8 THK DA1LF EVENING TELEG K A PH Till PL E SHEET PHILADELPHIA, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, wfM-.s A ,T) rilE O HOSTS. The Manor HousY 11 Among It, KSr.r5' d KrlM hun when the shadow.. 1iul Slow dropping to flUent placev The home long since f it no.,.. Forever paes'd away. No footstep on Its threshold falls, No voice Is henrd within its halls, But still upon the mould'riDg walla Tho faded pictures hang: The portraits o that ancient line Bard, wan lor, statesman, and divine. And matrons 6tatcly, maidens flno, Once loudly toasted o'er the wlue, Until the rafters rang. At Christmas-tide, they eay, each year, The Hst'nlng peasants vow they hear, While lights gleam in tho ball, Strange music, beautiful and clear; And aye avoid in dread and fear The gray and ruin'd wall! One Christmas-tide at the dead of night, , When the moon was high and the enow white On meadow A hill, Bo quiet and still, That the world seem'd sleeping, The wind seein'd dead, When the stars were keeping lay 1 heir watch o erbead, A troop of villagers, all intent On carol-singing, their footsteps bent From house to house; and wherever they went Sang the tidings ot joy, which lone ago TLc shining angels in glory bright Told aloud in the midst of the night To the shepherds keeping their flocks below. O Giles! O Giles! O faithless Giles! What are you doing there on the tiles? Your grandmother said, When j ou went to bed, She hoped you had quite got out of your head The notion you hud, Disobedient lad, Of joining the carollers. This is too bad! Now she'a asleep, From your bed you creep, And out on the roof it is somewhat steep And slippery tee how the snow-flakes glisten You sit and listen To learu whereabouts the carollers are You had better ko back to bed by far, Or something will happen, sure as fate, To make you repent, when it's all too late! In vain! It is plaiu That he will uot refrain. Cautiously down the roof he crawls, And not without some stumbles and falls Reaches the ground All pafe and souud, And hurries away with a stride and a bound. Hark! there's music in the wood. He's hurryiug thither, by all that's good! flow very absurd! For the boy has heard A thousand times thut the ball is haunted; But ou ho goes, and never feels d lunted, For he saj s to himself as ho goes along, That ghosts there may be Of men, but he' Ne'er heard in his life of the ghost of a song; That whatever sprites Iu the winter nights Perchance may revisit the glimpse of the moon, There's no ghost of a chance lor a ghost of a tune. ' The hall is bright With many a light; And noble lady and noble knight As if from its lramo Each picture came, By two and two, A strange-looking crew Are going the cuntry-dauce mazes through. Yonder maid Iu her grave was laid About the time of the last Crusade. The gentleman near Was a Cavalier, And was kill'd by an Ironside severe. The beautiful blonde Standing beyond Was one of whom Harry the Eighth was fond. Her partner, I guess, Is nobody less Than a Lord High Admiral, temp. Queeu Bees. But what is that, there CroucU'd down by a chair, With chattering teeth and bristling hair ? It is No ! Yes ! Truly 'tis Giles, I declare, Wishing himself, you may safely swear, In the cupboard or under the stair Anywhere anywhere anywhere! He fainted away, And there he lav Till nomebody found him at break of day. They put him to bed, And' tbey shaved his head, 'Twas a very bad case of fever they said. And ihey would not receive At all, or believe The story he told Of the Manor House old, And the wonderful sight he had chanced to be hold. What Might Have Happened One liristmas Time. TUB LAST BTORY WRITTEN BT MARK LEMON. Christmas was coming. Thtro were Indica tions of its approach everywhere. The grocers, the butchers, ana ianey emporiums, all pro claimed Christmas was coming. At the railway stations there was more than the usul bustle moie wagons going to and fro, more cabs for down traius, more pleasant faces; fewer looking 'business,' nothing but 'business.' No doubt of It, Christmas was coming. Where for, 6ir?' 'Little Stanford.' 'What class, sir?' 'Second. Put my rug and portmanteau into the carnage, and here s something for you.' The traveller was a handsome, well-formed oune man oi two-ana-twenty, one who evl dently was prepared to look the world in the face aud to force his way onwards, Ilia name was Reginald Wainwrigut. Having paid the cubinan, Reginald entered the elation, and, taking his ticket, weut ou to the platform. A neat brougham drove up and a young man got out. 'Where for, sir?' 'Little Stanford.' 'What class first, sir!'' iYes, firfct.' Have your things lu with you, sir?' 'Yes thanks.' And the new comer having rpoken a few words to Lis servant, entered the station, and, Attaining his ticket, weut on to the platform His name was Waller Mainwarlug. Iu a minute or two the young men confronted each. 'Ah, Reginald, exclaimed Walter, holding out his hand, which the other took somewhat slowly, 'g!ad to have met you. Why, I've not seen you time our day shooiiug on the 1st.' 'No,' r plied Reginald, coldly, 'London is a Yust city; the dlstauce is great Letweeu Clarges 'It Is you that make it so, Regi,' Buld Walter, entiling. 'You know that inv lather, tlster, all f us are ra et glad to see you. Well, I'll believe so ; but a lonely fellow Is apt to grow captious, especially when ouly clerk in a merchant's counting-house.' 'And what am I, Cou&ln Regi?' replied Walter 'The governor keeps me to the desk as clo3cly a tnougn i were a stranger. 'Qnite right. You will have leisure enough fc taint s, when be makes you bis partner. ' 'Tak your places, take yo'.ir pla.-e",' aw!e JprH-1 oa guar!. 'Where's your carriage? we'll travel together,' said Walter. 'I fancy not; I go second,' replied Reginald. 'And no will 1. Here, porter, get out my things' 'No time now, sir; train five minutes late. Get In, please, sir;' and so the cousins, for such the young men were, journeyed apart until they reached Little Stanford, where their nnclo, . - . . , . i. ! 1 .1 IT- 1. 1 1 Mr. Italpu Mam waring, resiuuu. jio uau ueeu ".irosperous stock-broker, and having pur mi" XVTf fnir e8lale Jn tne country, retired i 7 "Vt an onlv daughter to keep house for him. it .. bl8 c,ltiUm to invito his nephews at stated ....,, t f n September taliiSJ?.". V1 tridgeB, iiua at Christmas time to lo,," ' pthn 1hcmiiiih. JU8 Old not ShOOl nimSClt, Uui h. E reserved after a fashion, and Invited some of is tenants to a day's sport occasionally. Reginald was a legacy from a dear sister who died soon after her husband bad been lost at Iu?' ,,avi"tf fier witu very scauiy means. But iootl?ood ,,rothcr Ralph came to her help and h, v h o.JiT,1"1 hoiir byjthe assurance that her A- V. for. Walter was iu, f M Mainwaring's brother, a thriving ci -rchaIlt who had veu tures to all parts of the fife" ," Jd2 too buiV ever to visit Little Stanlord; bdi'lut . alwats ready to send an ambaseador, thinkiu, doubt, that, it was highly politic to keep up friendly relations with bis brother, tho more especially as nearly all Ralph's ready money was invested in the house of Main waring, Wap sholl & Company. Cousin Fmily was waitiug to give them wel come in me station, Having driven from Sian- the iraiWLT1 her pony-carriage, whilst Traps, thSKi'if.u.M,lrbrol,'!ht h" cft,for tion of Little Stanford and" . a(1.,n, ra; her skill in hanflling them was no lesSen;'a"1 of general commendation. There was quite'a contest lietwteu the young men as to who should sit beside tie fair charioteer, and as she posi tively declined to give the casting vote, Regi nald proposed that tbey should toss for the honor, and Reginald wou. Emily AlaiHwaring was a capital girl to have rule In a country house. Without a particle of that detestable 'faetmiss' which has so deterior ated the charms of English maidens, she had a happy freedom of manner which made every one at ease, and a cmsiderateness which iusured tne comfort and enjoyment of every guest, otie was very fond of her cousins, aud their advent at the Hall was alwa's locked to with pleasure both by ber father and her-clf, and this was made evident the moment tho visitors entered he houpe. There was the beaming old gentle man illuminating, as it were, tie doorwav. whilst the background of smiling servants seemed delighted at the prospect of increased duties. There was no make-believe iu the shake of the hand or the ring of the mellow voice which told the bo,y8 they were weleoiue, always welcome; nor was there any possibility (nor In clination) to pass by the Jlacon of cherry brandy whith Botiing the butler had received orders to administer ou the instant of arrival. And then the bonfires in the bel-ros:ns. Emily tad seen to them before driving to tho sta tion. No heap of cinders just smouldering for appearand sake, but a pile of crackling wood- logs ou a suMstratuiH ot globing coils, till gracious heat going at once to the marrow aud thawing whatever there might be uudissolvel by the cherry brandy. Theu tho beds wlih their udtr-down coverlids and, pued-un pillow, that lnade the new-comers almost wisu it were bed time, had nov past experience recalled the oruing savory luncheon, with Its h mest, home brewed dingo, aud the good dinner which the doctor and parson never refused to share wheu Invited thereto, and no better assurance of the excellence of the viands aud superiority of the wine could oe uesireu. The young men made a brief toilette and then joined their host in the dluiug-roim. Einilv had catered delightfully, aud ber coulna gratified her by doing ample justice to the luncheon. The round poud was lu excellent condition for skakiug: so the whole party ad journed thither, as Emily excelled in that graceful pastime. Then home again to diuner; but we are warned by tho space allotted to us that however pleasant it would be to us to re- couut all the cheerful doings at Stanford Hill, we uiUHt forbear, and proceed as deftly as we cau to the narration of thy events which will constitute our story. lo know Linlly Malnwaring was to love her, especially if the heart chanced not to be pre occupied. She was not, strictly speaking, ncautiful; but .1 a nose a little relroussee and a chin a trifle too round and short would not have satfied Phidias, yet the rosiest of lips, the vtiiiieti of teeth, the brightest of hazel eyes, arched over by the most delicate eyehrows a shade darker tlmu ber rich chesnut hair, made ample amends lor the classical deficiencies of her happy lace, radiant witn uealtn and cheer fulness. Iler figure was faultless, and made all kinds of exercise acceptable, and consequently the was free from all line ludyish ailments which are sometimes thought to be interesting, but are at all times exceedingly objectionable to those who are expected to sympathise with them. She played aud sang moderately well, and she always bad the good taste to attempt nothing that required the education of a prima aurma or the practice ana genius oi a Ueuedict. there was more linn one eligible voung gentleman iu the neighborhood who bad the heartache through Emily Mainwarlug, but as yet no one had ventured to propose to her. Her latiier made no secret oi tin coumience iu tier prudence and good sense, and it was generally known that the would be free to make ber own election should she be ever put to the test. Reginald and Waller were more in love with their cousin than any one else, and there was little doubt but the young men suspected each other of entertaining this predilection. She might uot have suspected it also, but if she bad done so her manner was more encouraging to Reginald, as he was geuerally ber esquire up m any trifling emergency. 6?he was freer in speech with him than with Walter, who wanted the confident bearing ot his cousin; and when at times he was silent aud she delected him look ing at ber with 'lack-lustre eyes,' she would cUulleiige, as it were, Reginald to talk, as though to avoid Walter s obsei vatlon. iSot that sbe was ever unkind to Walter; she never refused bis companionship in a walk or a ride; she sang or I1 a ed anything be requested of ber; she read the books he brought to ber or sent to ber time by time. She bade him good-night aud good morning with a smile that sent a pleasvit p tiu into bis heart and maae nun aeuciousiy miser able for minutes afterward. Was the a coquette after all Christmas has been kept at Stanford IU11 with all the honors, as Mr. Mainwariug bad been nourished on the milk of human kindness. and believed be was doing God's work in making as many of bis fellow-creaturos as he could happy aud rejoicing. He thought, also, that beoiiercdtho best tbauksgiviug for the good bestowed upon him by eucouragiug in hi nut If and others a pleasant cheerluluess, and in dulging at fitting times in a 'beeoiniug mirth,' mi J Cimsimua was one of those times when he unci ills household and friends m tde merry, aud found no better way thau in following the old cut tows, decking his bouse with holly and ether grtenerv, and dispensing his Christ mas cheer with a liberal haud to great aud small, like a true old English gentleman. Not so bis brother Ellas. He was one of those who' pride thenisehes npon being too stroug-minded to care for 6uch in volties. be was too much 'a man of business' to care to have the gieat cur- rtnt of trade impeded out lor a day, aud though be loved good eating aud driukiug, his dinner must base been earned bv a morning of bar gaining and speculation. Hence it was that at a time when most families gather for one day at least uuder the parental wings, that Walter was permitted to eat bis Christmas dinner at Slanfoid. Two d.iys only remained of the young men's Eleasant holiday. It wanted half an hour to reakfast, wheu Reginald taliped at Walter' bedroom door. 'Come in. Ah! good-morning, Regi.' 'Good-morning. I have been tossing about half the night,' continued Regluald, 'aud I shall do so for a down nights more, unless I speak OUT i Indeed! Wfca;'t Kit jaatter .' asked Walter. VtYll,' replied his cousin, 'yon know that I am tibcr a blnnt speaker, and like to go stmi.' lit to any object I have in view. And so 1 h . e come to you. I fancy, Walter, tht we v ( iioth bit by the same bolt. I mean, plainly, m 'uith are In love with Emily.' Walter colored deeply, anl only said, 'Well, w I :t then, Reginald? 'cimply this. I can see no right If it be 6o wby I should give place to you, and I have de termined to speak to my uncle this morning, and If be consents, I shall propose to Emily.' 'I have no right to Interfere with any course you think proper to pursue, Reginald replied Walter. 'I wish it had been otherwise. You have the right of priority, having spoken first;' and he held out his hand to his causiu, which the other took and pressed warmly. A, "'V? bad been otherwise, atoo,' ald in i .: buJ canot abandon what I believe Will tiB ttlO UlftknH o n. . 1.. f lif , 'V hatever may be the result, Kegiuaiu, t. us still continue friends; though, if you are suc cessful, I feel we shall not meet here again, at least lor Eome time to come.' 'Oh, nonsense, Walter,' replied Reginald; 'you are a prosperous man, you have a large society about you, and may pick and choose. But I I om a poor, struggling devil, with hardly m ire female acquaintance than my landladr and ber pqntnllne daughter. There's the breakfast bell.' i wo brpnkfast lacked something to make it the cheerful w.i u usually was. Keginald frequently relapsed into thought -very unusual with film-and Walter was evi dently disturbed and ate with little appetite. Umlly after a time caught the contagion, dail- Bt, and had not Mr. Mai - - ga?denkfto Vmoke a "cigaV EM out into the thoughts before seeking an intervlew"Wfft W.S -Vs .As he walked up and down he was oiai Lieu 1 roin .i ravarln hv Ranir n. fnvnrlrp setter, jumping npon him in friendly recogni tion. Without uinnir perhaps, ho kicked the poor brute savagely anu ..t t.jie do" howl ing away. As he looked towards the house he thought he saw Emily leaving the window of tho breakfast room. He thought little of that matter, and went on with his cigar and hli cogi tations. Reginald had less fear of rejection by Em ly than by her father, who might, he thought, take exception to his social position. But ha l not that good uncle promised to advance him three thousand pounds whenever an eligible opportunity for Its investment presented itself? lie reflected aloo npon bis uncle's frequent de claration that Emily should choose for herself, and so at last he found xourage to go to Mr. Aiainwaring. The old gentleman was hardly surprised, as he believed every one must love his Emily; and Kegn aid lelt him with lull permission to try his fortune. Reginald found bis cousin busied with her housekeeping accounts. jointly, win you allow me to interrupt vou for a short time?' said Reginald, sitting down by the table. 'Certainly, as soon as l have added no this column. There, that's done.' I am eoiny to surprise von. I fp.ir. hv what I am about to say.' A IIght flush came Into Emily's face. 'I have been with uncle this morulntr. and have made a confession to him, and which I now want to make to you.' Jbxuliy s heart took alarm, and she only bowed and eniilcd, 'I am not clever at making speeches, Emilv, but what I am about to say comes from my heart I have long 'Slay. Reginald dear cousin.' said Emily. laying her baud upon his. 'If I guess the pur port of what you would say to me, do not say it. e have been like sister and brother to ench other for so many years, that It would grieve me greatly to say anything' that you mii'lit remember as an unkindness. 1 have a great regard for you almost a sister's love. Let us remain as we have ever been. Come and go as you have done, always welcome. My father loves you and will care for your future but you understand me, dear cousin? you will! you do !' bte pressed nis nand, and then, with eyes filled with tears, left the room. Reginald's face became dark with anger. He bit his lips until blood camo. Tim folded bis rtua ud aloud er- ct like one defying fate. Rejected, he muttered. 'No, not rejected. not even permitted a hearing. And thsit she calls kinduess. I am forestalled bv Walter. The well-to-do cousin Is preferred to the stran gling dependent on her father's bouuty. Noth ing new! the old fight money against poverty. Walter knew he was safe, or he would not have taken matters o coolly. A cur! Why did he iiot tell me he had been before me? Well, be it as it Is, but it he marries her, and l can cross Lis path, I'll do it.' With many other evil thoughts and words ho left the house, hardly knowing where he went Traps, the keeper, was standiug near the stable w 1th a couple of guns, waiting for orders. He touched his bat as Keginald approached, and was startled at the angry expression of bis face. '4b, traps, yes: give me a gun. IU take a turn through the home wood.' 'xes, sir. mi a n i wait ou you, Birr 'No; I'll go alone. Send Bang. 'I'm afraid he wou't follow you, sir,' said Traps, curtly; 'not after the kick you gave hlui this morning.' ' hoitold you 1 kicked him? asked Reginald, ehorply. Miss tinny, rue sent to mo to iook at him. thinkiuir he was hurt. Ho be is. She told you, did she? asked Keginald. 'Seud him here, aud If be don't follow, I'll shoot him.' J bat would naruiy suit my dook, sir, nor yourn, neither. X wouidn t take ten guineas tor the dog. ' You wouldn't? you old fool.' 'The dog's mine, sir; aud If you doubt mo yondur a Miss Emily, and you can ask her.' Regluald gave a glance in the direction lndi cated by Traps, and then, almost snatching tue flask and sholbelt from Traps, ho strode oft to ward the borne wood. He continned to walk, his gun over his shoul der, looking on tho ground, evidently recalling what had passed during the morning. At length be stopped at a gate, uud clinching his ti.-st, exclaimed That dog ! She saw it and has resented it.' He did not return to luncheon, but he had a string will, acd by dinner-time had agaiu be come master of himself, and laughed and talked as though the present bad been the happiest moment ot bis life. The next day came as a relief to all. Coasia Emily and her pony carriage were again iu re' Quisitiou. aud Reginald, as though out of bra vudo, took his seat beside bis fair cousin, and chatted as he bad doue when no shadow hid come between tbem. V hen tbey parted at the station Reginald was the last to shake bands with Jmily. 'Good-bye, fair cousin,' he Bald; '1 have seen the last of Stanford Hall!' Tears came into Emily's eyes, but Reginald turned away smiling, aud jauutily waving his handkerchief as he went. CHAPTER II. Reginald Waiurlght did not keep his word. borne ten months alter the visit we nave re corded be heard that bis cousin Emily was in London, on a vlitit to bis uncle in Clarges street. He bud so completely estranged himself from Walter that be was not apprised of this visit, as he would otherwise have been, and be only heard of it by aocident. He believed himself wronged both by Emily aad Walter, as It was hardly a secret that tbey were now engaged to each other. When be re called the past he could remember bo many acts npon ber part that be had a right to consider justified him In the belief that be was more than Indifferent to her, and be could only conclude that be bad been trifled with for some sinister purpose of ber own perhaps to draw on Walter to an avowal of hla love for ber, and ihlfh h lilli'Vprl hail hpnn mmln liv tils wllv i coiula at tie time oX their Interview fa toe fced- room. He allowed these Impressions to obtain the mastery of hi better judgment, bis better feelings, until be became restless and vindic tive, and there was a proneness in his nature to be dogged and revengeful. Yet his uncle, Emily's father, was his lenefactor the only true friend he had ever known, and ho was now abont to visit Dm to claim the fulfilment of the generous promise made two or three years before. A Stanford Hall was barely distant two miles from the station, Reginald, having only a smll valise, determined to whlk thither. What a change in his thoughts and feelings since he travelled that road to the ball, seated besido ber that be had loved with all the strength of bis passionate nature ! There was no doubt of it; the blow he bad received had struck upon bis heart and numbed It, and old remembrances and associations had no nofiening influence upon bini. He had been cartasido for the richer suitor, for whoso advantage he had been used anu wkih wilh .I'",14 unexpected bv hla uncle, who nevertheless received uim witu the old wel come. 'W'bat, Regi, boy; I'm heartily glad to see you!' said the old gentleman: and ho looked that he mennt what be said. Why did you not write, and I would have sent some one to have met you at the station ?" 'To say the truth, uncle,' replied Reginald, 'I did not make up my mind to come down until late Inst night.' 'W ell, I am glad to fee you, boy. Come Into the dining-room; there's a good flro, and lunch will be ready In a few minutes.' Reginald followed his nncle into the dining room, where a great fire blazed on the dogs; for though it was ouly the end of October, the day ! i . 1 -m was cniuy, ana tne warmtn was very accept able. tw'ee'u"" ifttcw commonplaces had passed be paid: "r. Malnwaring ell, now. Reel. I must make a clean hre ist. of it, and then we shall both be more at ease, I take It. I have been distressed nav. I have been vexed with veu for what von hnv Hmm of late refused to come In September, as you used uo nuu mis mourn again as you used to do, ai.d I thiuk I deserved more couttrierntinn ' My dear uncle, the moment I licnrd von wra aloie ' 'That's It! that's it, Reginald !' said the nncle. Fpcnking sharply. 'You've made Emily verv unhappy; aud I think that unkind of you. it wa- not because you thouirht she would suit yon tor a wlte that she should think you would suii tier to, u,0d aud becailli0 ne Btoppe(j you from making a fooi -...if t mean mat neeause sue wouiu uoi iei, you . . a t roposal which she must have declined, yon iancy yourseii aggrieveu; auu give us au tue vein of knowing so.' '1 nave never saia as mucn, replied negiuaiu. 'No: but you've acted It. You cut your cou sin Waller; you won't come to tho Hall. You m rite regularly to me, It Is truo; but not as you used to do. There used to be Borne warmth, sraethlng cheery In your letters; but noiv they are like a mess ot cold porridge, i am hurt, Reginald, I am hurt ! 'I am grieved to hear that, dear nncle, bat I have been hurt too.' 'Well, and ought to have got over It by this. time. Emily 1 always talking about you. Sha thinks, au I do. that you are very uukind.' '11 she would.remember that, possibly i bad eome reason to think J. was not bo presump tuous ' You bad no reason, sir ! Emily would scorn to play the coquette. She is openness itself. What the devil was ehe to gain by humbugging you, fir t Vou are getting angry.' 'No I am not, sir!' 'You would not call me sir, if you wero not. No one can reverence my cousin s character more thou I do. and if I have given offense lu keeping away from her, It was because I cou'd not bear to contemplate how much I had lost.' 1 here was some truth iu this speech, and eome jesuistry; but it had tho desired effect. It mollitied his uncle. 'Well, weiJKegI, we will say no more on this painful tubjectj Only promise that you will come aud Spend Christmas as usual, and let us all le friends asaiu." 'Willingly,' replied Reginald, 'should I eb uld 1 be in England. 'In Kucl.nd i" 'Yb, uucle. Acting upon your promise of assisiance, 1 have entered into a negotiation tor a partnership with the bouse of lulerton x Co., subject to your approval, of course.' W hat do they trade mr 'Ivorv, told dust, and produce of that char acter. I shall have to take charge of their in terests at Sierra Leon. 'Dear me ! Very unhealthy place, is It pot ? 'No. not very. My predecessor has returned a rich man- fortuues are made there rapidly after a stay of some five years. I thiuk I can last out that time in any climate,' replied Regi nald, smiling, l'ive years are not a long time, certainly,' said Mr. Malnwaring. 'Have you satlstied your self of the advantages of makirg this couuec Hon r Yes, uncle. They are all sot forth In that Paper.' Oh ! here's luncheon. Come, you must be hungry' and the reek of a smoking pheasant was not a bad appetizer for a less vigorous eater tbau Reginald. 'After luncheon you shall have a brush at tho phcasauts in the home w od, and I will look oer this matter. Davis, tell Trans to be round here with dogs and guu at 3 o'clock.' Aud theu uncle and nephew de voted their bett energies to the agreeable work before them. Traps whs ready with guns and dogs at the time appointed; aud though Reginald bad f tlleu a little in his estimation since his assault upon Bung, be was 'main glad to see hlin. that he war; and mlteed him on the two firsts, that he did.' bang, however, was not bo forgiving, and Reginald, Traps, and his beaters had barely crossed bnlf the hrst held when the old do: turned tail, and scampered back to tho ken Dels. A shade came over the face of Kegiuald at this reproach of the intelligent brute he had assaulted, aud he connected, as bo bad often done before, Emily's rejection in some way with the ebullition of temper which had made Bang bis foe. When Reginald returned having hiffged a couple of brace of pheasants he fouud ttut his nncle had mastered the conditions of the pro posed partnership. The advantages are certaiuiy ery great, were it uot for the residence abroad in that in fernul cl'mate.' . 'Without that, uncle, tbey would not be so great; and I have no fear tor myself, replied Keelnald. 'Well, it Is our own affair, ray boy. Nothing venture nothing have. I will go to town with vou to morrow, as I must give my broihera month's notice of the withdraw! of, the three thousand pounds, as he is my bauker you know. May God prosper aud preserve you !' said the 3 Id man, laying his nana upon bis nephews fiend. Reginald was greatly touched by his uncle generosity aud kinduess; and had huilly boen at the hall no doubt but be would have for given ber all tbe past and eo euded our story After luucneou ou mo imiuwin aay .u M&inwarlnir and Reginald left Stanford Hall Rtglnald lookiDg ou it for the last time, as t.y the end OI tue neii uiomu or wna a-ioaru tne Lood Bhip 'Enterprise, bound for Sierra Leoae CIIAPTFR III. Two years had passed, and 'Walter was the busbaiid of Emily. He was also the junior partner in tbe great bouse of Elias Mainwarlug and Company, of Sago Lane; aud be and hU charming wlte niutut oe seen, with tne puuu tualitv of the Horse Guards, driving every morning through Hyde Park, on the way from Kensinuton to bis place of business in the City. Cedar Lodge, where Mr. aud Mrs. Malnwar lre resided, was all that eould be desired in a borne so near London. Not too large for com' foit.but witb caraoiiy to allow o! all tae niod'ira lutulc it bath Md tUJlari-rooasj andasp clous conservatory. The stabling and out-ofllces In the rear were models oi neatness in tneir way, and the garden had lawns and noble trees, upon which Addlon may have looked from the terrace of Holland Honse. Within, all was in accordance with a refined taste, which dis carded all that was gaudy or meretricious; and Emily proved a most admirable metropolitan housekeeper, for which be had been in part prepared by her Stanford Hall experiences. But London dinners and London soaiety re quire considerable tact to manage properly, and though tbe young Mainwarings had not an overwhelming acquaintance, they were called upon not un frequently to 'entertain.' And then their dinners were charming abundant but not profnse, and all of tho very best kind. Tho conservatory bad to yield up some of its trea sures, and a parterre of flowers down the centre of the table pleased the eye by tho beauty of its colors, whilst the fragrance of the flowers gratified the sense of smell. Their 'evenings' and lawn parties were equally delightful, and were more acceptable from the absence of any appearance of extravagauce. Indeed, to quote tbe mnch-auotcd Thomas Moore. Emllv aud Emily and Walter might have said orsuug: Anrt eh, If there be an elvsinm on earth, It Is this! It IB this I It Ls this!' Mr. Malnwaring, of Clarges Street, made Cedar Lodge bis Sunday lounge after church (which he never attended) In the summer time; aud once or twice in the winter he would take his dinner there. Not bo Mr. Ralph Maiu waring, Emily'B father. He bad sold Stanford Hall in order to be nearer bis children besides, what would the old house have been without Emily 4 There were no associations about It to bind him to mere walla aud trees, as it had come to him by purchase, and bo ho sold it to good advantage, to an opulent advertiser in want of a 'All,' and invested the money received for it, as a matter of course, in the bouse of a boreVbe was'a TrequVutTisItor at tuo'Ce'dars wunuuru iu uitve some snare oi tho society oi nis beloved i.nally. ure oiessing, however, was thought to be wanting to make the happiness of Walter and .umy. ineywere childless, and they some waies murmured that this blessing was wlth- jueiu. n . . .... . i dib nappy condition oi auairs Laa onnin...i for more thou four years, and many wero found to envy the ocenpauts of tho pretty green brougham which- passed bo resrularlv through the Park. News came frequently from Reginald to his uncle; and though bad had to battle with sickness and fever, be be was iu no way oissatisneu witn tne course he had adopted. bo lelf'iua'i,tBoa'.teu,PeBtnear at Land, that was to and over seas, and in otdWW. Jil lU0 Kingdom W alter returned one day with a serious face so serious that Emily questioned him as to tho cause. 'Why, darling, there ls bad news in the city. A house that exercises great influence on other bouses Is rumored to be shaky.' 1 am very sorry to hear it. v ill it alloct you, dear?'' "My father says not In tho least; bat Mac- pherson, our chief clerk, and 1 thiuk that no cue can ten wnere tno miscnict would end should tbe big house fail. But we will talk of something else, as my head is confused with thinking and debating this subject. But W alier could not think of anything else, although he talked of many matters. He tried to read, but the writer's thoughts were not his thoughts they wero iu the city. lhe early Junes, on the day after the . next. must buvo brought dismay aud despair to many a household, 'the great house in the city had closed its doors, and smaller houses had col lapsed in consequence. Walter had beard that Biich a catastrophe was imminent, betore he left the city, and had passed a feverish, rest- less night. He ordered the broughaia half un hour earlier than (usual, and would have pre vented Emily accompanying hiiu as was her wont, but she would not be denied. Tu;y scarcely spoke, and when Emily did bo, it was to beg of him to have courage, aud not give trouble welcome by meeting it half-way. She kissed blm and said softly, 'Remember, I love you!" There was a momentary comfort in those few words, but their influence was destroyed when Walter entered the couniing-house. TliHrn'a a panic In tlm City, sir, a perfect panic!' said Macpherson, without making or wailing tor the usual morniug salutations. 'A panic lu the City!' aery almost as dreadful as that of 'fire!' iu a crowded ship. What does that word panic convey to us? Merchant-prince, proud of their commercial honor proud of their worldly places bumbled aud toppled down as it wore by a whirlwind. Speculations that promised fortunes crumbled into atoms, and those tint trusted to thctu well nigh stark with ruin. Brokeu home, and ull that those two short words Imply. Geutle wo men, matrons and maidens, tenderly uurUred, whose lives had been lives of ease and refined enjoyment, suddenly deprived of all that minis tered to their wants, and the world at its worst beloro them; for nouo but those who have had the bitter experience know Low difficult the task, how hard the sacrifice of retrenchment, even when there has been neither waste nor ex travagance. Many a high-spirited youth, who bad looked forward to a future of liberal employment, compelled to turn aside and accept the drudgery of servitude. Worthy men, who had worn out their lives in honorable service, aud had thought in tbe winter of their age to bo considered by those they hud benefited by their labors hope less now ! All burled iu the ruins of the house! More broken homes ! more household gods cast into the mire ! Thousands whoe slender means made existence tolerable, deprived of all by the wrek of those iu whom they had con hued. How many droop and die none can tell none. But wby pursue thc6e painful details ? Christmas should be a merry season, and we would not willingly detract from its cheerful ness. A fortnight had passed, and Walter returned earlier than usual. '1 have come home, Emily,' ho said-, 'that I may mj self tell you the worst before it hap tens. Despite every effort we have made, our house must succumb to this terrible storm aud to-morrow our ruin will be known.' 'My dear Walter!' 'It is a terrible blow; but I am more at ease now that 1 know our fate ls inevitable. What grieves me most is that your dear conliding father will share our rvi'n. My poor father, always sanguine and generally successful, has speculated largely; aud two or three schemes in which we had invested largely are brokea up, and, bo far as I ttan Bee, we coauot nearly meet our engf geraents.' 'And your father?' 'I perfectly overwhelmed. He seems d3- 1)rlveo of all power of reflection or of action. : Bbould not have left him, but your dear father has promised to remain with bim. Hoar, gene rous man ! Not one word of reproach; not a moment's hesitation at applying all he was worth to stay our downfall. But too late! Too late!' Such consolation as occurred to ber Emily o lie red ber husband, and sbe was made com paratively happy when she saw bim fall into a culm sleep, to which he bad been a stranger for many nights, aud which lasted long into the morning. Ellas Malnwaring A Company were declared to be bankrupt; and the day before their names were to appear In the Gazette, Walter took Emily to ber father, as be knew that as soou as the fiat was issued there would be some one to i take po8esion of Cedar Lodge. He did not remove anything from .the bouse except some wearing apparel and a miniature of Emily and a portrait ol her mother; these lares he consi dered were too sacred to be chattered for by dirty brokers. And then tbe Elysium w'as de serted. Karly on tbe afternoon of tbe following day, Wa'ter was on bis way so Clarges street, wheu, passing through Leicester Square, he stopped to look lu at shop-window, lie knew uot why be did so, but we do many strange things uu consciously when we are in sorrcw. He was "wiv vacantly at coma bootrs wl'h paudyMnd ! tegs, wtcn a aan tuuitarly octupied, as in4- ing near bim tuddcnly looked round and ex claimed: 'Walter! Walter Mam waring: He was balf-dazcd, and failed to recognize tbe speaker the more bo, ns be was bronzed and barded. Not know me. Walter ?' asked tbe man. 'Ia Cousin Reginald quite forgotten ?" 'Keginald ! This ls indeed an unexpectea meeting!' replied Walter. 'On both Bides.' Baui Keginald, 'ior i oniy landed this morning, and have not as yet re ported myself.' 'Then you have not heard of our misfortunes?' aked Walter, one subject being uppermost la his mind. 'Misfortunes? No. But you look pale-111. Let us go to the cafe at the corner, where I have ordered dinner, and came out for a stroll whilst it was getting ready.' Walter made no resistance as Reginald placed his nrm In bis and led tbe way to the cafe. When they were seated, Walter told Reginald all that happened how loss had followed losa during this terrible panic until tbe house of Mainwarlug and Company had fallen also. Regluald would havo been a harder man than bis long residence abroad, and the sensual life be had led there, should have made bim had he been able to have listened unmoved; and he eitiier affected to be touched, or he was really bo, by what Walter told him. But be declined to accompany Lb? cousin to Clarges Street when. Walter rose to go there, after pleading a want of appetite as an excuse for not accepting Regi nald's invitation to dinner. 'Shall j ou be In the city to-morrow?' asked Reginald. 'Ye; and for many days, I expect. There will be much to see to.' replied Walter. x 'Good byeI wish I could have welcomed you home with better newsl' Aud so they parted. Reginald lingered long over his dinner, and drauk freely of champagne. He was evidently """uu tuonKhts that troubled him. Walter saw nothing more of bim for some days, and not until Cedar Lodge had been adver tised for sale under the bankruptcy. W alter was engaged with Mr. Macpherson in his private counting-house arranging deed and prtj ers, when Reginald was announced. Mr. Macpherson rose to leave the room, but Regina'd stopped bim. 'Don't eo, Mr. Mac Phi rsun; how do you feel haven't forgotten me, 1 hope, as my cousju had! Well. Wi are your 'As well as I can hope to be,' replied Walter. 'Such business as I am now engaged upon is neither conducive to hflnlth nor spirits. ' 'Well, when things are at their worst they must mend, folks say. I havo been down to seo the place at Kensington. Nice place charm ingly doue up. I have called to know whether it must go to the hammer, or whether It can be had bv puvnte contract. perty by valualionrl "f j? P"! deeply. 'It would bo something to savec?!in those brutes, the brokers.' 'Well, we'll see,' said Reginald, curtly. lSi affair this, Macpherson. Plenty to koop you company, however. Well good-dav, Walter; I see you are busy. Good-day, Macpherson: something will turu up, I've no doubt, when all this is Fettled.' And so paying he walked out, whistling as ho went, but not from want of tl'ougbt. The failure of Malnwaring and Company had' not left Its unfortunate representatives without friends. In less than twelve months Walter was engaged at a liberal salary In a house of repute. His father had never recovered the shock of his bankruptcy, and was content to wear out tbe day in futile calculations as to the cause of his ruin. Mrs. Malnwaring bad a set tlement from ber father ot aouiu flve hmutrod year, and the family was placed therefore be vond tbe reach of want. Walter had a Binall house at Hollaway, and though It might have been put Into tho conservatory of Cedar Lodge, it was yet made BUtflclent by the love and con tentedness to be fonud within. Emily did not accompany her husband to the city as here tofore in a brougham, but he walked with bim to the end of the road and saw him mount the omnibus, and met blm again ou his return. Mr. Ka'ph Mainwariug had lodgings near them, and managed wonderfully well on an annuity of i'tre, which had escaped tho wreck in Sago Lane. Cedar Lodge and its belongings had been pur chased bv Reginald, who, more than once, had invited Walter and Emvly to visit, him i tbolr old bom ui u acquired more resolution than either possessed at the time to look npon the scene of tbe happiuess tbey had known, and tbe invitations weie declined. But as time vjn en Emily and Walter upbraided themselves for this weakness, aud felt that it betrayed an unthank fulncss for tbe good that was still about them, and the next invitatiou was accepted. As truthful chroniclers, it must be confessed that the old happy homo was not revisited with out some pain some regrets. It would have been strange had it been otherwise. Reginald received them with a great show of kinduess. 'I am glad you have come at last. You will find little altered; all was so perfect,' he said, lending the way to tbe dra lug-room. Emily was struck to see how all the old arrangements had been preserved; every ornament iu iu ac customed place; almost tho same flowers in the window-stands. One object, however, was wanted, and marked tho change tf proprietor ber pet canary! No, be had shared ber expul sion. After luncheon Walter went to call on a lady who bad been very kind wheu the great trouble came aud Emily proposed to look through the conservatory whose treasures had mostly been nurtured by" her hands. As she was about to leave the rom, Reginald said, "Stay a moment, Emily; I want to speak with yon.' Emily looked somewhat surprised. "1 saw,' be continued, that your quick eye notiied that you bad beeuf recent beie though obsert. It is true I have disturbed nothing Eight yvars ago you sent mo Into exile.' n. Reginald? 'Yes. you you rejected my love, and as I Ftlll believe because I was a poorer mau than Walter. I nm not so now Emily. I know that you loved me better than yoa loved Walter. I never have lost that conviction. I remember a hundred evidences of it. You married the richer man.' 'I married Walter because I loved blm,' said Emily, warmly. 'I do not believe that your love was all with him I cannot, will not believe It. You see how 1 have thought of you; here is a home worthy of vou. It ls yours whenever you like to claiio It.' ' 'God forgive you, Reginald, if I understand you God forgive me if I misinterpret your weaning;' and she weut towards the door. "Hear me to an end," Baid Reginald, his face becoming dark again as it did at Stanford Hall. 'Hear me to an eud. I said this house is yours wLentver you like to claim it which implies a condition which I did not care to name to you when your husband can buy it of me !' 'I am glad that such conditions were in your mind,' said Emily. 'With your permission, I will visit my old favorltts.' So Bajlng, she went to the conservatory, Ihiukii g again and again of the strange scene just ei, acted. Reginald bit his lip, and then giving vent to a Lold round oath, opcued a glass door that led into tbe garden. Reginald bad met bis first great disappoint ment in life like a fool and a coward. Cut adrift, as it were, from LU first love, he. had allowed himself to be tossed about on a sea of passions, drifting where the wind listed, and never seeking to find a haven of rest. Abroad, bis seusualilies were bardly observed, and since bis return to England he bad kept so much apart from his family connection, that bis movements bad been unknown. His mind had become eo gross that he doubted the existence of virtue. When Walter came back, Emily expressed ber wish to return home, pleading the distance they had to go and the shortness of the day light as an excuse for leaving. Reginald made but slight effort to detain bis vUitor, al parting witb tbem seemingly the best' 9i it ixmtsyMi ttt A imk J aye.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers