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W‘: Igot 0th of my window, auntie, and cTimbed down the cmepgr." WHEN THE HOBBS ARE OUT. Darrell burst out laughing. Miss Durnford was obliged to laugh too, though she tried to look grave. “ Vlgén’t doiirt again till next time,” said llma, in an undertone, as she took her “ You are so wild, Ilma,” she said. “ How did you leave the home this morning ‘3 There was not a bolt withdrawn.” “ You’ll break a. limb some day. child, ” she said. ‘ Now sit down to breakfast. ” Sir Philip sat opposite to her ; and from time to time she scanned him covertly, watch- ing him while he talked to her aunt, and marking every change of feature and every in- flection of a. singularly sweet voioei _ inn ; his rich curly locks were of the blue-black hue not often seen even in Italy. and the deli- cste end statuesque chiselling of his features was Italian rather than English. Every line of his striking countenance indicated strong passions and intense pride; but pride seemed not inappropriate to a man who bore so strongly the marks of gentle blood. But deep in the dark eyes lay the shadow of the vague unrest that overcast a life which nature and fortune ought to have combined to make bright and slot-ions. .. ”-1 Ilma thought that this man looked as it he had stepped out of some frame at the Pitti Palace; he seemed to belong more properly to an age in which swords righted wrongs. It was no wonder the people considered him al- most an alien ; no one could be more unlike the usual representatives of great county fami- lies. Sir Philip Darrell was pale, slender, supple, with the hues of an Italian, clean- shaved save for the soft moustache that shaded the resolute lips, a man of courts and cities, all but a stranger in his native country, his very speech giving, neither in tone nor accent, the faintest indication of his birthplace. He neither hunted nor shot, nor took any part in county doings, being indeed an absentee. It was no wonder that some of the most super- stitious shook their heads and said that some strange influence had presided at the hour of his birth. “And do you intend,” asked Miss Durnford, addressing her guest, after a short pause in the conversation. "to give us your company {or s little longer this time than you did last, Sir Philip ‘2” He shrugged his shoulders and answeredâ€" “I can hardly tell, Miss Durnford ; I have no settled plans. I am a rolling stone, you know. and shall be as long as I live.” “I hope not.” “Do you? Do you cherish the idea that I shall settle down and become a country gentlemen and exhibit at agricultural shows ? Miss Costello, you see, is laughing at the bare notion.” . 7‘71? oénnot hélp it.” said Ilma. “Why. Su' Philip, I look as much a country gentleman as mule 1: Miss Dumlord glanced hastily at her niece ; her transatlantic freedom of manner some- what disturbed the good lady’s eqnanimity ; but it was so free from transatlantic forward- ness, l0 child-like and charming. that no one could misinterpret it ; and Sir Philip Darrell was the last man to be anything but pleased by it. He laughed and saidâ€" “No, no, Miss Durnford, rather {or me “ ‘Fitt years oflEurope than a cycle of Ca way 1' " “ So Cumberland :5 Cathy, and your splen- did ancestral h_ome a prison ?:’ " Ay," said Darrell Burelessly, though again with the tone of bitterness Ilma had noticed beforeâ€"“ [short life and} mexfry one !_" “ Long life? Deiend me from it !" As he said the words he caught a fleeting look from Ilma’s brown eyes, a. look so full 0! pain and unconscious pleading that a. quick flush crossed his cheeks. and he bit his lip; but, recovering himself, and with a total change of manner, as it to dismiss an unprofitable sub- ject, he asked Ilma if shedould like to go over the court. V )’ , 7 7:61â€"17; 56 much 1” she sdidl aégerly. ” My coulina say it has such lovely pictures, andall sorts of beautfiul things.”_ “ You must honor me then, and your aunt sud cousins will. I hope. favor my poor house slso. You will hear some dismal stories of the cavaliers and ladies you will see in the 'ctnrs gallery. We have always been a tur~ ulent set. and â€"-â€"-" He stopped abruptly, sud added. turning to Miss Durnford. “ Per- haps you would kindly let me know in a day or two what day will suit youâ€"all days are alike to me.” “I should any a. long life and ta good one,” replied Migq Durgfqrd._ “You will. I am sure ; it would be so kmd of you"â€"end he spoke in his most winning manner. “Thanks. One of the gardeners has been raving over some rare exotics. I forget what he called them. You must plane choose as many of them as you’ like. I remember your weakness for out of the way flowers.” “You left order: with the head gardener for my fancy to be gratified.” said the old lady. “No, no, Sir Philip ; I cannot enroach any more on your kindness. Why. I have a whole range of flowers that are admired by all which angle from your hot hou‘ses I” W‘CBut indeed, Sir Philip,” was the reply, “ you; musrtgrngt make me {ix :1 d931,, ”Have you ? I am so glad. I wish you had a hot house full. I must see to itâ€"the more the merrier. Why should the flowers waste their sweetness on the desert air 1’” There were tears in Miss Durnford’s eyes as she thanked her guest ; But more than one cause made the tears rise. It was not that in any case Sir Philip would not have been equally lavish ; but there always seemed in him a lack of that interest in anything be. longing to him which a man would feel in what he looked to enjoy for a lifetime ; he always spoke as a mere wanderer through a brief existence. There was always that under- current of feeling which, put into words. would have been. “What are all these things ‘to me? 1 have no hold on them. I do not (care for them ; let me give them while they are mine to give.:’ "Would VaEy day this week amt you, Sir Philip ’I" asked Miss Dumford, rising from the able, _ “Certainly, and the earlier the betterâ€"for my pleasure. I mean, not my convenience." “Friday ?" Darrell bowed. “ Then." he said, “ I will call at the Ltrohes. and pay my devoirs ; they will not mind the torenoonâ€"but will they have break- fated 2" “Oh, yes!” “I will walk up, if you will allow me to leave Hasaan with you a_ little longer." ‘ W“- Wf‘fi the genius pleasure; Vand I hope you will give us more of_your company when 309 {etprn for hing." . . . | J, ”.4, A “ Is is very good of you to tolerate such a mpegraoe as I am," replied Darrell. “I shall be most happyf’fl Luehes that morning. having been requested to do so by her cousins; but now she must give that up, as she could not intrude on Sir Philipâ€"it would be rudeI though she was sure he would not mind. Miss Durnford, however, who was a woman of great common sense, came to the rescue. She regretted that Ilma would have to meet Sir Philip Darrell at all; but. as it was impossible to prevent this. she would not run the risk of some blunt remark 1mm Roland or Bose, betraying that Ilma was expected. and thus giving the impression that she herself wished to keep Darrell and lime. apart. _ Bit Philip bowed, and said he should be in- deed happy; but the troubled look in his eyes deepened as Ilme hurried away for her hat; and, though the next moment he turned to Miss Durniord with some ordinary remark, he was saying to himself : :qurzrx‘mr.” she said, “ I have asked you to go to the Latches this morning. Sir Philip will, I am sure, bga happy terscggnjoq." V‘ififiiélt’b; tineâ€"true to the vowâ€"what- ever the cost. Heaven knows what it may «Golden-hairafi Ilma walked by Sir Philip CHAPTER V. Darrell’s side through the sunny village and in the shade of the tall tree of Aunt Sabine’s pleasuregrounds. Ilme thought that brief passage through the village was “ great fun ;” it was like a royal progress. Old men and grandmothers and young women and children all turned out curtseyed to the lord of the soil, andsome blessed him in their broad dia- lect. He was most gentle and nfiable to all, and seattered silver among the people with a freedom that was more reckless than judi- cious; but it struck Ilma, though he shOWed nothing of this in his manner at the time, that he was glad when it was all over. He did not seem pleased, as a landlord should be, by the homage of his tenants. He had gone through a needful ordeal, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he was free again: “ Oh, don‘tâ€"don’t talk so !” cried Ilma passionately, more wounded by the lightness of her companion’s manner than if he had shown deep feeling ; it was as though he had schooled himself to cynical callous- nels. mounted to his very brow. He paused fully a. minute before he could speak, while Ilma quickly walked on ahead of him to hide the tears in her eyes and the quivering ; of her lips. _A few strides brought Sir 1 Philip to her side, and he laid his hand on her 1 v“ Heaven be praised,” he said,"aa the gates of the Latches cloned behind him and his companion, and he had tossed some loose coins to a. grinning and admiring urchin. “ that is the last 1" “You don’t cure for the worship of your subjects ‘1’” questioned Ilms. Darrell’e haughty lip curled. “ No,” he replied ; " and they do not care for me. How should they? They hardly ever lee me, and we have no interests in common. Some of them actually believe that I have an understanding with supernatural powers be- cause I have escaped drowning two or three times when I ought to have been drowned ; and mine is :m accursed race. It will be better for these people when some one else than a Darrell reigns at the Court. They will not regret me‘, nor I them." “ Miss Costello,” he said. "px'ay forgive me. I hardly know what to say to apologize enough for naving pained you. It never occurred to me that what I said could affect anyone more than it does myself ; I forgot that you are not a callous man, bul a sensitive gul. Will you pardon my thoughtlessness ?" 1. - n “ There is nothing that needs forgiveness," answered Ilma, looking up into the dark handsome face, which was earnest enough now. "' I cannot help being sorry that you feel as you have said, and I should always be sorry if you never spoke of it again I” Sir Philip spoke again presently, but on a difietent subject, asking llma if she rode. She answered: “ Yes, like aandian." "Then we must have some riding parties," said Sir Philip. “All your cousins ride well, I know; and there are some splendid rides round here. A good gallop over Connaby Fells would bring roses to your cheeks, though they would not last, I suppose): “ Would you ?"â€"â€".aud he gazed so intently into the girl's face that her eyes fell and her color rose. Thus recalled to himself, Sir Philip re- moved his hand, which had till then rested on Ilma’s arm.and he turned as1de, biting his lip. For the next. five minutes he did not speak, walking on silently by the girl’s side, and she, her young heart bleeding for him, dare not say more, and she did not even ven- ture to look at him. Ilma. smiled ; but she did not choose to say that she could not enjoy that pastime, as her aunt did not keep riding horses, and her cous- ins had only those which they themselves rode. Sir Philip however divined the position at once, and addedâ€" “But, perhaps your cousins have no spare horse f" “They have not, I know," answered Ilma. ; “but I dare say my uncle would let. me have one if I fiaked him.” “That would never do; all the good weather w'1 be gone belore you can hear from Canada. Y 11 must let me give you a. mount. Don‘t deny me ; it would be such a pleasure ; and there are beautiful horses in my stables eating their heads off, as the grooms say. You shall make your choice on Friday.” “Yo-u won’t let me icfuse. Then how shall I thank you ‘2" said the girl. “I 3119.11 _be just__\3vi_1d'to be 911 hqrsebg_(_:k_agai‘n.’: They were all there except Roland, in search of whom Ilma instantly sped away, and they greeted Sir Philip warmly. He speedily ex- plained how Ilma came to be with him, and in what manner he had been introduced to her. “ ‘Just wild,‘ 'you American I” laughed Sir Philip, again hiding deep feeling under a. light tone. “Well, you have thanked me for what is. after all, a selfish not.” “You mean because you like to give enjoy- ment? But that isn’t selfish,” returned Ilms ; “for selfish people don’t have pleasure in other people’s happiness." “ Ah. you are metaphysical. We must dis- miss the subject," said Sir Philip quickly, and with some embarrassment, which Ilms was delighted to perceive; for Sir Philip, she felt certain, was not easily dislodged from his cit- adel 0t, self-possession. Dark Darrell, with all his courtliness, was the reverse of a oeremonious personage; and so he followed Ilma‘s lead up the terrace steps and presented himself through ehe open win- dow of the morning room before the aston- ished Sabines. Meanwhile Ilma had found Roland busily engaged in the repair of some fishing-tackle in his study, if: an apartment devoted only to sporting literature and implements deserved the name. He looked up, and his whole face brightened as his beautiful young cousin has- tened to his side. W “ Well. catamount,” said Roland, taking her hand and kissing her, “ were you sent fer me, or did you come 9f yqur oym'apcord ?" “1 Of my Bwn accord {though I have come to fetch you to seeâ€"Whom do you think? Dark Darrell himself !” ’ '3 He here 7" said Roland. in a. tone that did not betray gulch pleasqrfa. “ Yes, and he came with me. He breakfasted with us this morning; and, Roland," added Ilmu. throwing up her hat and catching it, “ he is just the nigest fegl‘ovll ever met I” “ Oh. of course l" said Roland, laughing ; but the laugh, Ilma thought, sounded forced. “ Girls are bound to worship at man who looks like apicture, though he doesn’t do much more in the world than if he were a p'icture. He might be the foreigner he looks , for all he is among his own tenants or cares about them." “That’s not my business;” and Ilma flushed a. littleâ€"the girl was quick-tempered and ever ready to resent injustice. "I don’t think Cumberland peasants are very nice people" . u. ‘ " You don’t know anything about them, my dear,” said Roland ; “ though I dare say you know a; much as Darrell does. Bough speech and manners don’t always mean a bad heart. any more than auavity and smooth words mean a good one.” Ilma said no more, but descended with her cousin to the morning room. The girl went over to her aunt, and watched from beneath her sweeping lashes the meeting between Roland and Sir Philip Darrell. What a. dif- terence there was between them ! Roland seemed to belong to another and lower order of being then the man of whom he had spoken with hardly-veiled contempt. I v ‘“ You are a. good deal altered from when I saw you inst, Sabine,” said Sir Philip. sut- veying his host. "’You were not much more than a. boy than; and, though I should have known you again at once, that forest of hair about your face makes an immense change in you.” n... v» - , , u VVV" " There is very little difference in you," rep lied Roland, laughing. “ You look a bit older. but not much; and, when you ’re forty, you won’t look older thunAyou do n9vy.” ”I “ May beinrot.” said Sir Philip. with a half smile, as he resutped his sea}. Something in the look and tone gave Ilma the clue to his thoughtâ€"“ how should I look older in ten years? Time stands still in the grave.” The girl felt something like terror come over her. Was there. after all. some truth in a curse which seemed to have influ; enced the whole life of a. man so unlikely to yield to male superstition as Sir Philip Dar. 1'0“?” -' Sir Philip." said Mm. Sabine, turning to her son, “ has kindly asked you all to the Court on Friday, with aunt Rachel and Ilma.” " I shall be delighted,” returned Roland. “ And,” added Sir Philip, “I want to make up a riding-party While the fine weather lasts. Do you know any one you would care to ask to join us ?” Roland shook his head. “ No," he replied ; “newcomers are scarce in these parts. Ilma is the first for twenty years at least; and the last before her were only farmers.” . .1". e“... . " Ilma. will join us." said Sir Philip, using the Christian name quite inadvertently-â€" probably merely catching it from Roland. pos- sibly from a subtle instinct to try to think of her as “ only a child.” But Roland did not like the dropping of the formal title. Wild and childlike as Ilma was. she was not young enough to be treated with such freedom on the strength of a morning’s acquaintance, especially by so young at man as Sir Philip Darrell. Sir Philip could read what was passing in Roland’s mind-401' it was not easy to hide anything from his obser- vant eyesâ€"but he gave not the slightest sign of having noticed a. resentment which he haughtily considered “ deucedly cool.” There was an awkward p use for a Iew seconds after Sir Philip’s wo‘fi'ls; for every one knew that Inna had no means of carrying out her promise. Mrs. Sabine glanced up at. llma, and the girl nodded laughingly. “ Why. of course,” Darrell half smiled ; should be thrown." â€"“u I am tifréid you would, ” said Sir Philip. “ I don’t think there is a. very quiet horse in my gables.” “ Sir Philip is so kind sis forgive me a mount ’she sfiid; and as she spoke a quick heavyAfrown crossed Rolandjel brow. “011, then, you hastily: "I Iâ€" Qvilfilfilzcfit igfter 1181:, mother," said Roland quiclily ; buLIllpa. 9110915 be}: head. . . Mj‘ngufimust take care, 111113;” and Mrs. Sabine looked anxiopsly at yer 1_1_iec§2 unuu] , uu- Luna- Buwuu u... “v“... “ Thanks, Roland; I don’t; need coaching. I am as much at home on horseback as on my feet.” “ Can you jump ?" “ Yes ”â€"opening wide her great clear eyes â€"“ gates. ditchesâ€"anything. I’ll try con- clusions with you." "jrigfi’re ébfifident, Miss America. Do you challgnge all creatiop ?_” 1&3,” {viii ion. I shouldn’t have a chance with Sir Philip."_ “They told me you were a crack rider; and I could see by the way you rode this warning that you were like a Mexican in the saddle. And then see what a superb horse you have !” .- . . .. u 1 “ Twelve stone against something under one," said Sir Philip, laughing as he glanced from Roland’s stalwart frame to Ilmu’s fragile. looking figure. “ I should think If a good breeze caught you, [11113. you would be blown away.” 1" n n ,,,l“,m_.1 M“ How do you know that. 9" asked Darrell, while Rolandy bit his lip hard. you have "’ “Roland rides twelve stone,” observed Rosa- , “ so he has much more to carry than Sir Ijhiup." 1 , ....w_,. “ We‘ll prove that on the Fells,” returned Ilma, laughing, too. as they all did; but Roland little liked that there should be in so short a time so good an understanding be- tween Sir Philip Darrell and lovely Ilmn Costello. ing features to Roland’s, and then to Ilma’s exquisite face, and {1119 said to herself : u 1 LL!_.I. The mother noted, too, howl-let son watched Ham and listened to her voice, and her heart sank. Were the two men equal in worldly fortune, or Roland the superior, he would have no chance of winning a young girl‘s affection against Sir Philip Darrell, even if the latter should make no deliberate attempt to conquer. . .. . . - ,1, v-1...u-.. -_.__, ._ “ Heaven “831th DSrféll should think too much of the girl, or she of him 1 And yet he is but human, :1.an she»not_even afraiflf’ -v v “1--.. The visitors were asked to stop to lunch- eon, but Sir Philip declined, having promised to see Miss Durnford before he returned to the Court ; and the best part of the after- noon, he added, would be taken up with ac- counts. Ilma. could not stay, because, she said, with a sigh. aunt Rachel wanted to take her to call on the Rector ; and she was sorry for this, but glad of the good excuse for going. She would rather be with Sir Philip Darrell. Roland asked to accompany them to see Hassan, and Rose included herself in the party. Ilma ran races across the grounds with Roland’s big black retriever. and did not join the others till they reached the Grange, when she came up with her hat off and her pale cheeks like the sunny side of a. peach. ,AA __ . .. .. .- 1,,3 When Hassnn had been duly admired and Roland and Bose had departed, luncheon- time was so near that Miss Dumford urged her guest to remain for this repast. Sir Philip hesitated. but Ilma interposed. “ Easy !" cried Ilme. “ I dare say they are to you. No doubt you can arid up a column of decimals at a glance ; but I hate arithmetic. I like languages, metaphysics, musicâ€"” “ Music ?“ interrupted Sir Philip quickly. “ Of course you do ; but do you play ‘2” “ Yes, ‘ some,’ as the Yankees say.” “ You must let me hear you on Friday. I should beg for music to-day but that there will not be time.” “ There will be plenty of’ time for your stupid accounts, Sir Phllip.” He laughed, and yielded. “ They are stupid, Miss Costello,” he said, " though easy enough in themselves.” Sir Philip left almost immediately after luncheon, 5nd Ilma accompanied him to the door. ' You will come early on Friday ?" he said, holding heybfipd in 31in. V'V‘WIVI‘alnould like to do so,” replied the girl frankly; “ so I will hurry them up. And, Sir Philip, please don’t call me ‘ Miss Cos- tello.’ ” “ Hadn’t you ? Why not ?” asked laughing. “ But lam glad you did one else does, and I don’t feel like anything. Auntie won’t mind.” m‘v‘flNo ? I had no right to call you ‘ Ilma,’ you Equz" - ._‘. .-.. I - 1-. H “Very well." His lips trembled for a. momenty and his hand clasped hers more 010 ely as he added softly, “ Goodbye, llma.” Nibbking back as he rode away, he saw her still standing there, and he bowed low and kissed his hand to her. The Court was a magnificent pile of build- ings standing about two miles from the river, on the opposite bank to the Weir Mill. in the midst of an extensive park, beautiful plea.- sure grounds immediately surrounding the mansion. The Sabinea’ carriage rolled under a. deep arched gateway into a vast courtyard, and Ilma looked up with profound veneretion at eastellated walls that had frowned on crusa- ders and been defended against Cromwell's soldiers. How could Sir Philip care so little to remain in such a. grand old home as this, breathing traditions of glory and greatness? Her heart swelled within her, her eyes filled with tears, and her brea‘h came quickly. But the carriage stopped at the noble entrance. and Sir Philip game down to receive his guests. The Sebines almost knew the place by heart; they had carte blanche to go to the Court ”when they chose, only the library, music-room and one or two other apartments being locked up. The building itself, they told Ilma, would take a fortnight to explore, to say nothing of the picture-gallery, state apartments, chapel and works of art innum- erable. collected during several hundred years. He gave, as in duty bound. his best atten- tion to Miss Durnford, but Ilma’s rapt face was the only one he really cared to sea. They passed through the great hall, where Ilma CHAPTER VI. can ride,” he observed replied, while Sir Philip “if I ceuld not ride, I Ilma, ; every ‘ Miss ’ would havg given the World to ling r, and where it seemed proper to converse in sub: dued tenemta a. noble apartment all furnished in oak and ebony, with stained-glass windows and minted domed ceiling, am]. with stately piuam‘cs by Velasquez and Vandyck on the Walls. “ Ilma is quite overawed,” remarked Rose, laughing; and the girl winced and colored, but smiled when Sir Philip gamed t9 he); _ “ Your organ of veneration is large," he said ; and just; for a. second a. wild vision flashed through his mind which made his heart almost; cease to beat, as he saw her standing there in her young beauty, with the warm light on her golden hair and a deeper light in her w'ondrous eyes. Would she éver know why he was silent for a moment and shunnedher oloadless, fear- lessAgaze? “I suppose,” he said. after that pause “that, though Ilma is the youngest here, she must be commander of the expedition, as she is the stranger. You all know the Court as well sisâ€"perhaps better thanâ€"I do. Miss Durnford tells me she prefers to remain here for a. little. and then intends to steer for the conservatories, where Wilkins will be a super- ior guide to myself, for I am the worst of florieulturists. So Ilma, where is it to be first for you ?" Ilme hesitated ; and then she saidâ€" “I am sure to like it all"â€"-thinking that perhaps Sir Philip would not like to go to the picture galleries, which she would visit when he was away again. “It was very kind of you to think of me ; but I have no objection at all to the picture galleries. Perhaps we had better commence with that containing the family portraits.” he added, as Roland and Rose approached, Janie having gone off somewhere else. It took some time to reach the galleries. there being so many things to admire and hear about on the way. But for Ilma's com- pany, Roland would far rather have been in the stables. He had not much taste for curi. ous carvings, statues, and things of a kindred nature. He. could not have told the difference between the Renaissance and any other period any more than he could have assigned a painting to any given school. Sir Philip how- ever hand it all at his finger’s ends, and lime. seemed in her glory; but in her heart she felt more and more, as she went on, that this grand place was not a home. A shadow seemed to hang over it. Sir Philip was proud of the Court; he loved it passionately in a way, but not a word passed his lips such as would have been natural to its master, in the flower of his manhood. indicating that he re- garded it as an abiding place. Nor had it an air of home. Everything was redolent of the past. Ilma felt as it she wete back in the middle ages. A laugh sounded odd and harsh. a commonplace speech seemed out of charac- ter. If sir Philip had called her “fair mai- den” and “ thee’d” and “thou’d, she would hardly have been surprised. He indeed was suitably framed; but Roland and Rose looked painfully out of place amid such surroundings. Yet Ilmu wished she could see one room that looked as if it had been lived in within the last hundred years, as if children had ever played there, or young girls dreamed there. What a grand, bright, happy home this might be. but for the heavy curse that lay on it like a black pall. “Would iouvlike to see the piéture gallst- ies 7” asked Darrel], divining what was in her mind._ “Yes ‘2 Thisrway thgx}.’: As they paused before-an old Sevres vase in a. corridor, he saidâ€"â€" “ I dare say," said Sir Philip, as he opened the doors of the portrait-gallery, “ you will like to take a more general survey today, as you will have so many opportunities of seeing all that. is to be seen; but don’t let. me hurry you. I only want yéu to take your own time 8.115! pleasing” _ The picture-galleries, Sir Philip told his youngest guest, occupied the Whole of what was called Sir Damian’s wing, having been built by that lord in the fourteenth century: Ilma thanked him, and they passed in among crusading knights and ladies in eoifs and farihingales. Even the stiff. imperfect limning of the earlier periods could not hide the marked characteristics of the race, d rk, haughty Italian-looking faces, all more or i s handsome, some remarkably so; though none. lime thought, had such beauty as Sir Philip. In the last representative of the house all its graces seemed to have reached their highest poing: "How is it," asked Ilma, “ that the Dar. tells have such an Italian type of face ? It is strongest in you, Sir Philip ; but none of these faces are English._" “You will see,” replied Sir Philip, 1.: the girl stopped silently before a stately dame of the reign of Henry VI. ; and. glancing round he saw that Roland and Rose had loitered behind. and he heard a. laugh from Rose which echoed through tbg @ofty arches. “ The tudition, you know, is,” he replied. “ that the first Darrell was an Italian noble, who fled his country for some political reason, or for some crime, real or charged to him ; and I think it must have been 50. Several times in later ages we have intermarried with Italians. The mother of Sir Ingelhnrd of the Curse was an Italian, and so was my great- grandmother. They say I am more like Sir Ingolhard than any of the glitters.” “Are you 7" said Ilma, with a sharp pang at her heart. Was there any fate in this resemblance between the man who had brought the doom on the noble house and the one who was to be its last victim? Ilma started, and her brow contracted with a. look of pain. “How sensitive you are!‘ ’ said Sir Philip smiling. “I suppose you think it sounds odd to laugh here. You have not done so once.” “I don‘t think I could,” réplied Ilma ; “it all seems so awesome.” Her heart beat fast as they drew nearer and nearer to Sir Ingelhard’s portrait. Pres- ently they came to a stately knight in robes of the early Elizabethan period ; by his side was a beautiful woman with “a face from Venetia.” “Renfric Darrell and his wife Ginevra della Scale," said Sir Philip quietly. “Ingelhard was their son. They were the last who were happy in love Sir Renfric met Ginevra at the Doge’a court. and they lived together for thirty years. Both diedâ€"well for them !â€" before Ingelhard’a crim‘etji He fell back a. step or two, foldinghis arms, but standing so that he could see Ilma’s face, upon which, as upon his own. tell #he mellow light of a. painted window. “Were‘ihere other children beside Inge]- hard ?” asked Ilma. “No ; Ingelhard was an only child. There is his piqyuref’ The girl drew a long breath, and involun- tarily locked her little hands together as she looked upon the herd hand- some countenance of Sir Ingelhard of the Curse. the moment knight who had shown the churl’e ingratimde, who had brought shame to the heart that should have been sacred to him. The figure was half-length, leaning on a sword, and the head uncovered. The coun- tenance, like Sir Philip's, was strikingly in- tellectual and of commanding beauty ; but the eyes were sinister. their depth was all of the mind. There was an utter lack of the tenderness that gave a beauty all their own to Philip Darrell’s eyes; the mouth, too, was cruel. One could believe Philip Darrell ruth- less for the state, relentless in vengeance,like a ruler of mediaaval Italy, but never cruel, never one to trample on all rights to gain his end. His Iron will was tempered by nobler qualities, which might sometimes be obscured, but never obliterated. Those qualities had no existence in the nature of Ingelhard Der- rell. Yes, there was a marked resemblance between the two faces ; but the advantage of mere physical ’ beauty, still more that of power. depth and soul. rested with the lemons knight's descendant. Long did 111m, sland gazing on that coun- tenance, as if she wbuld imprint every feature on her memory , and two or three times she glanced at Sir Philip, as if comparing the two. Finally. she turned away with a. slight shudder. shaking hgr head.‘ i‘VTWVelvl." said ‘Sir Philip, in a. shghtly monk- ing tone, “ what is your verdict? He was p. brave man, this ancestor of mine; he did t .1 ed f d ' -d in the s au’sh tered the stable. the doors of which Marsh re- ‘Stffs; big win: mfgéfigsqiire of dameg-â€";ct “Pectin“! threw Open, “ I should recommenfl you shudder 1" . Zulelka. ' fihe needs a. skilled hand, for she 19: H He was a black-hearted villian,” replied full of spmtz but ghe mg as gentle as a lamb ; Ilms, u and he has an evil face ! I could and her Ledlgree 15 ummpeachable. Her dam naval1 have loved him." ‘ WW5 3 thorovug'hbred Arab” ‘1 If ,4, u ,1,A‘A11,AL_-»‘_ “ You are keen ; there is no heart in Ingel- hard's faceâ€"and you um see that. But Zarah was an ignorant gipiy-girl. Ay.” continued Sir Philip. grinding his heel on the floor. as though he were crushing some obnoxious object, “ so black a deed deserved a curse ! Why, Boston flung his life away for Ing el- hard'sâ€"les: worth a thousand times, £hough he was Darrell the belted knight. It was indeed " ‘ Foulest stain on knighthood's faoe, Deadly blight on noblest nos.’ And have not his children, and his children’s children, to the fourth and fifth generation, sufiered for it ‘2 But there,” he added hur- ridedly, for he saw how his words sfleoted his listener-" ulthis is folly to you, and 1 am a mere slave of superstition. Do you see the likeness they all find_ ?" _ “ So there should be.” said Sir Philip,oere- leesly. not wishing to compel Ilma to explain wherein lay any differences. " Now here follows the long line 0! 5i: Ingelherd'e decendents. You do not believe in the curse? Yet, whenever one of these loved, woe and death followed ; and we Derrells, unheppily. cannot love lightly. This is Ingelherd’s son. He married 8. Stanley; but he had loved Anne St. Mennend she was murdered but two days before whet should have been her wedding-day. Marjorie, his sister, loved her brother's worst enemy, and they were parted; she was imprisoned in what we still call Lady Mari ~rie’e tower, and died mad; and her lover was lost at sea. Shell_l go on T" Sir Philip Darrell seemed notto notice this. He went on to tell her many a sorrowful tale of the noble-looking men and women they passed in reviewâ€"of brave Sir Launcelot. whose young wife was imprisoned by Gram. well. and who died on the very day she was restored to her husband; of graceful Magda- len. who fled with a. lover well-born, but not ‘ of lineage pure enough for the haughty Dsr- 3 rolls, and who perished with her lover while trying to cross the Oealmere in a small boat; of fierce Everard Darrell. who had won his love at the sword's point, only to see bet per- ish before his eyes. struck down by a stray bullet as he was hearing her away. A few he passed over. and Ilma wondered why. till they came to a gallant-looking gentlemen in the dress of George [L’s reign, when Ilma touched her companion’s arm. and askedâ€" “ Dld he never love any one 1’” " Ay," answered Sir Philip, alter a mo- ment's pause, “ not wisely. but too well! It was for no lawful lovehe died in his own halls. de fled with the wife 01 aWestmoreland Squire; her husband pursued them, and shot Morton Darrell in the great hall you passed through when you arrived.” " You,” inswered the girl. krying to hifie the psin one part of her boat’s speech had givep hex-[whey isra sqogg l_il_ie_p_ess." “ Yesj" answered lime, in a low tone ; she was trembling, and her large eyes were full of sufleriggh So. when he passed by others. Ilma asked no questionsâ€"she oould reed of historyâ€"but, for good or for evil, it seemed that his dark passionate race must need: love. though they knew the curse that went with it. and others, knowing it. yet were not proof against the power to win which Nature had so lavishly bestowed on a gifted house. Would Sir Philip Darrell escape 2 she wondered. Had he vowed to be free at least from the en- guish, though his race should perish with him ? “I know who these we," said Ilma quickly, to spare Sir Sir Philip speaking of them; and she gazed on them in deep reverenceâ€" not only because they were doomed for their very love'a sake. and died young by a terrible death. but because Philip Darrell was their son ; buflIlma did 110‘ than tealise thin ele- ment in he: venerazion. VAnrd now they stead be!ore the grave hand- some face of Sir Bertram and the beautiful face at his wife. He said this indiflerently. n .t with any elaboration of carelessness, but as though he really felt no concern in the matter. Ilma however knew that he was not really callous ; she knew that he would have given words to be able to remember his beautiful mother. She dared not look round at him, for her eyes were blinded with fears ; but Sir Philip read her silence. and he set his teelh hard as he turned away. llma passed on and stood before the por- trait of the last of the Dar-rolls. How long she could have gazed on that remarkable coun- tenance, if it had been possible to do sol She noted the vacant space beside it, and wondered if it would ever be occupied by the picture of Philip Darrell’a wife, or by that of a stranger. Bose had told her that the next heir claimed through the female line. which branched of! in the reign of Henry VIII., and thus escaped the curse, which fell only on the descendants of Sir Ingelhard. Could Sir Philip Darrell endure the thought of a stranger reigning at the Court. of alien face. on the panels which should reflect the dark beauty of the Darrelle? Ilma, who knew him so little, could not bear to think 01 it. She could not keep back the tears, nor- apeak {or the choking urination in her throat; she was obliged to turn abruptly from her companion and walk away. “1 have no memory of them." observed Sir Philip. "They wore lost when I was only two yegs oldz': Sit Philip stood still, folding his arms tightly on his breast. and looked after her; but he did not stir s step to follow her. His face was deathly white, his heart was beating heavily; his eyes glowed With a look almost of defiance, as though he dared some invisible power. either from without or the voice of conscience. But, when Ilma came back, he had regained self-command. and smiled and asked where she would like to go now. as though she had done nothing that could have been noticed. “ Su ppose," he added. “ we go to some- thing brighter, and do some more pictures after luncheon, if you wish it; these family histories have driven all the brightness from your face. Will you some to the stables sud choose your horse 1” “ Yes. thanks. I should like thst." “ This way then. There is s postem close by. which will lead us by a short out to the stables. ‘5 A37, and more that a regiment has been stubled in old times ; and in my‘fsther‘s time, and slwsys till mine. all those stables" â€"peinting to s long rouge of stshles evidently disusedâ€"“ were full of hunters, sud there" â€"!ndicuting another huilding,â€"" my grand- lather kept his racing-stud. It was the fin. est stud in the North in those days ; but my father sold it ; he did not patronize the turf. The hunters were dispersed during my minority. and I never filled their places. Poor old Marsh. the head groom. raves at me and calls me names because I don’t hunt. Bah ! I would us lie! shoots fox ss run him to earth ; but when I said that to Marsh once he almost had a fit of apoplexy. But here is Marsh." They deeoended a low flight of stairs, and passed through some mysterious passages; then Sir Philip Darrell opened a. postern. and the sunlight blazed full upon them. After going through. some shrubberies. the stables were reached. .. hy. " said Ilma. looking around the im- mense range of buildings. “ you might stable :5 regimenl_here. Sir Philip i"_ Up came the old groom. He saluted his lord, and paid his respects to Ilme in the broad dialect of Cumberland. The stables were not what they used to be, he told herâ€" Marsh was a very old servant. and said pretty well what he pleased-but .there were some beautiful horses in them yet. As they went towards the stable where the animals were from among which Ilms was to choose, the old man glanced several times from be. heath his shaggy brows at Ilms. and wondered who she was, and whether his lord had taken a fancy to her. Marsh hoped he had ; for Sir Philip ought to marry and keep up the line. he considered, whether he loved his wife or not. . “ New. Ilms.” said Sir Philip, as they en’ “ Yes,” put in old Marsh, “ she’s the beauty, Sir Philip, if the younglady‘s a first-rate rider; and I take it she is, or you wouldn’t put her on Zuleika.” “ But." said Ilma, as Marsh entered the man’s box to lead her out, " I would rather have one that is less a. favorite, Sir Philip. If by any change Zuleika came to mischief -â€"â€"" Ilma obeyed, and the mare laid back her dehcate ears, whinned. and pushed her nose ooaxingly into the girl’s white hand, old Marsh enjoying the exhibition immensely. _ ‘" She could not in your hands, Ilma ; and she is as sure footed as a. mule, like all her race.” Zuleike was brought out, and Ilme clasped her hands with almost a cry of admiration, for the mere was like a. picture; she was a deep hay in color, with a brilliantly glossy cost,end having the superb lines and soft dark eyes of a true Aral). She tossed her head and pawed the ground with coquettish grace; but Ilma’s tender touch and caresses made her instantly a willing slave; and she stood almost still, only re- sponding to the fondling she received, as Hansen had done, and following Ilme. when she moved a. few steps, and laying her nose on the girl‘s shoulder. “She" acts," cried old Marsh, “as if she knew you was a beautiful creature like herself, missy, and wasrsureitio loye per): “Oh. Sir Philip,” she said, “there cannot be another horse such a. beauty, except Has- san ! It is too good of you to let me mount her." “She goes like the wind,” interposed Marsh "and she’s as knowing as Hassan himselfmr a Christian. You ask her if she would like an apple." 1113a coloured and laughed, and turned to Sir Fhilifip. W “Hold fiaEd, Ynissy," he said. “and 111 fétch lome apples for ye ;” and of? Went the old “It is a case of love at first sight on both sides, I think,” remarked Sir Philip. smiling. “Zuleiks seems to have made her choice. What say you ‘ohild of gentli ness’ ?”â€"laying his hand on the mate’s flowing mane. “Will you change your quarters ? Yes? Then will you, Ilma, ratify the choice ‘9” The girl looked at him wenderingly. colour- ing deeply. Could he mean what his woids and manner seemed to imply ? “Yes,” she replied doubifiilly, ignoring due part of his speech. “I shall like to ride her very_muoh3 Sir Phili_p_.” “You have told me that; but I fihink you understand me, only you are afraid to admit it, for fear of a mistake. Will_you not qocept Zulgika ?" “No, uoâ€"oh, no!" cried the girl, recoil- ing. “ I could not-indeed I comd not. Sir Philip. You must not ask me to accept such a. gift. Forgive me. A thousand times I thank you; but indeed _I cannot." Sir Philip looked at the sweet flushed face, the trembling lips, the troubled tearful eyes. Did she fear him. the aocursed Darrell ? he wondered. Was her skepticism more than shaken by what she had seen and heard that day, so that she shrank from taking a gift, and so priceless a gift. at his hands? There was no fear in her features or her voice. not a look or a tone that seemed to indicate maidenly repugnsnce to an ofier that only her extreme youth and childlike manner ren- dered possible. But perhaps Miss Durnford would object to what might seem to have a certain significance. And. if it had. what then? The men’s Wild passionate heart re- belled against the fate that had at first been accepted with a kind of reckless desperation which was very far from resignation. and might indeed almost be called its antithesis. What then? But he must, he thought. crush down the tempest that surged within him. He turned aside, setting his white teeth like a vice. Well, he had made a mistake; he must be just to Ilms; he must not place her in a. painful position and he could not risk having his gift returned as a presumptuous one. . ‘. “ Very well," he said calmly, after 5 inc- ment’s silence. " I am sorry I wounded you. when I meant to do the very opposite. Maybe your aunt would not like you to have the horse from Inaâ€"though a Dmell’s gift Vcar- ries no curse. I would rather you had Zuleika than any one I know ; but if you prefer not to have her. or cgnnot, pardpnpae." “ You do not understand me," replied the girl. cut to the quick. “ Why should aunt Each )1 mind my having Zuleika ? If she were afraid of your gift. I am notâ€"and I am bound only to my own feelings. How could I take such a. present as if it were a flower, or something as trivial ? You are so ready to give that Ah, you know what I Would say, but I cannot find ihe words 1” she added, with a child’s innocent pleading, for Sir Philip had turned to her upd clasped her hands in his. " Ye}. I know it. I know it," he replied hurriedly. “ Forgive me, Ilma. but I di ' not mean to seep) _unjust_ t9 you.:’ He bowed his head, but she had unconsci- ously given him strength. Yes‘ it was better so, he thoughtâ€"4t was better that she should regard it only as a gift to a charming childâ€"â€" only “ readiness to give." The very question " Why should aunt Rachel mind it 1’” showed that she did not read between the lines, even if her manner had not shown it before ; and that inuomuce of here was his safeguard. He would leave Scarth Abbot, he said inwardly. as he kissed the little hands before he re- leased themâ€"-leave it while she was happy, and he could bear the curse alone. “ Then you will do me this great grace, Ilmgâ€"you will_tglge Zulei‘ka ?:’ ‘ v n ” A good deal In the matter 1" repliad Ro‘ land almost savagely. “ What do you think aunt Rachel has just told me? Thin Darrell has actually given Zuleika_to Ilma !" " Do not say a. word to him or to her, Ro- land !” cried Bose. springing to her brother's side. with a. white face of terror. “ Remem- ber, it is no concern of yours whatever. We haven’t even chafl'ed Ilma about Sir Philip lately, for fear of putting ideas into her head. She would never have accepted the horse if she thought he had mean: anything by it ; and I don‘t believe he does. At any rate," added Bose, with a fine stroke of feminine strategy, “ if you say a word to Sir Philip, he’ll simply think you’re in love with llme yourself. Ah, you may start and any V“ A! 3‘01: wish it so much, what can I say? If 1 could only thank you enough ! I shall seem so ungrateful.” _ ""7 Are theumere words then, Ilma. worth more than the emotion that checks their utterance ? I think not." “ Has he ‘2" exclaimed Rose, dropping the brush with which she had been smoothing her hair ; then. in a. changed toneâ€"“ I am awfully sorry to hear it !” “ She doesn’t understand. of course." con- tinued Roland. in the same manner ; “ but he'll soon teach he: . Aunt Rachel is mad to allow it. What are all his wealth and noble blood and his accursed beauty worth it he in only to bring misery and death 7 I cannot hear to think of it. I declare I’ve half a. mind Ilma’s golden head drooped ; she hid her face against Zuieikn‘s glossy neck. Oh. if she could keep book the tears 1 Why did he give her Zuleika as dying men bestow gifts :7 " I would rather you had her than any one I know." Why must any one have her ? True, he might only mean that he was going away for an indefinite period ; but Ilma could not comfort herself with the idea that this was his meaning: J uet then old Marsh returned, and almost immediately afterwards Roland and and Rose came up, and both went into ruptures over aneika. But, later, when they had all returned to the home and were getting ready for luncheon, Rose heard a knock at her dressing-room door, and, responding ” Come in, ’ Roland entered, almost. banging the door after him, and causing Rose to turn around with a start. ” My dear Rolandâ€"but what' 13 the matter. 9" {or the, young aquire’ a face looked as she had never seen it look before. ‘ Pshaw l’ but he will think so ; and you ought to know how he would. take such med- (Hing; “ How you run rm, Roseâ€"just like a woman!”_said her brother. angrily. shaking off her hand from his arm. “ I never thought of speaking to Darrell ; and to suppose I’m in love with a. harum-scarum girl of sixteen be- cause 1 don’t want Philip Darrell to make love to her is equally absurd.” “Ah ; but; have you forgotten what is amid â€"what Hassan himself says â€"-that. i! the flood rises this year three feet above last year the Mill will be washed away ?â€"and, while the Mill lasts. the curse must last. And then the rains are this year unusually early, and Darrell is at the Court; and he 15 more likely to dgfy death_ thqn to fly ii. " “ I don’t see why it is more absurd," re- torted Rose, “ to imagine that you might be in love with her than that Sir Philip is. You have both known her only a few days, and you are not a. man for ‘love at first sight’ cer- tainly, while he is ; and, besides, see what a loveless life he has led! But, on the other hand, Ilma. child though she is, is quite out of the common way. I should fall in love with her the first time I saw her if I were a man ; and the most deliberate ohnen couldn‘t be indifferent to her." “ Pooh. pooh l” he said, with an angry sneer. “ ‘Loveless life’ forsooth ! You women are always ready to sentimentalise over a handsome man. I happen to know something about my lord, and he has contrived to amuse himself while he has let solicitors and land- stewards do his work here. I believe him to be simply ruthless ; he thinks that in him the curse will be worked out; and, if he drags down-another life with his own, what will it matter so that at least he may snatch some happiness? He will dare fate if he remains here after the rains begin ; and in ten days at the furthest they will come.” _ He paused {of want of breath. Rose shud- dered and repeated : “ ‘ Life for life for traitor’s deed; When the floods are out take heed!’ But, Roland, he has braved the floods. Be- member how he saved widow Hunt." l‘I zilmost think," said Rose, “that he seeks it.” o Roland had turned very red while his sister spoke; but he tried by abusing his enemy to turn the points of weapons which he felt were giving home-thrusts. “Hush Roland I At least try to be friend- ly with him. Do not let him suspect you he is so keen sighted, and your face is so bad a. mask. If you are taken with lime, try to win her fairly, and, if you can make her fear Darrell do so ; but. if you have any common some. don't abuse him to her, don't let her see that you are jealous of him. She's just the sort of girl to choose death with a. man she loves sooner than live without him. Momma. said that of her the other day. Now we must go down to luncheon Bologna! “ Warned? Yes, ‘life for life’ 1” muttered Sir Philip to himself ; then aloud, quite oare~ lessly «~“ Ah, well, death must come some time, soon or late,-and as well soon as late ! Ilma.”â€"tuming to the gitlrwho was following with Rolandâ€"“ shall I send‘Zuleika Ago-mor- row, or bring her with me when I 'o Ime for the ride 1?” “ Whichever you like, Sir Philip.” ‘- Then I will bring her with me.” He handed the ladies into the earrings, Bo. land mounted his horse, and the party ven- ished through the deep arch of the courtyard “Let him seek it," returned Roland fiercely, "butinoit drag Ilma. with him I” He would not say to them that he was going away ; they would think he feared the floeds. Miss Durnford pnfi in nervously.â€" ' "And you might be leaving, Sir Philip. " He smiled a little; but as he was healing her to the paniage, he said_â€" “ You wish me to leave this year beforetho floods come 1'” “ Surely I must wish it, for your sake." “ Yes, for my sake.” he returned. with more than a touch of irony. “ But can one fly from fate? Is it worth while ‘2" “Why not .9” said Miss Durnford, puzzled and deeply _moy_ed. feroru at}? warned I” Sir Philip Darrell was alone again, with the touch of Ilmas hand still fresh in his, and her brown eyes looking into his; andtbrong h the stillness of the summer night came faintly to his ears the roar of Gipsy’ s Weir. He listened. and a. fierce defiant look came into his eyes. He gazed up at the moonlit sky. as though he dared the very powers of the universe. and he clenched his hands tightly v“ B_y earth and heaven, I will not yield thee, Ilmal Perish all that stands between my love and thine l” â€"Sherifi', Jarvis, of Toronto, is no relation to the Deputy Sheriff of Jarvis Semen. _ “I am in thé ladiea’ hands'; refizember, if we delay too long, we shall not be able to reckon on the weather, as we shall have the rains." Had he ignored the solemn vow. so stemly kept till now. that never should his love blight u. ainless life? â€"The net cost of the war in Afghanistan, including that of the frontier railways, was about twenty-one orores of rupees, or £17,« 500,000 sterling. When. at a somewhat late hour. according to country notions, but which Sir Philip Darrell called early, the guests departed from the Court, the riding party was fixed for two days later. Roland raised some obj action, suggesting a later date. Rose saw Philip glance at him; _but_ he _said_ quietlyâ€" _ -â€"-Col. Prjevalsky, the great Russian ex;’ plorer, arrived at St. Petersburg on Jan.19. He intends to publish a detailed account of his interesting explorations in Central Asia. â€"A comic fellow walked into a parlor on his hands. with his feet. in the air, at a party at Cynthiana, Ky. It was very funny until a pistol fell from his pocket and discharged. wounding him seriously. â€"The will of Mark Firth, who has given hundreds of thousands of pounds away on works of henefioence at bhemeld, England, has been proved under 83,000,000 person- any. â€"The following curious announcement appears in the J ournal of the House of Lords for Monday, January 17 : “Prayers-Read by the Lord Chancellor, no bishop being present." -â€"The simplest post office in the world is in Magelian Straits, and has been established there for some years past. It consists of a smell cask, which is chained to the rock of the extreme cape in the straits, opposite Tierra del Fuego. Each passing ship sends a. boat to open the cask and to‘ take letters out and place others into it. The post office is self-noting therefore ; it is under the pro~ testion of the navies of all natmns, and up to the present there is not one case to report in which any abuse of the privileges it affords. has taken place. â€"-A gentleman who was lately honored with a. visit from royalty was desirous of amusing his distinguished guest, with a battue, and. feeling apprehensive of shortcomings, he resolved that when his guest arrived some 2,000 pheasants should arrive also, to' be turned out in his covers for slaughter. But when proceedings began next day, no sooner were the guns fired than, 10 and behold! hun- dreds of the imported birds rose up, and,with one accord, flew into a neighboring wood, which, unluckily. happens to be on another property. No doubt when their new master goes out they will fly back, but then, pe'rhapl, there will be no shooting. ‘ â€"Water carrying is an industry at Rosita, 00.1., the wells in town being frozen. One out- rier poisoned the spring of his rival, and the discovery was made just in time to prevent a great loss of life. â€"Wi$h the object of raising the morale of the French Army, Gen. Farm has ordered that a picture representing the most glon'ons deed accomplished by each regiment ainco 1790, shall be hung on the walls of the bar. rick room. AROUND THE WORLD. [To B: coNTmuEDJ