him. I don't think," with a amile, " that even Felix WarburtoD" and then suddenly breaking off, " Bat don't let us talk about him yet. I expect we shall have quite euougb of him by and by ; let us strive to forget him for the present." " And yon won't forget," aid Pollie, " if any idea comes to yon that would set it right, to let me know. Don't you know anything bad about him that you eould tell father ?' " I have no doubt I could rake up a good deal if I tried, but tba queation ia, would yonr father believe me " " I believe he would," said Pollie ear- nestly, " at any rats) you could but try." Soft-hearted, tender Pollie was becoming a perfect dragon in her attempts to guard the golden apples, which she felt would of a surety be stolen from under her watchful eyes, sooner or later. Perbapa Mr. Weaton did think of a plan of help, for the next morning, when breakfast was over, and ha beard Mr. Warburton auk for Pol- lie's presence in tbe library, where be wanted some one to read to him, and had watched Cousin Sarah preparing to Blip "ay to ber usual morning occupation of I '.tor-writing, be asked Miss Warburton if ^ us would play one game of billiards witb ti in. Aaked her boldly before them all, no . .t any excuse would have been difficult ; i. d when she attempted a faltering remark i.oout " many duties," ha replied that be would wait till all tha duties were over. " And it is raining hard, you see, so out- of-door amusement is impossible." And Charity, not knowing wbat else to say, answered " Yes." On his way to tbe billiard-room be wan waylaid by Pollie. " Mr. Weston." He stopped, hearing the low voice in tbe passage. " Mr. Weeton, 1 forgot last night when T said that to you. Do you ramembei? About telling father something against Couam Felix, I forgot I was breaking a pro- mise. You must not do it indeed. Will you please forgat all about it ?" " But wbat was the promise ?" " It was to Charity. I promised bar that till I saw him," with a little stress on the words, " I would not think or say any- thing against him. Yon know, of course, ao Charity says, be may be very nice. Will yon remember?" " Yes," be nodded, " I will say nothing at all ; that will be the safest plan." 11 Ye* I suppose so. Till we sea him," with a faint gleam of hope. Then PolUs sped back to the library, and Mr. Weston dawdled on to the billiard room. A bright fire was burning there aud everything looked cheerful. Ha saun tared over to the rug, and stood leanin against the mantelpiece, with his eye. turned iu the direction of the door. Woul she some? " Yes," be believed so, " but not yet per haps," aud his thoughts) returned to his owu affairs during this interval of waiting ' 1 must be off," be aaid at length baJ aloud, aud then lower still, " Poor Char ity I " But, however much deserving of [ity, a brave Charily nevertheless, one deservin of respect as well. For the secret, wbareo the first faint whiaperinga bad been striv ing to make themselves heard of late, ws gradually discovering itaelf, aud tbe lot voice, if she oared to listen to it, watt read; to speak up boldly aud plainly now. But that was wbat abe would nut permit It waa a little aching spot at present, but i not regarded, it might cease to ache in time. These sort of wounds do not baa any tbe quicker for care aud attention far better to ignore them. But theae I Uasaut past ten days, all tbia walking am skatiug, talking and billiard-playing, woulc uot, she felt, in the future of ber life, oouu quite for naught. You have been a long time," he aaid and there waa something in bis tone which brought a delicate flush into Miss Warbur ton's cheek. I am sorry," she replied. " Have really kept you waiting ? Lat ua have our game at once, or V' hie will be wanting uie to go and take her place in the library. I liave promised to go at twelve." " I do not want to play," be said slowly I waul to talk to you." " Tbeu you have lured ma here under false pretences, I think," she made answer n a would-be playful manner ; nevertheless abe did UiOTe a few atepe nearer the fire place as ahe apoke, to hear wbat be bad to aay. But before be bad time to break the ileuce, the door waa opened again to ail in it "'i-llie an anxious, barraaaed-lookiog ollie. " Charity dear, the second port i> and" with a sudden impetuous haste- father wants yon tocjmeat once and answer Couain Felix's letter." ' Cousin Felix." repeated Charity, aintly, the color slowly fading away ; " oh, " He is in London," went on Pollie ixoitedly : " he did not even come here tint, mi he has written, aud father wants you to go and write to him." "Ob, poor Charity," went on Pollie, >aking the two slim white hands in hera, utterly beedleaa of the opeotalor of tbu ittle drama, who was leaning np against be mantelshelf. Wbat possible iutereat could 11 have for him ? " Ob, poor Charity, I would have written, offered M do so, but father said be would ntber yon did it." " Of course," said Charity, very low. Why, Pollie," witb a faiul attempt at peaking lightly, " / am the eldest, I can- not have you take ail my duties from me ! 'on two," but abe did not give a glance towarda the tall figure on the hearthrug, must play together. You will have time or a good game before luncheon," and she urned away. " Ob, Mr. Weston." cried Pollie, as the ioor closed behind the slight figure, " he is wming DOW. He is actually in England," lib a little gasp. *' When is ha oomiog '.'" Mr. Weaton was no longer aoalrn.dia ntereated spectator, there was something f fire and energy iu bis dark eyea. ' Wednesday next week, and to-day is 'burxdsy." " Wedueaday," ha repeated ; " that ia be day of Lady Burnett'a fancy ball, is it iot?" " Yes, Charity is going, and you also, are ou not?" I think not, 1 aball probably have left y then." " Are yon goiug away ?" cried Pollie. I am so sorry." " That is very kind of yon, Miss Pollie. he world ia not so very wide ; perhaps we may meet again." But Pollie shook her bead disconsolately. " I shall go away," abe said, " I cannot lay. I can think of nothing but cousin "elix and poor Charity I must go and see bat sbe in doing. But," turning back and lancing up at tha steady eyes, which ooked so sympathetic, " all tbe same I bank you very much for having been ao ind. I am sure if you fould have thought f a plan, you would. I wish," a little istfully, " that my plan had been a right ne, because it might have none some ood." " Abuaing Felix, eb, to your father ?" " Yes, but still it would have been mean, I now. Charity would Dot have done it, so," nth a sigh" but it does seem a pity that be did not have a chance I" She will have a chance," said Mr. Vestou with a sudden determination, and rawing himself very upright at) he spoke apoke almost more to himself than to -'ollie. " Such as it is she shall have it." And then Pollie crept away sorrowful nd heavy-hearted, for Mr. Weaton'a vague romiaea did not impress her with muuh ope or comfort. COAPTKR III. Hum, rain, still pouring bopeleamly, teadily down, DOW at 4 o 'cloak just aa it ad done at 10 this morning. Pollie, forgetting her Borrows for the oment, ia deep in a atory of ouch vivid ntereat, that she is lost to the whole oat- da world, as she follows the adventures of er heroine atep by step, nested in tbe re's glow, on a low stool at Mr. Western's eet. He, Couain Sarah, and Mr. Wai-bur- on have been discussing some question of merioa vtrtm England ; this haa occupied lem for the last hour, but now tea has jeen brought in, and the teamaker being Dseut, there have been sundry vain eudea- ora to attract the attention of Miss Pollie, nd send her in search of her sister. " Let me go," said Mr. Weston, speaking Imoat eagerly for him, rising aa be apoke, as if to put no cut of tbe question. " I sup- xme I snail nnd her in tbe bcuoolroom," nd be was gone before any one could pre- ent him. Directly he opened tbe door, be saw bia uass bad been correct, for the girl be was n search of was seated in the shabby old rmobair, drawn up close to tbe firs. Yen, f course it WM Miss Warbnrton, though n ft way, unlike bar, for there was some- thing ID tbe attitude of tha girl strongly suggestive of tears. At tbe opening of tba door, however, Un head was raised a little, and a sufficient!; steady voice asked : " Is that you, Pollie ?' Then immediately added in rather a startle* tone: "Mr. Westou I" " Yes, it is I, Mr. Weston. Yon kno you were called away out of tbe billiard room this morning, oefore I had time to say what I wanted to aay, so now I have followed you up here to go on with m Btocy." He had crossed the room whilatapeaking and was now standing iu his aoouatouiec attitude before ber, one arm resting ou thi mantelshelf. Ho apoke quietly, very quietly but there was soniethiug in his calm, deter mined times that made Charity lift her uead and say quickly, but very gently No, please do uot gJ on with it. 1 think I would rather uot bear it. ' But as sbe lilted her head to apeak, the firelight bbm ing aoroes her faoe betrayed a gleam o: tears on tbe dark eyelanb.es. " But you ih<ill hear it," he said witb sndden determination, kneeling by bar side and olaiipiug her hatida in bis. " Cuanty dear Charity, I love you! You know it you must know it. Will you forget wbat i abort time we have kuowu each other, anc promue to be n.y wife .' " I cannot," in a soft, low voioa, but with the wordo, aplanh fell a large tear ou to tbt- band that held hera. " Wbat are you crying for .'" without heediug ber w< rds. "You ware crying when I oarne iu ; you have been unhappy all da) -M iv 1 not even know what IH tee matter .'" But then- wa uo reply. Charity I" abe started at the word. " You mut not call me that," ~ k ~ nbe nai i. You must give me a reason tueu. cannot take your words yet as an ajiswer to my question, for, Charity, I love you !" "But you muni I" she cried, drawiun away ber handa from his, and rising to ber feet with snddeu decision. " My aiibwer to i our question ia ' No.' " Tbe tears were gone now , ahe ws* Hand- og opposite hin- tbe width of the fin-idiioe wtweeu them tbe stately Charity War- mrtou be bad Drat kuown niid be felt ery much further apart from ber than be lad done frmu uie tearful glil seated iu he old armchair. NevertueierH u waa in earneat, and no auoied separation itbould affect him. 8u ue took couple of atep*. nearer to ber, ill be stood by ber side once more. Hue lid not shrink away from him, but stood irfcotly still, only sbe never raised her yes. Than" You do not love me '.'" That was; what bs said quite low, as be BUS paused beside her. He waited wbat might have beeu a whole minute in perfect ileuoe, the only sound tbe noisy ticking of he clock, and then with- an impatient movement turned away. Bilenoe mean* consent," then he said a ittle bitterly. " I will not bother you any more. Good bye. Miss Warburton t" Sne had not looked np till then, but as je said tnoee words, almost involuntarily he raised her eyea to his, and all their sad orv was so way to read. Even then she mde no answer in worda, made uo attempt to prevent hi- departure. But Mr. Weaton turned back at onoe. Charity," he said, in a troubled voioe, look up," and she obeyed. " Charity," be went on, a red flush for a loment appearing on bia dark cheek, " I believe," with a momentary hesitation, that yon do lisa me." Mr. Wtmton " she replied, clasping her wo hands tightly together, and ber low voioe *[!* lower still as sbe spoke, " if I ell you one tbiug yon will understand why ou must go away at onoe, and never speak to me oy more. I am to marry Couain x. Yea," he said, " so I have been told." Ue d<d not mention Pollie'a name, and Iharuy never thought of her. Her father was tbe person ahe did think f ; but what did it matter after all ? In ft ttle while every one would know it, only Mr Weaton , then if you knew it" " You think I should not have spoken. But I do not see that. You are uot engaged o him. It is only fair I should take my nance, and I have taken it. And I be- eve," with audden vehemence, " that if lere was no Cousin Felix iu the ease, I hould have won yon. Is it uot so ? Say en, Charity." It is very hard !" she cried, not auswer- ug hi* word*. 1 have caused you trouble, ud yet I have tried so hard to do right, and verytbing seems wrong." Don't look like that, Charity. Yon ball do right, or rather wbat you think ight. I shall uot try to prevent yon ! I ill go away to-night, or to morrow morn- UK. and yon shall never see ma again, and you aball sacrifice yourself as you see t, or rather as your father sees fit, for it for his sake, I suppose, you are doing it. Jut first of all dry your tears, forget all I ave said to you, remember only what riende we have been theae last three eeka, and tell me tbe whole story. Per- apii a door of escape may yet open I" But though Charity snook ber head at lat, ahe allowed beroelf to be calmed by is friendly words, and to be eutioed back o her favorite seat. And then she poured forth tbe whole tory, an she had learned to know it so well of Ute, and almost unknowingly to erself, contrived at tbe same time to let .e secret of her own ynung heart be clear y seeu by the dark, watchful eyes. Now I have told you everything," sbe aid, " as you asked me, and," hesitating, of course it is fair yon should know, an " nd here ahe p*ui- (!. but tbe wistful looks u tbe pretty eyes said tbe rest. Yea," said her listener, " I have heard all, and my opinion ia that you are wrong, o, you must listen to me now." Perhapn r. Weston bad been a little deceived by barity's girlish, shrinking manner ; bad ot quite realised tbe strong, powerful will lat lay beneath it. No," ahe said, in those soft, firm tonee e had learned to know. " You mean well, ut I do not want to bear the other side of There may be one, of course, but it oes not affeot uie. Father wishes it, and lat IH all I oare to know." " But, Charity "Mr. Weaton was firing is last shot* DOW, in the intervals of acing up and down the room, and Charity aa seated very null and nprignt, with ilded hands, to reoeive them. "Bat, banty, if he knew your father, I mean bat you did not want it " " He will never know." " Ue should know ; thing* aj> different ow even to what they were three weeks ago, when you first promised him." " Things are just ths sane as far as Felix aud I are concerned, " sbs answered, though her oheeks grew a shads whiter " Father is old and blind, and trnata me be shall never know that," ber voice fal tered, " I was tempted to break my trust.' Mr. WeatoD turned away in silence, and took another turn tbe whole length of tbe room ere speaking. "And Felix 7" then be questioned Wheo becomes, ha." with a aort of triumph in his tones, " may not like yon.' " Then I shall ba free. My pride," with a half laugh, " will not be much hurt." " And supposing,," be was standing still now, lookiug down with tender, pitiful eyes ou ber alight, upright figure, " anppoa- ing be should wish to marry you for for tbe sake of other things, although" " Although be did not like me ? " Her voioe trembled a little then, but ahe wenton quite firmly, " You muat not aay that. We have agreed, Pollie aud I, uot to believe anything against him until we see him. You muat uot let me break that promise." Mr. Weston turned abruptly away. " Yon have conquered," then be said. " I aball go ; I do uot oare to stay in thi happy borne any longer. But tell me first, did you write to Warburton to-day ? Yes ; be wants to oome next Wednea dsy or Thursday." And what did yon say to him ? " Juat whu uiy father told me : that wi ahouid be glad to see him." Notbiug else ? " There was a shadow of anxiety in bis tone. Nothing," lifting her sweet eyes to his. but a shade of color cwcpi ovur L~I Caoe as su xpoke. He noted it, though be made no further remark perhaps uott-d it witb a -fcalf doubt, but she bad spokeu the truth. Waa there any necessity to own to the. great tear that bad fallen right in tbe centre of tbn neat - Charity Warburton "a tear, which would, if the postboy bad not been waiting for me letters, have necessitated a fresh sheet of paper, but under the oiroum stance* waa quite impossible? Bo abe had [oldea it up, aud poaled it, with a moment- ary passing thought would he care .' even f he haa knowu. Her tears and her imiles were alike immaterial to him, and she bad only recalled it at tbe sound of Edward Weeton's pitying voice. I am going tueu, Charity," he went on, eo thin is good-bye, for even if I see yon agaiu, it will uot be alone. But remember '. aball watch and wait. " If Warburtou comes, and you do not marry him. I ahall me back. Do you understand ?" Yee." The tears were gilhsring thickly now, but sbe brushed tbem away, aud raised ber bead. " Yea. but I would rather that you did not think of it. I know myself that I shall marry Causin Felix." So be it. Whatever happens, I shall never forget that I have known yon. I think, Charity' his voioe falling" you are tbe sweetest, bravest woman I ever met. inch a daughter would make a good wife o any one '" Courage. Charity, it is nearly over now. These fights are very bard, and a woman's weapons are so few, and ber buck er ao easily pieroed, but than every victory gained ia fresh strength for- wbat Allows. Good-bye, Mr. Westou," laying a small land iu his, and for tbe last lime lifting isr eves to those dark ones she had learned to love. " I ahall Dot go dowu again to- night, so this is, iu truth, good-bye. I, also," with a momentary pause. " shall always remember with pleasure that yon re my friend." He said nothing more. For a second be aid bis other band over tbe little one that eated in hia, aud than without one back- ward glance he went. Good bye, Miss Pollie," as, bis farewells all said, Mr. W*ston itojd in the ball pre- paratory to driving to the station. Good bye, Mr. Weaton ; Charity is not down yet. She bad a headache last night, >nd that bas made ber lazy tbia morning. ! must say geod-bye for both of us. ilave ron," oomioK a step nearer, " thought of anything yet? " I gave her a chance. Miss Pollie, as I old yon I would," buttoning himself into lis ulrter as be spoke, " bnt she would not take it. ' Thank you. Mr. Weston," said Pollie ;ravely, I knew yon would try. Bui, .ou see, Charity m uot like us. Bbe would luiik things mean that we might think [Uitefair." No, shs is not like us," was all Mr. Veetoo said, as be got up into tbe dog- lart, and kiaaed bia band to Pollie, who tood on tbe doorstep to watch him out ot iybt. Once more Charity and her sister are seated over tbe bedroom fire, discussing ires* and similar frivolities, for this is Wedueaday, and tha night of Lady Bur- nett's fauoy ball. Tbia baa been a long week, Charity binds ; it seems a great deal more than a few days since Mr. WeatoD said good- ve u her in tbe darkening schoolroom. iutooe thing there remains to be thankful or. Tbe last train is m from London, and Cousin Felix bas not arrived, ao sbe ia at liberty to go to her ball, undisturbed by any ideas of the coming shadow until to-morrow. Bo she strives to forget the dark eyes that spoke of love to ber, and to interest herself, as Pollie ia doing, in the Bayer onoa lemarked to Charity, meeting her. ' Yen, said Charity quickly, " be has gone let l us, I mean." " Bnt be is here," said Mrs. Bayer ; " I have just mat him. I suppose," not wish- ing to detain the girl from tbe waits just beginning, " that be is staying somewhere else iu thu neighborhood." Charity supposed so also, as there seemed notliiog elss to say, and turned away with her partner. Bhe -must be mistaken, wan ber own thought. But after this dance fresh agitation was iu store for ber. " MIHS Warburton," aaid Lady Burnett, stopping ber, " there is a gentleman here who wishes to be introduced to yon. I thiuk be came witb Mr. Wenton . bia name ia tba sanin an yours, so perhaps be may turn out to be an unknown relutuu. May I bring him in ?" " Yes, I abould be glad," said Charity, with whitening cheeks. Then be bad oome at last, and Mr. Wes- ton bad brought him, so that be might see for himself tbe effect that Cousin Felix would have upon ber. " But I ahall not flinch now," ahe thought, the worat waa over long ago." And for one second only her memory wavered back to the school- room iu tbe twilight, and to the dark eyes that had there looked into hers. " Come, Miaa Warburtou, shall we ex- plore ttiiH conservatory ? It looks cool and pleasant." It did indeed ; and Miss Warburton, with willing feet, turned in amongat tbe nowera. where tbe softened light of tbe Chinese lanterns was more merciful , not quite ao demonstrative of paliug oheeks aa tbe glare of tbe ballroom. A capital get up,' " remarked her partner by-aud-by, looking in tbe direction of the doorway. And Charity, looking too, saw enter a tall I'uure clad in black armor from bead to foot ; bnt only one part of the knight's dress, that waa ao perfect as to have called fortb tbe admiration of her companion, arrested 'her attention. Hia right arm was in a Otng. Cousin Felix, Cousin Fell- !" Her quick-beating Heart seemed saying bis rame ioud, as he advanced slowly to ber, Lady Buruelt by hia aide. I do not understand," Miss Warbnrton iiennl hr say, as they approached ; " bnt never mind, 1 ahall be sure to see you agaiu by-aud-by." Then they drew nearer yet. " Mr. Warburton, Charily wants to be introduced to you." And Charity bowed a little woudermgly towards the mail clad figure. Mr. Paget," went ou Lady Burnett, turuug towards Charity's companion, will yon kindly take me back to the ball- room ?" And Mr. Paget rising, ha and lady Bur- nett departed together. A great desire came over Charity to rise and uaten after them ; bnt it was not to M. The moment bad oome to pul ber resolution to the test . she would not fail DOW, so abe brought ber evee back from their long look after Lady Burnett's form a tbs man beaide ber. and, gazing straight Mfore ber, addreased him. I suppose you are Cousin Felix," sbe said gently. "Then you must have oome this afternoon after all 7" Yea, I was at tbe inn, and a* I knew pou ware to be here. 1 thought I would wme." " How did yon know it ?" sbe aeksd, still iryiug to quiet ber beating pulses, aud all intent ou shaking calmly. From Weston. He mat me, and told me you were coming, so we agreed to drive over together I have just been explaining il M l.idy Burnett. When I got yonr let- ter," after a taw minutes' pause, " 1 deter sained to oome at onoe." Why T ' Oat of his glove be took a letter that Charity reoogoued at ones, and reddened when sbe saw. Bbe watched it nervoualy as bs opened it, aud showed her her own handwriting. " When I saw that," be said, pointing to the great telltale teardrop across tbe sig- nature, " I mads up my mind to eome at oitee. " Why .'' again atktd Charity. " Beoauae," speaking in a lower tone, " I knew you were unhappy." At those worda Charity raised her eyes for tbe Un>t time, and then quickly and impetuously rising to ber feet "I wiah I could see your faoe," she said hesitatingly. Without a word be took off the di guiaing helmet, and diaoloaed a smooth, dark bead, and a pair of dark eyes that Charity War- burton knew only too well. " I thought it was yon," sbe said, witb almost a sob, " when first I beard your voice, and of course I knew you when 1 I >oked up. Bnt why did you do it why ' You promised, you know," taking a step away trim him as she spoke. " Don't you remember, that" a little diajoiatedly that yon promised .'" But before sbe could escape, a band ou her arm detained her. You promised too, Charity. You pro- rniaed that you would listen to Cousin Felix, though yon would not to Mr. Wes- ton, so you mnU stay now." " But," cried Charity, despair in ber tone at tbe thought that tbe battle was not over even yet, " you are not Couain Felix yon are " " But I am Cousin Fi-li x. How else could I have received this ?" raising the tear- Htained letter to hia lips as be spoke. " I am Cnntin Felix," drawing her closer to him, and looking down into the wondering, uprftised eyes, "and over aud over again powdering ot her hair, the arrangement of the) white lace cap and muslin ticbu, which are to mark her out, in ber plain black dreaa, aa a Royalist of republican France. " Mrs. Bayer will be here directly, Char- ity,'.' for Couaio Sarah's ball-going days were over, and Miaa Warburton waa to have the benefit of Mrs. Sayer'a matronly yon h . ve to , d me , hat you will m nj WIDK to protect her " Where are your , ; ud D0 other . And remember I have been mittena? Now here is your fan. Do open hardly dealt wUh hitherto. 1 have heard it and let me see how you look. Ou, beau- ; notu j u( ( but evil of myself. I have even tiful! Dear Chanty, how 1 wish I ware been . 8ked ^ ltnv . ^ b , 8oken wn going with you I ! character I But to-day, Charity," with " In two years, Pollie ; only two years." | sweet, tender emphasis, " that is all " In two years ; why then, Charity, you ' altered, and I am not going to 1st yon will " | escape me. With your own lips you told But Miss Warburton did not wait to hear me long ago, that whenever /came to claim wbat would have become of her in two you, yon were mine and now tbe hour bas years. " My olosk, Pollie. Come, I bear come !" the carriage." And with a kiss, Chanty I And at last Charity understood. Under . hastened away. stood that there was no more need to veil Once in the ballroom, amidst the lights ' her eyes from the loving fire in bis , nnder- and music, for the moment Charity forgot stood that hand and heart might go all ber troubles. She tried so hard not to together ; that there was no one in the re member, that perhaps that partly helped wide, wide world sbe would choose, if she her, so she danced and enjoyed herself, and oould, to take tha place of Cousin Felix. tha color heightened in her cheeks, until sorrowful past and nooertain future were alike merged iDthepresent. I thought Mr. VVeston bad gone." Mrs. Noth|o< ,. , e^,,,,,,, al ,,. iu .u. or f.

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