Newspaper Page Text
THE 1U1IIUNGT0N FREE PUtfSS. THURSDAY, APRIL MO, 1806 9 MItS. ALUXANHEIt Author o( "The Wooing O't." lltCopyrlght, by l'nclicllor, Johnson and uuuiiuiicr.j Snckville street, Dublin, was look ing very much ullvo on a flue spring1 unornlitg In t li t? first deeude ot this cen tury ho foro the distressful country had recovered the fury mid despair of Hnunott's Insane attempt ivt rebellion vvhlle thu southern and northern tlin- triets wore still honeycombed with se cret (ociotlesnnd hopeless plots against the Kngllsh government. A regiment of Infantry had just marched down the broad thoroughfare. to Carlisle's bridge, on their way to 'the l'hoenlx 1'nrk, anil a crowd of liragged, freijtiently barefooted Idlers, .nttracted by the drums and fifes, dls- Iperscd as the soldiers turned along the tpiays n runaway Horse proving a counter attraction ; so they rushed to (increase its speed and terror by the wild efforts of a dozen and more men to icateh it. Falling in this attempt, they collect- irrt around the elitraneeof the Jioynl ho-' tt'l where a postehaise and horses worn icen to tlraw uj). ithin,Iiin private sit ting-room looking on the street, two gentlemen sat at breakfast one, short ! and thick, with a plain and very shrewd face and reil hair, dressed in the height of the prevailing fashion the other, tall, thin, broad-shouldered, bony, with grave, dark eyes, a strong jaw and well cut mouth, short, nearly black hair, and a stately carriage, wore military uniform, lie had risen and was look ling out of the window. "There's the chaise at la.'it," lie said. "I don't think you arc very punctual in these parts, Lane." "l'unetuall my dear fellow 1 We are indeed innocent of thnt great offense! Why are you starting so soon for your command? You have nearly ten days to spare." "1 want to pay a visit on my way," returned the colonel, coming back to the table. "1 am glad to have had this glliunse of you, I.ane. You were rather In luck to get the vice regal prl Mite secretaryship. I don't fancy I hall be long in the south, so I'll look you up on my way back, 1 fancy, beforu tin' summer is over." "I hope you will. Who are you go ing to see en route?" "A capital fellow I met at Until last Winter a Mr. Digby." "What, John Digby, of Athgarvan?" "That's the man!" "I know him. He has a duck of n daughter." "Miss Dlgby is a very charming young lady," said the colonel, stiflly. "Kxaetly; you'll like the place. Hc'is a very well-affected country squire a strong Protestant though some of his kith and kin are I'apists pestilent, pa triotic I'nplsts, I am told. Don't look nt vour watch. Canel. you needn't start ' just Inst this moment I have a little hint to give you. It's of great importance to icateli this young fool Valentine Costel ,lo, who Una been giving us a lot of troubl". He is none of your ordinary 'besotted Papists. He has been chiefly educated in France, and has a head on I ,liis shoulders. The idiotic peasantry 1 ire devoted to him, nnd he has been 1 In : tin in hiding in the hollows and shanties of , the Knoek-me-down mountains char-1 ucteristio name, eh?" "It is indeed!" "Old Hrigadier Kenistan has never lcen able to put his hand on him you must do better. I'll give you a line to a Aery clever chap an Irish-American, whom I sent down to track Costello, ud one or two others. His ostensible "GIVE IT TO HIM YOUJtSKI.r." occupation is ferreting out evidence in support of a claim he thinks he has to a couple of farms that belonged to- his grandfather. Try nnd seu him. Here," taking out a pocketbook, "is a note. Oivu It to him yourself. lie is to be found or heard of at the Hlaek Hull, Cloumell. Jeff erics is thu name a deuced clever chup, but a rogue, I sus leot." "Thank you," said Col. Capel, taking the note and placing it in hid own ipoeketboolc "I hate having anything to do with such cattle, butl suprosu it cannot, be helped." "Mot unless the sky falls and weeatch larks," ruturned Lane, elevating his eyebrows. "Well, I must bo off now. Many jthnnks for your kindhospltnllty.I.ane." "How far do you go to-day?" "I am advised to sleep at Kilkenny; there's about thirty miles then to do to-morrow on to Athgarvan. Hy the vay, what an infernally careless set of beggars they nre in this queer country! 1 gave a letter to the waiter yester day morning to post; it was for Dlgby, telling him of my proposed visit. When I carno downstairs just now tho impu dent scoundrel handed me my own epistle, saying: 'Sure, the post went of( n trifle too soon yesterday, so I missed It by half a second, and I thought as your honor was going to Athgnrvnn, Biuybe you'd like to take It yourself.' " Hoth men laughed. "It is really no great matter," said Lane. "No one In Ireland minds much how unexpected a guest is." .They descended together to the letreot, and shook hands heartily, Tho colonel having looked to the security of his luggage, stepped Into the chaise, rthe postillions spurred -their gat in t cattle, and with a great clatter of hoofs and a cheer from tho bystanders, which tho sight of four horses starting together was sure to make, tho.v dashed (down tho street corrvlnir Col. CudcI to Hake up tho command of Uie Cork diij trjci to' which ho hod just been np-Ivolhtecl. HY most delightful occupation for an ease loving num. In point of fact it was very little if anything better than it was in the middle of the last century. Besides the irkesomeuess of lonely traveling, the pnlu of seeing the squalid wretchedness which defaced tho coun try, the -gallant ofllcer was eager for other leasons to get to h's journey's end, and found his heart beating fast er than usual at the idea of seeing Grace Dlgby in a few minutes, He had seen a good deal of that young lady, and in spite of his grave, stern exterior, he had been hard lilt by her deep bluu eyes, shaded as thoy were by long lash es, and surmounted by delicate but well defined eyebrows many degree.' darker than her bright, red-brown hair by her richly fair complexion, which suggested a diet of cream and almonds, her softly curved mouth and pearly teeth, that could smile so mischievous ly and sometimes so kindly also by her willowy figure, which was divinely tall and exquisitely proportioned. Hut Capel, a shy, sensitive man, was kept at bay by the bright friendliness of her manner, and the amount of saucy fun which played in her eyes and on her sweetened lips. While he hesitated a callous father, who was far too Irish to Imagine tho possibility ot any man hesitating to ask any woman to marry him, carried her oft' to his iemo4e home, and Capel was now determined not to lose a chance if he had one It had been a dull, drizzling day, but as thu postillions, by dint of spurring and shouting, "rose" a gallop for the avenue, the sun shone out and thu clouds broke up. Athgarvan was shunted In a pictur esque strip of country near thu river Hluekwutor, where the scenery is mora wooded than is usual in Ireland. It had a background of hills to the west ward, behind which the sun was sink ing, and as the avenue led up hill, tho. view from the castle, a large house which belled its warlike appellation, w as wide and pleasant. Arrived at the entrance.C'ipel was re ceived by a small, wizened, dkeontent-ed-looklng man in a rusty black suit, and a tall, loose-limbed potato-faced youth in a livery worlds too wide for his undeveloped proportions. "Is Mr. Dlgby at home?" asked the colonel. "Ho is so, surr; only lie's" out just ut present." "Hut he'll be in In n Jiffy," added the footman, with a welcoming grin. Howld yer tongue, Watty, and hand down tho luggage, added the butler, with an air of reproof. "Stop, my man, cried Capel. "I am not, expected and I do not like to alight without knowing if it is convenient." "Convanient, is it? interrupted tha butler; "why, In course it Is. Anyway Miss (Irnce is in, and she'll be delighted to make you welcome, surr. A gentle- man like you ought not to pass us by." "Please give her my card, then, said .... ' h Y J . .. the colonel, offering it, not without ... . ... ..li.... ..r .11......... .... 1... 1 il. . llVm l " . J " "OI CL" 1,10 . B, ...., !. .Wi-ii u.us,.. upu li. "Do not go until I see you," added Ca-1 pel to the chief postillion. ( "I'll take the boys round to the yard, your honor, and give them a drop of ( whisky," said the butler. "Ye know i yer wny, boys?" "Hegorra, we do!" was the ready re- spouse. "follow me, surr, if you plalse." J.aylug tlie smeareu caru on a tray, Heard tne ciny before yesterday that the old man led the way across the you were to take command of t he soulli lutll, which was adorned with antlers west district. I hope you'll stay over and other hunting trophies, through the winter. We count Cork next door, an archway, und down u corridor, to It's not much more than thlrty-flvu a double door. miles." Capel followed, expecting to wait un-1 Here Kllen, or more commonly, Nel tll his curd was taken to Miss Dlgby. 1 l.V O'Grady came In, and, joining her lint to his surprise lie heard himself on the hearth-rug, passed her at once announced, and saw, as lie , crossed the threshold, his much ad mired "Irish girl" standing iu the cen ter of the room. On one side of her a keen looking black and white terrier was sitting up in an attitude of beg ging; on the other, a young lady, witli a pretty, saucy little face and piquante, turned up nose, was kneeling on a low chair, her clasped hands resting on tho back, which was straight and high. The last rays of the sun shone strangely through the windows on tho left, und falling across the face of the youfig hostess, he saw that she looked startled and distressed, in short, by no means plenml to see him, while her companion was smiling with a watery smile. Cupel would gladly have turned and fled; but, even as he thought, Miss Dig by advanced to meet him, witli a radl-. ant look of welcome, exclaiming: "This Is kind and good of you, Col Ca pel! 1 hud no idea you were in Irehmd. How pleased my father will be to And you here when he conies in." "I trust you will excuse this uncere monious intrusion, Miss Digby," he re turned, with a profound bow. "Iwroto yesterday asking leave to avail mjTelf of the hospitality Mr. Dlgby so kindly offered, but I And my letter was not, posted. Therefore" "Dear colonel, do you think explana tions necessary? It would have been had you passed by. Delany, have Col. Capel's luggage tnken to his room. Tell Mrs. Hngen to see to it. Let mo hitroducc my cousin, Miss O'Grady, Col. Capel; nnd, Delany, bring soino sherry, and biscuits." Her color rose ns she spoke, and Co- UE WAS INCLINED TO 00 AND BEE WHAT MANNER 0IT WOMAN THIS WAS. pel felt absolutely dizzy with the vannth of hisreception. Deinny soon appeared with sherry of a very superior quality, and a Hvely joined with unusual fluency and pleas ure. Time flew fast. In this agreeable converse, and the shades of evening were closing, when Capel's attention was roused by the sound of wheels and tho trampling of horses outside. "All t there is our good old friend!" cried Grace Dlgby, rising. "We expect another visitor to-day. I fear she has hnd a very weary journey. Mine, tie Suresno had been my mother's govern ess, and came back here after she was a widow to try and keep me iu order when I wis n motherless cli'Id. Shu has been staying away near Mltelicls town with some friends, and Is going to give us a few weeks before she re turns to her son in. liiii'iujid W imw not been lier tor a long time. Will you excuse me, Col. Capel, If I go to receive her? She Is a dear old French lady, and speaks Knglish wonderfully well, but witli an Irish accent." Capel rose and opened the door for her. Miss O'Orady had left the room a second before. A sound of many voices all speaking together, the trampling of feet, the bumping of a heavy box, caniu confusedly to Cupel's car. He was Inclined to go and see what manner of woman this was. but politeness restrained him. In a few minutes Miss Hlgby re turned smiling, but paler than she was. "The poor, dear thing is terribly tired, and has gone to her room till dinner Is ready. Nelly is attending to her. Would you like to go to yours, Col. Capel?" and Capel assented. 1'AltT II. Capel found himself installed in a large, luxuriously furnished bedroom. To be sure everything that could be worn out had been considerably used, not to say frayed. Still, there was an air of luxury about tho apartment which made it pleasant to the.eye, and Capel dressed for dinner in a very cheer ful mood. Whatever Miss Dlgby' first impression on lilt; itppearance had been, she was really glad to pee him. What oyosshehadl And how they spoke. She w as a good deal his junior. Yet lie was a young man still. Indeed, since he hnd left boyhood behind, he had rarely felt so young as at. present. In a I way, too, (irace Dlgby was not young ' for her nlneteeen years there was a wealth of womanliness about her that I raised her above mere girlhood, anil I i iiggested heavenly ideas as to what ' her lovu would be. When Cupel descended to the drawing-room he was cordially greeted by the master of thu house, who was in ssl(m of tl0 n,arth.rn. Morv ' , ... ,,, . .. illln(isolm., whiU-halre.d man, with a (,i,.ar brown complexion and honlthv ,,0,ori Th,,ro wnH u j.0Ml in ll!s ,lllrk eycH !ln(1 n iimnor0ns curl in the cornrrs nf his somewhat full-lipped ,,10Utilt whMl HIIggcsted an all-pervnd- nt, scnHU cf fnn. ..!c,rml( j nm sorry 1 wnlln.t nfiIOme rI.(,.. ,. Knl1 ...i,,.,, ,. i.n.i UIIUlillll Jll UllUOf illtlf tV t UIIIM1I HllMi, i1 inducted armchair. "Hut I am sure Grace took care of vou; Aml t.,norIW I'll KllOW yfm n i.mi j the stream where vou'll fin,i trout galore. Are you aiovcrof the rod? It's the only sort of sport to be had at this time." i "I can't say I am much of an angler, I prefer shooting, and still more hunt- ing." "I Hope we sliall lie able to show you some sport In the autumn! I only Rrln "iroiigii "is What is only thirtv-llvn miles off. dear?" she asked. "MY DICAIl MADAM THIS IS A HEAT, l'l.l.AStniE." "The beautiful city called Cork, darlln'. Faith, our horses ought to know tlte way there! My girls have the devil's own duck of a milliner there, u Frenchwoman no less, and no mat ter what wars and blockades and scrim mages are going on, fhe mnnoges to hae the lntest modes from Purls. It's my belief situ invents them nil In hot own back parlor, ami fixes her price, too." "The more tq her credit, uncle. Doesn't invention deserve reward?" "Thu ladies can hardly go and re turn that distnnce in n day." "No, nor the horses, either; but I'ind'molsolle Is most accommodating, Sho has elegant lodgings to let, over the shop, where her favorite customers may try on from morning till night, and empty the pockets of mankind iu these parts." "Come, uncle! Orace and I arc the most prudent young " women in Mini ster!" "Faith, you are, my Jewell Why, here's nuidame." The door opened ns he spoke, and Gi nco Digby entered. She wore a dress of delicato gray, the long plain dlrec toiro skirt belled out nt the bottom with several narroty flounces; and u iace fichu crossed over the bosom be came her well. Cnpel could hardly turn his eyes from, her to tho figure which leaned on her arm, though it was sufllciently remarkable, A tall, stlft old lady, clad inngorgeous brocaded silk of many colors, looped up over a quilted petticoat, long Jaco mit tenB pver her hands., and arms -very white huir piled on the top of er head and a large, half handkerchief of costly blacjk luce thrown over it and tied loosely under her chin, a small di amond star fastening the point of her natr in front. Her cheeks were highly rouged, ami in striking contrast to'thU effect of youth sho wore lare' bluu spectacle. She was angular in figure "My dear Mine, de Suresno," orlod her host, advancing with enipfcssniont.und bowing over her hand. ''Tills is a real pleasure. We fearcii tliut.'itiy hidy-fas-hiirene would not hate parted with you, especially as we looked for you yes terday in iiin." "Ah, mon -nil my var' goot friend! I am oblfged to hasten my Httun! Mon son, my Victor, Is ill. Ueitceds the pies once of his mother, and I must hasten to him. Put you, dear Mr. Dlgby, you look well, and these dear children," a wave of her fan toward (Irace and hei cousin, "they bloom like tliu fair flow ers they are!" "I fear yoi; have, liad.u.very,fatlgulng journey, nuidame." "Ma fol, it wa a trying one! the last I shall make In this green isle ot yours." "Pray do not say so! Let me pre sent my friend, Col. Capel, to you, a gen tleman of Somerretslilru whose ac quaintance wu had tlte pleasure of mak ing In Hath hist winter." "I 11111 very pleased to know you, sir," and she mado him an enormous cour tesy. "If you please, miss, thu dinner Js served," said the cranky-looking butler, with a dlscontei'led snilY. "Come, niadami'. It Is a long time since 1 have had this pleasure," said th host, offering ills arm. "Will you take Nelly?" said Mis.i Di.'by, with a luturliSng look at Cap--!. "Why not. both?" remarked . N't'llv. Certainly," lie returned, offering an linn to each "Madame," of course, sat on Mr. Der by's right, and (irace placed Capel on the same sidu opposite Miss ()'(!rad. Tlie dinner was good and abundant, and eonvi rsntion flowed freely, Mr, Dlgby taking the chief part, being well supported by the ex-goteraess. She spoke I'nelish with a decided Irish iiuuum. i .1 i tjii'.iii imii;.i-ii nun , ..... !... r.... I. ...t !..... French, with which her host was fa-1 j 1 ,, '. , , , , , , . Capel found his young hostess most , i , i ti ,i gracious ami charming. She asked . '.' . ... il,, i.i , .i ,i him if lie would r do with her t he fo - , . , , . lit i lowing dnv us she was afiald her fa-1 , , , , . ,i , , . ther hud ho lie mag steYtal b s less to , . ., .,,. ., ,, , transact in tlie town. 1 "We call Hal- ,, ,. , .i inagar a town. Col. ( apel. 1 do not . fancy It looks like one o you , "Oh, ..epd t thinks itself a fine town! cried 1 Igby. I haven t been down there this week past, so I must go to-morrow." ., " ray do not trouble yourse f about me, ( ape was beginiilng, when Do- limy, tue nuuer, who nan jusi mieti tho eoter from a pair of roast duck lings, put in his contribution to the talk with the odd familiarity which formerly existed In Ireland with near ly abject respect for "The Mast her" and the "fam'ly." "A' then I'm glad naythcr yourself nor the young ladles were down in the town to-day, anyways." "How so, Delany?" Sure, I thought the sight would lave meeycstlilsevo.in.wltenlwentdow'n just say a word to Linlgan s .not or- she dying, an malting a beautiful end, rest her fowl! what should I see but tin- polls sticking up a play card, oll'er- I ing five hundred pounds for that illi- gant boy's head, young Vah-ntlne Cob- tcllo's the. cruel murduriug devilsl rive multireel pounds no less! and" (with u irluncc at his master's mtlltm-v guostj "what is he but a boy that's not conie to bis right sense vet? Sure, iu ' a year or so, he'll know bolter! "In the meantime he may do a lot of mischief," said Capel, gravely. "That's true!" cried'Digby. "if only young fellows and enthusiasts would stop and think of the awful responsi bility they incur, and the misery they cause, they would see 'tis better to boar the ills we have." "And I seed t hut informin' American Jeffries along with tlte polls, an' his pocket stuck out with tlie bills, an' a paste pot In his hands. He'll be hav ing a bullet iu tho side of his head, some night," put iu the footman. "Howld your tongue, Watty," said Dolanoy in n loud bitter aside. "A long logged blundering gossoon of your sort has no call to prate with the gen try!" Capel listened in amused astonish ment to this unheard of miugling of menials in tlie tulle of their masters, while he noticed that Grace's cheeks grew pale. "This barbarous country is not lit for so tender a soul," he thought. "Fhe hundred pounds for Val Cos tello's head! I never thought il would be worth so much!" cried Nelly, with slightly hysterical laugh. "Probably he net or know its vidua before," said Mine, tie Suresne. "Dltl you know this rebel'" nsked Cnpel, iu much surprise. ' "As children we played together, but he went to France, and we have Hot scon hl'.for many years," replied (irace, Tiastliy. A pause followed which was broken by the old French lady who observed: "Ah, yes, I well re member him, he was what you cull one imp of mischief!" As soon as the cloth was removed thu ladies left the room, in spite of Mr. Dighy's gallant remonstrance. The floor seemed scarcely to have closed upon them, and "'r. Digby was in tho act of drawing his chair nearer to Ills guest, whim Cupel lifted his hand, exclaiming: "What's that'" "I it Id not hear anything," said the other, "Some one called.' I fsmcled it was Miss Digby's voice." Her father rose at once, and went out of the room followed by Capel. In thu hall they found u group of servants, with Grncu and her cousin, gatheied around Mine, tie Suresno, whom thu butler und the footman wore iu the act of raising from the parqueted floor. "What Is tlie mnttiu'Y" cried Digby. "Oh! it's so unfortunate!" cried Grace; "dear Mmo. tie Suresno slipped and fell. 1 fear uhe bus sprained or dis located her nnklo. See, she Is in great pnln." A low moan broke from the suf ferer, . "Send for nurBel" cried Nelly. An shu spoke, a stout, squal-e, well-dressed woman cumo to them quickly, followed by a man in a striped waistcoat, cur rying iv cone chair. "Here!" cried nurse, in authoritntlvo tones; "put the dear lady in this, and you and Watty cap carry her upstairs no! Mr. Delany, you aru not flt'to try. Stan out of the wuy, Miss Nelly, Alannah!" "Send for Dr. Stokrsl" cried Digby. "Not a bit of U!" said nurse, stoutly; "I'm as good as uny dntjtor for n spral;i or a ''strain. LnVo ttKt tft nie, nv your Indyship will be content with mo?" "Yes, well Content, " murmured tho .M - M-A -1.1-. 1 1 1 milling sonic words in French, which no CAfl'.L I.IPTIU) HIS HANI), EXCLAIMINO! "what's THAT?" one heeded, for tie) bearers lifted the chair and its occupant, and went away upstairs, followed by all thu women present. "Come, back anil hae another glass of claret, Capel," said the host. "This is latlier an unlucky turn. A wrench of that kind is bad for a woman of ma dame's ioars." "She seems remarkably vigorous," re t timed Cupel. "1 obsencd that when the servants let her go, to Jilace the ihulr behind her, she stood quite firm .,,,...,( ,, t, ll, 1,,.,,. ,,Ysit-, A little inoro talk, another glass of claret, and they were interrupted by the entrance of (trace. "Well!" cried Digby. "Oil! she seems easier. Xurso has bound up her ankle loosely, with some of thu famous lotion, and put her to bed. Nell js going: to stay with her, and 1 bate come to give you your tea, wliicn , I 1 ,1 I,., ' ' , ,, , ', , The gentlemen followed her, and lifter the "cup which cheers," etc., ,,,,,, 1 Cupel asked for a song, ,!,, , , ,, . . . , "Come into tlie next room," she said, ,, . , , . ,, . ., '. , . ... 1 1 c obeyed, und found its chief u al ., J ' , , , ... n ture was a harp and n pinno, a guitar , . , , ,. i i i em stands full of music liooks. ,, ... . , , ,, . , drace D gbv drew the harp to her, to tune it. ..,,! lt 110t unlm.Uy.,. H,lc sa(1. .-It w ,)(. mnw & 1)llfor(. liml.ime onn ,.onlc flou.n!,,ail.S) but mirse S!1VS lt la )10) n pp., n' !' wiKi't a 'usL-ful' person," said Capel. .tJ Hl01lI( ,lave Iu.(1 V()U (o . lnoro of Mnll. Simnn. Mlle is n m0Bt agreeable companion." "Yes; it is unlucky nil around; but you are to lng, wcyon not?" (Irace looked smilingly into his eyes. "You shall have an old Irish ditty. 1 want to steep you In things Irish. Then you will understand and like us." "Like!" he echoed. "You have taught me more than liking!" (irace shook her head at him witli coquettish warning, and stretching her .,.t,!4,. .a ilw, l.r.1 SW(,,.t t,lptc Pa. ,,. UM whe Cupel listened attnticl v 1 Al.l III. The next few days made themselves wings wings of diaphanous delight. ''"here was the cheery breakfast, the report of tlie invalid upstairs, always listened to witli Interest soma gos- vt ""oui inu ikj.s, a ie """"f" " iicasantrv were generally termed, con tribtited by Delany, who was a pessi mist and an intense aristocrat then thu plans for the day were discussed, und thu division of labor,, if attending to Mine, du Suresue could be so called, mapped out, Ellon O'Grady re serving herself for the afternoon in or der to leave Grace free to ride or walk with her father and Capel. The lat ter had bv this time surmounted his dryness and self-distrust, and longed feverishly for the chance of a tete-a- tete when ho could avow his love nnd hotics to his fascinating hostess Sometimes lie was made miserable by thu dexterity with which Grace evaded the various traps lie laid for her, und tiie dreadful thought occurred to him: "Does she love some other fellow, and therefore bhrlnks from the pain of re fusing ma point blank?" Then some gracious phrase, some melting glance, would add fresh fuel to the flame which burned so steadily in his heart. lie hud a curious unreasonable con viction that Nolly O'Grady did not like him. Little flushes of impatience ii; her speech, a touch of bitterness here and theie in the turn of her phrases, struck the colonel's far from easily aroused suspicions. Hut though a large minded and generous man, he was keenly observant, and de termined to make himself us agreeable as possible Jo tho pretty littlo Hi bernian. Col. Cupel, after a saunter to the stables and some talk witli the old coachman, generally wrote letters in an apartment called by courtesy "the library," an'tl here .Miss O'Grady gener ally sat at work. Shu was an adept at lace making und other fuuclful fabri cations. ' "I suppose that Miss Digby is at her usual Good Samaritan task of reading aloud to the sufferer upstairs," said Capel, one soft showery morning, termed by Irish agriculturists "fine growing weather." "Oil, f suppose bIiq Ib. Hut why n sprained ankle should injure the eye sight, I do. not understand," returned Nelly. "Nor I. However, at nuidanie's age, it is natural enough that she should like to spare her eyes." "Ah, yes, I forgot." "At all events, Miss Digby is most faithful in performing her self-imposed duties." "Yes, indeed, she is!" cried Nelly, looking up with gleam of uneasy light iu her dark quick eyes. "Then c.liu Ib kindness itself," added Capel. "Anyway to women," returned Nelly. "What!' ran sho be cruel to that por tion of tho human race, which is chiefly devoted to her?" "Well, you see she wns vexed with ono of them, and so she's ready to pun ish tho whole lot." "That is unfair," said Cupel, whilo ho thought, "this Ib dangerous. It is hateful to suspect thut anyone has been Iwfore ine." "And then," returned Nelly, "Grace is tremendously, patriotic. She thinks English men are cold and selfish!" "Cold Great heavens!" exclaimed Cupel; "'vye do liot deserve, such a sen tence. 'I.am eurej Miss O'Orady", you have too much penetration to believe tbhv?", , , .'!H1,, jC?HJBot sure. "l have never1 been in Hngland. Now, Grace, has been there a good deal. She was a whole year at Miss Monitor's school nt Chester, where they taught her to step in and out of a carriage In elegant style. It would make you tlie laugh ing to hear Grace take off Miss Monitor lecturing thu young ludles; nnd then they learned all about the heathen gods and goddesses, and a very bad set they seem to hao been." "Hut I thought that Miss Dlgby had been brought up by this old French lady?" said Capel, taking a fresli sheet of paper. "Yes, of course she was," impatient ly. "Shu went tt) finish at Chester. No one but an Englishman would havu needed that explained." "Come, Miss O'Orady, do not be so hard on us thick-brained Saxons," said Capel, good humoredly. "Perhaps a long restdenee in this country mlglit sharpen our wits." "Well, maybe eo. It would tuku a long time,'' lnughlng saucily. "Where's the masthcr?" nsked De lany, putting In his head, with a sourer look than usur.l on his wizened face. "I don't know," returned Nelly; "who wants him?" "Faith, .lelferles, tlie Yankee, no less. It's about ould Daly's farm. I'm thinking he's nothing but a land grab ber, bad 'cess to him, if it's after thu land he is." "I fancy my uncle has pone down to the farm. Anyhow, I'll go away, I don't fancy the man. Don't put him in here, Delsmy. It will disturb tho colonel." I'rnv don't think of mc. I hnvo just finished my letters." "Thank you, surr. If I lave tho blnck-tivisod crature in the hall, somu of the boys will be putttos tho comether on him." Miss O'Grady gathered up her work and departed, and thu next moment n small slight man. with keen black eyes, neatly and well dressed in a dark green riding suit and top boots, a whip iu his hand and witli almost, liut not quite, the air of a gentleman, was ush ered Into the room. "Your servant, sir," ho said, in a peculiar voice, neither Irish nor Eng lish. "You are Mr. Jeftcrles," said Cupel, rising nnd confronting him. "You aru generally to be heard ot " "At the 'Black Hull,' Clonmell,". put in the newcomer. "Exactly, I htne a note for you;" anil Cnpel drew forth the note Lane had given hi ni. JefTerles read It quickly. "All right,'1 he said; "I have been expecting this: Not seeing or hearing from you, 1 camo hure to see you." "And your business?" said Cape!, sharply, not liking the looks of tho man. "You will, I believe, be summoned to your command a little sooner than you expect," returned JciTeries, readily; and I wish to warn you that there is no use in looking for the rehfl Costello "AND VOl'H 11U61NF.S3?" SIIAlll'I.V. SAID CAl'EI., in these parts. I have sure word that he is in hiding up in Glcngnrrlf, which ia all the better, for not belug among his1 own people the bovs will not be so ready . V ...... .... to risk life and limb to screen lilni.' If that's the case. I wonder he does not find some fishing boat to take hiu to sea. 1 suppose he is in communica tion with France?" "No doubt, sir. Where will you hi putting up in Cork, sir?" "At the Crown and Scepter hotel. How the deuce do you know that I am likely to be summoned sooner than the EOtb?" "llecause the brigadier is bad, sii- . sick with tlie liver and will be asking you to come." "Thnt remains to be seen," sal" Capel. "Hallo, Mr. JettY-rles!" said Digby, coming in quickly; "so you are nftcr Daly's farm again. I tell you you need u lot more evidence to make matters clear to me. Now, It is close on lunch-i eon time you go and have some dinner and I'll talk to you after." Ho rang. Delany Immediately appeared, and re- eeiviiig his muster's orders jerked his thumb over his shoulder, crouking out: "This way, Mr. Jeffcries." This unexpected visit was a godsend to Capel, for at luncheon Mr. Dlgby ex-; cased himself from joining the guest and daughter in the afternoon ride. "I'll hnvo to look into this fellow's claims on one of the farms close by. He seems to think that as a magistrate can do something for him. He claims to bo the grandson of the elder brother of the prebent owner, who left this, country for his country's good fifty years ago." "Pray do not mention it. If Miss Olgby will be my guide " "You'll excuse her father," put in Dlgby, good-naturedly. Cupel thought be hod never seen Grace look more charming than when she re appeared "en umason," her graceful, supple figure displayed in the close fitting habit. y Capel's heart beat high, The spirit, of the spring, that time of love and re newed life, poured its magic through his being. "This is a day I shall never forget 1 " he broke out, after a silence of some duration; "and yet itniay beafo tal one to me." "How so, Col, Capel? Donot be down hearted." "As you tell me that', I accept it for a good omen." "If wishing you well can bring you success, you will have it only " "Only what?" "I do not want you to catch poor Vnl Costello." "But, Miss .Digby, an Unreasoning man of his kind,, who leads the igno rant and misguided to bloodshed and misery, deserves to be. punished. It is want of thought, of conscientiousness, that makes your country, wnat it w." "Well, God knows It' iBmlsernble, enougn. x ieci more uunapp juu can imagine; and what c'onl dor J.cavo it," said Capel, eniphuticalljv our heart is too tender to cndtiri. ),, sight of wretchedness you cannot re lieve." "And yet I can nt times forget there IS sudriTtliiiig nff sorrow- In tho world; and feci as if life were all sonff nnd laughter. To-day I am rather misera ble, though madtimo is better (she limped about her room wonderfully well to-day). I hope sho will eomo downstnlrs the day after to-morrow.'' " "I hope she will, if you desire It. Sho ought to be well after the kind care of such a nurse." TIi'ceo words brought them to tho, chief entrance of Athgnrvnn, and they descried in front of them u man in uniJ form mounted on u stout, scrviceablo horse. The rider drew up nt the lodge,; and was speaking to the lodge keeper when Capel pressed his horso into tho center and drew up beside him. "Dispatches for Coi. Capel?" lit, asked. "Yes, Rlr," said the mun, saluting and taking thick letter from a pouch! "N0TH1N0 WllONO, I HOPE?" BHC EX CLAIMED. nt his side. Capel tore it cpen, and. glanced at the contents. Hy this tJuiu Grace hud come up. "Nothing wrong, I hope!" she cx-J claimed, , "For me, yes, I nm nummoned to see my predecessor, who is ill, I must' leave you to-morrow," "I nm indeed sorry," she said. Hut Capel, who was in deep thought, did' not seem to hear her. "How far have you come to-day?" she asked of the trooper, who looked; licit and tired. ; "From Cork, my lady." "What, all tlvat wuyl Follow us into! the house and you shall have some food you must need it." "Thnnk you," said Capel, rousing) himself. "I dure say he needs both, food and drink." ' They rode on, and as soon as the oldj butler appeared Grace told him to loolc( liter the soldier. 1 Tlie library was untenanted wheui Grace and her cavijlier entered it. I will leave you to read your dia-1 , patch," sho said; "but first let me moke. a suggestion wnicn you win ot course, reject unless it suits you." i "Certainly, Miss Digby, and after, will you hear me?" "Oh, yes, of course. It struck me that as Mruc. de Surcsne has heard thutj' tho Calliope, the corvette thnt takes the government dispatches to Bristol,' Is in Cork harbor just now, it would be .ry kind of you to give her a seat in your chaise. You could set her dowm j at Mllle. Delplanques, who would let I Comnia-nder Seton (an acquaintance! ' of madame's) know she was there, and' he will give her a passage across. Her son is ill at Hath." "With the greatest pleasure," inter-; rupted Capel, eager to get hl3 Innings. "1 shall take good care of her; indeed,! ilo nil I can for anyone in whom you take an interest. Now pray hear me. I must speak the words which have! been ot my lips a dozen times. You. must know, you must feel, that I lovo you with all my soul, with all my sirengun i uo not Know u i nave uio -.!-.. ., B ..!!. ' faintest chance of success with you. I cannot tell if you will think me pre-J sumptuous. Hut I hardly dare face thq possibility of your no.' Life without, you seems to me unbearable." -, "Ah, Col. Capel, you exaggerate your own Impressions," said Grace, in low tones, flushing and then growing) white. "I thought you liked us all, bub cot like this. Indeed, I fear I am not suited to you; there are things in ma thnt you would not like I ah do not ask nie to rnorry you. I cannot.; Indeed, I cannot," and she burst into; tears. t "Vou hnvH n nrevlous attachment, oi entrntrement," cried Capel, walking tot and fro. "Forgive me if I am rudej but I am utterly unhinged, I shoulcT not question you. I Grace, do not) weep, or if you do let It be ki my arms,") and he drew her to him. "Some in4 stinct tells me that you are not qujte) averse to me, and as she yielded to nisi close embrace he exclaimed: "Thera is some infernal mystery under this.) Trust me, my darling, my life is yours1 "You are too good," she returned,! drawing gently from him, "and I ami very foolish. I do not want to love) anyone, Lovo seems to make peoploi miserable." "No, no, love, if reciprocated, musti be HeaTen. Grace, will you always re-j 1 x mi I - V. !,....! 1 V ject met urit;u jjcsuuicu, uuiajicuj and unclasped her hands, looking di vinely sweet, nnd slightly mischievous.; "If you care to give me time, and! take time yourself, ask if I have made; up my mind when oh when you have! deposited Mme. de Surcsne with her, compatriot in Cork." , "I breathe ngaln. A thousand' thanks, my love, my queen. I will dare; to hope." 1 "But not too much. I scarce dare toi bopo myself," exclaimed Grace, and! gathering up her habit she fled swiftly) away. (To bo concluded next week.) A Valuable Vrenortptlon, Editor Morrison of Worthlngton, Ind., "Sun," writes: "You have a valuablo prescription In Electric Bitters, and 1 can cheerfully recommend lt for Constipation and Sick Headache, and us a general sys tem tonic it lias no equal." Mrs. Aunle Slehle, 2C25 Cottage Grove Ave., Chica go, was all run down, could not cat nor digest food, hnd a headache which never left her and felt tired aud weary, but six bottles of Electric Bitters restored her health and renewed her strength. Price 60a and (1,00. Get a bottle at Churchill & St. Johns' successors to Geo, L. La Foun tain & Co. If th llaby U Outline Teeth. Be sure and use that old and well-tried remedy. Mrs. Wtnslow's Soothing 8yrut for children teethlne. It Boothoi the child. BOfton the gums, allays all pain, cure wind collo and Is the best remedy for diar rhoea, Twenty-nvo cents a bottle. Ncu-Rolcurea sick or nervous hcadaohes.