Rhyl Journal

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JOTTINGS. One of the most important gatherings held in Rhyl for some time past wns that which nearly filled the town hall on Saturday last. This was an assembly of educationists-not theorists and faddists—but persons who are engaged in directing and carrying on the actual work itself. The occasion was that of the delivering of an address by H.M.I, of Schools for this District on the a-' yet imperfectly understood new code shortly to come into operation. That the explanation was a lucid one can be seen by those sufficiently interestedt in the subject to read the lengthy ipport of Mr Morgan Owen's speech to be found in other columns, and of the companv's appreciation of the exposition ample public and private testimony has been given. Sir Theodore Martin also gave some excellent words of advice in regard to what might be termed practical education, and the teachers and parents who heard them would do well to act upon the counsel given in their bring- ing up of young children. The Rliyl elementary schools will reopen on Monday next. After the lengthy holiday of six weeks' duration no difficulty should be experienced in getting a fairly good attendance on the reopen- ing. It is well-known that the experience of managers and teachers is the reverse of being satisfactory in this matter; but a little more vigour displayed by the local committee might bring about an improvement. The committee meetings are not held often, but the attendance of some of the members at these long intervals points to the necessity for an infusion of new blood." A copy has been received of the charge to the churchwardens deliverd by the Archdeacon of St. Asaph in the early part of the summer, and which is now printed by Longmans, Green & Co. in a neat book form. At the end is appended a list of authorities consulted by the Archdeacon before formulating this charge, one of the most practical as a lucid exposition of their duties and responsi. bilities, ever delivered to the churchwardens of any diocese. We observe that a new feature has been introduced into the last number of the Arch deacon's Diocesan Sheet. This consis's of a list of Welsh-speaking clergy ministering in England. The names and addresses of a score of such persons are inserted, and doubtless the list in future numbers will be greatly extended. The Dean of St. Asaph has penned an argu- mentative letter on the tithe campaign, nnd has very pointedly appealed to the Calvinistic Methodist assembly which assembled tli;s week at Carnarvon to repudiate the disgraceful scenes which occur so frequently at tithe sales. Hitherto the preachers have by their silence given tacit approval to some of the most disreputable episodes which have disgraced the annals of modern history whilst the Welsh Press, conducted mainly by preachers, has magnified rioters into heroes and giv«nits most unqualified sanction to rowdyism of the basest character, and dishonest tricks that up to two or three years ago the Welsh as a nation would have been ashamed to be identified with. People residing in towns can have but a very faint notin of the boycotting, intimidation and persecution carried on in many of the country parishes where the tithe agitation is rampant. But that it does exist, can be testified to by scores of Churchmen and Nonconformisis in the Vale of Clwyd. All the caricaturing of religion which goes on now, in the form of ministers' effigies, mock celebratior s of the sacrament, and the con- npctmg of solemn woids of the scriptures with acts which are strongly condemmed in holy writ, is likely to have an effect, reaching in effect far beyond that of harrasing one religious b-Jdy in Wales. The fact is that the country is day by day becoming more irreligious and ungodly. Even a Dissenting and Radical paper, published at Carnarvon, had to admit some little time ago, that ihere were now more persons absenting them- selves f i on-i places of worship m Wales than has ever before bren the case. The people who are dri ting away from the old morrings, and abandon- ing the precepts of early Methodism, are just now confining their objectionable attention to the parsons but the preachers' day also is to come, and we cannot expect that they will be better able to withstand the onslaught. It is well known that it was the distinguished literateur Sir Theodore Martin, K.C.B. who influenced Her Majesty the Queen to pay her auspicious visit to North Wales last summer. Sir Theodore being a gentleman who possesses great influence in high places, it was very pleasing to see him being driven by Mr Morgan Owen round our town on Saturday. Sir Theodore expressed himself delighted with the place, and who knows what good results may follow his brief sojourn at Rhyl. During four nights last week some young people, who had been digging holes in the sands, and adorning their sides with Japanese lanterns, &c., were the means of collecting, in small amounts, the sum of four guineas from people looking at the show." This money has been handed over into the treasury of the Royal Alex- andra Hospital. This means of obtaining fund* for that deserving institution is a commendable one, when accompanied by a guarantee that the money will be so applied. There are some people existing who cannot ap- probate the beauties of nature in any form, but who arc great on artificial "attractions." There are some who can see no beauty in the sands of Rhyl, and who never take a stroll over our sand- are some who can see no beauty in the sands of Rhyl, and who never take a stroll over our sand- banks. These gentlemen talk occasionally about levelling the banks, and converting the same into an artificial track of some character. If this course of action is adopted I do not think the town, as it is at present laid out at anyrate, will but have cause to greatly regret such a deformation. That the sandbanks, with their many knolls and dells, and general undulating feature, form a source of great attraction to the visitors is proved daily by the scores of persons who can there be met with, and these and many others would greatly regret any sandbank improvements." Many residents of Rhyl have possibly never noticed the round monnd or hill, commonly called Y Gop, situate near Newmarket and visible from Rhyl. This tumulus or cairn was supposed to cover the remains of Boadicea; but Professor Boyd Dawkins says that is impossible, though a (hieftain's memory may be perpetuated by it. The cairn's dimensions are 350 feet in one direction 250 in another, and 46 in height. In the vicinity a cave has been discovered containing human bones and pottery of the bronze age. Many of the skulls are long and belonged to the most ancient typo of Welsh folk, whilst some of the skulls are Celtic. The murclei of the feet were shewn to have been flattened, and could be used for grasping as tha hands are used. t-

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RHYL PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY, AUGUST 26th. Before T. LI. Murray Browne, W. Wynne, and W. T. Qirdlettone, Esqs. WALKING INTO THE LION'S DEN. I James Gain, « dyer by trade, and a Carnar- vonshire Militiaman, hut now on tramp, pleaded I guilty to being drunk and disorderly on Satur- day- « P.c. Tanffe deposed that the prisoner citnei into the polico station in a dru» feen 6b.tp. He was with difficulty pessuaded to leave, but as he became very disorderly in Wei ington Hoad, the man was forcibly taken back. In answer to the charge prisoner said he had only gone into the police station to scygood bye to In»-pec'or MoLaren. as ho was ab-ut leaving tbo town—(Laughter.) The Inspector in reply to the bench, said he knew neitherthe mnD, nor arything abouthim, further than that he was a vagrant, who had been gathering rags arid bones in the town. The Chairman to prisoner: Is there anyone who can give you a good character p Prisoner: Everybody can give me a good character, but my wife's is the only face I know in court-(Laughti r.) The prisoner further explained with regard to the closencsa wiih which bis hair bad been cropped, that he had to keep it short owing to sicknePE-(Lauohter) The JUEticfS ultimately allowed the man to go on payment of 2. 6J., the costs being rtmit. ted, warning him, however, not to appear there egain.-Prisoner thanked them, and bade good- bye to all, adding that he would never again be seen in that court A YOUNG THIEF SENT TO A REFORMATORY. John Humphreys, 12 years of age, was brought up in custody on remand on two charge of larceny,a boys' suit ot clothe. value 31s. 6d. the property of Bobert Hughes, Penybryn, and also one pair of shoes and a handkerchief, value 5s., the property of Wi liam GriffithF, also of Penybryn. It appears from the evidence that the prisoner was on tramp, having lately been occupied at Old Colwyn. On Thursday he took the articles from Penybryn,and was subsequently discovered hiding in a d:tch, we ring the stolen clothes. To P.c John the prisoner admitted taking the clrthes, because his own weie so ragged and shabby. On h'm was found also a silver watch which the boy paid belonged to Mr Sam Davies, fishmonger, Old Oulwyn with whom he had been working, and from whom he had stolen it.. From a report which Inspector McLaren had received, it appears that the boy was received into the Ruthin workhouse in 1877, having been deserted by his mother, a woman of bad character. He was discharged in 1888 to go into service, and was re-admitted the same year, when he ttole eight fggs. He had been in several situations, all of which he left after being only a few weeks in each. The court said thut the kindest thing towarJs both the prisoner and everybody else was to send him to a reformatory. He had been behaving brdly, not only on these, but on previou- occasions, whilst at the reformatory he would get a good fresh start. As a matter of form he would be fined JE1 and costs, or 14 dafB, and afterwards seot to a reformatory for four years. That would be his punishment n the first case, whilst in the second he would be rcquited to come up for judgment when called upon. DISAGREEMENT ON BOARD A VESSEL BETWEEN A MAN AND WIF I-i this case Esther Neal had summoned her husband John Robert Neal, bar-proprietor on board tlio 1, Cambria," for an aggravated assault Mr J. Lewis Morgan appeared tor the complain- ant and Mr Gamlio for defendant. Mr Morgan said It at the detei dant was bar- keeper on board the teamer Cambria," vibeie bis wite apsisted him. He had rented the I bars from Mr Redhead for t2 i week, and the assault took p'ace on board ibe vessel cn the n'ght of thp 2Sth (f July, wbeo it was anchored at Rhvl. The parties were married only last December, his client having at the time a daughter seven years o!d, defendant being a widower with three children. They had not lived very happily since, owing partly to defend. ant's coi duct towarcs his client's d .us^hter. Having described the qnanel on the night in question, Mr Morgan calied Father Neal, who said that at present she resided at 130, Wellington Road. On the 28th ult she had been sewing all day on board, whilst her husband had been drinking all day.' The children bad been out, but they, generally came in to eleep in the evenirg. Her mother had been staying on board for some time, but she left that day. At ten or hvlf past ten at night complainant was in tho cabin, when her husband came in end had a quarrel witi her mother, and in which ehe (complainant) did not interfere. He afterwards came to where com. pjainont was, and said "your mother has left, acd you had better go now." She retaliated that the bars were hers, complained of his spend ing the proceeds instead of paying his debts, and of his having introduced two women cf ilifame into the vessel. He then {truck her, knocked her head against the floor, and holding both hands to bel lllck forced her head back, and placed his kiipes alternately on her back aid neck, nearly strangling her. Her neck was much swollen in coneequetcp. Ultimately he let her go on con-1 ,i;ldc-ration that she would leave the bar to him He, liowever, started out first, when she sprang to the door and locked herself in, and remained therr- until morning. She had since carried on the business until the 5'h of August, giving de- fendant the takings, but not living with him. On that day he ordered her off the boat, and she went. Mr Morgan then put in letters from def-ndant to him, in which lie praotically ad- mitted the assault but pleaded justification- Cross-examined Complainant denied being a violent woman, but she had wilfully broken an ornament because defendant had prohibited her daughter touching it. Sfce majntaioed that the bars were berp, as it was she who" got the situation" although her husband WIIS tenant and the bills were made out in his name. Her husband was drunk on that day, but she was not in the habit of getting intoxicated. Did not tell her husband you can take your d- children, and I shall take mine." She did not break a lamp and sweep the supper things off the table in her temper. On the question cf mamtainancp, defendant said that on the 5th of Augu-t she had not left voluntarily, but had been driven from off the vessel by her husband. The captain only said 11 you had better leave the bar." Complunant refused to give up the keys to her husband, but handed them to the owner on shore. Be-examined ::Sbe was in fear of her life, as her husband had tried to murder her, not being content with inflicting one blow. Her husband made £10 a week profit, or he should make it. Sink holiday was a good { day, but Sundays were the best (Laughter). Maggie Cooper, the little daughter of com- plainant gave some evidence of the assault; and ) Bobeit Mawcroft, lately a 3cok on board the vessel, Mrs Neal's brother, tendered some testimony. Under cross-examination this witness said he had left on the previous Friday owing to a bother with his brother-in-law. It was true he had assaulted Neal, aud given him a black-eye, but it was ia self-defence. Mc Qamlin for the defence spoke of the violence of Mrs Neal's temper, which brought about frequent quarrels, and of which and her dr:nking 13abits her husband alleged he bad cause to complain. Ou the 28 h his client was hard at work all day, and at abuut eix o'clock he asked his wife to accompany him into the town; but ehe refused. 10 the evening she wanted to send the children off the vessel, else she wouid murder them. His client admitted having then committed a technical assault, by nutting his arms around her neck, in order to keep her there, end prevent her murderiDg his children, which were taken care of by a seaman called Don, and one of whirh found shelter on board behind the ship's funnel, beirg locked out all night. His client said he had done all he onuld to live peaceably with the woman; but she was of such violert disposition that it made matters very difficult. He wap, however, quite willing to take her back, on her apolog'zing for what bad happened and giving ao undeN t iking thftt she would conduct herself better in the future; although be was afraid she was rather too proud to do t at. Mr Gamhn concluded by arguing that reasonable battery in defence of a parent or child was justifiable and in this case the man behaved his children would be murdere". William Kif (Don) was then cal ed. When he went on board, between 11 and 12 o'clock, he beard the children crying for the captain, and when he went into the saloon, which was in darkness, and heard complainant say D-- your eyes, let me go." He then put the four children on cushions in the top saloon, and afterwards saw them coming out, Mra Neale's being kfpt in. He pet those three in bis own bed, and stayed on deck himself. Never said the complainant, and defendant was sober when witness had Jast seen him. Crcs,-examined He hi\d never seen Mrs Neal druuk or violent. She did on the follow- ing morr ing complain cf her husband's conduct. Heater Maud Alice Neal, the defendant's daughter also gave evidence, and who denied that her father had struck the complainant. Subsfquently the magistrates recaUed both girls and after giving the caee careful con. sider ition decided to dismiss the summons as the evidence w-q so contradictory.

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AN APPEAL FOR THE OLD CEMETERY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE RHYL JOURNAL. DUR SIR,—We the undersigned have been deputed by the Parochial Council of Rbyl to take steps towards putting the old Cemetery into decent and proper order for this object funds are of course needed. We therefore ask you kindly to insert this letter in your paper, that all people whose friends or relatives lie buried in this graveyard, and others who wish to aid this laudable undertaking may know that contributions will be thankfully received by us and acknowledged in your paper.—Yours faithfully, JOHN FOULKES, Albert Villa, B. HAYWARD BROWNE, Sywell House,

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ilne tears rushed to Thella's eyes and rolled over her white cheeks, but without a word she obeyed. She had moved half way to the door, when she all at once paused, and all at once walked swiftly back. Silently, and without a look, she seized Lady Elgar's hand and pressed it passionately to her lips. That touching act performed, she once more turned away, and the next moment disappeared in the gallery. "viper I" ejaculated Alice, contemptuously. Lady Elgar s eyea bad followed Thella in a speechless misery that no words could have described. But at that malignant exclamation they turned slowly and painfully back to the triumphant pair. Her first words were words of dismissal addressed to Martha Gregory. As the door closed on the woman, she addressed Ellen, her eyes carefully averted, and her steps hurriedly directed to her dressing-room. "I must be alone," she said, huskily. Do not wait for me, but when sufficiently composed go down to Lady Beverley. And-and do not broach —this subject to me again. When-when I feel equal to the trial I will reopen it myself." With those faltering words she disappeared Thella had taken less than a half dozen steps from the boudoir door when the handle of the lock was hastily turned by Martha Gregory. The girl paHsed and looked baok, thinking she was about to be recalled. But at the sight of the woman coming from the room she hastily moved forward again. Martha smiled ferociouly, and reached her almost at a stride. Seizing her arm, she looked wickedly down into the pale, haughtily upturned face. She Bpoke: "The next time you cross my path, Miss, have your proofs at hand." With those words, hissed close to the girl's ear, she loosened her grasp, and tne next minute was out of sight. Shuddering from head to foot, Thella stood look- ing after her with a wild, overwhelming sense of fear. before she had sufficiently removed herself to think of going on to her room, the door of a guest chamber, at a little distance, suddenly opened, and Lord Courtney stepped into the gallery. As he caught sight of the girl he moved hastily toward her. 0 The next instant he quickened his stops still more, a look of vivid anxiety effacing the smile with which he had at first greeted ber. •' My darling he cried, softly, clamping her u«jv\ L-J,, I)etN%,een both of his own. "Mydar ling, what has nap^—»" ilia girl littei her eyes half aoujjn-eiy h;„ face. Rachel Bartram denies all!" The marquis understood her on the instant. A torrent of red blood mounted to his brow, and he said, hastily, haughtily: "But the countess does not question your vera- city ?" At those hot words the half doubt in Thella's eyes vanished as if by magic. But, in spite of herself, the tears rushed to them in a blinding tor- rent. The marquis bent over her, pale with anger. "Never," he said, sternly-" never ask me to forgive Lady Elgar this insult, for 1 never will To-morrow you shall leave Cromlech. Lady Elgar shall spare Melissa long enough to see you safe in your own humble home under my care, and-" Till that moment the girl had been struggling with her natural emotion, incapable of uttering one word. But there she gently checked him. Her lovely eyes wet with tears, her lovely mouth tremulous with feeling, she cried softly Co Oh, Neville! Neville think no hard thoughts of Lady Elgar, and utter no hard words I W hat- over she may say to you, receive it gently—" She suddenly checked herself. The young lord had set his lips together in a way that boded ill for her plea. She looked at him a moment, and then whis- pered, shyly, entreatingly: For my sake, dear Neville Because I-I love you He lifted her hand passionately to his lips. Because I love you he whispered. "Because you love me, and because you are an angel But, mind, I shall express my opinion of you. And I shall remove you from Cromlech without needless delay. With these words, and another impassioned pres- sure of his lips upon the dainty hand, he hastened away. As he reached the foot of the stairs Ellen issued from Lady Elgar's boudoir. She cast a triumphant look towards Thella's closed door, and then, in accordance with Lady Elgar's instructions, proceeded to Lady Beverly. A very few minutes later the boudoir door opened again. This time it was Lady Elgar that emerged into the gallery. Till that moment she had been locked in the privacy of her bod chamber. With the aged face, and the slow, feeble step of an old woman, she dragged herself to Thel'a's dressing-room. The girl recognised the light tap in a moment, and flew to the door. She opened it. The countess looked at her timidly, and then spoke, timidly. I am intruding, I fear," she said, pausing in wistful hesitation upon the threshold. You are making your toilet.' Dear Madam cried Thella, brokenly, how could you intrude upon me ? Surely you know how welcome you always are I The countess answered with that same timid look and that same wistful hesitation. I may come in then ? she asked. Thella burst into tears, and hastily extending her hand drew her in, and closed the door. The door closed, the countess again fixed her eyes timidly upon the girl. There was a moment of silence, in which the two stood gazing at each other. The next Lady Elgar utter a low, anguished cry, and all at once sank upon her knees at Thella's feet I f <, <i .'C CHAPTER XLVI. LADY -ELGAK'S ABOLISH. U Because my heart is broken you will forgive me, my poor Thella ?" With those passionate words Lady Elgar lifted her clasped hands and raised her pleading eyes. Thella caught the hands and pressed them to her lips, the tears pouring thick and fast over her pale cheeks. Dear madam site cried, falteringly, you break my heart with such humility Can you doubt that I would gladly suffer your contempt to save you all this pain ? If you can, you little know the love I bear you, my lady That impassioned reply only seemed to add to the countess's grief. "Alas I" she cried, rising from her knees, and casting her anguished eyes upward—" Alas that one so angelic should even temporarily have been sacrificed for one so hopelessly And, oh how am I to bear this heart-breaking sor- row ? Ah! better, far better that her infant life had been extinguished in the depths of the sea, than that she should have lived to becojiie-" Her voice dropped. She paused and covered her face with her hands. She went on, her voice sank to a husky whisper—" A—a fury and—a liar I" Thella stood silently weeping. The sound of her hushed sobs aroused the countess from her trance of misery. She dropped her hands and looked at the girl. The next moment she folded her tenderly to her breast. Think not, my love," she said, more calmly, that you are to bear this burden of shame Oh, no Ob, no I shirked my duty under the awful, overwhelming shock, but I shall do it yet. Give me a day or two, my poor Thella I cannot think I I can only see that my child is in col- lusion witij this low woiiian-tliat she is-what I have said But there my palsied mind ceases to act I must have time to rally-time in which to think and reason intelligently, md time—" lhella lifted her lu-iid from the countess's bosom in I p:lîMII.II\ of #om>w. o. Oh, what does it matter to me, dear madam ?" she cl"h-"i, J^dn^'y. "It is the knowledge of your grief and disappointment that wrings my heart r As Heaven Is my witness I could wtSu your ladyship's eyes had been blinded by the love you bear the Lady Alice I wished it then, I wish it now Tien think iiot of me, Iear niadaiii, for that which brings you peace or happiness will be wa, that which restores my own 1 have no thought or wish separate from your happiness Once more the countess strained her to hei breast. Oh my d arling," she cried, II you comfort me when I thought no comtort was left me on I Through your sweet ministrations I shall be able to join my guests with a heart somewhat lightened of its awful weight,. And now, dearest, trust me till I feel equal to the task before me With those words, and a last fond kiss upon the girl's tremUing 1 ip-s, she hastened away. Meanwhile, Lord Courtney had joined Lady Beverly, and, directly after, was duly presented to the beautifil young adventuress. Ellen used all her arts to fascinate the young marquis, but without avail. i.,i,esli from his short interview with Thella. and disturbed by the dreadful suspicions already men- tioned, he was in no state of mind to be imposed upon. He deported himself with the high-bred courtesy which invariably marked his nunner, and which her position as Lady Elgar's daughter demanded, but underneath tint was a cold, ciitical observa- tion which the girl felt, and resented tiei cely. For a time he held lii, judgment determinedly in abeyance, but the trifling event of Thella's en- trance, clcc-e upon Lady Elgar, at last brought him to a swift and unalterable decision. There could be no mistaking the baleful -gleam of triumph and hatred which shotfrom Ellen's eyes at the sight of Thella. The girl is bad bad to the core 1" he said to himself, chancing to cdtch the look. Heaven grant she may prove an adventuress as well as a Bend Lady Elgar was not a woman to carry her sor- rows into the world, and no trace of her secret care and anguish marked her doportment. She was the same graceful, seif-possesaed hostess that she always was, dispensing courtesies and smiles on all alike. rillen observed it with a glow of fierce, jealous rage. "She carries her hospitality too far!" shethought. Why does she not permit her manner towards Thella Erht-" The angry query was suddenly banished from her mind by the unexoectcd aooearance of Hugh Tri ft on. Hugh advanoed and shook hands warmly with the marquis, expressing his regret at not being able to meet him at the station, and his pleasure at get. ting back in time to lunoh with him. As those courtesies came to a close Ellen eagerly .v.Jbç,d.. ¡';m And did you secure my Vior.se, Cousin Hugh ?" she cried, musically. Not only the horse, Lady Alice, but a saddle also. At that gracious reply Ellen clasped her hands ecstatically. "And you will give me my first lesson when luncheon is over?" Hugh's second answer was as gracious as hIs first. "With the greatest pleasure," he bowed, "if Lady Elgar approves." Oh, mamma. will approve. Won't you, mamma, dearest ? And Lord Courtney will kindly excuse us." She looked radiantly from the countess to the marquis, and was answered by both according to her wishes. I:> Lady Beverly patted her affectionately on the hand. How happy you are, my dear," she smiled. Ellen caught the hand, and with charming grace laid her cheek upon it. "And have I not everything in the world to make me happy, dear Lady Beverly she asked, softly. Lady Elgar brought the guileful exhibition of grace and sweetness to an end by the reminder that lucheon had been announced. Luncheon over, and the necessary preparations concluded, Hugh Trafton and Eilen started for their ride. Lady Elgar, who with the others, had been watching them off, turned from the colonnade with a suppressed sigh and led the way to the drawing- room. At her request Thella sat down at the piano. Lady Beverley seized the opportunity to settle for a nap, and Lord Courtney politely seated himself near his hostess. near his hostess. For a little Thella's divine music lul l them in a rapt admiration. But gradually Lady Beverly's thoughts of the performer and the performance bee>.me grotesquely confused, and gradualiy Lady Elgar's wandered back to the wretehed one of Ellen Gregory. A low-toned, enthusiastic observation from the maiquis recalled her to herself. Slightly starting, she looked up n.t him, and then, without reply, glanced quickly, first at Lady Beverly, and then at Thella. Both were absorbed the one in her slumbers, the other in the delicious harmonics she was evoking. As quickly as she had looked away, she looked back. But instead of answering, she said in low, agitated tones Come quietly with me to the library, >"evi!!e.' Startled and amazed, Lord Com tney instantly arese, and, unobserved by Thella, left the room with her ladyship. Shut in the privacy of the library, Lady Elgar's manner underwent a distressing change. Her lips quivered, her pale face grew noticeably paler, and her slight, elegant form trembled from Lead to foot with irrepressible enn-tion. My dear Lady EL;ar cried the marquis, alarmed as well as surprised. Lady Elgar rested one hand on the edge of the writing-table, and extended the other entreatingly towards him. Don't she said, hastily, brokenly. I have a sad task to perform let me get through with it as quickly as possible I wish to sneak to you of Thella." At the mention of Thella's name Lord Courtney's face suddenly Hushed. holly misinterpreting the cause of the countess's agitation, he drew his magificent form haughtily to his full height alfd interposed onickly. I am already acquainted with the fact of Rachel Bartram's denial, Lady Elgar, and value it as it should be valued." The countess looked at him in surprise. AN-itiiotit waiting for the inquiry she was about to utter, he explained I met Thella in the gallery as I left my dress- ing-room," he continued, his tone and air still un- compromisingly haughty. Her evident agitation drew an inquiry from me which was answered as I have just stated." Then you know all the shameful truth cried the countess, in anguished accents. All the shameful truth which I was about to force my own lips to utter Thank Heaven, she has spared me the sad task As she spoke the words she raised her hands and half covered her face. Lord Courtney's eyes darkened with anger. Lady Elgar he exclaimed, you were my mother's dearest friend, and from my earliest recollections I have loved you devotedly but if you were an angel from heaven, you could never make me doubt the truth of the lovely girl I have chosen for my bride Lady Elgar dropped her hands and looked at him in startled surpiise. Never heeding the look, and burning with indignation at the supposed insult to Thella, he hurried hotly on. II To-morrow Thella shall leave Cromlech: As her- Lady Elgar stopped him there, heavily grasping his arm with both hands. C, You mistake she said rapidly, hoarsely, and looking him full in the face with her anguished eyes. "You mistake It is my own child that is the-the-liar The marquis started back in shocked amaze- ment. She—Thella did not tell you that 1" she asked, hoarsely. Deeply affected, the marquis shook his head. "She burst into tears when I questioned her about your indig- nation won me to a promise not to bi.une you iu either thought or w.ad—a p.-o>id,e which, lam ashamed to say, I hav forgotten "The angclic child!" cried the countess, bro- kenly. "She would not expose Alice even to you. Oh I Neville, if you had seen her standing there js her ^shocked, innocence and spotless purity when Rachel denied thy c'u < ■ g* i.5 was that which led me unerringly to the tiuth, uvea £ o the Condemnation of my owu chil, "I can imagine," said the rair^iis, with emo- tion, "but," he added quickly, "L do (litite understand. Lady Alice made her appearance before luuchoon looking radiantly happy, aud throughout—" Lady Elgar's pale face flushed slightly as she interposed "Alice is labouring under l: fulse impression which, at the time, I was too much overwhelmed to remove. Lord Courtney flushed in his turn. Observing it, Lady Pllgar said sadly "Thella has forgiven me, Neville,and you must. To morrow, ot next day, she shall be jus- tified in their sight. I must have time to think. I seem confused and unable to reason properly. It is clear to me that Thella must be I ighted as soon as I am equal to the task, and it i just as clear to me that you should be made acquainted with the facts I have stated. But there my mind fails. It seems to be swallowed up in a fathomless abyss of anguish in which the thoughts of my child—' Lord Courtney broke in upon her with a sudden agitated vehemence. Your child, Lady Elgar he cred. Heaven forbid. It id monstrous to believe it. I do not believe it. That bad giri is no child of yourse madam." CHAVTKR xi.m. A PT-EA AND ITS A>'SWKTT. Lady Elgar feii back with a gasp, and dropped white and speechless into a chair. Grieved at his own hastiness Lord Courtney sprang to her side, entreating her pardon. The countess silenced him with a gesture. "Tell me," she cried faintly, for Heaven's sake tell me what you mean, Neville ? The marquis diew forward a chdr and, sealing himself beside her, atlectiuiiately took her hand. My dear Lady Elgar," he began, gravely, "I spoke from my feelings, arid from the suspicious engendered by what I have learned to-day. As you are aware, I am but slightly acquainted with the story of your child's loss aud supposed resto—" Before he could complete the sentence the countess interrupted him. "Perhaps I have been unwise," she said, speak- ing in accents of the deepest agitation. But I Was so assured in my own mind. And if Lady Beverly and Hugh Trafton could see no-" Hugh Trafton suddenly exclaimed the mar- quis, adding hastily the next moment: Pardon my interruption, and also my ill-advised words. I had wholly forgotten that Hugh had to be satis- fied If lie is satisfied, Lady Elgar, I have no cause to entertain doubts. A man who has a grand title and magnificent revenues at stake, is a man whose judgment is to be depended upon." Hugh is satisfied, completely satisfied," re- turned the countess, agitatedly as before. "But I must now confide the whole story, with my excellent lociaous for secresy, to you. Tim d (>11 ht you have expressed, with the events of the last two days, has penetrated my mind with a great shock. Of the latter events Hugh knows nothing. They have seemed to me so unworthy of especial notice that the thought of mentioning them to Hugh has never once occurred to me. And, until my half paralysed faculties resume their wonted activity, I shall maintain the same silence. My child may be a disappointment and aJiving sor- row, Neville, but it is none the less my duty to protect her interests. And my peace, Neville, must be found in leading her to higher things I have exposed her to you because justice to Thella imperatively demanded the exposure. But, oh Neville, try to remember, with me, the dreadful 1 influences to which she has, for so many years been involuntarily—" Her voice broke down she caught her breath spasmodically and her eyes dimmed with the first tears that had moistened them that day. Lord Courtney bent his head, and in silent sympathy, and silent assurance that her wishes would be regarded, pressed his lips to her trembling hand. The countess understood the act, and directly resumed. "I will now," she said, "give you a full account of everything from the beginning to this hour." With that agitated preface, she opened her nar- rative at the moment that she had received the Earl of Elgar's message in front of Hartford House. Lord Courtney, as Lady Beverley had done the week previous, sat in the profoundest silence throughout the whole recital. As the countess ceased speaking he slowly lifted his eyea from the floor, to which they had dropped, looked at her for a moment, and then hastily arose and began pacing the room. Lady Elgar watched him silently, and silently met his gaze when he came back and reseated him. self. But her countenance was expressive of the keenest anxiety. Observant of that anxiety, he spoke, without prefatory words, concisely to tho point. Lady Elgar," ho said, it is my belief that you have been made the victim of a most nefarious plot." There was a momentary silenoe-a. siloucc in which the countess gazed at him with wide, troubled eyes. She was tho first to speak. "NevilIe," she said hoarsely—" Neville, yester- day those words would have killed me. To-day I cry, May Heaven mercifully prove them to be words of truth I'" Again there was a silence. Again the countess broke it. She spoke wearily, and with the deepest sadness, Go back to the drawing-room now," she said, and leave me to myself. The further considera- tion of this terrible subjeot must be deferred till my mind is more capable of asserting its powers. Lord Courtney instantly rose. As he was pre- paring to leave the room she suddenly called him back. One thing," she said, quickly. At what point in my narrative did your suspicions arise, or, rather, re-assert themselves ? "At the point of the appearance of the new, and, I believe, true Rachel Bartram. l'p to tint point my opinion was the opinion of Lady Elgar, Lady Beverly, and Hugh Trafton." Lady Elgar's lips all at once turned to a chalky whiteness. She all at once spoke one slow word. Lost I" she said. At that word Lord Courtney bowed his head, with twitching lips. Who could attempt to con- sole such a grief as that ? Presently the countess spoke again. Lost she repeated. Lost in the streets of London To think I could have forgotten that I" She buried her face within her hands. Lord Courtney bent gently over her. Heaven is merciful," he brokenly. With those faltering words he turned hastily away and left the room. To his unbounded delight, he found Thella the sole occupant of the drawing-room, Lady Beverly having some time previous wandered off to finish her nap more comfortably in the seclusion of her own apartment. The girl looked up at him with eyes that anxiously inquired the cause of his absence. He answered first with a tender oaress, and the words of love and admiration rushing tumultuously to his lips as he thought of their late encounter in the gallery, and next with an account of the inter- view with Lady Elgar, excepting such portions aa touched upon the earl's crime. They were yet sadly discussing the subjeot when the gentle beat of hoofs upon the sweep announced the return of Hugh and Ellen. The marquis stepped to the window and looked out upon the pair. Ellen caught sight of him as she ran up the steps, and immediately hurried in to the drawing-room. Oh I I thought mamma was here," she said haughtily, drawing back as her eye fell upon Thella. The marquis courteously advanced. I left Lady Elgar in the library some time ago," he said, and it is possible you may find her there," f To be continual, )