1921-12-17 — Page 22

32

CHRISTMAS STORY.

(Continued from Page 200

"Ah! It would be a long story, if it was properly told," said Clemency, ing her chin on the palm of her Lat hand, and supporting that elbow oncher right hand. as she shook her head, and looked back through the tervening years, as if she were It would be a looking at a fire. long story, I am sure."

But told as a short one." suggest ed the stranger.

cloak, "perhaps she's here now; perhaps she's close by I think from | your manner she is. Let me see her. sit, if you please. I waited on her when she was a little child. I saw her grow to be the pride of all this place. I knew her when she was Mr..Alfred's promised wife. I tried to warn her when you tempted her away, I know what ber old home was when she was like the soul of it, and how it changed when she was gone and lost. Let me speak to her, if you please!"

He gazed at her with compassion, not unmixed with wonder; but he "Told as a short one," repeated made no gesture of assent. Jemency. in the same thoughtful "I don't think she can know," | tone, and without any apparent re-pursued Clemency, "how truly they ference to him, or consciousness of forgive her; how they love her: having auditors "what would there what joy it would be to them to see; be to tell? That they grieved to her once more. She may be timorous gether, and remembered her togeiher, of going home. Perhaps if she sees like a person dead; that they were me, it may give her new heart. Only so tender of her, never would re tell me truly, Mr. Warden, is she proach her, called her back to one with you?" another as she used to be, and found excuses for her! Every one knows that. I'm sure I do. No one better," added Clemency, wiping her eyes with her hand.

And

suggested the

"She is not," he answered, shak- ing his head.

This answer, and his manner, and his black dress, and his coming back so quietly, and his announced inten- tion of continuing to live abroad, explained it all. Marion was dead.

the firm to this hour. I try, in 'n childish sort of a way, to make be leve, sometimes, that he's alive. You may observe that I speak for self and Craggs-deceased, sir-deceased," | said the tender-hearted attorney, waving his pocket-handkerchief.

Michael Warden, who had still been observant of Clemency, turned to Mr. Sichey when he ceased to speak, and whispered in his ear.

THE CHINA MAIL.

And every other letter she has written 'since ?"

"Except the last-some months. ago-in which she spoke of you, and what you then knew, and what I was to learn 10-night." -

He looked towards the sun, then fast iclining, and said that the "Ab, poor thing I said Snitchey, appointed time was suitset. shaking his head. "Yes. She was Aftred" said Grace, laying her always very faithful to Marion. She hand upon tris shoulder earnestly, was always very fond of her. Pretty" there is something in this letter Marion! Poor Marion! Cheer up, this old letter, which you say I read mistress-you are married now, you so oftes-that I have never told you. know, Clemency,”

But to-night, dear husband, with that Clemency only sighed, and shook sunset drawing near, and all our life) her head.

seeming to soften and beconfe hushed | with the departing day, I cannot keep it secret.”

"Well, well! Wait till to-morrow," said the lawyer kindly.

She could not bear the voice she loved so well, at first.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17. |121.

Grace looked confusedly upon her She scarcely seemed to hear.

Still she looked fixedly upon her, and made no reply.

orchard, bat have I liberty to come

Without waiting for permission, he came straight to Marion, and kissed her hand, quite joyfully.

Mrs. Snitchey having delivered her congratulations, took her husband aside.

"One moment; Mr. Snitchey," said that lady. "It is not in my nature to rake up the ashes of the departed." 'No, my dear," returned her hus band.

'Mr. Craggs is

to do the same. The letter runs so, trial, so elevated and exalted in her does it not, my dear?

loveliness, that, as the setting sun "Yes. Alfred.?.

shone brightly on her upturned face, Mv. love, my slater" said she might have been a spirit visiting Marion, "recall your thoughts a the earth upon some healing mission. moment: listen to me. Do not look Clinging to her sister, who had so strangely on me. There are dropped upon a seat and bent down countries, dearest, where those who dear Miss Marion," said Mr. Snitchey. "If Mr. Craggs had been alive, my over her and smiling through her would abjure a misplaced passion, or he would have had great interest in tears and kneeling, close before. would strive against some cherished this occasion. It might have suggeat- her, with both arms twining round feeling of their hearts and conquer it,ed to him, Mr. Alfred, that our life is her, and never turning for an instant retire into a hopeless solitude, and not too easy perhaps; that taken from her face and with the glory of close the world against themselven the setting sun upon her brow, and and worldly Joves and hopes for ever. little smoothing

altogether, it will bear any with the soft tranquility of evening When women do so. they assume it; but Mr. Craggs was a man who we... can give gathering around them--Marlon at that name which is so dear to you could endure to be convinced, sir. He length broke silence; her voice. sond me, and call each other sisters.was always open to conviction. If he calm, low, clear, and pleasant, well. But there may be sisters, Grace, who, were open to convicton, now tuned to the time.

in the broad world out of doors, and This is weakness. Mrs. Snitchey, my "When this was my dear home, underneath its free sky, and in its dearat bis summons that lady Grace, as it will be now again--—-—-—-”

crowded places, and among its "Stay, my sweet love! A mo busy life and trying to assist and are among old friends."

appeared from behind the door, "you ment! O Marion, to hear you speak cheer it and to do some good, learn "To-morrow can't bring back the "What is it, love?,"

again."

the same lesson; and who, with dead to life, mister," said Clemency, "When Marrion went away, she

hearts still fresh and young, and sobbing.

wrote me, here, that you had once

open to all happiness and means of "No. It can't do that, or it would left her sacred trust to me "When this was my dear home, happiness, can say the battle is long bring back Mr. Craggs, deceased."ard that

now. she left you, Grace, as it will be now again, past, the victory long won. And returned the lawyer. But if mayAllred, such a trust. in my hands: loved him from my soul I loved such a one am II. You understand bring some soothing circumstances; praying and beseeching me, as him most devotedly. I would have me now ?" it may bring some comfort. Wait loved her, and as I loved you, not died for him, though I was so young, till tomorrow!"

to reject the affection she believed I never slighted his affection in my So Clemency, shaking his proffered (she knew, she said) you would trans- secret breast, for one brief instant. "O Grace, dear Grace," said. hand, said she would; and Britain, ler to me when the new wound was It was far beyond all price to me. Marion, clinging yet more tenderly who had been terribly cast down at healed, but to encourage and return Although it is so long ago, and past and fondly to that breast from which sight of his despondent wife (which..

and gone, and everything is wholly she had been so long exiled, "if you pursued his wife, "that evening of "But I ask you if you recollect," was like the business hanging its Ard make me and a proud changed, I could not bear to think were not a happy wife and mother the ball? I only ask you that. If head) said that was right; and Mr.man happy again, Grace. Did she that you, who love so well, should if I had no little namesake here-if you do; and if your memory has not Snitchey and Michael Warden went say so?

think I did not truly love him once. Alfred, my kind brother, were not entirely failed you, Mr. Snitchey; and upstairs; and there they were soon She meant, to make myself so I never loved him better, Grace, than your own fond husband from wher ce if you are not absolutely in your engaged in a conversation, so cau blessed and honoured in your love," when he left this very scene upon this could I derive the ecstasy I feel to dotage; I ask you to connect this tiously conducted, that no murmur was his wife's answer, as he held her very day. I never loved him better, night! But, as I left here so I have time with that to remember how I of it was audible above the clatter in his arms,

dear one, than I did that night when returned. My heart has known begged and prayed you on my of plates and dishes, the hissing of "Hear me, my dear!" he said.--- | 7 left here.”

no other love, my hand has never knees” the frying pan, the bubbling of sauce.

'No. Hear me in!”—and as he pans, the low monotonous waltzing spike, he gently laid the head she look into her face, and hold her fast. it I am still

Her sister, bending over her, could been bestowed bestowed apart from

maiden sister said Mr. Snitchey. your of the jack-with a dreadful click han raised, again upon his shoulder. every now and then as if it had met "I know why I have never heard sciously," said Marion, with a gentle Marion, in whose affection you ex- "But he had gained, uncon- unbetrothed; your own old loving with some mortal accident to its his passage in the letter, until now, smile, another heart, before I knew ist alone and have partner, head, in a fit of giddices-and all I know why no trace of it ever that I had one to give him. That Grace!' the other preparations in the kitchen showed itself in any work or look of heart-yours, my sister was go She understood her now. Her face eye--and now to tell me whether I for their dinner.

yours at that time. I know why yielded up, in all its other tenderness, relaxed; sobs came to her relief; and Grace, although so true a friend to to me; was so devoted, and so noble; falling on her neck, she wept and Tomorrow was a bright and reace me, was hard to win to be my wife, that it plucked, its love away and wept, and fondled her as if she were turred towards the window, and that you ever come here, my good sir" ful day: and nowhere were the And knowing it, my own! I know kept its secret from all eyes but a child again.

autumn tinis more beautifully seen the priceless value of the heart I gird mine-ah! what other eyes were

When they were more com he seemed intent upon the prospect,

they found that the she made some eager signs to her "Come! How should I know who than from the quiet orchard of the within my arms, and thank God for quickened by such tenderness and posed.

doctor's house. The snows of many

the rich possession!"

gratitude and was husband; and pointed to the bill, and kept the house? When I sent my winter nights had melted from that

content to doctor, and his sister, good Aunt She wept, but not for sorrow, as sacrifice itself to me, But I knew Martha, were standing near at hand, moved her mouth as if he were servant on to you, I strolled in here ground, the withered leaves of many he pressed her to his heart. After the struggle it had made. I knew its with Alfred. repeating with great energy, one word because the place was new to me;

"This is a weary day for me," said As she uttered no sound, and as her everything. new and old, in these old since she had fled. The honeysuckle child, who was sitting at their feet his appreciation of it, let him love good Aunt Martha, smiling through sleeve, it happens that we both knew

phrase to him over and over again. and I had a natural curiosity in summer times had rustled there, itd space, he looked down at the high, inestimable worth to him, and

playing with a little basket dumb motions, like most of her scenes; and it was outside the town. bountiful and changing shadows on flowers, and bade her look how got me as he would, I knew the debt I her tears, as she embraced her nieces; secrets which we didn't choose to tell,

stranger.

And so," said Clemency, taking. He didn't contradict her; yes, she him up mechanically, and without was dead! Clemency sat down, hid any change in her attitude or manner, her face upon the table, and cried.

they at last were married. They At that moment, a gray-headed old were married on her birthday--it gentleman came running in, quite out comes round again to-morrow-very of breath, and panting so much that quiet, very humble-like, but very his voice was scarcely to be recognis happy. Mr. Alfred said, one nighted as the voice of Mr. Snitchey.. when they were walking in the or "Good Heaven, Mr. Warden!" chard, 'Grace, shall our wedding-day said the lawyer, taking him aside, be Marion's birthday? And it was.""what wind has blown." He was "And they have lived happily to so blown himself, that he couldn't gether?" said the stranger.

get on any further until after a pause, "Ay," said Clemency. "No two when te added, feebly. "you here?" people ever more so. They have had "An ill wind, I am afraid," he answered. "If you could have heard no sorrow but this."

what has just passed how I have been besought and entreated to per form impossibilities-what confusion and affliction carry with me!"

She raised bar head, as with a sudden attention to the circumstances under which she was recalling these events, and looked quickly at the stranger. Seeing that his face was

"I can guess it all. But why did

retorted Snitchey,

1

►

a

of porch was green again, the trees cast the grass, the landscape was as

been; but where was she?

den and how red the sun was,

"Alfred," said Grace, raising her

*The

sun is going down. You have not forgotten what I am to know before it sets."

Not there. Not there. She would have been a stranger sight in her old hume now, even than that home had been at first, without her. But "You are to know the truth of a lady sat in the familiar place from Marion's history, niy love," he an whose heart she had never passed swered. away; in whose true memory she lived, unchanging, youthful, radiant with all promise and all hope; in

"All the truth," she said implor ingly. "Nothing veiled from me any more. That was the promise.

gestures, were of a very extraordinary I wanted to communicate with you, kind, this unintelligible conduct re-first, before appearing there. I cured Mr. Britain to the confines of wanted to know what people would tranquil and serene as it had ever head quickly at these words. despair. He stared at the table, at say to me. I see by your manner the stranger, at the spoons, at his that you can tell me. If it were not wife followed her pantomime with for your confounded caution, I should locks. of deep amazement and per- have been possessed of everything plexity--asked in the same language, long ago."-- was it property in danger, was it hej Our caution!" returned the law. in danger, was it she answered her yer, "speaking for self and Craggs, signals with other signals expressive deceased," here Mr. Snitchey, glane of the deepest distress and confusioning at his hatband, shook his head, followed the motions of her lips-how can you reasonably blame us, Ruessed half aloud "milk and water, Mr. Warden? It was understood monthly warning," "nice and wal- between us that the subject was muis-and couldn't approach her rever to be renewed, and that it meaning.

wasn't a subject on which grave and sober men like us (I made a note of your observations at the time) could interfere? Our caution too! When Mr. Craggs, sir, went down to his respected grave in the full belief

Clemency gave it up at last, as a hopeless attempt; and moving her chair by very slow degrees a little nearer to the stranger, sat with her eyes apparently cast down, but glanc- ing sharply at him now and then. waiting until he should ask some other question. She had not to wait long; for he said, presently-

"And what is the after history of the young lady who went away? They know it, I suppose ?"

Clemency shook her head. "I've heard," she said, "that Doctor Jeddier is thought to know more of it than he tells. Miss Glace has had letters from her sister, saying that she was well and happy, and made much happier by her being married to Mr. Alfred; and has written letters back But there's a mystery about her life and fortunes altogether, which notn-

ing has cleared up to this hour, and

which

She faltered here, and stopped. "And which-" repeated the

stranger.

silence

"I had given a solemn promise of silence until I should return, when ever that might be," interrupted Mr. Warden; and I have kept it."

"Well, sirard I repeat it," return ed Mr. Et itchey, "we were bound to our duty towards ourselves, and in tur duty towards a variety of clients, you among them, who were as close as wax. It was not our place to make inquiries of you on such a delicate subject. I had my suspicion, sir; but, it is not six months since I have known the truth, and been assured that you lost her."

"By whom?" inquired his client. "By Doctor Jeddler himself, sir, who at last reposed that confidence iri me voluntarily. He, and only he, has known the whole truth, years and years.

"And you know it?" said his

Which only one other per- ¦ client. son, I believe, could explain," said I do, sir!" replied Snitchey; "and Clemency, drawing her breath quickly. I have also reason to know that it "Who may that be?" asked the will be broken to her sister to-morrow stranger.

evening. They have given her that "Mr. Michael Warden!" answered promise. In the meantime, perhaps

conveying to her husband what she company at my house, being un- would have had him understand be expected at your own. But, not to fore, and letting Michael Warden run the chance of any more such know that he was recognised

difficulties as you have had here, in

whose affection—and it

was a

mother's now, there was a cherished little daughter playing by her side- she had no rival, no successor; upon whose gentle lips her name trembling then.

The spirit of the lost girl locked Those eyes of out of those eyes.

was

Grace, her sister, sitting with her husband in the orchard, on their wedding day, and his and Marion's

birthday,

Was it not?""

"It was,” he answered.

Before the sun went down on Marion's birthday. And you see it, Alfred? It is sinking fast.

He put his arm about her waist, and, looking steadily into her eyes, rejoined-

I

"Yes. I know your constant heart, I know how brave you are, know that to you a word of prepara- tion is enough. You have said, tru- ly, that the time is come. It is. Tell me that you have present fertitude to bear a trial a surprise a shock: and the messenger is waiting at the gate.".

"What messenger?" she said. And what intelligence does he bring?"

I am pledged, he answered her, preserving his steady look, "to say

I

no

"for I lose my dear companion in making you all happy; and what can you give me, in return for my Marion?"

"A converted brother," said the doctor.

"That's something, to be sure," retorted Aunt Martha, "in such a farce age 17

"No, pray don't," said the doctor penitently.

owed it. I had its great example every day before me. What you had done for me, I knew that I could do, Grace, if I would, for you. I never laid my head down on my pillow, but prayed with tears to do it. I never laid my head down on my pillow, but I thought of Alfred's own words, on the day of his departure, and how Iraly he had said (for I knew that, knowing you) that there were victor- ies gained every day, in struggling "Well, I won't,"-replied Aunt hearts, to which these fields of battle. Martha. "But I consider myself fil. were as nothing. Thinking more used. I don't know what's to become and more upon the great endurance of me without my Marion, after we cheerfully sustained, and never have lived together half a dozen known or cared for, that there must years." be, every day and hour, in that great strife of which he spoke, my trial seemed grow light and easy. And He who knows our hearts, my dear est, at this moment, and who knows there is no drop of bitterness ox grief

O Marion'! O Marion!" "I had tried to seem indifferent to him"--and she pressed her sister's

no more. Do you think you understand me. The time was drawing stand me?"

"You must come and live here, I suppose," replied the doctor. "We shan't quarrel now, Martha."

"Or you must get married, aunt," said Alfred,

"Indeed," returned the old lady,

live alone:

said Mr. Snitchey.

"Yes, my dear, he is deceased,""

Upon your knees, my dear?”

"Yes," said Mrs. Snitchey con- fidentially. and you know it-to- beware of that man-to observe his

was right, and whether at that moment he knew secrets which be didn't choose to tell."

"Mrs. Snitchey," returned her hus- band, in her ear, "madam. Did you ever observe anything in my eye?”

"No," said Mrs. Snitchey sharply, 'Don't flatter yourself." ·

"Because, madam, that night," he continued, twitching her by the

and both knew just the same pro- fessionally. And so the less you say about such things the better, Mrs. Snitchey; and take this as a warning to have wiser and more charitable eyes another time. Miss Marion, I brought a friend of yours along with me. Here! Mistress!"

her eyes, came slowly in, escorted by Poor Clemency, with her apron to- her husband; the latter doleful with the presentiment, that if she aban- doned herself to grief, the Nutmeg- Grater was done for

"Now, mistress," said the lawyer, checking Marion as she ran towards her, and interposing himself between them," what's the matter with you?"

"The matter," cried poor Clemency. When, looking up in wonder, and "That truth is not reserved so long for me to tell, dear Grace. It

in indignant remonstrance, and in the added emotion of a great roar of anything but unmixed happiness' "I think it might be a good specula from Mr. Britain, and seeing that is to come from other lips."

From other lips!" she faintly-in mine, enabled me to make the tion if I were to set my cap at sweet face so welbremembered close He had not become a great man;

echoed.

resolution that I never would be Michael Warden, who, I hear, is come before her, she stared, sobbed, laugh- Alfred's wife. That he should be my home much the better for his absence ed, cried, screamed, embraced her, he had not grown rich; he had not forgotten the scenes and friends of

brother, and your husband, if the in all respects. But as I knew him held her fast, released her, fell on Mr. his youth; he had not fulfilled any

course I took could bring that happy when he was a boy, and I was not a Snitchey and embraced him (much to one of the doctor's old predictions.

end to pass; but that I never would very young woman then, perhaps he Mrs. Snitchey's indignation), fell on But, in his useful, patient, unknown

(Grace, I then loved him dearly, mightn't respond. So I'll make up the doctor and embraced him, fell on my mind to go and live with Marion, Mr. Britain, and embraced him, and visiting of poor men's homes; and in

dearly!) be his wife!"

when she marries, and until then (it concluded by embracing herself, his watching of sick beds; and in his daily knowledge of the gentleness

will not be very long, I dare say) to throwing her apron over her head, and goodness flowering the by-paths

What do you say, and going into hysterics behind it. of this world, not to be trodden down

face against her own" but that was brother?"

A stranger had come into the teneath the heavy foot of poverty,

hard, and you were always his true ridiculous world altogether, and remained apart, near the gate, with- "I've a great mind to say it's a orchard, after Mr. Snitchey, and had but springing up, elastic, in its track,

advocate. I had tried to tell you of and making its way beautiful; he

my resolution, but you would never there's nothing serious in it," observ out being observed by any of the had better learned and proved, in

hear me; you would never under-ed the poor old doctor.

group; for they had little spare at- "You might take twenty affidavits tention to bestow, and that had been each succeeding year, the truth of his old faith. The manoer of his life,

near for bis return. I felt that I of it if you chose, Anthony," said his monopolised by the ecstasies of though quiet and remote, had shown "I am afraid to think," she said. must act, before the daily intercourse sister; "but nobody would believe you Clemency. He did not appear to wish him how often men still entertained

to be observed, but stood alone, with Tiere was that emotion in his between us was renewed. I knew with such eyes as those."

"It's a world full of hearts," said downcast eyes; and there was an air angels unawares, as in the olden face, despite its steady gaze, which that one great pang: undergone at time; and how the most unlikely frightened her. Again she hid her that time, would save a lengthened the doctor, hugging his younger of dejection about him (though he forms even some that were mean own face on his shoulder, trembling, agony to all of us. I knew that if I daughter, and bending across her to was a gentleman of a gallant appear and ugly to the view, and poorly and entreated him to pausea went away then, that end must follow hug Gracefox he couldn't separate ance) which the general happiness. clad becante irradiated by the moment.

which has followed, and which has the sisters; "and a serious world, with rendered more remarkable. couch of sorrow, want, and pain, and *Courage, my wife! When youhave made us both, so happy, Grace. I all lie folly-even with mine, which None but the quick eyes of Aunt Clemency, almost in a shriek; at once you'll give me the honour of your changed to ministering spirits with a firmness to receive the messenger, the wrote to good aunt Martha, for whole globe; and it is a world on all; but, almost as soon as she expled was enough to have swamped the Martha, however, remarked him at glery round their heads.

messenger is waiting at the gate. The refuge in her house: I did not then He lived to better purpose on the sun is setting on Marion's birthday. tell her all, but something of my which the sun never rises, but it looks him, she was in conversation with altered battle-ground perhaps, than Courage, courage, Grace!"

story, and she freely promised it upon a thousand bloodless battles him. Presently, going to where if he had contended restlessly in more She raised her head, and, looking While I was contesting that step with that are some set-off against the Marion stood with Grace and her "You remember me, sir?" said case you should be recognised ambitious lists; and he was happy at him, told him she was ready. As myself, and with my love of your fields; and it is a world we need be thing in Marion's tar, at which she miseries and wickedness of battle little namesake, she whispered some Clemency, trembling with emotion: though you're a good deal changed; with his wife, dear Grace.

she stood, and looked upon him go and home, Mr. Warden, brought careful how we libel, Heaven forgive started, and appeared surprised but And Marion, Had he forgotten ing away, her face was so like here by an accident, became, for some us, for it is a world of sacred my soon recovering from her confusion, I saw just now you did! You re- I think I might have passed you my- «epaber me, that night in the garden. self, Mr. Warden-we had better dine

Marion's as it had been in her later time, our companion.” Iwe with her!"

here, and walk on in the evening. "The time has flown, dear Grace" days at home, that it was wonderful "I have sometimes feared of lateateries; and its Creator only knows she timidly approached the stranger, "Yes. You were," he said, It's a very good place to dine at, Mr. he said since then they had to see. He took the child with him. years that this might have been," what lies beneath the surface of His in Aunt Martha's company, and en "Yes, sir,"

returned Clemency. Warden: your own property, by the been talking of that night" and yet She called her back-ste bore the exclaimed her sister; and her lightest image1*

gaged in conversation with him loo. "Yes, to be sure. This is my hus-bye. Self and Craggs (deceased) it seems a long, long while ago. We lost girl's name and pressed her to countenance was ashy pale,

You would not be the better pleas baud, if you please. Ben, my dear took a chop here sometimes, and had count by changes and events within her bosom. The little creature, never loved him--and you wanted and laid open to your view the trans- putting his hand in his pocket, and "Mr. Britain," said the lawyer, ed with my rude pen, if it dissected Ben, run to Miss Grace-run to Mr.it very comfortably served. Mr. us. Not by yeare,

being released again, sped after him him in self-sacrifice to me

• Alfred-run somewhere. Ben! Bring Craggs, sir," said Snitchey, abutting Yet we have years to count by, and Grace was left alone

ports of this family, long severed and bringing out a legal-looking docu.. somebody here directly!"

He was then," sald Marion, now reunited. Therefore, I will not ment, while this was going on, "icon- his eyes tight for an instant, and too, since Marlon was with us, She knew not what she dreaded, drawing her sister closer to her, on follow the poor doctor through his gratulate you. You are now the whole "Stay" said Michael Warden, opening them again, "was struck off returned Grace. "Six times, dear or what hoped; but remained there, the eve of going secretly away for a humbled recollection of the sorrow and sole proprietor of that freehold quietly interposing himself between the roll of life too soon."

husband, counting to-night as one, motionless, looking at the porch by long time. He wrote to me, after he had had, when Marion was lost to held by yourself as a licensed tavern, tecement, at present occupied); and the door and Britain. "What would "Heaven forgive me for not con- we have sat here on her birthday, which they had disappeared.

leaving here; told me what his him; nor will I tell how serious he you do?"

"Let them know that you are here, Warden, passing his hand across his return, so eagerly expected and so from its shadow standing on its and offered me his hand. He told some love, deep anchored, far the pop sign of the Nutmeg-Grater. Your deling with you," returned Michael and spoken together of that beppy Ah! what was that, emerging condition and prospects really were; had found that world to be, in which or house of public entertainment, and sir," answered Clemency, clapping forehead, but I'm like a man in a long deferred. Ah, when will it be threshold That figure, with its white me he had seen I was not happy in tion of all human creatures; nor how wife, lost one house, throught my commonly called or known by the her hands in sheer agitation, "Let dream at present. I seem to want When will it be

garments rustling in the evening air the prospect of Alfred's return. I such a trifle as the absence of one shem know that they may hear of my wits. Mr. Cragge-yes-I am Her husband attentively observed its head laid down upon her belleve he thought my heart had no little unit in the great absurd account, client, Mr. Michael Warden; and no her, from your own lips; let them very sorry we have lost Mr. Craggs" her, as the tears collected in her eyes; father's breast, and pressed against it part in that contract perhaps had stricken him to the ground." Nor gains another. I shall have the know that she is not quite lost te But he looked at Clemency as he said and drawing nearer, said

to his loving heart! O God! was it a thought I might have loved him once, how, in compassion for his distress, pleasure of canvassing you for the abem, but that she will come home it, and seemed to sympathise with But, Marion told you, in that vision that came bursting from the old and did not then perhaps thought his sister had, long ago, revealed the county, one of these fine mornings." again yet, to bless her father and her Ben, consoling her, di

farewell letter which she left for you man's arms, with a cry, and with a that when I tried to seem truth to him by slow degrees, and Toving sister-even her old servant,

"Would it make any difference in "Mr. Craggs. Bir observed upon your table, love, and which you waving of its hands, and with a indifferent, I tried to hide indifference brought him to the knowledge of the the vote if the sign was altered, sir 2 even me she struck herself upon Snitchey, didn't find life, I regret to read no often, that years must pass wild precipitation of itself upon her I cannot tell. But I wished that heart of his self-banished daughter, asked Britain. the breast with both hands with a say, as easy to have and to hold as away before it could be. Did she in Its boundless love, sank down in you should feel me wholly lost to and to that daughter's side. sight of her sweet face, Run, Ben, his theory made it our, or he would not.?”

her embrace!

"Not in the least," replied the Alfred-hopeless to him dead. Do Nor how Alfred Heathfield had lawyer. !" And, still she pressed him on have been among us now. It's a She took a letter from her breast, "Oh, Marion, Mario!! Oh, my you understand me, love? tops, the door, and still Mr.great loss to me. He was my right and kissed it, and said, '' Yes."""

been told the truth, too, in the course sister! Oh, my heart's dear love! Her sister looked into her face of that then current year; and Marion him back the conveyance, just clap "Then," said Mr. Britain, handing w stood before it, with his arm, my right leg, my right ear, myThat, through those intervening Oh, joy and happiness unutterable, attentively warmed in doubt had seen him, and had promised him. In the words, and Thimble, will you hanretched out, not angrily, but right eye, was Mr. Cragge. I am years, However happy she might be, so to meet again I

I saw Mr. Warden, and confided as her brother, that an her birthday, be so good; and I have the two. Both witilly, V

and paralytic without him. He bequeath she would look forward to the time It was no dream, to phantom con in his honour; charged him with my in the evening, Grace should know it mottoes painted up in the parlour perhaps," said Clemency, ed his share of the business to Mrs. when you would meet again, and all jured up by hope and fear, but Secret on the eve of his and my from her lips at last, rung past her husband, and catch Crugge, her executors, administrators, would be made clear; and that the Marion, sweet Marlon! So beautiful, departure. He kept Do you I beg your pardon, doctor," and

instead of my wife's portrait," In her emotion at Bar. Warden's and, assigns. His name, zemains in prayed you, trustfully and hopefully to happy so unalloyed by care and understand me, dear?

Mr. Snitchey, looking into, the (Continued on Page 25.)

her?

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"You