A WOMAN'S FAITH: OR, THE Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4353, 26 April 1884, Page 6

A WOMAN'S FAITH: OR, THE Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies.

By CHARLES T. MANNERS,

AUTHOR OF

"The Lord of Lyle," "Octavia'B Pride," "The Blenk'arno Emeralds," " The Flaw in the Diamond," "Dragging Him Down," " A Silver Brand," &0., &c.

CHAPTER. XXVI,

" VENGEANCE 13 MINE."

The earl looked at tho judge, and the latter tried to motion him to answer, but neither had thought or voice ready.

Suddenly, however, tho curtains of the alcove were swept aside, and another figure came forward to be tho centre of all eyes. Konrade Earle made a quick appealing gesture, but it was not heeded. Sir Richard rubbed his hands bewildcredly across his eyes. "Why, Duke! Duko !" said ho, "you horc ?" "Never mind that now," spoke tho other sternly. "Do you moan to sw<?ar to these people that you havo told tho truth, tho whole truth, in this story of yours, Richard Mildmay '!" Sir Richard lifted his hand upward, and answered, solemnly : "I swear, in tho sight of Jleaven, and before these truo and noble witnesses, that I havo told tho whole truth."

Tho othor'a stern faco was shakon by a sudden tromor, his voice was hoarser still beneath its strain of tigony, as ho asked :

"Do you say that Marmaduke Earl recoived no other wrong from you than that singlo passionate blow 1" "I do. I swear it hero." " What of Marion, man, Marion, tho docoived, the betrayed '!" "Marion!" repeated Sir Richard, in a voice so hearty in its amazement no ono thoro could believe it foigncd. "Great Heaven," ejaculated tho other, "have I been hugging a dolusion all thoso years? Man, man, 1 heard you myself in your flippant allusions to her. I saw you buy a sot of corals for her. I beheld you direct them; with my own eyos I saw it." A light broke over Sir Richard's perplexed face. " What, is it Blair's swoetheart you are alluding to? Yes, I remember. I bought the corals for hor. I used to direct Ins letters always; there was somo'. trouble about her obstinate fathor, I beliovo. I know I went down to the town to oscort her back as a favour to Blair, who dared not venture himself. It was Blair sho loved. Why, what havo you btfliovod of mo ?" "And you paid Blair tho gaming debts." "Yea, of cour.se; my mother, tho bankor, old Mr Tulkinhqrn, all theso can provo it."

A volley of fierce imprecations burst over tho man's livid lips. "How ho has tricked us! Oil, what devil's plot that man has carried out. And ho hoard mo swear tho oath to follow Marion's betrayor to his everlasting ruin, and he knew mo well onough to be sure I should keep my word. Oh, fool, fool ! blind fool. I sco it all now. Ho raado you the cat's paw to snatch his prizo for him, he cajoled me into following you, and between us both he has mado a fortune, andoscapod. No, not escaped, if tho world holds him I will find him yet." Konrade Earle, with a faco full of deop distress, laid his hand upon his arm. Conway Searle, from tho other side, took his hand. "Father, fathor, becalm," implored they both. "Father!" shrioked Hortenso, springing forward with wild, dilated eyes, searching over his face. "Then—thon my fathor is no murdoror. You aro Marmaduke Earle."

" I am Marmaduko Earlo," said tho other gloomily. "A man who has givon his life to plots and counterplots, and in the end finds himself tricked by all—a dupo from tho boginning." "Marmaduko Earlo,'' faltered tho dowager, sinking upon hor knees before him, and covoring his hand with wild kisses. " Oh, lot mo bloss you, let mo bloss you I" Sir Richard stood liko ono stricken with sudden palsy. "Duke—Duko," he muttered, "I cannot comprohond." "110 is Marmaduko Sarlo. His doath can nover Ho at your door," said Konrade Earlo, eagerly. "Thank Heaven that tho last shadow botween mo and Hortenso is swopt away." Still there was a vacant bowildormcnt upon Sir Richard's face. His old enomy was touched by it. Ho turned with a weary smilo. "Are you sorry to know it, Light-house Dick ? Your old companion has kept you in sight for many years, but he is Mannaduke Earl beyond tho possibility of doubt. He knows now that ho has wrongod you more bitterly by his suspicions than you have over done by deeds. Will you shako hands beforo this boy and girl whoso union I meant to forbid at tho last moment, but to which I givo now my hearty blessing ?" Sir Richard lifted his oyes upward in ono look of grateful joy, and held out his hand, but beforo it was taken ho reeled back.

'■ It is too much for him, my poor Dick," cried tho judge, rushing toward tho tray and water goblet. "This is too much excitement. Ho cannot boar the reaction."

Ho had indeed fainted. In the confusion that followed all method of explanation was abandoned, and in tho midst of it came Helena Yorrington in answer to the summons that Konrado Earle had sent for her.

Sir Richard had revivod, and was sitting in the midst of the happy circle of congratulating friends, from which the only silent one, poor, bewildered, disappointed Ted, had crept away, whon Helena Yorrington was brought forward.

Lady Hortense sprang forward and seized her hand when Helena was retroating in consternation from the crowded room which opened beforo her. " Oh, you grand, noble, precious pearl of price !" cried out Hortense. " Konrade lias been whispering to me of your late experience. He has even told mo how grandly you refused his offered hand and namo. Come in ; como in to your reward."

Helena, palo and languid from her long and fatiguing ride, no less that from the trying experience through which she had passed, suffered herself to bo drawn forward, and even forced a listless smilo in answer to the general joy that shono from all the faces around her.

" You have repented of your hasty decision. You have discovered that Mr Earle is worth all your trust and faith. lam very gla&for both of you," she faltered.

" Yes ; I have learned to he ashamed of myself, and to glory in your steadfastness," said Lady Hortense ; and she whispered to the dowager an order to the gardener, which was promptly despatched and speedily fulfilled, for in a few moments a tiny bouquet, carefully covered with paper, was received and hurried into the alcove.

"And now you must hear a marvellous story," added the dowager gently detaining the girl beside her, and rapidly relating a brief synopsis of tho day's revelation until this last manceuvre had been accomplished, when sho yielded her hand again to hor eager granddaughter. "Ah, Helena Yerrington, I am ashamed to be so happy in your presence," declared Hortense, coming once more to take her prisoner. "You, who havo been as true and steadfast as the North Star itself, deserve to hold the most precious thing that earthly happiness can givo. And yot, alas ! —ah, Helena, are you sure that Cenway Searle was never false, never careless—that this fearful mystery has no blame to cast on him."

" Yes I am sure. Why do you torment me with the needless question '!" answered Helena, the contrast of her own desolate, lonely way striking sharply and painfully upon her. How benignantly the dowager smiled upon her! What tender, respectful, admiration shono in Konrado Earle's eyes ! And as for Lady llortcnse, the flashing of her eyes, the dimpling of her lips, were almost dazzling. Touched by a vague impression of something startling at hand, Helena stood looking appealingly from faco to face.

"Oh, it is cruel to keep her in suspense I" cried Hortensc, suddenly. "TaKe her, Konrade—it is you who alone deserve the right—take her to her reward, this brave, leal, trusty soul." And dancing across to her lover's side, Hortenso laid Helena's hand upon his arm. • "My dear Miss Yerrington, I give you joy," said Konrade gently. "At last we have found the track of Conway Searle. He is ahve; he is tiue and faithful as you deserve, and—he is here !"

~He drew aside the hanging drapery of the alcove; he led her within, just far enough for her to see the graceful, manly figure waiting there with its outstretched bunch of pansies, and dropping her hand from his arm, retreated, letting the damask folds fall again to screen the reunited lovers.

Those outside heard only a few low murmurs, a tremulous sob, and then there was utter silence,

" Sho has fainted, like poor Richard," exclaimed the dowager, softly. "lam afraid tho beautiful realisation camo too suddenly upon her." And sho wiped her overflowing eyes, and looked anxiously toward the alcove. Hortenso was standing with beautiful head bent low in humiliation.

" Konrade," said she, " don't overbelievo I havo passed through this unpunished. Every time I look at Helena Yerrington, every time I think of her, it will be a rebuke to me. Do I not know that lam unworthy oven to touch the hem of her garment? Oh, I wonder that you can over forgive me !" ■'You would not if you could see those wistful eyes of yours, my darling. I cannot expect my tire-fly in her tropic nature to shine with tho clear, steady lustre of a star, nor ask a humming-bird to soar to the clouds like an eagle. Yet it is tho firo-fly and tho humming-bird that havo won my love. I givo my brother joy of his Helena, but I hold my own Jlorten.se as precious. You havo not asked any explanation yet of much that was mysterious on my part. But wo ."hall have it all presently. Shall Igo and peep to see if there is a pair of inarblo statues in yonder, transformed by joy^ inBtoad of grief—a new version of Niobe I" And in answer to her nod of acquiescence, ho softly approached the alcove and looked

in. What unutterable peace was on the faces there ! —a joy so deep, and solemn, and all pervading that it needed no words of oxprossion, no loving curesses, no nssurancos of aflbctioii, such as common lovers uko. Hand held firm clasp of hand, and cyo mot oyo, and in this alcove wan a bliss too ecstatic to bo marred by words. '• Loavo them alone," said Konradc Earlo, with /i merry smile, (is ho came back to the anxious group. "Everything is well, but they are somewhere abovo tho common oarth—in the Bovonth hoavon, porhnps, and they do not speak our language thore. While they aro coming down to earth, lot my father tell us why ho concealed from me tho knowlodgo of a brother's existence." " I have alroady oxplained ovorything to Sir Richard and Lady Mildmay," answered Marmaduko Earlo, but with a gloom on his forehead that his son grieved to aco.

"I liavo told them of my lovo for Marion, myongagemonttohcr, and of tho mysterious plotter who won lior nwny from mo, and lured her to her ruin, only to desert hor mid leavo hor to dio in shnmo and suffering. I had married my father's choico, sho who diod at hor twin children's birth, but 1 could not forget Marion, and whon Blair, as I thought, accidentally revealed to mo that Sir Richard Mildmay was tho man against whom I had registered a solemn vow of vongoance, I sotmysolftowork to accomplish hit) downfall. I sco now, by tho light of Sirllichard's explanation, of what diabolical duplicity that Blair was capable. Ho used UK both, tho one against the other, to further his own nefarious ends. It was he who .suggested that I should perflonata a certain noted gambler, and win the coreless young follow into tho lovo of cards and dico and strong liquors. It was ho who turned my wild accusations against Sir Richard so that tho latter answered in a way to givo mo assurance of liis guilt. It was ho who took from mo tho notes of Sir Richard's indebtedness, and ho ftlono who roally meant my death. I do not like to dwell upon it—it makos my blood boil and soothe ho that I cannot bear to rost a moment, until I start out in soarch of the double-dyed villain. Blair held tho notes and took tho money. He really believed me doad ; but tho sudden plunge into the wator brought mo back to life, and tho very insensibility in which I nmdo tho first plunge saved my life too, paradoxical as it may seem. 1 was first picked up by a poor fisherman, clutching at a loose board which had probably gonu out with mo when tho bout upset, but without any conscious intelligence. A valuable ,watch-chain and dangling diamond cross caught tho poor tallow's pyo, and prompted him to row ashoro with his priza without making known to tho searching boats ho could see in tho vicinity that he had found one of tho missing men. When 1 regained my senses this dilomma was used to my own advant age. I gave him twice tho value of the trinkota ho had secreted to hold hig peaco, and let mo go away unknown of all. I hurried on to London, and by a curious coincidence 1 saw and recognisod Sir Richard as ho was coining 'from his farewell to his homo. I followed him to America, and there lost sight of him for two years, and it was only by tho most arduous and pcwcToring search that I camo upon him again. I novor lost sight of him after that, but secretly choriehed my inoxorable vow of vengoanoo, and matured a plan of cruel retaliation worthy of a Lucifer, lie will bo astonished to loam what close surveillance Duko kopt over Lighthouse Dick. Silas Groon will onlighten him, however, whenover ho shall chooso to seek that honest fellow's confldonco. My children weio at nurso in England. I confers that my heart was so full of hatred and a burning sense of cruel wrong that I had little tenderness for thoir innocence. The Earles havo been noted examples of fraternal discord, porhaps because tho estate has nover been capub'lo of supporting but one in the stylo befitting tho namo and race. But there havo been sorry stories told of every family in which there were two sons. They seemed to sot their hearts upon tho same object in love, and letters, and war. 1 looked at mine, and vowed, since but one could command revenue fit for his position, but one should bo distracted by the claims ol birth and rank. I loft the first-born of the twins in care of tho guardian tho courts had appointed on my reputed doath, and bribed the nurse to report tho other ailing and then dead. Tho latter I carried away with mo to Amorica, and gavo it into the care of worthy pooplo there, who adopted him for their own. Whon I know by the letters Sir Richard recoived and wrote how much his heart was sot upon tho daughter hero in England, I matured a new plan. Try not to think of me as a fiend by nature, but as a man driven nearly mad by a great and terriblo wrong to ono nearer and dearer than himself. I know that as a sort of oxpiation to atone to Konrado Earlo for his fathor's loss, this heiress of the Mildmays had boon betrothed to him. I gloated over the assurance of this lovely girl's devotion to my son. I meant that this should be one means of torture. But as I pictured how I should wound the father by his daughter s anguish, when I forced my son to refuso to marry the daughter of his fathor's murderer, tho wild terror came—what if Konrade should dio and I lose ray vongeanco ? Then it was I cautiously made known to him that thorc was ono in America who had deep interest and much power ovor his welfare. I sent for him to como to America, and mado known my exiatonce to him under a strong oath of secrecy, reserving Sir Richard s story from his knowledge. He gavo me his solemn promise to ludo any illness of his own from his acquaintances, but to send for a certain physician. As if to confirm the wisdom of this precaution of mine, not quite a year ago I was notified of a serious accident that had befallen him. A pistol carelessly handled had discharged its ball into his breast. Under this solemn promiso made to me ho was compelled to hide his trouble and danger. The physician who was in my confidence wrote mo of the exceedingly critical nature of an operation required to i emove the ball, but of the still greater danger of allowing it to remain. I ground my tooth in rage at the thought of losing my vongoance—more, I fear, than at the danger of my son. Then I mado my strangest move. I ordered Konrade and the physician both to America, and I confronted Conway Searle, tho chivalrous boy who had won my lovo in spito of my hardness, with a trumped-up story of his real father's danger which his secret presence could alone avert, and spirited him out of his home and his friend's knowledge. If Konrade died I meant that Conway should step into his place, and cheat you all into believing him the same man. For this purpose I took every precaution to conceal all trace of his death, should he succumb under the operation, so that Conway might step unsuspected into his place." " Oh," interrupted Lady Hortonse, drawing one long deep breath as her hand slipped over to Konrado's, " should I over have borne the test? Konrade, Konrade, 1 should not have been faithless that way. I should have known it was not you."

" Thank Heaven you were not tried !" said Marmaduko Earle; "it was a oruel plan. But I tell you all I have been in a wild mazo jof madness, from which it has pleased Heaven to wake me up atjlast. Conway understoodjmy design. He fa ucied Ijsto'od in some great danger, from which his identity would be able to shield me. He knew nothing of Konrade, except that I had ordered him to purchase tickets in that namo. He tried to resist the abrupt authority of his removal, but was quieted by the promise that Helena Yerriugton should receive a bunch of pansies on that particular day of every month, and that his durance should soon como to an end. I was not prepared, for to© hue tincl cry his disappearance made. The broken cane was the result of my own violence. I snatched it from him and broke it, while, arguing with him in reference to the Becreoy of his departure. LadyHortense, if you have any questions, ask them now, for I understand very well that many of this young, gentleman's movements wereshroudod in mystery in compliance with my own autocratic commantis."

"Not a question," declared Hortonse, her eyes shining like stars. "My poor, poor Konrado! facing death in heroic silence, and I tormenting you with my idle curiosity. No, no ; I shall never doubt you again. Hush, hero they come at last, our pansy lovors. Do you see he has put one in in hor hair, and sho has fastened the others at her breast ? Welcome, wolcomo peerless Helena and happy Conway ! Oh, how beautiful the world is 1 Grandma, what shall we do for Ted—poor, silly Ted, who was so grand with his baronetcy ? Not a creature must be grieved under this blessed regime. What can be done to comfort Ted ?"

"Hunt up some wealthy heiress, my dear. Time will heal the poor lad's wounds, never fear. Oh, Richard, Richard! to think I havo you safe, and no deadly sword hanging over your head." Andherethe dowager's hand sank lovingly against the stalwart shoulder, and Sir Richard's arm was passed fondly about them both as he replied : " Muy Heaven teach us to deservo this happy issue out of our dark troubles ; and the first fruits must be—hear me, oh, Marmaduke—a renunciation of all thoughts of vengeance." "I must find Charles Blair," said Marmaduke, sullenly. " Find him, then, to forgive, and convert out of his wickedness. I have forgiven him all theso blighted yoars : I can look up to heaven and say it. Follow my example, I pray you ; put away all thoughts of enmity and revenge." " 'Vengeanco is mino ; I will repay,' " said Helena Yerrington, in alow, solemn tone. " Conway, whether Colonel Rivera found that note or not, you also are to refuse to harbour malice."

•'Can you believo 1 have any other sentiinont but that of overflowing joy?" answered Conway Searlo, tenderly. "You make mo think of quaint Si Green's parting remark, my Helena, ' When you sot your eyos on that 'ore young woman, I know you won't have room to be thinking of anything elso under the sun and me on,' said he ; ' it ain't to bo expected. Nobody won't think o' blaming you, for if ever thero was a saint but I kinder wish you'd contrivo to remember to give her Si Groon'a respects, and toll her ho did find ye, arter all, and that Franky's going to bo a painter.' Honest old Si! ho is happy with tho rest of üb. And do you think I shall stop to harbour resentment against Colonel Rivet's, unworthy as I beliovo nim to have behaved?"

'• Wasn't that ono of the names In the list of tho missing steamor's passengers ?" asked tho judge. '' I was reading thorn this mornIng." '•Who is this Colonel Rivors?" asked Hortonse careloasly. "Ho was my guardian," answered Helena. " It's rathor odd that I havo an old pioturo of his in my pocket at this moment. I have been looking ovor my small array of worldly goods loft hore in London, and, finding it, I slippod it into my pocket. Ho gavo it to mo what seems ages ago. I bolieved ho disliked it, though ; it was takon by some water-colour artist in Germany, I think." Aa sho spoke she slipped her hand into hor pocket, and drow forth tho littlo carved case and opened it. A eudden sharp exclamation from Sir Richard drow Marmaduko Earlo's attention. Tho former looked shocked and distressed. "What is it?— who is it?" demanded Marmaduko; but as his eye fell upon the picturo ho shouted, fiorcely: "Charles Blair, by all tho fionds !" "Charles Blair it is I" ochood Sir Richard.

" And has ho sailod for England, did you tell mo ? Oh, but let mo moot him!" pursued Marmaduko, "Hush, hush ! Did you not hoar?—the steamer in supposed to havo foundered with evory soul on board." A shuddering awe fell upon the group. _ " ' Vengeance Is mine; I will repay, saith tho Lord,' " reiterated tho dowagor, solemnly.

CHAPTER XXVII,

chkstkk Harris's return*

Chkstkr Hajiris missed all this romantic and exciting denouement in London. Ho sent a brief line, stating his good fortune and proved departure, and went directly to Liverpool, and thenco by the first homoward bound steamer.

Mary Converse meanwhilo had waited in a daze of tremulous hopo and fear aftor tho receipt of those strango.enigmatical letters; and Mr Smith had fumed ami fretted—all, however, of no avail, because Mary had said, in that gravo, steadfast way of hors : "Mother.l will keep faitl.j with Mr Smith if Chester Harris will give mo back my plighted word. I told you—T told him I had no right to promise anything until I had hoard from Chester. You must abide by that." "Why did ho not giro an answer? It is very selfish and unkind in him. He has no right to keep you out of a comfortable homo," said tho mother, peovishly. "Ho will not do it, answered Mary, sorrowfully. " I know him too well to believe it. If he cannot give us as safe, and happy, and comfortable a homo as Mr Smith offers, he will give mo back my plightod troth."

"Thon everything is »afe," declared Mrs Converse, " for we all know how poor and helpless these Harris people are." Mary eaid no more, but thero was a flattering hope in her heart that gavo her more restloss hours than all hor previous sorrow had done.

Mr Bmith had really no solid ground of complaint, and ho tried to appear confident and satisfied ; but there was an uneasy fooling in his heart, and he used every art to strengthen his position. Ho sent over somo new gewgaw every day, until thore was really some danger that Mary Smith would start upon her married life in altogothor too extravagant sotting for her husband's means and position. A particular restlessness seized tho bridegroom-elect on the morning of what was to hare been the wedding-day. Did he calculate that an English steamer was due?

He slipped down early in the morning and coaxed Mrs Converse to have Mary arrayed in all the bridal finery, promising to drop in 88 if accidentally to behold its effect. Did ho moan to call up one of tho strongest foibles of a woman's strangely capricious heart ? Did he hope, in case tho troublesome Harris appeared, that Mary would find the costly dress a powerful ally on his Bide ?

However it might be, Mary had finally yielded to her mother's persistent efforts. The hatefully shimmering robe was brought out, the pretty cobweb laces unfolded, even the dainty, white kid slippers donned, and Mary, pale, cold, and listless, stood up in patient endurance, whilo the mother and maid chattered around her.

"Ah! was ovor anything raoro lovely?" cried out the proud and satisfied mother. " Nobody would evor know you, Mary." She was stooping to shake down a fleecy flounce, and hearing tho door pushed softly open and a firm step entering, sho said promptly, taking for granted that the contemplated programme was being carried out:

"Ah, Mr Bridegroom, have you come? Now say if you should dream our Mary would make so fair a bride ?"

She did not see tho new-comer nor could she see Mary's face turning from ghastly pale to fever-red, but she knew what had happened beforo she heard the glad, cheery voice:

" Did I know it ? Of course I did. Mary, my bonny, bonny bride, now you look more to my mind ; you were too white and cold a moment since. Oh, my darling, come to me. Weep out your tears upon my breast, for your-cares are ended at last." He caught the wavering figure in his arms, and held her close, needless of the rumpled lace and flowors. "Mr Harris I" exclaimed Mrs Converse in her sourest tone.

" Yes, madam, Mr Harris come home to claim his promised bride, and como back, thank Heaven ! with a fortune in his hand, with which to make her and you and all of us forget these pinching wretched times we have known," declared Chester, wisely resolving to spare Mary from hearing anything between her mother and himself that would be unpleasant to remember. Mrs Harris stood twisting her fingers together nervously. "A fortune!" stammered she, and stopped again. ■ "Yes, and not a small one either. The Lord be praised ! I bring home more than a competency from the often reviled Welsh mine. Mary, dearest, you have not said a word of welcome yet." "Chester, oh, Chester," faltered Mary, and somothing choked down the rest. But the gentle head rested, oh, how thankfully, against his broad shoulder, and the worn, industrious little fingers nestled lovingly in his. "I shall send up Lawyer Stone to show you the proofs of my statements, Mrs Convers6i" remarked Chester, in tl^e most business-like tone. " And he will give you a cheque to settle with whoever has been good enough to advance funds for this pretty finery of Mary's We'll use it just as quick as I can get my sister in the like trim, and a handsome house for us all to live in. I'm in an great a hurry as anyhody I assure you. And—" ~' . . ■'[ "Mem!"

Thu time the poor blind woman knew in advanco who was coming. That was Mr Smith's gruff voice, and no ono'a else. How thankful for once sho was that the blind eyes could not see tho rage and chagrin on his face. Chester gave the purple, angry face ono contemptuous glance, and dexterously drew Mary through the other door, and turned back to say: " Ah, Mrs Converse, I don't believo but this is the very individual. Ask him to make out his bill with a percentage for his accommodation. I won't forget the good turn he has done my wedding in getting tho bride ready." Safe with the closed door between, Mary threw herself again upon Chester's faithful breast. " Oh, Chester, Chester, tell mo it is truo. You have come back to savo me."

"With a fortune, and after a fortune. Mary, my dear, sometime I shall let you show ma what offering I can make to prove my gratitude to Heaven that my pearl of price was not snatched away from me. Come now, and help me break the good news to my father and sister." "It is so beautiful, so beautiful, whispered Mary. "Oh, Chester, I wish you could tell mo that that lovely Helena Yerrington was happy, too." "Something astonishing has developed, for Stone was chuckling about Si Green's getting the reward away from me. I couldn't listen to anybody else before seeing you, but we'll hear the rest tonight." It was on Mary's wedding-day that tho long lotter of joyful explanations came from Helena Yci'rington. "Ah," said Chester then to his sweetfaced wife of two hours, "this ia the most charming wedding gift we could havo. To know that thoso other lovers are happy, too, completes our content, I do not like to think thoro are any miserable ones anywhere in tho wide world on this blessed day." " Not even Mr Smith '(" asked his sister,

archly. But Mary's blithe laugh showed Mr Smith's discomfiture did not lie heavily upon her conscience. Even Mrs Converse was presently heard to say : " There's nono to blame but himself. Mr Smith might see that, if ho were not bo set in his opinions." There was another pair of lovers, though very quaint ones, and they were undergoing a very melancholy parting almost at the time of Chester's remark.

Lknbcr Tom had stopped over in Baltimore, and hunted up Sal Chisley again, and he said, in his quick, decided way, while ho thrust a gorgeous dress of rainbow tints into her arms:

" Now you look here, little Sally. I'm acoming down hero after you joet as 3oon as I get settled in that fishing-smack the gentlemen promised you. Do you jest keep a lively look out for me, and don't yer go to fretting. It won't be a year now, I toll yor, if I get tho good o' my namo; and we'll jest show 'em a couplo as won't do no quarreling for common put outs, now won't wo, Sal ?" And Sal laughed a little and cried a good deal. Limber Tom made good his wordswhen Conway Searle and his bride came home to Amorica to tako possession of tho property that Colonel Rivers' will had left to Helena, nnd to find the packet of confessions that made all tho mysteries clear, and proved beyond a doubt what black plots Charles Blair had daringly conceived and wickedly executed. Si Green, as happy a creature as the sun shone on, took them to the neat littlo sea-shore cabin, whero this youthful pair had gone to house-keeping in good faith and utter content.

And, with a sly glance at Helena's happy i'aco, ho said : "And who's going to say? I'm puzzled to tell sometimes. I ain't over sure but tlieso bo as happy a couple as any of ye. Anyhow it's part of the beautiful coming out of a black time. My Franky a gentleman painter, and Si Green comfortable, and Miss Helena as happy as a queen, and all coming out—you may say of a bunch of pansies. It beats all, it does. I always pay my respect, wherever I see 'em, to the pansies. [the end].