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HER DOUBLE TRIUMPH. Late in the autumn, not many years since, a public meeting was held at the Mansion House, London~under the direc- tion of the Lord Mayor. . q . 13...-.. The list of gentlemen, invited to address the audience, had been chosen with two objects in view. Speakers of celebrity, who could rouse public enthusiasm,were supported by speakers connected with com- merce, who would be practically useful in explaining the purpose for which the meet- ing was convened. Money, wisely spent in advertising, had produced the customary result: every seat was occupied before the proceedings. begun . r-vvvvu-ubu .0. a--. Among the late arrivals, who had no choice but to stand or to leave the hall, were two ladies. One of them at once deeided on leaving the hall. “ I shall go back to the carriage," she said, “ and wait for you at the'door." Her friend answered, “ I ehan’t keep you long. He is advertised to support the second resolution ; I want to see himâ€"â€" and that is all.” 1 nun. v... v n. .. An elderly gentleman, seated at the end of 8. beneh, rose and offered his place to the lady who remained. She hesitated to take advantage 01 his kindness, until he had reminded her of What she had said. to her friend. Before the third resolution was proposed, his seat would be at his own dis- posal again. She thanked him, and, with. out further ceremony, took his place. He was provided with an opera. glass, which he more than once offered to her when Eamon ontore appeared on the platform. She made no use of it, until a. speakerâ€"known in the city, but not known elsewhereâ€" stepped forward to support the second resolution. “You shall bear directly. On your way into hhe town, your carriage was stopped by an obstruction on the high road. The people of Bexmore were looking at a. house on fire.” mun-w u..- .__..__..- _m The moment he rose the lady asked for the opera glass. She kept it to her eyes for such a length of time, and with such evident interest in Mr. Lismore, that the curiosity of her neighbors was aroused. Had he anything to say in which a lady (evidently a stranger to him)'was personally interested ? There was nothing in the address that he delivered which appealed to the enthusiasm of women. He was undoubtedly a handsome man, whose appearance proclaimed him to be in the prime of lifeâ€"midway, perhaps, between 30 and 40 years of age. But why alady should persist in keeping an opera glass fixed on him all through his speech, was a question which found the generalingenuity at a. loss for a reply. “ I beg your pardon, sir, for keeping it so long.” Having returned the glass with this excuse, she ventured on putting a question next. “ Did it strike you that Mr. Lismore seemed to be out of spirits ?" she asked. “ I can’t say it did, ma’am.” “ Perhaps you noticed that he left the platform the moment he had done '2” ,._n_L .‘u “If- T:â€" “ It was absolutely necessary," she pro- ceeded, “ that you should be on board your ship, in the London Docks, at 9 O’clock the next morumg. If you had ‘03 the express. the vessel would have sailed yvithout you.’ The expreauion of his face begin to change to surprise. “ Who told you that?" he asked. "fig‘g‘tam'a to his feet. H Good Home»! argyogl t_h_e lafiy ‘I ’_' SEe held up Her hand in satirical protest. I “ Gently, air! You suspected me just now | .' A New Story for the Times. -vuv-“..v_. His name fiannounced in the advertise- me_n_ts) was meet Lismore. n , 1_:_. -_I.-:I t-.. As a hint that his time was valuable, the ship-owner had hitherto remained stand- ing. He now took his customary seat, and began to listen with some interest. Mrs. Gallender had produced her efleet on him already. . ” Let me assist your memory. Mr. Lis- more ; and I will leave you to your affairs. On the date that I have referred to. you were on your way to the railway station at Bexmore, to catch the night express from the North to London.” She was a woman of some spirit, and that reply roused her. “ I will mention it in one word," she said smartly. “ My business isâ€"grabitud_e.” “ Do‘you remember the night of the 11th 0! March, between five and six years since ‘I” He considered for a moment. " No,” he said, “I don’t remember it. Excuse me, Mrs. Callender. I have affairs of my own to attend to, which cause me some anxiety." ,...----__ -__ _,,-, , This expression of interest in Mr.Lis- more did not escape the notice of a. lady, seated on the bench in front. Before the old gentleman could anewer,ahe volunteered an explanayion. :. :_.___LI_:I Lâ€" He was completely at a. loss to under- stand what she meant; and he said so plainly. Instead of explaining herself, she put _a question. " I am afraid Mr. Lismore is troubled by anxieties connected with his business," she said. “ My husband heard it reported in the city yesterday that; he was seriously embarrassed by the failure ” «.1 1 “ I am at your service," he answered, a little stifl'iy. “ Especially if you will be so kind as to mention your business with me in few words." Observing the lady. as she approached him, With the momentary curiosity of a stranger, he noticed that she still preserved the remains of beauty. She had also escaped theimisfortune, common to persons at her time of life, of becoming too fat. Even to a man’s eye, her dressmaker appears to have made the most of that favorable circumstance. Her figure had its defects concealed, and its remaining merits set OK to advantage. At the same time, she evidently held herself above the common deoeptions. by which some women seek to conceal their age. She were her OWn gray hair; and her complexion bore the test of daylight. On entering the room she- made her apologies with some embar- rassment. Being the embarrassment of a stranger (and not of a youthful stranger) it failed to impress Mr. Lismpre favorably. “ I am afraid I have chosen an inéon- venlgnt time for my v_iait_,”‘she began. A loud burst of applause made the and of the sentence inaudible. A famous mem- ber of Parliament had risen to propose the third resolution. The polite old man took his seat, end the lady left the hall to Join “ Oh, dear no! She comes in her cm:- riage.” " Is she young or old '2" ” Old. sir.” To Mr. mannersâ€"conscious of the disas- trous influence occasionally exercised over busy men by youth and beautyâ€"this was a. ieaognmendation in itself. He said, “Show er 1n.” her friefid. K: J ' V ’ "Far from it! But I have heard a. report about him which has alarmed me. He is said to be seriously troubled abouh money matters. How can Ifind out his address in tam“ 3113f)“.ng pass and ask to look at the direc- tory. Are you going to pay Mr. Lismore a. visit ?” “ I am going to think about it." n. The next day a. clerk entered Mr. Lis- more's private room at the office, and pre» sented a. visiting card. Mrs. Callender had reflected, and had arrived at a decision. Underneath her name, she had written these explanatory words: “ On important business.” 72135553119 look as it she wanted money ‘2” Mr. yismpre inqujreil: diaagpoiilted yqu 3'” “ Well, M158. Capgnder, has Mr. Lismore (BY WILKIE COLLINS.) end of wastlng your valuable tlme. Don’t ratath conclude that I am the lady, until you find that I am acquainted with the circumstances.” “ Is there no excuse for my failing to recognize you? " Mr. Lismore asked. “We were on the dark side of the burning house ; you were fainting, and Iâ€"â€"” H A: 11 -IL-.. ....w.:..n “And you,” Bheinterposed, “ after saving me at the risk of your own life, turned a deaf ear to my poor husband’s entreatiea, when he asked you to wait till I had recovpred my senses.” _ m m u mr, W7: EsoE-wfifigiband? Surely, Mrs. Callender, he received no serious injury from the fire ‘2 ” “ The firemen rescued him under circum- stances of peril,” she anewered,,“and at his great age. he sank under the shock. I have lost the kindest and beet of men. Do you' remember how you parted from himâ€" burnt and bruised in saving me ? He liked to talk of it in his last illness. ‘ At least,’ he said to you, ‘ tell me the name of the man who has preserved my wife from a. dreadful death.’ You threw your card to him out of the carriage window and away you went at a gallop. In all the years that have passed since, I have kept that card, and have vainly inquired for my brave sea. captain. Yesterday I saw your name on the list of speakers at the Mansion House. Need I say that I attended the meeting? Need I tell you, now, why I come here and interrupt you in business hours?” :1 If- T: ~~~~~~ mu.“ m. .. -...,._..- .._.V. “ You have not doB‘eWWith me yet,” she resumed, with a. smile. “ Do you remem- ber what I said of my errand when I first came in ‘1” mgfiénfiéfd out vhgz: hand. Mr. Lismore took it in silence 8.1131 preysng it warmly. “ You said it was an errand of grati- tude.” “ Something more than the gratitude which only says Thank you," she added. “ Before I explain myself, however, I want to know what you have been doing, and how it was that my inquiries failed to trace yog after thgt terrible night.” . “Adah us. an"... n..." “0-...-- -76", The appearance of depression, which Mrs. Callender had noticed at the puolic meeting, showed itself again in Mr. Lis- more’s face. He sighed as he answered her. " My story has one merit,” he said, " it is soon told. I cannot wonder that you failed to discover me. In the first place, I was not captain of my ship at that time ; Iwas only mate. In the second place, I inherited some money, and ceased to lead a sailor’s life, In less than a year from the night of the fire. You will now understand what obstacles were in the way of your tracing me. With my little capital Istarted successfully in business as a ship owner. At the time I naturally congratulated _myself_ on my own good tortune. We little . u, , 1"“.-- Ln" A man threntened by min was in no state of mind to keep an engagement; at a. lady‘s tea-table. Ernest sent a. letter of apology to Mrs. Callender; alleging ex- treme pressure of business as the excuse for breaking his engagement. “Am I to wait for an answer, sit ? ” “ No; you are merely to leave the letter.” IV. In an hour’s timeâ€"to Ernest’s astoniflh- The one security that he could ofler was open, it must be owned, toserious objec- tions on the score ofriek. He wanted an advance of twenty thousand pounds, secured on ahomeward-bound ship and cargo, worth double the moneyâ€"if the vessel reached her port in safety. She was now more than a. month overdue; the season was stormy, and the underwriters shook their heads. The unfortunate shipowner returned to his office, without money, and without credit. know, Mrs. Celleuder, What the future has in store for us.” He stopped. His handsome features hardened, as if he was suffering (and con- cealing pain). Before it was possible to speak to him, there was a. knock at the door. Another visitor, without an appoinfi- ment, had called ; the clerk appeared again with a. card and a message. Looking at the letter, Ernest observed that the envelope was sealed. In spite of that ominous innovation on established usage, in cases of personal introduction, he pre- sented the letter. On this occasion he was not put off with excuses. The capitalist flatly declined to discount Mr. Lismore’s bills, unless they were backed by responsi- ble names. Ernest made a last effort. He applied for help to two mercantile men, whom he had assisted in their diffi- culties, and whose names would have satisfied the money-lender. They were “ most sincerely sorry "â€"but they too refused. "g... .- ~.~-_ ..____ “ The gentlam'én'tgéééuyou will see him, air. He has something to tell you which is togimportapt to be delayed." nJLMJ _ u _ h n A Ivv .wrv- ..._- .. Hearing the message Mrs. Callender rose immediately. “ Is is enough for to-day shat we under- stand each other,” she said. “ Have you any engagement to-morrow, after the hours of business ‘2 ” “ None.” She pointed to he: card on the writing- table. “ Will you some to me to-morrow evening at that address? I am like the gentleman who has just called ; I, too, hale my reason for wishing to see you.” _ A“ Mam m. The gentleman who had so urgently requested an interview was a devout friend â€"â€"who had obtained a means of helping Ernest at a serious crisis in his affairs. It had- been truly reported that he was in a position of pecuniary embarrassment, owing to the failure of a mercantile house with which he had been intimately con- nected. Whispers afleoting his own sol- vency had followed on the bankruptcy of the firm. He had already endeavored to obtain advances of money on the usual oonditio ns and had been met by excuses for delay. His friend had now arrived with a letter of introduction to a capitalist, well known in commercial circles for his daring specula‘ tions and his great wealth.“ Ernest Lismore was thoroughly puzzled. What could be the old lady’s object in ascertaining that he was still free from a matrimonial engagement ? If the idea had occurred to him in time, he might have alluded to her domestic life, and might have asked if she had children. With a little tact he might have discovered more than this. She had described her feeling towards him as passing the ordinary limits of gratitude; and she was evidently rich enough to be above the imputation of a mercenary motive. Did she propose to brighten those dreary prospects to which he alluded, in speaking of his own life? When he pre- sented himself at her house, the next evening, would she introduce him to a chirming daughter? .. .. 1 wvv ml .vum...‘ _ . ...___. He gladly acceth-ed' the iZQitatioil. Mrs. Ca.llender stopped him as he opened the door for her. He smiled bitterly as the idea. occurred to him. “ An appropriate time to be thinking of my chances of, marriage!" he said to himself. ” In another month I may be a ruined man.” uva- u... u “ Shall I offend you." she said, “ if I ask a strange question before I go ? I have a better motive. mind, than mere curiosity. Are you married ‘2” 1‘ N0.” “ Forgive me again,” she resumed. “ Ab my age you cannot: possibly misunderstand me; and yet ” She hesitated. Mr. Lismore tried to W"fievi‘agnaiit'imposEible to' conceal his sur- pnse. But he answered wibhouh hesim- tion. I“ Prayj‘é‘hrfitand on ncé'remony, MN- Callender. Nothing that you can ask we need be prefaced by an apology." Thus encouraged, she ventured to pro- oeed. “You may be engaged to be married,” ah§_suggest_e_d,_“ o: ygq may be in lovp ‘2" N 7“ There is no such bright prospect in my life." he said. ‘7‘ Jam npt evgn ’1}; love.” wit}; {little 31gb. It sounded liks a. sigh_(_)f relief. 1 a mantaâ€"the messenger retqrned with areply. “ The lady was just going out, sir, when I rang at the door,” he explained; " and she took the letter from me herself. She didn’t appear to know your handwriting, and she asked me whom I came from. As soon as I told her, I was ordered to wait.” Ernest opened the letter. “ DEAR MR. L1suosE,â€"-One of us must speak out, and your letter of apology forces me to be that one. If you are really so proud and so distruatful as you seem to be, I shall offend you. If not, I shall prove myself to be your friend. - turgd ._..,_‘¥_ -- we”? “ Your excuse is ‘ pressure of; business.’ The truth (as I have good reason to believe) is ‘want of money.’ I heard a stranger say, at that public meeting, that you were seriously embarrassed by some failure in the gity. 7“ Let me tellyou what my own pecuniary position is, in two words. I am the childless n widow of a. rich man â€"â€" V _ Ernest paused. HIS anticipated discovery of Mrs. CM'lender’s charming daughter was in his mind for the moment. ” Thin; little romance must return to the world of iireams,” he thoughtâ€"and went on with mhe atter. “ After what I owe to you I don’t regard it as repaying an obligationâ€"I consider myself as merely performing a. duty, when I offer to assxsh you byaloan of monieiy. “ Wait a little before youthrow myletter into the waste-paper basket. “ Circumstances (which it is impossible for me to mention more particularly until we meet) put it out of my power to help yogi,‘ unless" I. attach _to .._v.r my most silicate offer of service a. very unusual and very embarrassing con- ditiOn. If you are on the brinkof ruin, that misfortune wxll plead my excuseâ€"and your excuse, too, if you except‘the loan on my terms. In any case, Ire-1y on the sym- thy and forbearance of a. man to whom I owe my life._ - . ,muL.“ LL-..‘ “ Aid you want to know if there is any llkelihood of my following their example?" he said. " Have you also heard of men, Vvvu “.1 n--. “After what I have now written, there is only one thing to add. I beg to decline accepting your exnueee; and I shall expect to see you tomorrow evening, as we ar- ranged. I am an obstinate old woman ;but I am also your faithful friend and servant. MARY CALLENDER. Ernesn looked up from the letter. “ What can she possibly mean ‘2” he wondered. But he wee too a. sensible men to be con - tent with wondering: he decided on keeping his engagement. She isnill controiled her agitation ; but she was unable to conceal it. Ernest made an attempt to spare her. “Am I concerned in this '2” he asked. “ Yes. Before I tell you why, I want to know what: you would doâ€"in a. certain case which I am unwilling even to suppose. I have heard of men, unable to meet the demands made on them, who began busi- ness again, and succeeded, and in course of timeA pajd their orgditgrs." What Doctor Johnson called “ the insol- ence of wealth ” appears for more fre- quently in the houses of the rich than in the manners of the rich. The reason is plain enough. Personal ostentation is, in the very nature of it, ridiculous. But the ostentation which exhibits magnificent pictures, priceless china. and splendid fur- niture can purchase good taste to guide it, and can assert itself without aflording the smallest opening for a word of deprecia- tion or a look of contempt. It I am worth a million of money, and if I am dying to‘ show it, I don’t ask you to look at meâ€"I aeliyou to look at my house. .1 1:5,- (1‘1 " I conceal it from you,” she said ; “bntI want confidence. Here " (she pointed to the cup) “ is the friend of women, rich or poor, when they are in trouble. What I have now to say obliges me to speak in praise of myself. I don’t like itâ€"let me get over it as soon as I can. My husband was very fond of me. He had the most absolute confidence in my discretion, and in my sense of duty to him and to myself. His last words. before he died. were words that thanked ms for making the happiness of his life. As soon as I had in some degree recovered, after the affliction that had fellen on me. his lawyer and executor produced a. copy of his will. and said there were two clauses in it which my husband had expressed a. wish that I should read. It is needless to say that I obeyed." W-I‘Céesiéé Bisâ€"efiésgément with Mrs. Ca1- lender, Ernest discovered that riches might beilavishly amt?I yeti lquestly used. . . AL- “If your overdue ship returns safely, within a month from this time, you can borrow the money you want, without difli- eulty. If the ship is lost, you have no alternative (when the end of the month oomesfbut to accept a. loan from me or to suspend payment. Is that the herd truth ? ” "It is.” “ And the sum you require insâ€"£20,000 ? " ” Yes." “ I have twenty times as much money as that, Mr. Lismore, at my sole disposalâ€"on one condition.” "V """"""J "â€"" J ' ' i ’ ’ ' ’ a In crossing the hall and ascending the stairs, look where he might, his notice was insensibly won by roofs of the taste which is not tobe purc seed, and the wealth which uses but never exhibits its purse. Conducted by a man servant to the landing on the first floor, he found a maid at the door of the boudoir, waiting to announce him. Mrs. Callender advanced to welcome her guest in a simple evening dress, per- fectly suited to her age. All that had looked worn and faded in her fine face by daylight was now softly obscured by shaded lamps. Objects of beauty surrounded her, which glowed with subdued radiance from their background of sober color. The influence of appear- ances is the strongest of all outward influences, while it lasts. For the moment, the scene produced its impression on Ernest, in spite of the terrible anxieties Which consumed him. Mrs. Callender, in his oflice, was a woman who had stepped out other appropriate’sphere. Mrs. Gal- lender, in her own house, wasa woman who had risen to a new place in his estimation. “ But you don’t know yet what I have to say. Let us understand each other before we make any objections. on either side. Will you tell me what your present position ieâ€"at its worst? I can and will speak plainly when my turn oomee, if you will honor me with your confidence. Not if it distreeeee you l " she added, observing him atgentively. _ He was ashamed of his hesitationâ€"and he made amends for it. “ Do you thoroughly understand me ? ” he asked, when the whole truth had been laid before her without reserve. Shé summed up the result, in her own words. H‘Ther rcondi'aion alluded to in your letter ‘2” “Yes.” “Does the fulfilment of the condition depend, in some way, on any decision of mine 7" g “ It depends entirely on you.” That answer closed his lips. With a. composed manner and a steady hand, she po_u_re_d herself out: a. cup‘off‘ea... _ [ifiiivévyburréad my letter in the same friendly spirit in which I wrote it ?” she askegl, _when they_wete alqng again. W‘iilri'haver rreajd your latte; gratefully. Butâ€"~â€"â€"â€"â€"-” “I am afraid you don’t thank me for forcing you to keep your engagement," she sand, with be: friendly tones and her pleasant smile._ . ..u u--u _E[‘he shine passed away from her face. “ Then it is true ‘2” she said gravely. ” Only too true.” She led him to aaeat beside her, and waited to speak again, until her maid had brought in the tea: “ Indeed, I do thank you,” he replied. “ Your beautiful house and your gracious welcome have persuaded me into forgetting my troublesâ€"for a. while.” ' a u a who have made that second effortâ€"Who have failed againâ€"and who have doubled the debts they owed to their brethren in busmess who tweed tahem? I knew one of those men nyself. He committed suicide.” " She laid her hand for a moment: on his. “I understand ycu,” she said. “ If ruin comes â€"â€"” . “If ruin com-as” he interposed, “a man without money and without credit can make but one aBt atonement. Don’t; speak of 1t now.“ . “1' She looked m him with didn’t mean that ” she said. “ Shall we go hick to what the will?" be suggested. VI. In less than the mingte she had asked for, Mrs. Gallender was calm enough to go on. ,n,;1 A Ill- “ Yeaâ€"if you Will give me compose myself.” “ I now possess, when is called, a. life interest. in my husband‘s fortune," she said. “ The money is to be divided, at my death, among charitable institutionsâ€"excepting a. certain 6‘. out which is provided for in the will. I am to inherit the whole four hun- dred thousand pounds, and I may use it at my own eole discretionâ€"«4’ her voxce dropped, and her eyes looked away from him as she spoke the next wordsâ€"“ on this one condition, that I marry again.” He looked at her in amazement. “ Surely, I have mistaken you 7 ” he said. “ You mean ' on this one condition, that you do not marry again ? " n -,1 “ No, Mr. Lismom'; I mean exactly what I have said. You now know that the car- taiu recovery of your credit. and your peace of mind rests entirely wjth yourself? ’_’ Rifle; ermoment of'reflecti'on, he took her hand and raised it respectfully to hm lips. “ You are a noble woman.” he said. â€"Shg 71717154697110 reply. With drooping head and downcaat eyes she waited for his decismn. He accepbgd his jgggohsihiligy. Mrs. Lismore’s taste for music was matched by Ernest‘s taste for painting. In his leisure hours be cultivated the art, and delighted in it. The picture galleries of Munich were almost the only galleries in Europe which he had not seen. True to the engagements to which she had pledged herself, his wife was willing to go wherever it might please him to take her. The one suggestion she made was, that they should hire furnished apartments. If they lived at an hotel, friends of the husband or the wife (visitorslike themselves to the famous city), might see their names in the book, or might meet them at the door. “ I must not, and dare not, think 0! v the hardship of my own position," he said; “ I owe it to you to speek.without reference to the future that may be in store for me. No man can be worthy of the sacrifice which your generous forgetfulness of your- self is willing to make. I respect you; I admire you; Ithsnk you with my whole heart. Leave me to my fate, Mrs. Cal- lenderâ€"snd let me go.” He rose. She stopped him by a. gesture. “ A young women,” she answered, “would shrink from saying what I, as an old women, mean to say now. I refuse to leave you to your fate. I ask you to prove that you respect me, admire me, and thank me with your whole heart. Take one day to think-and let me hear the result. You promise me this?” He promised. “ Now go,” she said. VII. The next morning Ernest received a. letter from Mrs. Cellender. She wrote to him as follows : “ Théie arer some considerations, which I ought to have mentioned yesterday even- ing,_be£or_e y_ou_left my bones: “ I ought to have reminded youâ€"if you consent to reconsider your decisionâ€"that the circumstances do not require you to pledge yourself to me absolutely. They arranged to wait for a few days in Paris, to receive any letters of importance which might have been addressed to Ernest in the interval. 011 the evening of their arrival, a telegram from London was wait- ing at their hotel. It announced that the missing ship had passed up channelâ€" undiscovered in a fog until she reached the Downsâ€"on the day before Ernest’s liabili- ties fell due. " Do you regret; it ‘2” Mrs. Lismore said to her husband. “ Not for a moment I" he answered. They decided on pursuing their journey as far as Munch. “ At my age,1 can, with perfect pro- pnety, assure you that I regard our mar- riage simply and solely as a. formality which Imust fulfil, if I am to carry out my intention of standing between you and rum. Ix. The weeks passedâ€"and no news was received of the missing ship. With the marriage license in Ernest’s possession. they waited until the day before the ship- owner's liabilities became due. Mrs. Cal- leuder’s lawyer and Mrs. Callender’s maid were the only persons trusted with their secret. Leaving the chief clerk in charge of the business, with every pecuniary demand satisfied in full, the strangely- married pair quitted England. “ Thereforeâ€"if the missing ship appears in time the only reaaon for the marriage is at an end. We shall be as good fnends as ever, without the encumbrance of a formal tie to bind us. VIII. Mrs. Oallender received a. written answer long before the evening. It said much in few words. “A man impenetrable to kindness might be able to resist your letter. I am not that man. Your greet heart has conquered "In the other event, I should ask you to submit to certain restrictions which, re- membering my position, you will under- stand and excuse. “ In the meantime, don’t think because I write composedly that I write heartlessly. You pleased and interested me when I first saw you, at the public meeting. I don’t think I could have proposed what you call this sacrifice of myself to a man who had personally repelled rueâ€"though I might have felt my debt of gratitude as sincerely as ever. Whether your ship is saved or whether your ship is lost, old Mary Cslien- der likes youâ€"~and owns it Without false shame. “ Let me have your answer this evening, either personally or by letterâ€"Whichever you like best." “ As to our future lives, I have the most perfect confidence in you; and I should leave you in the same position of independ- ence which you occupy now. When you wish for my company you will always be welcome. At other times, you are your own master. I live on my side of the house, and you live on yoursâ€"and I am to he allowed my hours of solitude every day, in the pursuit of musical occupations, which have been happily associated with all my paetlife, and which I trust confidently to younindulgence. "'At my age, you cannot, in the course of nature, be troubled by the society of a grateful old woman for: many years. You are young enough to look forward to another marriage. which shall be something more than a. mere form. Even if you meet with the happy woman in my lifetime, honestly tell me of itâ€"end I promise to tell her that she has only to wait. “ We are to live together, it is unneces- sary to say, as mother and son. The mar- riage ceremony is to be strictly private ; and you are so to arrange your affairs that, im- mediately afterwards, we leave England for any foreign place which you prefer. Some of my friends, and (perhaps) some of your friends; will certainly misinterpret out motivesâ€"ii we stay in our own countryâ€"m in a manner which would be unendurable to a woman like me. U 7‘7‘ A last §vord to remind you of what you may-be too kind to think pfiyogrself. T1155; iwer’é isoon established In a house horror. you read a minute large enough to provide them with every accommodation which they {quiz-9d. Ernest’s days were passed in the galle- ries ; Mrs. Lismore remaining at home, devoted to her music, until it was time to go out with her husband for a. drive. Living together in perfect amity and concord, they were nevertheless not living happily. With- out any visible reason for the change Mrs. Lismore’s spirits were depressed. On the one occasion when Ernest noticed it, she made an effort to be cheerful, which it dis- tressed him to see. tie allowed her to think that she had relieved him of any further anxiety. Whatever doubts he might feel were doubts delicately concealed, from that time forth. But. when two people are living together, in a. state of artificial tranquility, it seems to be a. law of Nature that the elements of disturbance gather unseen, and that the outburst comes invariably with the lapse of time. In ten days from the date of their arri- val at Munich, the crisis came. Ernest returned later than usual from the picture- gallery, andâ€"for the first time in his wife‘s exp‘erienceâ€"shut himself up in his own room. He appeared at the dinner-hour, with a futile excuse. Mrs. Lismore waited untll the servant had withdrawn. “ Now, Ernest,” she said, "it’s time to tell me the truth.” Her manner, when she said those few words, took him by surprise. She was un- questionably confused, and, instead of look- ing at; hlm, she trifled with the fruit on her plate. Embarrassed. on his side, he could only answer, “ I have nothing to tell.” “ “ Were there many visitors at the gallery 7” she asked. “ About the same as usual.” “ Any that you particularly noticed ‘2” she went on ; " I mean among the ladies." Heluughed uneasily. “ You forgot how interested I am in the pictures,” he said. There was a pause. -She kicked up' at him, and suddenly looked away again. But he saw it plainly ; there were tears in her eyes; She ran no the door as she spoke, and placed herself in the way of his going out. He signed to her to let hlm pass. She suddenly threw her arms round hi neokâ€"kxssed him passionatelyâ€"and whis- pered, with her lips at his ear, “Oh, Ernest, forgive me! Could I have asked you to marry me for my money, if I had not taken refuge in a. disguise 1” "‘ Do you mind turning down the gas,” she said. “ My eyes have been weak all dalll He complied with her requestâ€"the more readily, having his own reasons for being glad to escape the glaring scrutiny of the light. “ I think I will rest a llbtle on the sofa,” she resumed. In the position which he occupied, his back would have been now turned on her. She stopped him when he tried to move his chair. “ I would rather not look at you, Ernest," she said, “ when you have lost confidence in me." I, "“‘ _"D“' " “’" a This passed the limits of his endurance. “ I have no wwh,” be said, “ to forget the consideration which is due to womenâ€"and I have but one alcernative. I must leave the room.” “ I have a. fertile fancy," she went on ; “ and your absurd way of taking a. joke only encourages me 1 Suppoae you could transform this sour old wife of your’s, who has insulted me, into the sweetest young creature that ever lived, by only holding up your fingerâ€"wouldn’t you (do it ‘2” 1. __J ....... He was not merely surprised-he was disgusted. Her beauty had so eompletely fascinated him, when he first saw her, that the idea of associating any want of refine- ment and good breeding with such a. charm- ing creature never entered his mind. The disenchantment of him was already so complete, that he was disegreeebly affected by the tone of her voxce ; it was almost as repellent to him as the exhibition of unre- strained bad temper, which she seemed perfectly eereleee to conceal. ",i n L_ ....::l r """"" J '""""" " ** "I confess you surprise me,“ he said, coldly. ~ The reply produced no effect upon her. On the contrary, she became more inaolenb than ever. Not the words, but; the tone, touched all that was generous and noble in his nature. He left his placeâ€"and knelt beside herâ€"- and opened to her his whole heart. “’ Am I'not unworthy of you 7” he asked, when it; was over. , She pressed his hand in silence. “ I should be the mosh ungrateful wretch living,” he said, “ if I did. not think of you, and you only, now that my confession is made. ' We will leave Munich _to-mortow. and, if resolution can help me, I will only remember the sweetest woman my eyes ever looked on as the 'creature of a. dream.” The young lady laughed. “ At any rate, you are a. good husband." she said satin- cally. “Suppose you own the truth! Wouldn’t you like her better, if she was yogng and pretty liko me ?” “Let me beg you to alter your opinion,” he answered. “ You are wronging my wife; she is incapable of any such feeling asjou attributefitopenj’ She hid her face on his breast, and re- minded him of that letter of her writin‘g, which had decided the course of their llves. “When I thought; you might meet the happy woman in my lifetime, I said to you, ‘ Tell me of it, and I promise to tell her that; she has only to wait.’ Time must pass, Ernest, before it; can be needful to perform my gromise. ‘Buh you might let “I have been talking to your wife's maid, while you have been away,"sha said. “I find you have married an old lady for her money. She is jealous of me, of course!” me see her. If you find her in the gallery tomorrow you might bring her here." Her request met With no refusal. He waspnly at 8.1955 to know hpw no grant it. When he returned to the sitting room, the young lady was, not unnaturally, offended, He could make allowances for her being a little out of temper at the slight that had been put on her ; but he was inexpresaibly disconcerted by the mannerâ€"almost the coarse mannerâ€"in which she expressed herself. The sitting room was empty when they entered it. He rang for his wife’s maidâ€"â€" and was informed that Mrs.Liamore had gone out. Refusing to believe the woman, he went to hla Wife’s apartments. She was not to be found. “ You said she was a. oopyist of pictures," his wife reminded him. “ Tell her of the portfolio of drawings by the great French artist, which I bought for you in Paris; and ask her to come and see them, and to tell you if she can make some copies.” He felt her heart beating fast on his bosom. In the fear that she might lose all control over herself, he tried to relieve her by speaking lightly. “ What an in- vention your’s is!” he said. “ If my wife ever tries to deceive me, I shall be a. mere child in her hands.” "1 have slept; badly,” she answered ;“ and I must beg you to excuse my absence at breakfast time.” She called him back as he was about to withdraw. “ Remember,” she said, “ when you return from the gel- lery to-duy, , I expect that you will not re- turn alone.” Three hours later, he was home againr The young lady’s services as a. copyist were at his dlsposal‘ She had returned with him to look at the drawings. _ ‘ She rose abruptly from the sofaâ€"kissed him on the foreheadâ€"and said wildly, “ I shall be better in bed 1” Before he could move or speak, she had left him. XI. The nexh morning, he knooked at the door of his wiie’e room, and asked how she hadpessed _the Vnigfiht.» Hi. When he had suflioiently recovered to think, he put her back from him. “Is there an end of the disguise now ‘2” he asked aternly. “ Am I to trust you in your new character or not ‘2” “ You are not to be hamder on me than I deserve," she answered gently. " Did you ever hear of an actress named Miss Max 7” He began to understand her. ' “ Forgive me if I spoke harshly," he said; “you have pugme .to a fieyege tgial." .r u v ‘7 V - She burst 111th tears. “ Love,” she angweredt“ 13 my only excuse.” From ihat m'omexit, she had won her pardon. He took her hand, and made her sifi by him. “Yes,” he said, “ I have heard of Miss Max, and of her wonderful powers of pet- sonation â€"- and’I have always regretted not having seen her, while she . was on the WES-T. . .. . “ Yes. I heard that she was a. pattern of modesty and good conduct, and that she gave up her profession, at the height of her Buocessdo marry at; old man.” "'If’jjid you; hear anything more of her, Ernest?" ‘ " Will you come with me to my room?” she asked. “ I have something there which I wishto show you.” - ' It was a. copy of her husband’s will. “Read the lines, Ernest, which begin at the top of the page. Let my dead husband speak for me.” The lines ran thus: “ My motive for marrying Miss Max must be stated in this place. in justice to herâ€"and, I will venture to add, in justice to myself. I felt the sincerest sympathy for her position. She was without father, mother, or friends; one of the poor neg- ‘ leoted children whom the mercy of the‘ Foundling Hospital provides with a home. Her atter-lite on the stage was the life of a virtuous womanâ€"persecuted by profli- gates; insulted by some of the bases creatures associated with her, to whom she was an object 0! envy. I cfiered her a home and the protection of afatherâ€"on the only terms which the world would recognize as worthy of us. My experi. ence of her, since our marriage, has been the experience of unvarying goodness, sweetness and sound sense. She has be- haved so nobly, in a trying position, that I wish her (even in‘ this life)‘ to have her reward. I entreat her to make a second choice in marriage, which shall not be a mere form. I firmly believe that she will choose well and wiselyâ€"that she will make the happiness of amen who is worthy other -â€"and that, as wife and mother,she will set an example of inestimable value in the social sphere that she occupies. In proof . of the heartfelt sincerity with which I pay this tribute to her virtues, I make the disposition of my personal estate which follows 2" tafigi Mich Circulars tree Vthe remainder of the élause, Ernest wasglrggady acquaint:th ” Will you now believe that I never loved tillI saw your face for the first time 2’" said his wife. " I had no experience to place me on my guard against the fascinationâ€"the madness some people might call itâ€"which possesses a woman when all her heart is given to a man. Dpn’t despise me, my dear. Remember that I had to save you from disgrace and ruin. Besides, my old stage remembranoes tempted me. I had acted in a play in which the heroine didâ€"what I have done. It didn‘t end with me as it ended with her in the story. She was represented as rejoic- ing in the success of her disguise. I have known some miserable hours of doubt and shame since our marriage. When I went to meet you, in my own person, at the pic- ture gallery (oh, what relief, what joy I felt, when I saw how you admired me 1) it was not because I could no longer carry on the disguise. I was able to get hours of rest from the effortâ€"not only at night, but in the day-time, when I was shut up in my retirement in the music-room, and when my maid kept watch against discov- ery. No, my love! 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