THE NOVELIST.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 6378, 13 February 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NOVELIST.

[BY .JEAN KATE LIT PLUM.]

THE BRAIA of a LIFE.

CHArTER VII. A BRILLIANT AFFAIR. In the floating of the fan and of the feather, - To reciprocate with beauty the fine weather. —The Dance. Mrs Leonard was the housekeeper at Bachelor's Beatitude, as Morgan in a lit of wit nick-named the beautiful residence of Lee Price. Mrs Leonard as n housekeeper was irreproachable ; as a woman she was very stout, goodnatured and wonderfully kind of heart. She considered the young master the perfection of manhood. There was nothing too good for him ; nothing that she would not do to increase his happiness. _ She was more to him—much more t han his own mother had been, and she had ruled over his house since his parents died, his mother surviving his father but two weeks. He paid her a salary that placed beyond possibility her ever coming to want; and m return she made his home a paradise of comfort, his friends said, envying him. But a paradise without houris ; and under such conditions, even paradise nails sometimes. So it was decided, one charming summer morning after solemn conclave, that the houris should be invited' And this decision wakened a stir from cellar to garret at Bachelors' Beatitude, and excited much pleasurable expectation «>n the part of the bachelors themselves. . ' It must be a really brilliant ailair, or I will I" 1 * undertake it,' said Lee Trice when the proposition was being considered. 'In consequence of this, we must take pains to make it a success In the first place I have one o! the sweetest aunts in the world, aud we shall have her here, of course. That will settle the proprieties, for when she Countenances an ailair the world accents it as proper. She will do the hosted to perfection, only I warn you fellows not to fall in love with her. That is my one stipulation ' * Why not?' queried Newton, with an air of settled melancholy. ? ' Her husband might object. « Oh ' She has a husband ?' i Yes. And now that Mrs Leonard will look after the household a Hairs and my aunt, Mrs Estabrook, answers for the proprieties—for of course she will not refuse my request-wc, the bachelors may safely be left to consider the affairs somewhat nearer the heartnaming the guests.' » Fair Eleanor, of course, murmured Herbert Morgan, with a side-glance of challenge toward Burnside. 'Certainly,' ,vas the cool reply. I Should say she will be one of the guests, Mr Morgan ! So far as I know there is no reason why my little fiancee should not be invited The collection of houris would be sadly deficient were she omitted' 'That is well said, Rob,' laughed Price, suddenly ceasing his nibbling of the pencil he held. 'Miss Hartos name goes down for that the first m the list. And then there 's M.ss Athcrton, of course, and Miss Dunbar and Kittie Florence— And so on until the list was full and, ludping from the invited guests there could be no doubt ot a successful ending to the proposed brilliant affair. Mrs Estabrook was the perfection of a hostess, and Mrs Leonard the ideal housekeeper. The house was magnificent Flowers and palms were banked in the halls and on the staircase ; a row of tall palms bordered the piazza from end to end ; hyclrangias, with their huge bouquets of blossoms, were arranged upon the steps; roses ot every description, with fragrant shrubs and hedge-blossoms, made the lawn like a tropical garden. The house was brilliant with light , the lawn soft with swinging lanterns. A group of musicians, engaged from the city, were hidden by palms and flowers at one end of the piazza, deadening the low murmur of tic waves alon° the beach close under tne wall, as the tide rose. A brilliant moon was riding the heavens, silvering the bay and trailing a path of molten glory across the distant Sound as though that were the gateway to celestial lands leading from this earthly paradise. Carriages began arriving early, and croups oi charming women, in delightful toilets, set the seal of perfection upon the brilliant scene. It was annost alto-o-cther a town affair : not more than half a dozen or so of the ladies were from tlie city, and not so many gentleman as that. Youn" Doctor Graham was one ot the favorites .uoony the group of young men from the town. Young Doctor Graham, as a successful physician and wealthy youn" man,was considerablysought alter by wise mothers with charming daughters. And young Doctor Graham, being wi«c divided his attentions between many young ladies and was dchciously courteous to the old; but in his own heart he knew that there was only one f .co and voice and eyes—bewitchmgly bright—that meant more than friendship or courtesy to> him But if pretty little Polly Ballard knew thi* quite as well as ho did, was it at all nrobable that she should make it known to the world ? Then, too, she treated Tom Hastings with special favor that evenin- and Tom Hastings was utterly devoted to her to all appearances ; and in spite of gaiety and music and beauty,l spite of that clear track of glory "cross the waters from the quiet Savens-iealousies and heavy hearts ud eves' brilliant with more than laughter betrayed th.it the serpent had also entered here. . • So you managed to leave your patients long enough/to grace this es ive scene-eh, Jack?' Hastings asked ot

Graham, as they met in the hall going out to the supper-room. Miss Polly's white-gloved hand was lyin._r on Hastings' arm, and Miss Polly herself, to all intents and purposes, quite ignored Doctor Graham. ' Price set you down as one of the ' doubtfuls,' Graham,' he added : ' but I see that you have come.' Price himself was within sight and hearing. Catching this remark, he smiled upon these guests. Graham acknowledged this remark easily. He was apparently unconcerned as to whether or not Miss Polly Ballard bestowed her attention upon his friend or himself ; but Miss Polly knew better.

' Yes,' he said, carelessly. ' One does occesionally set aside business for pleaasure. Unusual with me, but rather pleasant—when Price is concerned.' And passing on with his companion, he and Polly drifted apart until the gay evening was ending. Then— fate brought them together.

The parlors were filled with dancers. The music, drifting from the band behind the palms, set wings to light feetand young hearts throbbing and bright eyes flashing in the gas-light. What, though the world were wheeling out of orbit, if one could dance one's sorrow down! There were groups on the piazza and the lawn. Loiterers by the sea-wall watching the waves and murmuring soft nothings or tender words of meaning. Appreciative eyes gazed across the path to tho distances of heaven. Musical laughter tinkled on the fragrant silence. Deeper voices drowned the cry of the waves to the ears thatlistened and the hearts that yielded to love.

"Jack Graham, for the first time that evening, was drawn from the rooms and the presence of his host. With undeviating, yet quiet persistence, the young physician kept continual watch of the handsome, genial, smiling host, moving among his guests the embodiment of courteous manhood. Jack Graham was not one to be defeated when there was tho faintest hope of success. But Miss Polly had relented and was for the time causing him to forget or neglect his duty. For it was more duty than pleasure that brought Doctor Graham to this scene of activity. But Miss Polly was irresistible when she was so charming as at that moment. She was looking up into his eyes, murmuring half petulantly that it was so delicious out upon the lawn, where one need not suffocate in crowds and where the moonlight was beautiful ; and Doctor Graham, glancing hastily through the groups for his host and seeing him in perfect apparent health and spirits among thedancer., with beautiful, wealthy Miss Constance Conwright as his partner, turned away, smiling, with bewitching Miss Polly to join the more romantic groups and promenaders upon the piazza. The breeze was faint. Presently Miss Polly and her escort were crossing the lawn toward the sea-wall, attracted by tlie beauty of ihe scene and the softened sound of music and gaiety from within. Miss Polly held her gown carefully up from the penetrating dew of the closeshaven grass, and Doctor Graham made sure that she was protected, by an India shawl, from the breeze, after the heat of the rooms. They were talking vorvearnestlyand cared, -neitherof them, if the eyes of the world were upon them, for they wero quite happy and sufficient unto themselves.

When they reached the sea-wall, Miss Polly commanded silen.ee, and her companion willingly stood with her before the exceeding beauty of the scone. The moon-light touched her face and soft black hair and tender midnight eyes. Looking across the water, following that silver path-way, she forgot herself and her companion—forgot utterly her surroundings. Doctor Graham, not being such an admirer of scenic beauty, did not forget ber ; he seemed rather to be perfectly and altogether conscious and anxious for the welfare of Miss Polly.

' Isn 't it beautiful, Doctor Graham ?' queried Polly, presently, in a voice of awe.

' Yes,' replied Jack, smiling, looking dowu upon her.

' But you are not looking at it at all !' protested Miss Polly, petulantly, withdrawing her hand from bis arm and layingitupon the crumbling sea-wall. ' You don't appreciate beauty one bit, Doctor Graham !'

' Y r es, I do,' said Doctor Graham, unmoved. 'I was looking at you, Miss Polly.' ' But—' began Polly, half angrily. And then she stopped, for fate had come between.

A shadow glided out from among the shadows on the lawn and paused beside them—a tall figure gloomily black, sombre, startling.

Polly uttered a smothered cry and shrank close to her companion. Doctor Graham drew her hand through his arm, leaving his own over it reassuringly, as he faced the strange intruder upon their peace.

' I beg your pardon," said a low, even voice, and Graham recognized in the moonlight tlie cold, thin face of Conyers. ' The young master is ill. He asked for you. Come, if you please, sir.'

' How unfortunate !' muttered the doctor, hurrying with Miss Polly across lawn, the valet disappearing as silently and suddenly as he had come. ' I watch for hours, and just as I congratulate myself on groundless fears and relax vigilance fortune turns upon me and the evil falls ! I would have given anything, anything to have been with him at the time ! I must go to him, Polly, at once.'

'Of course,' said Polly, with sweet gravity. ' Poor Mr Price ! Go right away, Doctor Graham ; don't stop for me ! I will find mamma easily, or— Here is Mr Waring ! He will see that I am safe.'

' Certainly,' said one of the gentlemen who stood near the door of the hall. ' With pleasure, Miss Ballard. Poor Price ! They say that lie is horribly ill, Graham. Hastings put us all out of the room as soon as he was attacked,' continued Mr Waring to Miss Polly, as they lingered upon thepiazza, anxiously watching for news of their host, yet not wishing to intrude upon him. ' I never saw Hastings so cut up in my life. He

was near Price at the time. They were eating cream with Miss Dnnbat and Kittie Florence, and all at once Price became deadly ill—like death—and would actually have fallen to the floor if Hastings had not caught him. They have him up in his room now. I wish Graham would hurry and tell us regarding him. Poor fellow !'

And it was ' poor fellow' indeed, for Graham found him much more ill than he had expected —and he had expected— to find him very ill. Conyers was in the room when he entered, as though he had never left it, as though his flight into the night were but a thought of the brain and not reality. Conyers, selfpossessed, cool, unmoved, standing besi:le his master, whom he had assisted to the bed and was carefully and deftly divesting of his evening dress/f; It wns nil he could do and exactly what he should do ; but Graham, whose glance fell upon him instantly on entering, felt a swift sense of distrust for him and spoke rather sharply to him iv giving his command. But the immovable face did not once change in expression nor his noiseless obedience falter.

CHAPTER VIII. EM3IA. Faces ! O my God, We call those faces?—men's and women's. —Aurora Leigh. Leo Price lay upon the bed under the hands of his valet, deadly pale ; not uttering a groan, yet in silent, convulsed agony ; one hand thrown out grasping tlie pillow, as though to stifle sound. His eyes were closed, but they opened in recognition as Graham bent over him, a muttered imprecation on his lips for having been tempted from his friend. ' Bring me a glass of water. Conyers, at once,'-ie said. ' I will get him in bed while you go for it. Go immediately.'

The latter order was superfluous, as Convers had disappeared ere it was uttered, and returned so quickly that even at that time Graham wondered at his expedition. In a few moments, between them, they had the young man in bed, some powerful drug administered, and he was in a heavy sleep, not likely to be broken for many hours. Then Graham sent Conyers to summon Hastings and Mrs Leonard. Both responded at once, and to each he made such explanations as he considered advisable. To the housekeeper he gave instructions to have the house cleared of its guests and. quiet enforced, adding a command that he desired the cream of which Price was eating at the time of attack to be quietly placed where it would be safe until he ordered it brought to him.

' Much cream is mixed with dangerous matter' he said, gravely and impressively. 'It may possibly be that which caused his illness. I wish to investigate it, Mrs Leonard ; and if you will see that Mrs Estabrook receives this note, she will arraage tho social part of the dismissal with ready tact.'

He hastily wrote a few words upon a page of his note-book and handed it to the housekeeper. ' Of course, I shall see to that,' she said, as she took the paper: ' but you surely don't think, you cannot think, doctor, that our poor dear young master has been poisoned ! It couldn't be the cream, because not ono mouthful df it was hou-ht. It- was made right here in tho hous' —Ftiinia attended to that —and then no one else was ill—'

' I know that,' interrupted Graham, ] qnietlv, 'and I desire notliingsaid about it in the house, Mrs Leonard. Reserve me this plate of cream, and see that no ono is alarmed. I think the young master will be all right to-morrow. I shall remain here to-night.' His eyes were upon Conyers as he uttered these words, and very sharp eyes they were ; but the man's pale, thin face did not betray that he knew of this, or even that he heard. When Mrs Leonard was gone, he turned to the valet with a swift movement of dismissal. ' You may leave us now, Conyers,' he said. ' I shall remain. If I need you I shall ring ; and if Ido ring—' the man paused in the doorway, unmoved, but obedient to the commanding voice—'if I do ring, Conyers, como to me without delay.' ' I will, sir,' was the even reply, as the door closed noiselessly upon the speaker, and the two friends were aloneat one end of the room, within sight and sound of the man who lay in unconscious sleep upon the bed. ' Well ?' said Hastings, gravely. ' Well ?' said Graham, with equal gravity.

Theireyes met, and some strange comprehension flashed into each. Whatever of unpleasantness had come between them, owing to Miss Polly's fickleness, was now entirely superseded by anxiety for their friend. Graham wheeled a chair noiselessly nearer the window-, where the cool night air stole in soft and refreshing after the night's heated rooms. Hastings followed his example. ' Now, then ?' said the latter, shortly, out in a satisfied tone, as though he expected every mystery or difficulty to be at once explained away.

' I think that you were right, Tom, to j a certain extent,' was the cool reply, after a moment of silence. They could , hear the indistinct murmur of voices in the lower rooms and upon the piazza, and the deadened roll of wheels as the guests departed. ' I judge only from appearances now—very soon I shall from certainty.' ' How ?' ' If you have patience you shall discover,' replied the doctor, calmly. ' I should like you to remain here with me to-night—or to-day rather, as it is nearly t _ awn —if you can, Tom. The world is a topsy-turvy place. We shall straighten it in spite'of Shakespeare's disgust of tho man who would set right a disjointed world ! There is power in science, my dear fellow. I grow more respectful toward it every day, as I learn more of its use —and misuse.' There was more than surface meaning in the words, but each apparently comI pi .bended. ' Why won't you tell me of this now,

Jack?' asked Hastings, in some disappointment. ' I have guessed considerable, but I would not object to knowing more.'

'' Knowledge comes,'' said the doctor, coolly, leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands behind his head, his head, his eyes half quizzical yet grave, meeting those of his companion—'' but wisdom lingers,' Tom. That wouldn't bo a half-bad motto for one to accept. When Price wakens I shall question him more than I have ever felt at liberty to do before. If you are present you may be somewhat enlightened as to the nature of drugs and chemicals and their effects. It is best not to let the other fellows know, however.' ' So long as we can help it—yes,' said Hastings, in some dissatisfaction at this meagre explanation granted him. ' Why do you make that rescvation, Tom !' Tom shrugged his shoulders. Their conversation was carried on in low tones and they sat in close companionship, but now he leaned a trifle nearer the physician and his voice was still lower as he said, distinctly : ' Because one cannot see into the future, Jack ; because the poor fellow yonder grows worse at each attack, and because if there is one person whom I cordially dislike and whom Price trusts it is that confounded Conyers ! There is something too sly about him to please me. I could not endure him long in my presence.'

The physician raised his brows, and a half-smile crossed his lips.

' I sent him away,' he said, ' because I prefer his room to his company myself, Tom.'

Silence after that upon the house and over the lawn but one short hour before alive witli brilliant life and light. The guests had departed, safe those belonging to the household, and the lights were out, and only the far-away low murmur of the waves along the beach where the tide was falling. Through the open windows the breeze stole, heavy with fragrance from the lawn aud the garden. The pathway of silver light upon the water had shifted as the moon went slowly sliding down beyond the western hills.

There was no sound, save these delicate night-sounds and the quiet breathing of the sleeper—save the low-toned voices of the physician and his friend keeping watch, as the dawn stole up the east, treading down lightly and mysteriously the tender rose of dying moonlight, and broadened and deepened to amber and lilac and royal purples of sunrise and wakened life below.

But it was long after sunrise when Lee Price opened Ids eyes upon the day. .lust at first he did not recognise Doctor Graham, who was sitting by the east window, quietly reading, and could not recall what had occurred. Then the memory partly returned, and raising himself unsteadily upon one elbow and staring hard at his friend, he addressed

Hastings had gone down-stairs for breakfast, and they were alone.

1 Graham !' he said. His voice was very weak, and his hand trembled as he brushed the hair up from his forehead in a habit peculiar to him when anxious or perplexed. ' Yes ?' replied Graham, immediately, but with entire composure, as he laid aside his book, and, rising, crossed to the bed. ' What is it, my dear fellow ?' ' That is what I would ask you,' said Price, weakly. ' You may ask innumerable questions if you will, Lee.' ' Y r ou will answer them —if you choose, I suppose !' was the petulant retort. ' I—was ill last night, Jack ?' ' Yes.' ' You brought me up here ?' ' Hastings had you brought here— yes.' ' Where are the guests 1 What did they—think? What did you tell them ?'

' I presume they are lost in delightful dreams of the evening spent here, my dear boy,' was the physician's cool reply ; ' but as to what they think, I cannot undertake to say. Y r our aunt and Hastings sent them off without the least scene. That aunt of yours should be a politician, Lee, she can so easily manage people.' ' Where is she, Graham ?'

' I can't say. She came to the door once, to learn of your condition ; but I told her that you must not be disturbed, and she obeys implicitly. You must do the same if you wish to be about soon.'

' That's like her,' said Price. He had fallen back among the pillows, and Graham was standing beside him, holding one hand, with his fingers lightly pressed upon the restless pulse stirring in the wrist. Price lay silently watching him for a moment. < Were you with me—then —Jack ?' he asked, presently. ' I cannot remember. I have tried, but my head feels too much of a burden as it is.'

' No,' Graham said, quietly, an intentness upon his face that his patient did not even attempt to fathom. ' I was on the lawn. Conyers called me. He did not find me sleeping too soundly this time.' . Price did not speak, but his glance quickened as though with resentment at this subtle hint of his valet's infidelity. Then he withdrew his hand from thedoctor's hold and turned his head restlessly upon the pillow. ' Then you knew nothing about this attack —more than about the other, Graham ?' The doctor's eyes were narrowing and the intent expression deepened upon his face. ' Perhaps I do,' he said. ' You and Miss Dunbar and Miss Florence with Hastings were eating cream. You had eaten but little of the cream when it made you violently ill—' ' How do you know it was the cream ?' demanded Price, shortly. One might think that he did not like this insinuation.

-1 am stating the case as it appeared,' was the unruffled reply. ' I shall state it as it is truly, presently. Hastings had had you removed presently and sent Conyers for me. How are you feeling. mv dear fellow ?'

"'I feel as though there were forty

horses treading down upon my head,' was the irritable answer. ' Really, Graham, I believe if this thing continues much longer you have a lunatic upon your hands.'

Graham nodded

' I shall take good care that nothing of the sort occurs. Price,' he said. 'And now I shall ask you one or two questions that j t ou may consider impertinent—or would consider so if you were not perfectly certain that it is your old friend who asks. Have you any new servants in your household ?'

Price stared at him as though lie believed that he were the one threatened with insanity instead of himself.

' What possible interest can you have in that ?' he asked, shortly. 'Everyone of my servants is capable and faithful, if that is what you mean, and all have been with me for several years—excepting Emma. I know that you dislike Conyers, when you have no earthly reason for doing so ; but if you attempt to distrust Emma you will be carrying your suspicions pretty far, my dear Graham.' ' Now that you have relieved your feelings,' said the doctor, laughing, and undeterred from his path of investigation, ' will you kindly inform me what were your sensations last night ?'

Price moved his head impatiently as though he would prefer to be silent upon his illness and its symptoms, but was compelled to reply, as the physician was awaiting his answer and he knew that Jack Graham was not to be moved from his path of duty. ' I felt decidedly ill,' he said, flatly and sharply. ' Isn't that enough for you to know, Graham ? No ? Y"ou arc such a stony-hearted fellow when your mind is set upon a thing ! Well, then, I felt as though a beautiful Borgia were thrusting me through and through with a poisoned dagger to rid herself of me. I felt as though Medusa were paralyzing me with her gaze of stone. As though the Colossus of Rhodes were falling upon my head. I felt, to sum it all up in one fine point, as though every earthly joy had faded and I didn't specially care.' There was fine sarcasm in his voice and upon his face, but Doctor Graham was not moved by it. He merely nodded quietly and his eyes searched the pale face with concentrated thought. ' And after all this fine drama so cleverly put, you were brought up here and have only just wakened to the fact that the world still holds considerable to be lived for, Lee. That will do for this time. We will hear what Mrs Leonard has to say regarding the cream you so faithfully defend.' Disregarding Price's protestations, the young doctor crossed to the bell and summoned the housekeeper. She replied immediately, but there was an unusual uneasiness in her manner, that this man with the keen eyes detected at once.

1 How is the young master, Doctor Graham ?' ' He is better, Mrs Leonard. I should like you to send me the cream I ordered, immediately. Send it to the adjoining room, please. I have use for it.' Ho had not a doubt that his instructions of the previous night had been obeyed. He was accustomed to having his orders obeyed unquestioningly. Hastings was ascending the stairs. A faint flush of annoyance crept to the housekeeper's face. Unconsciously and nervously she lifted the embroidered bag that hung at her side, containing the household keys, and smoothed its" ribbons as though so she would smooth out his displeasure. ' I am so sorry, Doctor,' sho said, hesitatingly, ' but Emma forgot and threw that in with the rest of the waste. She did not mean to be. careless, she is usually a very good girl—' A thunder-storm of anger was brewing on the doctor's brows. His eyes darkened and blazed.

' And you defend her,' he said, ' even though you know that your master's life may depend upon faithfulness to my orders !' His voice was even, but deeper than usual with suppressed indignation.

' She meant no harm, truly, Doctor. She is young, and usually very careful—'

'Who is this Emma who is such a paragon ?' ' One of the housemaids, Doctor Graham.'

' Send her to me, Mrs Leonard—and Conyers also. He turned away, re-entering the room followed by Hastings, and closed the door. ' I sent for you, Conyers,' he said sternly, when tho valet entered a few moments later, accompanied by a bright-faced girl. ' Yes, sir.' ' You saw your master taken ill lastnight—you were near him at the time?' n • t ' I was in the servants' hall, sir. I could see that he was ill.' ' We were watching the party from the hall, sir,' ventured Emma. 'Oh 1' said the young doctor, with steely sarcasm in his voice, his keen eyes turned from the valet to the girl. ' And you saw that he was ill, too, I suppose, Emma ? You are Emma, I take it ?' < Yes, sir.'

<It was while he was eating cream with friends ?'

The eyes were like sword-points, bent upon the valet rather than the girl, as though he would pierce down to his soul and fathom his thoughts. But the man stood silent, with downcast eyes and thin, inscrutable face. ' And you disobeyed my orders regarding this cream ! Who told you to do it ?'

The question was sudden and startling because of the questioner's voice, and the girl glanced up, frightened, first at him, then at the immovable valet, then about the room, her gaze falling again to the floor, as her hands pulled nervously at her apron. 'No one told me, sir. I—l did not think. I—l—'

' Did you not !' was the scornful interruption, silencing her startled speech. ' A r ery well, Emma. See that you obey my instructions in the future. You may go"—both of you.' But as they turned away at his command Jack Graham caught a glance that passed between them. A strange

glance ; it puzzled him. Was it scorn or reproach or warning passing from the valet's eyes to the frightened eyes of the girl ? Then the door closed noiselessly upon them, and he turned toward the bed.

CHAPTER IX. HASTY SUMMONS. Leave the judgment to Him who alone knoweth the law. Surely no man can be his own judge; least of all His own doorasman.—Meredith. Dr. Graham resolutely refused young Price's request that he might rise and dress, having no faith in his professed recovery. ' I will not remain in bed to be coddled like a baby !' Price declared, funiingly. ' I never do when I have these attacks, Graham.'

' Which is due to your having no one to care for you, my dear fellow,' was the cool retort. ' As your physician—setting mere friendship aside—l command you to stay where you are for twenty-four hours : and as I intend to remain with you, nolens volens, I rather think that you will stay.'

' You are so absurdly set in your ways,' said Price, half angrily, half laughing. 'I wouldn't care to live with you, Graham —a fellow would have no will at all!' ' Which would be ail the better for his physician,' replied Graham, calmly. ' Nevertheless, it is my opinion that you would recover all the sooner for my presence, Lee.' Price frowned at the intimation in I.the quiet voice : but Graham was so cool,*so jnmoved, so good-natured, and yet determined, that he yielded to his commands after the first words of opposition. And it was only the most delicate breakfast that the doctor would allow his patient, even this being prepared by the housekeeper herself at Graham's desire. For the doctor did not once leave the room unless Hastings took his placa, and, although Prico was irritated at this close watch upon him, he knew the kindness that prompted it and although it might lie mistaken kindness Lee Price was one nor- to under-valuc it.

Still, as is sometimes the case, man proposes that which it is impossible for him to dispose, and a more powerful will than that of young Doctor Graham turned the wheel of that day.

A summons came for Doctor Graham that afternoon from one of his most influential patients. Doctor Harry Hutchinson, Jack Graham's associate, had been given charge of the latter's patients until he could leave Price ; but in this instance, the patient being a stubborn, determined, rather hard elderly woman, strong in her prejudices, firm in her friendships, Doctor Harry Autchinson discovered that he would not do at all to fill his friend's place, and was obliged to send a message to Graham to that elfect, adding that Mrs Colter Harrington was seriously ill, and as he could not attend her owing to her refusal to see him, he, Graham, must go to her at once if it were possible.

It was possible. Even Doctor Graham, biting his under-lip savagely in his annoyance at this new interruption to his plans, was forced to acknowledge that this was quite possible. Price had recovered with remarkable promptness, although still confined to his bed by_ Graham's orders ; but Hastings was in the house and would willingly take his place as nurse, if not physician, when the matter was explained to him.

As for Lee Price, he laughed when informed of the summons for his physician, declaring that fate could sometimes look over a mass of absurdities to good common sense, and so had recalled to active duty this ' captain in reserve.' If he were obliged by stress of circumstances to be under surveillance, Tom was a pretty good sort of fellow to be placed in charge, and he would accept gracefully, if Tom could say the same.

Of course Tom was also of this opinion, and the matter was settled within a few minutes, the doctor's horse waiting for him at the steps, and Hastings going with him down the stairs to see him away, and receive any last word regarding the patient's condition.

Newton was lounging upon the piazza with a cigar and a newspaper. He enquired of Jim, the stable boy who holding the doctor's horse at the steps, if Doctor Graham were leaving ; to which the well-trained boy replied that he did not know ; he could not tell, sir ; he had only been told to fetch the horse. Newton, with his steady good nature, was not to be put off even by this very clear reproof, but smoked on in apparent unconsciousness of such rebuff, his eyes occasionally turning from the news columns tr» the unmoved although not stupid face of the boy, whose, hold was light upon the bridle, but perfectly reliable, as had been proved many times. Newton Was fond of boy-nature— ' boy in the original,' he called it—and the boys soon discovered this, and almost always reciprocated with warm admiration of the good-natured, wellmade, quizzical man, who protested, with perfect frankness, that he was himself ' just a boy inside,' in spite of ' tumbling up somehow' into' six feet or so and a pretty good breadth of shoulder.;

Jim liked him. Jim had always a broad smile for this particular guest of his master, and was always willing to undertake any errand which he might desire. _ ' Hello, Jim, he exclaimed, suddenly so suddenly, that the boy started with surprise. ' When you wake up some fine morning and discover that you're a man, what are you going to be, professionally or non-professionally ?' Jim grinned. -His teeth were white and even, and his eyes bright with intelligence. Newton laughed, tossing away his

cigar. ' What'll you be, Jim ? Come, out with it. President, professor, peculiar or popular ? That's the old alphabet game. What's your answer T

Jim shifted the bridle from one hand to the other and stroked the horse's nose as it turned its head and fine eyes upon the boy. ' I ain't just decided, Mr Newton. Guess, though, if master'll let me, I'll stay with him as gard'ner. I like that.'

' A gardener!' exclaimed Newton, somewhat taken back. ' And you say it with such pride ! The answer was to be in ' p,' you know, Jim. I expected President, at least.'

' But there's them as makes good gardners, and there's them as makes bad, Mr Newton," the boy eagerly protested. 'I want to be a good one, though. There's 'most always room for a real good one, you know.

'A ' real good ' anything — yes, Jim !' replied the young man, amused and interested by the boy's refusal to be laughed out of his belief. ' The answer should have been in 'g ;' still it is safe to predict your success anywhere from 'a'to 'z !' I'll endorse you, my lad. It's grit that wins—grit and perseverance.'

Jim nodded decidedly. Cresar, the horse, was rubbing his nose inquisitively and affectionately upon the boy's shoulder and champing his bit. Ca_sar must be quieted. But quieting the horse did not stifle thought in Jim's breast—in fact, thought was pretty active in tho boy's breast at that moment ; but as Doctor Graham and Hastings appeared, no further conversation passed between himself and Newton for that time.

' So, you're off, Graham ?" Newton queried, as the two crossed the piazza to the steps. ' How is Price getting on ?'

Neither had noticed him, being engaged in earnest conversation, and they started when he spoke.

'He is improving rapidly,' the doctor replied, although the frown on his face and the half-angry flash in his eyes denoted anything but an improved condition of his own feelings. ' In fact, he is improving so well, that I leave him in Hastings's lands. All right, Jim !' He sprang to the saddle and paused for a moment, the bridle tightened in his hands as the boy stepped aside and the horse reared, eager to go. ' Take good care of Price, you fellows, and let me know if you need me. If I hear nothing from you I shall come down to-morrow to learn how he is.' i

' All right,' said Hastings, turning back into the house to return to his friend's room.

' Good luck,' said Newton, laughing. 'I'd like to see you, Graham, but I hope you'll not be summoned for professional services.'

'It would be just my luck, though,' Graham muttered, as he galloped away. ' to miss some features of Price's illness. As soon as my back is turned something is certain to occur that I wouldn't have missed for a fortune.'

But the hours of the late summer afternoon dragged lazily by at Bachelors' Beatitude, drowsy with hazy sunlight, fragrant with odorous shrubs and flowers, tender with murmuring waves along the beach, where the tide was at ebb and would soon turn creeping up the pebbles.

Mrs Estabrook joined Newton upon the piazza as the afternoon grew late. Mrs Estabrook was a charming woman with soft white hair and large brown eyes that were not one whit dimmed by the passing years. Hr>r heart was young as well as her eyes, her young friends declared ; and if this were flattery, it was very pretty flattery. She brought out with her an intricate scrap of embroidery, and her beautiful hands moved lightly to and fro among the silks, as she talked with the idle young man beside her.

The house and grounds were very quiet. Hastings was reading to Price in the cool, shaded room above ; Mayhew had joined a party of ladies with their escorts for an excursion on horseback to the woods back of the town ; Curtis was lost to sight in the upper room of the summer-house on the edge of the lawn facing the water, oblivious to what passed around him in his absorbed study of a book on art ; Burnside and Morgan, most adventurous of them all, were fishing on the Sound. They were enthusiastic followers of hook and line, and went out early that afternoon in a row-boat —' taking themselves off,' as they put it, not to be in the way of their host or to claim his attention.

They had excellent luck off Old Horse Rock, on the border-land of the bay and the Sound, and were in good spirits as they pulled up anchor and started for the shore. The sun was setting; the tide was running in strongly, and to reach the house in time for dinner they were obliged to pull a steady oar. They were going in with the tide, but it was a long distance to land, and the dinner-hour was near at hand.

' I had no idea it was so late,' said Morgan, replacing his watch aud taking a firm grip on the oars. ' Almost half-past seven, Burnside, and this stretch of water between us and.the house. It's ' row, brothers, row,' with a vengeance, if we would get in in time.'

'' Cheerily, 0 !'' added Burnside, with a hearty roll of his voice along the call. ' Pull away ! Give her your left a bit more, Herb. That's it. I wonder how Price is now,'

'• ' Yes, poor fellow !' said Morgan, seriously. ' They can say what they choose, and hush it up if they will, in accordance with Graham's wishes, but it's a mighty strange affair, Burnside —all of it!'

Burnside noddod gravely, steering their course with a steady hand and keen eye. ' That's what it is, Morgan ! Price is too healthy a fellow to be falling off promiscuously, as he has been doing lately. I can see that it puzzles Graham, too, in spite of his nonchalance. Do you remember the day he rode away in a huff because Conyers didn't summon him during an illness of Lee's ? Pull a stroke harder on your right. Now then, straight ahead! All right!'

The oars dipped and lifted and flashed in the soft lights, and dipped

again in perfect unison ; the boat was gliding through the water with minor sounds of ' gluck ' and ' glnsh ' and ' gurgle' of the water at the. bow, as their conversation languished.

' And Hastings, too,' said Morgan by and by, as they were running up nearer the little wooden pier beside the boat-house, where the keeper stood waiting for them. 'He has a streak of ' freaks' on him, as well as Graham and Price, Rob ! Something queer to disturb those fellows. They are not easily disturbed.'

' Yes,' said Burnside corroboratingly as they stepped from the boat, the boat-house keeper's hand upon the prow to steady her. ' But—Great Scott I What's the row, Morgan! Look, there !'

Along the road across the salt meadows, in through the open gateway and around the circling drive in the shadows of twilight dashed a horseman regardless of the animal he rode— coming, and gone almost as the exclamation crossed the young man's lips. Gone, halted at the piazza steps, the rider flinging himself from the saddle and hurrying up the steps as they paused upon the pier, too much astonished to move.

' It's the young master,' the boat- : keeper said, with grave respect, as he - watched with them the advent of this ■

rider. ' He's took worse. They do say as he's a-dyin', an' they sent for the doctor to come.'

[to he continued.]