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A 'I ,1, ! Iiife beld m ber handa a uiaa-mr i AoJ swung it lightly and low ; Aud she said . I will ae if lujr nluauurn Do not ou tweth my woe Aud aLu gathered all oLuuleSi ao,;ht,ir All Icm tbat wort' laatiug and aim- All joya that loft memories aftor. All wealth that waa wingloah and puro . bhe gathered all Minllgbt and starlight. All thornier and lajlt-n rtowera , 8ae fathered tbeftlut light and far light Of sasfles* aud perfect boon; She gatbcnxl all ijliuijiaea ly*au Tbat iicvi-r hail blasted tbe soul. All boptKi that bad bold to frumou All talenta th.-.t won to th* goal, All wiaaou that uuvt-r bad ia<ideueii All truths that never bad lied All anibitibua tbat never bail uiailJeumi. All bout\ that satla9d. And she flu K tbeui all, all u ber meaiura Hut they uotbiug outb,ilau"e.l tlie pa:u Aud abb i tti-1 1 uutt aid yet a treasure TtiokiuJ. at andbt in my (ran. And aho i i-u-Utid out and took Death aud laid It, All reatfu: aud calui on tbo scale ; let pain. M before, atlll outweighed it . suaeaaMa^nsdasskesaU Oould thin fail? nea ahe rtMichtd up to merciful Heavco. Took down, and flung over Kartb'a ttr-fe A little pali hope, all anpro\an The ho|M) of a uieaaureloes life , Flung it down with a duubting and wondac With quoatiou and touch of di-,da.n . Wheu lo 1 swift tbe ligbt acale went under. Life a woe waa outweighed by life's gain 1 Ob. *trai,i,i ' Ob, moat atr jugo ' Of all luurtal day be but woe, Ooiupaml with their aotnu of pleasure (Lalo uned a* ahe bung the scale low). .Wby, then. Dbould it leasen Earth's sorrow * wby uisr.nify Death's oosaeqneare TobelievG 11. a tiueleu to metro w Aud I if i' I j'd tbe acale lUiOspenat*. AGURDON"S PRIDE II diu no', occur to her tbat sue aad mi*- taken ({ratified vanity (or '.ore ; the WM not evau oonaoion* bow far tbe dssire to opponi' tuid thwart Mil* Digby influenced her ; imc\ she waa disappointed tbat love wa act in ore entrancing after all. She bad read oomawbere tbat it changed tbe very aysnl ot the world tor those who opened their UuarU to it, -thai tbe suushina became more -;.'ldeu, tbat the So wen grew more lair. Sue bad not found it so. It WM pleasuul ;.) be no tenderly oared for, ao ansidui'is .ly won>!iipped Co know tbat one man's tuougntt were all far her, that hii life WM centred in her to know tbl bur \ ery action WM of tbe highest imperil uoe to him. But there it all ended ; he ooold not understand what tbe poete meant by rapture and delight. Hoe owned to bernolf that, now thie great, grand dower of wou..iuhood bad been given to her, ebe did not Ifaiak so very maob of (L Tbe part tbat i>he enjoyed tbe moet and found me greatest pleasure in WM in remember- 14 1 how oompletely -the bad ignored Helen Digby ' W.'iut will papa think of me when be learn* I bat under her auspices under ber charge nud eontrol, under bar _;uidanoe, I have met a lover settled my whole life, and aha 'mows nothing of it .' What will papa nay to thai ? Wnat will he think ot her boatitfd prudence, her power ot guid- ance?" It WM neither a kiol or gicero.ii view to take ot matter* it WM unlike ''.ifajl Gor- donbut lur dUltke ot Mice Digby had blinded liar and be wont slowly U Q tbe road i bat led to ber doom Oae beautiful morning Lturu Nugent did not fool inclined to join tbe other guest* at breaKlaat. He aiked for a onp of coffee and tbo uorning paper* to be taken out into ono ot tbe pretty little arbor* that were lotted over tbe grounds. He bad been dreaming of Eshel all night, thinking ot her iver emoe tbe morning <un had began to shine, and he f;lt unable and unwillinij to ipaak to other* until he bad looked upon ber. He knew tbat be would be ont K'uu. On those warm, beautiful day* the vimt-* at the botol oared little for being indoor*. He opened tbe paper there WM but littl i new*. Onoe or twioe he laid a down for between him nd tbe printed pegebhn fiat of Ethel Gordon seemed to float 11 How i,he ha* bewitched me I" he iaid to himrtolf. Ha laid the paper aeide, and then touk it op again. Suddenly tbe smile died from hi* lip*, and a livid pallor not pleasant to behold name over bit face. There WM a amall |>atagraph of five or 9:1 line* which seemed to fascinate him. He read and re-read it. "Itcaiiotbe true, be iaid to himself. " It is a rose to ratisfy people. Of aourse the polios must say Hotnelbing or the public would IOM ail faith in them. It oannot be me. They know nothing about it." HJ laid tbe paper down again, but Ibe band tuat raited the oar, to hi* lips trem- bled no that be could hardly hold it. " Qond Heavens, if A nbonld be true !" he cried. And I am wasting time ber. I ought .:i leave this very day, this very hour, but I cannot I would just M soon die M loavo my love, t mast take her with mo. ' Tbero was no mors quiet reading for him tbat morning. It Deemed to him tbat he hardly bad time oamo out, and Mia* the Tim's. It wai dtrange how he hesitated bout giving it to her His face dashed, and than ^rew pale " I oannot tear it QUA aa <aid They mujht think it strange. How foolish ( am What .u they know ol it ?' Tet, when after a time he iiaw the paper anxious. Suddenly a light came over it and Laurie Nugent sprang from hi* seat with a cry. ' I have fonud it I oan manage it ! II I make good use ol Mice Digby, I may win tbe day." 83 oareleaa, HO volatile, 10 debonnair WM be tbat ai be sat an idle strain of song came from hi* lips. He had solved tbe problem he saw hii way clear to persuade Ktbel to (o away witb him. What now oared be? I muat make Miss Digby more useful than ever she bad been in ber life," he slid. " Bne must be tbe decoy. I wonder if my leva will consent .'" Vet during the remainder of tbat day Laurie Nugent WM strangely nervous. If any one entered the hot 9! suddenly, be would start iuid grow pale. He asked more than onje if there were any new arrivals, and seemed greatly relieved when be wae told " No." " Nor will there be," said tbe manager, " at this time of the year. St. loa's is quite out of tbe beaten track." A look of wonderful relief came over Mr. N agent's face. " Ton really cinsider it quite out ot tbe beaten track V" he questioned. if tbo uiiaiure " II " the '*" frequented spot in Eog - land," WM the reply, " although I think it one of the prettiest." Then tbe manager left his guest to bis own meditation. ' I must see Ethel to-night,' be said ; " and then, if she will consent, to-morrow I will go over to Homleigh tbat is the nearest place. I will make all arrange- ments there. This is Tuesday if she con- sents at all, bhe will agree lor Thursday." He wrote on a slip of paper " I want to see you BO particularly, Ktbel, my dear love, that I am obliged to a*k yon to came out for a few minutes tbii evening. Do not be later than '.*, and come to tbe lime-grove I shall be waiting for you there. Do not refuse, sweet, for all my future life depends upon tbe ' VM,' or ' No,' that you will ia> to me to-night." He contrived to place tbat in ber hand, and when ahe smiled, be knew that she bad consented. Bhe would rather have died than have smiled had she known what would corns of that evening's meeting. CHAPTER XV. The starv were gleaming in the depth* ot a dark bine sky, the night wind was sweet with the breatb of odorous blossoms, the dew tbiok upon the graM and tbe flowers a great calm aud silenoe seemed to lie like a blessing over tbe earth ; tbe 1m. trees were faintly ntirred by tbe night wiud, tb leaves rualled and *ighed. Ethel walked quickly and quietly down to ihe lime-grove. She bad tonnd some little difficulty in leaving the nouae unob served, but ibe had accomplished it ; and when Helen Digby believed ber sale in ber room, she WM walking with rapid step* to meet Laurie Nugent. She knew perfectly well tbat u* v not doing right in tbe long, sad after-year* lie never tried to excuse herself but there wan comfort to her in tbe thought tbat she was dslibtrately disobeying Helen Digby It my falber could see mi now," ebe thought to herself. " he would *ay it woulc have been better to leave me alone. If be bad trusted me, I would not have done this.' Bitter, aruel, unjust thought* against her father's oboseu wife came over ber M she walked in tbe silenoe ot tbe sweet summer night to keep her appointment. There wm no seat uuder tbe fragrant limes, and Laurie Nugent, M soon M he saw Ethel hastened forward, and took bath ber band* in his. ' My darling," ha said, " how good ol you to come : I knew tbat I WM ask tbe greatest possible favor. I hardly darec hope tbat you would grant it." There was an answering light of joy on ber face. She smiled gently as one who was simply pleased. " Tou wanted me particularly , so 1 could not refuse to come. But I must nol stay. Tsll ma quickly what it is Laurie. 8be hesitated before uttering tbe name but he bad prayed so hard that she would use it that *be made the effort. Hs kissed her white bauds M be thanked ber, and then she raised her eye* to his face. " What is it, Laurie ? I must not stay. To her great surprise she saw tears shiuiog in Ins eyes, and the light of the xlars showed that hie face WM pale aud sorrwful. "I have so much tosartoyon, mydarliug, tbat 1 hardly know how to begin. Ethel, you have read of women who have held the hearts of men in tbe hollow of their small white bands in like manner do you bold mine. Yon Lave beard of women who have held tutu't livee in their power so, dearest, do you hold mine. On >our ' Yes' or No' to-night depend* my whole future my lite, my death, my sorrow, my joy, my well or evil doing, all depend on -what yon shall say to me lo-night." open in Ethel a baud, be rose from bis seal with n suppressed cry , but with an effort he again controlled uitnsslf, and then walked rtway from the spot. Lady Hlafton, meeting him some time afterward said " You do cot look well tbii morning, Mr. Nugent " He murmured a few wordH. She how his lip* trembled, and shs passed on, while Laurie Nugent sought the silent depthi ol the wood, there to th ok at his ease. Qe seated himself on tbe graM. " In tbe first place ' h3 mused, " ii it true? I do not believe (t If there be only the loMt foundation tor snob a rumor, 1 ought to fly at once, without an hour's delay. Oan I go! Can I leave tbe girl I love better than my life? A thousand timed no ! I oannot leave ber. If I go Bhe muat go with ma. And bow oan tbat be accomplished ?' Tbe old doubt returned to him did she really love him, or WM it gratified vanity and lovo of rule ? Never mind it mattered little to him. He loved ber, and every deeiro ol lira heart WM centred in ber. He had nworu to wis her, and be would keep bis vow. Bbe would love him in time. " I must go, and I mtrst take her with me," he repeated. For ome time he sat ftbsorbod in thought bis (aoe grave and She looked anxiously at him -the star The ladies [ Ug hti toe night wmdi t he solemn silenoe Digby wnt to him for the holy oalm, all tended to soften ber heart. Bhe felt more kindly disposed to him than she had ever felt before -such absolute sovereignty over a tall strong man WM delightful. She let ber white band linger in bis olMp, and said gently ' Tell me what you mean, Laurie. 1 ' He was ailent for a few minutes, and she gueesed rather than knew that seme great struggle WM going on in hi* mind. Sud- denly bs did what he had never dared to do before be clasped her in bis arms and kissed ber beautiful face. "My darling," be said, gently, "if I oould but take yoa away if we oould only leave tbii cold, cruel world behind us if we oould go where no troubles, no sorrows, where the sun i* always bright, and tbe world always fair!" She ebratik from him, and the idea struck ber tbat, although she WM in love with him she would not care about going away with bim. Then Laurie recovered himself, and Ethel reproached herself tbat she WM not kinder to him. " My darling Ethel," be said, " I am going to put your love to tbe test. You are generoua noble girl; yon have heroism and oonrage for anything thai you care to do. 1 want you to display that heroism for me. I want to put your love to the test. Will you bear it, do you think " " Yea.' fhe replied, proudly ; " any test that yon can offer I oan bear." " That is spoken like yourself ; yon are braver than any other woman, Ethel, jost as you are more beautiful. How many girin in your place would have yielded ted to ber in everything ! But you have held your own against her. What I have to ask you to-nigbt would dismay tnd frighten a woman of Miss Digby's clans. ' H* bad studied Ethel so well, he kouw hew to practice on every weakness hs oould play upon ber feeling*, her faults. ber virtues, M a clever musician ipou harp. He knew that she would Jo acd dare more from a spirit ot opposition to Miss Digby than from love for himself. " Ktbel, bs continued, " givs ut> patieat bearing. I find that I am obliged to leave here suddenly I ouxbt co ;o to-morrow and, ob, my love, it break* my heart to leave you. I cannot go alone. ' She looked up at bim with wondering eyes. " You must go alone, Lanrie. i lauuot seoompanv you." You oould, my darling, it you would b* only a little braver than other womuu an a little more courageous. Ethel, let uie make yon my wife ijuite secretly, and tbsn go away with me." I cannot," she replied, " papa would never forgive me." Yea, be would. Hundreds ot marriages take place in tbe same way. He would forgive you directly." "But it would not be right. I oould cot do it , do not Mk me, Laurie." II would, be quite right, my darling. Where did yon tell me your father we* I " " He is at Vienna," she said, ,;onuv. But, Laurie, 1 au never consent.' Tbe deadly despair thai came over bim at the thought of losing her trighteued aim. Ethel, listen to reason. Marry 'us, and I will take you to Austria ; we will go .o your father and ask bim to forgive ui." tie had not tbe least notion of doing wbat said, but he knew the idea w >ull please ber. " Such a step as that woul i have one effect, ' he said : ' your father would never marry Miss Digby." Her whole heart changed as be said tbs wordi. He would never marry Mis* Digby ! Jh, Laurie, are you quite sure of that '.'" Quit*) sare," be replied. " Your father would ask himself of what use would it bs to marry a woman who bad not been able to keep bis daughter under control? lie aoold not believe in ber prudence or discretion after tbat. He would not be augrv with yon, bat be would be so angry with ber thai be would in all probability refuse to see or speak to ber again." " Do you think so '.'" cried Ethel. " I am sure of it. Thsn there i* another thing, Ethel. Your father's chief object in marrying i* to secure a friend and adviser for jou. If yen were married, there would be no need of snob a friend." Hsr faoe grew brighter still. " There would not. indeed, " the said. " I am quite certain, Ethel," he contin- ued, " tbai if you consent to my wuh your father will never marry at all." " If I thought so, I would say ' Yes' a>l ones, Laurie His heart beat witb triumph, yet he felt almost axbamsd of tbe manner in whiab tbat triumph was won. ' II would really be a grand jast, to go lo Vienna as my wife, aud 1m your father see ot wbat littl* use Mis* Digby i* after all. He would see then that she u to ber. She never thought of the count queues* of ber marriage; she thought that i.aurie Nugent loved her very dearly, aad all bis happiness depended on her. It she oould make him happy, regain her lost position, keep ber father's love, and take revenge on Miss Digby all at ons stroke, how thankful she ought to be ' Then she roused herself to bear what he WM saying. I have my faults, Ethel, but my love lor you is greater than I oan tell it fill* my whole heart and leaves room for nothing more. If you refuse me, Ethel, and I have to leave you, I shall become a desparate man I iball cue for nothing, dbsll go to ruin M fMt aa I can go ; lito will have, ao interest, no charm for me. If yon will trust me, will grant my prayer and be my wife, I will make you tbe happieat woman in all the wide world." He stopped inddenly, and by the light of tbe stars he saw her beautiful face raised to his. " Is it right, Laurie ? Will people blame me afterward, and say I have done an unwomanly action ?" There was something like remorse in his heart when he answered, with all appear- aoee of frankness " No. No one would ever blame her people did thing* of that kind every day. If there was any wrong, any barm in it he would not auk ber to do it." " No," she said, wit the simple faith of a ohild, " I am quit* sure yoa would not." It bad never occurred to ber lo ask him any questions about his position, bis ability to keep a wife, his income, bis source of reve- nue she had never thought of it. Bhe thought of two things only ber desire to prevect her father's marriage, and ber desire lo make Laurie Nugent happy. Neither ot these two motives would have been strong enough M infl uonoe her aepa rately the two combined oonquered bsr. In after year* she wondered at ber own recklesc want of thought, ber carelessness, ber utter disregard of all consequences. " I must have been blind," ebe said, when I consented nay, I muithave been mad '" Tbe time never came when she confessed tbat lovs of Laurie Nugent had influenced her of all the motives stirring in bsr heart and helping ber on to ruin, that WM tbe feeblest. Bbe believed that ehe loved bim . yet afterward, when real love came to ber tbe royal dower ol noble women she nol capable of taking care of you, but thai yon were and are quite capable of taking care of yourself. How surprised be would be to find that pis* Digby bad failed." " You tempt me, Laurie," tbs Hail gently. " You do 1101 think, tbeo, that my father would bs very angry ?" " Hs would nol bs angry at all, darling who oonld b* angry with yon? but b* would see how very much b* had over rated Mis* Duiby." Il would b> a great triumph," eb* remarked ; " but would it be right?" " Right to keep your father'* love lor yourself riijht to expose tbe incapacity ot the woman bs UM (elected to be your adviser right to make the man you have honored with your love happy / How oan you Mk me, Ethel? Most csrtaioly would be right. Yon told me," he continued " that Miss Digby had warned you agaioa me. Imagins the triumph of going witb me into her preaenee, and *ayiog to b*r, ' Hir* is the man against whom you warnsd ms be is my husband now!' Imagine ber anger, ber morlinaation. Tbey would b* immeasurable, Ethel." The idea took possession of Ktbel. To obtain euob (jloriou* revenge upon ber rival she would have committed any act ebon of dishonor or sin. Sbe hardly beard tbe half-whispered, pleading, passionate words, so completely bad tbis idea taken possession of ber. She oould nol have dsvised sweeter triumph, more bitter revenge, M regarded tbe woman woo bad stepped between her and tbs bright pleasures of her lit*. 8h had been chosen for her prudence, ber discretion, ber omanly wisdom, ber capability of guid ince. If she could convince her father tbat Helen Digby bad none of these qualities, le would surely abandon all idea of marry- ng bsr. He wonld own tbat be bad been mistaken the Oordons were proud even in .hair humility and there wonld be an end of it. Her beautiful face flashed, and a proud tenant ligbt came into her eyea. He WM biasing of nothing bat love and winning ber *h* WM thinking solely of revenge. With the stars shining down upon her, and the night wind whispering around her, be gave herself up to this dream of revenge. BuppoM that she yielded to Laarie that in Thursday she met and married him bat they afterward went home and together ought Helen Digby's presence what a riumph it would be ! Sbe pictured to her- elf the scene how she would take Laurie's land in ber own and say, " Miss Digby, tbii tbe gsntleman yon warned meagainnt be s my husband now. I married him this morning, and we are going to join my ather in Austria. He will know how to appreciate your watchful care." Bbe smiled M she pictured the dismay u Helen Digby'a faoe ; tbe triumpb wonld ie complete and sweet she oould ask no reatpr. It was characteristic of ber that he gave ne thought to tbe future. This marriage, if ahe agreed to it, would restore er to her father's love her lost position. Ibs never onoe remembered that if ibe >eoame Laarie Nngent's wife she muit go way mil liv* with him. Bbe never onoe nought of tbe future whether be would go o Fonnlaynf or London ; she only remem- tered thai abe oonld take no greater ven- sauce on Helen Digby than by proving to >ir Leonard tbat hs WM qaite mistaken in his estimate of her. That tbe vengeance knew tbat for Laurie Nugent she bad telt nothing but a kindly, pleasant, almott indifferent affection, and tbat be had won her by dint of flattering homage and devo- tion which few women oould have resisted. Sbe wondered, too that in the long, sad af Mr-years, how she oould have so far forgot- ten her own ideas of right and wrong bow she oould have taken pleasure in revenge so unworthy ol a Gordon how she oonld have been so deal to all tbe appeals ot ber better self, ber nobler nature bow she oould have ruibed so blindly, so madly, on ber tale. If abe had had tee excuse ot pas- sionals love, it would have been better for ber it would have lessened her folly, il would have been some excuse for ber rah nesa ; but she WM not influenod by love. " Ethel," said Lanrie, " you are so silent that I begin to fear. Can yon fancy bow a drowning man would pray if in tbe midil of a fieroe, raging sea be saw a spar to wbiob be could cling? Vet no snob man oonld plead for life as I plead for one word ' Yss.' O, Ktbel : I love yoa so dearly : Could yon live for a thousand Tears, yoa would never knew such love again My dar- ling, will yoneonssnt '.'" Still she hesitated, bat she WM young, and tbe pataion of his worde WM beginning to influence her. Her faoe softened and grew tender, her voice became a sweet, niuaioal murmur ; ebe left hsr white, jew- elled band in bsr lover's olaap, and be wooed ber witb snob sirneot devotion, hi* bandsome fact flushed with eagerneee, hii eyes and lips elouquent with lovs bs wooed ber with suoh eloquent words, witb such passion, inch poetry, snob romance, that it would have been bard for ber to res nt. Had it been in tbe broad light of noon, in tbe garish ligbt of day, she would perbapi have hardened her heart against him, and have said " No " but Ibe hour ol night bad itsos'n witchery, itsown glamour tbs air WM so fragrant with rieb per- fume, that light of tbe stars so tender and ao pure, the whisper of tbe western wind eo sweet and low, the eilanoe of tbe summer night so beautiful . thai tbe place and it* aurrounding* mastered her. 6h* did not reiiit when he clasped his arm* round her, and bending down, kiued the fair faoe, hi* heart beating M be thought thai the proud youn( beauty wonld so soon bs all his own. " You are willing, Ethel .'" be whiepered, and abe replied " Yes, I am willing, Laarie." " Yon have chosen wisely and, believe me, my darling, you will never repent your ohoioe. You can imagine what a life you would have had if your father bad returned and married Mias Digby. There would have been no love to spare for you. Sbe would have made herself complete mistreaa of your father'* bouse, and yon would have been compelled to submit to ber M a little obild. You would have found snob a life intolerable. Now yoa will have freedom, liberty, brightness, all that you value moat." Til even M hs spoke be knew tbat he had bound her in heaviest ohains. I onght to go in DOW," said Ethel. " Suppose that I should be missed?" " Nay, no happier hour will come to ua, Ktbel, than thin. The grand shore of tbe golden land ii ihining before as. Ws may not be happier when we reach it than standing, ae we do now, gazing npon il. Stay JUKI a little longer. O, Ethel my beautiful, proud Ethsl if I oould linger here with yoa while lite lasted !" There was somewhat of pain, ot regret, of remorse, of nnbapptnees in his voice wbiob touched ber generous heart mors than all his love had dons. " Are you not happy now, Laarie ?" she asked : and hs thought ber voice bad never been so sweet. " Happy, my darling ? I am frightened at my own happiness. I find myself wish- ing tbat I were richer than a mihonaire, eo thai I might inrronnd you with everything moel preoioua and bright. I find myself wiabing thai 1 bad th* goodneaa of a saint, tbat I might be more worthy of yon. Happy? Ah, Ethel, I wonder if jrou will ever know the keen rapture of each joy M mine As they walked beneath the fragrant imes, and hi told her in the most tender and eloquent words be oould command, over and over again , the atory ot his lovs, shs by the strength of suob affection. She < nearer loving him in tbat hour than she bad ever been, and for the time she almost forgot ber desire for revenge. Tbe silenoe ot tbe summer night deep- ened ; one by one the lighte in tbe windows of tks hotel were extinguished, end Klbel suddenly remembered how late it WM. " I must go, L&ucie," she said. He dared nol ask her to remain. He must be prudent for a few boors longer, and then she would be his own he oould take her away over the wide seas, where there would be DO more need for prudence 01 restraint. He bad deceived ber for ia his own mind he knew perfectly well that he bad no idea of taking her to Vienna, or of ever allowing her to see her father afain he best knew wby. He knew, too, that the imaginary incident he bad amuswd her witb the interview between MUM Digby and berslf would never take place. He meant to marry ber on Thursday. Tbey would be obliged to part for a few hours. While those few hour* lamed be intended to bind ber over to secrecy, and for tbe rest be trusted to bis own ready wit. Let him once make sure of her onoe marry her and he would auk no more. "Ethel, before you go, will you listen to my arrangements for yon?" She itopped and be never forgot ber M he saw her then, the slarligbl falling on ber upturned faoe. showing every exquisite feature in the soft ligbt, tbe dainty bead held proudly up, tbe shining folds of ber dress falling around ber, and her white band* daeped. He oould not quite under- stand the expression ot her faoe ; ke read on it the simple faith ol a ohild, mingled with tbe dawn of tenderness no aoxsisty, no fear. " To-morrow will be Wednesday, and I will devote the whole of it to making arrangements. Yon have heard of the pretty little town of Holinleigb not far nol above two miles from 81. Ina's? It has an old oborch called Hi. Ann'e ; and I (bought, Eifael, my darling, we would be m -mod tbeie." Sbe did uot reply. Tbe marriage itself did nol interest ber so muon as the inter- view witb Miss Digby which wae to fol- low it " I will procure a special license, so tbat we shall have no difficulty, and I will, with your consent, my darling, arrange the time (or half-past ,1 on Thursday morning. Too. cap rise as early M you generally do ; and it is no unusual thing for you to take au early morning ramble. Suppose yon do so. Miu Digby will think you have gone out into Ibe woods. I will meet you, and we oan walk to Holmleigh Churcii. Ws are not likely, in this quiet plaee, to encounter any one, or to be seen and tbe church stands qaite by itself , yon know, at tbe ( x>l of a bill just before you enter tbe town. We oan return by separate roads." " And tbsu ?" she questioned, eagsrly. He knew well of what she was thinking. " Then we oan have tbe grand interview with Mi*a Digby," be said" and vsry amusing it will be. I eta imagine ao well wbat ibe will say, and bow *be will look. After that, my darling, we will loee no time we will start at ones for Auatria." Tb* untruth did not trouble him. Hs found her so easy to manage thai ha fell surs when they came oat of ebureb, be would be able to invent some story or othsr tbat would satisfy her. " Do yon consent to these arrangements, Ethel? he asked. " Yss ; I cannot object. You are quite surs it i* tight, Lanris ?" " I am certain it is," he replied, with a ready oonndtioi tbat cheered ber ; and then, banding over ber, be wished ber good-night. Sbe preferred to go back to tbs house alone. He stood and watched ber, bis heart thrilling with tbe thought tbat in a short time that fair young girl would be his wits. It seemed ttrangs tbat when he entered the hotel his first question WM M to whether any strangers bad arrived. " No," WM the reply , " St. lea's baa never been more quiet." " I am aafe," be said to himself. " H there had been any truth in that report, they would have been here before this. Qivs me forty-eight hours mors, and I shall be over the sea with my prond, beau tiful Ethel." Little did Helen Digby dream ol the oon- piraoy forming againel bsr. Bhe WM happier than she bad been since her arrival at Si. Ina'e. Sbe believed Ethel WM beginning to like her ; there had been more of gentleness in ber manner, and something which Helen could not di hue a shadow of regret. Ethel herasll slept well it WM wonderful bow blind she WM t) the enor- mityof tbe step bhe contemplated. Laarie Nugent WM tbe last person she dreamed ol; ber father, Helen Digby, even Lady Slat ton, occupied ber thought more often than be 'did. Laarie was to prevent ner father's marriage Laarie was to restore her to ber own position at l''oun- tayne Lanris worshipped ber more fondly and truly so be said tlitn man ever worshipped woman before so she WM grateful to him. He bad been the first to givs s ny romance to ber girlish dreams; it WM from him that she bad first learned bow bewitching and charming she WM ; be had ministered to her pride, ber vanity, ber love of power, and, therefore, sbs was gratefs: to bim, and bad eonssnted to marry bim with far greater beedleesneaw. than ibe would have promised to walk oat witb bim. >To !> oonllnasd.! aw how mighty it WM how it filled his heart, filled his soul ; and she WM tonobed England in suffering from an inundation of French pennies. They are being imported on a large ecale by advertisers who stamp their advertisements upon tbs coins before patting them into circulation. Tbey dare not use English coin for this purpose be- cause there is a law against defacing current ooin of the realm. But French pennies oir onlate in England as easily as English pennies. The public do nol like these advertisements any more than they do tbe circulars thrust into their hands on tbe streets, and which they generally throw away without reading. They do not throw tbe pennies away. Tbe cost of tbe last Lord Mayor's pageant WMtl'.t.OOO; |H 570 ou dinners, 15,125 on the procession, 13,180 on decorations, 1300 on music, II. 325 on printing andll,u'75 on general expenses. Of tbis the new Lord Mayor contribute* S10.000 and eaoli ot tbe sheriffs 95,000. These figures lead London Truth to remark that there may possibly come a time when lord mayors and sheriff* will be elected for some other reason than they are prepared to spend money on inch tomfooleries.