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Poor George looked at the paleliule wo man in her cnngiug, glxmerlug mass, which was of euurmoua Jeugm :Lnd had tue men-mt shouldnr slrapa for MH/Vdfi «an n-ur long black gloves, M the Bklllfully dispusexl pzxtchem ()1.- her chin and on her bum-m, at her high piled hair. Whnra the hrilliunw thukled at evary movement or her head and signs}. " In m not [1.11 too splendid for :1 quiet couu try ball ?" be asked Sobvrly; bufi Ana laughed. declaring mm nothing waswu good forDoctor March‘s Wife. The ball was half over by the time he wem to have 9. look at; it As he made his way through the crowd he eawhia mfu whirl ing round lhe mum in Jack Tnmgmnrtou’a arms. scanning light from he! flashing dream and jewels as she went by. 8110 was talkmg rapidly in her partner’s ear as she danced ; but. catching eight of her husband, she gavu him a. nod and a. pleased pretty umxle; and present) y Jack brought her back to where the Doctor stood. “ How late you are,dear Gaorge.” she said. “ Of course you are going to dance ? I give you leave to chooss all the prettiest girls in the room. and to flirt, on this occasion only, to your heart‘s content.” George shook his head. “ Mind you don’t take cold,” he said, as she prepared to start again. She was flushefi and panting a little from her waltz and with the triumph she had scored against the House of Lancaster. She considered it a proof of conscious weakness on their part- that they had followed her to the Infirmary hallâ€"an entertainment which had hitherto been left to the county people 3nd to the ambitious wives of the Barlaslon shopkeepers. She resolved to make it the fashion henceforth to attend in. She began to feel herself a power at last in the town where Mrs. Thregmorton and Bee had con- Iented to follow her lead. " They think discretion the better part of valpr.” shieythopghrt. George March felt very miserable as his Wife was lost in the throng of pretty dresses and faces. The music the band was playing sounded intolerably sad as if. sunk and swelled on the flower: scented cir. He was glad to hide him- self in a convenient window, whence un- noticed he could watch the dancers float by. The one pleasure he had promised himself in coming was the sight of Lucy’s young jev in her first ball ; and he said to himself later that it had been worth coming to see. Miss Thrale’s card was filled before she had been half an hour in the room. She had danced all night long. Her pretty dress was already almout in tatters. Bee looked on. rejoicing in the girl’s delight. and generously enjnying her friend's little triumph. Bélore long the Doctor saw Miss Throg- morton go by with Ted. bhe looked radian: and WM [auuhiug as usual at nerrviotimi “ My dvar old Bee ! ‘ Gnurge thought. kind 1y. “ Hu- fate has overtaken her at last â€"â€"a happy one, as It ought ‘0 be. Heaven bless her and that good fellow I" ~‘ She would only ‘be flattered-by it," the young man thought, with melancholy Ibitter- ness. “ A jealous husband would be an agreeable feature in the shallow little comedy of my .poor Ada’s existence.” Presently Buce bpred him as he lurked in the shadow of thu uuxmms, and insisted on his dnuomu with her. " You. the b: at waltzer in the roomâ€"to be» hiding yourself away 1” she cried. “ You must ask Lucy too if she has a domes left for you‘ii ' George laughed. and declared he had not thr courage $01508 Lucy’s madduued partners. He, an old warned man, so rub them of Miss Thule for even one turn round the room ! Bub inwardly the young man knew that; n was out of the question twat he should dance with Lucy ; and. when presently Hhe cam~ t0wurda him with a glad Ji:tle emiamntiun, leavmg her partner‘s mm to rpeak tn him. he knew as Well rag il' tha gn-l hm told him thnt she felt. here-elf perfectly Secure from any such request on his pain More than once be resolved to remonsh’ate with her on her continued intimacy with Jack Throgmurton. But he did not find it easy to do so. It- seemed as if Mrs. March had no idea that this fxiendship could be distustuful to her husband; and, in face of such appment unconsciousness of harm, pour George shrunk from uneling the prohlbition which his better sense prompted. He began to observe more carefully what went on timing 1118 absence; be blamed himself‘ for having left his wife too much alone. for allowing the gulf between them to Widen day by day. “ I have been BO happy, George,” she said. putting both her hula white glow-1 hands in his. “ I have nearly danced my shoes ofl‘ mv feet!" Her blue eyes were alight, her sweet. lips parted in young and eager gladnaas. George subsided mto his corner again as she was carried away. He had nothing to do but to look on, and itseemed to him that he saw other figures before him than those gaily dressed ones, which were incessantly floating and changing and bleuuing before his ahéent stare. CHAPTER LII. Until the night or the Infirmary ball a our 0115 kiml of luhargy had hreu creeping ow-r Geo ge March»: 301‘! of mental torpor uf which he was lmlf cumciuus, and which he made: bub little rfi'on to dirpwl ; but. Ihu few sigmfiuant words he had then overheard bad suflicen to rouse him from the fatal numlbmxss which always seemed to overcome him on the three hold of his home. George Msich woke with a disagreeable start from his study, and looked about him. Almost opposite the spot where he stood he saw his wife and young Thtogmorton again together. The boy was fanning her solicitâ€" ously as she rested for a few minutes‘ George noniced that Mrs. Thropmorton came up with Bee and appealed Wllh a somewhat anxious sir to her son, who sulkily followed them, after a hurried whisper to Ada. Doctor March crossed the room at once. “ Ada," he said quietly. “ you will oblige me by not dancing any more with Jack. In is hardly worth while to make yourself con spicuous. own for Lucy’s sake." His fancy was travellng hack to the sweet untorgonen time of two years before, when he had first seen Lucy Thmleâ€"to the Novem- ber evening when he had ridden home from Croome. and his home had-startled her, poor child, Into dropping her letter in the road »- to the lovely shabby maiden with the hymn book. at whom he had glared so scornfully in the old churchâ€"to the time when he had gone to Pagley on the omnibus and met her and scolded her so cruelly â€"to the children's party in Primrose Alley, when he had first. begun to suspect his mistake about her-to the night of the ball, when “ She is the wife of a local physician, I believe,” said a well bred woman's voice, passing the window where he stood. " It is a pity some one does not * remou- stratg with lr1rer._rea.ny.’r’ “Especially the 10631 physician.” was the laughing an_ewer in a bright young tenor. The ébeakera went by'andâ€"welevloat in the throng. They were some of the county peo~ple, no_d_oub};. “ That. is just what. I have been telling Jack,” she returned. “ I‘have been advising bun I0 go and dance with Lmuy‘ and to ptead his own #111150. Beuidafl, I am a little tired.” Gtolgé was silent. ; but he noticed that, though Ada certain!) complied Wilh the re qua an and and not dance wuh the boy again, she rafused all other pmrulers mo, and sat ohatrzng In a low voice with young Thrng monon until Lucy mums and begged to be taken home. “ Anmlier victory to 11m House of York,’ whispered young '[ hrogmurton as he took Mrs. March to her cranium. “ The War of thf' Roses has been waged more fiercely than fixer to night ; but the day is ours.” " Y« u wul admin.” anew: red the lady. with a pievy rmll'r! fxom uudtr her whim hum], ‘- that. it maintains its imputation by being a vuy civil war.” - His wile lucked at him in pretty surprise, wilh which something of triumph ur exulta. tion mingled. A GREAT MISTAKE. TX‘wrehm’: been some talk on M White ROM), *ildfl of :zem'm: up jarivute theatricnls a: Beaudeaert G‘rdens during the winter. Mrs. \Iarcn had represented tu‘her husband that. the amusement. was a, vexy f‘sblondble one in ancieasy, and had bagged him prenmly to give blS annsent. Suspeming nothing but a good deal of Lime mam/u over rehearsnis and a. quiet evening‘s amusement to wind up with. em: Doctar had no» objwcted, and a great mwny days were devoted by his wife and her party to the discussion of the necassary at mngements. Mrs. March was greatly inter“ «steel in the aflair. As Miss Ludlow, she had formerly been very successful at" a public performance on the stage of the Frivolity Theater, and she was thoroughly competent to direct her company. Lucylmd a listle part assigned to her. which she tomk great (iglighb in studying. She» was to be a lady’s maid. she told Gaorge, and to wear a. cap and apron, and drop all her 11‘s. She practised this last accom piishment with great perseverance. and amused poor Mrs. Ludlow by talking about “ ’andkerchiuis,” and the "â€"hanimati’on” her role required. She had been very anxious that Bee 1500 should have something to do;but Mrs. March smilinaly refused to admit a single Lancas trian to the company. " Bee can get up an opposition perform- ance at Croome,” she suggested. “ I am quite willing to let her profit by my ideas. But really, it she does not shortly originate something, I should think the Red Roses would despise herl’ Lucy shook her head. " It is you who call her the Red Rose. Ada.” she said with a. wistful smile. “ Bee does not. think of such things at all. And she has no party, as you call it." Mrs. March thought otherwise. It seemed to her that the occasion of the theatricals would serve admirably for the repayment of certain slights which she considered she had endured since her ms:riage,and it was under stood that neither xhe Throgmortons nor the Ackroyds were to be among the audience. But after a few day the whole matter began to take a different Shape. Two or three cabinet councils were held, from which Lucy was excluded ; and young Throgmorton was very busy for a. week afterwards holding business interviews with various people in the town. Meanwhile endless rehearsals took placein the large dining room of the house in the square, where luncheon was always going on for the amaze. and Mrs. March kept her cousin very busy at the sewing machine with the costumes for the great event. Lucy was happy enoulzh over her work in the pretty room which George’s thoughtful‘ ness had made so comfortable for her. She could have baby to play around on the floor while she cut and stitched ; and poor Mrs. Ludlow liked to sit there and watch her litxle grandchild with her sad fading eyes. The poor lady clung greatly to Lucy in those days She did not see much of her daughter. except. during Ihe smiling little visit which Ada paid her every morning after breakfast. One afternoon Doctor March. coming home unexpectedly. found the dining ronm still in mnfusiam chairs pulled om of their pmoea, pr<|péil‘t168, in Lhe shape of s vords. and gob -ers and brooms and tea cups strewn all ov.:r the T0011]. and on the table a printed bill, still dump , which was headed. Theater R0351, Barluwm Regis, and continued the timer! and characners of me little comedies Ad»; hats selecmd, his wife’s name appearing in larger luiters than those of the other members of 3,11% 0 mpany. Lucy declared that aunt Leticia must be curled downstairs by book or by crook lo 5% (be fun. “ I couldn’t back at all ig you Were not there, dear,’ she wnuld any cheerfully ; and the widow never' failed 1:01ath at the joke. Ada had not meant him :0 see it so 801m. as was evident from but somewhat confused smile when he entered the drawing room a few minutea later with the hill in his hand. She spoke very frankly and prettin however about it, and confessed that they thought now of giving the performance in the theater, which would be less expensive in the and than putting up a. stage in the house, and of giving the money which should be taken at Ihe doors to the new hospital. No answering light had come into her large 85%, no tremor of sympathy into her pale face, while he was urging her with a kind of wistful passion to reconsider hex daily existence, to remember what kind of home she was preparing for their boy, Ada listened very quietly ; once or twicr she moved tha long skirt of her velvet gown out of the way of his blundering rapid walk : but she stood quite still until he had done talking ; tholmh she had a secret horror of such scenes, and thought George might have spoken in a lower voice. “ Don't you see that I must 2" he said. “ Do you think that I cauld bear to see my wife and little Geordie’a mmhar standing on a. public stage to be Stated at, and to be em braced â€"â€"even in jestâ€"by other men. Ada. you do not think of this; but you see now how imppssible in would be." “ All honor to her,” said the young man abruptly. “ I have nota word to say against her, or the women like her in her profession; but this is did‘c‘ront, Can't you understand ‘2 Don't you see .7 ‘ he askeu, with a break in his voice. " 0h. Ada, don’t you see that this is quite different. '7” He began, as they stood side by side, to speak to her as he had never yet dared to speak since their marriage. He made 5; bmw effort to draw her closer to him. He spoke», of what their life must be â€"the life they had but just begun togetherâ€"if they could not learn to know each othvr better, to become one in aspirations and efforts and interests as well as in name. his appealed to the woman, to the wife and mother in her, to help him, to trust him, for their little child‘r sake. She was alone. and was. working busily at some partAof hgrfitage costume. George heard her out very patiently as he ElQOd by $116 table with the play bill in his minds and his dark melancholy eyes fixed on her animated face. She felt encouraged by his silence and his gentleness. She believed that she had carried her point‘. " Dear Guorga, you are so good,” she said, laying aside her work and going to his side. “ You won’t say no, and spoil my poor hula scheme ?” . The poor fellow sighed, and let tne paper fall upon the table. 7 “ My-dear George,” Ada cried softly, “ it is done by the very best people‘, I assure you 1 Ladx Goligh‘lyAhgraAe-If â€"â€" " ” Lady Gohghtly is not my wife," pleaded theyoung man half sadlyâ€"he was thinking what a terrible fate it was that had joined them, who might each have been so happy apart in their own way. “ I have nothing to do,” he said. “ with Lady Golightly." , "‘ No. of course not,” Ada assented gently. “ But really. dear George. I don‘t see that it is any worse to act on the stage than in a drawing-room. You surely do not think there is any harm in private theatricals 7v” “ I should certainly wish my wife not; to take part. An them.” George returned. “ But at least there she would be among friends ; and Dear Ada, I cannot speak as’ quietly 33.1 ought just now. You must. remember that I knew nmhing of this. It has taken me by surprise, andâ€"4’ A , As he talked. his strong dark face gre“ luminous with intense earnestness ; he began no walk about in his excirement, SOmHilms‘s pausing by his wife to look will: his kinu constraining glance into her calm uplifted eycs or to lay his powerful hand tender]; on her alight shoulder. All the pent up miser} of the first year of his marriage rushed forth in animpetuous torrent ; there was sstmnge fierce pathos in his voice and in his words which might have touched ,snd shaken any woman. “ I meant it to be 9. little surprise for you, dea‘r George," his wife answered, smiling ‘- I did not for a moment suppose that you would objectrto it. And really I must any it seems a lltble illiberal on your part. I am sure there are many admirable wives and mothers among our English actresses. There is Mrs. Smyderland. for instance." and wh'at a bumfui influence ‘he incessant craving after pleasure and excitement must needs exacise on hair own he».th and happi- news, But with gemle good breeding shé'hem‘d her huabund no the very end. She had not. evwn sat; down during his appeal, though she. was qui‘e worn out with the morning’s re hearsal. As he pavuaudmowever, looking breathlessly for her answer. aha did moue away to the chair she 11:11 left, and sat down again so her work basket. “ Dtar George,” she saifl, smiling grace- fully at his disordered and fervent face. while she took her . mbroidery, and began to to search for the shade of silk she required, *‘ it isgreully delightful to see such earnest- ness in these degenerate days. It is such good form, as Jack says, for a. man of your pro- fession. But forgive me if I say that all extremes. either of sentiment or of manner, are the worst possible taste in a women. We cannot all be born reformersâ€"fortunatelyâ€" and I confess that. I find the world and our life pleasant enough as they are. Indeed you, sir," with a coquettlsh movement of her flaxen head, “ should he the last person in the world- to reproach me for enjoying my existence. Is it not natural that your wife should be a happy women? Dear George, ionly say that my poor little lheatricels are plot to be nipped in the bud, and I will proâ€" ‘mise you to become as demure as dear Lucy ‘herself one of these days.” George March made an abrupt movement towards her then checked himself. All the fire seemed to die out of his face as his wife spoke and to leave it cold and gray. That was her answer. He had laid bare his innermost heart, and she had bestowed on it a PHJI‘ODN ising little caress. But he persisted in his decision about the theatricals, as Mrs. March explained to young Throgmonon next day. And she Iurtber de- clared than after the anticipation of the per- formance in public, there was no possible chance of getting up any excitement about one given in a drawing room. TBG young man turned on his heel withoqt a. word. and left. ‘he room. “ We will abandonvthe idea altogéther," she said. with so much gentle sweetness thatjaok eagerly dgqlared shq wasran angel.» “ You see," he added bitterly, “it is a dead set that is being made against you. The women have been jealous of you ever since you first came to Barlaston; y».u are not to be allowed to lead in anythlng if they can help it.” Before long however another amusement ofiered itself. The weather changed and a. hard frost set In. All the world was skating in the park. Mrs. March summoned a meet ing of the White Roses, and declared her intention of driving out. one afternoon and enjoying a few hours of this delightful exercise. she set about composing a. wonderful little costume of white fur. in which she intended to look as much as possible like a white cat with a. largo whxte muff. She had taken the iiea from one of the London beauues. whose portrait Jack had brought down “nth huh; and the young fellow declared with enthusi- asm that Mrs. March too must be photo~ graphed in all her furry splendor; with the mufi held to her face, and only her eyes showing darkly mischievous above its snowy witness. Lucy was standing in the hall, warmly wrapped in her sealskina, when her cousin came down in her white fur costume. The girl looked at. her. puzzled for a moment. and than she fly ngd ‘very:red. ' The people hid termed into a. ring, and were watching the movements of a few “ I am afraid so much unrelieved white will be rather trying in cold weather," she said thoughtfully one day, when she had put on the conume in 0rd. to judge of the eflecl. As she awoke, she hazunleu the addition of a. touch of color in the shape of a bunch ol crimaon b(rrl<‘8 which Lucy had left on the table; then she threw it aside, lauahing. “ I: must not be mid that I wore my lair enemy's colors, even in: an hour! ” she cried gmly “ I will risk the. pure white alter all." “ And don‘t forget, the photographs," urged Jack. “ What. fun it would be to put them in the windows at Miller’s with all the ceieb titles I Would um the Barlaston fogiee stale ? " I“ My dear Jack," cried Mrs. March, in gentle taproot. “ you do not suppose I would consent to such a fining for one moment I " Luc} sank down trembling upon a bench. and DootorMarch went across the ice to thrre the bhrqngr was thickest. She had arranged to iake Lucy with her in the pony-carriage to the park. where Jack and cm: rest of the party werg to meefi them. “ Oh, Ada,” she stimulated, “ you are not going out like that, dear, are you ? It is so veryâ€"remarkable l I am afraid George would not like it.” " Mrs. March was quietly butfioning her long white gloves. She had a white tulle veil drawn tightly across her face, which bore the complete absence of color in her dress with startling success. Lucy supposed that her cousin had been sitting over her dressing room fire, and she noticed with distress that she looked allthe more remarkable for the lovely pink flush the flame had caused. “ I will find Adm-George,” she crigd eager- ly, “ if you will look after the carriage and your‘ horse." ' “ Stuy- wheEe you are. my dear,” he said hnlf sadly. “ Do you winKI will let you go among thafi crowd of men ?" “ How often am I to assure you, Fdenr Lucy,” returned Ada, smiling, “ that dear George like: whatever I like 2 And really I am a little tired ’ of consulting the general Barlaaton opmion.” A _ , Lucy’s heart began to beat fast.‘ The pink flush on Ada’s cheeks and the delicate White of her skin had remaiaed unchanged all day by wind or sun. Lucy had heard what seemed to her a terrible accusniou made against her cousin by a group of girls who had paqsed her a few moments before on their way home. She dreaded to think of George's seeing his wife with that strange beautiful look on her face bsâ€"foru all the townspeople, who had known him and respected him so long. She prepared to cross the ice as she upoke ; but the yogng man held her back. Lucy was silenced: but she remembered neavously that Doctor March had promised her to join them at the park on hil way from Begley, where he had a case to attend. “ Oh, I don’t mind being by myself 1" Lucy declarPd, " h. )8 such fun to watch them all ; and Ada skates so well.” “ Where is she ?" asked the Doctor. “ It is getting too cold for her to stay oub any longer” 7 Mrs. March‘s appearance in the park, among all the soberly dressed provincial girls who were enjoying themselves in their own quiet fashion, created as marked an im- presslon as she could possibly have desired. Indeed Lucy heard one or two remarks which made her very uncomfortable as she sat in the little pony carriage holding the ponies. while Ada prepared to go on the ice wi h young Throgmorton. Jack was the only White Rose faithful to the tryst ; and Miss Thrale was left alone (.11 the bank, being am able to skate. Shé greeted her cousin‘s husband with a somewhat nervous smile. “ Are you alone, Lucy 7“ the young man asked a. little steruly. " thzt is Ada, think- ing 01 to leave you hem by yourself at this hour 7" When the ponies' were disposed of and she was free to walk down to the edge of the lake. there were many men who thoughl secreth that it would have been a, pleasant task to teach that charming girl whose ripe sweet face peeped out. so brightly from her dark furs. Lucy herself would have liked to be so taught if her mind had- been at rest. It all looked so pretty ; and the keen November air was sending the blool awiflly through her veins and making it very hard to stand still, But she was thinking of poor George. It was growing dusk when he came, and Lucy was still standing lay herself on the bank. and following wnh anxious eyes the little white figure flashing here and there, which was so conspicuous, even in the falling wmlryliuht. ' skaters more skilful and untiring than the rest. who were making thu must of the dying light. Among these George March saw his wife skimming lightly along, like a white bird, haul in hand with Jack Throgmorton. A dark flush of anger rose to his face as his eye-s £3.11 on ht-r, on her fantastic costume and her air of excitement. and on the un- famili-u pink flush that. glowed so delicately through her white tulle veil. At every ten. table in Barlaaton that night people were talking about the scene, and relating how ateruly Doctor March had biddeu his wife take 011 her skates and follow him home. The lady had shown her usual tact and good temper, it appeared. having gall) ordered young Throgmorton to kneel down and unfasten the skates for her, while she assured her husband that she had had a delightful day, and that it was awfully good of him to come for her when he was so busy. But it was remarked that poor little Miss ’l‘hrale looked quite frightened, and that young Throgmorton took himself ch as quickly as might be. â€" Theft was {terrible evening at the house iu_the sqqqrefl Doctor March lets his womenkind at the door, and went ofi to dine at his club. Ada, declaring with a. laugh that she was compIete- 1y worn out, asked Lucy to sand her some tea to her own room, and did not come down stairs aggin. Lucy fell; vaguely as if some calamity were at hand. She sat down all by herself in the handsome old dining room and tried to eat her dinner, so that the eervahta should not talk; but the food sickened herâ€"she could not touch it. I ‘ What had she done fishe was thinking. as the great generous fire leaped and sparkled and the noiseless servants came and went. Oh, what had she done it this was to be the end of it all? Her heart went out after the poor fellow who was sitting somewhere, solitary, at his bitter meal. What rest was more for her while he was unhappy? How could she sleep with the ‘hought of his stern gray face haunting her pillow? She passed into his study before she went upstans to see that the fire was burning brightly and that his slippers were in their accustomed place; and than,” she went. back into the hall, she saw that George had just (some 112. and was taking ofi his great cost. Thank Heaven for that! “ Will you have some tea, George? ” she said, trying to smile. “ I will send it into the study for you if you like.” ' The young men put out his hand to her. “ Don’t; look so pale, Lucy,” he said. with a and kind laugh. “ I was a brute to frighten you to day. Yes, I will have some tea. please. deer; and you must come down to morrow with a brighter face. Good night." Everything seemed t9 go, on as usual next. day. to Lucy‘s great relief. Ada had taken a lime cold.'and was obliged to nurse herself : she declared that her skating was over for that winter. But in this enforced quiet and solitude the old vague restlessness and disgust of her daily life seemed to seize upon George March’s Wife wigh a stronger grip than ever. It seemed impossible to interest or amuse her ; she could not bear the crowing and kicking of her baby boy in the room With her ; she admitted frankly that she con- sidered the charge of all children under five years old only fitted for women who were born without nerves, and who wore cotton gowns all daylong. Geordie in his white dresses and broad crimson sashes was all very well for ten minutes of the children’s hour, when there was no one there ; but Geordie splash- ing in his bath, or jumping in his night~ gown. or breathing soltly in his flushed and dreamless sloop, possessed no interest for the listless mother when sometimes Lucy coaxed her into the nursery at such hours to see him. Long ago he had denlined to submit to any interfarence on the part of his elder brother, whom the boy rather derpised for his sober devotion to business. Jack had often ris~ clared in his confidential talks with Doctor March’s wife. that fate had committed a. great error in making Will the first bornâ€"a fellow who had no notion of enjoying life. and who, when hardly of any age, had married his insignificant little Charlotte and settlej down contentedly in a quiet country town, without even caring to see what the world outside Barlaston Regia was like. William Throgmorton contrived to endure With much cheerfulness his younger brother’s contempt. and had more than oncn come to their mothpr’s assistance in settling Jack’s hills without Mr. Throgmurton’s knowledge. But.as time went on. and 38111311 thtie came to share Master Baby’s nursery and grandmamma’s pink and whiie Afghans, it was evident that little more help could be expected from Will. Indeed he had bold his mother, with affeclionate bluntness, that she was in a. large measure to blame for Jack’s “ I have always noticed that it is the least sensitively organized women who have that passion for babies,” she told her cousin smil- ing and yawning. while Lucy was covering Geordie‘s dimples with fond and foolish kisses. "Hreminds me of a. cow or a cat. You are 21 nice little torsiseshell tabby, dear Lucy I Dom‘estic m’p‘n’ureb are quito becomâ€" ing to you, as I dare say you know without my: tellmg you.” ' He had demanded its instant removal by the startled shopkeeper, and had followed this up by an interview with the photograph- er. from whom he had bought all the pictures that were left. He had happened to walk hdme from Upper Brunswick street, where he had been talking to Mrs. Throgmorton about Jack, and he had caught sight in Miller’s shop window of his wife’s face, smiling over a great white mufl, between a bishop and a. burlesque ac- tress. The happy old house in Brunswick sheet was full of smouldering wrath undillâ€"feeliug. Father and son sat at the same table day after day, and hardly exchanged a word. The poor mother looked on trembling, and {en that her bread was turning to bitterness in her mouth. Bee’s heart swelled with pity as she watched her. and with indignation at Jack’s indifiar once. It was not easy to feel much sympathy with a brother of three and twemy who go: into debt and would not work. But Jack resented in the must unmistakable terms hvr criticism of his conduct. It was all very well. he declared, for his father to bully him about» expenses but he was canainly not going to put up with any such confounded imparti- nence from his sister. Mrs. March exclaimed softly at the photo- grappqr’s gtupidity. A ‘1! he hat-i nét been expressly warned againt publishing them,” she said, “I should not have cared so much. How fortunate it was.denr George, that you saw them in time." Jack Throgmorton rather enjoyed the little excitement of which he was the cause just at present. and mu determined to prolong tho situation as long as possible. In vain did Bee and Ted between them contrive that he should receive certain tempt~ ing invitations â€"0ne to the hospitable coun- try house where young Ackroyd had first met Lady Sarah Vanneckâ€"now Lady Sarah Smith. and happy in India with her middle aged first love and his little ladsâ€"and one to join a. jolly party on board a. yacht which W‘s just about to start on a lengthened voy age. Young Throgmorton resisted ,these and some others, and declared rather doggedly that he had no~intentiou of leaving Barlaston that winter. Nevertheless the boy did not. appear happy ; and when, beforelong, the old troubles about money matters begun to crop up, his heavy looks were reflected in Mary Throgmorton’a kind face. Lucy lilighed good humoredly enough; but after that her visits to xhe nursery, it as fre- qugut, were more secret. _ One evening Doctor March brought in a quantity of photographs, and requeated Lucy, in her cousin’s presence, to sea mat they were burnt. CHAPTER LIII. Kind Mary Throamormn took her son’s ecoldwg very meekly ; but Bee could not bear to speak dxeagzreeable truths to her mother or so hear her blamed now that she was sad and disappomted, All Mia Thmgmorton’s saucy speeches were reserved for happy and prosperous people. or for those who were so thick skinned as to require the plainesx upeakiug. follies. and that the lad would never be worth ma val: until she let him rough it a little and learn the value of money by working for is. Not long after Dr. March‘s discovery of his wife's photographs in the shop window. an accident put Bea in a. p ossession of a farm thm startled and bewildered her. She had called at the principal jeweller’s shop in the town to have her watch seen to, and old Mr. Worthington, who had known her since she was a little girl. came forward and ofiered a smiling apology across the counter. " Your collel necklace is not yet; finished. Miss Throgmorton,” he said, bringing down his old spectacles the better to sea the young lady’s dark beauty. “ I am very sorry it should have needed repairing so soon. I can not understand, as I explained to your brother. how the setting of the stone became loose. However, I think you will find it quite satisfactory in future." Bee felt'hetself turning pale. She possess ed no collet necklace; but it. flashed across her rapidly that she knew some one who dld. Perhaps ---she caught at the idem-perhaps Jack had merely brought it to he mended. “It is of no consequence," she gyammered, as with trembling fingers she detached the watch from her chatelaine. She was eager to be gone before she heard any more. She wanted 3:111 320 be able to doubt. ” The turquoises were particularly fine,” the old man continued, unconscious of fine young lady’s agitation, “ I hope you approved of the design, Miss Throgmorton? It is something quite novel, as I explained to your brother.” “ Oh, yeaâ€"~yes, ‘hank you! ” she replied, feeling more and more startled and mlaemble. What horrible web of deceit was Jack weaving about them all? And, making the old jewel [er a hurried how, she got herself in some be]! anxious way out o! the shop and into the carriage. Her heart was beating and her cheeks were burning with painful excitemem as she drove home through the frost-hound streets. What did it all mean? And what could she do about it? “ My own darling must never know of this,” was all she could decide. “ And Mr. Worth ingtou must be told not to let Jack have any thing more. The cruel boy I What will papa say? And how can we keep it from him ‘2 " She gave a little cry of relie! and joy when she found young Ackroyd waiting for her in the brown room. She had dreaded meeting her mother; but Mrs. Throgmorton was out, and only gentle Mrs. William was with Ted. Little Charlotte soon went off to her babies. leaving the young people together. With a quiet -alaority Ted shut the door on her retreating figure. “ What does it mean, Ted? " she asked him piteouely. " I have no [collect-necklace set with turquoises. I know only one person who has ; andâ€"«and ~» It is impossible 1 She could not have taken iv. from Jack. 8118 is married. How could she accepc such a valuable present from any one but her hus- band ?" " Whit is wrong? ” he asked going back to stand with Bee before the fire. And Bee led him what she had just heard. 7 V “ Don't: thank me till you know why I came," returned the girl, too full of the object of her visit to be able to talk pretty common- places. “ Perhaps n is Wiih me you will want to quarrel then.” “ Dear me, this is quite intereatlng l” da~ elated Ada. lightly; but Lucy leuked a. little anxious. She could tell by Bee’s voice that she was in earnest. “ Pray don‘t keep us in suspense, ” continued Mrs. March ; and the juuing tone jarred disagreeably on 1366’: wrought up nerves. 'Iea looked at his tyrant wiih infinite kind nessjn his Rgayreym. r “ Bse 1” she cried, fllnging her slim young arms around her friend. “ Oh, Ada, here is Bee come to see us I” The Houses of York and Lancaster ex changed a polite greeting while the most com- fortable easy chair in the room was being wheeled to the fire for the visitor. The friendly dusk concealed Bee‘s agitation from Adu’s calmly scrutinising gaze. “ Don’t think of her," he said gently. " How should you know what some women will do 1 Let us talk about Jack «poor stupid lad lâ€"and what we can do to keep this from your mother.” “ You will help me 1" Bee said. her warm brown fiuvers (Liming round the young man’s great band. " 0h, Ted "vâ€"plushing ~'- I want you to pay the bill, for ieatpapa should find it out. and let Jack give you back the money some time. I know it is a shame, but '~ My dear I” said Tea in quiet remom atmuoe, standing apparéntly unmoved while the girl‘s beautiiul face was lifted up to his own in her unconscious earnestness. Her dark eyes were full of tears, but he lookedinto ‘hem calmly enough. He did not attempt to return the nervous pressure of her hands. “ Oh, I know you don’t mind 1" she went on. “ ~But â€"" ‘f fieave it all to me,” he answered imper- Bee round Mrs. March at home. - Ada was still nursing her cold and yawning through the uneventful winter days; and Lucy h d been sming with her all the after noon and doing her best to amuwe her. The pretty drawing room was full of firelight and shadows. and acented with flowers; the two graceful young women were working and chatting together ; it looked a tranquil pretcy scene, Bee thought, as the drawing room door was opened for her" She wished that it was nox her duty to disturb it. Lucy spring joyfully to her feel: when Miss Tux-unmornon was announced. “ There were other things he," he said gently. “My dear. this must .come to an end. I will not allow you to be distressed sgain. Jack must be made to listen to rea- son.” “ I know I am always ready to think ill of her." she thought; “but I will give her a chance of clearing herself. Perhaps we shall all be better friends afterwards. I should be glad it I might live on kinder terms with poor George‘s wife.” ” This is so good of you 1" Mrs. March said, laying aside her work. “ Dear Lucy and I were getting terribly tired of each other. We are very mueh obliged to you for arriving in lime to prevent us from quarreling.” turba‘bly. Beedrew backa little than, and the eager color ebbed out cf her cheeks. “ Thank God,” she said, with a curious little thrill of disconteht in her voice ; and, as she_ tunqd away, she sigh‘egi. But there Ems av faint flicker of a smile on young Ackrovrl’a bearded lips and ip'thg oorperl 9f his kipd gmy gyeg. A few days later he was baa}; ir; the brown room, bringing with him Mr. Worthington's bill. Then Bee formed A desperate resolution, of which she did not speak even to Ted. Since it was of no use to reason with her brother. why should not she go and speak openly and plainly to Mrs. March. They did not like each other, but at least there could be no harm in Bee’s Malling the wife of her old friend what trouble Jack’s behavior was bring ing on the family who had been kind to Ada Ludlow and her mother when most they needed a friend. Perhaps Mrs. March had no idea how ill poor Jack could afiord the extravagance in which she encuumged him. Perhaps looking upon him as the son of a rich man, she thought it only natural that he should spend slime fortune on flowars and trinkets for her; she had been used to such intentions doubtless when her father was alive, Bee tried honestly to make allowances, notwithstanding her conviction that Mrs March's influence overher brother was an unwholesome one. “ Will jou answer me one question, Ada f" she asked bluntly' “ All that I have to Bay will depend on your answerfl “ The mystery deepens. By all means! What. is the question ?” Bee hesitated for a few moments; and then with 3. resolute gesture. she said â€"- ‘- That is easily told. It was given to me by poor papa naturally. with all the other jewelry I once possessed. But why canyon possibly want to know this 7’" " Will you tell me who gave you tho oollet necklace of dead-gold and nurquoiaes which I have seen you wear f" There w'as a scarcely-percepfible pausg’;T and than Mrs. March answered, with soiné uppeflxfaucp of surpriseâ€" “ I fill tell you." said Bee eumy ; and the repeated the awry of her visit to the jewâ€" eller’s shop. 7 Mrs March listened-in absolute silence. a. silence which lasted for some moments after Bee had ceased to speak. It was Lucy who broke it; at length, and the other two sat looking at each other with eyes dllated and darkened in the dusk. “ Perhaps your cousin can explain I" re. turned Bee. with bitterness. “ I only know matlhnve no necklace of dead-gold and turquoises,” "-Ada," urged Lucy in the aamevfrightened voice. " you don’& know anything about this, do you? Oh, why don’t ypu speak ‘1" _‘ “ I was anxious to hear Miss Throgmorton to the end,” she said; and, turning her flaxen head in her chair as she leaut back. she added coldly. addressing Bee, " Have you anything more to say? " “ No,” Bee returned abruptly. “ I must ask a question then in my turn. Pray tell me what connection your imagina tion has suggested between this little history and my collet necklace :7 ” There was andiher skiéht piuse; and then Mrs. March spoke very gently and deliberâ€" ately. “ I thought Jack gave‘it to you,” she said quite amply, “ or else I should not have come here to tell you about it. I wanted you to know that he has very little money, and that when he runs into debt it causes my mother great unhappiness at home.” “ Perhaps too you have confided this idea to Mr. Ackroyd? ” continued Ada. very quietly. Bee colored. “ I did not mention your name," she answered. “ But I believe 'l‘ed knew what was in my thoughts." “ I see." “ Oh, Ada,” Lucy burst forth again with feverish eagerness, “ you might speak to Mr. Jack! He would convince Bee that “ My dear Lucy,” interrupted her cousin in smiling reproof, ” I never inquire into the distribution of a young man’s menus plalsira. If Mr. Jack has admired my neck lace aufiicienbly to order a copy of it for some fair unknown, I can only admire his taste and question his sister‘s prudence in inquixing turther an to its destination.” “ Oh. Bee,” she said in a. frightened voice, ‘ I don’t think I underspand what yqu mean I" Bee’s dark eyes flashed seem at the speaker. Sue was convinced now that her first suspicion had been correct. Was this the fashion in which a good woman would have met her appeal ? Was it honest to try to make pour Jack out to be something worse than thoughtless and egtravagant 7 “Idid wrong to comé here!" she cried, rising. " I thought you would have listened to me for my mother’s sake. But 1 will go now." wOnly Mrs. March was as unruffied as ever. She held out her hand with a charming smile. Mrs. March bowed in silence, without quit ' ting her seat. Lucy looked at her in a kind of terror. “ Don’t go, Bee 1" she exclaimed. “ Ada is a. little annoyed ; but she will tell you- I am sure she willâ€"that ycu are mistaken. and Oh, here 15 your brother l I am very glad! Now you will hear, dearâ€"you will see I” W" Ob, Ada, X suspect nothing 1" Lucy ex. chjmed eagerly. Shé rang the bell ; she (iid not know what to do. She tried to lift the screaming, sobbing Bee 'looked at her, half sorrowful, half ndigpant. A And indeed at that moment young Throg- mutton appeared in the dusky doorway. look- ing somewhat puzzled at finding his sister in the room. Lucy ran to him with unwanted eagerness. “Come in. come in 1” she said. You are just in time! Bee was going away very unhappy; but you can explain every- thing.” " Explain 1 Explain what f" the young fellow asked, looking from one to the other agitated (gee beforer him. “ You are indeed just in time 1” she said. “ In George’s absence I am sure you will pro- tect me from insult.” “ From insult 7 " be repeated, turning sharply to Bee. ' Who has dared to annoy you #1”. But, tottering away from her, Ada flung herself down upon the sofa, where she lay writhing in uncontrollable agitation. Her cries filled the silent house. “ Ada,” Lucy cried, beside herself with tan-or, “ “has: isritfl? Are yqu 111?? “Take care!" cried the lady. prettily. “ You are talking of yonr sister. It appears I am accused of receiving expensive presents trom you. I believe you brought me some grapes and flowers yesterday ; you had evidently forgotten to ask permissionvto do so.” Jack followed his sister from the zoom. It was already dark, and, angry as he was, he could nos allow her to walk home alone. As the hall door shut behind them, Lucy turned and looked with a pale and frightened face at her cousin. " Oh, Ada,” she said. “Why did you not con- vince her that she w s mistaken? You might have ubown her the necklace; the juweller and the other one was not finished; she would have known then that there were two alike, andâ€"” “ Lucy"â€"Ada started up, shocked and woundad â€"-“ do you need proof that I have spoken the truth? In this girl going to divide us two after all these sear“. “ Oh,” aha continued excitedly, wringing her slender fingers, ” I could bear anything but this 1 George will be tho next to suspect me. I suppose l” WiLh this she broke into a long shrill laugh that ended in a hysterical burst of tears. _ ‘ ' “ Have you been meddling again in my aflairs 7” cried Jack. turning, in a (ume of wounded vanity, to his sister. “ Yes," returned Bee. steadily. “ I have. I would not have spoken of it before you ; but, since Mrs. March has chosen to do so, I may as Well tell you before her that Ted has paid your bill at Worthington’s, including the money for the collet necklace, but that this is the last time he will come to your assistance. In future. no matter what trou- ble it may cause us all, papa shall know overythipg.” r A ' “ Confound it," cried Jack. furious now, “ can’t you hold your tongue 7 What business has Ted Ackroyd to interfere in my business 1 And why should Mrs. March be annoyed by your infernal want. of tact; ?" " I am going now,” Bee said atlaat,tu1‘ning to Adn. “ And not even I r Lucy’s sake will I ever come back. I would do almost anything for her or for Docior March; but I will not enter the house where you live or take your hand again I” “ You will come to me, dear.” Bee said, gathering the pretty chestnut head against. her cheek. “ Good bye now. until I see you aggin.” V H This was a kind of scene he had not bar gained for in Mrs. March’s drawing room. There was nothing in the least artistic about it. It was true that Ada, in her fur bordered velvet gown, looked as like a stage marquise or charming widow as ever ; but he himnelf. listening in a Bulky rage to his sister‘s state- ment, and poor Lucy, sitting in startled disr trees and vainly attempting to sew with her little shaking fingers, were very commonplace and painful figures indeed. as befitted the vulgar story of debt and duplicity which was being told. " Bee I" cried Lucy in a heart broken voice. ” Oh. Bee 1” Vingas ‘skfi-"deérgé’m be coming home, Lucy remembered. What a scene for him come home to ! woman on her arm. Steps came hurrying up-amirs,nud. from the rooms above Mrs. Ludlow was heardicaniug on} in alarm. Then the startled faces of women looked in M the door, and Mrs. Batters came to her young, lady‘s _assistuncq. J"“"D 0- .. “ I heard the Doctor’s key in the door, Mias Lucy,” the old woman whispered. "Do you go and keep him away for a few minuteh, my dearle.” “ “But George had alreaéy heard the dish“ ,l bance overhead. “ What is wrong?" he asked, as Lucy came down the old staircase, as white as a sheet. but trying to smile. “ I met Jack and Bee on their Way home, and they looked quite upset. What has happened f” But ihe youhg man put her rather aternly aside. *‘ Ada has had a. little nervous attackâ€"that is all.” the girl faltered. ” And you will please come into the study George, for a, moment? I want to ask you abou: " *‘ Another time, Lucy," he said. " I 1mm goito my wife pow.” v Lucy' sat down trembling in the hull. Would Ada in her excitement disclose the cause 01 her distress? The gas was flaring, a door banged, a sudden drgary aiiepce hm? fgllenpn the Pogse.’ Then the girl heard poor little Geordie begin to cry up stairs in his nursery. and she mu up stairs to see what ailed the little fol, low. His nurse had rushed to Mrs. March’s assistance with the rest of the servants. and baby, left. alone, had dropped his whitu “ baa- lamb,” without which he always found it im- possible to go to sleep. - Lucy pututhe woolly treasure into the little drowsy arms, and tucked the child warmly into his lace curtained cot. As she sang her foolish little lullaby and watched by ‘he little pillow, the old vsgue insistent pain was stirring in Lucy’s heartâ€" the pain we feel for what is done and can never be undone. It was so useless. so hope- less, so impotent ; but the aching would not go away, though it was too late now for regret or for remorse. When she went down stairs again, she was told that the Doctor had gone out, leaving word with Miss Thrale that he would not be back till late, andjhat Mrs. March had fallen asleep. “ Geordie go to bee b0 now,” aha said ten- derly, f‘and Luqy will Mpg abgup the_}iittens.’j One of the old time editors of Michigan was boasting the other day that he had never been sued for libel. or attacked in his sanctum, but he could recall many narrow escapes. Twenty-five years ago he was running a red hot paper on the line of the Michigan Central Railroad. A man named Carson. who was running for some county office. was given a bad racket. and the editor received a note that if he had anything more to say he might expect to receive a good pounding. He had a still more bitte ttack the next week. Sir-.3 the paper was hafidy mailed before in walke Carson. the canditate, accompanied by a brother and two cousins. The four were strapping big fellows, and each were armed with a horse whip. The two compositor: and the "devil" got out with all speed, leaving the editor without support. He realized the situation at once, and began: " Walk in gentlemen: I persume you have come to horaewhip me 7 " “ We have,” they answered. “ Very well. Have you thoroughly con- sidered the matter." “ It doesn’t need any consideration," re~ plied Carson. “ You have lied about me, and I’m going to lick you within an inch of your his 1” “ Just so, my friend. but first hear what I have to say. Did you ever hear of the press being stopped because the editor was cowhided 7’ ' ‘ “ Well. you never did. Lick me all you choose and my paper comes out week after week just the same. The power of the press is next to the lever which moves the universe. It makes or breaks parties, builds up or $8811 down, plants or destroys. Aggrsvste the editor and the press becomes a. sword to wound and kill. Wollop me if you will, bu next week I‘ll come out more bitter than ever." » “ It will go out to the worldâ€"to America. Canada, England. Franceâ€"aye I clear to Jerusalem that the Carson family of this country live on roots and johnny cake; that they stole a. dog from a blind man ; that they murdered at peddler for a pair of two shilling suspenders; that the women are club footed and the men work their ears when they sing ; that theâ€"â€"" â€"The Fleet prison was in use in London before the year, 1200, both as a debtor’s and king’s bench prison. It was such umil 1641, when it became, like the Marshalsea, a debt- or’s prison. The expression " Fleet marri- age” has for an explanation the fact that this prison, like Gretna Green in la‘er times. and May Fair and Savoy earlier, was a famous resort for clandestine marriages. The (.ffiolalors were Church of England clergy- men,who were in prison for debt. The most famous Fleet marriage was 18x13 01 Henry Fox, afterward Lord Holland. There was an embarrassing silence right here, and the face of each home Whippet had an anxious look. “ What is the regular subscription price to the Herald 7” interrupted Carson. ” Only twelve shillings a. year." “ Put us four dovfn." “ Very wellâ€"six dollarsâ€"that’s correct. Run 111 and see meâ€"all of you, and if buy of you want to see any of my Detroit er changes I shall be only too glad to serve you.” In is said that Miss Graham has been unit- ing friends in this (my (or some time, and that her parents atWhiLestone were not aware that she was to be mmried so soon until, ey received a telegraphic announcement thl ah. was married.~N. Y. World, Oct. 5. About noon on Thursday last a very young man and a lady, who might be anywhere from twenty-one to twenty~five. called on Mayor Grace and asked him to marry them. The mayor had doubts about the age of the young man, who looked to be seventeen or eighteen years old, but who protested that ho was within a few weeks of twenty one and we willing to make oath to that eflect. The young people had no witnesses to vouch for them, so they had to Wear to their identity as required by law. The mayor than married 1hem.though not without some secret mil- giving as to the age of the bridegroom. The couple signed their names as George D. Mao- dougall and Maria. L. Graham. Wedding of Miss Graham, of Whitestone, .N. Y.. and a. Torontonien who had Saved Her from Drowning. The rescue of a lady from drowning at Whitestone. L. 1,, on the evening of August 23 has just resulted in a marriage. "““: rescued lady being the bride and her res the bridegroom. On the evening in que., a number of ladies and children were ifi“.fi8 eummenhouee at the end of Capt. Merritt’s private wharf at Whitestone. In the party was Miss Louise Graham, whose parents are old residents of the village. Throug ‘ some unexplained accident she 1811 over the railing at the water and of the sum- mer house. a distance of fifteen feet. The greatest confusion followed. The cries for help were heard by Mr. George Maodeugall, son of Mr. William Maodougail, who was ap- pointed Lieulenaanovernor of Manitoba when the Dominion of Canada acquired that Providence from the Hudson Bay company. Young Maodougall and Miss Graham is seems, were engaged to be untried. When he heard the cry “ Miss Graham is overboard l” he rushed to the rescue. dashed through the summer house, jumped into the water, struck out towards Miss Graham, who was fast losing strength. and with great dim- culty saved her. THE POWER OF THE PRESS. MARRYING HER RESCUER. (To my communb.)