Ii. N. 0 PROFESSIONAL CARDS, E. WALLER, ATTOHNliY-AT-LAW, Moomsburg, Pa Office over 1st. National Hunk. U. FUNIC, ATTOKNKY-AT-LAVV. ULO0M8BUK0, l'i, ... i- .,. tiiilMtnff. 01IN M. OLAUK, ATTOliNEY-AT-LAW AND JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. HLOOMSBHRO, l'Ai a, J Oillce over Moycr uron. Drug more. W. MILLER, ATTOKNItY.AT-hAW, OliU-e lo Urower's butldlng.sotond floor.room No. 1 Uloomsburg, I'A. O FRANK ZKH, " ATTO I IN E Y-AT-L AW. Rlooinsburg, l'.i. o nico comer of cmtrc ota bid Mitels. Claris Bunding. U.n bo consulted In dermal). 1 EO. E. ELWELL ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, lit.OOMSIimtCl, I'A. Ofllco on First door, front room of Col umbian Rulldlug, Main Blrcct, below Ex. cimugo Hotel. pAUL E. WIRT, Attornoy-at-Law. Offlooln Colcmbiam Uoilmno, lioom No. 5, second "r' ULOOMSBURG, PA. V. WHITE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, BLOOMSBURG, PA. Office In Rrowcra' Building, 2nd floor, may 1-tf ' H ENOKB. I" B.WIWTIRSTBXN. KNORR & WINTERSTEEN, AttornoyB-at-Law. omco lu 1st National Hank building, second floor, nrst door to the li ft Corner ot .Main and Market streets Uloomsburg, Fa. tWl'ensums and Bounties Collected. P. UILLMEYER, (JHSTIUVT A TTOllNJiY.) ATTORNEY-AT-LAW. CiTOfllcc over Dcntltr's shoo store, Hloonisburg, Pa. npr-SUbU iy. II. RHAWN. ATTOHNKY-AT-LAW. Catawlssa, l'a, 0 jce.corner ot Third and Main street. jyjTCHAEL F. EYERLY, Conveyancer, Collector of Claims. AND LKCJAL ADVICE IN THE. SETTLEMENT OF ESTATES, C. ir-Cfllcfl in rent'er's building with V. P. Bill mejer, nttormy-nt-lav, licnt lotms, snd tloor liloorasburg, l'a. apr-p-SC 2. BMITII, ATTOHNEY-AT-LAW Berwick, I'o. D li. HONOItAA. ltOUMNB. Offlcc and residence, West First street, blooms urg, l-a. novSt-8 ly. burg. B. McKELVY, M. DSureeon and Ply . slclan, nortb sldo Main strectbelow Market i L. FRITZ, AttorneY-nt-Law. A. . .Front room over l'ost onice, Office D R. J. C. RUTTER, PHYSICIAN S SURGEON, OMce, Nortb Market hlrcet, Blcomsbure, l'u DR. WM. Physician, M. REHER, Surgeon and OClco corner ot Hock and Markot EXCHANGE HOTEL, W. R. TDBBS, PROPRIETOR ELOOMSEUnO, PA. OPPOSITE (XJUKT HOU8K. I arge and convenient snrr pie rooms. Path room, hot nnd cold water; and nil modern coi.utlencis. B F. HARTMAN HKrRKSSKTB TO FOLLOWING AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANIES North American ot Philadelphia. Franklin, " " Pennsylvania, " " York, of Pennsylvania. Hanover, ot N. Y. oucens, of London, North British, ot London, omco on Mirkot street, No, 9, llloomsbtirg. oct. 84. 1- JpiRE INSURANCE CnniSTIAN F. KNAPP, ULOOMSBt 110, I'A, home, of n. y. merchants', of newark, n. j. clinton, n.y. peoples' n. y. heading, i'a. These old coki ouaiions aro well seasoned by ae and fihi tested and have never et had a loss settled by any court of law. Their assets aro all Invested In solid skcukitiks aro liable lo tho hazard or hkk only. Losses FROunLY and iiokestly adjusted and paid as soon as determined by ciikistian r. KKirr-, SPICIAL AOKXT AND ADJU8TKB BLOOMSBCKO, Thopeoploof Columbia county should patron ize the agency where losses II any are settled and pall by ono of thcr own citizens. PROMPTNESS. EQUITY, FAIR DEALING. 17REA8 liiunvws I'surance X AGENCY. Moyer's new building, Mala street, Clooinsburg, Pa. Assets .Etna Insurance Co., of Hartford, Conn J7,OT8,MO Iloyal of Liverpool, 13,S(),ooo Lancashire. lO.ooo.Ort) Fire AssoclaUon, Philadelphia 4,105,710 Phunix, ot London 5,aofi,a70 London 4 Lancashire, ot England l.tou.UVO Hartford of Hartford. T. a.ara.060 sprlngtteld Fire and Marine 8,oss,siw As the agencies are direct, policies aro written or the Insured without delay In the ofllce at liloomsburg. Oct. S3, '81- "AINWRiailT & CO., WHOLESALE GROCERS, Philadelphia, Pa. TEAS, bYHUl'8, COFFEE, bVGAR, MOLAbHES KICK, 61'ICEf, 1I1CAUII EOIIA, ETC., ETC N. E. Corner Second and Arch Sts. IOrdcrs will receive prompt attention. II. HOUSE, DENTIST, HLooMsiiuita, Columbia County, Pa All styles ot work done In a superior manner, worn warrantod as represented. Tkhtii Extkaoi id wituout 1'ain by tho use of Gaa, and treoot charge when artinclaltoeth arelnserted. Olllco In Rarton's building, Mnln street, "clow Murket, tlvo doors below Klclm's drug store, llrst Uoor. lobe cpen at all hour I during the da Nov S3 -ly pURSEL'S IIARRKR SHOP, Under Kxcimngo Hotel. Tlio Torieorial Art in nil its brandies. HOT AND COLD BATHS. Hahiuk II. Pursei, lyinnr2fl Propriutor. Benton Hotel, LEMUEL DRAKE, Prop'r. This well-known hotel has been ro-opene,l and mauy liapro-oments mado for thu-aecommoilallon w tho iraioling public. 'J he bar and table aro supplied with tho best tho market affords. A largo anil commodious stable Is conncctcl with the hotel. Terms always reasonable, wnajrerj Lemuel uiiake, Proprietor, E! to bomado. CutthMoutand return lo us. and we will send you fice, some thlBg of creat value and limortance to vm, tl,,., ulll Liort .mi fn tiii&liua which win bring you In more money right away inau ani thing elso in this world. Any one car) do the work and llvo at home, Kllher soxi all ages, ouiaethtng new, that lust coins money for all workers. We will start youj capital not needed. ii?JSl,oneo1 the genuine, Imimrlant chances ota uteilme. Those who are ambitious and enterprls i.'nU'U.S01 delliy. nnna outnt Iroe. Addrcas, Tm Co., Augustb Maine, aocM-S,iy. Ei FLwELIi, . , . S 31TT3HBEltI)2n,FrcI"cr' (THE NEW QUININE.) Gives Good Appetite, Now Strength, Quiet Nerves, Happy Days, Sweet Sleep, POWERFUL 'lYiNnn that tho most dcllcato stomach mil bear. A SPECIFIC FOR MALARIA, RHEUMATISM, NERVOUS PROSTRATION, .. nmI (,crlri Discuses. llITIm,,,.m?;v'lKNJIIr,C, AN" ffCCESSFUL BUiol) l'UltKllili. SiiDCilor to quinine, A.VJ" cr ? 11,84 157111 stlt!tt New York, way cured by hnsklno o extreme malarial pros tration arter seven years suffering, lie had run J!0?1 1 '5 l,0""d' 10 ? began on Kasklno In June, 180, went to work In one month, regained hi.-" lull weight in tlx months. (Julnlno did him no go d winterer. -Mr. oidoon -l hnmpson, tho oldo.-t and ono of tho most respected clttcns ot Bridgeport, conn, says: "I am ninety soars of age, and for tho last threo sears have surferod from malaria and tho effects of quinine poisoning, I recently began with Has kino which broko up tho malaria and Increased my weight si pounds." Mrs. T. A. Solomons of 1S Halllday St., Jersey City, writes: -My son Harry, 11 years, was cured of malaria by KasMnc, after IS months' illness, when wo had gp.cn upall hopo. Letters rromtho above persons, giving full de tails, will be Rent, nn ntinlltnin.n. Kasklno can bo taken without any special med ical advice, (l.t D per bottlo. , Sold by MOYElt linos., Uloomsburg, l'a., orsent by mall on receipt ot price. tub KASKiNis to., 54 wurin St., New York no20.tdly. GED.K.MAEBET1H) VB ITT5BU RGHf pW TOR GAUTBKPEAIXRS EVERT WUEFIE dec 3 f 6 n c i co. CL0TE1NG! q CLOTHINa W. BERTSCH, THE MERCHANT TAILOR. hz Furnishing Goods, Bats & Gapg OF EYEHY DESCRIPTION. Suits inndo to older at short notice and a litalwajs guaianteed or no pale. Call ami examine tlio largest and best selected i-tnck of goodn ever shown in Columbia county. Store next door to First National Rank, MAIN STREET, IJIooinsTiiirg Pa. fBTABmiTfflbii lira OF CAST CR WROUGHT IRON. Suitable for Yards, Cemetery Lots and Public Grounds :o: The touowlng shows the Picket Gothic, one of the scleral beautiful stylcsot Fence manufactured by tho undersigned. l i 'N cA.i)n.,,,onni T-inmMtitv Miev nrounsuroass ed. set up by experienced hands and warranted to give satisraction. Prices and specimens of other do sigus sent to any address. Address BLOOMSBURG PA- May 4-tf . BLOOMSBURG PLANING MILL The undersigned having put bis Planing Ml on Railroad street, tn nrst-cmss condition, Is pre fared to do ail Kinas or worn in uia imo, FRAMES, SASH, DOORS, BLINDS. MOUi-DINGS, FLOORING, Etc. furnished at roasonablerrlces. All lumberused is well seasoned and none butsklUed workmen areempioyco. ESTIMATES FOK BUILDINGS nrntihed on application. Plans and spectnea ons prop irod by an experienced araugmsiuu cn.vnt.KS Kltllfi, niiioniHbiirg, l'a M. C. SLOAf &"BR0.r" HLOOiMSUURG, I'A. Manufacturers of CARRIAGES BUGGIES, PHAETONS SLEIGHS, PLATFORM WAGONS AC First-class work always on band, REPMBJNQ NEA TLYDONh. Prices reduced to suit the times. NTS, i btalncd and all patent buslucss attended to for mote from Washington. ,.,. UDiv?rJrtt to uT'iwimB.ii-r. tho Sunt, of county, write lo C. A. SNOW A: CO., Opposltn Patent oniee, VV8hmgton .D suhsouiue von THE COLUMBIAN, A LamfiMney I. I A J If EEETHATTHE S? . O fjj EXACT LADLE 13 ON r J feg EAOH CHIMNEY AS g M 1NUFACTURED ONLYWY t i 1 i . . I I I S mmmm THE WITCH'S HEAD. By H, RIDER IIAGOARD. CHAPTER XIL DKKrKlt YET, Whllo Ernest was woolnc and Eva doubt- Ing, time, whoso Interest In earthly nffnlrs It that ot tho slcklo ill tho growing crop, went on liU nny as usual. I he end of August came, as it bos como so many thousand times slnco this globo gavo its first turn in iiaco, as it will come for many thousand times more, till nt last, its appointed course run out, tho world darkens, quivers and gl ows still i and, behold, Ernest was still wooing, i.vn still doubling. Ouo evening it was a very beautiful evening this pair were walking together on tho seashore. Whether they met by appoint ment or by accident does not matter; the did meet, and there they were, strolling along together, ns fully charged with intense feel ing as a thunder cloud with electricity, and almost as quiet. Tho stoftn had not yet burst. To listen to tho talk of theso two, they might linvo met for tlio first tlmo yesterday. It was clilelly about tlio weather. Presently, in tho courso of their wander ings, they camo to n little sailing boat drawn up upon tho bunch not far up, however, just out of tho reach of the waves. Ily this lioat, 111 an nttltudo of intenso contemplation, Micro stood an ancient mariner. Ills hands were in his pockets, his plpo was in bis mouth, his eyes were fixed upon the deep. Apparently ho did not notlco their approach till they were within two yards of him. Then ho turned, "dashed" himself and asked tho lady, with a pull of his grizzled forelock, if sbo would not tako a sail. Ernest looked surprisod. "How's tho windi" ho asked. "Straight olT shoro, sir; will turn with the turn of tho tide, sir, and bring you back." "Will you conio for a bit of a sail, Evan "Oh, no, thnnk you. I must l getting home; it Is 7 o'clock." "There's no hurry for you to get borne. Your mint nnd Florence havo gone to tea with the binythes." "Indeed, I cannot como; I could not think of such a thing." Her words were unequivocal, but tho ancient nmiiner put a strange Interpretation upon them. First, bo bnuled up tho little sail, and then, placing his brown hands ngalnst tho stern of tho boat, ho rested his weight iion them, nnd caused her to travel far enough into tlio vaves to flout hor bow." "ow, miss." "I nm not coming, Indeed." "Now, miss." "I w ill not como. Ernest," "Come," said Ernest, quietly holding out his hand to help her in. Sho took it and got in. Ernest and tho mariner gave a strong shove, and as tho light boat took the water tho former leaped In, and at tho snmo second a pulT of wind caught tho sail and took them ten yords out or moro. "Why, tho sailor is left bohlndl" said Eva. Ernest gave a twist to tho tiller to get the Lo.it's head straight off shore, and then kinnvly looked round. Tho mariner was standing as they had found blm, his hands In bis pockets, his plpo in his mouth, hU eyes Ilxctl upon tho deep. "Ho doesn't soem to mind It," ho said, meditatively. "Yt, but I do; you must go back and fetch him.11 Thus npiealeil to, Ernest went through 601110 violent maneuvers with the tiller, witn out producing any marked effect on tho courso of the boat, which by this time had got out of the shelter of tho cliff and was bowling along merrily. Wait till we get clear from the draught or the cl If. and I will brine her round." But when at last they were clear from tho draught of tho cliff, and ho slowly got her bend round, lo nnd behold, tho mariner had vanished I "How unfortunate!" said Ernest, getting her head toward tho open sea again; "ho has probably gono to his tea." Evn tried haul to get angry, but somehow sho could not. sho only succooded in laughing, "If I thought that you had done this on purpose, I would nover como out with you nrmln." Ernest looked horrified. "On purpose!" ho Knid. nmI tlio subject dropped. They were sitting side by sldo in tho stern sheets of tho lioat, and the sun was just dip ping, nil rod hot, Into tho ocean. Under tho lee of tho cliff there were cool shadows, bo fnrn tln.m was a iiath of clorv that led to a golden gate. Tho air was very sweet, and for those two all tho world was lovely; there was 110 sorrow on tho earth, there were no storms upon tho sea. Eva took off her hat and let tho sweet breeze play upon her brow. Then sho leaned over tho side, and' dipping her hand Into tho cool water watched tho littlo track it maue. "Eva." "Yes, Ernest." "Do you know I am going awayl" Tho hand was withdrawn with a start, "Going away I when!" "Tlio day utter to-morrow, to Franco." "And when aro you coming back againP "T think that denends on vou. Eva." Tho hand went back into the water. They wern a mllo or more from the shoro now, Ernest manipulated tho sal! and tiller so as to sail slowly parallel wun mo coast uuo. Then ho spoko again. "Eva." No answer. r tnr find's sake, look at mol" Thero was something In his voice that forced her to obey. Sho took her band out of tho water and turned her eyes on his face, rt .. !, niul thi! liiu were nuivering. "I lovo you," ho said, in a low, choked voice, Bho grow angry. " Why did you bring m lierel I will go home. This isnonsenso; you nrn nnthlnCT but a llOYl'' Thero are moments in llfo when tho human f aco is cupablo of conveying a moro intenso and vivid iniue.Ion thun any words, when It seems to siH-ak to tho very soul in a lan guage of Its own. And so It was with Ernest now; bomado no answer to her reproaches, but if that were iiblo, his features grew w vet. riuI his eves, shining like stars, fixed themselves upon her and drew her to blm. And what they said she and ho know alone, nor could any words convey It, for the tongue in which they talked is not spoken in .1, tj uorl.l. A moment still tho wavered, fighting ngalnst the sweet mastery of his will with all her woman's strength, and then O heaven I it was done, and bis arms were round about her, her head upon his breast, and her voico was lost in sobs and broken words of lovo. Oh, radiant winged hour of more than ...nriAl lov. the hearts where thou bast lit will knowwhou their time comes that they havo notlientqultoinvalnl And so they sat, those two, quite silent, for there seemed to to no need for speech; words nrtnl, I tint, innvev half they had to say, and, indeed, to toll the honest truth, their lips were for tlio most part otherwiso employed. nf,,,ii,nn tha sun went down, and the golden moon arose over the quiet sea and turned their littlo ship to silver, Eva gently disengaged herself from hU arms, and half rosoto look at It; sho bad never thought it half so beautiful before. Ernest looked at it, . 1. a wnv tlmt lovers have. "bo you know tho lineal" ha said; "I think I can say them: "With a swifter motion, ntfn tlin neean. Heaven above and rouud us, and you alone with me; . , , Heaven around aud 0 er us, The Inllnlto before us, Floating on forever, uiu tha flowing sea.1 "Uo on," sho said, softly. "What time Is It, dear, now! We are in the year now Of the now creation, one million, two or three, Hut where are we now, love! w am Afl I trow. love. In tho heaven of heavens, uwn the crystal sea. "That is how 1 bopi it may bo with us, dear," she said, taking his band as the last words passou uu iqw. in m iinnnv nowr ha asked her. "Yea, Ernest, I am happy Indeed. I do not think that I shall ever Ik so happy again; certainly I never was so happy lwforo. Do you know, dear, I wish to tell you so, that you may seo bow mean I have been; I havo . . j ..... Inun fnf vnn " lougnt to mm u ina-o.1 iwln.nl. " bYi " he asked. m win till vnu aulto truly. Ernest be- cauw you are to young. I was ashamed tc fall in lovo w ith a boy , and yet, you tee, dear, you, havo been too strvng tor ".- BLOOMSBURG, PA., FRIDAY, JULY 1, Why. thero Is no dllfercnc In our ages," "Ah, Ernest, but 1 nm a woman, nnd over so much older than you. Wo ago so much quicker, you know, I feel about old enough to bo your mother," sho said, with a pretty assumption of dignity. "And I feol qulto old enough to bo your lover," ho replied, lmiiertlnently, "80 it seems. Hut, Ernest, If threo months ago anybody hnd told mo that 1 should bo In lovo to-day with a boy 01 si , A would not havo believed them. Dear, I havo given yon all my luart; you will not betray It, will you! You know very young men aro apt to cbango their minds." lie flushed a littlo as ho answered, feel ing that it was tinome to havo tho unlucky fact that bo was only 21 so persistently thrust liefore him. "Then they aro young men who liavo not had tho honor of winning your affections. A man who hod onco loved you could nover for get you. Indeed, it is moro likely that you will forget me1, you will havo plenty of temptation to do so." She saw that sho bad vexed mm. "Don't bo angry, dear; but you sco the position is a very difficult one, and, if 1 could not bo qulto sure of you, it would bo Intolerable." "My dai ling, you may bo ns suro of mo ns woman can lw of man: but don't begin your doubts over again. Thoy aro settled now. Let us tie qulto happy just this ono evening. No doubt there are plenty coming when wo sbnll not bo ablo to." And so they kissed each other and sailed on, homeward, alas! for it, was getting late, and n ero lerfectly happy. Presently they drew near tho thore, and thero, at tho Identical spot where they had left him, stood tho ancient mariner. HU hands were in his pockets, his plpo was in his mouth, his eyes were fixed upon tho deep. Ernist grounded the little boat skillfully mougb, and Jumping over the bow ho and the narincr pulled it up. Then Eva got out, nnd Is sho did so sho thought In tha moonlight sho aotlcod something resembling atwinklo in tho tatter's ancient eye. Bho felt confused there Is nothing so confusing as n guilty consclenco and to cover her confusion plunged into jonversatlon while Ernest was finding soma money to pay for tho boat, "Do you often let boats? ' sho asked. "2io, inis-i, only to Mr. truest in a general way" so that wicked Ernest bad set a trap to catch her. "Oh, then, I supposo you go out fishing!" "No, miss, only for rikkratlon, like." "Then what do you do?" sho wai getting curious on tho point. "1 imcs I does nothing; times I stands on tho beach and sees things; times I runs chooses, miss." "Hun cheesesl" "Yes, miss, Dutch ones." "He means that bo brings cargoes ot Dutch cheeses to Harwich." "OhPsald Eva. Ernest paid tho man, nnd they turned to go. 6he had not got many yards when sho felt a heavy hand laid ujion her shoulder. I urnlng round in astonishment, sho iercelved tho mariner. "I say, miss," bo said in a boarso whisper. "Well, what?" "Nivcr you eat tho rind of a Dutch cheese 1 says it as knows." Lvn never forgot his advico. CHAPTER XIII. Sin. CAIIDUS UNF0LD9 III3 PLANS. "Ernest," baid Mr. Cardus, on tho morning following tho events described in the previous chapter, "I want to speak to you in my ofllco and you, too, Jeremy." lhey both followed blm Into his room, wondering what was up. Ho sat down, nnd so did they, and then, as was his habit, letting his eyes stiny over every part of their per sons except their faces, ho began: "It Is time that you two fellows took to do ing something for yourselves. You must not learn to tie idle men, not that most young men require much teaching In that way. H hat do 3-ou propose to dor Jeremy and Ernest stared at ono nnother lather blankly, but npparently Mr. tardus did not exiiect nn nuswer; at any rate, bo went on lieforo either of them could frame ouo. 'You don't soem to know, never gavo tho matter any consideration probably; qulto con tent to olwy tho lilblo literally, and tako no thought for tho morrow. Well, it is lucky that you havo somebody to think for you Now I will tell what I propose for j-ou both, 1 want you, truest, to go to tha bar. it is a foolish profession for most young men to tako to, but it will not bo so in your caso, because, as it hapjiens, If you show yourself capablo, I shall by degrees bo able to put a good deal of business in your hands chancery business for 1 havo little to do witn any other, 1 uaro say you will wonder where the business is to come from. 1 don't seem to do very mucn here, do II with a mad old hunting man as a clerk, and Dorothy to copy my privato letters; but I do, for all that. I may ns well toll you both in confidence that this pi aco Is only tho head center of my business, I havo another ofllco in London, another at Ipswich, and another at Norwich, though they all carry on business under different namea; besides which I have other agencies of a different nature. But all this Is neither hero nor there. I havo communicated with Aster, tho great chancery man, and ho will have a vacancy In his cham bers next term. Let me see term begins on Nov. 2 ; I propose, Ernest, to write to-day to enter you at the Lincoln's Inn. I shall make you an allowanco of threo hundred a year, which you must clearly understand you must not exceed. I think that is all I havo to say about the matter," "I am sure I am very much obliged to you, uncle," began Ernest, fervently, for slnco tho previous evening ha had clearly realized that it was necessary for him to make a beginning of doing something. But his undo cut him short "All right, Ernest, we will understand all that, Now, Jeremy, for you, I proposo that you shall bo articled to mo, and if you work well and prove useful it is my intention in tlmo to admit you to a share of tho business. In order that you may not feel entirely de pendent it is my further intention to mako you an allowanco also, on tho amount of which I havo not yet settled." Jeremy groaned in spirit at tho thought ot Ix'coming a lawyer, even with a "shnro of tho business," but ho remembered bis conversa tion with Dorothy and thanked Mr. Cardus with tho bost graco that ho could muster, "All right, then; I nil! havo the articles prepared at once, and you can take to your stool in the ollloo next week. I think that is all I have to say." Acting on this hint, tho pair were depart ing. Jeremy in tho deepest Haw of depression Induced by the near prospect of that stool, when Mr, Cardus called truest back. "I want to seak to you about something elso," he said, thoughtfully. "Khut tho door.l' Ernest turned cold down his back, and wondered if bis uncle could have heard any- thing, about Eva. Ho had tho full intention ot speaking to lilu: about tho matter, but it would bo awkward to bo boarded blmscll be f ore ho bad mado up his mind what to say, Uo shut the door, and then, walking to tha glass entrance to tho orchid blooming house, stood looking at the flowers and waiting for Mr. Cardus to begin. But ho did not liegln; be seemed to bo lost In thought. "Well, unclel" bo said at last. "It is a delicate business, Ernest, but I may as well get it over. I am going to mako a re quest of you, a request to which I beg you will give 1110 no immediate answer, for from its nature it will require tho most anxious uud careful consideration. I want you to listen, nnd say nothing. You can givo 1110 your answer when you come back from abroad. At tho same time, I must tell you that it is a matter that I trust you will not disappoint mo In; indeed, I do not think that you could bo so cruel as to do so. I must also tell you that if you do, you must prepare to boa great loser, financially siaking." "I have not the falptust idea what you are driving at, uncle," said Uriicst, turning from tho class door to speak. "I know you havo not. I will tell you. Listen; I will tell you a. littlo story. Many years ago a great misfortune overtook me, a misfortune so great that it struck mo as lightning sometimes does a tree; It left tho bark sounu, nui lurnoii me neart to osiiea. Never mind what the details were, they were nothing out of the common ; such things sometimes happen to men and women. The blow was so severe that it almost turned my brain, so from that day 1 gnvo myself to re venge. It sounds melodramatic, but thero was nothing ot tha sort about It. I bad been cruelly wronged and I determined that those who bad wronged me should taste some of their own medicine. With the exception of one man they havo done to. lie has escaped me fo a time, bu) be Is doomed. To pass on. Tlio woman who cnusod tho troublo for wherever there Is trouble, thero Is generally a woman who causes It had children, Thoso children nro Dorothy and hor brother. I adopted them. As tlmo went on I grew to lovo tho girl for her likeness to her mother. Tlio boy I never loved; to this hour I cannot llko him, though ho is n gentleman, which his father never was. I can, however, honestly say that I havo dono my duty by him. I have told you all this lu order that you may un derstand tho rcquett which I nm going to make. I trust lo you never to speak of it, and, if you can, to forget it. And now for tho request itself." lirnest looked up wonderlngly. It Is my most earnest deslro that you should marry Dorothy." Ills listener started violently, turned qulto polo, nnd open od his Hp3 to speak. Mr. Car dus lifted bis band nnd went on: "Remember what I askod you. Pray say nothing; only listen. Of course I cannot forca you Into this or any other marriage. I can only lieg you to givo heed to my wishes, knowing that they w ill In overy way prove to your ndvoutago. That girl has a heart of gold; nnd if you marry her you shall inherit nearly all my fortune, which is now very largo. I havo observed that yon havo lately been about a great deal with Eva Ceswlck. Bho Is n bandsomo woman, and very likely sho has taken somo hold upon your fancy. I warn you that any entanglement in that di rection would bo most disagreeable to me, and would to a great extent destroy your pros pects so far as I am concerned." Again Ernest was about to sneak, and again his undo stopped blm. "I want no confidences, Ernest, and had much rather that no wonls passed between us that wo might afterward regret. And now I understand that you aro going abroad with your friend Batty for a couple of months. tv lien you return you shall givo mo your answer about Dorothy. In tho meanwhile hero is a chock for your expenses; what is over you can spend as you like. Perhaps you have somo bills to pay," lio gavo him a folded check, and then went on: "Now leavo mo, as I nm busy," fcrnest walked out of tho room In n perfect mare. In tho yard ho mechanically unfolded tho check. It was for a largo sum i!2i0. Ho put it in his pocket nnd beirnn to reflect upon his position, which was about as painful as a position can well be. Truly ho was on tho horns of a dilemmn; probably lieforo ho was much older 0110 of thorn would havo pierced him. For a moment ho was about to return to his undo and tell him all tho truth, but on reflection ho could not see w hat was to bo gained by such n course. At any rate, it seemed to blm that ho must first consult Evn, whom ho ha1 arranged to meet on tho beach at 3 o'clock; there was nobody elso whom ho could consult, for bo was shy of talking about r.vn to jeremy or uoiiy. lire rest of that morning went verv 111 for Ernest, but 3 o'clock camo at last and found him nt tho trjsting place. Aiiout n mllo on the further s do of Kester. wick, that is,'two miles or so from Titheburg Abbey, tho cliff jutted out into tho sen In a way that corresjiondeil very curiously with ino mtio promontory known as Dum's Ness, tho reason of its resistance to tho action of tho waves being that it was at this spot com posed of an up crop of rock of a more durable) nature than tho sandstono and pebbles of tho remainder of tho lino of cliff. Just at tho point of this promontory tho waves hail worn a hollow In tho rock that was locally dignified by thonamoof tho cave. For two hoursormoro nt high tldo this hollow was under wntcr, and it was, therefore, impossible to pass tho head land except by boat; but during tho rest of tho da- it formed n convenient grotto or trystlng place, tho moro so as anyliody sitting in it was qulto invisible either from tho beach, tho cliff abovo, or, indeed, unless tho boat was qulto close in shoro, tho sea in front. Hero It was that truest had arranged to meet Eva, and on turning tho rocky comer or 1110 cavo 110 lound her sitting on a mass of fallen rock waiting for him. At tho sight of her beautiful form ho forgot all his troubles, nnd when rising to greet htm, blushing llko dawn, sho lifted her pure f aco for him to kiss, tliero was not a happier lad In England. Then sho mado room for him besido her tho rock was just wido onough for two and ho placed his arm round her waist, nnd for n minute or two sho laid her head upon his snouiuer, anti tuoy were very happy. You aro early," no said at last. "Yes; I wanted to get away from Florence and havo a good think. You have no idea how unpleasant sho is; sho seems to know everything. For Instance, sho knew that we went out sailing together last evening, for this morning at breakfast sho said in tho most cheerful way that sho hoped that I enjoyed my moonnguc sail last nignt." "1 ho deuco sho did I nnd what did you say i' "I said that I enjoyed it very much, and luckily my aunt did not tako any notice." " by did you not say at onco that wo were engaged) Vt e nro engaged, you know." " les that is, I supposo so." "Supposo sol Thero is no supposition aiiout it. At least, if wo aro not engaged, w hat aro wee "Well, you see, Ernest, it sounds so nlisurd to say that ono Is engaged to a boy I lovo you, Ernest, lovo you dearly, but how can I say that 1 nm engaged to your I-.rnest roso 111 great wrath. "I tell you what it Is, Eva, if I am not good enough to acknowledge, I am not good enough to havo anything to do with, A boy, Indeed! I am ono-nnd-twenty; that Is full age. Confound 1c all, you nro always talking aiiout my lieing so young, lust as though 1 could not get old fast enough, (Jan t you wait for mo it year or two?'' ho asked, with tears of mortification in his eyes. "O Ernest, Ernest, do bo reasonable there's a dear; what is tho goal of getting angry and making mo wretched f (;omo and sit down here, dear, and tell me, am I not worth a littlo patience? Thero is not tho slightest possibility, so far as I can see, of our getting married at present; so tlio question is, if it is of any uso to trumpet an engagement that will only mnko us tho object of a great deal of gossip, nnd which, iwrhaps, your uncle would not like." "Oh, by Jove!" ho said, "that reminds me," ami sitting down besido her again ho told her the story of tho interview with his uncle. Sho listened in sllonco. "This is all very bad," sho said when ho had finished. "Yes, it is bad enough ; but w hat is to bo done)' "Tliero is nothing to bo done at present." "Shall I mako n clean breast of it to hlmi" "No, no, not now; it will only mako mat ters worse. Wo must wait, dear. You must go abroad for n couple of months, as you had arranged, and then when you come back wo must sco what can bo arranged." "But, my dearest, I cannot bear to leavo your It makes my heart acho to think of it." "Dear, I know, that it is hard; but it must bo done. You could not stop hero now very well without spealdng about our our en gngement, and to do that would only lio to bring your uncle's nnger on you. No, you had lietter go away, Ernest, and meauwhil I will try to got into air. uardus'gooti graces, and If I fail then, when you como back, wo must ngreo upon some plan. Pel haps by Ihnt tlmo you will tnko your uncle's view of the matter, and want to main" Dorothy. Bho would mako you a better wtfo than I shall. Ernest, my dear." "Eva, how can you say such things It Is not kind of you." "Oh, why not 1 Itistruo, Ob, yes, I know that I am lietter looking, and that is what you men always think of, but sho has mora brains, more llxlty of mind, and, perhaps, for all 1 know, moro heart than I havo, though, for tho matter of that, I foci ns If I was all heart just now, Iloally, Ernest, you had better transfer you allegiance. Give mo ap, and forget me, dear; it will save you much trouble. I know that thero Is trouble coming; it is in the air. Better marry Do rothy, and leave 1110 to fight my sorrow out alone, I will release you, Ernest," and sho began to cry at tho bare Idea, "I shall wait to givo you up until you have given mo up," said Ernest, when ho bail found moans to stop ber tears; "and, ns for forgetting you, I ran never do that. I lease, dear, don t talk so any more; It pains me." "Very well, Ernest; then let us vow eter nal fidelity instead ; but, my dear, I know thnt I thnll bring you troublo." "It is tlio price that men havo always paid for tho smiles of women llko you," bo an swered. "Troublo may come so lie it, let It come; at any lute, I havo the consciousness of your lovo. When I havo lost thut, then and then only shall I think that I huvo bought you too dear." In the course of bis of tH' life theso words 1887. often enmo back to Ernest's mind. CHAPTER XIV. ooou nr. There nro somo sccnos, trivial enough very likely lu themselves, that yet retain a peculiar power of stnndlng out in sharp relief, ns wo cast our mind's eyo down tho long vista of our post. The group of events with which these particular scenes were connected may have long ago vanished from our mental sight, or faded into a dim and misty uni formity, ami tie ns difficult to distinguish ono from the other as the trees of a forest vlswed from n height. But here nnd thero an ovent. a sensation, or a face will stand out as per fectly clear as If It had been that moment ex perienced, felt or seen. Perhaii it is only tomo scene of our childhood, such as a fish darting lienenth n rustle bridge, and tho rip ple which Its motion left upon tho water. Wo havo seen many larger fish dart in ninny flno rivers slnco then, and havo forgotten them, but somehow that ono littlo fish bos kept awake in the storehouso of our brain, where most things sleep, though nono are really ob literated. It was in this clear nnd brilliant fashion that overy littlo detail of tho sceno was in delibly photographed on Ernest's mind when, on tho morning following their meeting in tho cave, ho said good by to Evn lieforo thoy went abroad. It was a public good by, for, as It happened, tliero was no opportunity for tho lovers to meet alone, lhey were all gathered in tho littlo drawing room nt tho Cottngo; MissCeswick seated on a straight back chair In tho bay window; Ernest on ono sldo of tho round table, looking Intensely uncomfortable; Eva on tho other, n scrnpbook In her hand, which sho studiously kept before ber faco; and in tho background, leaning carelessly over 1110 uack 01 a cnair in such n way that ber own faco could not lie seen, though sho could survey everybody elso's, was 1'iorcnco. truest, irom wnero ho sat. could Just make out tho outline of her ollvo faco nnd the quick glanco of her brown eyes. And so thoy snt lor a long tlmo; but what was said ho could not rememlior, it was only tho sceno that imprinted Itself upon bis memory. And then at last tho fatal moment came ho knew that It was tlmo to go, and said good by to Miss Leswlck, who made some remark about his good fortuno In going to Franco and Italy, and warned him to bo enro ful not to lose hU heart to a foreign girl. Then bo crossed tho room and shook hands with Florence, who smiled coolly in his faco. and read him through with her piercing eyes; ana last ot ail camo to eva, wno dropped her album and a pockethandksrrhlef in her con fusion as she rose to give him her hand. Ho stooped and picked them up tho album ho placed on tho table, tho littlo laco edged handkerchief 110 crumpled up in tho nalm of his left band and kept; it was almost tho only souvenir bo had of her. Then he took her baud, and for a moment looked Into ber faco. It wore a smilo, but beneath It tho features were wan and troubled. It was so hard to go. Well, bluest," said Miss Ceswlck, "you two are taking leave of each other as solemnly as though you wore never going to meet ngam." "Perhaiis they never will," said Florcnco, in her clenr voico; nnd at that moment Ernest folt as though ho hated her. You should not croak, Florenco; it is un lucky," said Miss Ceswlck. Florence smiled. Then Ernest dropped tlio cold hand, nnd turning, left the room. Florenco followed blm, and snatching n hat from tho jiegs, passed into tho garden lieforo him. When ho was half way down tuognrden walk bo found her ostensibly picking somo carnations. I want to speak to you for a minute. Ernest," sho said; "turn this way with 1110," and sho led him past the bay window, down a small shrubbery walk about twenty paces long. "I must offer you my congratulations," sho went on. "1 hopo that you two will bo happy. Such a handsomo pair ought to bo happy, you know." by, 1-lorence, who told you?" Told mol nobody told me. I havo seen it all along. Let 1110 see, you first took a fancy to ono another on tho night of tho Bmythcs' dance, when 6ho gavo you a roso, and tho next day you saved her llfo qulto in tho romantic and orthodox way. Welt, and then events took their natural course, till ono evening you went out sailing together in a boat. Shall I go on P I don't think It is necessary, Florcnco. I am suro I don't know how you know all theso things." Bho had stopped, and was standing 6lowly picking a carnation to pieces leaf by leaf. "Don't you?" sho answered with a laugh, "Lovers are blind; but it does not follow that other people aro. I havo been thinking, Ernest, that it is very fortunate that 1 found out my littlo mistako before you discovered yours, bupposlng I really had cared for you. tho jiosltlon would havo been awkward now, would it note Ernest was forced to admit that it would, "But luckily, you see, I do not. I am only your truo friend now, Ernest; nnd it is as a friend thnt I wish to say a word to you about Eva n word of warning." "flo on." "You lovo Eva, and Eva loves you, Ernest, but remember this, sho is weak as wator. Sho always was so from a child; thoso beautiful women often are; nature does not givo them everything, you seo." "What do you mean?' "What I say, nothing moro. Sho is very weak and you must not bo surprisod if sho throw you over." "Hood heavens, Horencol why, sho loves me with all her heart!" "Yes, but women often think of other things besides their hearts. But thero, I don't want to frighten you, only I would no qulto pin nil my faith to Eva's constancy, however dearly you may think sho loves you. Don t look so distressed, Ernest; I did not wish to pain you. And remember that, if any difficulty should arlso between Eva and you, you will always have me on your sldo. You will always think of mo as your true friend, won't you, Ernest?" nnd sho held out ber hand. Ho took It. "Indeed I will," ho said. They had turned now, ant again reached tho bay window, ono of tho divisions of which stood open. Florenco touched his nrm and pointed into the room. Ho looted in through tho oiwn window. Miss Ceswlck had gone. but Eva was still at her old placo by the tablo. Her head was down upon tho table, resting on the album he had picked up, and ho conhl seo from tho motion of her shoulders that sbo was sobbing bitterly. Presently she lifted ber faco it was all stained with tears only, however, to drop it again. Ernest made a motion as though ho would enter tho house, but Florenco stopped him. "Best leavo her alone," sho whlipered; and then when they were well past tho window, added aloud: "lam sorry that you saw her like that; If you should never meet again, or bo separated for a very long tlmo, it wilt leave a painful recollection in your mind. W ell, good bv. 1 hopo you will enjoy your self," Ernest shook hands In silence thero was a lump In his throat that prevented him from speaking and thou went on his way feeling utterly mlserablo. As for Florence, sho put up her hand to shade her keen eyes from tho sun, and watched him until be turned the corner with a look of intenso lovo and long. Ing which slow ly changed Into one of bitter hate. When bo was out of fight sho turned, and making her way to ber liedroom flung herself ujion tho bed, and burying her face in the pillow to stifle tho sound of ber sobbing, gave way to an outburst of jealous rage that was almost awful In its intensity, Ernest had only just tlmo to go back to Dum's Ness and go through tho form of eat ing some luncheon liefore ho was obliged to start to catch bis train. Dorothy bad packed his things and mado all those littlo prepara tions for his journey that women think of, so, after going to tho ofllco to bid good by to bis undo, wlm shook blm heartily by the hand nnd bade him not forget the subject of their conversation, ho had nothing to do but Jump Into tho cart and start. In tha sitting room ho found Dorothy waiting for him with his coat and gloves; also, Jeremy, who was going to drive to tho station with him. lie put on bis coat In silence; thoy were all quite client; Indeed, he might laive linen going for a long sojourn in a deadly climato Instead of a two months' pleasure tour, bo depressed was every, body. 'flood by, Doll, dear, ho sntd, stooping to kiss her, but sbo shrunk nway from him. In another minute ho was gone. At the station a word or two about Er, passed between Jeremy and himself, "Well, Ernest," askod the former nervously, have you pulled It oUP "With hen'1 THE COLUMBIAN, VOL. XXI, NO 20 COLUMBIA DBMOOHAT, VOL II, HO IS "Of couno; who elso?" "Yes, 1 have. But, Jeremy" "WW "I don't want you to say anything about It to anybody nt present." "Very good." "I say, old fellow," Ernest went on, nftei ( pause, "I hope you don't mind very much."' "If I Kild I did not mind, Ernest," ho an Bwcred slowly, turning bis honest eyes full on to Ills friend's faro, "I should Im telling n Ho, But I do say this. As I could not w hi her myself, I nm glad thnt you have, liocnuso next to her I think I lovo you be tter than nnvbody In tho world. Yon always hnd tho luck, and I wish you joy. Hero's tho train." Ernet wrung his hand. "1 hank you, old chap," lie nnld; "you aro n downright good fellow ami n good friend, too. I know I havo bad the luck, but perhaps It Is going to turn. Good by." Ernest's plans wore to sleep in London and to leavo 011 tlio following morning, n Wednes day, for Dlepjie, via Newlnven, which placo ho existed to reach aiiout o or u in tho after noon. Thero ho was to meet ids friend on Thursday, when they wero to start on their tour through Normandy, nnd thonco wher ever their fnncy led them. This programme ho carried out to Iholot- ter, nt least tho first part of It. On blswny from Liverpool street station to tho rooms where ho had always slept on the few occa sions when ho had !ecn in London, his han som passed down I- loot street and got blocked opposite No. W. Ills eyes caught tho mini licr, nnd lie wondered what there was about It familiar to blin. Then ho remembered that 19 Fleet street was the address of Messrs. Goslings & Sliani", tho bankers, on whom Ida uncle had given hint n check for 2.j0. Be thinking himself tint b9 might ns well cash it, ho stopped tho cab and entered the bank. As ho did so tho cashier was just leaving his desk, for it was past closing hour; but ho courteously took Ernest's crossed check and, though it was for a largo sum, enshed It with out hesitation. Mr. Cardus' namo was evi dently well known In tho establishment. Ernest proceeded 011 his journey with n crisp littlo bundlo of Bni of England notes in his breast pocket, a cln nnistnnco that, In certain events of which nt that moment ho littlo dreamed, proved of tho utmost service to him. It will not bo noccssary for us to follow him in his journey to Dieppe, which very much resembled other pcoplo's journeys. IIo ar rived there safely enough on Wednesdny af ternoon, aud proceeded to tho liost hotel, took a room nnd inquired tl.o hour ot tho table d'hoto. In tho course of tlto voyngo from New haven, Ernest bad fallen into conversation with a quiet, foreign looking man, who spoko English with a curious littlo accent. This gentleman, for tliero was no doubt about his lieing a gentleman, was accompanied by a lioy about 0 years of ng, romarkablo for his singularly prepossessing faco and mnnners, whom Ernest rightly judged to lie his son. Mr, Alston, for such ho discovered bis com panion's namo to be, was a middle aged man, not possessed of any rcmarkablo looks or ad vantages of person, nor in any way brilliant minded. But nobody could know Mr. Alston for long without discovering that, his neutral tints notwithstanding, bo was tho possessor of nn almost striking Individuality. From his open way of talking, Ernest guessed that bo was n colonial, for ho bad often noticed nt collepo that colonials aro much less reserved than Englishmen proper aro bred up to bo. IIo soon learned that Mr. Alston was a Natal colonist, now for tho first time paying 11 visit to tho old country. Ho had until lately held a high ixisltlon in tho Nntnl government service, but having unexiieetedly coino into a moderate fortuno through the death of nn aged lady, a sister of Ids father, In England, bo bad resigned his position In the servico; nnd after his short vWt "homo," ns colonists always call tho mother country, even when they havo nover seen it, intended in f tni t on a big gnmo shooting expedition in the country, between Secocceni's country nnd Delugoa bay. All this Ernest learned lieforo tho boat reached tho harbor at DiepiM and they separated, Ho wai, bowover, pleased when, having seen Ids luggago put into his room, ho went into tho little courtyard of the hotel and found Mr. Alston standing tliero with bis son, and looking rnther puzzled. "Hullo!" said Ernest, "I am glad you havo como to this hotel. Do you want anything?" "Well, yes, I do. Tho fact of tho mntter Is, I don't understand a word of French, nnd I wont to find my way lo n placo that my boy and I havo como over hero tom-o. If they talked Zulu or Sisutu, you see, I should bo equal to tho occasion; but to mo French is n barbarous tongue, IIcvo is tho address, 3d Ruo Saint Honoro." "Snlnt Honore," suggested Ernest, "I can talk French, and, If you like, I will go witli you. Tho tablo d'hoto is not till 7, and it is not C yet," "It is very kind of you." "Not nt all. I havo no doubt that you would show me tho way about Zululand, if ever I wandered there." "Ay, thnt I would with pleasure," and they started. It was with considerably difficulty that Ernost discovered tlio place, for tho address thnt Mr. Alston had, bad been written down a dozen yenrs before, and in Franco, the land of revolutions, streets often cbnngo their names onco or twice in a decade. Finally, however, he found it; it was now called tho Ruo do la Republique, which republic docs not matter. It was n quaint, out of tho wny little street, an odd mixture of old private bouses nnd shops, most of which seemed to (leal In tho carved ivory ware for which DlepjMj Is famous. At last they camo to No. 30, a gray old liousu standing in its own grounds. Mr. Alston scanned it ungcrly, "That is tho place," hu said; "sho often told moot tho coat of arms over the doorway a mullet impaled with three, squiirels; thero they nro. I vonder if it is still a school f ' Ernest crossed tho road and asked an old bourgeois, who was standing In the doorway of his shop, taking the air nfter his day's la bor, if tho house opposite wns n school, 'But certainly not, monsieur; It Is a con vent; tho holy sisters lived there. But stop, monsieur had lenson; it u-ed to be a gills' school lieforo the last revolution. Monsieur could, no doubt, sv over the old placo; the holy sisters were hospitable oh, most hos pitable," Armed with this information, Ernest re turned to htsfiieuds; and In duo oouro they wero admitted to tho placo and nllowed to wander round tho ancient walled garden, with overy nook of which Mr. Alston swined to boierfcctly acquainted. "There Is the tree under which she used to sit," ho said, sadly, to his liny, pointing out nn old yew trio under which thero stood n rotting liencb. "WiioP asked Ernest, much interested. "My dead wife, that lsiy's mother," he said, Willi n sigh. "There, I havo seen ic Let us go." CHAPTER XV. ERNEST OETS INTO TROUBLE. When Mr. Alston nnd Emet reached tho hotel, there was still a quart r of an hour to elnpso lieforo tho tablo d'hoto, 1.0, nfter w ash ing bis bunds and putting 011 n black coat, Ernest went down into the salon. There was only ono other p-i-son in It, a tall, fair Frenchwoman, apparently nliout SO years of ago. Sho was standing by tho empty fire place, her arm iqioii 1 bo mnntelplcce, nnd n laco pocket handkerchief in her hand; nnd Ernest's first Impression of her wns thnt sho was handsome and much overdressed, There was 11 Figaro ujioii tlio mantelpiece, which ho desired to get jiossinsslon of. As bu advanced for this purjiose, tho lady dropixst her hand kerchief . Stooping down, ho picked it out of tho grnte and bunded it 10 her. "Mlllo renierclments, monsieur," sho said, with n littlo courtesy. "Do tout, niadame," "Ah, monsieur, jmrlo francals?'1 "Mais oul, madamo." And then they drifted Into a conversation, In tho course of which Ernest learned that madamo thought Dieppe very dull; that sho bad lieen there threo dnyii with her friends, nnd was nearly dead de tristiKse; that fclio was going, bow evor, to tho publio danco at tho Entertnliiment rooms that night. "Of course monsieur would lio there;" and mnny other things, for madamo had n considerable command of language. In thu middle of all this the dour 0icncl and another lady of much the same cut as mad nmo entered, followed by two young meu, Tlio llrst of tliew) bad a fncoof tho common placo Eiigh-h tyju, rather a good humored face; but when bo suw the second Ernest started, it was so like his own, as bis would liecomo If ho were to sjiend half a dozen years In drinking, dicing, late hours aud their con comltnnts. Tho mat) to whom this faco be longed was evidently n gentleman, but ho looked nn 111 tempered ow, nnd very puny and out of health, nt livisj mi thought Ernest. "It is tlmo for dinner, Camllle," said tho gentleman to madamo, nt tho samo tlmo fa voring Ernest with a most eotnprehonsivo scowl. Madamo nppenrod not to understand and mode sonro remark to Ernest. "It Is tlmo for dinner, Camllle," said the gentleman ngnln in a snvogo voice. This time she lifted her head and looked at him. "Dln-nnre, dlnnnre, qu'ost quo c'ostquo din narcp "Table d'hoto," sold tho gentleman. "Oh, pardon," nnd with n littlo bow and most fascinating smile to Ernest, sho took tho gentleman's extended arm nnd sallied nway. "Why did you pretend not to undcrKand mo?" Eincst heai-d blm ask and saw her shrug her shoulders In reply. Tho other gen tleman followed with his companion and after blm camo Ernest, When ho reached tho sallo-a-manger ho found that tho only chair .ncnnt at tho tnblo was the one next to his f riend of tlio salon. Indeed, had ho thought of It, It might havo struck blm that madamo bad contrived to keep that chair vacant, for on Ids approach sho gathered together tho folds of her silk dress, which had almost hidden it, nnd welcomed blm with n little nod. Ernest look tho chair, nnd forthwith mad amo entered Into a most lively conversation with blm, a course of proceeding that ap peared to bo extremely distasteful to tho gen- tloniaii on her light, who pished nnd pshawed and pushed nwny his plato in a manner that soon became qulto nnticcoblo. But madamo talked serenely on, qulto careless of bis antics, till nt Inst be wbisporoil something to her that caused tho blood to mount to ber fair cheek. "Mais tnls-tol done," Ernest heard ber an swer, and tho next moment tho subsequent history of our hero demands that the truth should bo told it was bis turn to color, for, das I there was no doubt about it, ho distinctly felt madamo's littlo foot pressed upon hla own. He took up his wine and drank a little to bide his confusion, but whether bo had or bad not tho moral courago to withdraw from tho situation by placing his toes under tho moro chilly but tafo guardianship of tho chnlr legs, history salth not; let us hope and presumo that ho had. But if this was so or 110, bo did not get on very well with his din ner, for tiio situation wns novel and not con ducive to npietito. Presently Mr. Alston, who wns sitting opiiositc, addressed him across tho table. "Aro you going to tho assembly rooms here to-night, Mr. KershawP To Ernet's surprise tho gentleman on the other sldo of madamo answered with an as tonished look: "Yes, I nm going." "I beg your pardon," said Mr. Alston, "X was sjieaklng to tho gentleman on your loft" "Oh, indeed, I thought you said Korshawp "Yes, I did ; tho gentleman's namo Is Ker shaw, I think?" "Yes," put in Ernest, "my name Is Ker shaw." "That Is old," said tho other gentleman, "so is mine. I did not know that there were any other Korshnws." "Nor did I," answered Ernest, "except Sir Hugh Kershaw," and bis faco darkened as be pronounced tho name. "I am Sir Hugh Kershaw's son; my name Is Hugh Kershaw," was tho reply. "Indeed I Then wo nro cousins, I suppose, for I nm hLs nephew, tho son of his brother Ernest" Hugh Ken-haw, tho elder, did not receive this intelligence with even tho moderate nmount of enthusiasm that might havo been expected; bo simply lifted bis scanty eye brows and said, "Oh, I remember, my undo left a son ;" then ho turned and made some remark to the gentleman who sat next him lhat mado the latter laugh. Ernest felt tho blood rlso to his cheeks; thero was something very insolent about bis :ousin's tonos. Shortly nfterward tho dinner came to an end, and madamo, with nnother fascinating smile, retired. As for Ernest, ho smoked a plpo with Mr. Alston, und about 0 o'clock strolled over with him to tho Assembly Rooms or Casino, a building largely com posed of glass, where thrlco a week, during tho season, tho visitors nt Dleppo adjourned to dance, flirt and make merry, Ono of tlio first sights that caught his oyo was a fair creature In evening dress, nnd with conspicuously w hito shoulders, in whom ho recognized madamo. Bho was Bitting near tho door, and nppcared to be watching it Ernest liowed to her, and was about to pass on; but, pursuing her former tactics, sho dropped tho bouquet sho was carrying. IIo stooped, picked It up, returned it, and again mado ns though ho would pass on, when sho addressed him, just as tho band struck up. "Ah, quo e'est bello la musiquel Monsieur vnlso, n'est co, pas?" In another mlnuto they were floating down the room together. As they passed along, Ernest saw his cousin standing in tho corner looking nt him with 110 amiable air. Madamo saw bis glanco. "Ah," sho said, "Monsieur Hugh no vnlso pas, il so grise; il a Pair jaloux, n'est co pasP Ernest danced threo times with this fair en slaver, nnd with their last waltz the ball camo to an end. Just then his cousin came up, and they all, including Mr. Alston, walked together down tho street, which was now quite deserted, to tho door ot tho hotel. Hero Ernest said good night to madame, who extended her baud. He took it, and as ho did so ho felt a note slipped into It, which, not being nccustomed to such transactions, ho clumsily dropped. It was tho ball pro gramme, and thero was something written ncross It in pencil. Unfortunately, he was not tho only one who snw this; his cousin Hugh, who hail evidently lieen drinking, saw it too, and tried to pick up the programme, but Ernest was too quick for him. 'Givo mo that," said his cousin, hoarsely. 1' Ernest answered by putting it into huj pocket. "What is written on that programmcP "I don't know." "What havo you written on that pro gramme, Cnmillei" "Mon DIeu, mnls vcus m'ennuyezl" was the answer. "I insist upon your giving mo that," with an oath. "Monsieur est 'gentleman.' Monsieur no la rendra pas," said madamo, with a meaning glanco, and then turning, tho entered tho hotel. "I am not going to givo it to you," said Ernest "You shall givo it to me." "Is this lady your wife!" asked Ernest "That is my affair; givo mo that note." "I shall not givo it to you," suld Ernost, whoso temper was rapidly rising, "I don't know what was on it, nnd I don't wish to know; but whatever it is, tho lady gave It to me, and not to you. Sho is not your wife, and yon htwo 110 right to ask for It," His cousin Hugh turned livid with fury. At tho best of times lio was an evil tempered man, and now, inflamed as he was by drink and jealousy, ho looked a perfect fiend. "D you I" he hissed, "you half bred curl I supposo that you get your manners from your of a mother!" IIo did not get any further, for nt this point Ernest knocked blm Into the gutter, and then 6tood over blm, very quiet and pale, and told him that if over bo dared to let a dlsi-espuctf ul word aiiout his mother pass his Hps again, ho (Ernest) would half kill blm (Hugh). Then ho let him get up. Hugh Kershaw roso, and turning, whis pered something to bis friend who had sat next to blm at dinner, a man about 30 years of ago, and w ith a military air about him. His friend listened and pulled bis largo mus tacho thoughtfully. Then ho addressed Ernest with tho utmost politeness. "I am Capt Justice, of tho Hussars. Of course, Mr, Kershaw, you aro aware that you cannot indulge yourself In the luxury ot knocking peoplo down, without hearing moro nliout It, csiecially," ho added, with em phasis, "on this sido of tho water. Have ycu any friend with youP Ernest shook his head as he answered: "This," Indicating Mr. Alston, who bad been nn nttentlvo observer of nverythlng that had passed, "is tho only gentleman I know in tha town, nnd I cannot ask blm to mix himself up in my quarrels." Ernest was lieglnning to understand that this quarrel was a very serious business, "All right, my lad," said Mr. Alston quietly, "I will stand by you." "Really, I havo no right," began Ernest "Nonsensel it is one of our colonial custom! to stick by ono another." "Mr. Justico" "Capt Justice," put In that gentleman with a bow. "Capt, Justico, my namo U Alston; lam very much nt your servico," Cnpt Justice turned to Hugh Kershaw, whoso clothes wero dripping from tho water in tho gutter, nnd niter whispering with hint for a moment, said aloud: "If I wero you, Kershaw, I should go and change thoso clothos; you will catch cold," and then, ad dressing Mr. Alston: "I think the smoking room is empty; sliall we go nnd have a chatp Mr, Alston nssentod, and thoy went lu to gether, Ernest followed, but having lit his pipe, sat down in a far corner of the room. Presently Mr- Alston called him. "l.ook hero, Kershuw, this Is a serious busi ness, and as you are principally concerned, I think Unit you bad lietter give your own all-sm-r. To bo brief, your cousin, Mr. Hugh Kei-slmw, demands- that you should apologize 'ji writing for having struck him." rTO IIB CONTINUED IN OCK NEXT. Died In tho wool A deceased theep. 'i