THE HEIRESS OF EGREMONT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6362, 8 April 1882, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE HEIRESS OF EGREMONT.

BY MR?. IIAIIRIET LEWIS. ~ of "The Honso of Sccrcls," "Amber tlio Adopted," &c.

CHAPTER I. " Wliv di.l ilio Rods cive theo a heavenly form, And earthly thoughts to make tl.co proud ot il? Why <U> 1 ask ? "i'i3 now tho known disease That ln-auty hath to bear too deep a sense Of her own self-conceived cxccllonco."— Joxmox. The Egremonts of Kgrcmont traced their genealogy back to the time of William the Conqueror. That monarch brought in us train a Sir Jasslyn d'Kgremont, who, for Ins distinguished services to his royal master, received an earldom, with suitable estates, and was the founder of the present family bearing his name. The elder branch of the race, at the recent period of which wo write, was represented by a daughter, who had >».icnted the entire landed and personal P™V> elt >' t,c title and estates being parted. The former, a barren honour, had descended to the rcWcsentativo of the cadet branch, a gentle,,,an whoso whole life had been spent in struggling to "keep up appearances' upon a meagre income, and whoso misery was completJd by the inheritance of a lofty title without means adequate to its proper support. This unenviable position, however, was of brief duration. The preceding earl bad had the misfortune to lose his wife a few weeks after the birth of their only child, and had himself succumbed within the ensuing twelvemonth to a prevalent disease, to which his melancholy rendered him the more readily a prey. Their child, tho heiress to whom we have alluded, had been left to the guardianship of the present earl, her nearest paternal relative, her fortune being placed in other bands. A handsome sum was assigned for her support in suitable style, and this fund it was that enabled the present bearer of the family title to keep up the dignity of his rank.

To insure the youthful heiress the tenderest care at the hands of her relatives, her father had the forethought to devise a will leaving her fortune to the son of an old friend, should sho die unmarried before attaining her majority. Thus the strongest possible inducements were held out to her guardian and his wife to cherish her more than themselves, since, if she were to die, they must inevitably return to their former obscurity ami scanty income.

The home appointed for the heiress, until such time as she should be presented at court, was the estate of Egremont, and here, surrounded by a small coterie consisting of her relatives, a sufficient number of instructors, and a numerous retinue of servitors, the Lady Alexina passed her infancy, childhood, and early youth.

She was flattered and caressed by every one from her guardian down to the lowest lncuial that was permitted to outer her presence. She had but to express a wish and the carl hastened to gratify it, even at the expense ot" considerable personal i'lconvemence. Her wishes were attentively studied by the countess, who hovered about her continually in anxious care for her health and comfort, and who sought to establish the most confidential and affectionate relations between herself and her husband's ward.

But a single wish of the heiress remained ungratified.

She had longings for society which her relatives had sedulously striven to repress, and which they had taken care not to gratify, keeping her secluded under plea of her youth. She had travelled a few months in company with her guardian, but she knew nothing of balls and gay assemblies, save what she had learned'from books, and her world was made up of the simple events that transpired at Egreniont.

Egremont was situated upon the wildest part of the Scottish coast, and comprised parks, woods, plantations, and fields, besides pleasure-grounds of great I eauty and extent.

The mansion was sitns.ted upon a bold cliff that rose abruptly from the sea, which chafed and clashed again'.-.t its base with sullen but vain fury. There was a flight of steps cut in the solid rock, leading from a narrow ledge below, that served as a boatlanding to a private door in the dwelling above.'

The house was strikingly picturesque in 1 itself, having a character of boldness and { grandeur well in keeping with the scenery, j Upon three sides stretched away the bcauti- ( ful shaded grounds, with their vine-wreathed nrbours, Turkish summer-houses, rustic , Beats, flower-gardens, and fountains, presenting a variety of charming retreats for lovers of solitude. The inland horizon was bounded , by a forest known as Egremont Wood, where \ deer and other game lived and flourished . without fear of injury at the hands of the poachers, Kgremont having no near neighbours, except its own tenantry. The sun was sloping towards the west one • December day when the owner of all these ■ proud possessions issued from a private door , of the mansion, and took her way along the cliff, dangerously near its edge. There was no fear in her glance as she looked down upon the boiling flood fretting itself against the base of the rouk. It is doubtful, indeed, if she noticed it, her manner being thoughtful and self-absorbed. The day was unusually mild for'the season, there being no snow, but, a gentle sunshine and warm breeze that seemed the rear-guard of the long-departing summer, or the amntcoureur of the coming spring. The Lady Alexina was closely wrapped in hood and furs, however, and paid little heed to the weather. Continuing her way, she came upon a huge rock that had been allowed to remain upon the verge of the cliff only because of its picturesque effect. In the face of this was a uiclie or little cell, provided with a seat and foot-cushions, and the heiress entered this niche with the air of one taking possession of a favourite retreat. It was so situated as to be well sheltered from the rough breezes that prevailed in winter, and the Lady Alexina seated herself in tho cozy nook and looked around over her house, and her lands, and the neighbouring sea, with an exulting pride and exceeding self-satisfaction. She had barely attained her eighteenth year, but her form had reached a womanly development in one so young, and her carriage was almost stately and wholly imperious, showing that she was used to command. She was endowed with great personal charms, having dark hair, dark eyes, and a wealth of colour in her cheeks that gave vividness to her beauty, making it extremely noticeable. In disposition the Lady Alexina was overbearing and capricious, qualities that might have been uxpeotcd to result from her peculiar training. .Flattered from her earliest childhood, taught 1,0 consider her own will and happiness before that of others, fawned upon by tlie earl, countess, and her inBtruutors, it was scarcely to be wondered at that many unpleasant traits in the character of the heiress had attained a marvellous growth, oftentimes quite overshadowing the good that .she really possessed. "It is strange that the owner of all tliia wealth should be shut up here like a prisoner," she murmured, her pride giving way to discontent. "My guardian shall lind that I will not submit to it. It is time that 1 was presented at court. I read every day in th'j court papers of the sensation made by some lady at balls and parties, and 1 should like to see what would be said of me. I know 1 am beautiful, for 1 have been told Xil it all my life, and—" £hc paused and shrugged her shoulder. , impatiently as the door by which she h;u' made her egress from the mansion opened, and a lady made her appearance, approach ing the niche with an open letter in her hand, and an expression of annoyance upon her face. She was a handsome woman, in the prime of life, run! her riuh attire ami haughty bearing proclaimed her to be Lady Kgremont. As she came nearer to the Lady Alexina her look of annoyance gave place to one of anxiety, and she exclaimed -. "Are you not imprudent, my u«ar Alexina, in venturing out to your little grotto to-day V These warm winter days are so deceitful, and you may get a cold that will send you to your grave." "In which case you will l.e obliged, to leave Kgremont," interrupted tho heiress, with sarcastic emphasis. .v You shock me, Alexina," returned the with genuine feeling. "Has my 'Smiffiyoi been such that yon dec,,, r.,0 iniiapaWS of loving you for yourscli 'alone? We '*-■ e v er shown a mercenary Lpirit'm uiy inteiSCMi-so with you ':" llcr reproachful Jones aroused the conscience of the Lady and she mentally .reviewed the past. '~ It is true that Lady Lgremont had always treated her with the tenderest affection, thai /he had sacrificed her own wishes a hundret

times for those of the heiress, that she had tended her unremittingly in her occasional illnesses, not wishing to leave her to tho care of hired attendants ; but all these kindnesses tho Lady Alexina had been wout to deem servility and sycophancy. "I dare say I have misjudged you,' anawered tho heiress when her mental review was concluded. " Whether you have or not I do not mean that you shall lose anything by your attentions to me. When I come of age and enter upon my fortune, 1 shall reward you and my guardian as you deserve." Lady Egrcmont's face Hushed with gratification .it this assurance, and there was an eager look in her eyes as sho said : "You are very kind, my dear Alexin.-!. It has been sullieient reward to us to see you growing up so good, and generous, and beautiful, your guardian and I love you as though you were our own child ; and since we have none of our own, wo have no one to live for but you."

" You shall always live with mo, then, Lady Kgromont," said Alexina, tho compliments of tho countess putting her in excellent humour; "or at any rate you shall always have a home at Kgromont, ;is you have now ; and tho sum you have heretofore received for my maintenance shall be continued (o the earl and your ladyship as an annuity so long as you live."

"Tin's liberality is more than we have any right to expect,' , said her ladyship, trembling with delight. "I should refuse to accept it but that I know you will never miss it from your magnificent income. I thinU, also, that your papa would have approved your resolution. 1 have often thought ho would have made some provision for my husband, for ho knew how Kvart was situated. I oiler you my warmest thanks."

"I don't doubt your gratitude, my dear Lady Kgrcmont," returned the heiress, carelessly. ' " I shall be doing no more than my duty in thus requiting your services, and I am very happy to have it in my power to place you at your ease in regard to pecuniary matters, "i only regret that you will be obliged to wait three years yet before entering upon your annuity." If there were anything offensive in the tone or words of the Lady Alexins, Lady Egremont passed it over in silence, being too overjoyed at tho promised gift to feel annoyed at the manner of its bestowal. She seated herself near her husband's ward, upon a low chair of twisted grapevine, and poured forth her gratitude at the promises of tho heiress in a manner that showed plainly that she had long entertained doubts of the futuro liberality of the Lady Alexina. The latter listened for some time in pleased .silence to the encomiums upon her generosity, but at length changed the subject by asking, "What annoyed you, Lady Kgrcmont, just before you joined me? Was it anything in the letter you have iu your hand ?"

Lady Egremont started, picked up the letter, that had fallen into her lap, and answered, "You have guessed correctly, Alexina. This, letter is from Lady Lorean Ashcroft—but before 1 read it to you I will make an explanation. When your papa was a young boy at school his dearest and most intimate friend was Lord Ashcroft, who, though several years bis senior, protected him from the other lads, and stood by him in his quarrels. The friendship thus begun lasted always, though Lord Ashcroft married and became a father before your papa left the university." "You lirve told mo before of the friendship that existed between the Egremonts and Ashcrofts."

"True, my dear, but not of the compact into -which your papa entered with Lord Ashcroft. Your father was married several years before your birth, and his friend had then become the father of a second child, a boy, ten years younger than his sister, Lady Lorean. The AshcrofU were invited to your christening, aud a compact was entered iuto to unite their son to the daughter of the Egrcmonts, when you should have attained your eighteenth year.- The fathers were well pleased with the idea, and made it binding upon their children." "I never heard of this compact before. How could it be made binding, Lady Egrcmont ?" "By the forfeitures of the larger share of 3 - cur several fortunes," answered hei ladyship. " I have deferred telling you the story in hopes that something might oceui to free you, but such a hope was of course -ain. A fortnight since your guardiar irote to Lord Ashcroft—the son has sue eeded 1;o the title—inviting him to visil igremont, aud this letter contains tile ac :eptancc of the invitation." Lady Alexina stretched out her hand foi he letter with girlish eagerness, and read i rarefully. It was, as Lady Egrcmont had declared limply an acceptance of Lord Egremout's in •itation. It was plainly written, with no ;hing superfluous in the way of words o lourishes. "The Lady Loreau and Lord Ashcroft wil ioon ba here, then," said the heiress. "Tin etter has been delayed, and this very da; s the one appointed for their arrival. Hov )lil is his lordship':" " About twenty-three." " Is he intelliuent, and good ':' " Very," said "Lady Kgremont, warmly. " Then why should you hope that some thing would occur to free me from th compact V" Her ladyship coloured and looked con fused. In truth, she was most anxious that th compact between the fathers of these youn people should be carried into effect, but sh had affected an opposition in order to awake the interests of Alexina in her betrothee: The heiress was exceedingly sclf-willce and the countess had some wild fears thn she might choose to discard Lord Ashcrol aud abide the consequences. The ruz'i succeeded, for Alexina said, wit bitterness : "I understand, Lady Egrcmont. In wish me to remain single, fearing that yo may loose something by my m.'u-riage. \o will not be gratified, allow me to assui you." Lady Egromont affected to feel wounded : this imputation, and turned away her he.i in pretended sorrow, but really to conce the pleased smile that curved her lips. "Lord Ashcroft must be treated wit every consideration while at Egremont, "eo.. tinned the heiress, with decision. "I shall be very glad to entertain him and his sister, for the house is so dull when we are entirely alone. I have so longed to see something of society that I am quite wild at the prospect of company. The Lady Loreau must be over thirty." "Thirty-three, my dear. She is quite an old maid, and devoted to her brother. You will not like her, I am sure." "You can judge better after her arrival. Let, tliem have the best rooms in the house. -. Lady Kgremont assured Alexina that her suggestion should be strictly regarded, and tlie latter resumed : "I will leave you to give your directions to the housekeeper, while 1 prepare for the guests." Lady Egreinont assented, and they arose from their seat?, and walked along tlie <;lill toward the mansion. There was something romantic, tlie maiden thought, in being betrothed to a person entirely unknown to her, and she speculated a> •to his character' and personal appearance', if she should become attached to him, and i her beauty would strike him as remarkable. On gaining the house the ladies separated, the Lady Alexina retiring to her own suite o rooms, and Lady Kgremont proceeding t< the earl's "study'—a room that servec principally for the use of cigars and nicer sehaums. His lordship was engaged in his favourite occupation at the moment of her ladyship's 1 entrance, but he immediately laid aside his pipe, placed a neat for her, and inquired : •' Well, Evelyn, you have explained every- ' thing to Alexina. have you not?" " N'es ; and she seems to regard Lord Ashcroft with much curiosity. If he should prove to be as handsome as report describe; him, he will have no diflleulty in wiiminAluxiiia's heart. I acted upon tile rii-v: J'Oi suggested, Evart, and her interest in Lori Asiieroft was immediately excited. Win iccusud me of having kept her single." The earl smiled. lie was a portly man, with a fine rudd; countenance, with hair and whiskers of a iron-yrcy hue. At lirst siidit lie seemed 111 impersonation of a " line old English gentle man," but a close observer would hav noticed his shifting, uneasy glances wlic long regarded, and a nervousness of manui tha" seemed strangely out of place in one i his apparent health. " J.ct her think what she will of us so th she obeys her father's behest, and marri Lord Ashcroft. If she were to refuse hi she would forfeit her entire fortune except decent annuity, and Lord Ashcroft would i herit it. Ashcroft is to be her heir uud any condition, as her husband, or as her i jeeted lover, or in case of her death befo iomiii" of a"c. In either of tlie two latt cases, you and I will be left totally unpi vided for,"

[[ "Xina will never refuse Lord Ashcroft, [{ Evart, you may rest assured," replied Lady : I Egremont. "She has too much pride to sec ■ another woman mistress of Kgremont in her i stead, It would be a death-blow to her to turn her back upon this place an<l go to live . in some humbler spot. We have kept her ■ secluded, and her heart is rjuite free. If Asheroft have souse, ho can win her consent to a marriage within the month," "If she wove married she could do something for us," mused his lordship. "Perhaps we have made her so selfish, Evelyn, that she will turn us away likehirod servants." , " You are unjust to her, Evart; though I confess I have shared your fears. She has promised me to-day to provide for us handsomely whenever she obtains control o( her fortune. She will give us the same income ; we now enjoy, and the freedom of Egremont [ while we live." I "That is all very well," said the carl, disappointedly ; " but I had set my heart upon having that farm of hers called Mclruso. There is such a line house upon it, and the man who farms it declares it brings in an ' immense income. 1 have often thought I should like to live at Melroao, and keep tho same fanner who has charge of it now.-' "Perhaps we shall have it yet,"responded her ladyship, hopefully. "She will not icl'use me when I ask it of her. It would be unarming to own Mclrose—better, pet-haps, than to reside in a grander place that belongs to another. We could assume more style, and entertain more company, in a home oi our own, of course, since Alexina will soon give Egremont a master. Ido not know that 1 should care to remain here on sutl'.T.uiee where I have so long been mistress. And it would l)c hard for you to yield precedence even to Lord Ashcroft." At this moment ;i knock was heard upon the study door, and, in obedience to her ladyship's command to enter, an angular woman, with a deeply Hushed face, walked into the room, followed by a spectacled gentleman. The gentlewoman—for such she was—was the governess of the Lady Alexina, and the gentleman was the instructor of the heiress in music and drawing. " Does your ladyship counsel this abrupt dismissal of one who lias devoted the best years of her life to the Lady Alexina?' demanded the governess, abruptly, yet respectfully. The tutor echoed the question. Lady Kgremont was greatly surprised at the enquiry, a3 was also his lordship, and demanded its meaning. She was immediately informed that the heiress had summoned her teachers to her room, had paid them their dues from her own with six mouths' salary to each in addition, the latter serving in lieu of warning, and had given them their dismissal from Kgroniout, alleging that her schooldays were finished. Lord and Lady Egromout could do nothing but acquiesce in the decision of their young relative, and the teachers soon withdrew, considerably mollilied, yet determined to take their departure that very day. When they had withdrawn, leaving the Lady Alexina's guardians by themselves, they looked at each other sadly, and her ladyship gave vent to the thought that oppressed them both by saying, "When we have served Alexina sullieieutly for her purposes, will she not lliug us aside as she has done these faithful friends of her youth V Have we not reared a being who will yet wring our hearts by her ingratitude, and leave us to struggle in comparative poverty, now we have become completely enervated by years of luxury ?"' The question remained for solution. CHAPTER. 11. " ]".y my hop.'.* "(This present adventure set olf his head), I ilo nut think ri l.niver gcntlumim, ilure'iliirinVor more bold, is now alive. °' To grace tins ItUU-r ago witli nobler deeds. SIIAKKHIT.ARK. At the B.iino hour in which tho Lady Alexina had learned of her betrothal to .a man whom she had never beheld, a carriage and four, with outriders, was steadily advancing upon the road leading to Egrcmont. The vehicle was occupied by only two persons. They were the Lady Lorcan Ashcroft and her brother Lionel, Lord Ashcroft, The former was plain in features, and plain '. in dress, as if fearful of making too apparent , Dame Nature's niggardliness to her in the '. matter of personal attractions. She bad a , rugged but kindly face, a determined mouth, and keen grey eyes, that seemed capable of reading the very souls of those with whom . she came in contact. Her character will be revealed by the events that followed. His lordship, who had but recently siic- - ceeded to the title, was about t\ve:-.ty-three ' years old, as Lady Egremont had declared him. Nature, while a niggard to bis masI culinc-looking sister, had showered all her . choicest gifts upon him. r Tall, and suitieiently slender to be graceful ami easy in his movements, with a spirited I face, in which an expression of the most , intense gravity and thoughtfnlnes.-s frequently ' yielded to irresistible gaiety, with mi earnest- . ness and strength of character that caused ' his friends to predict for him a brilliant public career, he was a3 brave as noble, as gifted in heart as in mind and person. It seemed as if, with his ehivalric disposition, he should have lived in the days of n troubadours and tournaments, but a soul so rarely gifted as his would have been marked in those half-barbarious days as in our own practical times. " Look out of tho window, Lionel, said „ the Lady Lorean, as their glances rested on Z the forest to their left. "We are now upon u your future estate. That forest is Egremont \Vood." His lordship obeyed his sister s behest t looking out with natural curiosity. ; t "It is a lovely spot, Lorcan," ho said, admiringly. "Egrcmont must certainly be I, an earthly Eden. I wonder if its mistress be equally beautiful in her way '!" „ "I can almost vouch for her beauty withu out ever having seen her," remarked Lady u Lorcan, reassuringly. " The Kgrcmoiits were always a handsome race ; not fair like you, Lionel, but with that dark beauty you lt so much admire. I visited, with our parents, j at E'.reinont, before the birth ot -die Lady ,1 Alexina, and I entertain the most vivid remembrances of the gentle courtesy of the ■h then Lady Egremont and the fatherly kmd- ', ness of her husband. If tUeir daughter resembles them," she added, with a sigh, " you will gain a treasure in your wife. "Then why do you sigh, Loream ?" "I was struck with a momentary fear that Alexina might not resemble her parents. ■She has been all her life under the tutelage of her guardian and his wife, and somehow I distrust their discretion and wisdom. I know that they have pampered her all her life, anil it would be very strange if she had not grown up Hellish and overbearing." "Vou jud"e too soon, Lorean, returned his lordship, gravely, yet with a smile. " 1 think we shall lind the Lady Alexina all that is good and lovely, and 1 am prepared to give her my heart with my hand. ' ■' Then you are heart-free, Lionel V' , " Kntirely so. my dear sister. 1 have never loved, or fancied that I loved. I'riim 1 my earliest years our parents instilled into my mind that a genthi bride was waiting tor mo upon the Scottish coast, and she has ever been my bright ideal. 1 distinguished ; myself at the university that she might he proud (it mu, and in every step 1 have ever taken 1 have thought of her as a flower "rowing for me in the wilderness —you know how secluded her life has been. It did not • need my father's dying injunctions to make \ me regard her as my future wife !" I "But it was not wise in papa to make . you forfeit everything except what the law gave you, Lionel, in case of your refusal to wed with the Lady Alexina. You may not like her." " Hut I am sure I shall, Lorean. " Very well, then," said his sister, with a smile. "I am glad that you have made: up your mind in advance. If you keep to your present resolution we will hasten your weddiii" festivities—for, of course, Alexina will : never refuse you-and 1 will then reward ' my devoted captain for his years of waiting." I His lordship started, exclaiming, "Jluw [ blind I have been ! I [as Captain Ghalloner . been more to you than a friend during the last year, Lorcan:'" "He has been my suitor during the. last - ten years, Lionel," was the blushing reponse. \ " hut why have you not married him ?" a "1 have kept single on your account, ~ Lionel," answered the Lady Lorean, witl c assumed lightness. "Tho truth was, ] ,i could not leave you until you married ~• Hi-sides, 1 fancied you might not like tin if Lady Alexina on seeing her, and 1 reaolve. to bestow the larger share of my fortune upoi ..t you, if you should be obliged to forfeit part o Is your own. I'apa never knew of my resolve ii'i but thought I remained at home to comfor :l him in his widowhood." n- "You darling, quixotic sister!" cried hi er lordship, touched at her self-denial and sell e- sacrifice. "I should have no need of you re fortune, for even if I were obliged to forfe: er something I should have my rent-rol 0- remaining. Our father placed little depem eucc in his threat of forfeiture, aud only t

stipulated because Lord Egremont had done so. He wished me to feel bound to marry the Lady Alexina, and I feel so bound/'

"I have perhaps acted foolishly," said the Lady Lorean, regretfully. "If you would credit it, Lionel, I fancied you would feel the loss of tho amount you would forfeit in declining an alliance with the Kgromonts. J!ut that was not the only reason for my remaining single. The captain was poorhe's a younger son, you know—and lie's obliged to live upon his pay, ami ho is afraid of being thought a fortune-hunter."

"That can easily be arranged, Lorean," returned Lord Ashcroft, as his sister paused. "Challoner has no taste for the army, and 1 have inlluenco enough to obtain for him a

government office, where the duties will be nearly nominal, and the .salary su'.lieient to make him feel independent."

The Lady Loreaii pressed her brother's band in silence, and a tear camo into her keen eyes, giving them an look of unwonted softness.

".Since you are so sure, Lionel, that you will love the Lady Ale.xina," she; said, recovering her usual manlier, "you should take a good view of your future domain."

Kveu while she spoke, Loril Ashoroft was looking out of tli«j carriage window at the sea that waved and glittered in the distance, and at the sails that dotted its surface.

The Lady Lorcau explained that the fisheries on that part of the coast, belonged to the heiresH of Kgremont, ami that tin: lishing vessels his lordship beheld contributed a goodly amount toward swelling liio income of the fortunate owner.

But Lord Ashcroft was not tainking of wealth Of material advantages.

Tlio nearer he approached to Kgremont— and the mansion, perched on its broad clill', now loomed up against the winter sky — this more uneasy and nervous lie became.

Hi i heart lluttered, like a bird ir. its cage, at the prospect of so soon meeting the idol of his dreams.

Not a doubt obtruded itself upon his mind that she would fail to realize bin ideal, luit he began to foar that he should not ci[i\al the expectations of the Lady Aluxiiia. While thus torturing himself, a .sudden shadow fell upon the travellers, and both looked out to learn the cause.

The road that led up to the mansion of Egromont was necessarily curved, and it ran through the edge of Eyromont Wood, and through a well-grown plantation, before ushering tlio traveller upon the homo grounds. The Lady Lorcan and bis lordship had entered the wood, and a silence corresponding to the. shadow lent by the bare and solemn trees crept over them. Passing beyond the partially dismantled wood, they e'ltercd the plantation, where Norway firs and spruces, and every species of evergreens, abounded, and where a tree stripped of its foliage was not to lie seen. Their progress here was necesarily slower. Now and then a branch lay across the road, as if placed there purmsely to obstruct the passage of the carriage, sine 'they must have been brought from the wood ; and the outriders were sent uu in advance to clear the way should there be more obstructions. The carriage horses, therefore, proceeded at a (|uiet walk. The travellers had arrived at the spot where the overhanging branches of evergreen drooped lowest, shutting out the sky completely, and compelling the driver to crouch upon his box, and to remove hi.j gold-Ueed hat for fear of injury. " What a lovely and romantic spot!" exclaimed his lordship, charmed with the unexpected beauty of the scene. "The smallest Hecks of the sky can be seen, and the sea and mansion arc shut out from view. A being reared by the sea,' and in the midst of such scenery, must be noble and high-souled." To obtain a better view of the road he ! obtruded his head from tlio window beside him, and he bade the Lady Lorcan look out from her side of the carriage autl note the extreme beauty of the trees. She had scarcely obeyed him when a loud ropori sounded upon ths winery air, and a bullet dashed past Lord Ashcroft, narrowly missing his head, and passing out of the opposite window, in dangerous proximity to his sister. The Lady Lorcan uttered a shriek ot terror, forgetful, in her fears for her brother, of her own narrow escape, and Hung her arms around him as if to shield him from further danger. " Hush, Lorcan !" said his lordship, with gentle firmness, seemingly unmoved by bis late peril, as he unwound her arms and placed her in her seat. "Do not impede our movements." The carriage halted at this moment, and his lordship dashed open the door, sprang out, and hastened in the' direction from which the bullet had proceeded. The outriders, hearing the report of the rifle, looked back, and seeing that the carriage had stopped, turned and rode toward it at full speed. The driver, who had all he could do to hold his frightened horsed, hurriedly informed his fellow-servants of their master's course, and they leaped oil" their horses ami hastened after his lordship, alarmed for hisi safety. On entering the plantation Ashcroft had beheld a man in full retreat, dodging in and out among the trees, and he bad called upon him to stop, but the fellow had only quickened his steps at his command. He had then assure.! him that if the all'air was an accident ho should he held blameless;, but the stranger made no reply, and rencwe.l his efforts to escape. Active, lithe, and sinewy as was his lotvship, it was not to bo wondered at that he gained upon the fugitive, encumbered as was the latter with his rill-j, and Ik: had nearly overtaken him when the fello.v dropped his gun and sped, like an arrow from a bow, iu:o the intricacies of tlio plantation. By the time Lord Afhcroft readied the rifle its owner was beyond his pursuit. Ho picked up the weapon, examined it carefully, and then set out to return to the He "had proceeded but a short distance when he encountered his servants, and no gave his trophy into their hands, saying that he would retain it for the present. "We will continue our journey now," he said. "It will bo of no use to hunt for the fellow, since he must be more familiar with the neighbourhood than we arc." The men begged to be allowed to look for their master's assailant, but their request was negatived, and they followed him back to :;he carriage. Tlio Lady Lorean received her brot'.iei with open arms and a shower of tears, declaring that she had feared he would not return to her alive ; but her weakness wat onlv momentary. j'lis lordship resumed liisso.it beside her, the outsiders, by the lady's orders, acted as guard, and the travellers resumed thcii way.

" Lionel," said his sister, calmly, " do yon think that shot the result of accident?" " 1 do not," was the ipiii-fc response. A faint cry arose from the lady's lips. " You t.hiiik, then, that the man was an assassin:''' " 1 have arrived at that conclusion, Lorean. I believe that he was lying in wait for us, and that he intended to shoot me." " Kut what reason could he have had, Lionel? Have you an enemy?" "Not that 1 am aware of," replied Lionel, thoughtfully. "I think ho could not have intended to rob me, yet the idea is not preposterous." "1 should think it was. J low could a single person have expected to rob you when you have three servants?" "There is a design about the matter at once apparent," remarked his lordship, gravely. " Our way was obstructed, and it might have been foreseen that my servants would proceed in advance to clear the road, and that J should be left alone, as the driver would not be taken into account, his horses demanding bis attention. It seems to me that another motive than gain lies at the bottom of this all'air ; yet.' 1 may be mistaken." The l,:idy Lorcan had a masculine mind, and the mystery of tlio "ll'air absorbed her thoughts so completely that she constructed several very inj/enious theories to account for the assault. Hut they all Ml to the ground, demolished by some pertinent and unanswerable question from his lordship, and he dually paused in her cll'orts to solve the mystery. "It might have been the action of a madman," she said, as they wound along the road beyond the plantation. "In fact, J believe that it was. I'.ut here we arc." They had reached tins entrance gates at the foot of the parU. Tile lodgekeepcr had already swung them upon their massive hinges, and the carriage rolled into the avenue leading up to the mansion, that was boldly outlined against the dull sky. The travellers had been so long delayed by their unforeseen adventure that it was already early twilight. The mansion was brilliantly lighted, in honour of their coming, from ground to attic —all save the wing nearest the sea. That part of. the dwelling was wrapped in im-

penetrable gloom; the windows upon its upper floor were closely boarded upon the outside, and it presented so desolate an appearance as to seen) accursed. ]Jnt while the travellers gazed upon it the urT'joarilccl windows of tiio wing Hashed out a great display of lights in welcome of their coming, and the darkness of the upper floor was made the more apparent. Lord Ashcroft called his sister's attention to the singular fact, and she replied : "That must lie the haunted part of the house, Lionel." " J taunted !" echoed his lordship, in surprise. "The family of Kgreniont, then, has its old traditions !" " Yes ; hut this is something more than a tradition, brother. One of the Karls of Kgreiiiont, tormented by jealousy of his beautiful young wife, the mother of his only son, slew her in a lit of passion, an she was looking out uiion the sea from oneof those upper windows, now boarded over, He fancied that she was watching the movement of his suspected rival, wiio was guiding a sailing-boat 111 her view. Overwhelmed with horror and remorse at liia crime, upon beholding her life-less-body, the earl dashed himself from the window from which his wife had looked, and his shattered body was picked up upon the pointed rocks below. You can hear the wi!.ves moan against those rocks now." " A sad story," said his lordship. "It is more'than sad, Lionel —it is true. The room in which the tragedy occurred — indeed, the entire floor—has never been inhabited since that day. Mamma told my tin; story many years ago, and she said she had heard strange .sighs and moans in those rooms when she knew that no earthly being was within them. J am not superstitious, but nothing could tempt m<; to penetrate those desolate chambers. The shadow of that awful crime must make them terrible, even without the ghostly accompaniments ofgroans and sighs." "That tragedy must be the foundation of the story of the curse of Kgremont," observed Lord Ashcroft. "You have heard of the curse, then? Yon know that it is to the cll'eet that the males of the race shall die by violence, and Lhat the females shall pass through a period :>l: bitter sutlcnng, dillcring perhaps in kind, jut akin in intensity to that of the poor jountesa who died by her husband's hand. The men alone were (loomed to suli'er violent leaths, the misery of the women being mental —since they were to be victims. The ■iresent earl is the last of the name of Kgrenont." "How has the curse held good? The as), earl died by a malignant disease " " Which went to his'head," said the Lady 'joruan, solemnly. "In his dolirum he Hung limself from a window and was killed. His ather died by a full from his horse. Jlis ,'randfather was drowned. No male of the ■ace ever escaped the curse."' "And the women '!" " It has always bean the same with them —they have always experienced a period of ullering, terrible while it endured, but they lave been happy enough afterward. J leaven jrant that the "misery of the Lady Alexina nay not come from your baud ! It is all to :ome, for her life hitherto has been cloudless." " I will avert from her the curse of Kgrenont," said his lordship, confidently. The Lady Lorean shook her head, implying hat no one could avert from the heiress the ioom of her race. The mile of drive from the lodge-gates was . gentle ascent, and the carriage had proceded slowly, but now it rolled up to the rout of the mansion, and halted beside the na.ssive portico. Lord Kgrcmont made, his appearance as it topped, and came forward to assist the Lndy '.lOroau to alight, and to greet his guests with he most unfeigned cordiality. " Welcome to Kgreniont, my lord !" said he earl, giving his arm to the lady and conlucting her up the broad steps. "I have vaitcd many years to say those words, to renler to your lordship an account of my stewardhip." Lo''<l Ashcroft blushed ingenuously at this .llus'on, and the earl then addressed himself o the Lady Lorean. Just within the door at the head of the ong wide hall, stood Lady Kgrcmoi-t in full linuer-dress, ai>d she received her guests vith the most impressive hospitality, declarng her delight at agai-i meeting her dear ..ady Lorean and his lordship. The latter experienced a momentary embarassment after these greetings, scarcely daring 0 lift his eyes in the sudden fear of meeting hose of the Lady Alexina. 15ut the heiress was not there. Lord Ashcroft was greatly relieved at this [iscovery, not caring to be seen by her for the irst time in travelling attire. Her absence seemed to him an indication if the most delicate modesty—a trait he ispeeially admired in women—and of a rctirng disposition such as lie had loved to attrinite to his ideal. This idea was confirmed iy Lady Kirrmont, who said : '• I could not persuade our dear Alexina to nako her appearance, Lady Lorean, but she vill meet you at dinner. She is such a shy, imid child that I quite dread her iutrodue,ion into society." Pleased at this description of his unknown letrothcd, Lord Asheioft indulged in a nomentary dream of the tender love with ■vhicli he would conquer her beautiful .iniidity, and awakened from it to find him ielf following his host up the wide staircase, list the elegiint drawing-rooms to the suite )f chambers assigned to his use. His luggage had been already carried up, he porter coming out as they reached the loor, and the earl ushered iiis guest into the beautiful room, saying : "The Lady L<>rcan will have the suite ipposite your own rooms, my lord. Your windows "look upon the park and command n view of the sea as well." "They arc pleasatitlr situated," observed Lord Ashcroft, looking out. "lias your lordship been entertaining guests ':" he added loticing a carriage departing from the mansion, followed by a waggon containing several trunks. The carl answered in the negative, milling : "The Lady Aloxina's governess and imisicnaster are going away. Their expired to-day," and "they were obliged to leave this evening. There was quite an \H'ecting scene when they made their adieus. Xjna is such a tender-hearted girl." 'render-hearted —that was another charm which Lord Asheroft had counted upon, in !iis pleasant imaginings, and the earl immediately noticed that his remark was favourably received. The words of the earl were true enough, hut the concluding clause bore no relation to the preceding ones. There had been an atVecting scene when the instructors of the Lady Alexina made their adieus, but all the tears that had been shed on the occasion had been shed by them. Faulty as was their young charge, both had had a comfortable home for many years at Iv-rcmnnt, and half their emotion had been doubtless caused by the fear that it would be very diliieult to obtain similar ones. Some aIV.-elinn they really felt for the. heiress : for, whatever her faults, they had contributed to their growth, and both'hoped to be retained at Ki/reinont in some capacity so long as they should live. I'.lit Alexina had bidden them good-by as if they had been going out for an hour's drive, and had retired to her room well pleased at being rid of them. "1 could converse with you for hours about your dear Xiua," said the earl, toning the light by a diilerciit arrangement of the damask curtains, and placing a great crimson covered arm-chair in front of the glowing lire for the honoured guest. " She is always an agreeable subject for conversation between Lady Kgeniont and myself, as she seems to combine so many perfections. But how lam running on, when 1 do not even know with what sentiments you have come to ICgremont." 'Lord Ashcroft took possession of the chair placed for him after the earl had sealed himself, and said, earnestly : "I come, my lord, to fullil my falhor's last wishes, and in so doitif,' to obtain a perfect happiness for myself. J'.ufc lirst allow me to ask if you are quite sure that the Lady AJexina'.s all'cctions arc disengaged '.'" " Perfectly .sure, my lord. She has no gentleman acquaintances outside our immediate family, with the exception of the rector of a church ten miles distant, and he is a husband and the. father of a dozen children. I speak franUly, my lord —r believe Xina to have cherished an ideal which you will exactly His lordship's countenance evinced his pleasure, and lie said : " I love your ward already without having seen her, my lord, and it shall not be my fault if she does not love me. 1 pledge myself to realize her ideal so far as 1 am able, and it will be my greatest happiness \[ she will accept me as her future husband." This ardent and rash avowcl delighted the ■ earl. Afcer a brier conversation lie named the dinner hour, and retired in high good humour 1 to communicate to Lady Kgicmont the voluu- - iary pledge of their guest, and his brightening I hopes for their own future. I'l'o bo continual.)