About The Atlanta constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19?? | View Entire Issue (July 9, 1900)
8 A MISSING HERO.'.' By MRS. ALEXANDER, AUTHOR OF “A CROOKED PATH,” “FORGING THE FETTERS,” Etc., Etc. CHAPTER I. High tea was proceeding somewhat noisily at No. 1 Clifton terrace. West bourne Grove, one soft drizzling May af ternoon a good may years ago—the con vives being at an age when there is but one step from silent shyness to uproarious mirth. A little girl's birthday was being cele brated at Mr. Stenner's “private hotel.” as he liked to call it. an establishment | well known to Anglo-Indians of moderate means. The guests were few. though they sounded numerous, two little girls, besides the heroine of the evening and two boys of perhaps ten. The young ladles were accompanied by their ayah, a small, rad-looking, dark wo man. swathed tightly In gay colored print with a kind of muslin veil over her head, who assisted to carry round cakes and sop up spilt lea and milk, and occasionally to keen the peace between Master Bolleau. son of General Bolleau. C. 8.. and Freddy Innes, youngest son of «n "iregular cav alry" captain. Freddy's sisters were exceedingly de mure and conscious of their beat frocks, also silently antagonistic to Herbert Montmorenci Bolleau. the spoiled only son of an elderly father. The little host ess was shy and silent, and by no means elated by her prominent position. ••What a row those children are mak ing." s-ild the taller of the two ladles as they ascended the hall doorsteps, at the moment when every one had groan familiar and thrown off their company manners. "I hope they are enjoying th< mselvea. poor little souls! For my part. I cannot say I believe much in the joys of childhood, you are always made to do something you don't want to do, and if you get your own way you gener ally regret it bitterly. I've had pretty bad times since 1 was 'grown up.’ but I don't want to go ba«-k to the nursery!” Sb" rang sharply at the d«H»r as she rpoke. It was Immediately opened by a s’out. elderly man whore appearance lespke respect ability so high that it bor -- red on nubility. It is strong testimony, by the way. to the Infinite superiority of cren’ion's lords —the different Impression made by houses where the door Is opened by a man in broadcloth; compared to those where a mere female slavey. In scanty skirts. In spects th- Inquirer through a half open porta! The one stamps Itself "apart ments.” the other meekly suggests “fur nished lodgings." "Well. Mr. S’enner.” continued the speaker with a bright condescending smile. "I hope my young friend* are not turning your house out of ‘the windows!' ” "By no means. Mrs. Merrick, m. chil dren will be children, we was al! young once! I've put your tea In the drawing | room. ladies! Mr. I.lsle called about an I hour ago. and begged me to say he would call again as he wanted to see you very particular.” “Did he! Come. Mary. I’ll Just look In on th- balms, then we must renqj'ate. This horrid weather takes one’s hair out of curl.” The speaker was a tall, handsome wo man with dark gray eyes, a brilliantly fair complexion, a lot of fluffy fair hair, golden but not dyefl. and what was generally *.n«! I' red a fin- figure. She wa* becomingly dresstd in slight mourning an ! had an a’r of being thor oughly. good humoredly well pleased with herself. Her companion was small, slight, neat, but pleasing with a soft kindly expres sion and a certain unpretending air of refinement. She look- -I rath-r eag—ly Into the dining room as Mrs. Merrick opened the door. •nd her quiet face cloud-d a little as she perceived the occupants were only chll- "W« I*, my darlings”’ cried Mrs. Merrick In a strong v Ice. with a joyous tone, "how have you been getting on? Have had enough cakes and strawberries? Whit are you going to do next? We’ll have th— things cleared away, and as soon as we c n take off our bonnets Miss Gilmore and I will come and have a grand game of forfeits with you. see! I have some i funny prizes here!” and she held up a pa- . per parcel. "Oh! make haste, do! Mrs. Merrick" cried Freddy. Jumping up to kiss her and • nearly knocking her pretty airy bonnet off. "You are such a dear. We have had lots of cakes! I feel as if I must let cut a J, ie In my belt. Bertie Bolleau must be pre--!,. uncomfortable ts he doesn't let cut throe." "That no business of yours,” retorted the lordly Bertie with some scorn. "Fr< ddy. you are tin impudent little Jnckanap .-’ I don’t envy your dear moth- i er,” eri-d Mrs. Merrick laughing. "Ah! but mother w mid not give me f r my w> ght In g Id!" replied that prom ising y< 'ir e g-ntbnian. Mrs. Merrl-k shook her linger at him i arid rars: the bell for the house servant I to n nr't the tea things, addressing some v ; Hit to the ay.ih which! caus I that sad looking female to brighten i ■ f « :h -• doubled dtli- I g n ■ t- cl- ar away the fragments of the , ft ast. ; "lh 'e or no haste.” crird Mrs. Mer- | rick :■ - h mounted lightly and swiftly I to the bedroom cccuplcj by both ladies, I ’ ■ Bit.-t crimp my hair! I could not see ■ <' fr-v I. le as I am. did you ever see 1 e .ch an obj-ct! I wond-r what he wants ■ to -*« rr. • particularly for?" - Illy white J har d." <ugy«strd her companion. ’’Ho i e> •!• n: admires you Immensely.” "» ■< ! | flatter myself he does, but as to matrimony, that's another pair of shoes! j For one thing I cm almost nine years - older than h- is. and Geoff, though In i rome ways a Jolly good fellow, will want a fine ady for a w ife. No, no. thwt is all pun sense!” - I • If you FuffrT from Epilepsy or Fit". Fallins: Slckneas or St- Vltua a Dane", have children, relative* or friend* that do f ., or know people that are afflicted, n;y 1 x-. w Treatm nt ».1U Immediately relieve ar.-; FERMAN ENTET CURE them, and alt yi u are aeked to do la to send for I n.j FREE TREATMENT and try it. it ; v i'l b" ' nt In plain package absolutely fr and ex-TOO" prepaid, Ilan CL'RED • -j.at i«. My 111 tri rated Book. "Eplicp- I »y Exp. >.n-d. FREE br mall. I’loaa-- glva , riw A’lß and f' j! * addreaa All corro- ' • -n.-e nrofeasl- nally cnnfld<enttaL W.H. MAtM D. 04 Pine Street. New York City, i plantation Chill Cure is Guaranteed T o C u r e.orMonty Refunded t>Y Your Merchant, so Why Not T rY_Jj_2__HLL££_ "You are philosophic, Mrs. Merrick!” "My dear. I haven't a grain of philoso phy. but thank God! I have a trifle of common sense. Besides. Geoffrey Lisle would be an expensive luxury as a hus band, and quite beyond my means! Nor would I ever care for any man who want ed to put his hand In my pocket! I don’t suppose he has a rap left of the decent bit of capital he came into scarcely a year ago.” "What!” exclaimed the other, "that nice, gentle, refined youth!” "Gentle Indeed! I don't know much h IHI WfL : A€ 1 W Mr Ol\ mm I / f I “And I Leave You Under the Care of This ‘Preux Chevalier,*” With a Wave of Mis Hand Toward the General as He Left the Box. about him. but I have a strong suspicion he Is a refliilar dare devil. What is it?" I breaking off suddenly and laying down the ; curling tor.gs which she had manipulated ! dexterously as a tap at the door caught her ear. "If you please m, Mr. Lisle is in th” drawing room." “Very well: I am coming.” A few adroit touches, and tho handsome widow was ready for action. "Come with me. Mary.” she said au thoritatively. "Aro you sure you want mo?" “Do you supi>cso I'd ask you if I did not?” Both ladles descended the stairs to a pleasant sitting room considerably smart ened by prints, books, flowers, which did not belong to it, where a young man dis tinguished. well dressed and w« 11 set up, was walking to and fro slowly and thoughtfully. Ho was tall, not very tall, slight, grace ful. almost delicate looking, with light red brown hair, small youthful mustache, a straight aristocratic profile and large siseaking. caressing brown eyes. Ills loi g lashes and straight, well defined eyebrows were a shade or two darker than his hair. “Well, Mr. Lisle! 1 am longing to know why you want to see me socially. Aiiss Gilmore and I have lieen busy shopping all this miserable exhausting afternoon. I protest the plains in the hot season are bracing compared to Louden on a warm, damp, drizzling May day. Is it a comid* n ; tial communication? Shall 1 send Miss , Gilmore away*?’ They shook hands as . she spoke. “No. by no means!” returned Lis'*. “Miss Gilmore Is a party concerned. You both expressed a wish last week to hear I'tccoiomlui in the Traviata! It is not easy *o get a box now. she is quite the rage, but I have secured ono by a fluke for this evening. 1 hope you are dis engaged and wiil allow me to escort you. and sup with me after the opera ui , Verey’a.” "Why! you are just the sweetest boy in all the world! cried Mrs. Merrick. "Os course we’U put on our bo-t bibs and tuck i ers and be leady ut the moment appoinl- • ed! I’ve uianugid to seo a great deal of I London, and enjoyed it. Oh! haver.’; A , but the opera has been a bit above me!" "Don’t tempt me to exact 100 ample a reward by your praises!” exclaimed Lisie, 1 laughing, but with a glance tiiat brought , the coio.' to Mrs. Merrick’s cheek in spite ; of her common sense ami superiority in • years. "1 am unfortunately engaged fur I dinner, and it Is partly a business en- I gagement. or —” "Business!” Interrupted Mrs. Merrick. ' "What in the world have y ou to do with business or business with you. Monsieur j Cupldon ?“ 1 "Ah! isn’t it unjust and cruel that a I butterfly like myself should be shattered by such a blunderbuss a« business! How ever, curiosity has something to do with my dinner tc-day! A rumor has reached me that my Uncle Marmaduke is about i to commit matrimony! and if there is any truth in It, the family solicitor will be sure to know, so I offered to dine with him today. He is not a bad old boy, and has excellent port. I dare rot put him off!” '*Oh! Geoff! my dear boy, who Is this [ evil-disposed uncle?” • "Lisle of Linton Chase. The man who I stops the way—any way at least. I say, Mrs. Merrick, you have been some time In India and they have lovely subtle poisons there. Could you get me an ef fective th ...»leful to arrest this delin quent before he accomplishes his diabol ical purpose?" "I wish I could I believe you might coax me into fearful criminality.” "Hush! Pray remember that Miss Gll ! more’s serene though accusing glance Is upon us! and she does not under ’ stand the Innocent harmlessness of my nature. I understand you have a blrth ■ day party for that sweet little Sissy. ' May I be permitted to join the rebels ’ for a brief space. I brought a email of- I feeing for the young heroine of the fete.” ’’You arc too good natured really! Yes. we promised to go down, hut your delightful plan put the juveniles out ! of my head. Poor Sissy? It Is her last j treat. She goes to school on Satur ! day.” "Why do you send her to school? I/Ot THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION: ATLANTA, GA., MONDAY, JULY », 1900. her grow up natural, unschooled, un tortured. Heavens, what a charming woman she would make.” "But hardly a hnppy one,” said Miss Gilmore, breaking her long silence. "My dear Geoff, you don’t know what a wild solitude my brother’s farm In Northumberland Is. It would be a sin to let any girl grow' up there, but of course you do not know what you are talking about.” "Is she your niece, then?” "No, she is a little orphan half-sister — come along.” While this Interview was taking place the fragments of the feast below had been cleared away and the table pushed to one side, leaving the youngsters room to romp if they so desired. "I wish Mrs. Merrick would come, j She said she would,” exclaimed Freddy • Innes. “What shall we do?” ' "I can play a polka If you would like to dance,” aaM Sissy timidly. "Oh. dan< Ing Is no good, cried Bertie. "I only care to dance to a hand. I.ast Christmas holidays wo went to a party at Lady Bertha Barnes’s, and she had a regular quadrille band and a master of the ceremonies.” "Oh crikey!” cried Freddy with mock admiration, "how ■11«1 he every come down to a parlor In ‘furnished lodgings!’ Come, Miss Hissy, I’ll dance the sword dance for you! Here, Mona McLeod” (to hlx eldest sister, mi advanced young lady of twelv ) “you piay for me and. you, Bertie of Battersea, got the poker and tongs.” “I don’t live at Battersea,” said young Bolleau. sulkily. Miss Mona McLeod started up and opened an undent cottage piano which stood tn an obscure corner. It emitted woeful and uncertain sounds, but Mona I Mcljeod tackled 1t pluckib and evoked from its ag'-d chords something like t; strathspey. whereu|K»n the Indefatigable Fred<ly dash. <1 into the. Intricacies of the famous dar./e, to the delight of the girls an i the contemptuous wonder of Bertie. "You have touched the poker, Freddy!” cried his younger sister, who was watch* Ing him intently. "It’s gone quite crooked.” "No. I haven’t," retorted Freddy. "I’d know if I had.” I "Ye/, you did!" exclaimed Bertie, jlf ' lighted to find fault. "If I were you I I wouldn't pretend to do what I couldn’t!” j "Then\ vou never pretend at all, trC ■ boy, for I suspect it’s precious little you : can do!’’ "How do you know?" cried Bertie, I swelling with wrath at such an insult I from an Inferior, as he considered Freddy. "Do you brush your own hair, or docs your mother s maid titivate for the darl ing boy?” said Freddy breaking into a I mil.! hornpipe kind of dance. “You are a vulgar, impudent cad, and ' I’ll give you a good thrashing!" shouted I Bertie, rushing at him. He was a big. ■ heavy boy. and Freddy, knowing he would i have little or no chance in a fight with j him. dodged hither and thither, still danc i Ing. "Boiler. Mr. Boiler, don’t bust up, Mr. Boiler! Lots of hot water always ready. Eh. Mr. Boiler?" "You must not fight, boys,” cried Mona McLeod with tho superior air young ladies of her ago are fond of assuming. “You I are a wicked boy. Fred. You began it I all.” i "My father would not allow me to play with you If he knew what a cad you are,” 1 Kahl Bertie choking with rage. ”I'll stop ' your sniggering. There, tike that!” and he dealt Freddy a strong blow In tho ! chest, which, as he was taken by surprise, Itowled the slight bov over. He was up In an instant. "Oh, if that’s what you want, here goes," putting himself into a scientific position, dancing round his an tagonist as If selecting a place on which to plant his first blow, when the door opened and Mrs. Merrick, followed by Miss Gilmore and Lisle, came in, paus ing 1n dismay art<J amusement at the scene. “Oh, boyw' boys! this Is scandalous! What has happened? Why, gentlemen never light before ladies!” exclaimed Mrs. Merrick. "I am shocked. You must make friends tlris minute!” "It’s Mr. Boiler’s fault. He’s such a thin skinned chap! Come along. Boiler, now you’ve let off the steam; let’s make up!” "Look, here's poor little Sissy* In tears,” said Miss Gilmore. While Mrs. Merrick remonstrated with the combatants IJsle sat down and lifted Sissy on his knee. "Are you frightened, my little love? What matter If those rude boys knock each other about. I’m afraid you are a coward," whispered Lisle. Sissy was a slight little creature with a quantity' of real nut-brown hair, softly waved and tied back with a knot of blue ribbon, her delicate face boasted no country roses, but her pallor was clear and healthy and the eyes she lifted to Lisle’s when he spoke were deep lustrous blue eyes that Inclined all who looked Into them to look again— " Ties! she said, low and soft, though her accent smacked of the north, ‘lt hurts me to see them hurt eacu other!” “You unlucky little darting! If you are going to be hurt by the hurts of others you’ll have a bad time of it in the coming by and by!” "But it does make me unhappy! I don’t like to see Freddy struck. I am fond of Freddy; he makes me laugh, but Bertie always pulls poor pussy's tall and makes her cry.” “So this Is your birthday; how old are you. Sissy?” "Nirte years old.” “So much! you do not look It and you are going to school? They might let you waft awhile.” “I do not want to waft; I like to go; there will be many little girls to play with and—and I know nothing.” "Look here. Sissy, when I heard this j afternoon that you hnd a birthday I went i off ind found present for you." The child ?o.,j:<.<j u D eagerly as he drew I a long, thing morocco case from ills ■ br t pocket. Opening It he displayed a i dainty, simp’ necklace of silver daisies with golden hearts. ' “oh, flow lovely!" cried the child, look big it It with i< Iglhted eyes, but not at tempting to take it from its dark blue velvet bed. "It 's just like the real d.ilsii I gather >y tho burn at home, and tho yelk m mid ! log! how do they make It ?” "Very glad vou are pleased. Ix t me put It on your neck." “Oh, no! not yet. I only want to look at It; is it quite mine, all for me?” "Quite your a; no one's but yours. If any one presumes to meddle with It, tell Ulf.” Sissy looked Jong and lovingly at this new treasure, th< r. she let I4sle clasp It ruond her neck and stealing her little hand up to h.s should r, she nestled her head Imo the hollow beside his neck and murmured: "I do love you." "Thank you! you .w-et llttlo soul.” whisper'd Lis. , liokili her close to him. "How an old follow ot forty or fifty who has had his day Would adore a loving daughter like this til; the left him tor some younger follow that she adored! Gad! 1 feel quite paternal myself!” thought Ln ie as he clasped the necklace ; round tine child s neck, "1 wonder if you , will deign to wear tills ten years hence i wnen you are nineteen. ehj mjf little love'."’ he said more to himself than to I Sissy. I “Yes; to be sure! No one else will ever i give me anything so beautiful." , ery well, God knows where we shall ' born be by that time, bat don’t forget ■ me, my sweet." I “Wliy, w aero are you g Ing?’’ i "GoU, knows!" returned Lisle lightly. “Ah, blssy, what is that you have i there?" cried Mrs. Alerrick, coin.ng across ' to her little sister. "What a lovesy pres | ent! Geoff, you iuo too ger runs. Aly lil i tie girlie never saw so eharming a trinket I in n, r bricl life before. Come! we are , going to bury a;i diJlervtiecs in a game ot , forfeits, so rub up your memory or your . invention my dear i’rince Charming. ’Bow I to the wittiest, dance to the prittlest, and kiss the cue you love best.’ ” ! “By all means!" returned Lisle putting I down tils little sweetheart. "This various homage will bo uttered on one shrine! Tire last clause must be in ’camera.’ ” “You are a most audacious young scape grace! Come, Master Bolleau,” said Airs. Merrick, "Come and sit between blssy and Mona McLeod Innes! The post lias gone out from Constantinople to Croydon! Make hrste, .Miss Glitnore Is Croydon.! Who is SU Petersburg? Oh! Je de Innes, and Cronstadt? Where in the world is Cronstodt? 1 never could learn Georgra phy!” • "Cronstadt Is a strong fortress, and seaport of Rut:la,” said Berths Bolleau bcntentiously. “Bravo! There’s a learned nuftl for you! Go up top!” cried the irrepressible Freddy, and the little party was soon absorbed in the excitement of forfeits. Finally Lisle, after a few words In an undertone to Mrs. Alerrick, took up Sissy in his arms and kissed her brow. “I sup ' 1-oso you will boa solemn young lady from school, when I see you again,' ne said. “1 shall not venture to take you on my knee and kiss you." “Why? I shall try and be a good girl, very, very good, and 1 will kiss yeti!” Radwa/s Pills Purely vegetable, mil l and reliable Regu lates the Liver and Digestive organs. The Barest und best medicine in the world for the CURE of nil disorders of the stomach. Liver, Bowels, Kidneys, Bladder, Nervoii-: Diseases. Loss of Appetite. Headache, Constipation, Costlvenesa. Indigestion. Ulllvusness, Fever. Inflammation of the Bowels, Idles and all derangments ot the I itrrnal Viscera. Price 2*. cents per box. Sold by nil druggists, or sent bv mall on receipt of price. RADWAY & CO., 55 Elm St., 11. Y “Thanks sweet one! Well, if you are very very, very good; I’ll not say no! Goodby, my darling, I shall be late. A couple of hours later Mrs. Merrick, looking exceedingly handsome In eve ning dess, found Miss Gllmoee engrossed by' a letter she W'as reading by the lust gleams of daylight. "I hope ho will not keep us waiting!" exclaimed the widow. "Ah! you have a letter from my brother. What does he s;.y?” "He cannot come up until the end of rext week.” returned Miss Gilmore. He thinks it would be well If we could man age our marriage while he Is In town, and pass a brief honeymoon at York on our way home!” "A Very good suggestion—only”— "Mr. Lisle,” announced the landlord, throwing the door open. A rapid, earnest aiology and Lisle swept them off to the carriage that walled be low. Lisle seemed In unusually high spirits, and their drive from the far west to "Her Majesty’s” seemed wonderfully short. "There’s an uncommon fine woman!” taJd one of two men who might, from their aspect, have been medical stu dents. They stood close to tho entrance, but on the wrong side, as Lisle and ala comiianions passed through the doorway. "Yes,” said tho other, "but not quite the same stamp as the man with her. Did you notice him?” "I did. Do you know him?” "No. but I know who he is—a deuced deal too well—ire is Geoffrey Lisle, a precious young scamp. Only fo,r him I'd be next heir to fifteen thousand a year and a tine old place.” "Keep out of his way, then, or you’ll be tempted to give him a bill. He Is a regular swell." “Anyhow, ho is going the pace pretty fast, but he doesn't drink. So he may lajst a good while yet.” "Well, Morris! I'd rather not be tho chap that stood in your way,” returned the elder with a chuckle. "Pooh, nonsense. Do you think I’d be such a precious fool as to risk my neck even for .fl:teen thousand a year?” ”W. i, I don't kn >w," began the other, and they moved off into the transparent darkness of a summer nlgnt. Meantime Lisle and his friends ascend ed to tho box ho had secured, anxious to bo in their places at the beginning of the opera. The curtain had risen, however, and they hastily settled themselves while, from behind tiu chairs of the ladies Lisle silently surveyed the house. At the end of the first act a stout gentle man of middle height, with gray hair, tierce, waxed moustaches, angry, light eyes, and a weil a >t up, soldierly carriage, presented himself. Lisle greeted him with a friendly nod, and Mrs. Merrick exclaimed: "General Blair! I thought you had gone to Scotland?" "No. my plans are a little altered. Good evening. Miss Gilmore. Didn’t think young ladies were brought to plays of this kind, eh ?” "No, general. Only wicked old women like me,” said Airs. Merrick, shaking her fan at him. ”1 admit your wickedness only In ono serse, my dear lady.” "Now that is a cruel speech. Mr. Lisle, you must not Jet the general abuse me.” "General! Beware!” cried Lisle, dramat ically. "What a delightful box.” Mrs. Merrick continued, "one can see every part of the house so well. Who aro those people In the stage Iwx!” Whereupon Lisle began to explain who | was who to his interested listeners until I tite curtain drew up and both became ab i sorbed in the joys and sorrows of the i fascinating ' j>oiirlnaire.” When Ute crop scene next went down. Ute genetai, who had been annoyed be cause Lisle had put him right about some choice bits of high life scandal, now took his revenge. "Lisle, my dear boy, I atn deuced sorry to hear that your uncle is to be married next month to the Hon. Miss D>never. Bad luck for you, eh?” "Infernaliy bad, general!" "Wnat do you think of doing? The holidays are over; you must go back to School, eh!” "I’ll enlist tn your regiment, general! I hear you are to have a command in the northwest provinces!” "Indeed! I did not think the appoint ment was generally known! In tact, 1 thought of retiring!" "And why, pray?” asked Mrs. Merrick with a delightful smile. "I am sure you are as tit to command a division as when 1 met you at Kumehuuder." "Will you excuse me. Mrs. Merrick!' said Lisle, who had been looking down for the last minute or two ftom behind her, his glass fixed on the stalls. "1 sec a. man I want to speak to down there, and 1 I know he is going out of town. May 1 go I and catch him - .’” "My lent Mr. Lisle! Why. of course!” , “And 1 leave you under the care, of this I 'preux chevalier,’ ” with a wave of his hand toward the general as he left the 1 box. "it's perfectly astounding how rarely one meta u sensible, unaffected, young man, nowadays,” growled the genera., I looking angrily after him. "Aly dear general, it Geoff Lisle is any thing in particular, he is unaffected.” "1 cannot ccntradict a lady," pompous ly, "but it you knew the estimation ho Is jield in by men!” "Fray, why can you not contradict a lad,', my Gear general? Because we are children—or idiots? i’ray, do not make uncivil speeches.” "Bless my soul, Mrs. Merrick! you know I would not say an uncivil word to you. not to win tho chief command of—of—” "Then, why do you do it? 1 feel quite hurt! You know I don't like you to think little of me! I never could bear it!” and she looked bewitohingly at him. "My dear Mrs. Merrick, my dear lady, I—l—think you are—in short. I'm afraid to say how much 1 think of you,” stam mered the general, ctnpietely routed. “I lag you to believe that 1 have the highest esteem and regard for you, by Jove!” "Do look at that lady in the third box from the stage, left side,” interrupted Mrs. Merrick. "Is she not wonderfully like Lady Alarkham? You remember Sir Gil bert Markham's pretty little wife, up at Glmla? ’ "No, I can't say I see the likeness." “1 am almost disp >s d to tnink It i.» Lady Markham herself." Mrs. Merrick protracted the discussion In spite of her elderly admirer's attempts to return to a more perse mil subject till the cm tain drew up again. Meantime, her attenth tho deepen ing tragedy of the oi* ra v. diverted by her increasing surprise ut Lisle's con tinued absence. The curtain fell again, and still their host did r.ot reappear. General Biair went away for a lew minutes to speak to some Indian friends in a box near them. During his absence Miss Gilmore iipoke: "What ii.is become of A?r. Lisle?" "Heaven Knows! It is not like him to show any slight to his guests, especially lady guests.” "No, indeed. He has been buttonholed by somebody.” "It is very tiresome! ami that ill-tem pered general will abuse him lor rude ness and ill-breeding.” "Hasn't your all-accomplished young admirer returned?” asked General Blair when he returned “No!” replied Mrs. Merrick. "I can't think what has become of him. f hope he has not met with any accident.” "Not .ie! Fallen In with some line lady enchantress and gone away to sup with her, and her friends, or more likely tete-a tete!” and he laughed a rather wheezy’ laugh. "No, no! Geoffrey JJsle is far too thoroughly a gentleman to be guilty of such rudeness. Why. he had Invited Miss Gilmore and myself to sup with himl” "That makes matters a trifle worse Believe me. you do not know what audacious young scamp Lisle is—vtnere did you meet him?” "Oh. at the Caresfords—Colonel Cares ford commanded my husband's regimen . I wish ho would come back. Why, tn curtain will fall In a few minutes, and 1 can’t attend to this scene.” "I wouldn’t trouble myself, if I were you! I am quite at your service; I’ll see you home, and find out tomorrow, if 1 what has befallen that young scamp!” , “Oh, General Blair! he will be sure to come! I feel quite uncomfortable! If I thought he could behave so dlsgrace fU"iy7hould not like to be In his shoes when he next meets you! Indeed he would deserve any punishment If he has deser.- ed you In this Infamous manner." The minutes slipped swiftly past, the last strains of the dying songstress ceased, the enthusiastic plaudits of the audience recalled her to life and the great house began to empty Itself, the attendants ap peared with coverings to place over the velvet upholstery, still Lisle was absent without leave. , “No use waiting any longer; a few min utes more and we shall not be able to get a cab. Come, my dear Mrs. Merrick. Let me put on your cloak. Miss Gil more. here's your scarf. It's deuced odd. I don't know what young men are com- Ing to nowadays. By George. I nave seen a man shot for less Insulting con duct to a woman (and such a woman) than this,” cried the general who looked very much alive not to say triumphant, and he led hfs silent, mortified companions to tho exit. There he stopped a young man who was hurrying out. “Hullo! Calvert, have you seen Lisles anywhere about . "Yes; about an hour ago he was leav ing the house with Algy Moore and a lady.” . „ , , , , “Just so! just as I thought, chuckled the general as with the help of an obse quious commissionaire he secured a four wheeler. "It is quits the most extraordinary thing,” murmured Mrs. Merrick, throning herself into a corner. ”1 am sure something very unforeseen has occurred,” said Miss Gilmore thought fully, “for I am quite sure that only some necessity of the last Importance wou.d have induced Mr. Lisle to leave us with such scant ceremony.” Little more was said by either of the ladles. The general talked at intervals with politeness and animation, but the trio were subdued and depressed by this strange disappearance. Arrived at Clifton Terrace, General Bla’.r assisted the ladles to alight and opened the door for them with Mrs. Merrick's latchkey. "No, my dear mailatn, I will not go up stairs. You ought to go to bed nnd try to sleep off the unpleasant effect of this confounded contretemps. Take my advice, have some brandy and soda, with a lump of ice in It before you go to bed. It will he reviving as well as cooling. I'll look In tomorrow afternoon if you'll al low me, to let you know what Information I may collect. Good night, my dear lady; good night.” “You may be sure I shall tell Mr. Lisle ] my opinion very plainly. I never was treated tn such away in my life before,” cried Mrs. Merrick, refraining with some difficulty from tears. "Goodby, Miss Gilmore; goodby my dear Mrs. Merrick. God bless you.” He grasp ed her hand painfully tight and left them. When they reached their bedroom to Miss Gilmore’s great surprise the bright, j buoyant widow suddenly sat down and ! burst into tears. "My dear Mrs. Merrick.” exclaimed her friend in a tone of astonishment. "Yes, dear; I am an awful fool! I didn’t think I cared so much for that de lightful boy! But to think he should make so little of me before that disagreeable, cantankerous, contemptuous general. Oh! I will tel! him how disappointed and mor tified I am and that I will never have anything more to do with him. never, never, never! T always felt, though I did not acknowledge It to myself, that he was just of pride and looked down on middle class people, and why, pray? what did he or his ever do for the good of his country? My husband’s peo ple have fought and bled for England these hundred years, and I thought he really liked me—l mean ns a confidential friend. Good heavens! what a fool I am making of myself,” breaking off suddenly and drying her eyes. "Well, yes; I think you are.” returned her companion, “and It's not like you. Tn | my opinion Mr. Lisle Is not proud, he has the simplicity of a real gentleman. T .am more uneasy than offended. I l<elleve he has got Into some terrible trouble— but there 1s no use In conjecturing. We have no clew. Let us go to bed.” Tomorrow, however, brought no clew I nor many tomorrows. In vain the fam | II" solicitor, who loved young Geoffrey ; I Lisle, soutrht the aid of police and detec j fives. The papers, then much more re;l - cent than at present, gave paragraphs on the subject. Not a creature had seen or spoken with him since he bid good night to Algy Moore and his sister. His valet had had leave to go out for the evening t and on his return found everything just ! as he had left It before going out. The landlord of Lisle's rooms said he had ' heard no one come In, though he had been kept awake by toothache. Mrs Merrick's i I wrath melted into the most poignant anx j h ty, all sorts of dreadful crimes suggested ; ; themselves; she wished the river to be * dragged for his mangled remains. Every- : ! one was eagerly curious and sincere!" dls | turbed for the prescribed nine days, after ’ which things resumed their usual course. | ; Marmaduke Lisle. Esq., of Lynton Chace, : who took little or no trouble about h!s ■ ; nephew, was married with due pomp. Mrs. I i Merrick, after some wise reflections, ! agreed to take command of the general ■ nnd started for India soon after her broth er had carried off Mary Gilmore to hfs Northumberland home, .and perhaps the only faithful memory was little dreamy, silent Sissy's, who at the end of eaeh quiet day in her new school offered a lov- I Ing prayer to God that He would watch over and preserve her "missing hero.” CHAPTER IT. Away In still, savage South Africa, in which the first seed of many future rail roads had just l»een sown, where ostrich farms, diamonds and gold had not as yet suggested themselves to the original colonists, the sun was setting one fresh, almost cold, evening toward the end of March, over a wide, open and somewhat desolate stretch of country, the features of which were shrouded bv the fast clos ing shadows of coming night. Under the clear dark blue sky a group wore standing as If to draw breath after , a severe struggle to drag one of the hugs : unwieldy trader’s wagons which taxed the strength of the span (some twelve oxen) which had successfully brought It through a somewhat deep ford and up a steep bank to the level surface of the veldt. To guid» the panting animals, a tall slight, black sat on the chest fitting across the front of the wagon, and wielded a formidable "sjambok" with its many feet of bamboo pole and as m.uiy more rheimpys for the lash (strips of stelnbok I skin) which for the pres -lit rested from I Its lalors. ' Two or three other coloted servants were occupied soothing and rubbing down some strong, well bred horses, which were wet and uncomfortable after crossing the drift (ford.) A tall, powerful man, sunburned almost to an African tint, seemed to be in com mand. He spoke much and loudly In a mixed lingo of English. Dutch and some native dialect. Besides these individuals, two men i stood apart and conversed together, in j what may be termed "upper ten Eng lish.” These fellow travelers were much of the same age. between twenty and thirty. One was shorter, broader and stouter than the other. He was fair, with rather The Turn of Uta TMs Is a orltioal peri* In the Ufa of every won* and no mistakes shouh be made. The one ’ ooognliodan reliable help for wom* who aro approaching ant passing through thh wonderful change Is j Lydia E. Plnkham’i Vegetable Compound Tfraf the utmost reliant* can be placed upon thh great t medicine Is test! fled to by an army a grateful women who havt been helped by It. Mrs. Pinkham, who hai the greatest and mosv successful experience in the world to qualify her, will advise you free oi charge. Her address fs Lynn, Mass. Write to her, scanty reddish hair and light gray, won dering. near-sighted eyes; hts nose wai Ion" and upturned, a carefully cultivated mustache did not quite hide a wide, loose goodnatured mouth. II" was rather a contrast to his companion, a slight, but well built man. with a small, well-sha: <1 head. neat, small features and pier ing black eyes set rather too closely tog th' r. He carried himself with an air of as surance and an unfailing regard for the graceful and becoming. "It’s an Infernal nuisance to have a mother who insists on playing provider.ee for you!” exclaimed tho stout, fair man, as ho struck a match, his enunciation was slightly Impaired by a cigar held betwe n ■ his teeth. “Why does she Insist on my distinguishing myself! T go' on very w d t in England, just as well as any other ' fellow. I’m not a bad shot, and I can waltz well enough. I'm sure when I was best man at Kilfane’s wedding I returned thanks for the bridesmaids’ uncommon well, and had no end of applause. It's deuced uncomfortable jogging on In that ! Noah's ark on wheels, besides having a 1 brace of Hottentots alongside. Very un pleasant companions, too. By Jove. I I feel like a sort of glorified traveling tink er. Just look at that lot of pots and pans, kettles and cans, lashed to tho frame un derneath. It's all too extraordinary. I shouldn’t mind so much if we could h ve a chance of meeting some elephant- feed ing. It would be grand to go home and say I had shot an elephant; In fact, one might say several elephants If you had shot one actually, but the knowing brut ' seem to have made tracks for safer quar ters. eh. Forrester?” His companion had been watching the man who was rubbing down a fine brown horse, the best of the steeds, and did not pay much attention to his interlocutor. "D’ye hear me?” asked the latter, af ter waiting a moment. "Y s yes. of course; we'll find ele phant- and game of all sorts as we go on. AV tit till we meet this mighty Nimrod, ‘the elepaant smatsher.’ He’ll show us no end of sport and as you say, you as by no means a bad shot.” “That’s all very well, but when shall we come up with him?” “Oh, all in good time; there is no use being in a hurry. Come. Mactler," ad dressing tho man who seemed in author ity. “we had better press on to the pl.i-o you Intend to stop at. Mr. St. Maur v be wanting his dinner or his supper, ar 1 we’ll want to make things snug for ih« night first.” “It’s not far off.” returned the man ho spoke to. with an unmistakably Scotch • accent, “and we haven't done badly to day. Twenty miles In eighteen hours, tip hill and down dale, there's not another span In the colony would do it." “Hurrv up "Verdompte ker!e.’ " to b'- men, “we'll get under the lee of a kop ■. al>out a mile and a half further, whl’h will shelter us from the northeast, for I can tell you the daybreaks are <•<•' 1 as we travel north at this time of year.” After some thrashing and much bii language in various tongues, the unwiel' equipped got under way and rolled slow ly forward. As the evening was chill the two Ens - lishme.n mounted their horses and led their Scotch “Wturlno.” if we may b 1 - row that term, rode smartly forward into tho fast gathering gloom. Mactier had been engaged not only to pilot the strangers, but to provide trans port, commissariat, everything except am munition and horses; it was a good I'-a . to save trouble, but an expensive meth of going to work. That did not matter which, however, to the Hon. Tom S' Maur, for his mother, the wealthy aii’l ambitious countess of Bamborough, pa‘< the piper, with no stinted hand, hoping her somewhat disappointing second - might gather a respectable crop .jf “lau rels” among the various’opportunities o ' South African life. Forrester, the secretary adviser, an 1 nurse of the young sprig of nobility under his charge, rode on silently, but St. Maur who, having very little tn say. as usual, did a great deal of talking, chattered on to tlzeir conductor, plying him with ques tions and offering him suggestions of a rather childish description. "Good Lord!” mused Mactier, “what a 'bletherin’ Miot to have such a ’comman do’ under his heel. Money must be plenty where he comes from. “Then this elephant smasher Is no end of a shot.” pursued St. Maur, little imag ining the estimate his employee was form ing of him. “Did you ever speak to him ’ Is he a stuck-up snuff the moon’ sort ot a chap?” “Speak to him?” echoed Mactier, "why J I was one of his first friends m the colony. M' h" it must be between eight or nine years since I met him at Natal and pret ty hard up he was. I’ve a fancy he came from South America. I got him his first » decent bit of work as ’after rtd?r* to a big * hunting ex|>editlon up beyond the Drach enfels; after that there was no more ♦rouble. He was sought after right and left, and soon started an expedition of his own, but he’s a first rate fellow. He never forgets a friend; he gave me a ring a few years back when he had not much to part with, I 11 show’ It to you when we have any light." "What’s his name, this ‘elephant smash ing’ hunter?” asked Forrester. "Oh. North. Graham North! Come! I see the lights of cur party. Let’s go back. Carlo will show you how a venison steak can be cooked In the open.” St. Alaur was a first rate judge of cooking in general, and expressed his ap proval of the food set before him In no Continued on Tenth Pose.
