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[NOW STB3T PQBLISRKD.) A HIDDEN CHAIN. By Dora Russell. Author of "Footprints in the Snow," "The Erokan Seal," "The Track of the Storm," "A Fatal Pass," "The Vicar's Governess," "Hidden in My Heart," &c., &c. SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. Chapters I and II.—Lord Clair, son of tbe-Earl and Countess of Kilmore, has just come of age, and a tenants' ball is being? held in his honour. He pays attention to Miss Dighton, a dangjbter of one of his tenantry, and also to MissTfiva Moore,, a friend, with whom Dick Dighton is in love. Lord Clair falls madly in love with Miss Moore. The same night Clair, locking out of his window, observes that, Holly Hill, the residence of the Dighton's, and where Miss Moore is stay- ing, is on nIe. Ho hastens to the rescue, and is in time to render assistance to Miss Moore, whom ¡ he sees at a burning window. Chapters III. and IV.—Lord Clair manages at considerable risk of hit; own life to save that of Miss Moere, whom he lowers from a window in Miss Moore, whom he lowers from a window in the burning building. Dick Digbton is also injured by the ffetmes and is taken to the Hall. Next day Miss Moore and Miss Dighton go to Holly Hit! to see what is saved from the fire. I Clair meets them and extracts from Miss Moore a promise to write to him when she leaves the roof of the Dighton s. Farmer Dighton finds among tbe rums-a diamond ring on which is engraved Eva Tempte," and which Mtes Moore claims as her own. She says Temple was her mother's name and blushes deeply an she says so, much to the wonderment of Lord Guar. Chapters V. and VI.—Lord Clair improves his acquaintance with Miss Moore, much to the chagrin of Annwtte Gower, his cousin, who loves Mm. He takes her :t. bouquet whisb she accepts and receives in return a. rose with wtnch she had decked her hair. When he leaves her, he presses the rose passtanately to his lips, but the petals fall. Was it an omen ? Chapters VII. and VIII.—The acquaintance between Lord Clair and Miss Meoro continues, and on the latter removing from Sunny Brow to Basteliffe, a watering-place in the locality, be undertook to visit her there. Lord Kilmore and his wife are considerably alarmed as well as an- noyed at their son's afctontran to M'ts Moore. Chapters IX. apd X.—Clair visits his new acquamtaacesat EastclHie, a.nd whilst out walk- ing with Eva. he slips and sprains his ankle. He accordingly has to stay at Eastcliffe, and sends telegram home which fills his mother with alarm. CHAPTER XI. A Mother's Advice. Lord Kilmore looked up with au annoyed ex- pression on hia face as his wife made this some- what startling announcement, and held out his hand for tba telegram. What foots young men are," he said and after he had read the telegram he looked mere annoyed scill. It was absurd of Clair to go to Eastciifie," he added. I did not think ho would have done such a thing," replied Lady Kilmore, almost tearfully; and this accident, of course— Will form a grand opportunity for the young lady. Yes, Jeame. I think you had better go, ami bring him back with you." T-day ? What about the trains ? asked Lady Kilmore, eagerly. "You need not be in such hot haste as that. Go to-morrow and I should go with you but for this confounded gout." My dear, you are not well enough to go I will take Annette—and yet You ha.d better take Annette, and she will be a companion for you. I will look out the trains and I should certainly not leave Clair behind you there." Oh no, of course not; I will stay with him until he returns with me—and I will speak to him — this acquaintance must not go on a day longer, Kilmore." If you can prevent it; and after all there may be nothing in it; a youth's fancy for a pretty face." Still I feel uneasy. Oh, what a pity it was, Kilmore, he ever went near that fire Not for the ycung woman's sake, by aU accounts. However, the thing is to get him out of her way, and then I daresay he wall forget 3011 about her." They talked in this fashion a little while longer, and settled the train by which Lady Kilmore a.nd Annette Gowor were to start for EaKtdliff in the morning. But when during the evening Lady Kilmore mentioned this to Annette, she visibly ahrank from the idea of going, I will go if you wish, Aunt Jeanie," she said, with downcast eyes, but—" Wmdd you rather not go, Annettte ?" inquired Lady Ivilmoro. "I think Clair perhaps mightt-" hesitated Annette. The truth was that Annette had also heard from Mrs Dighton that. Eva Moore and her daughter were at Eastcliff, and knew only too well, as she did so, what had been Clair's attraction to the place. He had gone to see this beautiful girl whom he admired so greatly, and Annette's heart sank within her as she recog- nised the fact. And she felt, too, that to go to Eastcliff, to run the chance of perhaps seeing Clair with Miss Moore, would be very painfui. And perhaps Lady Kilmore guessed something of her thoughts, for after looking a moment at her young niece's downcast face, sb& said in her kindly way:— Or, win you stay and take care ot your uncle, Annette, and Barton can go with me ?" "Just as you like. Aunt Jeanie," answered Annette, hut Lady Kilmore saw she did not wish to go to E as feci fir, aud therefore arranged to take her maid with her instead. And the next morning, Lady Kilmore started in the first train to join her son, and arrived at EastcUfi ibottt twelve o'clock, and drove direct to the principal hotel in the place. She inquired if Lord Clair we;e staying there, and was in- formed that a gentleman who gave the name of Clair was. "Has ha had an accident to his foot?" asked Lady Kilmore. "Yes, the gentleman has sprained his foot," answered the waiter of whom Lady Kilmore was making these inquiries. "Then I wish to see him. lam his mother," said Lady Kilmore. "The gentleman is at present out, madam," replied the waiter; he drove out, but he said he would return for luncheon. Shall I show you to his apartments ? Lady Kilmore therefore installed herself in Clair's rooms and waited for his return to lunch. But she waited in vain. The lunch hour came and passed and there was no appearance of him, th» afternoon likewise waned, but still Clair eame not, and each mtomenc added to his mother's uneasiness. At length, about half-past seven, Clair limped into the room, leaning on a stick, having heard downstairs that a lady was waiting r toe htta, and was at once clasped in his mother's I Uffis. My dear Clair, how did this happen ?" she asked, anxiously. I slipped on the rocks," answered Clair smiling, "so I thought it best to telegraph to I you Out mother, dear, there was no reason why you..should have taken the trouble to come." My dear, of course I came, and shall stay with yon until von are well enough to return with me," answered Lady Kilmore, and it must fee admitted Clair's face somewhat lengthened wn8n he heard this announcement. "But it's TMttbing, mother there is no occasion for you to stay," he said. "Dear Clair, I will not leave you. But do not stand sit down here and tell me all about it." Oair accordingly sat down, and detailed his ad- vanture' oa the rocks, omitting various details that he thoughc unnecessary to mention. Lady Kil- more heard nothing of the white sunshades in the distance that had lured his unwary feet into the pttfall. But she listened in her gentle syinpa- shisrog^ way, and it was not until after dinner that she ventured to approach the subjeet next to her hears. Clair was then lying on a eouch, and his mother sitting on a chair near him, and twice she essay: d to mention Miss Moore's name, but her courage failed her. We all know how easy it is to fix beforehand to say unpleasant things, and how painful and dis- agreeable it is to do it. Lady Kilmore had de- cided on the very words she intended to u;e to Clair when she remonstrated with him on the subject of "that girl," but she found that these words did not readily flow from her tongue. At last, however, with a decided effort sne commenced. "I was talking to Mrs Dighton yesterday, Clair," she said, and she told me that her daughter, and that other young lady, to whom yea were so kind during the fire at Holly-hill, are staying here. Have you seen them ?" "Yes, mother," answered Clair, quietly.' I My dear," rejoined Lady Kilmore, quickly, I wish to speak to you about this acquaintance. Qairs it's not a wise one take your mother's ad- I .114 48 got sea anything more of this young ^^Why, mother V' asked Clair, moving slightly 9% the couch. Dear Clair, the reason is obvious. She is not in your position of life, and any attention you pay her might be misunderstood it is unkind even to the poor gitl." You are quite mistaken, mother." answered Clair, raisin* himself up, while a flush crossed I his face; Miss Moore is a iody in every senso of the word, and not at ail a persen to misunder- stand ;iny"n#\? attention?." Sail, dear C'air—" I think I am old enough to choose my cwn friends, you know, interrupted Clair, as Ins mother paused, and then he smiled and held out his hanu. Boa't say anything more about this, piea^e," ha addtwl. and then changed the conver- Mtioo, winch Lady Kilmore found it impossible to renew. She retired to rest. therefore, in great uneasi- ness o? mind, but when she proposed next Morning to Clair that they should return the same day to Kilmore, he made no objection. Very well, just as you bice," he answered M "Fm gouig to make a can this morning, but aftef that Fll go when you wish." "Surely, Clair, yon are nothing K> call on-" kegan Lady Kilmore, m consternation. Clair madfl no answer. He limped out of the JOQW, and five minutes later his mother saw hire drive away from the hotel door in a cab. She sat still and afraid after he was gone, trying to reaiise the situation. Clair was no longer à boy to bo led, she plainly saw. He had asserted his right to choose his own friends, and bad no doubt gone now to bid this young lady good-bye. "Oh how mad, how foolish," murmured Lady Kilmore, speaking her thoughts aloud in their aattrety. "Aad she is probably some adven- teMM, aoBMone who will try to take advantage of Ma youth. But his father must speak to hua, MJely he will have more influence." la &ctt Wz- Kilmore went- a very aJlXioua hour before Clair's return. He came back to the hotel looking bright and happy, and was ready to go home by the train his mother had decided on. His foot was still much swollen, but be made very light of it, and altogether seemed in the humour to take a very cheerful view of everything. Lady Kilmore, on the other hand, feit nervous and depressed. But she did not venture to say anything more to him on the sub- ject of Miss Moore, nor did Clair mention her name they naturally avoided it, but this fact did not tend to lessen Lady Kilmore's uneasiness. They reached the Hall in time for dinner, but before that meal Lady Kilmore found an oppor- tunity of speaking to her husband. He listened gravely and then smiled. After all," he said. I don't suppose there is much harm done. Clair, like other young men, I suppose, did not like being lectured but if he left Eastcliff so readily, it does not look as though he had any very strong attraction there. He talked of going to Scotland the end cf this month, and at the Fraser's some other pretty girl is almost sure to put this one cut of his head," I only hope so," answered Lady Kilmore, wistfully and during dinner, when Lord'Kil- more indulged in some mild jocularity on the subject of Clair's sprain, he took it all in very good part. Were yon assisting some fair damsel over the rocks, Clair," he said, when you cam*; to grief ? "No, father, I was alone," he answered, "but I was not looking where I was going." "A very unwise thing to do in life, 'Look before you leap,' are words of wisdom." Clair laughed good-temperedly. And during the next few days ho said nothing about return- ing to Eastcliff, and Lady Kilmoae began to hope her alarm had been unnecessary. In the mean- while Ciairs sprain was mending, but he was still obliged to lay his foot up, and was thus a good deal thrown with his cousm, Annette Gower and one day when he was lying on a couch and she was reading at the other end of the room, hit noticed how ill, thin, and pale she looked. "Are you not well, Annette'" he asked, kindly, "for you don't leok particularly flourish- ing. A sudden flush passed over Annette's face. Oh, yas, I am very well," she answered and then, to Clair's great astonishment, she rose hastily and left the room, and as she did so Clair noticed that her dark eyes had filled with tears. Poor little girl, what can be the matter ? he thought; and he was so disturbed at the idea that Annette was ill or unhappy that he spoke to his mother on the subject. What is wrong with Annette, mother ? he said. She seems nervous, and does not look well." Yes, she looks il1, Clair I do not know whether I should teil yon, but she got a great shock wh«n she heard of your accident at East- cliff," answered Lady Kilmore. A great shock when she heard of my acci- dent?" repeated Clair. in complete astonishment. Why, mother, how could that give her a shock ?" It did, at all events, Clair," said Lady Kil- more, gravely. I got your telegram, and An- nette was in the room, and I foolishly started up and cried, 'Clair has had an accident,' and the next moment Annette grew deadly pale and staggered forward, and would have fallen if I had not caught her in my arms. A pained and an annoyed expression passed over Clair's face. What nonsense, mother," he said she is a nervous gtrl." I think she is vary fond of you, Clair." Yes, of course, as a cousin as I am of her." I do not know," answered Lady Kilmore, M) significantly that Clair turned away his head and left the room, leaving Lady Kilmore perplex-] whether she had spoken wisely or no. CHAPTER XIL Jealousy. In writing to her mother at Kilmore Hall, Annie Dighton had not mentioned Lord Clair's visit to them at Eastdiff, She did not do so by the advice of Eva Moore. "What is the good of telling such a trifle f" Eva had said, carelessly but after Clair's acci. dent, Lady Kilmore herself mentioned to Mrs Dighton that her son had sprained his hot on thi rocks at Enstcliff. I wonder if he saw the girls?" replied Mrs Dighton. "Itold you, did I not, my lady, that our Annie and Mis3 Moore are there ?" Lady Kilmcre gave her no further information, in fact, ignored Mrs Dighton's remarks, and made that ?ood woman uneasy, lest she had t-^ken an un.vari'antable liberty. But after Lady Kilmore left the room she at once told h»r son that the ycung lord had b<-en at Eastciilf, and Richard Dighton's face darkened at the news. What ;was he doin^ there, I wonder?" he said. I don't think the girls saw him," added Mrs Digliton. I suppose Eva Moore saw him after the fire V asked Richard. Yes, h? went to call upon them at Sunny- brow, and walked with them to Holly-hill, and father saw them there. Father thinks a van of the young lord, Dick." Oil, he's will enough. When can we go from here, mother? I'm certain I'd get better far faster at the sea." Richard Dighton was in truth impatient once more see Eva Moore, and jealous of Clair, though 11; tnld himself it was folly to be so. But he thought the young lord might amuse himself with Eva, and the fact that he had saved her life gav him a claim on her gratitude, though Richard Dighton had in truth a still greater claim. H« was therefore restless to lea. ve the Hall, and Lis mother also felt she would be mora at her ease under her own roof. But th? doctor thought Richard still unfit to travel, and advised that no risk should be run. Things went on thus for a few days after Clair's return from EasfccJiff, and then Clair suddenly announced he was going to run upU town for a few div.?. At this season, Clair?" said his father,looking up from his paper. Yes, I want to meet a fellow I was at college with he's ou the point ot going out to India, and I want to shake hands with him before he starts it's Allan-Fraser I think you once saw him in my rooms at Oxford, father ?" "I think I did; I suppose he hasn't time to comtt down here ?" No, I'm afraid not; he's awfully busy, but I shouJd like to see the dear old fellow again." This conversation took place at breakfast the day following that on which Lady Kildare had told Clair that Annette Gower had nearly fainted when she heard of his accident, and Lady Kil- more moved uneasily when she heard that Clair was about to leave home, and wondered if her words had done anything to hasten his departure. If so, he gave no hint of this, and parted with Annette in exactly the same cousinly manner with which ho always treated her. He went straight up to town, and certainly met his friend there, and wrote to his mother from his hotel, but the day after went down to Eastcliff, and was ringing at the door of Sea View House when the clocks were striking five. He was shown into the by Mrs Appleyard's shiny-faced handmaiden, and found Eva Moore alone there, lying op a conch reading, and she rose with a sudden blush to receive him. You!" she said, in great surprise, holding cut her b-tnd. "Yes, I told you I would not stay long away," answered Clair, clasping her band fast in his, I am surprised. I thought—" What did you think ?" asked Clair, with his eyes fixed on her mee. Oh nothinr, answered Eva." Annie is out." she added, but I was lazy." "Will you be lazy no longer, but go out with me ?" "Shall I ? Very well;" and a few minutes later the two were walking together along the yellow sands*, and Clair was telling Eve of his love. I have been counting the hours un il I could see you again," he said. Do you know what I come back to say, Eva ?" How could I know ?" she answered coyly. "I thought you might guess; I came to tell you what I am sure you do know—that I love you very dearly, and to ask you to be my wife ?" Eva, shook her head. You must not a^k me that, Lord Clair." But why ?" said Clair, eagerly. For many reasons." Teli me one." Your father and mother would not like it." "I love and respect both my father and rnoiher," answered Clair but a man has a right to choose his own wife, and I have chosen mme- if I can persuade her to have me." Eva laughed softly. Why calk of it- ?'' she said. Let things drift on; are you not very happy as you are, Lord Clair?" Call me Clair." Well, are you not happy, Clair?" and Eva looked at him with her lustrous eyes. "You are too young to marry—too young even to think of it—and are we not dear friends ? The dearest friends!" answered Clair, ardently. "But you are so dear to me I cannot bear to think of life without you; of even a day without you, so you see nothing but marriage will satisfy me." Eva was silent for a moment; then she looked again at his eager, earnest, good-looking face. Do your people knew that you are here ?" she asked. "No." replied Clair, with an ingenuous blush. And they would say to you if they did,' Why do you run after a girl of whom we know nothing; a girl who may be an adventuress, who does not hold your position in life or Is net that true, now ? Did not your mother say some such words to you when aha came her»and took you. a way ? That was why I was surprised to see you to-day. I told myself. They will persuade him to drop an acquaintance of which they naturally do not approve." Even if they did, Eva, do you think what anyone said could induce me to change to you ? You cannot understand what I feel to you if you can think so. If you will give me hope, that is all I ask and care for." Eva sighed softly. You would approach me perhaps some day if I did." No, nover, Eva you hold my future happi- ness in your hands. Will you throw it away ?' Let us talk of it some other time. Why don't you ask me all sorts of questions, be for* you are so'rash as to wish to marry me ?" Because I know what you are without any questions. There is only one I wish to ask, Eva 1" And what ia that ?" Will you learn to care for me?" Have I to learn, Clair?" And Eva smiled. Do you mean—am I so bappy-" "Hush, hush, do not go so fast I mean we are friends, and friends care for each other you know. Let it rest there just now—Ah here comes Annie just in the nick of time." What a pity we are going to meet her," said Clair, as Annie, pretty, blushing, and shy, approached them. Eva said nothing. She met Annie as though she were well pleased to do so, and smilingly looked at Clair. Aren't you surprised to see him, Annie?" she said. A little," answered Annie, blushing more deeply, as Clair shook hands with her. Well, I was a great daal, not a little," continued Eva, still smiling, And Lord Clair, I suppose you are not going home to-day ? she added. Not for many days, I expect," said Clair, but I did not come from Kilmore, but from town." 011 indeed." And I hope I shall be able to stay here for a few days at least," went on Clair. And to day ? Where are you going to dine ?" asked Eva. At the hotel, I suppose," replied Clair. Oh -but that will be dull for you all alone. We have dined, but suppose we give him high t-a, Annie ? It will be fun ? will you have high t«a with us Lord Clair ?" I shall be too delighted." "Come along then," said Eva, as though the idea amused her. And all through the evening she was in one of her liveliest mood?. And as the hours wore on, the three young people seemed in the highest spirits. But by-and-bye when the moon rose, and ahed its white beams on the sea and on the shore, Eva want to the window and stood there for a few moments in silence. And Clair followed her, and stood by her side in silence also. I dare say there are people walking on the sands," suggested Annie. Still Eva did not speak. Clair was standing very close to har, she could almost feel his breath on her cheek, and his near presence stirred a strange emotion in her heart. She sighed, and Annie Dighton understanding plainly that she was not wanted, rose and left the room. And as the door closed behind her, Eva. looked round, and in doing so accidentally touched Clair. Is Annie gone ?" she said, in a low tone. Yes," answered Clair, and he bent his head down. bent it until his cheek rested against Eva's, and again she sighed. Why do you sigh ?" he whispered. Did I sigh ? she said softly. Yes—Eva— He put his arm round her as he spoke," and for a moment or two Eva did not turn away. She stood there with her yoting lover, and did not shrink from bis touch. Then suddenly a memory darted across her mind, and she cried out im- patiently. "We must not be foolish, Clair do you hear ? we must not be foolish Love is not folly," answered Clair passion- ately and I love you, Eva—Eva, I love you He drew her closer and kissed her, but the next moment Eva pushed him away. We must forget this," she said. "Clair, be wise, go away from here—and yet-" And yet what, Eva ? I shall miss you—that is like a woman, isn't :t? One moment I bid you go, and the next I wish you to stay." I will stay." "But trouble may come of it. Mrs Dighton and her son are coming in a day or two, and it will come to your tatner and mother's ears that you are here." "I do not care." Oh, but you must care you must care for your own sake, for mine. No one must know, Clair, what has passed between us to-day our only chance of seeing each other, of being with each other is that no one knows anything about it." But how can such a thing be, Eva ?" 1 live alone when I go to town you can come and see me, but here you must remember that your father and mother are certain to hear if you are. much with me. And if they hear, that will part ns. I don't want to part, Clair, though per- haps,I should—yes, I know I should." "T will hear of no parting, Eva, my darling, my darling—" No, no, you must not speak so. Let me ring for lights." "Give me one kiss first. Eva, just one She turned her face to his as he spoke, and for a moment her lips lightly touched his cheek. "You foolish boy!" she said, half-tenderly, and then drew away from him and did ring for lights, and WhèuÄntiIÉi- Dighton returned she saw there was a strange flush on Eva's cream- like skin, and an unusual light in her dark eyes. Clare stayed late, and lingered even when he rose to go. "To-morrow?" he said, as he held Eva's hand. What time may I call ?" "Lord Clair," she answered gaily, "I have frequently had to remind you, both here and at Sunny-brow, of the existence of a certain Mrs Grundy." "Oh! bother Mrs Grundy," said Clair half- impatiently. "But she exists, and we must consider her. Suppose you do noc call, but that we meet on the sands at twelve ?" Oh, come earlier than twelve; say eleven." Very well, at eleven-and now good night, Lard Clair." Then ho went, still loth to go. and after he had quitted the house, Aanit Dighton said in a half-frightened tone— Do you know, Eva, I think it is very strange of Lord Clair coming herg again so soon." ^"Why do you think it strange ?" "Well, you see he's not like us." Not in our station of life you mean. That's precisely what I told him." u I think he must be in love with you, but, of course, nothing could come of it." Of course not!" laughed Eva, rather bitterly. "Ard I am afraid people will talk." "Well, perhaps you had better not leave the rjom any more when he ia hero, Annie." I think I had better not." They agreed to this, yet nevertheless when they mat Clair by appointment on the sands the n*xt day and Annie remained steadily by Eva's side during the whol.# time, and also when he cam* to call upon them in the evening, Eva admitted to herself she felt it was a little wearisome. As for Clair he could scarcely ccnceal his impatience in the beunas of polite- ness. In vain he tried to draw Eva apart, there still was the apparently inevitable Annie This went on for two days, and then Eva either took pity on herself or Clair, for one afternoon she informad Annie that she meant to go out by her- self. "Wha.t! with Lord Clair, Eva ? You know he said he wmld call at four," answered Annie in a shocked ton?. Yes, even with Lord Clair," rejoined Eva, with a little laugh. "Don't look so alarmed, Annif, I am not going to run away with him." Still—" My dear, I mean to go, so don't say anything more. I find that two are company and three ara none and now I am going to dress for my walk." And with another laugh Eva turned away. And when Clair ca.lLd he found only Eva waiting in the drawing-room to receive him. Annie Dighton, who felt injured, had retired to her bedroom, and to Clair's intense satisfation Eva announced she was not going out to walk with them. Then I shall have you to myself for once," said Clair, joyously. Eva laughed, and the two went out together along the ribbed sea-sand." Clair was happy and excited, but Eva was more subdued than usual. It was a sombre day for one thing the sky cloudy and grey-tinted, and the sea br;.ke on the shore with a melancholy moan. It sounds as if it were angry," said Eva. Clair turned round and looked at her with his bricrht smil-3. But you are not angry, are you," he said, to be abne with me ? "No, I am not angry, but somehow I feel rather sad. Have you ever presentiments of coming evil, Clair ? Nj, I can's say I. have." ii f U I have felt them, and the evil came; J wonder where they come from ? If our good or bad spirit sends them ? And do you think we each have a good and bad spirit in constant attendance ? Jaughed Clair. I think we are dual creatures at all events that we have a good and an evil creature within us at constant warfare. One wins one day, and the other tne next. This accounts for the con- tradictions in oar actions for our unatablenees of purpose." "But yon an not unstable, Eva ? it Yee. IAIP.Woa".J- the proverb!T7q.-J stable as water thou shalt not excel.' That accounts for all my failures and shortcomings." I win not listen to such heresay Let us go and. sit on the rocks, Eva, for I have so much to tell you what I've been thinking of these two days when that tiesome little MissJDighton would not leave us alone.' In the meantime at Sea View House "that tiresome little Miss Dighton," was receiving a great surprise. This was no other than the un- expected arrival of her father and mother, and her brother Richard. The doctor had the night before given Richard learve to travel, and he in- sisted on at once availing himself of this, and the family party had started in the mornmg from the Hall. We thought we would give you a pleasant surprise, my dear," said Mr Dighton, while kisses and hand shakings were being exchanged. And where's your friend, Miss Moore ? Here's I Dick all anxiety." And the farmer laughed heartily. Oh replied Annie, still smarting from the slight she had received about going out to walk. Eva's out with Lord Clair." Out with Lord Clair, my lass ?" repeated Mr Dighton, in genuine astonishment. Why, Lord Clair's in London; his lordship told me so himself this morning." During this conversation Richard Dighton's face grew a dusky red, and his dark brows met in an angry scowl. "You must be mistaken, father," went on Annie the young lord's been here for days now, and we have often seen him." But you never wrote to say so, Annie," said Mrs Dighton, reproachfully. "No, mother, because Eva said I had better not." Well, I must say this beats everything ex- claimed Mr Dighton. "The young lord here! Why, Annie, who is he running after? Miss Moore, I suppose ?" "I suppose so," replied Annie, with a little toss of her pretty head, while with an angry exclamation Richard Dighton turned indignantly away. "It was a cursed impudence of him to come heie at all," he muttered, and as he spoke a certain look of anxiety passed over his father's good-natured face. "Nay, my lad, don't say that," he said: "young folks will be young folks, even if they are lords, and run after a pretty face." Richard Dighton made no answer he sullenly strode out of the room, and his mother looked after him uneasily. "It's a pity you told Dick about the young lord being with Miss Moore, Annie," she said, he doesn't like it, and I think she ought not to go walking about with the like cf him I always said so." "But, mother, you .mustn't forget she owes her life to him," replied the farmer. "Our Dick did more and fared worse," said Mrs Dighton, with some indignation; "and it's a queer business, the old lord telling you, father, that the young lord was in London, and us finding him here. Don't you think it has a queer look ?" Pretty odd," said Mr Dighton, with a per- plexed look. "But I think, mother, you had better go and look after Dick now." "Mrs Dighton followed her husband's advice. and found her son in a very angry and excited mood upstairs. Don't mind, Dick, about the young lord it's just all nonsense, I daresay," she began, by way of consolation. But I do mind. He had no business to come here running after the girls, and Annie had no business to keep it a secret. It's an insult to us all, and I won't have It He strode angrily to the room window as he spoke, and the first sight that met his eyes was Eva Moore, fair and smiling, and Clair close to her side, approaching the house. "Curse it! here they are," exclaimed Dick Dighton, and upon this Mrs Dighton at once hurried to the window also. Well, to be sure! It's the young lord, and no mistake. And how he's looking at her, just as if he could eat her, I declarer. And she's a' smiling and coquetting up in his face I wouldn't think of her any mare, Dick she's not fit for a decent man's wife if she's ready to carry on like that," said Mrs Dighton, commenting on the young couple below. Don't talk folly," answered Richard, sullenly, with his gloomy eyes also fixed on Clair and Eva. "But 1']) bring him tu book for all this. Lord or no Lrd, I'll let him know what I think ( To be continued. )

BARDDONIAETH.,

Y LLEN-LEIDR.

Y SLIDING SCALE A'l BWRDD.

Y GAUAF.

Y GAUAF.

CYMER GALON.

BLODAU'R GRUG.

YR EISTEDDFOD.

BEIBL MAWR Y TEULU.

Y CRISTION YN MARW.

THE REWARD OF INDUSTRY.

MERTHYR BOARD OF GUARDIANS

BRIDGEND WORKHOUSE.

NEWPORT BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

THE LATE REV E. MATTHEWS.

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TWICE LOST.

PECULIAR BREACH OF CONTRACT…

BI-LINGUALISM IN WALES.

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