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[NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.] A HIDDEN CHAIN. By Dora Russell. Ii Author cf "Footprints m the Snow," '"The Broken Seal," "The Track of the Storm. A Fatal Pass," "The Vicar's Governess, "Hidden in My Pit art," &c., "cc. CHAPTER XIII. Very Disagreeable. In the meantime, Eva and Clair, quite 1111- *<>nscious of the storm within, were smilingly Approaching Sea View House, and stood talking ■ugether in the porch what seamed a very un- itcfssary time to several eyes that were watching them. Even the pood naturpd farmer felt disturbed he noticed from the dining-room window the lingering hand-clasp and lengthened parting of the young pair. "This \yjlll.C\'2r do," he mutterCQ to hnl1self, afid when at last Eva entered the room and saw Air Dighton, the expression of his jovla] face was hot as its wont. "Mr Dight'in exclaimed Eva. advancing Withjutstretehed hand, this is quite an unex- pected pleasure." Well, my dear, how are you 7" answered Mr pightou. So the young lord was with vou, was he ?" "Yes," said Eva, with a pretty little shrug and a smile; he's been here a day or two, and he's nothing to do." Exc.-pt to walk about with you, seemingly," *aid Mr Lighton, "his father does not know he's bfcre; he told me he w.s in London." So he was a day or so ago, and he's g"ing back directly, I supple that is how Lord kiimore made the mistake," replied Eva calmly. "Nowadays, you know, Mr Dighton, young men do not write home every day to tell where they are going." No, indeed," said Mr Dighton, shaking his head. Ho's a very pleasant companion," continued kva. Yes, yes, so he is—Lut still, my dear At this moment the room door opened, and Richard Dighton entered with a frown on his brow. Oh you hers too said Eva, going towards him with a smile, and holding out her hand. I "ope you are better, Mr Dighton ?" It wouldn't matter much to you whether I I.tn or not," answered Dick silently, and as he sPOke Eva opened her large dark eyes wider, and looked at him in surprise. Why do you say that ?" she said. "It does Matter—it must matter I think, when you were 80 dreadfully injured in trying to—help ma and Eva gave a little shudder. I have nevsr had the opportunity uf personally thanking you yet," she went on the n-xt moment, but I do tbank you now with al) my heart." Oh I did nothing," said Richard, still sul- lenly j I failed." And he sneered. I thank you all the same, and I have grieved 'ery much to hear of all the pain you have gone, through on my account. But I hope the change "ere will make you quite strong." Oh yes, Dick will soon pick up here," said Air Dighton, pleasantly. Well, young folks, I don't know what kind of housekeepers you are, but I feel uncommonly peckish. But mother has come armed with hams, and eggs and butter, as 1v'e thought we would surprise you so we won't starve. anyhow." And Mr Dighton laughed his lovial laugh. My dear Mr Dighton," cried Eva, who liked •he farmer, "you make me quite hungry by talk- ,l*g of all those lovely country things! But I Assure you Annie has net starved me she is a '*ttious little housekeeper." Well then, Annie, see about something to said Mr Dighton, "and I'll go and look -rter mother and her good things, for I can telj ^ou we all want something after the journey/' And saying this, he left the room, closely fol- *o>ved by Annie, and Richard Dighton and Eva -jloore were left alone. Almost from the very jjrst sight of his sister's friend, Richard Dighton "ad conceived a passionate admiration for her, Vihich had quickly ripened into violent love. It Was quite true, and he knew it, that Eva had lever given the slightest encouragement to his Somewhat awkward advances. But in spice of all the young farmer had cherished the most romantic hopes. He was really in Jove with Eva, his desperate attempts to save her during the Pfe had proved this, and now his heart felt very Outer within him at her seeming forgetfulness of "hat he had gone through. Ho turned away his head as his father and Annie left the room, and then the next moment looked at her, still with anger in his rather deep- en ken eyes. "So," he said, you've had the young; lord here '0 amuse yourselves with—or to amuse him." Both, Mr Richard," answered Eva,1 airly. "That's well It Y eg, Lord Clair has nothing to do here, and Vie have nothing to do, so it has been a mutual Accommodation," said Eva, and she laughed. Ht-r mirth jarred on Richard's ears, and made hinl more bitter still. Well, I won't let my sister make a fool of herself any longer," he said roughly. How has she made a fool ot herself?"inquired Eva, looking at him. I consider any woman makes a fool of herself who allows a man to dangle after her when he gleans nothing but to suend an idle hour or two." But Lord Clair has not dangled after Annie «■ Was the person he came to see." And you say this to ine exclaimed Richard oercely to me who- t: Why should I not say it to you, Mr Dighton ?" asked Eva, calmly. "Because you know—you must know," and the young man's face flushed darkly, and the £ eins on his forehead swelled, that I can't bear to hear it that I can't bear to think of any •^an making a fool of you that I shall resent it." You have no right to do so, Mr Dighton." Yes, I have at least, you are under my father's roof." Eva was silent for a moment; then she said lUietly :— "I have received great kindness from you all; am greatly indebted to you—so much indebted can never repay it—but still, Mr Richard, this RlVes you no right to speak of Lord Clair as you are doing." I thmk he has no right to come here I am aUre he has none." Why ?" Because as I said before he only means to ^touse himself. Well, and if he does, what of that ?" Richard Dighton bit his lips under his dark Moustache, and turned his head indignantly aWay, If you look on it in that light-" he said. We all seek to amuse ourselves, Mr Dighton, So why not Lord Clair ?" Richard Dighton said nothing more. He strode hastily out of the room though only to return to a few minutes later. Eva Moore possessed to him the old symbol of the moth and the flame. *ie could not resist the attraction of her near Presence, though it onJy gave him pain. He sat down therefore to the substantial meal ^hich Mrs Dighton and Annie presently pro- vided, with a scowling brow and a sullen heart. •Pjva maddened him love maddened him. In yam the farmer essayed his most genial jokes. Hichard neither ate nor smiled, and Mrs Digh- fcon's maternal feelings were greatly troubled. 1;:)he also secretly resented Eva Moore's conduct, *nd blamed ker for making her beloved Dick un- happy, though in truth she was not in the lease to Blame, though her beautiful face might be. At all events this evening meal was not a suc- cess, and when as the twilight gathered the house- hell rang, and a few moments later Clair was an- nounced, they all felt—including Eva—that his visit was an ill-timed one. Nevertheless the farmer rose and welcomed him With the respect due to his landlord's son. How are you, my lord ?" he said. Ah, Mr Dighton,"answered Clair, pleasantly, holding out his hand, I did not know you were here ?" "Only came this afternoon, and my wife and Dick." Then Clair looked round, for the room was very dark, and perceived Mrs Dighton and Richard. lie went up to them, but Mrs Dighton received him stiffly, and Richard more stiffly still. Eva Moore, however, was or appeared to be quite at ease. "We have had a pleasant surprise you see. Lord Clair," she said; "when I came in this afternoon I found in my absence that Annie had Rot her father and mother and brother all with her again." A great pleasure to Miss Dighton, I am sure," answered Clair, pleasantly. "And how are you, Digbton?" he added, turning to Richard. '*Nearly well again, I hope?" Yes, nearly," answered sullen Dick. Upon this Clair sa.t down by Eva Moore on the couch, but Eva did not remain long by his side. She rose, crossed the room, and drew a chair near the farmer's. "I want you to tell me all about my pets at Holly hill, Mr Dighton," she said. "How is Rover, and Dubbin, and Rose, and my little pet pig. and last, but not least, is the puppy old enough that you promised me for me to have him now?" The farmer laughed aloud. "My dear, how many questions have you asked ttie at once?" he said, good temperedly. "The horses are well, and the cow, but I don't know Which was the pet pig. And the puppy? He's growing a very handsome fellow, and I daresay you could have him now." "I tell you why I ask. Now that you and Mrs Dighton are here, I am no longer needed to chaperon Annie," said Eva, with a little laugh. "So in a day or two I propose to leave your hofpitableroof." "Nay. nay, my dear, don't say that. Annie will fee! lost without ye. Stay at least as long as We are here." Eva gently shook her head. "You are very good, but I should nob have stayed so long only Mrs Dighton could not be here to lookafterAnnie. I have enjoyed my visit to you very much, Mr Dighton." Not so DIUCi1 as we've Anjoyed having ye, I taake sure of that," said the hearty farmer. Come. Miss Moore, promise to stay a bit longer with us." While this conversation was going on, to which Richard Dighton was eagerly listening, Clair was talking in rather a disjointed fashion to Mrs Dighton and Annie but his heart was not in it, and it did not progress very satisfactorily. Then Iouddenly Eva rose and left the room for a few ttiinutes, and on her return she resumed her soat by the farmer. Altogether, no one geemed en- joying themselves particularly, and, somehow. Clair felt that his presence was not overwelcouie t" the family group. He, therefore, after a short stay, said he muse go, and no one pressed him to bia viai, He shook hands with the rest, and then ad- vanced towards Eva, who rcse as ho approached }R" I want a word with you for a moment, out- side, she said. Yes, most certainly,' answered Clair, only toe well pleased. Fhb followed him, therefore, to the door of the room, while all the eyes in it followed her, and without going out into the hall, she put a small note into his hand. „ -r I want you to study that," she said, smiling. She did not suspect her action would have be'.n st-ri) but as the hall lamp was lit and tne room rion.rW dark, it was and a fierce pang of rage and jealousy darted through Richard Dighton o Thank vou, I shall." said Clair, and then they shook hands an i parted, and Eva returned to the roum and began to talk of something eisc, as though aim had done nothing out ot the way. But this was not the opinion of Mrs Dighton. Shó cleared her throat, and (for her) began in a somewhat severe tone • Y>m seem very friendly with trie young lord, Miss Moore." I like him," replied Eva carmessjv. And has he been coming here much ? con- tinued Airs Dighton. "Oh, 110; we have seen him outside once or twice. But how stupid we all are Annie let us sing them a song, and try to enliven them. She thus changed the conversation, but not the current or Richard Dighton's thoughts. He re- mained sullen and moody during the rest o 1 the evening, an when the party broke up for the right, he hardly spoke to Eva. In the mean- while Clair, at his hotel, was studying the little 1] note Eva had put in his hand. It was very brief but significant. # "Dear Ciair, "Dou't come here any more just now that voung rustic, Richard Dighton, has been making himself remarkably disagreeable, and for the short tint3 I now mean to stay here, I do not want any quarrels. I will see you once before I go, and will write and tell you where we can meC^' Your?, Eva." CHAPTER XIV. An Anonymous Letter. C1:tir read Eva's brief note many times, and was absolutely reading it again the next morn- inn-after breakfast, wlu-n a waiter entered the room, and asked him if he would see a gentle- man who had called. Certainly, answered Clair, and a tew :10- men's later, Richard Dighton was ushered into the room "Ah, Mr Dighton, said Clair, rising politely, and holding out his hand, but Richard did n jt ta^'Yhave not come on a visit of ceremony, Lord Clair," he said sullenly, with down-cast t<ycs. "Ah—then may I ask "I have come to ask you not to come hanging -bout my sister or her friend any more." answered Richard roughly. "You mayn't look on them as ladies but I mean to see them treated as such. C'sir oporifd his grey eyes a little wider, and stared at the angry young man opposite to him in complete surprise.. „ I utterly fail to understand your meaning, hR" It is this," retort 3d Richard Dighton fiercely, "vou've been walking about with Miss Moore and my sister day after day, and going to my yatiter's house in all underhand way. and I won t have it! They are not in your station of life, Lord Clair, and you had better keep to ladies who are." "You are extremely rude, and are speaking in manner utterly improper and uncalled for. And you arc much mistaken. I regard Miss Mnorv in my own station of life as a» la.dy or X should not have sought her society," "That's all very fine But as long as she is W'<t.1\vould you kindly leave the room ?" inter- muted Clair, coolly. And with a half-muttered cursrt Richard Dighton did so, leaving Clair feeling greatly annoyed. Say,- he was more than annoyed—he was angry- That this young Dighton, the son of one of his father's tenants, should presume to speak to him in such a manner absolutely amazed him. Clair, at Kdmore, and indeed through all his voung life, had been accustomed to be treated with respect, which his own kindness and sweet- lPg« cf disposition had certainly merited. Ho had known Richard Dighton from boyhood, and fh-v had always exchanged pleasant words with oh C)ther when they chanced to meet. "And f -him suddenly to turn round thus, and abso- hjtel v "insult me." thought Clair, indignantly. "T suppose he is jeatous about Eva. What „idence of him ever to think of her," went on his1 reflections. Indeed, this last idea ruffled him Sfc"llTiTmonstrous," decided Clair; "and from t' ■pvv-Tnote ho has evidently been talking foUy to her also. But I am glad I ordered him out of the room, the rude cub." It took Clair quite an hour to get over the irritation of Richard Dighton's visit. Then ho went out and wandered on the sands in the hope TVrieetin'°- Eva and Annie Dighton. But no; 01 0f the Dighton family were to be seen, and riair returned to his hotel for lunch m anything bnt a ha.ppy stllte of tnmd. Put he found a note lying in his rocm from v:' which instantly restored his good temper. verv brief, but it asked him to meet her M" v-TV pfternoon, and that was sufficknt to wfnsr the sunshine back to Clair's heart. ? "Dear Clair, 17 r certain reasons I have decided to leave this i t-nlmorrow, so will you nieet me this after- P to «ay food-bye? Come to the rocks where noon unfortunatestumble about 1 o'clock, but ple[\s!) do not stUll, hIe agaIn Your, Eva." r tlle news in this note did not displease ni V Eva was leaving Eastcliff, and Clair was ? for this, after his unpleasant interview n<>l? Richard in the morning. He felt that he 1 not "O to the Dighton's hous^ now, but he St that he could go wherever Eva was going, ,1 then he could see her and be with her witli- t that idiot," as h.; mentally dubbed Richard t? Mi ton "talking folly." <fn he' went with a light heart to the rocks, i,e had his mischance, long before the rented hour, and sat there watching for Eva's ^'X'w graceful figure to appear. And presently ?'f her advancing in her white gown along the sands, and he roso and went eagerly forward t0 "y^'got my note," said Eva, as she. took his ^yes I was awfully glad to get it," he an- SW"rInd yet we are going to part." "Onlv to meet again very soon though. 41T don't know. Clair," continued Eva, looking t 1 „ornestlv, indeed sadly, I've been think- fnJover'things"; I owe nuich to you, and I don't want to repay it badly. How do you mean, E\ a It would be better for you, wiser for you—not to see me again. "Listen to me, Clair, and do not be angry. It •- „nt- that I should not like to see you again, for indeed I should. But, if you like me in the way y°" I do "not like vou, Eva, I love you with my whole heart ?" answered Clair impetuously. >< TV> not talk any mo-e tnus, please. Not see on-iin I do not know what I should feel if SSenU believed that." "Still Eva you are leaving here to-morrow you say, now tell'me where you are going ?" .< Thflt is just what I have been making up my mind not to do just what I have been telling lc»lf T should noi do. You had far better Wet me Lord Clair, far, far better for yourself." Eva spoke these last words with some emotmn, her lies quivered, and her voice faltered. I coidd not forget you if I would. replied Plair also agitated. Eva, why do you torment irif'rhus'' You know I love yon, yet you are saying things that you must also know give me gr"ai donot wish to give you pain-here are the rocks let us sit down, Ciair, and I shall tell you what I think. Thev sat down together on a shelving brown rock, near which there was a deep fissure, into which the sea swept and gurgled, raising the brown sea-weed, and passing over the sea fl^werq With that changeful mood of hers EVI. pointed these out to Clair talking of the heautv of their colouring, while the young man s heart was hot and restless, thmkmg of ether "i^ou were going to tell me something," he said at length, almost impatiently, "Yes so I was," she answered, looking round. "Chir-if I toll you where I am going—if you come and see me we must just be friends, you know." „ "You mean-" Well, to put- it in a different way, you— must think of me as a woman older than your- "■ I do not believe you are older," quickly inter- rupted Clair. "Not in years, perhaps, but in mind, in everything, tar, fat older. You have had no troubles. I have had heaps—troubles and sorrows G!"Let me shield you from them all," he answered, ardently, claspiug her hand. You would if you could, I believe, Clair," answered Eva, softly. I will, and I can—give me the right to shield you, Eva, and you shall see. •' And so br.ng them on yourself, perhaps. Clair, you must not talk thus—you must pro- mise, and theu I shall tell you wh&oa .1 .mem to /«v" well, ceil me AVell, promise I promise not to say anything you do not wish to hear for--ever so long." Eva laughed. Ah, Glair, Clair she said, shaking her head. Do tell Inc. Rvt I know I should not; however, I will. You must know, Clair, since Mr Richard Dighton came down here he has made himself 1110:t remarkably disagreeable. He affects to be angry about you IJeriiap? he i,,)ealom, But you have given him no cause to think—" "Certainly none," said Eva, decidedly "but front the time I went to Holly Hill he, I suppose, admired me a little." And you ?" I certainly did not admire him. I never liked him, yet lie took upon himself to lecture me on your visits." • Impertinent fellow "It was rather cool I must say. Certainly he tried, I believe, to help me 011 that dreadful night at Hoilv hill. He was hurt, you know, in trying, j so they told me and this, I .suppose, gives him. he thinks, a certain claim. But not to be rude, and he was rude, and so I am glad to go away, and I do not wish Mr Richard te know where I amg-ing." Do w,t teJI him." I do not mean to I mean to go to Brighton tor a. day or two, and write to Annie from there, and then to go to my own house in town. I wish, in fact, to drop Mr Richard entirely, for I am getting rather frightened of hiin." Erightened ? "Yes, he looks so savage and suilen there is no saying what 110 might do, and therefore I mean to keep out of his way." He had the impertinence to come to me this morning, and to request me not to go near you and his sister any more." "Had he really? That's just what 1 say; he has taken some folly or other about me into his head, which I suppose he will forget if lie does not see me, but in the meantime it is very dis- agreeable. Therefore, when you come to see me, come to Kensington." When, Eva ? "I shall be there in a week. This is the address." Then in a week I shall see you ? Yes, if you wish to do so, with no Mr Richard Dighton to watch you and make himself dis- agreeable, I live alone." Alone?" "Yt;S, quite alone; does the idea make you afraid, Clair?" Why should it ?" "That I have no chaperon; no maiden aunt, no friend to look after me. I am a solitary being, Clair, and if you are wise, you will leave me alone." "Then I shall not be wise, Eva." She sighed softly, and leanedforward and rested her cheek against her hand. "Things are so strange," she said, musingly. Why do you say that ?" I was thinking that when I went to Holly Hill, when I danced that first day with you in the tent, that I little imagined such a short time afterwards I should be talking to you and treat- ing you quite like an old friend." "Then from that day, Eva, do you know what I felt to you ?" She slightly shook her heaci without looking up. "I was thinking of you, dreaming ot you, tnat night when I first saw the red light in the sky that warned mo of the fire at Holly-hill. So „. ou see from the vety first, Eva, what you were to me." Was it fate ?" she said, now glancing up with rather a sad smile. Yes, you are my fate, my beautiful tate," and he put his hand on hers. Take care I am not your beautiful fate—but no, no, I must not be that, Clair I will not, I must not injure you." He answered by some impassioned words. He sat there gazing at her, his young heart »11 aglo»v with love. Her vague warnings against herself fell on deaf ears. He could believe nothing ill of her. To him her suul was pictured in her face. And when she rose to leave him, and held out her hand. he would not let it go. Neither of them suspected that at this moment jealous eyes were watching them, and yet this was so. for with bitter emotions raging in his breast, Richard Dighton had followed Eva at a distance when she went to meet Clair, and at a distance also now saw the two Standing handciasped on the rocks. He could scarcely restrain his rage, crouching down there behind them, hidden by a jutting crag; and yet he did so. The rebuff he had received from Clair in the morning was still rankling in his heart, and he felt that if he made his presence known to Clair now, he would only be treated as he had been before. So he watched them, and the jealous anger within him grew and grew as he did so. And to do him justice he really believed that Ciair was only amusing him- self with Eva Moore. It never entered his imagination that ho would marry her if he could. "1:1e wishes to make a fool of her," he told himself darkly, "but he shall not, if I swing for it." And had he heard what Eva and Clair were saying of him, he probably would have been more angry still. I lua-jt go, Clair," said Eva, smiling; "con- sider if I were to encounter m> rustic and most unpleasant swain, Mr Richard Dighton." on., "Oh confound that fellow answered Clair. It's best to lcep out of his way, I feel sure he. has a sullen, dangerous look in his eyes that I don't quite like." He had better not come in my way, I can tell him, or do anything to anncy YOll." He won't annoy us in Kensington so, pleaej leave him alone." Then, after a few more worth, Ricnard Digh- ton saw them part, and he remained where he was until they both left the rocks. But an idea had entered Tiis brain there; an idea which he believed would soon end the acquaintance of Lord Clair and Eva. He would write annoymousJy to the Ear), and tell him how his son was conduct- ing himself at Eastoliffe, and he believed that this would effeotuallj separate them. In the meanwhile EVil was walking towards Sea-view House, and as she did So her expression changed and saddened. Poor fellow," she murmured more than once to herself, poor, poor Clair." And when she reached Sea-view, she went straight to her bedroom, and locked the door be- hind her after she got there. I should not have told him, she was think- ing in self reproach, I meant not to tell hiin. but he looked so dear, so honest, that I could not resist. It's folly, madness—but I am afraid. I like him too well." Sho sat down and sighed wearily, and it was not until Annie came and rapped at the door to tell her tea was ready that she roused herself. She did this with an effort, and went downstairs, whore she found Mrs Dighton and Richard. \VdJ, Miss Moore, so you have been out for a walk Annie tells me?" said Mrs Dighton as she entered. Yes, a short walk," replied Eva. I hope you enjoyed it T remarked Richard, disagreeably. "Not particularly," said Eva, and then she began t'alking of her journey on the following day to Brighton, and Richard sat listening, wondering if Clair would follow her there also, and deter- mining at the same time to do so himself. And he did not go to bed until he had accom- plished his idua of writing to Lord Kilmore. And this letter took him much time and thought to compose. It was written in a vindictive spirit, and lie could hardly disguise this in bis words. HecOtnmenced it again and again, and could not satisfj him sell. He wanted to abust> Clair, hut his common-sense told him this was unwise. He must write a friendly warning, and not let Lord Kilmore suppose that it was written by an enemy of his son. At last, as he could make no better of it, he sent the following lines, going out to post his letter after the rest of the family had all retired for the night. My Lord," began Richard, this is written to T. arn you that your son Lord Clair is here, and paying marked attention to :t young lady nam<*d Miss Moore, whom it is said he assisted to rescue during a fire. This is written by a friend who leels sure that your lordship would not approve of his conduct, the yoang lady being in a com- pletely different position of life to himself, and her friends also greatly object to an intimacy from which no good can result.—And I remain, your lordship, your obedient servant. A FRIFN-D." Richard having p.sted' his letter felt happier, having no doubt that it would at once cause his parents to lock after Lord Clair. Therefore at breakfast the next morning he was not quite so sullen in his manner to Eva as he had been since his arrival at Eastcliff. She was going away, too, and the real love, or rather passion, in his h?art made him anxious to remove any bad impression he had made from her mind. And she looked so handsome, too, as she sat opposite to him, that he could scarcely take his eyes from her face. She was goint, to start in an early train, and Richard asked if he might escort her to the station, to which Eva smilingly assented. Annie is going with mo, too, she said, but I am very sorry to go." She was not really though. She was half afraid of this young man, and of the jealousy he had so plainly shown of Clair. She knew something of the darker passions of men's hearts and felt it was playing with fire to arouse those of Richard Digh. ton. She was pleasant and gentle m her manner to him, therefore, but this was all. She had in truth never encouraged his admiration in fact, despised it. But she did not show this she simply ignored it. -r.i. «•> And how long will you sta? a* Brighter. ? Richard asked, going to her side, as she stood & few tfUUUfaWAt.thQ wiudew icckiQfi £ 0*- M6* .&. (,I.-LL! 1.1. LL.¡1.1.j.il.lÔ 1.u.lJU. If I P-O thr.r* to see you, will you cut me ?" went 011 Richard. Certainly not; why rhcul,.? I c-it you, Mr Richard ?" That's all right then. I will go," oaid Richard, and Eva decided at this moment, what she had indeed intended before, tint her stay at Brighton should bo a brief one, and after she left there that her future residence should ba a secret frcm thf Dighton family. But she gave no hint of this. She thanked Mr and Mrs Dighton for their kindness ;«nd hospitality very prettily, and the farmer mere than once told her that she would be always a welcome- guest on their return to Holly Hill. Then the cab came to take h"r to the station, and Annie and Richard accompanied her there. Eva had asked Clair not to go to see her off, as tin- Lightons weft-sure to be with her, and Chir un- willingly had promised not to appear. And at the very time when the brother and sister were taking leave of her, Richard's letter to Lord Kihnore was being opened at the Hall. Breakfast was cv;r and the post bag had just been brought 111, and among other letters was one bearing the Eastcliff post mark. Lord Kilmoro glanced at it, opened it carelessly, and then read it and frowned as he did so. But he said nothing. His wife and Annette Gower were in the room, but Lady Kiimore noticed that ho looked annoyed, and when he rose and gathered his letters together to 'leave the breakfast-room, and go to the library, he beckoned to his wife to follow him. Lady Kihnore did so, feeling anxious, for her thoughts had at once flown to her son, and there was something in her husband's manner that made her uneasy. When she reached the library she closed the door behind them, and looked at Lord Kilsnore. Any news, Kiimore ?" she said. Yes," he answertd, gravely if the news in this letter be true, it is a great blow to me, Jeanie, for I must cease to believe in Clair." In Clair repeated the mother, and her face paled. I Yes; this letter states that he is now at Eastcliff that he is constantly with that girl Miss Moore and yet the last' letter I had from him was from his ciub in t">wn. H must have gone there purposely to deceive us." Oil, Kihnore, this cannot be true Lord Kilmore answered by plaongthe letter in his wife's trembling hand, and when she had read it tears rushed into her eyes. Oh this is terrible," she said. You must go to him, Kihnore vou must try to save him I am very much disgusted with him," replied Lord Kiimore "I did not think our swi would have acted a lip." (To Is continued.)

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