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•^

OGILVIE'S POPILAR LIBRARl

EACH ONE 12M0, ABOUT 2/!0 PAGES. PRICE, 20 CENTS.

NO. L-THE SECKRT SORROW. By May Agnes Fleming. 12mo.
■M'2 i>AgoH. Price, 20 centa.

story of this atitl.or'8 writings tU.it has been «oUl tor l^Jis tJmn *1 1J5

^^' lall^SS^ HARTSHORJr ^AT CHAUTAUQUA. By Mrs.
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NO. 3.-T0M, THE BOOTBLACK. 12mo, 258 pages. Price, 20
o^nta. rius number is written by the famous Horatio
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«aT„i« II'i^JT'" l""no"noc(l to be one of the best efforts of his life, and we

into the hands of youujt men and women, teaehinif tliem to do riirht n if ler
any and every clreumstnnee in life. Tliis is the lirst book wrltt?ilivtlHl
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NO. 4.-PpPULAR READINGS AND RECJTATIONS. Edited by

J. 8. Ogilvie. 12mo, 240 pages. Price, 20 cents.
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NO 5.-VICE VEKSA; OR, A LESION TO FATHERS. ByF.

Anstey. 12m o, 220 pages. Price, 20 cents.
This story, although not writteu os, nor making any pretension of be-
ing, a humorous lMK)k, probably contains more real humor than any othwr
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will iIleMe'aliTellers. *'''^'*"'''"«*'« "* *"""» '^^ """using In the extreme. It

NO. 6 -DIARY OF A MINIS' ERM WIFE. Past I. By Alme-
dia M. Brown. 12mo, 270 pages. Price, 20 cents.
This is one of the most humorous stories of the present day, sliowinir in a
manner pleasing to all readers, the trials, tribulations, cxpeetations ml
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Z^Vw / e *'"'"•' "'■"■'••"l''« wife l'«H been giving^er experience ontf
! M ^'^ t ^'''^'\ """ '''^'K". ''i'" ''^■*"^ '" *'"' f'-"'"y "' » minister lor over a •
Si'tJ,w "V'.'Ti"""-^' -1 It^I'inuj; yes, it's v«iy funny; but it's triie-ifs
all tiue. Let tlioso who \yant to know the ups and downs of the life of a
minister ami his wife reiwl this Ijook." • ■> tuo mu vi a

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Address all orders to

» A . -««, ''• ^' OG'LVie A CO., Publishers,

p. O. Box a7«7. xtiiA 31 Bom StrMt, New Teric.

APR £0 1884

LIBRARl

PRICE, 20 CENTS.
nes Fleming. 12mo,

tlior will inHiiro for this
f. has ev<ir writtmi, mid
BfHcs. This i« tlie liist
• less tliiiu iJfl.iiO.

AUQUA. By Mrs.
'rice, 20 cents,
f tli« C'liiiiitaiKinn Llt-
uiuoioiiH Hide of life.

i pages. Price, 20
le famous Horatio
t popular writer of

OTt» of his life, ami we
VII8 never issued to put
lieiu to do rijtlit under
t book written by tlii»
lau $1.25. It litts the

nONS. Edited by
20 cents.

lUu Reeitations, which
r adapted tor liny and
IS, Vonnjr Peoplo'8 As-
md Parlor Entertain-
Humorous, Pathetic,
In provldlu); an enter-

FATHERS.

its.

ByF.

any pretension of be-
liuuior tbun auy other
ud sou ehungo places,
ng In the extreme. It

*ABT I. By Alme-
, 20 cents,
cut day, showlnisr, In a
us, expectariouK, and
f parish." One editor
her expcrlcuce out of
' a uiiiilHter for over a
ny; but it's triie-lfs
uwus of the life of a

t by mail, postpaid,
' each of the above
lipt of $1.10.

>., Publishers,

RtTMt, New T«Hb.

THE

SECRET SORROW

MRS. MAY AGNES FLEMING

AUTHOR OF " CAKRIED BY STOBM," " ONE NIOHT'S MTSTEBT,'
" X WONDERFUL WOMAN."

NEW TORK,

J. S. OOILVIE & COMPANY,

al BOS£ STREET.

1\%-.V

COPTRIOHT

BTfiKBT k SMITH.

)•'•

CONTENTS.

'^ "

OJIAPTIB.

I. Tub Storm and the Tbaveler^ .
II. The Miumoiit Si'Ecteb .

III. Tub C'oNsi-i.T.vTio.v

IV. Lady Daxk.mohu

V. A Ci.Ew TO Tin: Lost O.ve
VI. Tim Little Ameuiuan
VII. lliss Maooie's Sentiments .
VIII. A Second Nioiit i.v the Om) Moon
IX. The Witch of the Moon at a Uall
X. TiiE Countess Goes A-visiti.no
XI. Kate Meets IIek Fkiend
XII. Tub Roveu Ciuep

XIII. Syiia ....

XIV. CiiAHLET i.v Dublin .
XV. The Plot Thickens

XVI. Kate on the Sea
XVII. The Doomed Ship
XVIII. An Unexpected Meeting

XIX. Jealousy

XX. The Quadroon's IIevence
XXI. The Koveii Chief's Story .
XXII. The Father's Remorse

XXIII. The Witch of the Moor

XXIV. United at Last
XXV. Reunion ....

XXVI. An Irish Ball .
XXVII. Home Again - . . .
XXVIII. Last Scene or All .

Manor

PAM.

. 16

. 89

. 88

. 99

104
. 125

143
. 137

168
. 183

197
. 212

228
. 236

242
. 253

273
. 284

294
. 309

Sir

. 828
S32

>>. t

THE SECEET SOEEOW.

ClIAnEIl I.

TTiE 8TOUM AND THE TRAVEI.FR*.

" The nisht 1h blind witli ii double dark,
The ruin nnd Imil coiiii' down toRethcrj
'Tis Kood to Hit hy tlic (Iro mid li!irl<
To the stormy wtithet."— Edith May,

'TwAs night, and the si)irit of the storm Imd spread its sa-
ble wings over tljc carlii. Dark, ominous clouds came rolling
over the heavens— the rain fell in torrents, as if tiie flood-gates
of heaven had opened for a second deluge. The cold, raw
wind came sweeping chillingly along, driving the rain in mad-
dening splashes against the closed window of a carriage that
drove as rapidly as the pitiless storm would admit.

The carriage windows were shut down tightly— not a single
ray of light came from the interior, and yet it was lighted up.
A lamp suspended from the top illumined it, and shone full
upon its Inmates — three in number.

The eldest of these was a man apparently about fifty years
of age. Every thing around and about him bespoke the gen-
tleman. His iron-gray hair was brushed back from a lofty,
massive brow, and a pair of cold keen, dark eyes flashed be-

!•

ifl'-

p..

■i

•ajr

6 THE SECRET SORROW.

neath, while the thick, bushy eyebrows, meeting across the
strong Roman nose, gave Iiim a repulsive, and somewhat sinis-
ter appearance. His features, taken separately, were decided-
ly good ; but there was an air of cold, proud sternness about
the firmly- closed lips, and cruel, crafty cunning in his eyes,
that would have instantly repelled any thing like confidence.

His hat was sloudied down over his face, and he wore a
long cloak, that covered him from head to foot. He was evi-
dently of superior rank — a man to be feared and respected,
but not loved.

The second was a young girl, bright, blooming, and rosy
— looking strangely out of place with tiiat dark, stern man.
Her face was one of those pleasant, cheery ones, that seemed
formed only for smiles ; but there was a cloud hanging over
it now — particularly whenever her eyes rested on the third
and last occupant of the carriage.

This was evidently a woman, but muffled in such a manner
that no feature was visible. Her head was sunk low on her
breast ; and her hands, small, white, and lady-like, lay list-
lessly in her lap. Her dress, where it could be seen for the
largo mantle in which it was enveloped, was rich ; and there
was an air of grace and refinement about her, which at once
bespoke the lady.

All was silent. The cold, stern featm-es of the man at
times, twitched convulsively, as though absc bed in painful
thought ; and the eyes of the young girl, who was evidently
an upper servar , would linger with a look of anxious trou-
ble on the mufHed figure, but neither spoke —

•r~

:#-

aeeting across the
ud somewhat sinis-
,tcly, were decided-
ud sternness about
nning in his eyes,
tig like confidence,
e, and he wore a
foot. He was evi-
ed and respected,

looming, and rosy
; dark, stern man.
ones, that seemed
oud hanging over
sted on the third

[ in such a manner
s sunk low on her
lady-like, lay list-
Id be seen for the
IS rich ; and there
ler, which at once

es of the man at
)sc bed in painful
ivho was evidently
: of anxious trou-

THE SECRET SORKOW. 7

Meantime the storm was every moment increasing. Wild-
er and wilder came the fierce raw gusts of wind, driving the
rain furiously against the coach. Darker and darker it grew
until all without was .Trapped in a mantle of pitchy black-
ness. Thicker and thicker drifted the huge storm clouds
over the face of the heavens, until all above and below lay
enveloped m the same shroud of intense gloom.

Still on through the storm went the carriage. Over the
rougji roads, whore the creaking sign-boards and shutters flap-
ped wildly in the wind ; where people, comfortably housed,
looked out in wonder, as the coach flew by — wondering where
it could be going that dreadful night ; until the city with its
rough roads and difficult streets, was left far behind, and
the wide, open country lay before them. Still, on — oa — they
went, and every moment the stoi-m increased.

Suddenly there came a flash, as if the whole heavens were
one vast sheet of flame, followed by a crash so stunning, so
terrible, that it seemed as if the whole earth were annihilated.
The young girl eprang to her feet with a stifled shriek. At
the same moment the carriage stopped, and the head of the
driver was protruded through the window.

"My lord," said he, addressing the gentleman, *' it is im-
possible for me to go any further to-night. The moor is
right before us ; and it will be dangerous for us to ven-
ture!"

" No matter ! " said the gentleman, sternly, " drive on ! "

The man closed tlie window, and whipped up his horses
for another effort. For a few momenta they sped madly on,

THE SECRET SORBrn-.

then came a second blaze of lightning, blinding and stun-
ning, followed by a peal so tremendous, that it seemed to
shake the very foundation of the earth. The horses stood
for a moment stock-still, then they began to rear and plunge
so furiously, that it required all the driver's strength to hold
them in. At last they grew quiet. The man opened the
window once more.

" We can go no further to-night, my lord I " he said reso-
lutely : "the horses are nearly wild already with fear. We
must alight, and seek for some place of shelter until the
storm is over.

"Shelter!" repeated the gentleman; "and what shelter
can we find here on the moor?"

" I don't know sir ; but may be "

"Ha! I have it now!" exclaimed his master, rising
abrubtly ; " the old ^loor ^Manor House, as they call it, must
be somewhere near this. Is it not?"

" Yes, my lord, within a few yards. But you will never
think of going there, sir, surely !" replied the man, in a tone
of dismay.

"And why not, sirrah?" demanded his master, sternly;
" you say we cannot move on any further ; and we are to re-
main here exposed to the storm all night?"

"But ii is — is — haunted, my lord!" said the driver, per-
plexed and anxious.

" Pshaw ! you fool ! attend to the horses, and I will go on
foot and see it." And as he spoke, he leaped from the
carriage and was lost in the deepening glcom.

ling and stun-
it seemed to
} horses stood
ear and plunge
;rength to hold
m opened the

" he said reso-
rith fear. We
elter until the

I what shelter

master, rising
2y call it, must

you will never
nan, in a tone

ister, sternly;
1 we are to re-

ie driver, pe?>

id I will go on
iped from the

THE SECRET SORROW.

'•Janie," said the driver, turning to the girl, who had
stood listening in breathless anxiety, "what's to be done?
It will be dreadful to stay this wild night in the old Moor
Manor, and the earl's determined to stay, I can see that
plainly. What's to bo done ?"

" Oh ! I don't know !" replied the girl, wringing her hands
in distress ; " it is a dreadful place to stay, I know, but we
cannot remain here. Lord preserve us! what lightning!
Oh ! my poor, dear young lady !" said the girl, turning to the
figure still lying sUently back in a corner of the coach.
" how is she to stay in that old haunted place? Surely no
evU spirit wUl come near her— so good, so patient, and so
sorrowful. Oh, John ! I woild not be the Earl of Danemore
this night for all the wealta he owns. What a fearful ac-
count he will yet have to render for his cruelty to poor Miss
Alice!"

" Yes, and to young Lord Arndale too. Now, I'll tell you
what, Janie. If he was my father, as he is Lord Arndale's,
I would just go and marry Miss Alice there in spite of his
teeth !" and John clenched his fist emphatically.

" She wouldn't have him, John. Miss Alice never would
marry him against his father's will. Poor thing! she loves
him so weU, too!" And ihe eyes of the affectionate girl
filled with tears, as she turned to gaze on her mistress.

" Hush ! here he comes," said John in a low voice, as the
earl approached.

"John!" said the earl, in his cold, harsh voice, "come
down, and lead the horses to the old Manor. You can easUy

THE SECRET SORROW.

find a place for them there, Janie, I will carry your raidtress ;
you can follow mc. Be careful, the moor is dangerous I"

He raised, as he spoko, the mulP^d figure in his arms as
easily as he would an infant, and walked cautiously across
tht wet manor, closely followed by Janie.

"This is the place," said the earl, at length, stopping be-
fore something that looked in the bleak darkness like a huge,
grim, spectral shadow.

Just at this moment there came a blaze of lightning that
showed the outlines of ; large, ruinous pile of uneven build-
ings.

It was gone in a moment, and all was again enveloped in
intense blackness.

"John " said the earl, as the driver approached, leading
the horses, "there is a lamp in the carriage. . Hand it to
Janie."

The man obeyed.

" Now," said he to the girl, "go on ahead so that I may
see the way. There is tlie door ; go on."

Janie shrank back from the dark, open portal, that yawned
like a great, black gulf to receive her. But she dare not dis-
obey her stern master ; and with a muttered prayer for safety,
she entered the large, desolate room, followed by the earl and
the lady.

■s*

1...

jT ' "9 '

,' your iniritress ;
dangerous I ' '
in his arms as
autiously across

til, stopping be-
less like a huge,

f lightning that
if uneven build-

dn enveloped in

•oached, leading
je. Hand it to

.d so that I may

tal, that yawned
ihe dare not dis-
rayer for safety,
I by the earl and

•

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER II.

THE MIDNIGHT SPECTER.

" Avaunt and quit my sight ! let the earth hide thee I
Thy boiic3 arc marrowlcss I tiiy blood is cold !
Thou hast no speculation in those eyes,
Which thou dost glare with."— Shakespeare.

The three entered the room. Janie [jaused in the middle
of the floor, raised her lamp, and all gazed with an undefined
feeling of awe around. *»

The room was large, long, and lofty. Two high gothic
windows stood on each side, through which the liglitning
blazed at regular intervals. A huge fire-place, that looked
like the entrance into Hades — so black and ominous was it
—filled the upper end of the room. There was no furniture,
not even a stool— and the place had a damp, earthy smell, as
of the grave.

For some moments all stood silent, regarding the desolate
ruin. Janie was the first to speak.

" Oh, my lord !" she cried, wildly, «' pray, pray, let us go
on. I would rather take my chance out in the storm than
stay in this dreadful place."

"Nonsense, girl," said the earl, sternly; "you are per-
fectly safe here, and should be glad to have found such a
shelter from the storm."

THE SECRET SORROW.

JilP

" But Miss Alice, sir," pleaded Janie, " she will flie in thi^
awful place. It smells like death now."

" No fear of her," was the gruff reply.

" But there is not even a fire or a seat for her," persisted
Janie, with something very like anger in her usually gentle
voice.

" She shall have both," said the carl; "sit down on the
floor and support her for the present, until there is a fire
made. It will drive away this earthy smell."

Janie seated herself on the ground, and received tenderly
in her anna the slight figure of the lady. John immediately
after made his appearance, having seen the horses properly
sheltered. ^

"John," said his master, "go and find some wood, and
make a fire ; you can get plenty through those old rooms.
Make haste now," and he quitted the room as he "spoke.

In a few moments both returned ; John bearing in his arma
a load of wood, and the earl, the carriage cushions and pil-
lows. These he spread on the ground, and laid the lady upon
them. Then he took off his cloak, and spread it over her.

During all this time she had suffered herself to be raised
and carried like a child, without a word or an effort at resist-
ance. Now she lay with her face hidden in the pillows, as
still and motionless as a corpse laid out for burial.

John had succeeded in kindling a fire, which now blazed
brightly up the huge chimney ; but vainly strove to dispel the
lurking shadows that filled the lofty room.
This done, be went in search of more wood. Janie seated

will f'le in thft

her," persisted
' usually gentle

it down on the
there is a fire

;eived tenderly
m immediately
jorses properly

ome wood, and
se old rooms,
he "spoke,
ring in his arma
hions and pil-
1 the lady upon
d it over her.
' to be raised
effort at resist-
:he pillows, as
rial.

h now blazed
^e to dispel the

Janie seated

THE SECRET SORROW.

herself in the chimney-corner, the earl stood opposite, both
gazing into the fire, absorbed in their own reflections. At
times both would glanct at the still figure on the floor, then
Janic's eyes would flash angrily as they rested on her master,
whose knitted brow, gloomy looks and compressed lips showed
how deeply he was agitated.

The storm, meanwhile, seemed still increasing. The light-
ning glared, the thunder crashed, the rain fell in torrents,
and the wind swept wildly through the empty chambers of
Moor Manor, waking a thousand echoes, that sounded, to
the ears of the startled watchers, like shrieks of pain and
hon-or.

John had gathered wood enough to last all night, and now
he entered and took his seat beside Janie. For a while both
were silent, out of respect for their master ; but as the silence
grew oppressive, Janie inquired, more to d ire away the
superstitious fears that were creeping over her, than from
ciu-iosity :

" John, why is this old place deserted? Tfho owns it?"

" I don't know who owns it now," replied John, evident^
glad to find on opportunity to break the dismal silence. " j.t
was formerly owned by Sir Daro Sinclair, but that family of
Sinclairs are all dead and gone now."

*' Ah ! and so the old place was sold?"

" Yes — no ; not exactly. You see the way of it was this :
Sir Daro was one of the most awful wicked men that ever
lived. Every night this place used to be filled with all sorts
of riotous scamps — hail fellows well met — and he was the

THE SECRET SORROW.

worst of them all. Hi, father, n.ul grandfather, and fore-
fathers, from the days of Noah, lived here, but somehow the
old Manor came to him heavily mortgaged. Sir Duro could
not do without money ; so, night after night, with a mask on
his face, he used to go out as a highwayman, and rob all ho
met. At last he was discovered and arrested, found guilty
and sentenced to be hanged. He escaned-none knew how-
fled hither, and defied them all to take him again. 'Tis said
he sold himself to Satan, on condition that he would save
him from being hanged. I suppose the old boy kept his
promise, for he was never again taken by the law. But, one
wild night, just such a night as this it must have been, when,
seated by his boon companions, as the clock struck twelve,
Satan appeared in their midst, and carried him off bodily.'
'Tis said his cries were heard for miles around. The rest all
fled in horror, and never came near Moor Manor a-ain.
Since then it has been deserted ; for every night, it is said,
his ghost appears, and when the clock strikes one, vanishes
amid a cloud of fire, with such awful cries that even the wild
animals that haunt the moor fly in terror."

John's voice had dropped to a hoarse whisper as he
went on. Janie Istiened with bloodless face, and eye di-
lated with horror. Even the earl grew pale, and drew near-
er the speaker, with something like an undefined feeling of
awe.

When he ceased, a dead silence fell on them all, while they
gazed on each other's faces with hearts throbbing wildly with
fear. They seemed to see mocking faces and spirits of the

J
V

MHtflii^UtWnSigKeTS:

ather, and fore-
mt somehow the

Sir Duro could
with a mask on
, and rob all ho
:1, found guilty,
ne knew how —
fain. 'Tis said
he would save
Id boy kept his
law. But, one
ve been, when,

struck twelve,
him off bodily.
. The rest all

Manor again,
ht, it is said,

one, vanishes
t even the wild

rhisper as he
, and eye di-
id drew near-
led feeling of

ill, while they

ig wildly with

spirits of the

THE SECRET SORROW.

dead in the blue glare of the lightning, and to hear cries of
agony in the maniac shrieks of the wind. Voices and crea-
tures not of this world seemed flitting in thousands by them
in the gloom. The Arc had burned low on the hearth, yet no
one moved to rcplen sh it.

Suddenly, Jauie arose to her feet ; her eyes fixed, as if fas-
cinated, on the oppsitc wall, and slowly dilating, until they
seemed about to start from their sockets. Every drop of
blood had fled from her face, as she stood pointing, with one
finger, in motionless horror.

Both turned their eyes in the direction to which she
pointed.

The room was, for a moment, enveloped in profound, pitchy
darkness. A figure, clothed in garments of fire dripping with
blood, glided across the room. A low, unearthly groan came
from its fleshless jaws as it turned round, disclosing the eye-
less sockets and grinning skull of a skeleton.

It passed them ; a vivid flash of lightning blazed for a mo-.
mcnt — still it glided, on and vanished, with an unearthly cry,
through the opposite wall.

A shriek, a terrible shriek, burst from Janie's lips, as she
bounded forward and fell, with a deadly owoon, on the floor.

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER m.

THE CONSULTATIOK.

"When will the unwelcome, weary days be done?
Time loiters ever when we'd have him fly."- Anon.

The cold, gray dawn of morning camo faintly through tho
high gothic windows, festooned with cobwebs that had never
been stirred for years. Tho great empty room looked even
more dreary and chill in the foggy morning light than it had
done the night before. She who had been called Miss Alice
lay on the floor, where she had been placed upon entering as
immovable as ever. By her side lay Janie, sleeping tho deep
dreamless sleep of bodily and mental exhaustion. At a short
distance sat John, dozing in fitful starts, and rousing himself
up again in alanr, as he remembered tho fearful apparition
of the preceding night. Opposite him sat the earl, cold, calm,
and stern as ever, with his eyes fixed intently on the red dy-
ing embers. No sleep had visited his eyes. When the mind
is troubled, we liced not bodily want.

For more than an hour after day dawn the party remained

thus ; then, as the dim light grew stronger and stronger, until

every object in tho room was clearly discernable, the earl

arose, walked to tho window, and gazed thoughtfully out.

The storm of the previous night had not yet ceased. The

THE SECRET SORROW.

e donef
."- Anon.

itly through tho
that hnd never
)m looked even
ght tfian it had
lied Miss Alice
)on entering as
Jeping tho deep
»n. At a short
•ousing himself
rful apparition
arl, cold, calm,
on the red dy-
iV^hen the mind

arty remained
stronger, until
able, the earl
itfully out.
ceased. The

lightning no longer nasiied, i.->r did tho thunderpeal ; but the
rain still fell licavily, and tho wihl l)lasls yet swept fiercely
around the manor. The sky was one mass of dull, leaden
clouds, and tho moor was so wet and slippery as to bo nearly
impassable.

The earl gazod out for a whue with an anxious, troubled
brow. Suddenly his face lighted up like one who has re-
ceived some new idea 1 le walked over to John , who yet slum-
bered fitfully in his seat, and touching him on the shoulder,
said, in the luirsh abrupt, tone that seemed habitual to him ;

" Wake up, man ! don't stay here dozing all day ! Rouse !"
and he shook him roughly.

John rubbed his eyes, and after two or three efforts rose to
his feet, and stood awaiting his master's orders.

«' John," said he " go and saddle Black Bess. I am going
to the city now, and may not return till dark. Be quick, man I"

" Surely, my lord" said John, in alarm, " you are not going
to leave us hero alone, in this horrid place, where there are
nothing but ghosts and devils !"

" Pooh, pooh, man ! that affair last night was all fancy.
That apparition was merely the effect of an over-excited ima-
gination. Your wild legend frightened you, nothing more I"

" But, my lord, it could not be imagination," persisted John.
"Wo all saw it, you know that, and I would rather not stay
here, my lord !"

" Coward !" exclaimed the earl, bitterly. «« I might have
known it. However, look about you. Do you think I could
bring her," pointing to the lady, " out in such a storm. You're

TIIR SErnET .SORROW.

crazy, man ! Then pvcn If, ns you nay, thcro nrc ghosts here,
thoy will not troulilc yon in the day-time, nnd if tl.oy ,li<l, anil
I hero, what goo.l could I do you? There, not a word now!
Do as I hid you !"

John <lared not disol.oy longer. lie Haw tho sudden flash
of tho eye that convinee.l iiini liis master was not to he trilled
with. Uesides. he l.egan to f.-ei a little ashamed of his cow-
ardice ; and the dread of ghosts in daylight and after night
are two quite different things.

" Black IJess is ready, sir," he said, returning after a few
minutes ; " what are we to do till you return ?"

" Do nothing was the hrief reply, " remain where you aro.
Admit no one. It is not liI<oly, however, any one will pass
this way ; but If they should, and wish to enter here, see that
you prevent ,iem. Attend to her," and he pointed to tho
lady ; " keep the lire burning, and remain within doors. Tho
provisions intended for the journey arc in the carriage. Use
them freely. That is all. I will faithfully return before
dark ; and beware if I find my directions disobeyed !"

As he spoke ho sprang ui)on his horse, gave him the spur,
and was bounding away a moment after across the moor.

John stood in the door-way, gazing after him with a look
of sullen discontent.

"Ay, there you go, as large as life," he muttered, «' after
performing such a villainous deed last night. You'll go back
to Dirritole now, as grand and proud as ever, and have a
good time and no one will ever suspect that you Etolo away
poor Miss Desmond. Hor poor old father, too, what will he

ftro ghosts here,
liftlicydid, mill
not (I word now I

ho sudden flnHu
not to lie trilled
mod of his cow-
iind after night

ling after a few

where you arc.
y one will pass
T hero, sec that
i pointed to the
In doors. The
carriage. Use

return before
ieyed !"
! him the spur,
s the moor-
m with a look

ittered, " after
You'll go back
r, and have a
?M Etolo nway
>i what will he

THE SF.rnET SORROW.

do? Ah, you grny-hnircd old HJuncr !" and ho shook his (Ist
after him spitefully. " won'tfhoro comoadayof reckoning yet
for all thlH? No wondor the dead oan't rest in their graves
wlion you'ro around I You aren't content with driving your
oldest son to tho grave, but you must drive i-oor i^Iaster Harry
there, too. "SVoll, we'll see ! It will go hard witii mo, anyhow,
if I don't find moans to lot him know whore Mistress Alice is."

And thus apostrophising the object of his indignation, John
entered the room where the two young girls lay.

His first care was to fasten tlio door securely ; not that
there was much danger of visitors ; but John thought it bet-
tor, for the i)rescnt, to follow his master's directions. His
next was to ai)proach, stir up tlie fire, and pile on more wood.
This done, he seated himself and took up his nap and dreams
where they had been interrupted by his Impatient master.
But John's rest seemed destined to bo woefully broken this
eventful morning. This time it was by Janic, who, on wak-
ing, found herself chillod with lying on the damp floor, and
seeing the fire burning so pleasantly, had arisen. Not wish-
ing to be alone with her own thoughts in such a place, she
woke up John to keep her conpany.

Had it been any one else than pretty Janie who awoke him
80 unceremoniously, John would have been inclined to resent
such a freedom, but he had long felt a very tender regard for
that young lady, so ho only stretched himself two or three
times, gave several jaw-splitting yawns; and his sleeping was
over for that day.

" Where's the earl, John?" was Janie's first question.

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Gone back to the city, to Dirritole, I suppose '
"Oh, John !•• ejaculated Janie, in surprise and consterna
tion, " and when is he coming back ? Aren't we going, too i
Surely wo will not have to stay here another night?"

" Yes, we will then," said honest John, bluntly. " Mas-
ter said for us to wait here, and he would return before dark.
So I suppose we are to stay here to-night."

"But I thought he said we were going to Stanton with
Miss Alice, and that's thirty riiUes from here at least," said
Janie, the look of perplexity increasing on her pretty face.

" Well, maybe he has changed his mind. Anyway, we are

not going to-day, nor to-night. I'm sure of that " said John.

"Well, then, /shan't stay. I'U go away myself, if he

won't. Does he think we're crazy to stay in this horrid,

haunted, old tumble-down place another night?"

"That's just what he said to me when I asked him about
leaving ; he said he would be crazy to go in such a storm."

"Humph!" said Janie, "how mighty careful he's grown
of us all of a sudden. What made him to start last night in
such a storm, I wonder, if he's afraid of the rain to-day?
I tell you what, John Jones, there's something wrong about
this., more than you or I understand. What made him in
such a desperate hurry to take off Miss Alice last night ?
And what puzzles me most of aU, she came with hun willingly,
though she never could endure him before. I don't see into
it all."

"Why," said John, "you don't mean to Bay that she
came with him of her own accord, do you I"

iuppose '

ise and consterna
n't we going, too?
sr night?"
bluntly. "Mas-
eturn before dark.

to Stanton with
e at least," said
her pretty face.

Anyway, we are
that " said John,
ay myself, if he
f in this horrid,
ht?"

asked him about
such a storm."
reful he's grown
tart last night in
the rain to-day?
ng wrong about
at made him in
Alice last night ?
th him willingly,
I don't see into

to say that she

THK SECRET SORROW.

" Yes, I do," said Janic. " You see, as I said, she always
disliked him, as he was so short, and snappish, and cross
like. Well, yesterday morning, he came over to the Pines,
and inquired for Miss Alice. She was up in her own room,
reading. I was with her, combing her hair, and she had not
seemed so light-hearted for a long while before. When the
servant came in and said the earl wanted her, she looked
quite frightened, and asked if was alone. Betty said yes, so
Alice went down to the library where he was. She was away
about two hours, and when she came back, John, I declare I
nearly dropped down with fright, she looked so awful white
and ghastly. She never spoke one word, but dropped right
down in her chair, and covered her face with her hands. I
spoke to her several times, but she didn't seem to hear me,
and at last I left her to herself, thinking she might wish to be
alone. A little before dark she sent for me to her room. I
started back when I went in, she looked so unlike herself —
she was just as white as a ghost — as the ghost we saw last
night, John. She rose up as I came in — for she had been
lying on the sofa — and seeing how frightened I looked, she
smiled, oh ! how sadly, and beckoned me to her. I went over
and knelt beside her, and she laid her hand on my head, anoi
said, in her own soft, sweet voice :

" You love me, Janie, do you not?"

" 'Oh, my dear, dear mistress, yon know I do,' and she
looked so pale, and lovely, and sad, that I felt the tears
falling from my eyes on her hand.

" 'And I love you, too, dear Janie,' said she (we are foster-

28 THE SECRET SORROW,

Sisters, you know, John) ' and now I want you to do me a
favor.'

"A favor, Miss Alice, ' said I surprised. 'What is it ?'
'« 'I want you to go over to Dirritole, and take this note to
Lord Arndale,' and her voice faltered as she spoke his name,
'and then find the earl, and tell him yon are ready to ac-
company him. He will bring you back here in his carriage.
I am going on a journey to-night, Janic, and I want you to
accompany me.'

" 'A journey. Miss Alice,' said I ; < where to?'
"•I will tell you again,' she said faintly, 'and in the
meantime you must keep it a secret, even from my father.
Not even he, Janic, must know of my aosence till to-morrow.
I will leave a note to tell him. Go now.'

" She waved her hand for me to go. I took the note and
started for Dirritole. It was pouring rain, and it was dark
as pitch when I reached it. Just as I went into the hall,
drippmg wet, I met the earl face lo face. The note for Lord
Arndalo was in my hand, where I had held it as I came along,
to keep it from getting wet.

" 'Who is this for,' said he, fixing his eyes on me in his
stern, piercing manner.

" 'For lord Arndale, my lord,' said I, all of a flutter, for
I always was afraid of him, he looked so harsh and cold

" 'Give it to me, then,' said he. ' I will deliver it to him.'
And, before I could refuse, he had taken it out of my hand.

" I was too frightened to say anything, so I merely stam-
mered out Miss Alice's message.

■

''y'-mmmammmttm

Itlt

THE SECRET POflROW.

nt you to do me a

'What is it?'
i take this note to
le spoke his name,
are ready to ac-
re in his carriage,
nd I want you to

e to?'

tly, ' and in the
from my father,
ce till to-morrow.

ok the note and
and it was dark
int into the hall,
'he note for Lord
as I came along,

23 on me in hia

of a flutter, for
liarsh and cold.
Oliver it to him.'
ut of my hand.
I merely stam-

•

" *Tes,' said he, ' I will be ready in a moment. Step in
here while I hand this note to Arudale.'

•'I went into a little dark room; I waited about five
minutes when he returned and told me to follow him. We
passed out to whore the carriage stood without meeting any
one. We drove, as you remember, to th'j outer gate at the
Pines, where Miss Alice met us, got in, sad has never spoken
a single word since. Poor, dear, young lady !" said Janie,
wiping her eyes as she ceased speaking.

"Well," said John, thoughtfully, "that shows she did
come without being forced. Yet there's something wrong
about it. Master told me he wanted me for very particular
business, and as I'd been in the family so long, he thought he
could trust me. He said all'l had to do was to drive where he
directed, keep silent about the matter, and he would make me
comfortable for life. It looks like bribery, don't it, Janie."

"Yes, John, and I wish Miss Alice was safe at home
again. I don't like this business at all. The carl is a
strange man, John, and I know he is anxious to get Miss
Alice out of his son's way. Hark! what's that?" she ex-
claimed, springing to her feet in alarm, as the sound of foot-
steps overhead came distinctly to their cars.

" It sounds like some one walking" doesn't it? " said John,
growing white with fear.

"Oh, good Heaven ! it must be the ghost ! " gasped Janie,
clinging to her companion in horror.

Both listened intently for some moments, but aW was pro-
foundly silent again.

•¥i iiildi liii

THE SECRET SORROW.

"It must have been the wind," said John, drawing a long
breath; "all's still now."

Again they listened, but nothing met their ears save the
howling of the v,hul.

"Yes, it was the wind-nothing else," said John, with
renewed confidence. "We're easily scared here, Janie-
There, don't be afraid, I'll go and bring in something for
breakfast. Perhaps your young lady may take something.

John went out, leaving Janie trembling with fear ; even the
fire seemed to chill her now, she shivered so convulsively.
In a few moments John appeared again, bearing the materi-
als for a good meal.

"Here," he said, with an effort at gayety; «'we won't
starve at any rate. Help yourself, Janie."

"I don't want any, thank you; I cannot eat here; but
perhaps Miss Alice may. I'll give her this. ' '
And she poured some wino in a glass.
"Here, Miss Alice," she said, stooping down over the
prostrate figure, " here is some wine for you— drink it."

"No, no, take it away, I don't want any," murmured the
faint voice of the kdy. " Let me alone."

"But you must take it, dear Miss Alice," said Janie.
"I>o — for my sake, noT.."

And she passed an ai-m under her shoulders and li'ted her
up. As she did so, the heavy cloak fell back, displaying a
pale, sweet face. A shower of golden hair fell rippling down
her back. She raised her eyes-large, liquid, bezel eyes—
to Janie'9 face, and said, faintly :

T ffBl iWJMM W tfg ' ^ga W

t^r:'

THE SECRET SORROW.

I, drawing a long

leir ears save the

said Jolin, with
■ed here, Janie-
n something for
tkc something,
th fear ; even the
so convulsively,
iring the materi-

^ty, "we won't

t eat heie; but

down over the
-drink it."
' murmured the

>" said Janie.

i and li'ted her
sk, displaying a
1 rippling down
J, hc3el eyes—

♦' I don't want it, Janie. Take it away.'

"Now, Miss Alice," said Janie, decidedly, " you must
take it. You must cat something, if j'ou expect to live.
Here, drink this wine at least." and she held it to her lips.

Finding there was no escape, the lady drank it, then push-
ing away the offered food, she said, sadl}' :

" Janie, I cannot take it. Let me alone, now — please do? "

She raised the wistful brown eyes so pleadingly, that
Janie could not refuse. With a sigh she arose and took her
seat in the chimner-corner again, and watched John, whose
fear of ghosts seemed in no way to have diminished his ap-
petite.

"Here's some excellent ham, Janie," said John, " as you
said yourself to Miss Alice just now, you can't aspect to
live without eating."

Janie smiled faintly, but shook her head.

"Not now, John; I'll eat by and by if I feel hungry.
Meantime let us think of some plan to deliver Miss Alice
from the earl's power."

John carefully stowed away the remains of his breakfast,
out of reach of the ghosts, replenished the fire, and sat down
beside Janie to consult what was to bp done.

The weary hours dragged slowly, very slowly on, to the
two sitting by the fire, awaiting the approach of night with
beating hearts.

•! i,

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAITER IV.

LADY DAN EMORE.

" Cah'3t thou no kindly ray impart,
Thou strangely beauteous one?
Fairer than fairest work of art,
Yet cold a:, sculptured stone?"— OrtZway.

Meanwhile, through the splashing raiu, over the soft, ,vet,
boggy raoor, galloped the earl. The moor was passea, the
flat open plain lay before him, u few straggling cots appeared
in view, the hum of busy life came already to his ear.

A few hard-working peasants, on their way to their day's
toil, looked up in surprise as the horse flew past. It was an
unusual thing to see a horseman riding at such a pace across
the moor at that early hour of morning. At last the earl
became conscious that he was attracting observation, which
of all things he wished most to avoid, and dropping the rein
upon the horse's neck, be leaned his head upon his breast,
and gave way to his reflections. They were far from pleas-
ant, as might be seen in the frequent knitting of his brow,
and the convulsive twitching of his lip^.

♦'It must be so," he muttered, at length, unconsciously
aloud. " She must remain in the old Moor Manor for the
present at least. I did intend conveying her to Stanton, and

•mfm

r— »,

rt,
s?

" — Ordway.

ver the soft, ivet,
was passea, the
ng cots appeared
o his ear.
ly to their day's
last. It was an
ch a pace across
At last the earl
servation, which
ropping the rein
jpon his breast,
far from pleas-
Dg of his brow,

1, unconsciously
' Manor for the
to Stanton, and

■ THE SECRET SORROW.

secreting her there, but my abaencc at the same time with
her may excite suspicion, which I particularly wish to avoid.
Those servants, too, cowardly fools ! may give me trouble,
by refusing to reniaiu with her there, for fear of ghosts. That
phantom last night — what could it moan ? The place has long
borne the reputation of being haunted, but I am not fool
enough to believe any such ridiculous nursery tale as that.
Some one must act the ghost to frighten people away. Yet
it cannot be inhabited ; no one would dwell in such a tumble-
down, desolate place. I shall have it thoroughly searched,
however, and if convinced there is no one there, I shall take
care that those servants do stay with Alice Desmond, at least
until they can be safely disposed of elsewhere."

He paused for a moment, and putting spurs to his horse,
rode rapidly along, then gradually resumed his former easy
trot, and muttered, like one whose mind is made up :

" Yes, it must be done. I am sorry, for the sake of both,
that I am obliged to resort to such extreme measures ; but it
cannot be helped. Arndale shall never marry the daughter
of Hugh Desmond. In him are centered ali my hopes now.
Had Walter lived, the case would have been different. Henry
might then have married, if he chose to be such a fool, a girl
without fortune ; but never, even theil, should he wed one ia
whose veins ran a drop of the Desmond blood. Now, how-
ever, the idea of his marrying a portionless wife is simply,
utterly, and decidedly impoFiiblc. He must and shall marry
one whose fortunes at least equals his own. And now for
Dirritole."

THE SECRET SORROW.

As ho ceased speaking, he rode rapidly forward, and soon
left the moor far behind.

, Three hours' hard riding brought him to his journey's end,
and he drew rein before the outer gate of the noble estate of
Dirritole. A groom in waiting took charge of his horse ; and
the earl turned slowly and thoughtfully up a shaded avenue
that led to the house. The family mansion of Dirritole was
a quaint, large, old-fashioned building of dark gray stone,
with peaked turrets, sloping gable, and deep bay-windows.'
There was a still, quiet, stagnant air of repose about the
place, that spoke well for the gravity of its occupants. Even
Stag, the lazy old mastiff, had an air of dignified reserve
about him, which he had probably learned from his betters,
as he walked slowly up to salute his master.

The carl went up a flight of stone steps that led to the hall.
There were doors opening on either side, and into one of
these, on the left of the hall, he entered.

The room was large, and splendidly furnished. A rich
velvet carpet, wreathed wth flowers and buds, so natural that
one hesitated to advance, for fear of crushing them, covered
the floor. The ceiling was fantastically and gracefully dec-
orated with oriental tracery of raised gold on a blue ground.
The walls were covered with paintings, rare gems of art—
many of thcni worth their weight in gold. Statues and busts
of exquisite finish were carelessly, yet with artistic t.aste,
scattered aiound. Heavy curtains of crimson-damask d aped
the lofty window, and cast a pleasant rose-hucd i\ght
through the apartment. The air was heavy with the perfame

>rward, and aoon

lis journey's end,

noble estate of
)f his horse ; and

1 shaded avenue
of Dirritole was

lark gray stone,
sp bay-windows.
?p^se about the
ccupants. Even
lignifled reserve
•om his betters,

t led to the hall,
nd into one of

lished. A rich
, 80 natural that
; them, covered

gracefully dec-
a blue ground,
gems of art—
atues and busts

artistic taste,
damask d aped
pose-hucd iight
itb the perfame

TEffi SECRET SORROW.

breathed from a vase of rare exotics that stood on the marble
table.

But by far the fairest sight in that gorgeous room was its
mistress. She lay languidly back in the large arm chair, half
buried in a pile of soft cushions ; the mellow light falling like
a halo on her regal brow. The jet-black hair was braided in
heavy plaits aroiuul her finely-formed head, seeming a strik-
ing contrast to the pearly whiteness of her face. Not a
single trace of color was perceptible, save a faint tint on the
exquisitely-chiseled lips. The large, shadowy black eyes were
cast downwards, and the long, jetty lashes rested on the
pearly cheeks. Her small, white hands lay folded, with a
weary, listless air, in her lap, and altogether "my lady"
wore a sad, lonely air, that one would hardly expect to see on
the face of the proud and beautiful Countess of Dancmore.
And yet it was its usual expression — few people could boast
of ever having seen a smile on the fair face of the Mistress
of Dirritole. Very seldom were those white lids raised from
above the dusky, shadowy eyes, seemingly dragged down by
the weight of the long, black lashes. The thin lips were
compressed with a hard, bitter expression, strangely out of
place on the face of one so young and beautiful. During the
six long years which had passed since she had first crossed
the threshold of Dirritole as its mistress, no one could say
.;hey had ever seen the faintest trace of any emotion on that
calm, pallid face. No light ever arose to those deep, dark
eyes ; the fire which must have once burned there seemed to
have gone out forever, in the dim, dark clouds of some un-

8«

80 THE SECRET SORROW.

known Borrow. Smiles wcro rare visitora to those beautiful
lips, coining now and then like rare flashes of light across
that shadowy face ; coming for a moment and lingering with
a mournfid sweetness, far sadder to sec than even her usual
cold, passionless manner, and again vanishing like the fleet-
ing glance of a moonbeam on the snow. The proud world
sometimes condescended to wonder what could h.avo over
changed my lady into the culm statue she was ; and yet
changed is hardly the word — no one could remember to have
ever seen her otherwise. With the heavy Ipshcs ever droop-
ing downward over those mournful black eyes, my lady
bs'oodcd in silence over the past hidden from all other eyes.
She sat now in her usual position, with her hands folded
quietly together in her lap ; her eyes fixed intently on the
carpet, as if studying its figure, witliout the slightest expres-
sion on the quiet face to betoken of what she sat musing so
intently.

Respectfully, almost reverentially, the earl advanced to-
ward her, and, stooping, touched lightly with his lips the
broad, white brow of the lady. The large eyes were for a
moment raised from the floor and fixed on his lace ; but no
sparkle of pleasure shone in them at his appearance ; one
little hand was extended and laid in his, as in a low, musical
voice she murmured :

"Welcome home, my lord."

The strong foreign accent with which my lady spoke, at
once proved her to be a foreigner — as, indeed, any one might
guess from the peculiar style of her beauty, This done with

THE SECRET SORROW.

to those beautiful
03 of liglit across
md lingering with
m even licr usual
ing liko the llcet-
The proiul world
could have ever
he was ; and yet
remember to have
Ip.shcs ever droop-
k cj'cs, my lady
om all other eyes,
her hands folded
:d intently on the
B slightest cxpres-
shc sat musing so

earl advanced to-
with his lips the
je eyes were for a
his lace ; but no
appearance ; one
; in a low, musical

my lady spoke, at
•ed, any one might
', This done with

an evident effort, the small hands were again folded, the
dreamy eyes again sought the lloor, and the countess was lost
once more in that dream-land :ii which she lived — that myste-
rious shore which no eye sees but her own.

For a moment tiiecnrl stood behind her chair, gazing down
fondly yet longingly into that still beautiful fiico. Perhaps
he, too, was longing to draw away the vail that had hid the
thoughts of his wife. One would scarcely recognize, with
the tender, subdued expression his face now wore, the hard,
stern, cruel tyrant of the night before.

A strange contrast they bolii formed in that splendid room
— ho so tall, harah, and forbidding, with his iron-gray hair,
and the deep curves and lines that ago, trouble, or remorse,
perhaps, had stamped there. She so young, so beautiful, so
desolate, and lonely-looking, as if all that had ever made earth
dear to her had gone forever. People wondered sometimca
why she had ever married one old enough to be her father,
and who had already a son older than herself, but no one
ever presumed to question either. The earl was too much
feared, and no one, not even the boldest, presumed to ask
the countess. Without speaking a word — without even rais-
ing her eyes — she commanded involuntary homage. In vain
they wondered and inwardly chafed at it ; in spite of them-
selves, they would involuntarily hold their breath when she
spoke, and reply in tones strangely low and subdued.

Suddenly the earl's meditations were brought to an end by
the unceremonious opening of the parlor door, and a young
lady entered. The new-comer might be about twenty years

THE SECRET SORROW.

of age, of middle size, with a fine, sweet figure, and peculiar-
ly graceful carriage, albeit iier only pretentions to beauty.
Her face was far from liandsome — not even pretty ; and
the haughty, erect form — the bold, highbrow — the firm, reso-
lute conipresHion of her lip», and the decided, almost stern
exprcHHiou of Iier features bespoke a pride unsubdued — a
resolute, unbending, not to Hay obstinate will ; and an energy
and determination not to lie shaken. Yet still she was not
homely ; in fact, the general opinion formed of Kate Sidney
woa that she was a plain, yet graceful and lady-like woman,
with rather more energy and firmness than usually falls to
the lot of the daughters of Eve, and of rather lan obstinate
turn of mind ; but that was a failing inherent in her mother's
family.

Kate Sidney was an orphan. Her mother had been a sis-
ter to the Earl of Danemoic ; but she, as well as her husband
(who was colonel of a regiment) , had died ere Kate had at-
tained the ago of fifteen. As the orphan, or rather orphans
(for Kate had a brother one year yoi'nger than herself) , were
poor and friendless, having no relp'^ns from whom they
could claim a home, save himself, the earl had taken them
both ; and Kate Sidney and her brother Charley, had, ever
since that time, found a home at Dirritolo.

Though naturally of an affectionate difiposition, and really
loving her uncle. Miss Sidney was an exceedingly undemon-
strative young lady ; she, therefore, passed him with a slight
but respectful bow, saying, quietly :

" You have returned sooner than we expected, uncle ; I be-

lire, nnd peculiar-
tions to beniity.
»'cn pretty; and
V — thoflrm, reso-
led, almost stern
lo unsubdued — a
11 ; and an energy
itill slio wns not
I of Kate Sidney
ady-likc woman,
1 usually falls to
her nn obstinate
it in her mother'!

* had been a sis-
ill as her husband
ere Kate had at-
r rather orphans
an herself) , were
from whom they
had taken them
liarley, had, ever

iition, and really
dingly undemon-
hira with a slight

!ted, uncle ; I be-

TTTE RUrRET BORROW.

.13

Here yon told m you were not coming bark for a week at
least."

" Suoli wnn my intention," replied tlie earl, onlmly ; «' but
I found it rioroHsary to make some cliunjre in th<i businesi
which called me from home. As F did not go as far an I in-
tended at starting, T fancied taking a ride over here this
morning, to see if last night's storm ditl any damage. I shall
be obliged to leave this evening again."

" What a terrible night last niglit was ! The lightning wae
really awful. It must have been dreadful for any one to be
out. I could hardly rest all night for fancying you might be
exposed to it."

This was a homo thrust ; and had Kate chanced to K^ok up
into her uncle's face as he spoke, she might have seen the
sudden start he gave, and the guilty look that rested on hi«
countenance.

For the earl, harbh and cruel though he was, had not yet
become so deeply involved in guilt as to listen to the voice of
conscience without some slight feeling of remorse. Kate,
however, did not notice his look ; but turning to the window,
gazed out with a rather dissatisfied air.

" Rain ! rain ! drizzle ! drizzle ! will it never stop, I won-
der !" she exclaimed in a slightly impatient voice. " Hero 1
have been wanting to visit the Pines all this week and have
not been able to stir out of doors for the rain ; but I am de-
termined to go to-day, whether it rains or nv^t." And Miss
Kate looked resolutely out, as if determined to convince the
weather that her mind was made up not to be altered.

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Why, is there anything wrong there that you are so anx-
ious to go?" inquired the carl, in an indifferent tone, though
a spectator might have seen the concealed nervousness of his
manner.

"Oh! no; but it is two whole weeks since I have seen
Alice, and she has not even sent me a message, I must go
and refresh her memory, or else she will forget me altogether.
And by the way, my lord," she added, suddenly, "when
does Lord Amdale return home?"

The earl, who stood leaning with one hand resting on the
back of my lady's chair, started violently at the abrupt men-
tion of this son's name, and answered, rather hastily :

" How do I know? In a few days, I suppose. I cannot
give you an account of his comings and goings to the precise
moment. Amdale is his own master."

Kate looked up in her uncle's face, and opened her eyes
with astonishment at his angry look. The earl, however, did
not choose to meet her eye, but turning away abruptly, was
about to quit the room, when a servant entered with several
letters, which Lad just arrived. The earl seized them, and
throwing himself into an easy-chair, began with nervous haste
to look at the superscriptions.

'■'Any for me?" inquired Kate, eagerly.

"No," was the curt answer.

"Too bad, positively," muttered Kate, turning again to
the window, and glancing with a troubled look at the dull,
gloomy sky. "Alice might write ai least ; she's really un-
kind to forget her friends like this. But perhaps I do her

"TT*^?

B that you are so anx-
lifferent tone, though
led nervousness of his

ks since I hare seen

message, I must go

[ forget me altogether.

;d, suddenly, "when

1 hand resting on the
:ly at the abrupt men-
rather hastily :
I suppose. I cannot
I goings to the precise

, and opened her eyes
rhe earl, however, did
g away abruptly, was
t entered with several
earl seized them, and
;an with nervous haste

rly.

ite, turning again to
ibled look at the dull,
last ; she's really un-
But perhaps I do her

THE SECRET SORROW.

injustice — she may be ill, or something else may have pre-
vented her, though, in any case, I think she might have sent
Janie or some of thrm to let me know. It is very singular
altogether, and I really begin to feel anxious ; so let the
weather be what it may, I will ride over to the Tines this
very afternoon, and see what is the matter."

The latter part of Kate's soliloquy was delivered iu a low
tone, not loud enough for the others to hear. As she ceased
speaking, she turned from the window, and caught her uncle's
eyes fixed upon her. In. his hand he held an open letter,

which he had just finished reading.

"Well, Miss Sidney," said the carl, with a quiet sneer, "1/

you have done muttering to yourself, perhaps you will honor

me with a few moment's attention."
Kate looked a little surprised, and not altogether pleased

at her uncle's style of remark, but she merely bowed, and

stood waiting, in respectful silence, until he should again

tpoak.

He glanced at the letter he held once more, then holding it
up he said quietly :

"This letter is from a sister of mine in the United States.
You may read it, as it explains itself better than I can do. I
must promise, however, that the young lady of whom it speaks
is my niece, her mother having been a sister of mine, conse-
quently she is your cousin. You have doubtless heard of her
before— this my dear," went on the earl, in rather a kinder
tone than he had yet used. "Her mother, as you are aware,
married an American — one altogether beneath her, both in

^ omA! 1 1 ' i|I ■•

THE SECRET SORROW.

i .-!

rt!

wealth and station. With him she went to America ; and for
a long time we heard nothing of her, as she had been cast off
by the family eighteen years ago. Some time since, I re-
ceived ft letter from my sister, saying that hei husband had
died with the yellow fever, which was making great ravages
in New Orleans, the city in which they resided. It further-
more stated, she had a daughter, sixteen years of age, de-
pending on her, and that she was extremely poor. As I dis-
like family quarrels, and really felt an affection for Marie, I
answered her letter immediately, inclosing a sum of money,
and invited her to come back to England with her daughter—
whose name, by the way, is Margaret Nelson. This invita-
tion she has accepted, and— but the letter will explain the
rest. Read it aloud, your aunt may perhaps wish to hear it."

This was spoken inquiringly, and my lady, who had seem-
ingly heard not a word of the foregoing speech, now raised
for a moment her heavy eyelids, and bent her graceful head
m token of acquiescence.

Kate took the letter her uncle extended to her, and read

aloud :

" My Dear Bkother:— In compliance with your exceedingly kind
invitation, I and my daughter are to start to-morrow for dear England,
which I sincerely long to behold once more— though my home here has,
until very lately, been exceedingly happy. Maggie is in raptures at the
idea of visiting England, in fact she seems perfectly wild with delight.
However, this must be ascribed to the buoyant spirits of youth, al-
• though Maggie is different from most girls of her age. She is, I regret
to say, exceedingly wild, and continually needs the most watchful care.
The captain of the vessel in which we are to sail is a personal friend of
mine, and he has kindly agreed to see us safely at our journey's end, so
that you need not put yourself to any inconvenience in coming to meet

idHQi

rrr-

'-A-: ;-irK»'.'.-3fVW:"

; to Aoierica ; and for
she had been cast off
me time since, I re-
hat hei husband had
making great ravages
resided. It further-
;en years of age, de-
mely poor. As I dis-
affection for Marie, I
sing a sum of money,
id with her daughter —
Nelson. This invita-
etter will explain the
irhaps wish to hear it."
f lady, who had seem-
ig speech, now raised
ent her graceful head

ided to her, and read

ith your exceedingly kind
morrow for dear England,
-though my home here has,
Maggie is in raptures at the
perfectly wild with delight,
lyant spirits of youth, al-
t her age. She is, I regret
eds the most watchful care,
sail is a personal friend of
'ely at our journey's end, so
renieace in coming to meet

THE SECR3T SORROW. 97

T,Z'j^z:::zr • "'""■ ""•"■• ""'"■■ "••'■ - ""«■ •-

" With many thanks for your kindness, I remain

There was silence for a moment after the perusal of this
letter. Both the earl and Kate looked dissatisfied, for both
were far from delighted at the idea of having a wild hoiden
(such as they concluded Miss Nelson to be), to disturb the
calm and peaceful serenity of Dirritole. My lady's face
wore its usual expression of utter listless indifference-like
one who takes no interest whatever in the subject under dis-
cussion ; nevertheles8,it was her voice that first broke the silence
" And this young lady will arrive in a few days, I presume,"
Bhe said, quietly, without raising her eyes from the floor.

"I suppose so. In fact, I think she will arrived very
shortly, for I see, by the date, the letter has been delayed "
and the earl bit his lip impatiently ; - and we will have oiir
bves plagued out with this half-civilized Yankee, and her ne-
gro servant. If I had known she was such a hoiden, as I
presume she is, from Marie's letter, I should have let her re-
main at home, for I have no idea of having every thing turned
topsy-turvy for her. I suppose peace will fly at her arrival ;
at least the little that remains since the advent of that preciou^
young scoundrel, Sidney. It won't do to have two such high-
fliers here together. Charley must be sent off to Dublin, where
he came from, as soon as the new-comer arrives. Eh, Kate ?"
"As you please, my lord; it is quite immaterial to me,"
replied Kate, quietly.

" But it will hardly be courteous or hospitable, my lord,"

..<Ai

difliK

THE SECRET SORROW.

interposed the low, clear voice of my lady, " to treat ♦his or-
phan girl as cavalierly aa you propose doing, after she ar-
rives. Consider she J'^s no friends here, save yourself, and
that she is your sister's daughter — even though she is some-
what wild ; and wildness in youth is not a crime unpardon-
able."

It wag geldom the countess utte 'cd so many words at one-
and so unusual was it for her to take the slightest interest in
any subject that both the earl and Kate listened, surprised.
Yet it could hardly be called an interest ; not the slightest ex-
pression moved the marble-like face as she spoke, the snowy
hands lay folded as listlessly as ever, the dark eyes were not
once raised, yet those few words, spoken so quietly, almost
indifferently, produced a deeper impression on the earl than
If another had been pleading eloquently the case of the or-
phan for hours.

"Very well," he replied, with smiling courtesy, which no
one could assume better than he when he chose, "your lady-
ship's will shall be my law, though it scarcely needed your
words to make me remember the duties of hospitality. I
trust no one beneath my roof will ever so far forget them-
selves as to treat with the slightest disrespect any guest of
mine. Certaiuly / shall never set them the example. " And
with graceful ease he raised one of her little white hands to
his lips, and turning on his heel strode from the room.

Kate lingered for a moment, gazing out at the murky sky ;
then, she too, turned and quitted the apartment.

t treat ♦his or-
after she ar-
yourself, and
she is some-
ne unpardon-

^ords at one*
!st interest in
ed, surprised,
e slightest ex-
ce, the snowy
syes were not
aietly, almost
ihe earl than
ie of the or-

sy, which no
"your lady-
needed your
Dspltality. I
forget them-
my guest of
nple." And
ite hands to
room.
! murky sky ;

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER V.

▲ CLEW TO THE LOST OVE.

" How can the glintin sun shine bright?
How can the wiiiiplin burnie glide?
Or flowers adorn the ingle side?

Or birdies deign
The woods, and streams, and valei to chide?

Alice is gane." — J. W,h.

Kate ran up to her own chamber, an elegantly furnished
little apartment, and rang the bell. The summons was an-
swered by a servant ; and, having given direction to have
her horse saddled and brought round to the gate, Kate Sid-
ney slowly and thoughtfully proceeded to don her riding-
habit. It was evidently not of Miss Maggie Nelson she was
thinking, for Kate seldom troubled herself about strangers ;
she was, in fact, still striving to solve che puzzling question
of her friend's conduct, and trying in vain to find some
cause for her unusual silence. How little ^id she dream that
Alice Desmond was at that moment lying on her rude couch
in the old haunted Moor Manor.

Having completed her toilet, she descended the stairs,
drawing on her gloves as she went. As she passed the open
parlor-door, she glanced in. The countess lay back in her
f>.vnnte position, gazing on the ground, as immovable as a

■/I

-'v. .^■■).-Kwmm$^

THE SECRET SORROW.

figure in wax-work. Kate watched her a moment, then
turning away with a Imlf-mr.ttered, "How singular Auni
Madeline is !" she tripped out into the hal' A sudden noise,
proceeding from a room opening into the hall, attracted her
attention. The door being ajar, Kate stepped softly for-
ward, and looked in.

The room was in a state of the utmost disorder. Books
papers, cigar stumps, and a thousand and one miscellaneous
articles lay scattered over the floor in every direction
Stretched at full length on a sofa, in the middle of the floor
and surrounded by a perfect chaos of disorder, was a young
gentleman, quietly engaged in smoking a cigar. Tall, and
finely formed in person, .vith a high, white forehead, dark
chestnut hair, and beautiful dark-blue eyes, in which lurked a
wicked, mischievous, dare-devil expresdon-Charley Sidney
was decidely handsome. Before him, on the present occa-
sion, stood a prim, vinegar-visaged old maid, caUed Misa
Dickett, the housekeeper of the family.

Now, as Kate well knew, the housekeeper was the very
soul of neatness, and that the least speck of dust was suffi-
cient to give her nervous system a severe shock ; she rightly
judged that the worthy virgin had entered to pour the vialg
of her wrath on the devoted head of Master Charley. Miss
Dickett was a privileged person, and ruled with a rod of iron
over the heads of every member of the family, save that of
the earl's son. Lord Arndale, on whom she doted. Mr. Sid-
ney, who was gesticulating with great force, had just ceased
speaking as Kate approached. Neither of them noticed her,

-X.

moment, then,

singular Aunt

I sudden noise,

I, attracted her

)ed softly for-

irder. Books,
'■ miscellaneous
3ry direction,
le of the floor,
', was a young
ar. Tall, and
Jrehead, dark
'^hich lurked a
barley Sidney
present occa-
1, called Miss

iras the very
iust was suflj-
; she rightly
>our the vialg
arley. Miss
a rod of iron
save that of
1. Mr. Sid-
l just ceased
noticed her,

THE SECRET SORROW. ^j

.nd Ml« Dickett went on, in reply to something the young
gentleman had said : ^ ^

to try to keep to nghts, 'cause it's »„„ than hcvcr th, .Z

" ^«"' but really, my dear madam, " began Master Ph.^i
m an expostulatory tone " vou «p» t ^'''*° ^'^ Charley,

io t-e .„., 0, z oZ, c: ;:rrri:r
r::; or'r.rr r ■ t'-^ ""- ™"--- "

, ^ '-"' "'K"" I encountered a passage in the
«fty-elevcn.h book o, Julius C»s., (or so^e oti,er oldl ve)

" * Did ye hear of the Widow Malo'ne?

Q. ,. • Och hone.

She hvea near the town of Athlone,

Alone."'

Miss Dickett had listenpd t« ♦),!„

"srened to this ripeech, not very weU

I
■ it

4«

THE SECRET SORROW.

I 5

knowing whether her young master was in jest or earnest ;
and now taking advantage of the first pause, while Charley
was roposint? on his laurels, she gave vent to another burst of
indifinant feeling. ' .

"Yea, it's all very fine," repeated the outraged female,
" sl.owin' off yer larniu' afore folks. Yer needn't think,
Mr. Charles, you're the houly one in the world which is larned,
for I 'ad a edification in my youth as good as hanybody, so I
had, though I never larned no chang tckang bangs like that, I
larned what was a 'eap more uscf ullcr, which is to keep things
in their own place ; and if you'd stay at 'ome and lam hit,
too, hit would be more prq^toftZer than goin' to live among
them Iriph in Dublin, which is too wulgar to be looked at, so
they are."

" A very just observation, ma'am," replied Charley, " and
one which shows a great deal of good sense, but bad gram-
mar, on your part, and — what's that?" exclaimed the young
gentleman, tui-ning abruptly round, as the sound of a sub-
dued laugh from the door-way broke upon his ear.

Kate retreated ju.it in time to avoid meeting Miss Dickett,
who came sailing majestically from the room, and who, see-
ing no one, went indignantly down to the kitchen, muttering
as she went :

"Yes, hit's all very fine, so it is."

Kate remained in her hiding-place until the coast was clear,
and, then coming out, she tripped lightly from the hall, the
last sound she heard being Charley's voice,»singing :

" Arrab, vhillalloo murder ! oh I- why did ye die?" , .

■Mmm

HHM

"■■■JBlWrw

'■>■ .-»</■.;*.

t or earnest;
while Charley
other burst of

raged female,
eedn't think,
hich is lurncd,
anybody, so I
ga like that, I
to keep things

and lam hit,
) live among

looked at, so

!harley, "and
>ut bad gram-
led the young
ad of a Bub-
ar.

Miss Dickett,
ind who, see-
en, muttering

ast was clear,
the hall, the
ring!
lie?"

•*i

THE SECRET SORROW.
The rain was falling, not heavily, as it had done some
hours before, but in a damp, dismal, chilling drizzle. A thick,
dense fog, perfectly English in its character, made the gloom
80 intense that one could hardly see oltjects a yard off. In
^ftct, a more unpleasant or disagreeable day for a ride could
not be found.

The groom, who stood holding her horse, seemed tu be
precisely of this same opinion, for as Kate seated herself
and gathered up the reins preparatory to starting, he re-
marked :

" Better not go to-day, Miss Kate, you'll be soaking wet,
and it won't be good for the pony either."

"My good fellow, be kind enough to mind your own
affairs," replied Kate, haughtily. And the man, crest-faUen
at her remark, slunk away.

With a smart cut of her whip, the horse darted forward ;
in a moment, the lofty turrets and majestic trees of Dirritole
were out of sight. Her road lay partly through a dripping
forest, known by the name of Danemore Forest, from its be-
ing on the property of the earl. The forest path was passed,
and Kate entered a smooth, broad road, over which her
horse went with a rapidity that promised speedily to bring
her to her journey's end.

In a short time the Pines— as the, home of Alice Desmond
was called— came in sight. The place had taken its name
from the gr at number of those trees by which it was sur-
rounded. .. smooth, graveled path led up to the house— a
larjie but handsome mansion, of modern appearance and

^ THE SECRET SORROW,

architecture. A servant advanced to take her home ; and,
as Kate sprang lightly from her seat, she was struck by th«
melancholy, dejected appearance of his countenance.

" Why, my good Peter, what is the matter?" inquired Kate
with graceful condescension, addressing the old man, whom
she well knew.

"Ah! Miss Kate! sad news, sad news!" replied the old
man, mournfully shaking his head.

-Whathas happened?" exclaimed Kate, growing pale with
sudden apprehension, "nothing has befaUen vour young
mistress, I trust?" "

"Alas! that I cannot say no," answered Peter, drawing
his hand across his eyes. "Miss Alice has gone, or been
carrried off, no one knows where."

" Good Heavens ! is it possible?" exclaimed Kate, horror-
struck to find her apprehensions so soon verified. "Who
could have been capable of so atrocious a deed ?"

" That's just what I have been puzzling myself to find out
ever since I heard it," replied the old man. " I thought she
hadn't an enemy in the world ; for if ever there was an angel
on earth. Miss Alice was one."

•And her father-poor old man! how does he bear this
terrible blow?" said Kate, compassionately.

"I haven't seen him since he heard it, which was only
this morning," answered Peter : " buc Bess L'Olise, who was
"P at the house, told me a while ago he was taking on dread-
fully. He had a letter-a note she left on her dressing-table
-which seemed to afflict him dreadfully. Bess said, her

lorse ; and,
ruck by th«
ice.

uirod Kate,
Qsn, whom

led the old

g; pale with
)ur young

p, drawing
0, or been

«, horror-
. "Who

•

find out

ought she

an angel

bear this

V&S only
who waa
n dread*
ing-table
aid, ber

THE SECRET SORROW. 45

"tep-flister, Janie, Miss Alice's own maid, had gone with her.
too." '

" A letter !" exclaimed Kate. - Perhaps that explains."
And, turning from the old man, she hounded up the stops
like a dtcr, in a manner very different from her ..sual ,lig„i.
fled motions, and burst unceremoniously into the room where
the old mrin sat.

He was lying back in a large arm-chair, moaning and
wnnging his hands in the last extremity of grief. He held a
note tightly cmmpled up in one hand, over which he at times
broke forth in passionate lamentations. The snows of seven-
ty winters had vhitened his hoary locks, and the venerable
features, generUly placid and dignified, were now convulsed
with sorrow. As his eyes fell upon Kate, he started to his
feet as .f to meeetber ; but his strength.exhausted by suffering,
was unequal to the effort, and he fell heavily back in his seat.

"Too late, KateSidney, too late," he cried bitterly. "She
.8 gone-gone forever, the light of my eyes, the star of my
beart my sole eartHy comfort, my young, beautiful Alice I
Oh, Alice, Alice!" ^nd with that despairing cry, he covered
h.8 face with his bancs, and swayed to and fro, in hopeless
sorrow.

Kate advanced, kneh before him, and took his hand be-
tween both hers, while «e said, in » voice which she vainly
strove to render calm :

My dear sir, be comlorted. I feel convinced we will all
flee Alice weU and happy »nce more. Do not, I beseech vou,
thus give way to your gritf."

*• THK SECRET SORROW.

Tho old man Hocmcd not to hear her. His cyo8 hml a va-
cant, wo,nU.,i„K look, hh though he huw not the object nrouml,
but rather wan puiug at souu-lhinfl; l.eyontl the reach of their
viHion. As Kate ceased, he suddenly and passionately broke
forth : ^

"What have I ever done that I am to be thus bereaved?
^ hat crime have I ever committed, that I am thus severely
chastised? I have neither slain, nor stolen, no; coveted
aught, and yet I am punished by losing all I leva on earth,
while the wicked tri.miph in their sins. How loig, O Lord !
how long? Thy han.l lies heavily upon me, .nd upon my
house, while the ungodly rejoice in their crime. They have
stolen from n,e my own little ewe-lamb, and left me alono
an.l desolate to go with sorrow to the grave. iVe have been
surrounded by those who called themselves frbnds in the day
of onr prosperity ; but when the hand of the Lord lay heavily
upon us, all fled. They have borne my cWld, n.y ouly one
from my home, and there was no arm rai<ed to defend her •
no true heart to echo back her cry for nercy. They have
borne her away, and I shall never, ueverfice her a-ain ' Oh
Alice, Alice !" He wrung his hands, md cried aloud in hia
deep sorrow.

"My dear sir^-Kate's voice faUei; and, covering her
face with her hands, she wept also.

Her heartfelt grief touched the sorow-striken old man as

nothing before had done. His eyes I«.t their wild, frenzied

expression, and assumed a softer looZ, but no tears came to

his relief, the blow had struck too bard to bo eased by

/
/

THE SECRET SORROW.

5^08 had a va-
il>ji'ct around,
roiiph of tlioir
onatoly ?)roke

us hcrcavecJ?
Iui8 severely
no.' covotod
»v« on earth,
Igi O Lord !
id upon my

They Jiavo
■ft me alono
J have boon
8 in the day

lay heavily
'y only one
lefend her ;
They have
ignin! Oh,
Joud in his

we'pinj?. IIo laid his hand on her bowed head, and said,

kindly :

' J'oor child ! you loved her, too ; but why should you weep?
You have many friendH left who lovo you Htill, even as she
loved you, but I have no one ; I an. alone— all alono ; there
i« «'(. (),o in the wide world to care for the striken old man,
Hince th. (laujrht,,,- „f his old a-o has boon torn from his arms,'
leaving .„ ,v..rd behind her to tell of the fate, with no fare-
well, Havcthis."

llo erusUd, as he apoke, the letter in his hand. Kate had
forgotten itin her sorrow and compassion for him, but the
action restord it to her mind. Perhaps it might throw some
light on the rystei'y.

"Will younot let me see the letter?" she asked, hesi-
tatingly.

"les, yes, tkc it ; it is but right you should read her last
farewell-tho las farewell of one who loved you."

Kate eagerly ook the letter. Her eyes filled, as she
glanced at the M^Jl-known handwriting. It had evidently
been penned in ahasty and trembling hand, and ran as
follows :

vering her

Id man as

I, frenzied

8 came to

eased by

Mt OWN Dear Fat«„ ,_Ere you read thi«, I shall be away from
home; but gnevc not. hope soon to return. I cannot, I dare no"
now cxplam w V I am oUgod to leave you for a time; but bCieri
me, the .eparat.0, » «« j,i„f„„„ „, „^ .^ ^^„ ' • « J

may not now expl.n f„rt,or. but onee again I beseech you to bear my

tZl T '■?7""""- ^^ '"'"'^"' •^''"- aceompanie. me. kZ

ter to you, until tb retun of your own UtUe- " Aucjb,"

THE SECRET SORROW.

Kate read this letter with wonder and surprise. The ruja-
tery seemed to increase, and this letter, instead of dispeL'ing
it, only increased it the more. What could it have been taat
induced her so strangely to leave houie? Kate knit her
brows, and tried to think. But the more she though, the
more inexplicable the whole afifair became. She glared at
the old man, who now lay back in a sort of stupor, hs grief
having exhausted itself by its violence. Seeing shecould be
of no use here, she resigned him to the care of an old serv-
ant, and then -slowly and thoughtfully turned fromthe house.
With her ejos fixed in deep thought on the /round, and
lost in her own reflections, she heard not a light Hpping foot-
step behind her, until a clear, musical voice, w^ a neculiar
foreign accent, close to her ear, called :
"Miss Kate."

Kate turned hastily round, and sawbeforher a bright,
handsome girl, whose vivacious, sparkling bick eye^, dark,
rich complexion, full voluptuous figure, andoquettish air be-
spoke her a native of sunny France. It wagBess L'Olise, the
step-sister of Janie, whom, as we will hav^frequent occasion
to mention, we may as well make the reader acquainted
with.

Jaiiie's father, who was steward at th Pines, had lost hia
wife when Janie r/as a mere child. Abut a year after this
melancholy event, business called him t London, and whUe
there he contracted a violent attachmnt fa- a handsome
French milliner, a widow with one daightet then residing
with her mamma's friends in la belle trance. The steward

rise. The rj/s-
ad of dispelling
t liave been taat
Kate knit her
he though, the
She glarced at
tupor, hs grief
Qg shecould be
?f an old serv-
fron>tlie house,
he /round, and
it tipping foot-
rUi a neculiar

her a bright,
k eyei^, dark,
aettish air be-
s L'Olise, the
uent occasion
r acquainted

, had lost hia
ar after this
a, and while
a handsome
len residing
rhe steward

THE SECRET SORROW. ^g

wanted a wife to mind his house, and look after Janie. Ma-
BraTd^h^ "T"- " ''''''-' ^--^M-omoist
for better, for worse. Madame L'Olise, became a bride
ent for Bess, and took her with them to the Pines. A ew
years after, Alice Desmond, taking a fancy to orettv T

latuer s pet. It needed b„t little coaxing to induce him .„
.en he. to ..nee . ^ edncated ; „ndl„ t ladl^
^e l,.d „„ved ahon. . ,e„ p.evi„„, to ,„e opening „, Z

On the present oecion, m.demoi«lle adranccd with .
pro'o-<i'y mysterion, ai, .nd looking hastil, „^^T^l
tt. acre ™ no one listening, ,he ™id, eagL ..
M«ien,oisellc has been np to the house ••

..'t;r:::,dt^;"--~^ --he little

" "^^ *^'«« ^^'^ ^ny idea of the causo of Miss AHop'- h
P-tureP.. inqnired Bess, in the same cautious tol '^"

No; why?" said Kate, with some curiosity.

B-^cause I think I know something of the matter I h,
not mentioned it to any one vet I 1 . . ""^

Should see Lord Arndl^ntlerel::?:^ "'^^: """' '
-y be. Therefore, ma'm'selle wn^e ^r^^''^'^ ^
to something. ' ' ^ °" ' '^ ™^y ^^^

Kate was silent, but the anxious look on her face told h
•agerly she was listening. ^ ^''^^ ^°^

■""■■Pi

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Last night," began Bess, " I need not tell you, was aw-
ful stormy. Heavens I how frightened I was ! Well- a little
after dark, as I sat sewing, I heard the outer gate slamming
back and forth at a great rate. Papa was up at the house
with Sir Hugh, and there was no one to shut it but me, for
mamma would not go out for the world in such a storm. So
as the gate had to be shut, and there being no help for it, I
threw on my cloak and went out. Just as I reached the gate,
there came a dazzling blaze of lightning, and judge of my
surprise at seeing a carriage standing before the gate.
Frightened half to death, I drew back behind a low, stunted
pine tree, where I was effectually concealed from view.
Scarcely had I hidden myself, when, in a brief lull of the
tempest, I fancied I heard footsteps coming down the grav-
eled walk right before me. At the same moment, there came
another flash, and by the fitful, lurid light, I beheld Misa
Alice and my step-sister, Jauie. Both were muffled up in
hoods and shawls, but I knew them immediately. Wonder-
ing what could be the matter, I strove to look through the
darkness, but in vain. Ere the lightning again lit up for a
single instance the pitchy blackness around, the carriage was
gone. I hastened back, and told mamma, but she said that
Miss Alice had probably received some hasty summons, that
she was forced to obey in spite of the storm. So I thought
no more about it until this morning, when I heard that Miss
Alice and Janie had gone no one knew where. I felt at first
inclined to tell Sir Hugh, but seeing him nearly beside him-
self, I concluded to wait until I should see Lord Arndale,

•MM

»-

you, was aw-

Well. a little
ate slaiuming

at the house
it but me, for

a storm. So
help for it, I
,ched the gate,

judge of my
)re the gate,
a low, stunted
I from view,
icf lull of the
own the grav-
nt, there came

beheld Miss
muffled up in
sly. Wonder-
c through the
1 lit up for a
e carriage was
she said that
summons, that

So I thought
sard that Miss

I felt at first
ly beside him-
Liord Arndale,

THE SECRET SORROW. gj

which I would have done, had you not come. And now, Miss
S.dncy, this i,s all I know. Do you think it will throw any
light upon this mysterious affair?"

Kate had listened with breathless interest to this recital
with hps apart, and an air of intense suspense. As Besg
concluded, she exclaimed, eagerly :

" Surely you know whose carriage it was, do you not?"
Mademoiselle L'Olise shook her head.
" How should I ?" she replied. «' I only caught a moment-
ary glimpse of it by that sudden flash. No, I do not know
whose it was."

" Well, this is at least some slight clew to her fate," said
Kate, musingly. - Jt seems she went of her own accord I
fancied at first she had been violently abducted. Well Bess
you had best keep this matter to yourself until we see more
about it. Meantime, do all you can for Sir Hugh, us it is
impossible for me to remain here any longer this morning;
and If, by any means, you obtain any more information on
this subject, communicate it to me the very first thincr. Good
morning mademoiselle." And Kate slowly gatherrd up the
ample folds of her riding-dress, mounted her horse, and ata
more subdued and saddened pace than when she first started,
she turned in the direction of Dirritole.

Bess L'Olise stood watching her, untU she disappeared
from sight, with a peculiar expression on her handsome face.
At length she turned away, muttering to herself •

mlf'^^tT. '■'"'' '™^'^' ""^' ^^«/«*-/thatido.

What would Miss Kate say, I wonder, if I told her it wa.

r.l

JL.

52 THE SECRET SORROW.

her uncle's, the Earl of Danemore's. I should be treated as
a vile calumniator, and the vengeance of the earl would fall
npon us. No, no ; I shall keep that much of my knowledge to
myself. Those English have for a proverb : ' A silent tongue
maketh a wise head.' And I shall test its virtue. The earl
has carried her off for fear Lord Arndale should marry he:
I feel perfectly sure of it. But by what means he induced
her to accompany him, I know not. Well, I shall not puz-
zle myself about it ; time will tell, and as Mr. Charley Sid-
ney says : ' Least said is soonest mended.' "

With these words, Bess turned into the lodge, as the housa
occupied by the steward of the Tines was called, while Kat«
Sidney, in blissful ignorance of the amount of h«r knowledge^
alowly pursued her way homeward.

JL.

THE SECRET SORROW. '

e treated as
1 would fall
nowledge to
ilent tongue
i. The earl

marry he.

he induced
ill not puz-
harley Sid-

s the housQ
while Katfl
knowledge^

CHAPTER VI.

THE LITTLE AMSBICAJf.

A dancing shape— an image gay,
To haunt, bewilder, and waylay!

It was early morning of that same drizzly, wet, foggy day
-that same eventful morning which beheld Alice Desmond
m her dreary shelter in the old Moor Manor, and which saw
Kate learning her fate at the Pines-that a stage coach went
rumblmg and Jolting over a rough, uneven road, now rising
abruptly on a sudden jagged eminence, and again settling
abruptly down in a manner anything but agreeable. On his
seat sat the driver, muffled up to the eyes in a huge, shaggy
great-coat, which bid defiance alike to the chill, cutting,
morning air, and the driving rain. The tired horses plunged
and trampled blindly onward over the miry ground, with a
slow, weary gait.

Inside the coach sat four persons, three of whom were
sound asleep. One of these, a man past the middle age.
bearing about him unmistakably the air and manner of a
sailor, was a stout, good-humored looking personage, whose
vigorous snoring on the pi^sent occasion bore evidence to
the profoundness of his slumbers. Opposite him sat .
Vroman, whose pale, wasted features stUl bore the trace of

6»

].!

THE SECRET SORROW.

former beauty, now nearly obliterated by an anxious, fretful
look, while her quick, troubled breathing, and the frequent
knitting of her brows, bespoke that even in sleep the troub-
led of her waking hours were not forgotten. She was
dressed in deep mourning, and her thin, pale features
looked white and pale in contrast with her sable mourning-
robes.

In the farthest corner of the coach, with her head thrown
back, her bonnet bent into all sorts of snapes, and her whole
appearance in the utmost disorder, lay an old, jet-black
Degress. A fat, shiny, ebony countenance was hers; and
her nasal performance not only equaled, but even exceeded
that of the gentleman— Captain Morton ; of th« good ship
Sea Shell.

T'-3 fourth, last, bui far from least occupant of the old-
fashioned stage-coach, was a young girl apparently not more
than sixteen years of age. She was pretty— decidedly pretty
— with the wickedest, laughing hazel eyes in the world. The
delicate purity of her complexion, white and stainless as that
of an infant, was relieved by the faint pink tinge of the
cheeks, and the deep red of the little, delicately formed
mouth. In stature, she was scarcely middle size ; but slight,
graceful, and delicate as a fairy. The predominant expres-
sion of her features was overflowing with mischief and trick-
ery ; fun lurked maliciously in her bi-ight, brown eyes, and
basked in every smile and dimple of her rougish face.

She now sat by the window, gazing first out at the gloomy
prospect around, and then at the three sleeping faces beside

xioiis, fretful
the frequent
ep the troub-
I. She was
lale features
Ic mourning-
head thrown
nd her whole
Id, jet-black
13 hers ; and
ren exceeded
KJ good ship

t of the old-
itly not more
idedly pretty

world. The
inless as that
tinge of the
itely formed

; but slight,
nant expres-
ef and trick-
m eyes, and

face.

t the gloomy
faces beside

THE SECRET SORROW. gj

her, with an expression of the most intense vexation and dis-
gust. At length iier thoughts found vent in words :

"I declare, if this ain't too bad!" muttered the young
lady, turning her back with a jerk to the others ;" and I do
wish w-'d never loft home to come to this horrid, freezing,
foggy, hateful place. I'm sure it's done nothing but drizzle
drizzle, drizzle, and drop-as if the weather had a cold in its
head, and needed a pocket-handkerchief. And then the fog
too, a body can't see their nose before their face for it I'd
feel it a relief if there would come a real genuine rain storm ;
bnt I don't believe these hateful English could get up such a
thmg. My! isn't that a prospect out there!" here she
glanced from the window with a look of infinite contempt-
" trees about a foot high, and without a leaf on them at that
Sky as black as a darkey's face, and clouds piled in heaps,
one on top of another, like buckwheat cakes in winter. And
then to aggravate the matter, this jolting, tumbling, old ark
of a coach, pitching us up in the air one minute-with as
much indifference as if we weren't free-born Americans, and
tumbling us down with a jerk the next. Oh ! dear ! what it
is to be afflicted!"

Here the little American heaved a sigh that might have
been heard a mile off, and fell once more into a profound
fit of musing. At length her feelings seSmed to grow too
powerful to be controlled, and she again began :

" I'd like to know, anyway, what kind of folks there rela-
tions of mamma's are. Stuck up. I suppose. But, then,
ancle's an eail, a real live earl-only think of ilica I Well, I -

THE SECRET 80RB0W.

i i

don't care ; because a native-born American, such as I am,
is just as good ; and if I don't astonisli tlicni by and by, it'll
be a caution. Oh ! ya-w-w ! I'll split my jaws yawning, I'm
afraid. I wish some of them would wake up. I'm tired to
death talking to myself, and it don't seem to do me a bit of
good. I'll wake mamma ; if she hasn't slept enough by this
time, it's a wonder."

Suiting the action to the words, she approached and shook
the lady soundly, exclaiming :

" Momma, wake up, I tell you ! You don't expect a body
can sit here all day without some one to talk to."

The sleeper turned round, opened her eyes, and muttered,
drowsily: "Yes, don't mind her, she's always talking.
Um-m-m !" And the speaker closed her eyes once i ore.

" Who's always talking? I do believe she thinks she's
talking to her relations, and telling them about me. Mamma,
mil you wake up?"

"Um-m-m, she's wild — soon be settled — um-m-m-m,"
drawled the sleeper.

" Oh, dear me ! Well, I never I Will you listen to that,
now !" said the young lady appealing to some imaginary indi-
vidual. " I'll leave it to everybody, if that ain't provoking.
Well, I must get some one to talk to, or I'll die of the blues,
that's certain ! Let's see — oh, I have it ! I'll get out with
the coachman — that's the idea ; he'll do better than no one !"

So saying, she arose, threw a large shawl over her slender
shoulders, and pulled the check-string. The coach stopped ;
but ere the driver could ascertain what was the matter, to hu

ch as I am,
and by, it'll
awning, I'm
I'm tired to
mc a bit of
)ugh by this

i and sbooic

pect a body
>

d muttered,
lys talking,
ce 1 ore.
hinks she's
!. Mamma,

m-m-m-m,"

ea to that,
ginary indi-
provoking.
f the blues,
et out with
n no one !"
her slender
:h stopped ;
Atter, to hu

THE SECRET SORROW. gy

unbounded «„rpriHc he «aw the little lady descend, slam the
door after her, mount the box, and take her seat beside him ;
and all w.th a rapidity that completely bewildered him. Ere
he had recovered sufficiently from his ...-prise to start onco
more, the young lady said, with the utmost coolness •

''There! you needn't stand there gaping all day-thafa
all I wanted. My ! for goodness sake, don't sit staring as if
you were afraid I'd eat you ! Drive on !"

"But-but-really, miss, this i. not a proper place for
you stammered the driver, looking absolutely dnmfounded.
Oh, fiddlestick ! Who cares whether it is proper or not?
wo ahead !"

Thus adjured, the coachman started once more-stUl, how-
ever, looking completely astonished.
"You see, Mr.-what's your name V began the young lady.
"Smith, Miss." -> o j

" Do tell ! It's John Smith, ain't it?"

"Yes," repUed the man, beginning to think he had hold
of a witch.

" Well, if that ain't funny ! I think I have met about a
dozen John Smiths every place I've ever been. Well then
John-ni call you that for short-my name's Maggie Nelson,'
that hateful folks used to call Crazy Mag. So now as we are
acquainted, I beg to tell you that I came out here to talk to
you, because they're every one asleep in there. It's not
high treason, is it?"

"Oh, no," replied John Smith; "but I'm afraid you'U
catch cold, sitting out here in the rain. "

II '

gg THE SECRET ROllROW.

•« No, 1 won't ; the wot won't melt rao. And, speaking of
that, docs it always drizzle in this uncomfortable manner
here?"

John langhod.

•' No, not always, Miss ^cl8on. The sun sMdcs some-
times."

*' I want to know," ojaculatcd Maggie " 'Well, It will be
a novelty to mo to see tho sun again. It's been drizzling
ever since we landed, and it looks now as if it were never
„oing to do anythir-' else. I wish there was any convenient
way of transportiufj the whole island to America ; we could
easily set it down in one of our smr.Uest lakes that wouldn't
be fit for anything else. We'd try to civilize all you John
Bulls a little, and with the aid of ou'- American sun, there's
no telling but something might be niade of it yet— a cabbage-
garden for the President, for instance. There, now, nobody
need say I 'am not a pliilanthropist after this — for if that
ain't a real philanthropic scheme, I'd like to know what is !"

John opened his eyes, and stared at his companion in
horrified wonder. Ills silence, however, produced no effect
on Maggie ; she had got some one to talk to, and that was
all she wanted.

" And, speaki g or transporting," she began, after a brief
pause to take breath, " rominds me that I'am going to
Dirritolc. Do you know where that is?"

" To be sure I do ! It's the country residence of the Ea; I
of Danemore," replied John, looking indignant that any one
should question such a thing.

Jl,

ipcaking of
lo Tnanncr

IDCS 8om«-

1, it will be
n drizzling
5vcre never
convenient
; we could
it wouldn't
11 you John
mn, there's
-a cabbage-
3w, nobody
-for if that
? what is!"
fiipanion in
jd no effect
d that was

ifter a brief
n going to

of the Ea; I
,hat any one

THE SECRET SORROW. ^9

" Well, mamma, and I, and Dido— that's our servant—
are going to live there. The earl's my uncle, mamma'i
brother."

" What !" exclaimed John, dropping the reins in astonish-
ment. "Is it possible that Miss Maria has come home I
Surely she's not your mother?"

"Yes, she is. Mamma's name is Maria, and we are all
going, as I told you, to live at Dirritolc. And now I would
like to know how you know anything about us. Did your
family know mamma?"

"Yes, miss, I certainly did," answered the man, still
looking as though unwilling to believe what ho heurd. " I
was once, when a young man, coachman in the earl's family,
Miss Maria— his sister— married an American, and left Eng-
land with him. Is it really possible she is commg back?"

" Why, of course she is. You don't think I would tell a
fib, do you ?" replied Maggie indignantly. "And since you
know so much about them, tell me, are there any young folks
there? Mamma does not know, 'cause uncle never told her
in bis letters."

"Yes, Lady Danemore herself is young; but I hardly
think she will be much of a companion for you; she is very
Btill. Then there is Miss Kate Sidney and her brother, Mr.
Charley, I think you'll like him, he's a dreadful wild young
gentleman."

"Humph! I suppose you mean by that Tm wild, too.
But if you do, I can tell you you're mistaken, because I'm
not. I'm a real nice, quiet, settled young lady— as they'll

THE SECRET SORROW.

Boon find out at Dirritolc. But you havrn't told m« all.
There is anoliier, imi'i tliorr, my conain, the onrVn non?"

•' Oh, yen ; Lord Arudalo ; thoy say he in goiug to be mar-
ried to Miss Alice DoHinoiid."

" Ih he, really? 1 hope they'll invito mo to the wedding.
Ill he handsome?"

"Yes, miHs, very handsome, indeed!"

"I'm glad of that. 1 hate ugly men. Is ho funny?"
pursued Maggie.

" AVell, I can't exactly say," replied John, laughing, " he's
pleasant and agreeable, I think, when let alone ; but it don't
do to rouse his temper. I remember seeing him in a pretty
high passion once."

" How was it ? How did it happen ? Do tell mc all about
it?" aaid Maggie eagerly.

"Well," began John, "it was about a year ago. Bust-
ness had called me to London, and as I was passing through
an obscure street late one night, I saw a young girl endeavor-
ing to escape from two gentlemen who were following her. I
know by her appearance she was a stranger in the city ; and
it seems, as I afterward discovered, that having lost her way,
and wandered about for a long time, she had asked one of
these young men to direct her. This they readily consented
to do ; but she soon found out they were not leading her the
right way, and feeling alarmed at their conversation and
manner, she endeavored to escape from them.

" To prevent this, one of then rudely seized her by the
arm. She screamed aloud for help, and her appeal was an-

THE SECRET SORROW.

't told mt) till.
(irl'n flon?"
)iug to be tnar«

) tho wcddiug.

I ho funny?"

ighing, «• he's

; but it don't

n in a pretty

1 mc all about

r ago. Busi-
issiiig tluough
;irl endeavor-
owing her. I
;he city ; and
lost her way,
isked one of
ily consented
ading her tho
crsation and

id her by the
•peal was an-

n. .„„„.,,.,, .„„ .„„„, ,, „^ ^^^ -

»"o.lKT war,,, .„„„g „p„„ „„, „,„ , , « »'

7"' ':" "" '•* - '""»«™u„/„., „„;!::

:r"7''"" '"*"'""" ■ T^on™.— sT

Arn<„lo ,„„ e„o„y „„t „i, a..„.., .„„ „„„,/.„„ .^^^
knocked hiin down. Hi, trien.T .i,i i.- *

bolter ,„.r, „/ 1 7 "'™''-'l""l"»S prudence the
bctte, ,„„t or v„lor-af,er the nr,t blow, beat » preeipitate

:7i, r T'""r' """^ ^" ""' »° --" '»' -™ t

•nd th. h„ tr,e„d had deserted him, .erambled oil, „,„,^

enng d,re threat, „, vengence », he went. A, LnL

h. wa, gone, the ,o„ng n„blen,an .nrned to the g r "

b» offer, and having named the place in which she resided
i» conducted her safe,, .0 it, and then songht bis own"^-

vZT T """°'°*' "" '"*'""" • ""'''^ »°«e from th,
k"own s,»rt,ng charaCer-saylng, that after what b«i

"Tie horrid wretch," interrnpted Maggie, with aarflng

THE SECRET SORROW.

! I

Tinili^

!«■-

eyes, "that means to fight a duel. Surely Lord Arndale
' didn't meet him ?"

" Certainly he did," said John ; " as a man of honor, ne
couldn't refuse. They met at the place appointed. Sir
George's ball passed through Lord Arndale's hat ; while his,
with surer aim, lodged in the fleshy part of the baronet's arm,
without, however, doing him any material injury. It was a
lesson to him to mind his own business in the future, and let
other people alone ; though whether he 'aas Jmpr> 'ved by it,
is more than I can tell."

" How nobly Lord Arndale behaved !" exclaimed Maggie,
with glowing cheeks, "and I do love him, 'pon my word
I do!"

"What would Miss Desmcad say to that?" said John,
with a sly laugh,

"Indeed, I don't care what she would think," replied
Maggie decidedly ; " he's my cousin, and as he is handsome,
and no coward, I've got a right to love h.m just as much as
ever I like. And now tell me something; about this other
cousin of mine, this Charley Sidney. L he handsome too?"
Mr. John Sraitl. ] .ughed.

"Yes, he's handsome enough,"'he replied; "but as for
telling you about him, that's utterly out of the question.

Bless you, miss ! that young gentleman is as full of tricks
as a monkey, and as slippery as an eel. He's continually
getting into scrapes, and continually getting out of them.
The earl sent him to Eton, to be trained in the way he should
go ; but he broke wild, and got into disgrace so often, that

Jii -5

f liOrd Arndale

m of honor, ne
appointed. Sir
hat ; while his,
2 baronet's arm,
ijury. It was a
\ future, and let
Jmprv ved by it,

laimed Maggie,
'pon my word

it?" said John,

;hink," replied
he is handsome,
just as much as
bout this other
andsome too?"

I; "but as for
f the question.
is full of tricks
[e's continually
; out of them.
e way he should
e (-0 often, that

THE SECRET SORROW. ^3

they sent him home. His uncle, in a fit of desperation, s-^nt
him off to Trinity College, Dublin, and what mischief he done
there, Heaven only knows. He's at home now, spending his
vacation, and driving the rest of the household out of their
wits. In fact. Master Charley is looked upon, at home, as
people look upon poverty_as a necessary evil-sent as a
scourge to the world for their sins. I rather think you'll be
an immense favorite with hip., and it's quite probable he'll
patronize you."

Before the little American could reply, a head was thrust
out of the window, and a sharp voice called :

"Maggie! Maggie! Oh, you dreadful child' What
"'O^Wyour uncle say to such conduct. Get down off that
box, and come right in here, this minute !"

"Yes; that's Miss Maria ; I ought to know that voice 1"
muttered John to himself.

"Why, mamma," remonstrated Maggie, "you needn't be
cross. This gentleman knows you ! ' '

" What gentleman ?" said Mrs. Nelson, sharply.

"Why, this one out here beside me, the driver, his
name is John Smith, he used to know you long ago, he
says. °

'' Perhaps you forget me. Miss Maria," said John, humbly. •
1 used to be your father's groom."

"Oh! yes-I remember you-how do you do, John?-
Maggie, come inside instantly. Be so good, sir, as to stop
he coach while my daughter gets down," replied the lady
In no very amiable tone of voice.

•I

'-!^xmmimi

''J r

It-

64 THE SECRET SORROW.

John accordingly drew up, while Maggie got oflf the box,
muttering :

"Mamma's mighty particular. I suppose she'll say she
wasn't asleep, when I get in. It's the way she always does."

"Well, Miss Nelson," said her mother, severely, as she
took her I'ormer seat— " very pretty conduct this, isn't it?
I wonder you are not ashamed of treating a stage-driver aa
an equal. What would your uncle say?"

" Oh, I'm not afraid ; he may say what he likes," replied
Miss Nelson. " And as to the driver, I'm sure it was better
to sit talking to him than sit here, thinking how dreadful
ugly you all looked asleep."

" What!" exclaimed Mrs. Nelson, drawing herself up in-
dignantly. "Do you mean to say / was asleep? I waa
wide-awake the whole time !"

" My stars and garters !" ejaculated the horrified Maggie.
"After iJiatl Oh, I just knew you'd say that. I was sure
of it!"

" And do you still persist, undutiful child, in saying I was
asleep?" said Mrs. Nelson, in rising anger.

" Why, to be sure I do, mamma. Didn't I see you asleep,
and your mouth wide open," persisted the incorrigible
Maggie. "If you were awake, why didn't you prevent me
from getting out, then?"

This was a question Mrs. Nelson did not feel herself called
upoi^to answer. So she drew herself up stiffly, and bidding
Miss Maggie rather coarsely, to "hold her tongue," she
kftned back, and was soon absorbed in wondering wheth«r

Sim

oflf the box,

le'U say she
Iwaysdoes."
jrely, as she
;hi8, isn't it?
ige-driver as

es," replied
it was better
low dreadful

srself up in-
ep? I was

led Maggie.
I was sure

aying I was

you asleep,
incorrigible
prevent me

irself called
ind bidding
ingue," she
ng wheth«r

TKE SECRET SORROW. gj

hor brother wouldn't grant her a handsome private settle-
mcnt-in which case, she determined Maggie should become
the rcgning belle ; and just as she beheld (in fancy) a duke
proposing, on bended knees, for the honor of her daughter's
hand, she dropped to sleep once more, leaving the duke to
wait for his answer till another occasion.

The day wore wearily on to Maggie, who sat fidgeting
from sule to side, wishing the carriage would upset, or some
other accident occur to disturb the monotony of the journey,
and the slumbers of her companions.

At length, a little past noon, to her inexpressible relief,
the carriage drew up before the Danemore Arms, and the
driver announced that their journey was at an end. This at
last effectually banished sleep from the eyes of the whole
party.

The captain shook hands with Mrs. Nelson and Maggie
and announced his intention of going back immediately.

" You had better accompany us to Dirrotole, my dear cap-
tarn," said Mrs. Nelson, " that my brother may thank you
for your kindness."

"Pooh, pooh! nonsense!" said the gruff old sailor,
"what's the good of his thanks? I don't want them,
t^ood-bye ; I hope you'll both be happy in England."

"Isha'n'tfor one," said Maggie; "because of all the
horrid, foggy, hateful, drizzly places that ever was, this is
the woist. You may look out for me at home ; for the very
fi^rst^ehance Iget, I'm going to run away and go back-.o

i«aiii.u^,.it5?--*

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Maggie !" said her mother, reprovingly.

"I don't care, mamma; it's just true," continued the
young lady; <' and I've a good mind to go back with the
captain now, for I'm tired and sick to death of it already."

" Well, Maggie, wlicnevcr you come back to New Orleans,
you'll be welcome," said the captain, laughing; and with a
last good-bye, he rode off.

The landlord of the " Dancmore Arms," at Mrs. Nelson's
request, dispatched a messenger to announce their arrival at
Dirritole. In half an hour the elegant family carriage ap-
peared at the inn, and the earl alighted to welcome his sister
and niece.

The earl was rather favorably impressed with the hoiden—
as he had designated JIaggie— as that talkative young lady
went through the ceremony of introduction, in compliance
with her mother's request, in the most decorous manner.

Wheu the carriage arrived at Dirritole, Maggie opened her
eyes, and gazed around with a look of marked contempt and
disdain.

" What a horrid, gloomy, hateful old tumble-down place !"
she muttered, sotto voce. " My! what a lot of rats there
must be in it!"

The earl ushered them into the drawing-room, where the
countess, Kate, and Charley sat. All arose at their entrance ;
and my lady's eyes were momentarily raised to regard the
young American. Maggie held her breath as she gazed
—never in her life before had she seen any one so beautiful.

As the earl took her hand and led her iorward, Maggie felt

-"!^W^fl ' ^^ >I "' ^ ^Mf$'p'; '

continned the
back with the
' it already."
New Orleans,
;; and with a

Mrs. Nelson's

ieir arrival at

carriage ap-

ome his sister

the hoiden —
3 young lady
a compliance

manner.

ie opened her

jontempt and

iown place!"
)f rats there

n, where the
eir entrance ;
3 regard the
s she gazed
so beautiful.
, Maggie felt

THE SECRET SORROW. g^

a strange feeling of shyness such as she seldom experienced
B whe„ her hands were clasped in those, so small andlt
-When she felt those beautiful lips pressed to herche k

e heait fluttered with a strange and hitherto unknown sen
a no ,0, and pain mi„.,ed. She looked andll so"

ncr „ouM i,a,c been astonislicd at the cimngc

But ,a Charley she sa,v a ktad,ed »pW., ^a ^-^ hta at o„<»
«he made up friends. "^aionce

<-i

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER VII.

MISS MAGGIE'S SENTIMENTS.

•• Hurrah ! hurrali ! for laughing love,

A fig for tiiosG wlio sigh,
Hurrah ! hurrah ! for the bounding heart.

And the bright and sparkling cyo !
The smile that parts the rosy lips,

And the look of artless glee
That speaks of the warm and cheerful heart,

Oh ! that's the heart for me V'—Auon.

"How do vou like England, Cousin Maggie?" inquired
Charley, about an hour after her arrival, as they both sat by
themselves at the window.

" Oh, not at all ! I think it a detestable olace !" replied
Maggie, disdainfully. "I'm sure you must think so yourself ;
did you ever see such fogs ?"

"Why, that's nothing!" replied Charley, "I consider it
very fine to-day ; in fact it's seldom we have such fine weather.
It's only once in a year we have so little fog !"

Maggie opened her eyes, and stared at him in unbounded
astonishment; but Charley's countenance was as grave as
that of a judge.

" Well, any way," she said, after a pause, " I hate it, and
every thing in it, from timt dismal, dreary London down to
this musty, rat-eaten old Dirtyhole, as Dido calla it."

" *■ » »». L. JI II KJJIIUW!

?" inquired
botli sat by

e!". replied
io yourself ;

consider it
le weather.

unbounded
i grave as

late it, and
1 down to

THE SECRET SORROW.
A very appropriate name !" remarkofl PhnvJ
i«g bimsclf leisurely. ^Hand JT. ^' '^''^'^•

like a good clnl<l l" ' ""' ''''' ''''-''^''^ ^^^''^Sgie.

" I won't .'"said Mao-frjo • << vnu',.,. j,^ ■ i ,

the room. ^'' '°"''"' ^"» '>"• from

" What shall I show you first?" he inquired u .
fond of pictures?" inquired. "Are you

. ^^^'^^t very ; hut if you have any to show .0, nilook at

"Will you, really?" muttered Charley; ' < a creat «f r...^ .
conc^sceus.n that, on your part, Miss'y.I! r "^^' °'

J , tan I 30U speak out loud, so a bodv Pon i,«
yon, and not be mumbling to yourself in 17
manner." yourself m that impertinent

"I beg your pardon, Miss Nelson !" said Charl.v fn

n^ tone, " I .. merely remarking what I ^Z Z

etiatmg young lady you were. I didn't say it aloud for Z'

you would be offended. Are all th. v , ' ^^

you are ?" ' ^ ^"^'^^ ^« ^^g^cious as

" ^^g^^ious ! I guess so !" replied Magc^ie • « and ih. h .
proof they ever eave of h ^ • , • ' *^® ''^^*

of America if d t ?' '" '""^ ^" "^^ '''^^^^^^t^ <>"*

America. And I guess they won't come back in a hurry I"

THE SECRET SORROW.

"Ah, there's consideiablo Bunker Hill about you?" said
Charley. " But here »vc arc in tlie picture-gallery. Look at
your ancestors. Jlnggie— that noble train of gallant lords,
and knights, and earls. Arc you not proud to be dceceudcd
from so i! •iriou' "no?'

" What • ; loking old set they are !" aaid Maggie,
thoughtfully, ■.i.itho.il: i*aying any attention to Charley's af-
fected cuthusii., .i. " ^ -• ^ is that in the white night-gown
and night-cap?"

"Why, Maggie!" remons'.iated her cousin, "that's Ray-
mond Danemore, once an illustrious bishop ; and he is there
represented in his pontifical robes!"

" You don't s.iy !" ejaculated Maggie. " And who's that
savage-looking cut-throat, with the sword sticking out from
his side, like a toasting-fork, and the big mustache, looking
like two rats' tails ?"

" Ton my word. Miss Nelson, your remarks are absolutely
shocking. That most renowned warrior is, or was, the Ear.' of
Danemore, the father of the present earl— our grand uncle-
Maggie !"

" What a horrid old fright be is !" said Maggie. " And
there's, who's— oh ! I know who that grim, sulky-looking gen-
tleman is. It's our uncle, the present earl— ain't it?"

Cha.ley answered in the affirmative.

" And that's lady Danemore !" said Maggie, turning to the
next. " Tell me about her, Charley. What makes her look
so pale and sorrowful ?"

"Rather a difficult question to answer, ma belle cormml"

, I.

%»

I \

111;

It you?" said
iry. Look at
;;allant lords,
be dcBceudctl

said Maggie,
Charley 8 af-
3 night-gown

'that's Ray-
d he is there

I who's that
og out from
chc, looking

•e absolutely
i, theEan'of
and uncle —

?ie. '* And
looking gen-
it?"

ming to the
ies her look

le coustml"

THE SECRET SOKROW. 71

answered Charley ; " she's been bo, over since I knew
her I"

'• And how long's that?"

"Oh, a good many years. I suppose you know the iate
Lady Danemore has been dead a long time ? "

"Yes, I know it; mamma told me so," replied Mag-
gie.

"Well," said Charley, " it seems the present countess ia
by birth a French lady : her name was Madeline Rochfort.
Being left an orphan at a very early age, an old English lady
took a fancy to her, and adopted her. At the house of this
old lady the earl first saw her ; and, being deeply enamored
of her extraordinary beauty, at once begged her to become
Lady Danem.ore. How such a handsome lady could fall m
love with an old man like that, is, I must confess, past my
penetration ; but, as there is no accounting for tastes, I sup-
pose she did love him, else she would not have married him.
Some ill-natured people say she took him for his wealth and
rank, but whether she did or not is more than I know. At
any rate she became Lady of Dirritole, whatever were her
reasons. At that time she was just as pale, and as silent,
and sad, as now, and will be, I think, while she lives."
" Some secret sorrow, perhaps !" suggested Maggie.
" So romantic, folks say !" replied Charley ; " but, for my
part, I think it is the nature of the bea— I mean her natural
manner. Some people, you know, are by nature taciturn
and quiet — my cousin Maggie, for instance."
" Oh, what handsome boys !" exclaimed Maggie, suddenly

I '■

^^ THE SECRET SORROW.

tuning ,0 ...0 portrait, tangle, .,,„ ,^ ,„^_ ., ^^ ^^

«ppcnra„0». I|c „,,„ „|,|„„,,„, ,_, |,^, ^^^

I>.e«.a„., cl,„o,v c„„,,„o„.n,.... o« ,„. ,„„„„ .,, ^'j*'

3::.::::r::^r::~:::f;;-ri

hovered above his head. ^ "'^*

The ocher was a dark-eyed, dark-haired, haughty-lookin.
boy, whose proud, handso.ne f.aco wore so strong a rosem
b anco o the oar, that Maggie eonjeetured hi. to ^ ^
He looked, as he stood there, so haughtily erect, the very ern
bodimeiit of pride and scorn. ^

"Oh, /ioiulmndsome!" reopitPfl T\rn«„:„ xl .
iiHh n ■ ^, "^»^*^'^^"' ^^aggie, enthusiast callv.

Oh, Cousui Charley, who arc they ?"

"^^'h>'' the younger of the two, the dark-looking one is vour
Cou^nH.^^^

Charley laughed.

"Upon my honor, Miss Nelson, that's a very frank
avowal; but Tm afraid its little use for you to love Wm
Poor Walter .-' he added, with a heavy sigh

SiTTfii^

ide. «« Who

oro

7 dissimilar in
T wore a bright,
I white forehead
1 I)y the breeze.
?» l<)oJt, tliat iu-
n» but the thin
I that someliow
li one hand en-
1 tlie otiier pro-
ved hawk that

nighty-looking
trong a rcsera-
to be his son.
t, the very em-

thusiastically.

igone, isyour
•fullyproud?"
n I" esclaim-

very frank
to love him.

THE SECnET SORROW.
•• Oh, Clmriey! how can you be «o provoking? Don t you

^> '11, he was ti.o Karl of Danemor.s el.lest son tho
r^htf. r ord of Arndaie, the noblest-hearted fellow tla'o
drew tho breath of life."

;: t'"\'"!^,"' '' '» •"-'■ >•">">'«' Mnggio, eagerly.

brtal TIT'*"'" """ '-'''""^' "'""J" 1'as.i.BoverUi.

origlit, liandsouie young face.

••Ob C^U,U,C,,„,,ey ,■■.„,,„„,„,,, i„„„^^,,,„,

Umf™,! '" , '■""™"'"' '■""'"»■• ""•">■■■ ■•'IKT drove
tarn „„ ,„„„wl™vc. I,i,„ ,„ ,,i. ,„,,, . ,„. „.„, ,1^ ^ ,.,

• o„. „„.dr,„ r .,„>, M„„,,ie, 8„„ia« vcv pa,c. ™ ,
(liilitJiappcii? Tell me eousin !■■

timrle, „au.e,l for a „,<,„e„t, a„,l g„.e,l .bcghtfully „
tl.e|..e.,„e, tl,e„ he turned to Maggie, „„., .ega, in aTo, „

zLr '■°"'" """ *™ "'"° '" """°' °"° °' °-^-

oMc, .ban In, l,r„,|,er, „„j „, „„„,,„, ,,,„,^ >

on an „,„,.n 3 „ ,„„,,. „-„„„ wa, „,il„, bno;; ,

IT:, ;;:: ""","' °"°" °' "■° "■^^■- -'<- --yoL i,

n,ct, , |,e. r,el, or poor. i„ che «„„.e Ira,,,,,, earele» „.a„.
ncr II.,, J, on t|,e eo„tra,j, wa, very „ro„d, evea from
ebrlcl oo,l-,i,e „i, ,.,„, „, ,„,^. j ,.,, J ^ 2

cm led b„ mo.„er. S,i,|, „.„,„„ „„,,,^ ,,.,, ,.„,„_, j"-
and reserved, be really loved hi, brother, and bis e„„ ,„.„.

de,,.or.e.„ ,1 .n..,,rn.om,„any„.era,,e,b..o!v :
lu» .a»b, bo,.headed condnet d,ew Mm, and be, ,.anv a Um..

^?5!iy,W.W I'TK.t'W'lwi^jWw

^fmsssssmm?^--

THE SECRET SORROW.

Bliloldcd liini from h\» futlipr'n ntifior. Walter's favorite
imHtiino was llu" cliaHi'. Kvi-ry day huw him out with Iii.s gim,
and by constant practice, ho Hoon became an cxocllont marlis-
man. Still hu was exceedingly careless, and often, by hia
recklessness, did nnich unintentional mischief. The earl
had at that time a dofr, of whom he was very fond— the ani-
mal haviui,' on more than one occasioti saved his life. Ono
day, as Walter was out, as usuid, in the forest, he saw, what
in the distsince he supposed to be a deer, fired, and shot tho
animal dead. .Ju(l<!;o of his horror and consternation, when,
upon coming up, he discovered it to be his father's dog. Ho
knew how attached tho carl was to tho unfortunate animal,
and how terrilih^ would be his wrath, when he discovered its
loss. Still Walter never for a moment thought of telling a
falsehood, to conceal what he had done. He went to his
father, and frankly avowed tho deed— expressing, at tho time,
his sincere sorrow for the accident.

" Tho earl's rage was frightful at tho news. Never being
accustomed to subdue his passions, they had always found
full sway. lie stamjjcd, raved, and swore like a madman, in
fact, had ho lost all he owned in the world, lie could not have
been in a fiercer passion.

" "Walter listened iu silence to his cutting reproaches. I
can see him now, as ho stood then, his lips so bitterly com-
pressed, his eyes flashing with subdued anger. At last, in
his blind fury, tho earl struck him and bade him leave the
house. I shall never forget the fierce look of his face as he
turned and fled from his home forever.

liter's fftvorito
t with liLs fi;iin,
:cclloiit murks-

often, by bis
of. Tlio cnri
ond — tho iiiii-
his life. Ono
, he Huw, what

and shot tho
•nation, when,
ler's dog. Ho
unato animal,
discovered its
ht of telling a
i went to his
g, at the time.

Never being
always found
a madman, in
ould not have

oproaches. I
bitterly com-
. At last, in
lim leave the
lis face as he

THE SEfRET fiOUnOW.

•' In his anger, tlio earl searcdy knew wiiat ho had Naid or
done ; l;«t as Doon as tho llrst i)an)xysin of ni^re was past ho
began to regni his brutal frcn/y. II,. w,)iil,l i„ive given
worldH to have recalled iiis wordn, l.uL it wjih now too Into.
Still, ho lived in the liope his son would ivtuin ; Imt in vain.
About a week after that fatal day, word was brought him
that tho body of a yonlii, answering the dos, ..ption of his
son, had k-^n washed ashore some miles distant,

"Almost maddened by the news, he hurried to the place,
but found that the body had been interred. The clothes of
tho unfortunate boy were shown him, auvl ho immediately
recognized them as those of his son.

" From that day he grew morose and gloomy, and has
never since permitted his sou's name to be spoken in his pres-
ence. All his hopes are now centered in Harry, who, at his
brother's death, l)ecamo Lord Arndalo— he is tho last dc-
cicendant of a long lino of noble ancestors— and tho earl is
resolved that the name shall not die with him."

"The wicked old wretch! " exclaimed Maggie, her cheeks
glowing, and her eyes sparkling with indignation, "I just
wish I had a chance to tell him a piece of my mind. Oh ! I'm
real sorry he is any relation to me— the tyrauical, domineer-
ing, ugly tempered old curmudgeon I"

" The Lord preserve me from your wrath !" exclaimed Char-
ley, piously ; " you've got a spunky tongue, my sweet cousin."
" How can you speak in that unfeeling tone, Charley Sid-
ney?" said Maggie, impa' -'ntly ; " it is well ho is not in our
glorious land of freedom, vr he would not get off after mur-

^^ THE SECRET SORROTV.

dering his own son, so easily. His wealth and rank would
not shield him tJierc !."

"My dear eousin, you state the ea.e too strongly He
did not murder his son," said Charley. ^

"Well, it was all the same," retorted his cousin- -his
seeing ten,,ei. was the cause. There, you needn't say
ano her word in his defense ; I can't bear to think of it Let
"s^change the subject. Where is Lord Arndale now P"

In London, I believe," replied the young gentleman
stretching hin.self languidly on a lounge. '

" "What is he doing there?"

" "'";;'" ■""■>■ '""""■" ™ tte pious a«^e,. - Courting
foHoo.,.,, „033„.3. a. ,.i.. He. a c,esp„ate°feW ^

bI'o!:?:,: z.,!:"^ " "^ """'^o •» -~ «^« ^«

"^Vhy, the Btage-coaeh di.ver," replied Maggie ..Ha
"»ed to live i. «,e fa.„i,j., „„, ,„„,, J„,„„, ..^r'" "'

and lie told joii that, did he ? "

Jl^-, a«d a g,eat deal „„re ,» said Maggie. ..fe, »

"Well really, I eant say," repUed Charley. .. I believe
Am ale „..s a faaey that way ; ha. whether .he earl wiUallo™
him to marry her or ,iot, is another thmg "

f^'

and rank would

3 strongly. He

is cousin; " hia
ou needn't say
liinJv: of it. Let
lie now?"
'iig gentleman,

!!• '-Courting
ting somebody
ite fellow, that

>nie Miss Alice

tbat, did you ?•

'aggie. " He
it."

' John Smith ;

e. "Isn't it

" I believe
arl will allow

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Why, you don't mean to say he'd be ugly enough to pre-
vent him if he wanted to ?" said Maggie, opening her eyes.

" My dear cousiu," said Charley, " what an innocent little
natural you are, I should think, after the specimen I have
given you of my uncle's pleasant temper, you wouldn't besur-
prised at anything he would do."

" Well, what are his objections to the match ?" inquired
Maggie. ' ' Is the lady not rich ? "

" Not very," was the reply ; " but thafs not the reason."
" Then what is it?" persisted the questioner.
" I don't know what it is myself very well," answered Mr.
Sidney ; " but Kate, who is pretty well versed in these family
matters, says his refusal originated in some quarrel Sir Hugh
Desmond and the earl had formerly. I think, before Lady
Desmond married Sir Hugh, the earl had proposed and been
rejected. As he is not of a very forgiving temper, this affront
has rankled in his mind ever since, and has caused his dislike
to the Desmonds. I think he will change greatly before he
allows Arndale to marry Miss Desmond."

" The contrary old crab ; I'd marry her in spite of him, if
I were Lord Arndale."

"I've no doubt of it," said Charley drily; "bat your
worthy cousin has mighty high notions of duty, ano would
never do it. Besides, the earl has other objectioL.. Sir
Hugh is, comparatively speaking, poor, and his daughter
would never do for the son of Lord Danemore. Indeed, on
the whole, I rather think Lord Arndale and Miss Desmond
will never be married,"

- ' jjgja ' jw.^ jLu^j.jiMMa wi»taw i. i

THE SECRET SORROW.

Maggie turned and gazed earnestly at the portraits of the
two boys. Charley Sidney watched her for a moment, with
a half smile on his face, and then, starting from his seat, he
said:

" Come, Maggie, they'll wonder in the parlor where we've
gone to. Let iis go down."

And tucking his cousin under his arm, they quitted the pic-
ture-gallery.

traits of the
nomcnt, with
a his seat, he

where we've

litted the pic-

THE SECRET SOREOW.

CHAPTER Vm.

A SECOND Nionx IN THE OLD MOOR MANOR.

" Oh, tell mo, father, can the dead
Walk on the earth, and look on us,

And lay upon tlic living's head
Their blessings or their eurse?" — WJiitiier.

The long, weary day had passed, and night, dark, dreary,
chilly, and starless, settled down once more over the old
Moor Manor. The dark, gloomy clouds that had hung over
the sky all day seemed to grow blacker and more threatening
as the night drew on. The cold, moaning wind came sweep-
ing across the desolate moor, and blew raw and damp through
many a crevice in the old mansion. Dreai^ and desolate was
the scene without, and almost equally desolate was the scenti
within.

The bright fire that glowed so pleasantly in the huge fire-
place was the only cheering sight in the vast empty room.

Seated in the chimney-corner, enveloped carefully in a large
cloak, was Alice Desmond. The red firelight shone on her
pale face, showing the lonely, dreary look it wore. The long,
fair hair streamed uncarod for down her shoulders. One
small, snowy hand supported her head, while she gazed sad-
ly and steadfastly into the fire. Sighs, long and deep, at

M^:

THE SECRET SORROW.

times came from her pale lips, but her eyes had a hard, dry,
tearless look.

By her side sat Janie, looking pretty and neat as usual,
but rather paler than was her wont, while a nervous, startled,
restless look was on her face. At every sound she would
start and grow paler, for the terror of the previous night had
quite uustruug her nerves. Sometimes her eyes would wander
to the face of her young mistress with a look of deep pity,
that showed how sincerly her sorrows were felt.

John sat opposite, busy replenishing the fire — conversing
at times, in a low whisper, to Janie, but even the sound of
their own voices startled them, and they quickly relapsed into
silence. The shadows came flitting hither and thither through
the dreary old room — not even the bright blaze of the fire in
the hugh chimney could banish the deepening gloom. The
wind had that peculiar wailing sound which it ever has when
it enters old buildings, shaking the rafters, and flapping soni'
broken shutter at intervals, with a noise that made both turn
pale.

But on Miss Desmond those drearj noiAOi = emed to pro-
duce no effect. She was tuiaking of ! ;• iaiuer, all alone in
his bereavement, of Lord Arndale, so brave, so noble-hearted,
yet unable to aid her now.

She wondered lo what cause her absence might be assigned ;
then, as fancy conjured some injurious report that her mys-
terious absence might give rise to, and thought of the grief
and trouble of those she lovod, she bowed her face ou her
hands, and sobbed aloud.

a Jkard, drvj

?at as usual,
'US, startled,
:1 she would
IS night had
3uld wander
f deep pity,

-conversing
e sound of
lapsed into
ler through

the fire in
»om. The
' has when
piug som.

both turn

i to pro-
1 alone in
i-hearted,

issigned ;
her mys-
the grief
e ou her

THE SECRET SORROW. gj

In a moment Janie was by her side, her arms round the
young lady's neck, while she said, husivily :

" My dear, dear young lady, do not grieve. You will yet
be out of the power of the wicked earl. John and I have de-
cided on a plan for your escape."

Miss Desmond 8 pale face grew a shade paler, as she ex-
claimed, 11 urriedly :

" No, no, no ! You must not think of such a thing. I
would not escape if I could. Promise me you will not think
of such a thinff."

A very significant " ahem," from John, at this moment,
warned Janie not to promise any such thing.

" But, dear Miss Alice," said Janie, " how can we stop in
this horrid, haunted place? We will freeze with the cold if
we stop in it much longer. I am sure it is not fit for rats or
ghosts to live in."

" You wiU not be obliged to stay in it much longer, my
dear girl ; the earl is to take us to Stanton to-morrow. It
maices little difference to me, however, where we stay "
added the lady with a sigh.

"But oh! my dear lady, this dreadful place is haunted-
We saw the most frightful ghost, last night, that ever ap-
peared. Holy saints prcsen-e us !"

And with a convulsive shudder Janie covered her face with
her hands, and lowered her voice to a horse whisper.

Had her o^^-n thoughts not been so sad, Miss Desmond
would have smiled at the superstitious fears of the girl ; now
however, she said, gravely : '

I- 1 !

'I''. >

THE SECRET tORROW.

•' My good Janie, it is wrong to give way to those super-
stitious fears. It is only a silly fancy that the dead can re-
visit the earth. I thought you had too much sense to give
way to the foolish fancies of an over-excited brain, and
mistake a phantom of feverish fear from reality."

" That's what the earl said !" remarked John, rather sulk-
Uy ; «' but he seen it himself for all, and got as white as a
sheet. I don't know how we could all see it, if it was a
fancy of Janie's, For my own part J could take my gospel
oath I seen it as plain as I do you now. Miss Alice, with fi
face like a skeleton, and the flames of fire coming out of his
mouth!"

Johi.'s voice involuntarily sank as he went on, and Janie
shuddered convulsively as memory recalled the apparition.
Even while he spoke, a low, hollow groan fj-om overhead
sounded distinctly through the gloomy room, and, with a
simultaneous cry, John and Janie sprang to their feet, white
as ashes. Miss Desmond alone kept her seat,, though she,
too, started f "d j^rcw a shade paler.

"Oh, Miss /.lice! Miss Alice! did you hear that?" ex-
claimed John, while Janie stood pallid with fear, unable to
speak. ' ' What do you say noiv ?"

" I know uot," replied Alice, in a voice that trembled
slightly, in spite of herself ; " Init still I cannot believe it to
be a si)irit. It must have been the rats or the wind— the
wind often makes A-ery singular noises."

"It never made thivt ; listen— there it is again !" exclaimed
John, hia teeth chattering with terror, as a low, agonized

'•^SS^v

those super*

lead can re-

inse to give

brain, and

rather sulk-
ta white as a
, if it was a
e my gospel
Vlice, with n
g out of his

1, and Janie
apparition,
n overhead
nd, with a
' feet, white
though she,

that?" ex-
, unable to

It trembled

)elieve it to

wind — the

exclaimed
, agonized

"VW

■t f

THE SECRET SORROW.

groan caL.c distinctly to their ears. " Oh, Miss Alice, the
curse of God is on this liouso !"

" Heaven help us !' exclaimed the young girl, with a shud-
der, " I would the carl were hero !"

As if in answer to her wish, a loud knock came to the
door. Again and again it was repeated, before John could
rise from his scat, with a violence that made the old man-
sion shake.

"There is the earl, now!" exclaimed Alice, eagerly;
" hasten, John, and open the door !"

John needed no second bidding. Springing to bis feet, he
started from the room, and in another moment, Alice neard
the bolt drawn back. But instead of the earl's voice, with a
cry of terror, John fled back into the room, closely followed
by a most singular-looking personage.

It was an old woman, apparently almost sixty years of
age. Her dress consisted of a gown of coarse, grey woolen
stuff, with a cloak of the same material. A rich handker-
chief of crimson silk, striped with black, covered her head,
and was knotted under her chin. Her face was singularly
repulsive-the skin being wrinkled, yellow, and withered, and
so thin that the checks seemed shrunken into dry skin. Her
nose, large and prominent, increased her meagre look, while
her mouth was sunken in until her nose and chin seemed
nearly to meet. Her eyes, small, black, and fiery, were as
bright and sharp as needles, and had an expression so wild,
piercing and fierce, that the etoutost heart might well quail
before U;em. She leaned upon a stout oftkeu stick— but her

IW*-

THE SECRET SORROW.

erect flgnre seemed to denote that she carried it more from
habit than necessity.

This singular old crone had two companions. One was a
child not more than ton years of age. She was dressed in
the saujo manner as the old woman, with a grey woolen
mantle and dress, a bright silk handkerchief tied on her head.
But in every other respect a more complete contrast could
not be found. The dark, ovr.l face was perfectly beautiful—
the features, small and exquisitely formed— the large, dark
Syrian eyes, bright and clear as stars. Yet over that fair
young face hung, like a vail, an expression of the most pro-
found sorrow. She now stood quietly by the old woman's
side, her large, starry eyes gazing wonderingly around.

The other was a huge, fierce, blood-thirsty-looking dog,
which, as he entered, sprang forward with a hoarse growl.

"Down, Death! bo still, sir!" called the old woman,
sharply, and the obedient animal crouched quietlv at her
fe,i

The voice of the new-comer was in keeping with her looks
—being harsh and croaking, with a strange, foreign sound.
She stood in silence, watching the affrighted group, with an
evil sneer, on her brown, shrunken face. All present knew
her well— it was Mother Wail, the "Witch of the Moor.

" Well," she began, fixing he sinister, black eyes on the

shrinking form of Alice, " this is a dainty abode for a lady !

Ii is long since the old haunted Moor Manor has had so fair

ma occupant!"

There was no reply. Alice's eyes were fixed, as if fascin-

- -.liumiiimlmmslmm

t more from

One was a
3 dressed in
;rcy woolen
on lior head,
ntrast could
beautiful —
large, dark
r that fair
e most pro-
Id woman's
•ound.
oking dog,
30 gro?\l.
Id woman,
jtly at her

h her looks
ign sound,
ip, with an
esent knew
oor.

yes on the
for a lady !
lad so fair

I if fascin-

THE SECRET SORROW.

ated, on the dark face of the hag, while John and Janie
crouched back with fear.

" And you have been forced from home — forced from your
father — brought hither by the Earl of Dauemorc against your
will ! Answer me, is it not so?" fcried the old woman, still
gazing piercingly on Alice.

" I hardly think I am obliged to answer j'ou," said Alice,
recovering her composure. " You will greatly oblige us by
leaving the room."

" So you will not answer?' said the crone, with a sneer ;
" as well as if it mattered. "Why girl, I know as much about
the matter as yourself. But his day of reckoning is yet to
.come. There is a cloud hanging over his house which will
soon burst— a shadow above his head which will darken all
his life, disgrace and ill, and shameful death to those he
loves best— and the doom brought on by his own hand shall
soon fall. The viper that for years he has cherished will be
the first to sting him. Yes, the day of reckoning is at hand ;
and when it comes then shall be my triumph. Hist ! I hear
his horse's hoofs on the moor. Our time for meeting has not
yet come, though it is at hand. Come, Magdalen— come
Death I"

She drew her cloak closely around her, and turned from
the manor quickly, followed l)y the child and the huge dog.

Scarcely had she disappeared, when the sound of horse's
hoofs rapidly approaching, gave warning that '^(^ earl
was near at hand. In a moment more the earl's voice
was heard calling to John to come and tuke charge of hit

^\V

r*"^ ' '^. '-d.^ •■'»'.-<ii^

** THE SECRET SORROW

" You had a visitor horo to-nio-i,( .v t • ,

to the door and tno^i-^,! i . ^""-c. ^le came

I roaUy don I know," replied Aliee ■ « .he .».
probably on her wov l,nm„ , ' " passing,

to enter A iLhn ' ""'"^ '"" "=""• ■»"•''> "old

I beW." ' " ""' ""' ^°--«ttoran„„„.„a, aigl.t,

" Who accompanied her?"

"A little girl whom she called MaffdnlAn i ,
Death. " JViagdalen, and a dog named

«.:i:::ro::;^'''''™'''^"-'<'*™-<..o-.

g-^ ^^SB B iga iii^BBaBiBi

TUE 8ECKET SORROW.

'lis appear-
liicli lio had

I ontcring,

;uo?"

aid Alice,

not?" so'"

Witch of

locklicnd,
'1 angrily,
slie camo
'OUT lord-

iously.
passing,
ide bold
al sight,

; named
to sift
>rd3 : it

The carl gazed sloadily into her fa<'c for a monient ; then
turning nl)nii>(!y, ho strode to Hio window, and stood as if
endeavoring to pierce witli his eyes the thick <l!irkuess, The
storm, meanwhile, was each mo- -t inereasin"'.

"Wo will hardly bo a . ni.irt for Stanton to-morrow,
my lord," said Alice, after a pause.

" ITardly, I think," replied the carl, dryly.

" When are we to go. then?" inquired Alice.

The carl made no reply for a nionieut ; then coming over
to where she sat, he said, coolly :

" :Miss Desmond, I have been thinking the matter soriously
over, a.id I have come to tne conclusion that it is better for
you not to be removed at all. Your absence has, as you may
imagine, created many surmises and rumors ; and knowing
the feelings that have for wu long a time existed between our
families there arc many ready even now to link our name to-
gether in this affair. Were I to convey you to Stanton, as I
at first proposed, my absence at the same time with you
would give ground to this report; an investigation would
probably follow, and the whole matter be thus brought to
light. This, I am sure, you are as anxious to avoid as I am
myself; and the only way to do so is by 'remaining quietly
here — at least for the present. I shall have everything you
want conveyed to you ; and with those two servants you will
be able to pass the time, I trust. As for that intrusive old
woman, I shall take measures to keep her tongue still on the
subject, and care must be taken to prevent a sirailiar visit for
the future. I shall have the windows boarded up in such 4

i
1

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Sciences
Corporation

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WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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microfiches.

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uctions historiques

THE SECRET SORROW.

manner that the light of the fire will no longer be a guide to
tell it is inhabited. I myself shall frequently visit you, and
see that everything necessary for your comfort is provided."

*' And we must stay in this awful place, that is filled with
horrible ghosts !" exclaimed Janie. " Oh, indeed, I will not
for one ! I would sooner die than stay here !"

" Perhaps you will be obliged to choose between the two,
fool !" said the earl, fiercely. " Stay you must, and shall !
My reputation is not to be risked for tne silly fears of a pul-
ing girl. Everything you want shall be brought to you, and
you will have nothing to do but to remain here quietly for a
few weeks. The sights you fancy you see here are nothing
but foolish vagaries of an over-excited imagination. You
have heard so many idle stories of this old house being
haunted, that you have at last come to believe it, and t"his ac-
counts for your fancied ghosts. And now mark my words,
both of you!" he said, turning to the two servants, with
subdued fierceness, "if I ever discover cither of you make
the least attempt to escape, or ever mention the slightest
word of ever having been here, you shall repent it the long-
est day you live ! As for your mistress, I need say nothing
on the subject to her — she has too much good sense to be an-
noyed by your silly fears, and, I fancy, will not try to
escape. Is it not so, Miss Desmond?" he asked, turning to
her abruptly.

"I most certainly shall obey you, my lord," said Alice,,
with calm dignity, though she had grown decidedly pale at
}us words,

THE SECRET SORKOW.

! a guide to
it you, and
provided."
i filled with
I, I will uot

en the two,
and shall !
s of a pul-
you, and
uietly for a
ire nothing
tion. You
3use being
lud tills ac-
my woi'ds,
vants, with

you make
le slightest
it the long-
lay nothing
le to be an-
aot try to

turning to

jaid Alice,
dly pale at

«' It is well," said the earl with a grim smile. " 1 trust you
will enforce the necessity of similar obedience on those su-
perstitious fools — you will have ample time to do so," he ad-
ded, with a sneer. " Solitude and quiet will give rise to re-
flection, and doubtless you will all leave the old Moor Manor
much improved by meditation and repose."

" Your lordship is in a facetious mood to-night," said Alice,
a shght flush of indignation mantling her pale cheek. "As
a gentleman, you should respect our misfortunes, in being
obliged to stay here, too much to laugh at us."

" I bog your pardon, I did not mean to offend," replied the
earl, bowing slightly, while a sarcastic smile curled his lip.
" I regret solitude has not such charms for you as I imjgined
it would have. Doubtless the society of Lord Arndale "

"Sir!" interrupted Alice, rising slowly to her feet, her
eyes flashing with indignation.

"Oh, have I offended again?" said the earl, with mock
contrition. " I am unhappily doomed to fall under your dis-
pleasure to-night, my dear Miss Desmond."

" Sir," said Alice, haughtily, " it doubtless affords you
much pleasure to mock me ; but I can assure you, in doing
so, you are acting neither the part of a man nor a gentleman.
The unhappy circumstances that have placed me in your
power give you no right to insult an unprotected girl. I al-
ways had a higher opinion of the Earl of Danemore, and I
am grieved now to be obliged to change it."

It was so strange, so unusual, so wonderful, for shy, gen-
tle, timid Alice Desmond to speak such words, and in such a

THE SECRET SORROW.

tone, to anybody, much less to the dark, stern earl, that John
and Janie looked at each other, completely astonished.
Even the earl himself seemed slightly surprised ; but it was
only for a moment, then the cold, sarcastic smile came back ;
and in the dry, mocking tone, he had used before, he re-
sumed :

" It grieves mc most deeply to stand imder Miss Desmond's
displeasure ; but since it cannot be helped, I must be resigned.
I had no idea she could make so good a speech — it is excel-
lent for an impromptu one — a little too theatrical, but other-
wise very good. There was a great actress lost in you. Miss
Alice?"

Alice resumed her seat without taking notice of this taunt-
ing speech, and the earl, half ashamed of having spoken in
such a tone to a lady, seated himself opposite, and gazed in
moody silence into the glowing coals. He had never ad-
dressed Alice in such a manner before, and probably would
not have done so now, had he not been unusually out of tem-
per. The visit of the old woman annoyed him, and Alice s
refusal to tell him what she had said, annoyed him still more,
and caused him to speak so insultingly to her ; bat now that
the first paroxysm of ill-temper had passed he began to re-
gret his words, which he felt had lowered him forever in her
estimation — for the earl of Danemore, notwithstanding his
faults, prided himself on being always, and by every one con-
sidered, as a perfect gentleman.

A profound silence now fell upon the whole party. John
and Janie gazed imeasily, first at one another, then at the

I, thsit John
astonished,
but it was
?ame back ;
'ore, he re-
Desmond's
je resigned,
-it is excel-
but other-
1 you, Miss

' this taunt-
j spoken in
id gazed in
I never ad-
ably would
out of tem-
and Alice's
1 still more,
it now that
legan to re-
•ever in her
:anding his
ry one con-

rty. John
then at the

^ ^

THE SECRET SORROW.

earl and Miss Desmond, and next at the gloomy shadows
that flitted too and fro with tlie flickering firelight. Alice had
crouched in the corner, her face covered with her hands, im-
movable, save when a slight, momentary shudder convulsed
her slender frame. The earl still sat in moody, troubled
thought, guziug fixedly into the fire.

And thus the weary hours dragged on and midnight ap-
proached. Once or twice during that time, the low, agon-
ized groans resounded fearfully through the dismal silence,
making all start and gaze wildly around ; but then again all
was still — save the loud howling of the wind — and the gloomy
party gathered rountl the fire would again relapse into quiet.
But now, as the terrible hour, so dreaded, drew nigh, all grew
restless. J.anie cluug to John for protection, and hid her face
in his shoulder. Alice involuntarily drew closer to the fire, and
the carl himself seemed nervous and restless. Not one present
but wished from the bottom of their hearts, that it was morning.

Suddenly, as if by magic, from the intense gloom at the
further end of the room, the awful figure of the ghostly phan-
tom came gliding forth. Flames of fire seemed issuing from
its mouth, and as it noiselessly glided by them, it displayed
to their horror-striken gaze the horrible skull of a skeleton 1
Without seeming to touch the ground, it glided on, and with
a terrible groan vanished through the wall, which opened,
as if by magic, to receive it.

No one moved or spoke. A dreadful silence had fallen on
them all, as they gazed in mute horror in each other's
blanched faces.

•s

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER IX.

THE WITCH OF THE MOOU AT A HALL.

"Down in the valley como meet me to-night,
And I will toll you your fortune truly

As ever was told, by the new moon's light,
To a young maiden, shining as newly." — Moore,

A thousand lights are flashing in the stately mansion of
Dirritole. Carriage after carriage drives up to the gate of
the court-yard, and their titled occupants pass out into the
house. Wealth, and beauty, and rank, all are mingled here
in gay confusion for the Countess of Dnncmore gives a ball
to-night to honor the arrival of her niece, and no one thinks
of refusing her invitations. Every room is glittering, and
flashing, and radiant with light ; sounds of music, laughter,
and merry voices ara all around ; fairy forms, gorgeously
clad, flit back and forth ; handsome, stately titled peers and
peeresses are here, a gorgeous array, glittering with jewels,
moving through the crowded rooms, magnificent in their
splendid array — all hastening to pay their respects to their
hostess, who stands, flashing with jewels, and superb in the
splendor of her wonderous beauty, ready to receive them.
Her robe of purple velvet, fit for an empress, sweeps the
carpet with its heavy folds ; diamonds are flashing on her

THE SECRET SORROW.

ansion of
le gate of
; into the
iglccl here
ivea a ball
}nc thinks
mag, and
laughter,
forgeously
peers and
th jewels,
; in their
ts to their
rb in the
ive them,
n-eopa the
ig on her

- f

snowy arms and bosom. But far more splendid than the
peerless jewels are the large, mystic, Syrian eyes, half vailed
by the long, sweeping, jetty lashes. A cluster of pure wh?te
lilies is nestling in her midnight locks, forming the most fit-
ting ornament for those black, silky tressQ^. She looks
colder and prouder to-night than when first we saw her ; it is
as if amid the crowd by which she is surrounded, she has
drawn farther and farther into herself — into that mysterious
spirit land in which she lives, and that while present, the
loveliest lady there, unheeding alike the admiration and envy
which she excites, her heart is far away — far away.

At a little distance stands the earl, amid a group of old
noblemen, who, unheeding the gay scene around them, are
taking snuff and chatting away on politics, as old gentlemen
all over the world do. Yet, ever and anon, his eyes wan-
der over to where my lady stands, with look of exultant
pride, as he notices the admiration she every where excites,
and the many looks of envy directed to himself by younger
and handsomer men, who would willingly part with their
coronet for one smile from her lips.

Standing in another part of the room, in the midst of a
circle of old friends, is Marie Nelson. She looks a very
handsome, well-preserved young widow, in her rich dress to-
night — the rotige on her cheeks hiding the ravages time has
made there, and giving unusual brilliancy to a really fine pair
of eyes ; while the jet ornaments on her neck and arms give
a degree of whiteness to her sallow skin.

Mrs. Nelson had been a coquette in her younger days, and

^Hh

— B

mmmm^

THE SECRET SORROW.

is so still, though years have slightly moderated her love of
flirting ; therefore she is not at all insensible to the frequent
glances of admiration cast toward her by disconsolate wid-
owers and bachelors, nor is she deaf to the remark of a dilap-
idated-looking, scion of nobility who levels his glass at her
and emphatically declares her to be a " dused fine woman."
Mrs. Nelson tosses her head as she hears it, until her jet
ornaments flasn again, and inwardly wishes people didn't
know she had a grown-up daughter, and feels half inclined to
send Maggie off to her room— a project she might find some
difficulty in, for that young lady is flirting with most praise-
worthy diligence, with a highly-perfumed young officer, a re-
nowned lady-killer, and most fascinating exquisite, known as
Sir Harry Dudley, aid-de-camp to lus grace, the Duke

of .

Maggie looks perfectly bewitching in a white silk, frosted
with pearls — the only jewels she cares for. The bright curls
float gracefully over her shoulders, only half confined by the
bandeau of pearls that enclasps them. Every motion is in-
stinct with life, and grace, and vivacity ; sparkling, enchant-
ing, fascinating sue is, and Sir Harry finds her such a con-
trast to the languid die-away, the proud and reserved ladies
he is accustomed to, that it is no wonder he is charmed with
her, as are half a dozen other young gentleman who surround
her. Maggie, on her part, being by nature a most finished
coquette, plays her cards so well, and bestows her smiles,
and bows, and bewitching glances in so bewildering a manner,
that before they are acquainted with her half an hour, they

THE SECRET SORROW.

her love of
the frequent
isoliito wid-
k of a dilap-
glass at her
le woman."
until hor jet
5oplc didn't
f inclined to
t lind some
nost praise-
afflccr, a re-
:e, known as
the Duke

iilk, frosted
bright curls
ined by the
otion is in-
ig, enchant-
such a con-
rved ladies
armed with
10 surround
)st finished
her smiles,
r a manner,
hour, they

are ready to blow out each other's brains for the "beautiful
little American."

" And what sort of a place is America, Miss Nelson ?" in-
quired Sir Harry. " I have never had the pleasure of visit-
ing it yet, and feel quite curious to know."

" Oh ! a most charming place," said ]Maggie, " where ne-
groes grow wild out of tlie ground, like hop-vines — where the
inhabitants live on liberty and hasty-pudding — where the
babies, l)eforc they are a week old, call for a jack-knife, and
make improvements in their cradle — where they are stupid
enough to think that every honest man, even if a beggar, is
as good as a lord — where "

'•Oh, Miss Nelson, I had no idea you were such a quiz,"
said the officer, with a look which he intended to be very
killing.

" Quiz," repeated Maggie, opening her eyes, " 'pon my
word, I am not ; it is the downright truth. Why, they actu-
ally keep a queer sort of an animai, called a President, in a
place they call the White House, and would you believe it,
they were actually foolish enough to prefer this president to
his blessed majesty, the King of England. And when his
aforesaid sacred majesty sent a body of enlightened and ten-
der-hearted English soldiers, who never killed, nor robbed,
nor pillaged, nor ravaged, except when tliey had a chance, to
instruct the rebel Yankees, and teach them their duty, these
wicked and cowardly Yankees actually coaxed these brave
and virtuous Englishmen to leave them to their fate of being
freemen. These Americans, of course, say they drove the

THE SECRET SORROW.

British from their country; but we know better, don't we ?
The tcnder-hoartca einmissarios of the king did not wish to
kill those poor ragnmufrns, and so left them in contemtuous
pity. That's my belief, anyway."

Maggie's face wore a' look of solemn gravity, but there was
a merry twinkle in her eyes that contradicted her words. Sir
Harry looked at her, rather puzzled to know whether she were
serious, or laughing at him.

»« That is certainly a new version of the story," he re-
marked, after a pause. " So you like England, do you? "

" Oh, immensely, replied Maggie, to the infinite amuse-
ment of Charley Sidney, who stood listening behind her,
" especially your fogs, which I consider perfectly delightful.
It is so exceedingly charming and novel to me, who have al-
ways been accustomed to a cloudless sky and extensive pros-
pect, to look out and see nothing but a thick bank of fog,
like the romantic vapor of a washtub— a delightful article
which they use in America, but which, I suppose, they have
never seen here. And then your houses : I, you know, have
never lived in any but wide, new airy mansions ; so I am
perfectly entranced with the great, big, rickety, crumbling,
tumble-down castles they have here, which are always associ-
ated in my mind with the ages of chivalry and with rat-traps.
Your stage-coaches, too, deserve a wort of praise. You see,
in America, we have a sort of chain-lightning article, they
call rail-cars, which whirl people off at the rate of fifty miles
per minute, so different from your fascinating stage-coaches,
which pitch you up in the air one minute, making you feel

.■1

, don't we ?
lot wish to
•Qtemtuous

it there was
flTords. Sir
cr she were

ry," he re-
o you ? "
lite amuse«
sehind her,
delightful,
ho have al-
insiv'e pros-
Qk of fog,
itful article
they have
know, have
3 ; BO I am
crumbling,
fays associ-
h rat-traps.
I. You see,
irticle, they
' fifty miles
ge-coaches,
ag you feel

timmtmm

.r,^

THE SECRET SORROW.

like the doctor's bottle, which when ' taken,' was to lie ' well
sh.ikcn,' and jerking you down the next, giving you the do-
ligiitfiil idea that tlio coach is going to tip over, and make
you break your neck in tiie ditdi ; and so you arc jolted to
tlie end of your journey, going about a mile every hour. Oh I
^^ngliind. idtogetiier, is .i jiaradise on earfl'.."

A suppressed burst of luugliter followed the conclusion of
Maggie's si)eecli, and Sir Hurry looked, to use Charles Sid-
ney's phrase, " infernally sheei)ish." The fact was, that the
young baronet was still in doubt v !iethcr Maggie was quiz-
zing him or not. (^uiz him ! the thought was presumptuous.
A little saucy Yankee, whose waist ho could span with one
hand, quiz him, the handsomest fellow in the service, about
whom dozens of ladies were breaking their hearts — quiz him I
Nonsense, the girl must be serious.

" I say, Charley, who is she? " said a tall, dark, handsome,
distinguished -looking young man, turning to Mr. Sidney.

"Hallo, Arndale, by all that's glorious!" exclaimed
Charley. " AYhen did you arive ? "

"About an hour ago, in most deplorable ignorance that
my lady Danemore was giving a ball. But that's not an-
swering my question. Who is that quizaical little lady ? "
" Have you seen any of the family since you arrived?"
" No ; but why don't you answer my question ? "
" Then you have not heard anything particular lately?"
" No, confound you, can't you tell me what she is, and stop
asking impertinent questions ? "

" Oh, she's a cousin of yours — one Miss Maggie Nelson, at

THE SECRET SORROW.

your scn-lpo, m\(\ ii Hilvcry voice iit his car ; «' a sort of half-
civilizrd Yanlvoo tlu-y liavp lironght you to tamo."

Lord Arntliilo turned iiii.stily, and saw standing before him,
her Itrifilit face radiant witli Hniilcs, the same young lady wiio
had so unmercifully quizzed tlic aid-dc-conip a few momcuto
before.

IJoing taken altogether l)y surprise at her answer, and not
quite comprclicndiiig licr jncaning, Ariidalo stood regarding
her witli a half-puzzled look, which put Maggie completely
out of patience.

•' Cliarley Sidney, do introduce us ! " she exclaimed, turn-
ing impatiently to that young gentleman. " Don't you see
how stupid he looks, standing tliere? I suppose he doesn't
understand my JCnglish."

•' Certainly, Ml introduce you with pleasure," said Charley,
gravely. " Miss Nelson, allow me to present to your favor-
able notice this dignified young gentleman, who happens to
be a cousin of yours, and who, furthermore, rejoices in the
title of Lord Arndale. A very deserving youn •'ent, and
not half so sulky as he looks — for which latter u.essing he
may thank me, as I have had him under training for the last
two or three years, without receiving the slightest remunera-
tion in return. ' Virtue is its own reward,' I suppose ; and
it is likely to be all the reward III ever get in this world,"
said Charley, concluding with a deep sign.

" Confound your impudence ! " said Lord Amdale,with dif-
ficulty repressing a laugh. ' ' But is it possible that this young
lady is my American cousin, of whom I have often heard? "

It'.

MMHM

"a sort of half,
nmp."

iding before him,
B young lady who
) a few momenta

answer, and not

stood regarding

aggie completely

exclaimed, turn-

" Don't you see

pposc he doesn't

J," said Charley,
it to your favor-
who happens to
!, rejoices in the
youn "-ent, and
latter u^cssing he
ning for the last
ghtest remunera-
' I suppose ; and
t in this world,"

^mdale,with dif-
le that this young
soften heard?"

THE SECRET BORROW.

*.^

«' Waal, she is," replied Maggie, witli tiie usual twang of
"down East," and dropping, as she spoke, a little awkward
courtesy. ••How d'ye dcu."

" Tolerable well, I tliank you," replied Lord yVrndalc, with
ft smile, " and delighted to see my elmruiing litilo cousin."
and ho raised her liund gallantly to his lipw.

" Humph, I'm glad to hear it," said Maggie. " I thought
that time you weren't going to own mo at all. I think you'io
all the (pieerest set, all you Knglisli gents— Sir This, and Lord
That, and Duke of 'Tother Thing. Are your oflleers all as
green as that one I was talking to in the splendid uin-
form?"

" Poor Sir Harry !" said Lord Arndale ; " how could you
be so cruel as to quiz him so?"

"Just for fun," said Maggie, with an expressive shrug.
" But look— see, they're all crowding over here ; let us go
and see what is the matter."

At this moment Kate Sidney hurriedly approached, look-
ing vexed and rather excited. As she eauglit sight of Lord
Arndale, she hastily approached, and said :

" Oh, Harry, I am so glad I have found you ! I wish you
would go and make that strange old woman leave the room.
She says she wants to tell fortunes, but uncle will be so an-
gry. Do try and make her go ; there's no use in asking
Charley because he would want uotJung better than muking
her stay."

" Who is she ?" said Lord Arndale, rather surprised.

" I am sure I don't know. I think I heaid some one say

100

THE SECRET SORROW.

she was an old fortune-teller, called the "Witch of the Moor ;
but do ti-y and get her out. I will take charge of Maggie till
you come back."

"Indeed, then you won't do any such thing, Cousin
Kate," said Maggie, decidedly. " I'm just going to have my
fortune told, too. Sec if I don't ! Come on. Cousin Harry."
And Miss Nelson, pushed her arm unceremoniously through
his, and hurried onward to where a crowd had gathered
around the old woman.

Lord Arndale and IMaggie stood for a moment, silently
contemplating the scene before them. Standing in the midst,
with one skinny arm raised like an inspired prophetess, her
hood pushed back, exposing her brown skinny face, with its
piercing, glittering black eyes, was the witch. Standing by
her side, quietly regarding the dazzling scene aromid was, the
little girl, Magdalen — her wondrous beauty striking all the
spectators with astonishment. The huge, fierce blood-hound,
Death, crouched behind her — glaring around with his red,
fiendish eyes, as though only awaiting the signal to spring.

" Oh, cousin, don't send her away," whispered Maggie;
" I want to get my fortune told."

Had Lord Arndale been inclined to refuse, he still could
not have done so, for the old fortune-teller was now encir-
cled by a bevy of laughing f ac( s all anxious to have their fort-
unes told. There was an evil sneer on the old hag's face, as
o'e by one she foretold a " long life, a lovely wife," or hus-
band, as the case might be.

"Oh, Lord Arndale," exclaimed Maggie, suddenly, "t«t7i

ch of the Moor ;
■gc of Maggie till

[i thing, Cousin
joing to have my
, Cousin Harry."
jniously through
d had gathered

noment, silently
ling in the midst,
. prophetess, her
ny face, with its
h. Standing by
; aromid was, the
striking all the
roc blood-hound,
id with his red,
gnal to spring,
ispered Maggie;

e, he stUl could
was now encir-
o have their fort-
ild hag's face, as
ly wife," or hus-

suddenly, "twH

THE SECRET SORROW,
you look at the beautiful little girl ? Oh ' di^ v.n
yo.- life see anything half so ifandaome '" ' " "" " ^'

Lord Arndalc followed the direction of her finder and
his eye fell upon the face of the child ,/ r ' ^ ^^
motionless, he crave a sudden ,f. "° ''''' ^'^'^

had seen some;n:^:r::r^f"r"""^

-ember, but in vain ; yet the more h l; ^ t^'^:
was startled by the resemblance ' ^" ""''' ^'

This last was whispered in Kate's ear nf f i,
she re,™o.».,„ .^ecd be. to gi herT: LT° 7™°'
woman. "" *° ^he strange

Tie old wean .„ot i, „d g..ed ,o„g .„c e.^..^,

102 THE SECRET SORROW.

down in the palm, then, looking up, said, in an impressive
voice :

" I see here danger, and sorrow, and shame, and disgrace,
and, it may be, death. There is danger to yourself neai
hand, sorrow for some one near you at present, shame for
one, the proudest here to-night, and disgrace to the house of
Dancmore, and death either to you or for some near relation.
All is dark and ominous here."

She Cung Kate's hand -.iolently from her, as she spoke, un-
heeding the scornful smile with which that young lady heard
the dark fate in store for her. As she stepped back, a voice fell
on their ears that made every one start,it was so deep and stern.
" What is the matter here?" cried the earl. " Who is this
old hag?" ♦

Before any one could reply, the old woman pushed them
aside, and stood boldly confronting tn.i nobleman, her black
eyes gleaming with a sinister light.

" Who are you, old woman, and what do you want here?"
said the earl, harshly.

" Who am I? I am Mother Wail, the Witch f the Moor.
What do I want here? I came here because it was my
pleasure to do so, and when it is my pleasure to leave I will
do so, and not till then."

"Insolent"?' exclaimed the earl, growitg crimson with
passion, " my servants shall force you out. Here, John,
Peter, William, force this old hag out."

" Let them do it if they dare !" said Mother Wail, coolly.
*• Fear, Death!"

;\'r-

r"'*^ Turwa r-i- -Mill

THE SECRET SORROW.

103

1 an impressive

>, and disgrace,
) yourself neai
sent, shame for
to the house of
le near relation.

.s she spoke, un-
lung lady heard
back, a voice fell
) deep and stern.
. "Who is this

in pushed them
eman, her black

'ou want here?"

tch f the Moor,
ausc it was my
• to leave I will

g crimson with
\. Here, John,

ler Wail, coolly.

With a low, deep, hoarse growl, the fierce blood-hound
sprang to her side.

" Why don't you put me out?" said the old woman, with
an exultant laugh at the ominous sileuoe that followed the
display of the dog's teeth. I dou't know anvthiag about you,
do I?"

Something in her tone made the earl think of the old Moor
Manor, and he grew deadly pale. The old woman noticed it,
and turning to the wondering spectators, she said, with a
triumphant chuckle :

" You see, my fine ladies and lords, he won't put me out
after all. Oh, what it is to know the secrets of great folks.
Stand aside, my lord, I see j'our fair countess over there, and
lam anxious to pay her my respects."

Before any one could interpose to prevent her, she had
passed through the crowd, and stood before Lady Danemore.
The large eyes were opened in the old languid manner at
first, and fixed upon her, and then upon the child, while every
drop of blood left her face, and she was forced to gasp for
breath. Mother Wail approached, and whispered a word in
her ear ; the nest moment all present were startled by a loud
wild, piercing cry of almost mortal agony, as the countess fell
prone, senseless to the ground.

AH present rushed forward to raise her, and taking advan-
tage of the confusion. Mother WaU seized Magdalen, and
tanisbed in the crowd.

? •'■+

i t.

^1i

104

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER X.

THI COUXTESS GOES A - VISITING.

" Aids ! earth's t'cs are with lier, like the wave

That brifjhtly clasps the shore,
Then breaks and seeks its grave!" — Upham.

On a couch iu her elcgautly-furnished chamber, looking
paler than usual, but otherwise just the same, lay lady Dane-
more. Half-buried, as usual, amid a pile of soft cushions,
with the long lashes resting heavily upon the oval cheeks,
she wandering again in the land of thought.

Of what was she thinking ? Kate Sidney asked herself the
question, as, from her seat by the window, she sat silently
regarding her. Was it of her childhood ? Of days past and
gone forever, or of the sorrows or joys of the past? No
one might tell — those vailed eyes spoke not.

It was the afternoon following the night of the ball. Long
and deadly was my lady's swoon ; and for hours after her
return to consciousness, she had lain in a sort of stupor, like
one awakening from some dreadful trance. An unusual silence
reigned through Dirritole ; the servants glided about on tip-
toe, like ghosts ; for, besides Lady Danemore's illness, Mrs.
Nelson also lay an invalid in her own chamber. Naturally
very nervous, the wild shriek of the countess, and the cry
that followed, " She is dead — she is dead !" startled her so,

it I'M.

wave

imber, looking
lay lady Dane-
soft cushions,

e oval cheeks,

iked herself the
lie sat silently
C days past and
the past? No

the ball. Long
icurs after her
i of stupor, like
unusual silence
i about on tip-
i's illness, Mrs.
ler. Naturally
IS, and the cry
startled her so,

THE SECRET SORROW. j^g

that she feU into violent hysterics, and had to be carried to
her room, where, since then, she had obliged black Venus
and her daughter to remain, licr close atteutlants, while Kato
took her place as the countess' nurse.

The rest of the family had dispersed in various du-ections.
The earl, after watching by his lady's bedside during the
mght, on finding her free from danger in the morning, had
mounted his horse and rode off. Lord Arndale, to his sur-
prise and consternation, on learning from Charley, for the
first time, of the disappearance of Alice Desmond, immedi-
ately rode over to the Pines, and had not returned; and
Charley himself was disconsolately left to his own resources
all alone, '

There was profound sUence in the chamber; suddenly,
Lady Danemore spoke.

"What time is it?"

" Half-past three," answered Kate, glancing at her watch.

There was another long interval of sUence, which was
again broken by the countess :

" Send Bess L'Olise to me !"

Kate gave a little stare of astonishment, and rang for a
servant, to whom she delivered the order. . It was an unusual
thing for Lady Danemore to request to see any one ; but Bess
was a favorite with her-at least as much of a favorite as
one of such a reserved disposition could possibly have.

Many wondered what was the reason of this; perhaps it
was because Bess was her country-woman-for it was gener-
ally surmised that the countess was French-perhaps it

ft.

t II

:«

rs.

'^'i WM j i i Lwm

106

THE SECRET SOEROW.

wa8 because she knew how firm and faithful Bess could be if
she chose, in any matter of import ; perhaps it was because
she knew how much attached to her mademoiselle was. But
from whatever cause it was, Bess was regarded in the envious
light of a favorite of Lady Danemore.

On the present occasion, Kate's message found the young
lady sitting at the window of the Lodge, embroidering a col-
lar, and humming a French song, looking excessively neat
and pretty, as she always did. A French girl makes a hand-
some face and fine figure out of very poor material ; and with
only the advantage of a clear, brown skin, plump, red cheeks,
and a pair of bright, black eyes, Bess L'Olise passed for a
very handsome girl ; while an English girl, with far greater
personal attractions, would have been called decidedly plain.
Where the secret lies, we know not — only it is so ; perhaps
it is the taste in dress of the former that makes the difference.

Bess was fond of rich, dark colors — they harmonized well
with her brown complexion. She now wore, jauntily, on her
head, turban fashion, a silk handkerchief, consisting of alter-
nate stripes of scailet and black, which set off wonderfully
the smooth, shining, black hair beneath. Her dress was a
crimson merino ; and with her long, dangling, gold ear-
drops, her pretty collar and cuffs, and her dark, rich turban,
she looked as pretty a little Creole as one could wish to see.

So Charley Sidney seemed to think, as Bess entered the
hall, where he lay lazily extended on a couch in the sun,
smoking a cigar, and watching with tropical indolence, the
curling smoke, as it slowly wreathed upward.

THE SECRET SORROW.

Bess could be if
I ii, was because
Isclle was. But
[1 ia the envious

'ound the young
)roidering a col-
!xccssivcly neat
1 makes a hand-
tciial ; and with
,mp, red cheeks,
se passed for a
tvith far greater
decidedly plain,
is so ; perhaps
!s the difference,
liarmonized well
jauntily, on her
isisting of alter-
off wonderfully
ler dress was a
;ling, gold ear-
irk, rich turban.
Id wish to see.
ess entered the
ich in the sun,
I indolence, the

107

«' Why, my dear, where have you been this ago ? I haven't
seen you I don't know when!" said Charley accosting
her.

"You don't care where, I guess, IMonsicur Charles!" re-
plic^l Bess, with a bow and a smile, raising her hand to her
turlun, military fashion, in a manner peculiarly graceful ;
you have been so occupied with Ma'nisellc VAmericaine
since her arrival, that you have quite forgotten all your old
friends!"

" Now, Bess, that's positively too bad !" said Charley, tak-
ing his cigar in his finger and thumb. " She was a stranger,
you know, and I had to patronize her a little ; but I hadn't
the least idea of forgetting you. On my honor, you look
prettier than ever ; that head-drc5<s is vastly becoming ; it's
positively captivating. I think I'l. get one of them myself—
how do you think I would look in it?"

"Oh, bewitching!" said Bess, laughing, and tossing her
head until the gold drops flashed and glittered in the sunlight.
"Miss Marguerite could never resist you wi<^^h one, I am
sure!"

" Pooh ! never mind her I" said Charley ; " if it captivates
you, it is all I want. "Where are you going now? — don't be
in a hurry — stay here with me,"

" Stay with you, indeed !" said Bess, saucily ; " don't you
remember how impertinent you were the last time you got me
to stay with you? Besides, I can't— I am in a hurry."

"Where arc you going?"

*' To my lady — she sent for mo.'

•■ !

108

THE SECRET SORROW,

" Her ladyship? What does she want with you9" ejaculated
Charley, in surprise.

«' Bon del! as if I knew ! Let me go, Monsieur Charles !
You must send for Mademoiselle I'Americaine, if you want
some one to talk to !" said Bess, with another coquettish tosa
of her turbaued head, that made the gold drops flash and
glitter again.

"Upon my honor. Miss Bess," began Charley: but, with-
out waiting to hear him, she darted past him and ran up
stairs, laughing and singing the words of the old ballad*

" It is good to be valiant and wise,

It is good to bo loyal and true ;
It is good to bo off with the old lovo

Before you are on with the new."

And kissing her hand to him as she reached the head of the
stairs, with an arch smile, she vanished.

In answer to her low rap, Kate opened the chamber door,
and pointing silently to where Lady Danemore lay, she took
her departure.

Bess glided noiselessly to where she lay, and sinking on
her knees, raised her hand respectfully to her lips. This
touching act, slight as it was, seemed to awaken a host of
long-buried memories in the breast of the countess. She
raised the drooping eyelids, and fixing her large, dark eyes
earnestly on Bess's face, said :

" Do you know why I have sent for you?"

"No, madame."

"Have you no idea?"

THE SECRET SORROW.

109

ou9" ejaculated

msieur Charles !

ne, if you want

coquettish tosa

Irops flash and

rley : but, with-
in and ran up
old ballad t

the head of the

chamber door,
re lay, she took

ind sinking on
ler lips. This
ikeu a host of
!Ountess. She
rge, dark eyes

"Not the slightest, madnmc."

There was n long pause after tliis, dining which the countess
remained steadily regarding Boss, as if striving to guess liow
far she might confide in her. The frank, open face of the
little French girl seemed to ^ veher confideuce, and she slow-
ly inquired :

" Have you heard what happened hero last night?"

"Doesmadarae mean her sudden illness? Yes— I have
heard of that."

" Have you heard anything else?"

" Except that the frightful old Witch of the Moor was here
— nothing.

" How do people account for my sudden illness?" inquired
Lady Danemore, speaking with an effort.

Bess lifted her eyes with a look of innocent astonishment.

"Why, to the fright, to be sure! They say the sudden
appearance of that dreadful old woman frightened you into
a fit. She scared Mrs. Nelson into hysterics, too."

Lady Danemore drew a long breath, as though a weight
had suddenly been lifted off her mind. Then, fixing her
beautiful eyes full on the face of the young girl, she said :

" Child, do you know why I have sent for you to tell me
this, in preference to any of the family?,"

"No, madame."

"Nor do I; and yet I have done so. I would I knew
whether I might trust you or not? "

The last words were spoken more to herself than to Bess ;
but the young girl answered quickly :

THE SECRET SORROW.

» I

•• I love madamo too much to betray anything she may tell
mc. Rcss L'Olisc can he faithful to those who trust licr."

The accent of wounded pride in which she spoke struck
Lady Danemore ; arid, laying her hand caressingly on her
head, she said, softly:

" Child, I meant not to offend you. I spoke before I
thought ; but there are so few in this world we can trust
to."

There was a sudden bitterness in her tone that moved
Bess, and she silently kissed the hand that lay passively in
hers.

" Bess," asked the countess, suddenly, " will you swear on
this, never to reveal what I may disclose to you to-night?"
said the countess, drawing from her bosom a small ebony
cross, and presenting it to Bess.

" Madame, forgive me ; but I cannot bind myself blindly
by oaths !" said Bess, drawing back.

Child, child, I will ask you to do nothing wrong ; there
will not be the least shadow of evil in what you will have to
do," said the lady, earnestly. " AU I wish is, yoiu- solemn
promise of secrecy."

" There is no crime in what you wish me to do?" inquired
Bess, hesitatingly.

" None, I solemnly assure you."

"And what do you wish, madame?"

" To swear eternal secrecy of all you may hear or see— of
all I may require," said her ladyship, solemnly. " Can you
not trust my word when I assure you it is not wrong?"

THE SECRET SORROW.

ing she may tell
30 trust licr."
10 spoke struck
jssiugly on her

spoke before I
1(1 we can trust

)ne that moved
ay passively in

ill you swear on
you to-night?"
a small ebony

myself blindly

? wrong ; there
3U will have to
is, your solemn

do?" inquired

lear or see — of
h " Can you
wrong?"

Ill

" I Bwear," eaid

«* Pardon, my lu'ly, for doubting you.
Bess, kissing tlio cc-'s.

"Thank you," said the countess, a grateful smile giving in-
expressible sweetness to her beautiful face. " i'ou shall
never repent your promise 1 "

Bess bowed in silence, and stood eagerly awaiting what was
to come next.

*' Do you know where this old woman, this witch, resides?"
asked Lady Dancmore, after a long pause.

" Yes, raadamo ; in a little lonely hut on the moor."

"Have you ever been there?" contiuucd her ladyship.

Bess crimsoned perceptibly through her brown skin,

" Once only, my lady," she replied, hesitatingly. " I was
silly enough to go have my fortune told."

" Who is that child, Madge— I mean, who is that little girl
who accompanied her here last night?" inquired my lady,
speaking as though the words hurt her.

"I do not know, niadame," replied Bess. " Some say she
is her grandchild ; others that she is some stolen child ; others
that the little girl's parents pay her for keeping her. But,
ma foi, nobody knows."

A shudder, so evident that it made the little Parisian start,
convulsed the frame of my lady. Besg regarded her in utter
bewilderment.

" Does she treat the child kindly?" she inquired, after an-
other long pause, in a voice that faltered in spite of herself.

" I am sure /do not know," replied Bess, opening her eyes
in bewilderment' " She accompanies her everywhere, bvA

mm'

112

THE SECRET SORROW.

novPr speaks n word to ony one. I think sue cannot Bpcok

"Ah 1 the old woman is a foreigner, then?"

"Yes, your Imlyship-gho is Trench. Oh, dear, dear

France!" Huid Hess, with an involuntary sigh.

Lady Dancmoro turned away, and shaded her face with her
hands.

For several minutes there was profound silence ; then, turn-
ing to IJesH, the countess said, in a hurried whisper :

" Will you accompany me to-night to the rcsid. ncc of this
old woman? "

^^Mndmm?" exclaimed Bess, starting back in surprise
" It IS necessary I should go ! " said the countess, with ira-
patient vehemonoo. It was for this 1 sent for you-for this
. made you swear scerccy-and you must not fail jno now ' "
" But, madamc. think of the danger. To take such a long
dismal walk over the wild, lonely moor, after night, in your
present state of health, might be fatal," said Bess in a tone
of distress.

" I do not care. Go I must, and shall ! " said the countess
vehemently. - If you will not accompany me, then I must
find my way alone."

" Oh, my dear mistress, you know I would accompany you
to the end of the earth," replied Bess, earnestly. - It is only
of the danger to yourself I speak. It is a long, weary dis-
tance, and you would drop with fatigue before reaching it."

"How far is it?"

" I do not know ; many long miles, I think."

".iJWII

■Mi«H

10 cannot apeak

Oh, dear, dear
I.

ler face with her

npo; thcn,tiim-

ispor :

?sidv ucc of this

in snrpriso.
intcss, with im-

• you— for tliis
fail Jiie now ! "
\ic siu'li a long,

night, ill your
Bess in a tone

1 the countess,
;, then I must

^company you

• "It is only
g, weary dis-
reaching it."

THE RErnET SOUHOW.
"Can you ride?"
"On lioiMfltuc-ii — yoH niadnnie."

"Tlun r(Mil<l you not get two of tlie horses out for us?
You can saddle tiiom yourHi-lf. My lior.sc is there, and Miss
Sidney's. We can ri(U', if we cannot walli."

" If my lady is determined to go, I can do so. But I im-
plore you "

" Hush ! girl— hush ! You cannot move me in my resolu-
tion. Can you have the horses ready?" interrupted the
countess.

" Yes madame. At what hour?"

"About cloven— tlic family will have retired before then.
No one will disturb mo if I desire to be left alone ; and at
that hour be prepared, and I will come to you."

" Where shall I meet you with the horses, madame?"
" You can stand under the old ash trees. No one will
notice you there, shouUl they chance to pass. And now, re-
member you have bound yourself to secrecy."

" I shall not forget, madame. After to-night, I will re-
member no longei what may occur. I never betray trust."
" It is well. You may go."

She waved her hand, as a sign to depart, and Bess silently
arose, and quitted the apartment.

"There is something mysterious about this," muttered
Bess, as she tripped down the long, winding staircase. " What
can this secret visit mean? The Countess of Danemore
visiting the old Witch of the Moor. JI/«/oi/what would
the world say if it heard it ? Well, it is none of my businesa,

10*

iM^

^fil( '

114

THE SECRST SORROW.

%
■ &-

I suppose, but I wouid like to know. How sii gular, too,
she should choose me, above every one else, as her confi-
dante in this matter. But I suppose there was no one else
who could guide her there that she would like to trust. "Well,
I will be faithful to her, and bide my time."

She reached tlio outer hall as she spoke, where she found
Charley Sidney still lying. Touching her turban, by way of
salute, in the easy, graceful manner peculiar to her, she
would have passed him ; but he detained her.

"I say, Bess," he exclaimed, "what did you mean by
that verse you sung, going up-stairs?"

♦' Does not monsieur know?"

' ' Know ? IIow should I P^it's all a prof und mystery to me !"

"Oh! monsieur," said Bess, in a very shocked tone,
♦'how can you say so? Three weeks ago, did you not
8wear eternal fidelity to me, on a blank leaf in your pocket-
book ? and now you have deserted me for la petite Amencaine.
Oh ! monsieur, how could you do so ? Surely y m might have
taken a month to forget me ; but to do so in th/ee wejks — lo
leave me forlornly to wear the willow ! Oh ! 7 lonsieur
Charles, I will never forgive you !"

Bess spoke in a very dolorous tone ; but the merry twinkle
in her bright eyes bespoke that Lis desertion was not likely
to brealt her lieart.

Charley listened to her harangue, looking terribly con-
scious ; and made an attempt to vindicate himself, as she
ceased ; but, without waiting to bear it, Bess darted off, with
a ringing laugh.

g miiMAiiMiiiHiiiil i ii i iii i r *?

)w sii gular, too,
Ise, as her confi-
was no one else
! to trust. "Well,

where she found
urban, by way of
iliar to her, she

id you mean by

i mystery to me !"
y shocked tone,
go, did you not
' in your pocket-
letite Amencaine.
f you might have
th/ee we jks — to
Oh ! 7 lonsieur

he merry twinkle
»n was not likely

ng terribly con-
! himself, as she
J darted off, with

THE SECRET SORROW.

116

The great hall-clock of Dirritole had just tolled the hour of
eleven as a tall, slender figure, muffled in a long, dark cloak,
came gliding from her chamber, passed noiselessly throi'gh
the upper hall, down the long stair-case, along the lower hall,
and out into the court-yard in front.

The night was dark, save the faint light of the stars, but
close and sultry.

The muffled figure passed rapidly along, feeling her way,
as if by intuition, through the darkness, until she reached a
grove of swaying ash trees, under whose shade stood another
muffled figure — smaller, and not so slender as the first.

Two horses, saddled and ready for the road, were tied to
the trees.

" No one has passed, madame," said Bess L'Olise, in a
hurried whisper. " Here is your horse ; let me assist you to
mount."

Lady Danemore placed one tiny foot in Bess's hand, and
sprang lightly into the saddle, with the ease and dexterity of
a practiced horsewoman. Gathering up the reins, she started
forward, and Bess was in another moment in the saddle and
by her side.

" We can ride as rapidly as we choose now, m) lady," said
Bess, " if it does not fatigue you too much."

The only reply of the countess was a smart cut of her whip,
which made the animal bound forward at a rapid gallop.

" Yonder is the moor," said Bess, pointing with her whip.
*' We must ride slowly now ; the ground is treacherous "

They rode forward slowly and cautiously, Bess looking

■■ :' '*

. -f-

116

THE SECRET SORROW.

keenly around, least tbcy should miss the hut ov the old
woman.

As the old manor came in view, casting its long, dreary
shadow over the lonely moor, both paused a moment to con-
template it. Not the least sound or sign of light betrayed
that it had occupants.

" What strange old buildicg is that!" asked Lady Dane-
more, after a pause.

"It is called the Old Moor Manor," replied Bess, with a
half shudder, as she gazed on the gloomly pile. "It has
been deserted for mauy and many a year. No one ever
passes it, for it is said to be haunted by evil spirits. Our
lady protect us !" and Bess crossed herself devoutly.

How little did the speaker dream who were at that moment
its occupants !

"Had we not bettor ride on, madamc?" continued Bess,
uneasily, as Lady Daneraore still remained gazing fixedly at
it ; " this is such a lonely place, and the night is passing."

The countess started, as if from a dream, and followed
Bess in the direction to which she had turned.

" I am afraid we will have trouble in finding the place,"
remarked Bess, glancing anxiously around. '• It is not easily
found in daylight, and it will be much more dilficult now."

As she spoke, a low clump of stunted spruce met her eye,
and, with an exclamation of joy, she started forward, ex-
claiming :

" Thank Heaven ! there it is at last !"

Lady Danemore followed her; and, turning an abrupt

mimj m iM i^

jBaapijaraK^r'jjnTrg j

e hut or the old

g its long, dreary
a moment to con-
of light betrayed

ked Lady Dane-

)lied Bess, with a

y pile. " It has

ar. >To one ever

evil spirits. Our

levoutly.

re at that moment

" continued Bess,
gazing fixedly at
Tht is passing."
im, and followed
id.

iding the place,"

' ' It is not easily

dilTicult now."

uce met her eye,

ited forward, ex-

rning an abrupt

> WLI ' Jg" »

TIIE SECRET SORROW.

117

angle which concealed it from theu- view, the home of th«
Witch of the Moor stood before them.

It was a little low hut, n-ith one window in front, but not
a ray of light proceeded from it. All around was as dark
and silent as the grave. The stunted trees behind so hid it
from view, that one might pass fifty times over the moor,
even in broad daylight, without discovering it.

Bess leaped from her horse and, tying liim to a tree, as-
sisted the countess to aliglit ; then approacliing the low door,
she raised the end of her whip, and rapped loudly.

A low, fierce growl from Death, was the only answer they
received.

Again Bess raised her whip and rapped, this time louder

than before.

Another hoarse growl from Death followed this, accompa-
nied by a hissing sound, and a leap against the door inside,
as though of a cat.

" Holy Saints protect us !" exclaimed Bess, quaking with
terror.

" Knock again !" said Lady Danemore, impetuously.

Bess obeyed, and fierce growls of the blood-hound and
sharp hisses of the cat, grew absolutely appalling. Suddenly,
a footstep was heard, and they heard the shrill, sharp voice
of Mother Wail, Exclaiming :

" Down, Death ! Be quiet, Imp ! Who's there?"

«« What shall I say?" whispered Bess.

" Two women, tell her," replied the countess.

" Only two women," answered Bess, raising her voice.

llHUIHMIIIIHIi

»™

118

THE SECRET SORROW.

! [;' '■- •}.

■ i;

" And what do 'two women ' want this hour of the night?"
called the croaking voice of the witch.

" To have their fortunes told," replied Bess, at a venture,
after waiting in vain for some suggestion by her mistress.

" I don't tell fortunes at midnight," said the old woman,
harshly. " You may go home as you came."

"Tell her we will pay her well — she loves money, whis-
pered the lady, hurriedly.

" We will pay you whatever you ask," called Bess, " only
let us in."

A moment's silence followed this, as though Mother WaQ
was deliberating with herself about this new proposal. A
moment after, she said :

" How am I to know you are only two women? — you may
be deceiving me."

"Indeed T am not. There are only two of us, I assure
you," answered Bess.

" Well, I will see. If you are lying, I will set my dog on
you, and tear you to pieces !"

"Heaven protect us !" ejaculated Bess, in terror.

The sounds of bolts withdrawing now fell upon their
ears, and a moment after the door was cautiously opened, and
the head of the witch thrust out. Satisfied, at length, that
they were speaking the truth, she re-entered, and, a moment
after, appeared with a light, and bade them enter.

As they did so, the huge dog, Death, sprang fox-ward, with
the evident intention of fulfilling fl^c old hag's throat ; while
the cat— an enormous black Tom— with eyes like coals of

■

'*-'-f'-^^--^SSrK---

■ iii|»iiiiHiiiinii»ii mil

)ur of the night?"

Jess, at a venture,
y her mistress,
d the old woman,

ves money, whis-

lUecl Bess, "only

ugh Mother WaQ
lew proposal. A

amen? — you may

> of us, I assure

111 set my dog on

Q terror,
fell upon their
•usly opened, and
1, at length, that
, and, a moment
enter.

ng forward, with
y'3 throat ; while
es like coals of

THE SECRET SORROW.

119

fire, stood in the middle of the floor, its back bristling up,
and its fierce eyes glaring like a demon's !

Terrified beyond measure, Bess sprang toward the door,
with a shriek of terror.

"He! ho! he!" chuckeled the old beldame; "you see,
my fine ladies, I am not without proteccors. Down, Death 1"
—to the dog— "Keep still, Imp!"— to the cat. "Well,
ladies, so you want your fortunes told."

She raised the lamp as she spoke, until its light fell full upon
them. Lady Dauemorc had thrown back her hood, and as
the old woman's eye fell upon her, she started back, while
the lamp nearly fell from her hand.

^^Madclene!" she ejaculated, in amazement. "So! the
time I have waited for so long has come at last, and Made-
lene Desbrcaux stands again beneath my roof."

There was a malignant smile of triumph on her wrinkled
face as she ceased speaking, that completely astounded Bess.
She glanced at Lady Danemore, who stood, cold, proud, and
calm as ever, save that her eyes wandered restlessly round
the squalid apartment, as if seeking something in vain. As
Mother Wail ceased speaking, she said to her, hurriedly :

" Is there no other room where this young girl can remain
for a few moments. I wish to speak with you in private? "

' In private ! " repeated the old crone, with a mocking

sneer. "I thought you came to have your fortune told.

Shall I tell you the past or the future, Madelene ? " He ! he !

he!"

There was something almost demoniacal in the look of tr;T>

-J

ib.,

ijiJiiMi

120

THE SECRET SORROW.

umph With which she regarded the countess, who leaner,
against the wall, covered her face with her hands, and groaned
dloud.

" Come this way, my dca'-," said the fortune-teller, in her
taunting tone ; " this fine lady wishes her fortune told in pri-
vate, it seems. I hardly think it would do to proclaim it to
the world yet. Stay in there."

She pushed aside a coarse blanket that hung at the further
end of the hovel, disclosing another room, equal in size and
flhape with the one they had left. An oil lamp, which stood
burning dimly on a rude slab table was the only light in the
room. A rude straw pallet on the floor, two or three little
benches of the rougI.:st kind, a broken chair, some crockery
and cooking utensils of the coarsest description, and huge
bundles of herbs sticking out from the rafters comprised the
furniture. Another blanket, similar to that by which she had
entered, hung at the end of the room. Bess was half tempt-
ed to lift it, and see what was inside ; but the fear of Mother
Wail restrained her, and she drew back.

" I wonder how far back the old hovel extends," thought
Bess, seating herself on one of the benches ; " and I would
like to kno-'^ what is in there. Where can the little girl be, I
wonder? Perhaps that is her sleeping-room. Oh, heaven I
what a place to live in. I shall not breathe freely until it is
out of sight. And how i-i the name of all that is wonderful
can this horrible old hag know my lady? Calling her Mad-
elene, too. Oh ! what would I not give to know what aU this
mystery means ?"

9SSSS

!8s, who leaner,
ids, and groaned

ine-teller, iu her
•tuno told in pri-
3 proclaim it to

ig at the further
lual iu size and
np, which stood
)nly light in the
) or three little

some crockery
>tion, and huge

comprised the
y which she had
vas half tempt-
fear of Mother

ends," thought
" and I would
i little girl be, I
Oh, heaven I
reely until it is
at is wonderful
lUing her Mad-
>w what all this

THE SECRET SORROW.

121

Bess paused to listen as the sound of voices from without
met her ear. Lady Danemorc she could hear speaking,
earnestly supplicating, at times almost passionately, while
Mother Wail still maintained her bitter^ jibing tone, some-
times varying it to one of subdued firmness. Both spoke in
Freucli ; but Bess could not at first distinguish the words.
Suddenly she heard Lady Danemore say, in a voice of S'lp-
presscd anguish :

" And you refuse— you refuse ! Will nothing induce you
to break this resolution? I will give you gold— eveijthing
you wish, onlj' comply with my request !"

" Nothing," answered the old woman, firmly. " Revenge
is dearer than gold."

"And oh, great Heaven! have you not been revenged?
Have you not rendered me wretched and miserable forever !"
said the voice of Lady Danemore.

" Ha, ha, ha !" laughed the beldame. «' Did I not tell you
then I would be revenged. I swore not to rest in my grave
until I saw that proud head laid low. I will pursue you to
your dying day ; and before long, Madeline Desbreaux, the
world shall know you as you really are. Until that tune
comes, I will dog your steps like your shadow— escape from
me you cannot. And he for whom you would die, you shall
never meet again on earth. I have said it, and my words
NEVER fail!"

A groan of n-ortal anguish came from the lips of the count-
ess.

The heart '^f Bess stood still with astonishment and horror.

. 't

'^m

nm^

m» I

THE SECRET SOKROW.

She listened in vain to catch what followed ; for though
Mother Wail still spoke, her voice had sunk to a hoarse, hiss-
ing whisper. No sound came from Lady Dancmoro, save
the same low moan of bitter agony, that made Bess grow
white with undefined fear.

Suddenly the blanket at the entrance was pushed rudely
aside, and Mother Wail entered. Rcss almost fell with terror
as she looked on her. The wrinkled, sallow face was almost
purple with suppressed passion ; the glittering black eyes
were blazing with evil light. Turning to Bess, she said,
hurriedly :

" Go home. Your mistress is waiting for you."

Bess waited for no second bidding ; but rising hurriedly
from her seat, she passed to the outer apartment. The count-
ess stood leaning against the wall, her arms lying powerless
by her side, her face white as that of the dead, the lips of a
dreadful livid blue, while she gasped as if for breath. For-
getting everything save the terrible fear that her mistress
was dying, Bess sprang forward, and caught her cold hand
in both of hers. Lady Danemore did not appear to hear or
see her — her eyes were fixed with a glazed, stony stare on
vacancy.

•'Oh! my lady, my dear lady!" exclaimed Bess, in dis-
tress, " do come away. Oh ! good Heaven ! she will die !"

"No fear, venomous reptiles live long," said the old
woman, bitterly. " Come, begone, both of you !"

Her words seemed to rouse Lady Danemore from the trance
into which she was falling. With a momentary strength, she

THE SECRET SORROW.

123

red ; for though
to n hoarse, hiss-
Danemorc, save
made Bess grow

.8 pushed rudely
•st fell with terror
' face was almost
ring black eyes
Bess, she said,

you."

t rising hurriedly
lent. The count-
i lying powerless
!ad, the lips of a
ar breath. For-
hat her mistress
;lit her cold hand
ppear to hear or
1, stony stare on

ed Bess, in dis-
: she will die !"
," said the old
you !"

e from the trance
;ary strength, she

drew her cloak around her, and quitted the hut, followed by
Bess. Mother Wail closed the door loudly after them, drew
the bolt, the light disappeared, and they were left alone and
in darkness, standing on the dreary moor.

Bess assisted Lady Dancmr>re to mount, and then sprang
Into the saddle herself, with an inward prayer of thanksgiv-
ing that the terrible visit was over. The cold, raw wind of
the coming morning blew chillingly over the moor. Lady
Dancmore. with a shiver, drew her cloak around her, the hand
that held the reins relaxed, her head sank on her bosom, and
Bess expected every instant to sec her fall.

" Oh! my dear, dear lady !" she exclaimed, in the utmost
distress, " do, do try to bear up until we reach home. Oh !
that we had never come on this unfortunate journey. Do, do
try to ride on till we get home !"

With an effort Lady Dancmore raised her head, and strove
to comply. The old Manor was passed, the moon lay behind
them; but the eastern sky began to grow gray with the hue
of coming morn ; and the countess again began to droop.

" Oh ! what shall I do, what shall I do?" cried poor Bess,
in the last extremity of dismay. " Oh ! my lady, do try to
bear up a little longer. In half an hour we can be home ;
and if we delay any longer the family ^iU be up, and all wiU
be discovered."

This last appeal produced more effect than anything that
had yet been said. Lady Dancmore aroused herself ; and
though her face was blanched to the hue of death from the
inward agony of her mind, yet she rode resolutely forward ;

i 1

134

THE SECRET SORROW.

and soon, to the great deliglit of Bess, the peaked gables
and high turrets of Dirritolo came in view.

Bess assisted Lady Dancmore to alight. Utterly exhaust-
ed, she tottered forward, and would have fallen, had not the
faithful little French girl assisted lier. As they readied the
hall door, the countess paused, and said, witli an effort :
" ThanI: you, that will do, I can go myself now."
Bess opened the door to admit her ; and then closing it
noiselessly, started to where she had left the horses. The
countess went forward a few steps, swayed to and fro, then
reeled, and fell heavily to the flour, like one dead.

B peaked gablea

Utterly eshaust-
llen, had not the
they reached the
h an effort :
f now."

then closing it
ho horses. The
to and fro, then
dead.

THE SECRET SORROW.

It5

CHAPTER XI.

KATE MEETS IIEK FUIEND.

" What though on Love's nltar tlic (limio tliat is glowing

Is brighter? yet rrii'iidship's \h stcntliiT fur!
One wavers iinil turns witli i-ncli l)rei'zi.' tluit is blowing,

And is but a meteor— tlio other's a star,"

Kate Sidney sat at hor cliuinlicr window lost in thought.
For hours she had lain tossing restlessly on her pillow, think-
ing of her absent friend, and striving in vain to solve the
mystery, until finding sleep iinposaiblc, she had arisen,
thrown on her white cashmere morning-gown, and seating
herself by the window, leaned her head on her hand, 'nd
gave way to the thoughts that came crowding thick and fast
through her mind.

Kate Sidney was not one to form a friendship with every
young lady she met ; in fact, though she made many acquaint-
ances, she made very few friends— but when once made, her
friendship was not easily broken. AUce Desmond had been
the companion of her childhood, her school-mate in after
years, and her firm friend now. They had always shared
each other's secrets, troubles and pleasures.

Alice looked up to Kate alwayi for assistance, relying on her

strong, calm judgment in emergencies which she otherwise

' would have shrunk from ; and Kate loved Alice for her gentle

11* .

[ *

126

THK SECRET SORROW.

disposition, licrswpot, conllding nature — tho vcr}' opposite of
her own. IViiiiips it was tliis very contrast tliat drew tinMU
BO fondly tof^i'lhiT. . Alice wjih dreary and romantic, wliilo
Kate was the most uiatter-of-faet yoiiiiy lady in tlie world.
The friends had never been separated before ; and this eir-
cutnstanco made Kate Sidney feel it tho more keenly now.
She strove in vain to assign some reason for Alice's uiysterl-
0118 conduct. She had left homo voluntarily — that her note
testified ; but why had she done so? It was so unlike all she
had ever known of her, that Kate was tempted to doubt tho
evidence of her senses ; l)ut, with a sigh, she was obliged to
ackuowlodgc it was stern reality.

From the train of nbsording thought into which she had
fallen, she was suddenly aroused by the sound of a heavy
fall in the hall below. She started to her feet to listen ; some-
thing like a gioan fell upon her ear, and made her blood
run cold. But Kate Sidney was morally and physically brave
— there was not a drop of cowaidly blood in her veins, and
fihe hesitated but for u n omcut. Seizing a light, she passed
from her chamber through '— ig suite of apartments, through
the upper hall, down the long stair-case, and into the lower
hall ; and there — a sight met her eyes that froze her blood
with horror.

Lying prone on her face on the ground, and bathed in
blood, lay Lady Dancraore. Her long black hair fell wildly
around her, clotted with gore, which had formed a little pool
on the carpet by her side, while a little dark stream flowed
steadily from her mouth.

THF, SErnr.T flOTinow.

1»7

very opposite of
tlint (Iruw them
lomiuitic, while

}' ill tlif world.

; and tliin oir-
ore keenly now.
Alioe'H Hiystorl-
— that her note
m luilike all uho
L'd to doubt the

was obliged to

) which aho bad
md of a heavy
to listen ; sorae-
nade her blood
physically brave

1 her veins, and
ight, she passed
tments, through

into the lower
froze her blood

, and bathed in
: hair fell wildly
lied a little pool
{ stream flowed

.v.V ,

For a momcit, Kate stood rooted to the ground with hor-
ror, gasping for breath, and sickening at the awful sight bo-
fore her ; then recovering hcrs.lf by a mighty etVort, she
went forwar.l, and raised tl>e licad of tlie i)r()strate lady. The
great black eyes stan'd wi<le open, vacant and lusterleas, and
glazed as though in .U-ath ; tlit; face was white and cold as
that of a corpse, save where it was dreadfully dabbled with
blood; the lips, livid and purple, were ni.art. and seemed
frozen to the white ti«eth. Kate's heart nearly stood still
with terror, as she covered her face with her hands, and

groaned :

" Oh, merciful Heaven, she is dead !"
For a while she sat stunned, stupefied by the sudden blow.
Then, as the thought tiiat life might not yet be totally extinct
flashed across her mind, she wheeled over a couch, and, with
an effort, raised the appaicntly dying lady upon it. Then
.,he turned, and Hew rather than ran up the stairs, until she
reached the earl's room, and rapped loudly for admittance.

In a few moments the door opened, and the earl appeared.

" What is the matter?" he asked, staring at Kate's pallid
face in astonishment.

" For Heaven's sake, uncle, hurry for a doctor, Aunt
Madeline is dying ; there is no time to be lost!"

"What!" gasped the earl, growing deadly white, and
grasping Kate's arm so violently that she almost shrieked

with pain.

" She is dying, I tell you," repeated Kate, with passionate
vehemence. " I found her lying in the lower hall, covtred

128

THE SECRET SORROW.

with blood. I fear she has burst a blood-vessel, and will not
survive. Oh ! hurry, hurry ! if you ever hurried ih your life !
She may not be dead yet !"

Without waiting to hear her out, the earl sprang past, and
was down stairs in a moment. One glance at the dcath-Iiko
face of his wife, and he was gone.

The servants were all buried in profound slumber ; there
was no time to be lost in waking them up ; and in another
instant he was mounted and away like the wind.

The rest of the family were by this time thoroughly aroused,
and lights were now flashing in every direction ; the fright-
ened scr\-ants gazed into each other's faces, pale with fear,
as if seeking there an explanation of this new mystery.

Lady Danemore was removed to her chamber ; while Mrs.
Nelson, who, on learning what had happened, fell into violent
hysterics, and had to be carried to hers. All was dismay and
confusion.

In a very short time the doctor arrived, and agreed with
Kate in saying she had burst a blood-vessel, and that her
case was serious — very serious indeed ; but still, with the aid
of her youth, and the unceasinp- care of her attendants, she
might recover.

With some difficulty she was restored to consciousness, and
gazed wildly round on the numerous anxious faces by which
she was surrounded. As memory returned, bringing befora
her the scenes of the night, she tuined away her head with a
faint moan.

The doctor having positively forbidden them to disturb her

y]Wl i . ' . ' l»!i ! "H" i -, ' . " " ' . ' .S ^' Lj '' '

THE SECRET SORROW.

Dssel, and will not
rried iti your life !

sprang past, and
at the death-like

i\d slumber ; there
p ; and in another
wind.

loroughly aroused,
cction ; the f right-
>es, pale with fear,
lew mystery,
imber ; while Mrs.
icd, fell into violent
All was dismay and

id, and agreed with
essel, and that her
it still, with the aid
her attendants, she

> consciousness, and
ous faces by which
led, bringing befora
pray her head with a

1 them to disturb her

with questions, all were left to their own conjectures as to how
it had happened. What could Lady Danemore be doing in
the lower hall, wrapped in a large cloak, at that hour of the
morning? What could have happened to make her biurst a
blood-v'essel? They asked themselves the question, and
looked in each other's faces for an answer in vain.

The morning wore wearily on, and toward noon, feeling
ill and feverish from excitement and want of s-'ccp, Kate
mounted her horse for a ride. Here a new mysteiy awaited
her. The horses had been ridden by some person or persons
unknown during the night! Could it have been by Lady
Danemore? Kate was bewildered, and like one in a dream.
She mounted her horse and rode off for the Tines. Here,
too, all was gloom. Sir Hugh she foimd exceedingly ill, and
no further news had been heard of Alice. Lord Arndnle had
departed, firmly resolved to find her, and induce her to re-
turn—and this hope still buoyed the old man up.

Kate's visit was soon over, and she once more turned her
horse's head in the direction of Dirritole. As she slowly
proceeded, the events of the past few days rose vividly be-
fore her. The singular disappearance of Alice ; the unac-
countable agitation of Lady Danemore at the sight of the old
fortune-teller on the night of the baU; and her stUl more
mysterious illness of the preceding night. How was all to be
accounted for? So absorbed did Kate become in her train
of thought, that she scarcely noticed that she had entered the
forest path, until a little ragged urchin stood before her, and
jerking his forelock politely, said :

l..

180

THE SEC:RET sorrow.

" If you please, ma'am, here's a letter a young 'ooman ovei
there told me to bring up to the 'All and give it to nobody
but you -, but I seed you coram' in here, and foUowed you.

'Ere's the letter."
As he spoke, he presented Kate with a small folded aUp of

paper.

Surprised at this singular address, she tore it open, and

read:

"Miss Kate : If you vant to hear of Miss Alice, come to the old oak
near the spring, inimecliatoly. I am awaiting you there. Do not show
this to a living soul, or aU will be lost— " Janie Finn.

Thunder-struck with amazement, and scarcely able to credit
her senses, Kate read and re-read the note, which had been
scrawled liurriedly with a pencil on a bit ot brown paper.
Turning at length to the boy, who still stood before her, she
breathlessly demanded from whom he had received it.

" Why, I did tell you," said the boy, looking rather aston-
ished at Miss Sidney's evident agitation, "I was a comin'
along, not thinkin' of nothin' in particular, when a young
vomanthat looked as if she'd been trin' to hide herself 'mong
the trees, comes out, and she comes up to me, and sez she :
" Does you knoN" where Dirritole is?" and I sez, ' Yes,' and
she axes me if as how I knows Miss Kate Sidney, and I sez
« Yes ; ' and she pulls out that there letter, and sez she,
'Will you take this ere up to her, and don't let no-
body else see it? sez she, and I sez as how I will ; and then
she gave me three bobs, and tells me not to let nobody, 'cept

young 'ooman ovei

[1 give it to nobody

and followed you.

small folded alip of

I tore it open, and

,ce, come to the old oak

lU there. Do not show

"Janie Fiuh."

iarcely able to credit
(te, which had been
jit ot brown paper,
ood before her, she
tl received it.
ooking rather aston-
I, " I was a comin'
ular, when a young
,0 bide herself 'mong
to me, and sez she :
nd I sez, ' Yes,' and
te Sidney, and I sez
letter, and sez she,
and don't let no-
low I will ; and then
t to let nobody, 'cept

(

THE SECRET SORROW.

181

'tis you, see it; and I starts and meets you slap; and so
that's all I know about it."

Kate listened with almost breathless interest to this lucia
and very grammatical explanation, and, as the boy ceased,
8he turned away, and, without a word, darted into the forest,
in the direction of the old oak. The young gentleman in the
ragged garments looked after her with a strong expression of

disgust.

" Well, if that ere ain't what cdercatod folks calls ingratb
tude, I'd like ter know what is," he said, after a pause, his
feelings finding vent in words : " here I trots up to her, and
gins her a letter, hopin' she'll trip me the needful when she
reads it, and I'm blamed if I sees the first shiner of her money,
and I a young gentleman what ain't got but three bobs in
the world to bless myself with, which that nice young 'ooman
over there guv me. But it's allurs the way with lords an' la-
dies, they haint got the first spark of perliteness-no more
manners nor a passsl of pigs ! Ugh 1 "

And evidently disgusted beyond measure at the ingratitude
of the world, the ill-used young gentleman put his ragged
pants in locomotion, and was soon out of sight among the

Meantime, Kate had made her way rapidly toward the spot
indicated in the singular note, almost tempted to believe her-
self laboring under some strange delusion. News of Mice I
The thought gave wings to her feet, and panting and breath-
less with the haste she had made, she found herself at the old
oak. She paused and looked around, not a soul was to be

"""I**'

jgg THE SECRET SORROW.

Been, all was as profoundly still and deserted as the

grv»'e.

" Janic Finn !" called Kate, with a strange throbbing at

the heart, as the thought that she had been deceived flashed

across her mind.

- Hush, M=ss Kate, not so loud," said a voice from the
trees behind her, and a moment after, J.aie stood before her,
pah; with fatigue and apprehension.

" Oh, Jauie Finn, for Heaven's sake tell me of AUce ! " ex-
claimed Kate, springing forward and seizing her hand. " Is
she yet alive, or what has befallen her? Speak, girl, speak 1"
- She is alive, but very iU," said Janie, striving to restrain
her sobs. " Oh, Miss Kate, only think where she is, and has
been for the last wecli-in the old haunted Moor Manor."

" Alice Desmond in the Manor ! " ejaculated Kate in hor-
ror. ' ' Who could have forced l.er there ? ' '

«' Your own uncle. Miss Kate-the noble Earl of Dane-
more ! " replied Janie, bitterly.

''My uncle! Oh, Janie, impossible! You are deceived!
He never could commit so base an act," said Kate, horror-

struck.

"I suppose not," said Janie ; " I suppose I wasn't pres-
ent and saw him. Miss Kate? I tell you he did."

'' Nonsense ! it is absurd- ridiculous. He never would do
it," said Kate, vehemently. "Why, girl. Miss Desmond
herself left a note saying she had departed of her own free
will. You have been deceived."

"I say what I mean and know !" said Janie, stoutly ; " th«

id deserted as the

trange throbbing at
een deceived flashed

id a voice from the
.aie stood before her,

3ll me of Alice ! " ex-
zing her hand. " Is
Speak, girl, speak 1"
c, striving to restrain
where she is, and has
ted Moor Manor."
aculated Kate in hor-
•e?"
noble Earl of Dane-

You are deceived!
t," said Kate, horror-

ippose I wasn't pres-
3U he did."

i. He never would do
, girl. Miss Desmond
arted of her own free

d Janie, stoutly ; "tha

THE SECRET SORROW.

133

earl did take her away, and if you go to the Old Manor, you
will see her there, and she can tell you herself if you won't
believe mc."

" But — but — it seems so strange, so improljablc, so utterly
monstrous, in fac^ !" said Kate, speaking like one in a
dream. " Come, Jauic, tell mc all you know, from begin-
ning to end. The whole affair seems wrapped in profound
mystery."

" Very well ; I must be quick, then ; for if the earl sl}oukl
chance to miss me, I would uc killed," said Janic, who there-
upon related to Kate all that the reader already knows, from
then- starting that stormy night, until after the departure of
the earl on the morning after the visit of the witch, conclud-
ing with :

"And so Miss Alice has been getting weaker and
weaker ever since. She is not exactly sick, but she is
fading and fading, like the waning moon. She neither eats
nor speaks, but lies on the cushions from morning till nigtt.
Oh, Miss Kate, I am sure she will die ! The earl told us, if
we ever breathed to a living soul of her being there, he would
pursue us with his vengeance all our lives ; so we were afraid
to come before. But when I saw Miss Alice lying there, dy-
ing by inches, I could not stand it longer. I just told John
I would go, and let the earl do what he liked, because one
might as well b3 killed at once, as to be dying with fear every
night, as we are. John wanted to come, but I wouldn't let
him ; I knew he'd be sure to be found out— men are such
Stupid creatures ; so I started about day-break, and meeting

}hr^^^fii^fi"/&fi"'

hBiM}iiMM*>^iilU- "I"

'i!::

134

THE SECRET SORROW.

Ragged Tommy, whom 1 knew I could trust, I gave him that
note, and here you are. All I ask, is that you will tell Lord
Arndalo, and have Miss Alice rescued before she dies. As
for me, I must hurry right back. Heaven help me if the earl
discovers whijt I have done."

Kate had stood with her flcar, searching eyes fixed on tho
faithful girl's face while she spoke, her own countenance un-
dergoing a thousand changes of surprise, bewilderment, and
terror. As Janic ceased, Kate's face was flushed, and her
eyes were sparkling with indignation, while a firm look of
decision gave a svorn energy to her expression. But she now
only looked up and said quietly :

" And what do you expect me to do?"
'■'To do!" repeated Jnnie, astonished. ""Why to tell
Lord Arndale, of course, and have Miss Alice brought
home."

" I cannot do so," said Kate, in the same calm tone.
"Lord Arndale is in London, and I do not know his ad-
dress."

Janic wrung her hands in dismay.

" Oh, what is to be done, then?" she exclaimed in terror.
" My poor, dear young lady ! must she die all alone in that
dreary place ? Oh, Miss Kate ! Miss Kate ! she loves you,
and would almost give her life for you, and now can you
have the heart to leave her there to die alone ?' '
And Janie sobbed outright in her distress.
"No!" said Kate, with such stern fierceuoss that Janie
drew back in alarm. "No ! this very night I will go to the

«tKi- , ra '-^crr '

i fSii'fSTsiwmcc \ 'r~Ai!n<. '' P ' " '^ 'V ' P ' mmUMf^-'^i

THE SECRET SORROW.

135

;, I gave him that
you will tell Lord
re she clies. As
elp me if the earl

eyes fixed on the
I countenance un-
lewilderment, and
flushed, and her
e a firm look of
on. But she now

, ""Why to tell
}s Alice brought

same calm tone,
not know his od-

daimed in terror,
s all alone in that
e ! she loves you,
and now can you
ue?"

IS.

ceuoss that Janie
iit I will go to the

- "

old Moor Manor, and to-morrow Alice Desmond shall be free
forever!"

" What !" exclaimed Jauie, flushing with joy. " Oh, dear
Miss Kate, you have made me so happy ! And you will
come to-night ! Oh, I am sure the very sight of you will re-
store my dear young lady again ! I knew you wouldn't de-
sert her Miss Kate?"

"You had better go, now," said Kate, impatiently, with-
out paying any attention to Janie's transports. I know the
way, so I shall not want any guide. Tell Miss Desmond I
shall not fail to be there to-night."

And Kate turned away toward the forest path, while Janie
cautiously took the way that led to the moor.

For a while Kate went on rapidly, her cheeks flushed, her
lips compressed, and her eyes fixed on the ground. At
length her thoughts found vent, and she exclaimed bit-
terly :

" To think that he should be so base ! I always knew he
was fiery, passionate, and cruel, as his injustice to poor Wal-
ter can testify ; but I never, never thought he could stoop to
drag a defenseless girl from her home, lest she should stand
in the way of his ambition. His motive for this is very evi-
dent ; he wishes to get Alice out of the way for a while,
thinking he can prevail upon Harry to marry Lady Mary
Orancourt. And to think that this man should be ray uncle !"
and Kate drew herself up haughtily, "but he will find that
woman's wit is a 2iatch for man's cunning I To-morrow
Alico will be free 1"

186

THE SECRET SORROW.

r if.

'HI

iiii

£1,

How little did Kate Sidney know what that eventful mor-
row Tvould bring forth !

Upon reaching Dirritole, Kate's firat inqniry was for the
earl. Miss Diclvctt herself answered her summons, and
entered the room in a towering state of indignation.

"Well, Miss Dit'lvett, what new piece of iniquity has come
to light now?" inquired Kate. "Has Master Charley done
any new crime, this morning?"

Miss Dickctt, overcome with indignation and haste, could
not answer immediately, but stood panting for breath in the
middle of the floor, with botli hands pressed to lier sides.

"Yes, hit's all wery fine — so it is!" exclaimed the ancient
virgin, at length finding breath. " I never sees such a place
as Dirritole's getting to be, of late. Hever since those new-
comers come, there ain't one mite of peace or comfoit in the
'ouse. A nasty hold nigger-wench, down hin the kitchen,
which his has black has the hace of spades. Hup stairs,
there's that wild little himp. Miss Maggie, allers a makin' of
mischief ; she's fifty thousand times worse than Master
Charles — so she is. Hand then to 'avo hold witches, which
is enough to make a body's blood run cold, a coming to
parties, hand a stayin' jest as long has they likes, his habso-
lutely hundurable, so hit his. Hand then to 'ave my lady up
in 'er room sick, and a fallin' inter fits in the 'all, and Miss
Marie off inter hister-icks in t'other, is jnor'n I'm goin' to bear ;
hand I just means for to resign my situation— so I does 1"

" Very good ; you must speak to the earl about that.
Where is he now?" said Kate, with quiet dignity.

, '.

^,M.Mir(iiiiii(ttiAiniBiiiw

Bmsjr— rT55S5«l

THE SECRET SORROW.

137

liat eventful mor>

uiry was for the
I' aummous, and
iguation.

iniquity has come
ter Charley done

and haste, could
: for breath in the
[1 to her sides,
aimed tlie ancient
• sees such a place
r since these new-
! or comfoit in the
I hiu the kitchen,
dcs. Hup stairs,

allers a makin' of
orse than Master
old witches, which
cold, a coming to
ly likes, his habso-
to 'ave my lady up

the 'all, and Miss
a. I'm goin' to bear ;
on — so I does 1"
i carl about that,
dignity.

4 '.

"He's hup in 'is study, a writin of somcthin'," replied the
outraged housekeeper.

" Well, will you oblige rac by telling him I wish to see him
for a moment?" said Kate, rising.

With a muttered " hit's all wery fine, so it is," Miss Dick-
ctt made her visit, and presently reappoivod, to announce
that " the hearl would be very 'appy t( .liss Kate."

Miss Sidney ran up-stairs, and tapped at the study-door,
which was opened by the earl himself. lie looked pale and
anxious, but Kate was at no loss for what to ascribe it to
now, nor did she set it down as anxiety on Lady Danemore's
account. '

" Well, Miss Sidney, to what am I indebted for the honor
of this visit? " said the earl, motioning her with his hand to
a seat.
Kate noticed his courtesy by a slight bow, but remained

standing.

" I have come here to tell you I am about to leave Dirr\-
tole for a short time," said Kate, quietly.

" All, indeed ! " said the earl, surprised and uneasy.

*' Yes," said Kate, in the same indifferent tone. " I re-
ceived a note to-day, stating that my friend was sick, and
wished to see me very much. I caynot refuse her request,
but I considered it necessary to teU you before I went. That

is all.

Kate stood with her head proudly erect, waiting his an-

Bwer.
" Miss Sidney is her own mistress," said the earl, with a

12*

188

THE SECr.ET SORROW.

slight bow, •' and of course can go where she pleases ; but 1
think, with two patients now in the Iioimc "

" Mrs. Nclat)n 1ms her danghtcr and black servant to at-
tend her," said Kate, with an impatient wave of her hand ;
"and as to Lady Danemcre, she will be delighted to ex-
change my sen' ices for those of Bess L'Olise. Therefore
my presence is more necessary elsewhere than here. Have I
your permission to go, my lord?"

AVhcn asking permission of any one, Kate always spoke
haughtily. Now she stood drawn up to her full height, proud-
ly awaiting his reply.

"Oh, certainly ; the trouble of coming to tell me was quite
unnecessary. Go, by all means."

The earl rose as he spoke, to signify that their interview
was over. Kate passed him with a slight bow. and a cold
" thank you, my lord," ran down stairs, and a few moments
later was in the saddle and off.

Kate's determination was to pass the day at the house of a
friend, and as soon as it grew dark to set off. Accordingly,
with the first shades of evening, she started, and took the
road toward the old Moor Manor.

The journey was a desolate and lonely one, even in broad
daylight ; but now, only lighted by the watery, fitful light of
the moon, it was still worse. But Kate had never felt fear
In her life, and now her only thought was of her friend — of
poor Alice Desmond. Every moment seemed an age until
she reached her, and with a feeling of unspeakable joy she at
length beheld the gloomy front of the old Manor, rising like

10 pleases ; but I

k servant to at-
c of bcr hand ;
lelightcd to cx-
•lisc. Thorcforo
m here. Have I

te always spoke
ill height, proud-

tell me was quite

their interview
bow. and a cold
. a few moments

at the house of a
f. Accordingly,
d, and took the

I, even in broad
ry, fitful light of
I never felt fear
f her friend — of
ed an age until
ikable joy she at
anor, rising like

THE SECRET SORROW.

189

a dark, evil ihing in the midst of the gloomy moor. Not a
glimpse of light came from if, all was dark, and still, and

noiseless as the grave.

" Can it be deserted? " thought Kate, as she sprang from
the saddle, ond wrapped loudly with the end of her whip on

*be heavy oaken door.

^ dull, rumbling echo, like distant thunder, echoed through

the old building, making even Kate start. In a moment,
however, she was reassured by hearing the voice of John caU,
in trembling tones :

"Who is there?"

.' It is I, Miss Sidney," said Kate, impatiently, " open the

door, quick!" ^ , . *

•' Miss Sidney, thank Heaven !" exclaimed John, fervent-
ly, as ho drew back the bolts.

Kate sprang over the threshold, saying, as she did so:
♦'Sec to my horse." Then turning, she entered the great
empty room, where Alice and Janie was. The sound of the
loved voice of her friend seemed to inspire Alice with new
life. She half arose, held out her arms toward Kate,
.and in another moment lay weak and powerless on her

bosom. „

«' Oh 1 dear, dear Kate, I knew you would come to me,

said Alice, faintly, raising her head for a moment."

" Oh, Alice ! Oh, poor Alice !" said Kate, her tears falhng

fast on the pale, thin face of her friend.

-And my father, Kate-ho« is he?" said Alice after a

long pause.

I h ■

^^\

v/i'

140

THE SECRET SORROW.

Kate hcnitatcd a moment ; she could not speak falsely, and
eho shrank from adding to poor Alice's grief.

" He grieves for your loss, as you doubtless expect, Alice,"
■aid Kulo, gently.

"And Hurry — Lord Arndalc?" said Alice, feebly.

" Poor Hurry, ho is half crazy, ho is somcwhcro in Loudon,
but I will "

Before Kato could flnish the sentence, John rushed in,
white with apprehension.

" Oh, ]\Iis3 Kate, for Heaven's sake get out of sight. Tho
eorl is coming — he will bo here in a lew moments !"

A stifled shriek burst from Jauie's lips, while Alice grew
deodly pale.

"Let him come, then," said Kate, drawing herself up proud-
ly, " I do not fear him. I will confront him with his victims."

"Oh, Miss Kate, for the love of Heaven, do not ruin us
forever. The earl will murder us if he sees you. Oh, Miss
Kate, fly! fly!"

" Fly, Kate, fly ! for my sake, go !" exclaimed Alice, wild
with fear.

Unable to understand their entreaties, Kate sprang to her
feet, and turning to John, demanded :

"Where shall I go?"

"Hero, here!" exclaimed John, turning to a door that
seemed to lead to tho interior of tho building, and pulling
with the energy of despair, it gave way, and Kato sprang
through. The heavy door dosed with a loud bang, and she
tvas left alone in pitchy darkness.

■^

, *'*v.t».niifc.*»""» j-irafe"*

THE SECRET flORIlOW.

141

•peak falsely, and

8 expect, Alice,"

s, feebly.

nhcro in Loudon,

John rushed in,

ut of sight. The

nonts!"

ivhilo Alice grew

herself up proud-
vith his victims."
, do not ruin us
I you. Oh, Mias

limed Alice, wild

,te sprang to her

How little did she dream of the lou« montlm that must pa«.
ere she should look ou tho fa., of lur f.U>udu,uin; of ho
.ouderful cents that would con. to light ere she should
step out a free woman onco moiO.

to a door that
ing, and pulling
lud Kate sprang
d bang, and she

Mm-mmmtfi

m»

142

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER Xn.

THE ROVER CHIEF.

•' When a woman will she will,
You may depend on't,
And when she won't she won't;
And there's an end on't." — Anon.

For a few moments profound stillness roigned throughout
the old Moor Manor. Kate stood in the deep darkness,
lidteniug attentively, but no sound broke the profound still-
ness. Suddenly the tramp of a heavy footstep broke upon
her ear, and a moment after, she heard the voice of the earl
as he addressed Alice :

" Good evening, Miss Desmond. I trust T see you better
this evening,"

" I thank you, mj lord, I feel very weak ; but otherwise
well," answered Alici, faint with apprehension.

" Have you had nuy intruders since?" he demanded, fixing
his eyes sharply on .he face of Alice.

Miss Desmond he Stated ; but Janie took upon herself to
answer.

*' No, we have had no intruders (that's true, anyway,"
thought Janie,) " everybody thinks the old place is deserted,
when they see no light.'

" I did not ask you — please hold your tongue until you are

<>«

iMM

iia B M tt iaM

II,

n't;
—Anon.

roigned throughout
le deep darkuess,
the profound still-
otstep broke upon
e voice of the earl

3t I see you better

ak ; but otherwise

isioQ.

i demanded, fixing

>k upon herself to

's true, anyway,"
[ place is deserted,

ugue until you are

. .

THE SECRET SOBROW.

148

ST^oken to," Baid the earl harshly ; then turning to Alice, he
added! in a softer tone : " I trust I shaU be able to take you
tZ his dreary place very soon ; in the .eant^me I ..11 do
eveTylinglcJn to make you comfortable. Put m more
wood, John, I intend to stay aU night.

%^J AS 1 have nottog else to do, I wU. go on au ex-

plortog expedition, and see.'' descended

\a we have before remaiked, Kate Money »,.
trTSrL oi warriors; and the heroic Wood of her fore-
rers had deoeended to her nnadnltcrated. Fear was a
n on she never felt ; and so she hesitated not a mon,en.
ZZl that might „^e «n, who pass for hravc shnnk^
"orTt requires eonsiderahle moral, as weil as phys.cal eour^
toe.plol a deserted old honse alone, after n,gh^ne, too,
L; g so terrible a reputation as did the old Moor Mano.
L turned for the purpose of putUng her resolnfon .^o
prLlee, and endeavored to peer through the th.ek darkness^
G^Iu, her eye, grew more acensto«d to '^ g'oo". -^
1 saw Lt she was in a sort of a long haU, that seemed to

Ipad to the interior. '

Feeling her way with her hands along the wall, she ap-
preached a door at the end of the haU, which she .trove to
Te" This, with some difflcUty, she sneceeded m do.ug;
.L entering, she found her«,lt in a high, lottj room, exaeUy
riaiilar to the one which she had left.

"'innniiffir '■■'■'■■'

THE SECRET SORROW.

Proceedingly cautiously, step by step— for all was still
profoundly dark — Kate discovered, to her surprise, a stair-
case at the fartheV end, that seemed to lead down to rooms
below. Here, for the first time, she hesitated a moment ;
but curiosity overpowering every other feeling, she slowly
and carefully began to descend.

The stairs seemed to her interminable ; and at length, with
a feeling of thanksgiving, she found herself at the bottom,
and in another long, gloomy hall.

Again she hesitated, and was half inclined to turn back ;
but ashamed to yield to the strange feeling of dread that was
creeping over her, she essayed to recover her be' f- possession,
and exclaimed, half aloud :

" What nonsense it is to be afraid ! I have gone so far
without danger, and now I will not turn back until I find out
all about this queer old place. Perhaps I shall never have
the chance again — so I will see where this hall leads to !"

Suiting the action to the word, Kate started forward, when
a sudden noise behind her made her start, and turn round in
alarm. Nothing was to be seen, however ; and quieting her
fears with the thougbt that *' 'twas only the wind," she cau-
tiously advanced.

Again she heard the noise behind her ; this time she could
not be mistaken ; it sounded like a footstep. Wild with ter-
ror, and scarcely knowing what she did, Kate fled like light-
ning down the long hall, when her foot caught in a large
ring, fastened in the floor, and with a piercing shriek, sha
fell headlong to the ground.

■^tem

THE SECRET SORROW.

145

-for all was still
r surprise, a stair-
!ad clown to rooms
itated a moment;
Peeling, she slowly

md at length, with
elf at the bottom,

aed to turn back ;
r of dread that was
ter Bel.f ■ possession,

have gone so far
ack until I find out
[ shall never have
hall leads to!"
ted forward, when

and turn round in
; and quieting her
le wind," she cau-

this time she conld
p. Wild with ter-
[ate fled like light-
caught in a large
iercing shriek, she

Before she could rise, two hands, icy-cold, were placed
over her mouth ; while a long, shrill, peculiar whistle sounded
behind her, waking a thousand dismal echoes through the

dreary rooms.

Stupefied with horror, Kate was unable to cither move, or
utter the least sound ; while, as the echoes died away, all
became again profoundly still, the two icy-cold hands still

holding her fast.

Gradually part of the floor beside her seemed moving away,
and Kate soon saw that «hc had tripped over the ring of a
trap-door. The door was raised from below ; and still im-
movable with terror, she beheld a man standing on the steps,
holding a lantern in his hand, which he raised aloft to pene-
trate the darkness.

Kate thought she had never beheld so brutal a looking face
—half buried in huge, black, bushy whiskers ; and a deadly
feeling of sickness came over her as she thought into what
hands she miglit fall. She lifted her head and gazed at her
captor, who was younger and not so ferocious looking as the
other ; but there was an evil light in his eyes, and a fierce,
sinister expression in his countenance, that made her shrink
from him with a shudder of loathing.

Her presentiment of danger was 'fulfilled. The old Moor
Manor was then inhabited-into whose hands had she faUen I
—did her uncle know these fierce-looking men were here?

With lightning-like rapidity these thoughts flashed through
Kate's mind, and with these came back the lofty fortitude
that for a moment had deserted her. Now she was certain

146 THE SECRET SORROW.

she had fallen into the hands of villains, her fearless nature
was again calm. She would have risen, but her captor held
her fast.

" Hello, Simon ! who's this?" said ti.o man on the stairs,
fixing his evil eyes on Kate.

•'A prisoner I've captured. Come, get out o' that, and
let us down. Here, my pretty wench, will you walk, or shall
we carry you down stairs ?" said the gruff voice of her captor.

•' I will walk !" said Kate, shrinking from his outstretched
hand with a shudder of disgust.

*' All right; that'll save trouble. I like to see a woman
have spunk. Down with you!" said the man, with an in-
Bolent leer, that made Kate's eye flash fiercely, though she
did not reply.

Knowing that resistence would be madness, and that it
was in vain to call for help, Kate compressed her lips firmly,
and turned to descend the stairs. Her captor followed her,
drawing the trap-door after him, while the other still pre-
ceded them with the light. They then passed through several
gloomy, vaulted rooms, from the heavy, earthy smell of
which Kate concluded she was underground. The wet, slimy,
green walls were dripping with moisture — while horrible
vermin, with which old houses are infested, went crawling
over the floor in all directions, scared a»ray by the light.

Kate shuddered with horror, as she gazed around ; and
shrieked aloud, as a bat — that evil bix-d of night — flew by,
flapping its wings in her face.

" Curse the bats ! " said the man, called Simon, in a tone

(

THE SECRET SORROW.

147

' fearless nature
i her captor held

lan on the stairs,

out o' that, and
ou walk, or shall
ice of her captor.

his outstretched

to see a woman
nan, with an in-
'cely, though she

less, and that it
1 her lips firmly,
)r followed her,

other still pre-
l through several
earthy smell of

The wet, slimy,
— while horrible
I, went crawling
)y the light,
ed around ; and

night — flew by,

Bimon, in a tone

\*,

80 fierce that Kate trembled and hurried on faster after her
guide.

At length the vaulted passages were left behind, they again
passed down a few steps, and entered what might once have
been a dungeon, when the noise and uproar of a carousal
fell upon the ears of the terrified Kate. The guide advanced,
and opening a door at the farther end, a blaze of light for a
moment nearly blinded her — being so long accustomed to
darkness — while the sounds of jingling glasses, oaths, songs,
and bursts of hoarse laughter, mingled together in wild up-
roar.

Kate drew back sick with horror, as she beheld the fearful
den she had entered ; but the man Simon gave her little time
to hesitate. Seizing her roughly by the arm, he forced her
forward until she entered the room where the carousal was at
its height. As the eyes of the men fell on her, every voice
was hushed in surprise ; and all turned to Simon, as if seek-
ing an explanation.

Kate raised her head, and ventured to glance around. The
room was like all the others in the old manor — high and lofty
— with stone walls, floor, and ceiling. A huge fire glowed
and roared in an enormous fire-place, 'and rendered every-
thing around as clear as at noonday. Rough slab benches
were ranged around the walls, and formed its only article of
furniture. A long table, extending from one end of the room
tb the other, stood in the middle of the floor, covered with
bottles, glasses, jars, and steaming pitchers of hot water.
Around this was seated nearly thirty men — a fierce, dark.

^^^ ^jHaSjpj ., "TF".

«(!'■

'.•i

!fv

148

THE SECRET SORROW.

blood-thirsty-looking crew — from whoso nautical air Kate at
once knew tlicm to.be sailors. All were armed with pistols
and daggers stuck in their belts ; and oh ! the feeling of sick-
ening terror that made Kate stagger against the wall as the
dreadful conviction that she had fallen into a den of pirates
or smugglers forced itself ou her mind. At the head of the
board stood an elevated seat, empty now, but which seemed
evidently designed for some one of higher rank than the
others. The man Simon cast his eyes towards this, then
turning to the others, demanded :

" Where's the captain ?"

*' Syra came for him a few moments ago," answered a
young man, somewhat less savage-looking than his compan-
ions. " Shall I go after hiri?"

" No, you needn't mind ; hand me the jar — I'm dying o'
thirst. Here's to your good health, ray dear," said the man,
with another insolent leer towards his prisoner.

Kate's cheek crimsoned, and her eyes flashed fieicely as she
drew herself up and stood looking with lofty scorn on the
savage-looking revellers.

" By George, she's a rum 'un !" remarked one of the men,
with a coarse laugh. " Say, my dear, won't you taste this !"
and he held out toward her a brimming goblet of brandy.

" Where did you get her, Simon?" inquired half a dozen
voices at once.

" Here, Bill, the jug's empty — fill it again !" said Simon,
without paying any attention to his interrogators, and hand*
ing the empty jug across the table. " Go on with yom' sing-

.utical air Kate at
rraed with pistols
he feeling of sick-
st the wall as the
> a deu of pirates
it the head of the
but which seemed
er rank than the
rO wards this, then

ago/' answered a
than his compan-

jar — I'm dying o'
ir," said the man,
ner.

ihedfieicely as she
of ty scorn on the

id one of the men,
't you taste this!"
Diet of brandy,
ired half a dozen

lin !" said Simon,
gators, and hand*
on with youi' sing-

THE SECRET SORROW.

14^

'»

mm^

ing, Jack," ho added, turning to another ; " I'll tell you al-
about it when the captain comes."

" !Sing us our own song, Jack !" called half a dozen voices
together. " Hurrah for the pirate's soiig !"

The man addressed as Jack, a fierce, powerful-looking brig-
and, drained a glass of brandy ; then throwing himself back
in his chair, he sang, in a powerful voice :

THE PIRATE'S SONG.

" To the mast nail our flag— it is dark as the grave,

Or tlie death which it bears while it sweeps o'er the wave—

Let our deck ulcar for action — our guns be prepared ;

Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the cimeter bared;

Set the canisters ready ; and then bring to me,

For the last of my duties, the powder-room key.

It shall never he lowered— tlie black flag we bear;

If the sea be denied us, we sweep through the air.

'* Unshared we have left our last victory's prey —
It is mine to divide it, and yours to obey.
Here are shawls that might suit a sultana's white neck,
And pearls that are fair as the arms they will deck ;
There are flasks which — unseal them the air will disclose
Diametta's fair summers — the home of the rose.
I claim not a portion ; I ask but as mine —
'Tis to drink, to our victory, one cup rff red wine.

" Some flght — 'tis for riches : some fight — 'tis for fame ;
The first I despise, and the last is a name.
I fight — 'tis for vengeance 1 I love to see flow.
At the stroke of my saber, the life of my foe,
I strike for the memory of long vanished years —
I only shed blood where another sheds tears.
I come as the lightning comes red from above,
O'er the race that I loathe, to the battle I love."

13*

■I

liSO

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Hurrah I hjrrah for the pirate's song! Hurrah for the
battle we love !" shouted every one present, as wild with ex-
citement and brandy, they arose to their feet and waved their
glasses above their heads.

"What now, my men? You seem more than usually
boisterous this evening," called a dear, commanding voice
at this moment, as a young man suddenly made his appear-
ance among them, and took the vacant seat at the head of
the table.

"Hurrah for Captain Raymond! Long live our rover
chief!" shouted the men, as with one voice, maddened by
excitement.

"Thank you, my lads, 'Free as air!' shall ever be our
motto— the broad ocean our home— our good swoida our law ;
with no master but strong wine, and no mistress but our gal-
lant bark !" answered the young rover chief, with a kindling
eye.

Ihere was something in his tone that bespoke him different
from the rest— a cer+ain air of refinement and cultivation,
mingled with a lof^y consciousness of command and superior-
ity. Kate, whom the pirates seemed to have almost for-
gotten, lifted iier head and surveyed him earnestly.

In persoa, he was tall, slight, and perfectly symmetrical—
with au air of easy grace and dignity that stamped him far
above his calling. His countenance, bronzed slightly by ex-
posure to wind and sun, was strikingly handsome ; and when
he smile.., there was a winning sweetness in his look that
impressed Kate deeply. His forehead— high, broad, and

]

"T-

THE SECRET SORROW.

Iftl

! Hurrah for the
it, as wild with ex-
Dct and waved their

more than usually
commanding voice
1 made his appcar-
eat at the head of

ng live our rover
5ice, maddened by

shall ever be our
od swoids our law ;
istress but our gal-
ef , with a kindling

;poke him different
t and cultivation,
nand and superior-
have almost for-
arnestl}'.

3tly symmetrical —
; stamped him far
zed slightly by ex-
idsome ; and when
in his look that
■high, broad, and

very white — showed how fair his natural complexion was ;
while his fair hair clustered in short, crisp curls around it.
But to Kate, the chief attraction was his eyes — largo and
" darkly, beautifully blue " — that ever wandered around with
a keen, quick, restless glance. His air of quiet superiority
showed how perfect his command over his men was, together
with the innate consciousness of being their superior. Kate
did not wonder how he — the youngest, apparently, of that
band— could have become its commander ; it was merely the
triumph of mind over matter — the triumph of education and
refinement over their animal natures.

Kate thought, as she gazed, she had never beheld a more
perfect specimen of manly beauty. Handsome, indeed, he
was, with " roan's best beauty ;" but could one who looked
to be so perfect a gentleman — one of Nature's own princes
— be the dreadful pirate-chieftain of whom she had heard
such fearful stories ? — whom she had heard represented as a
demon in human form ? Could this be the daring, fearless
rover-chief. Captain Raymond?

Suddenly his eye fell upon Kate who setmed in a fair way
of being forgotten by the whole party, and he arose to his
feet, with a look of utter amazement. 'His men followed the
direction of his eye, and unanimously t ^claimed :

" Come, Simon, you've to tell us yet how you got the girl.
Quick— out with it, man !"

" How came this woman here?" demanded the young cap-
tain, turning his eyes from one to the other, io com])lete
astoulslmi at.

*:.

162

THE 8FXRET SORROW.

'^i''

I: ; .

•« Simon Crow brought licr here. Toll us 1 ow you got her,
Simon !" chorused 8e\eral of the party.

Captain Raymond turned hi.'i eyes iuquiringly on Simon.

"Well, you see, captain," began the man. "I was, as
usual {foing lound up aloft, watching our new lodgers, you
know, when T hears, all of a sudden, a great buzz ; and a
minute after, the door was hauled open, aud this wench hero
was launched clean into the room where I was. I kept dark,
thinking she'd stay quietly where she was ; but, instead of
that, she starts on a voyage — to sec where she'd come out, I
suppose. I followed her as softly as possible ; but at last she
heard me, and hoisting all sail, she scud before tlio wind ; but
her foot caught on the trap-door, and she came down on her
beam-ends. I tackled on to her, and whistled for Jack, and
we brought her here ; so that's all about it." "

During Simon's oxplauation, the pirate chief had kept his
eyes fixed on Kate. Then he advanced toward her, and said,
ill the courteous tone of a gcatlcman :

" I sincerely regret this unlucky adventure, madam, as
you have probably been greatly alarmed. I must apologi^.9
for any rudeness that :nay have been offered to you by any
of my men. They are little used to the society of ladies."

'•'So I perceive," said Kate, scornfully ; "and the best
way for you to atone for their insolence is, to give me my
liberty immediately. ' '

" Don't captain ! She will turn informer !" shouted every
one present, siuuiltaneously.

" Silence !" said the piiate captain, with a sudden flash of

■MM

mfr-

IS 1 ow you got her,

lingly on Simon,
man. "I was, as
• new lodgers, you
?rcjit buzz ; and a
ud this i^cnch here
was. I kept dark,
as ; but, instead of
I she'd conic out, I
blc ; but at last she
iforo the wind ; but
came down on her
itled for Jack, and

chief had kept his
ivard her, and said,

;nture, madam, as
I must apologise
red to you by any
cicty of ladies."
y i "and the best
is, to give me my

!r !" shouted every

li a sudden flash of

THE SECKET SORROW.

168

bis blue eye, and in p. tone that made the boldest quail.
Every voice was instantaneously hushed ; and, as if satisflod
nt tills proof of his iiower, ho turned once more to Kate, and
said, with grave courtesy :

«• I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your re-
quest. Neither I nor my men would feel safe in this our re-
treat, afterward. In short, madam, it is my painful duty to
anuounce to you that you must remain with us— at least untU
such time as tliis place will be .lescrted by us."

" You have no right to make ine your prisoner," said Kate,
Indignantly, " and I demand my freedom. A brave set of
men you must be, to lay in wait to entrap defenseless women.
It is au action worthy a band of outlaws."

A subdued but llercc murmur ran round the circle at
Kate's daring words, but no one dared express their anger

aloud.

There was a sudden gleam in the young captain's eyes, but
he repressed ^dl signs of anger, and said, quietly :

" Allow me to set you right, madam. We did not entrap
you ; you threw yourself in our power. And," (here he low-
ered his voice), " let me beg you to use more respectful lan-
guage when speaking of us. There is a spirit in my men that
your words will be apt to arouse, and which I may find it
difficult to subdue."

Kate felt she had been imprudent ; but she deigned him no
reply, and stood as haughtily erect before them as though
she had been their queen.

" Every comfort in our power will be yours while you are

4:^-:_li

154

THE sErnr.T Ronnow.

with lift," oontinnod the young onptjiin ; " and now, may I
ask by wlmt nan>c we iiro to luMrcss our fair prisonor?"

•'I nm cnlli'd KaU", Sidney, and I cnnic of a family that
are not to bo in.Hiillid tliiiH, witli iini»iinity. IVrhai) i Ihoy will
one day make yoii repent thi^i I" said Kate, proudly.

Another fierce growl of rage, at this* insult to their chief,
ran around the table. Every oyo was directed toward the
fearless girl, who stood i)roudly erect, looking down haugh.
tily and scornfully on those by whom she was surrounded,
and from lier to the young chief, who li.ad suddenly grown
very pale. This, the only sign of his cmotiou, passed in a
Uiomcnt, and he said, calmly :

" I have heard of Miss Sidney's family, and I am convinced

from what I have heard of herself, that she will not break a

promise, if once given. Promise me, then, never to breathe

a word of what yon Lave heard and seen here to-night, and

you shall the next momcut go forth, free as the winds of

ft
heaven."

A fierce murmcr of disapprobation, louder than before,

came from the pirates, p,t this. Captain Raymond turned

suddenly round, and fixed his eyes upon them, with a look

which, in spite of themselves, compelled obedience ; and they

sulkily relapsed into silence. A slight smile, at this evidence

of his powc ', flitted for a moment across his handsome face,

and turning to Kate, he said, with calm courtesy :

" I await your answer, Miss Sidney. "Will you promise?"

" AIj/" said Kate, scornfully ; "not to save myself from

death — much less imprisonment — would I league myself with

" and now, mny I

fail" i>iison(>r?"
mio of II fiiniily tUiU
, lVrlun)M thoy will
p, prondly.
insult to their chief,
tliiocteil toward the
oking down liaugh*
ho waa siuroiuulcd,
had suddenly grown
niotiou, passed in a

, nnd I am convinced
3hc will not break a
jn, never to breathe
sn here to-night, and
free as the winds of

louder than before,
un Raymond turned
3n them, with a look
obedience ; and they
mile, at this evidence
) his handsome face,
courtesy :

"Will you promise?"
to save myself from
I league myself with

THE SKCRET BORROW

ft band of outlawed rovois. The very moment I am free,
that same moment will I give information of your liiding-
plaec. that you may bo dealt with as you deserve by the laws
you have so long violated. I will consider myself doing au
act of Justice to the world, to rid it of a band of robbers and
murderers I"

" Death to the Jezebel !" shouted the pirates, rising to their
feet fiercely, and seizing their swords.

•' Silence I" commanded the rover chief, sternly, drawing a
pistol from his belt; " the llrst man who again presumes to
speak, I will shoot down like a dog I"

There was a look of fierce resoluti(jn on his face that again
made them quail— perhaps they had seen the threat kept
before. All slunk silently back to their scats, like whipped

curs.

" Girl !" he said, turning sternly to Kate, " you seem de-
termined to provoke your death. Once more I ask you, will
you promise what I desire, and go forth free?"

" Once again." replied Kate, with grim resolution, " I an-
swer you — no.'"

" Can nothing induce you to consent? Remember, you
may be obliged to stay with us for years," said Captain
Raymond.

Kate thought of Alice, and turned pale ; but a resolution
once taken by her no power on earth could alter. She there-
fore looked up steadily in his handsome face, and answered

firmly :

«» It is all useless, sir — I will never consent ; and so soon

~ ■ ;'.si«9WMW».

T^^*"

j im i itw'm^ ^ -* :' * ■^ f ff- r

f+l»i-:-r'-'

mm*'

156

THE SECRET SORROW.

•if -
if ; .

as I am free, just so soon will I give infortnation against
you. I can promise nothing to such as you !"

She glanced scornfully around on the long array of dark
scowling faces, that looked the rage they dare not speak.

" Then you must stay with us," said the captain, slowly —
almost sorrowfully. " I am sorry to be obliged to retain you
a prisoner ; but you compe' me to do so. For the last time,
I ask you again, will you nov change your mind?"

An angry flash of her eye, and an impatient wave of her
hand, was Kate's sole answer.

«' Be it so. then," lie said, calmly, " follow me."

Kate moved after him to the farther end of the apartment.
Here he touched a spring, and a conceiled door flew open.
He passed through. Kate followed, and the door closed noise-
lessly between them and the pirate crsw.

(7.

THE SECRET SORROW.

167

information against
,-ou !"

3 long array of dark^
f dare not speak,
he captain, slowly —

obliged to retain you
. For tlie last time,
ir mind?"
patient wave of her

ollow me."
nd of the apartment,
lied door flew open.
;he door closed no:se-

CHAPTER Xm.

STBA.

" A maid whom there are none to praise.
And very few to loTe."

Hi If • * *

" A violet by a mossy stone,

Half hidden from the eye,
Fair as a star when only ono

Is shining in the sky." — WordswortW.

Fob a few moments Kate stood gazing around her, scarce-
ly able to credit her senses. The scene that here met her
eye was i-o completely different from that she had just left,
that it was no wonder she was completely bewildered. In-
stead of the rough stone floor she had left, she now stood on
a rich Turkey carpet ; instead of the rude benches she beheld
luxurious sofas and ottomans ; instead of the damp, bare
walls, this room was hung with elegant pictures, while ex-
quisitely beautiful statutes were grouped around in every di-
rection. A large and handsome lamp, suspended from the
ceiling, lighted up this elegant apartment. A marble-topped
center-table stood in the middle of the floor, covered with
books, and a mimic fountain of perfumed water stood in an-
other corner, filling the room with fragrance. Cages filled
with bright, foreign birds, whose gorgeous plumage flashed in

(

158

THE SECRET SORROW.

the light, hung around in various directions. A little stair-
case of four or five steps was at the end of the apartment,
evidently leading to another room, whicli was concealed from
view by two heavy curtains of green velvet. Full-length mir-
rors were ranged all around, reflecting the room and its in-
mates in every direction, and bewildering any one, on sud-
denly entering, by seeing the countless apartments by which
they were surrounded.

Kate was absolutely overwhelmed with surprise, and stood
gazing, first around her, and then turning to the young cap-
tain, half in doubt whether he were not an enchanter, who
had suddenly decorated the apartment by his magic skill. He
noticed her bdV^ildered look, and a half-smile broke over his
handsome face, as he rang a musical little silver bell that stood
on the table.

The summons was answered by a young girl so beautiful,
that Kate stood gazing upon her as one might look on some
radiant vision from another world. And yet her beauty was
not spiritual, not such as we conceive angels to be. It was a
beauty wholly and entirely of this world — of middle height,
with an exquisitely proportioned figure, dark, oval face, large,
melting, languishing, liquid, jet-black eyes ; hair of that rare
glossy black so seldom seen, but so very beautiful, hung in
soft, wavy tresses, like raveled silk, around her low, polished
forehead. The rich flush that gives so much beauty to the
brunette glowed on cheek and lip, and every movement was
instinct with grace. And yet the large, dark, oriental eyes
bad in them a look of sleepy wickedness that made Kate draw

THE SECRET SORROW.

159

ons. A little stair-
1 of the apartment,
was oonccalcd from
t. Full-length mir-
lie rooru and its iu-
5 any one, on sud-
partments by which

surprise, and stood

g to the young cap-

an enchanter, who

his magic skill. He

mile broke over his

silver bell that stood

ng girl so beautiful,
night look on some
I yet her beauty was
jcls to be. It was a
1 — of middle height,
ark, oval face, large,
es ; hair of that rare
y beautiful, hung in
md her low, polished
much beauty to the
very movement was
, dark, oriental eyes
that made Kate draw

back ; it was as if gazing on a beautiful serpent — she had for-
gotten it could sting. The hot blood of the fircy South ran
in those veins, it was easy to see.

The young girl came gliding forward, bowed low, then
crossing her arms on her bosom, stood with her eyes fixed on
the floor, the long, silken, black lashes resting on her
crimson cheeks like dark fringe, waiting until he should
speak.

" Syra," said the young captain, "you will consider this
young lady your mistress while she remains here. Let her
want for nothing, and remember to treat her with the utmost
respect. I will surrender my apartment to her while she re-
mains."

«' Captain Raymond shall be obeyed," answered the young
girl, quietly, without looking up.

"Very good. Adieu for the present, Miss Sidney."

He bowed, and turned away. Syra lifted her dark eyes,
and stood watching him until he vanished through the secret
door. Then, turning to Kate, she said, in the low, musical
voice in which she spoke :

" Perhaps you would like to retire, my mistress. If so, I
will show you to your room."

" If you please," said Kate, rising to follow her, and won-
dering at the little surprise she manifested at her sudden ap-
pearance.

Syra led the way toward the short stair-case, drew aside
one of the rich curtains, saying, as she did so :

" This was Captain Raymond's chamber ; but he has re-

I-

l'[

160

THE SECRET SORROW.

signed it to you. If you wish for anything during the night,
please to ring.

Kate, nodded, and entered the chamber. It was f urnislied al-
most similarly to the one she had left, save that one corner was
occupied by a bed, hung around with heavy, dark curtains.

Kate threw herself on a couch, and, covering her face with
her hands, gave way to the bitter thoughts that came surging
through her mind. Now, for the first time, the full loneli-
ness of her situation broke upon her mind. Away, under-
ground, where she could never possibly be discovered, with-
out the slightest chance of escape, her friends all ignorant of
her fate, in the hands of a band of lawless pirates, poor
Kate's fate seemed dark enough And then Alice — poor, un-
complaining, suffering Alice — she, too, must remain in the
power of the earl, without the chance of being rescued ; for
it was almost certain the earl would hear of her visit, and
then take measures to see that it was not repeated. And so
Alice would be left alone, if the servants were taken from
her, which Kate felt certain would be the case as soon as
what they had done was discovered. Overcome by her own
bitter thoughts, Kate's feelings found vent in a passionate
flood of tears.

Exhausted at length, Kate sat up, and, taking one of the
books from the table, strove to read, in order to divert her
thoughts. It was an old volume of ballads — quaint, but
sweet. As she opened it, her eye fell upon a page marked
in pencil, most probably by the hand of the young captain
himself. Kate read :

.'!

I
Pi

.* ■'«,^'*?1gN'S^SB^^©J5Wfe*'>1

y during the night,

It was furnished al-
that one corner was
y, dark curtains.
5ring her face with
that came surging
me, the full loneli-
id. Away, under-
e discovered, with-
nds all ignorant of
(vless pirates, poor
in Alice — poor, un-
lust remain in the
being rescued ; for
" of her visit, and
repeated. And so
I were taken from
le case as soon as
rcome by her own
it in a passionate

taking one of the
jrder to divert her
Uads — quaint, but
)on a page marked
the young captaia

THt: SECRET SORROW. 161

" Well, well, I say no more,

Let dead care for dead ;
Yet woo is me ! Tlioreforo

I must attempt to load
One other kynde of life

Than liitlierto I Iiave ;
Or else this pain and strife

Will bring me to my grave."

And underneath was written :

" The trees do spring, yet are not seen to growe,
And shadows move, altliough they seem to stay,
In winter's woe is buried summer's bliss,
And love loves most, when love most secret is."

Kate sighed, and, closing the book, leaned her head upon
her hand, and fell to speculating as to what could have re-
duced one so young, so handsome, so evidently accomplished,
to become the leader of a gang of outlaws. That at some
period of his life he had been a gentleman, she fplt certain —
an indescribable something in his air and mannt 'onvinccd
her of it. Something, too, she could not accou-il for, drew
her forcibly to him, a sort of hazy idea that she had seen him
somewhere before, filled her mind — his face seemed familiar
like the faces one sees in dreams ; but. notliing seemed defi-
nite, nothing tangible. And this dark, beautiful girl — who
could she be? his sister perhaps. But a moment's 'bought
convinced her that was simply impossible, besides the dissim-
ilarity of form and feature, his manner of addressing her was
more that of a master addressing a servant, than a brother to
a sister.

amvp^-'

F""* J1JI«U.

163

THE SECRET SORROW.

Tii-ed at lost of spectilating, without being able to come to
any conclusion, Kate threw herself upon the bed, and in a few
moments was buried in profound slumber, from which she
did not wake until late the following morning.

A noise by her bedside awoke her, and springing up, she
beheld an old, jet-black negress, standing beside her, holding
a waiter with coffee and toast. Kate was for a moment
startled by the sight, but a second glance at the old woman's
good-humored ebony countenance reassured her.

"Law, misses! I'se sorry fur ter 'sturb yer, child," said
the old woman, drawing a little table near the bedside, and
placing the waiter on it; " but Marse Cappen, he wouldn't
guv me no peace till I'd fetch yer some brekfas. Eat away
now, honey, you won't git anything to beat dat ar coffee."
" Who are you ;" said Kate, quietly.
" Lor', child, I's only old Aunt Moll— I isn't nobody of
no kinsoquince — 'spect yer tought I was missis here — he, he,
he !" and Aunt Moll indulged in a gleeful chuckle.

" Who is that handsome young girl I saw here last night?
Is she your mistress?" inquired Kate.

" My missis ! she! O Lor' I He, he, he !" and evidently
thinking the question a good joke, Aunt Moll laughed till the
tears ran down her fat, shiny black cheeks. " Why, laws,
misses, dat ar was only Syra, my granddarter, dat's all. She
my misses ! O Lor' ! He, he, he !"

"Your granddaughter !" echoed Kate, in surprise. "Is
she then only a servant?"

" 'Deed she is— dat's all 1 She's powerful handaom' dough,

icing able to come to
the l)cd, iind in a few

ber, from which she

irning.

nd springing up, she

ig beside her, holding
was for a moment

;e at the old woman's

ured her.

turb yer, child," said

lear the bedside, and
Cappen, he wouldn't

s brekfas. Eat away

beat dat ar coffee."

.1 — I isn't nobody of
8 missis here — he, he,
ful chuckle.
[ saw here last night?

!, he!" and evidently
t Moll laughed till the
lieeks. " Why, laws,
[darter, dat's all. She

kte, in surprise. ''Is

erfulhandsom' dough,

THE SECRET SORROW.

168

is Syra. Lor', misses, we's'bin here ebber so long wid young
massa Cappen. 'Deed we is, chile ; powerful lonesura 'tis
heic, 'cept when dem ar rip, stavin, tarrifying, 1 randy-
driukin' sailors is here. I'd jest 'sign my sitivation long
ago, if it wa'n't for young Massa Cappen ; for dem ar
screechin', roarin' set's 'nuff to make any 'spcctable, age-
ble old wooman like I is, go right off and heave demselves
away ; but young Massa Cappen, ho allers says, ' Moll, you
poor ole debbil, ycr know we can't do widout yer,' so I jes'
stays fur to please him : but if dem ar tarrifyin ole high-
binders stays here, I'll jcs' 'sign my sitivation— dar !"

Kate smiled, in spite of herself, at the old woman's quaint
language, which was almost new to her ; and her curiosity
being aroused to learn further, she inquired :

" And may I ask, my good aunty, how yon came here first,

since I suppose you have not been always with the pirates?"

" O Lor' !" said Aunt Moll sitting down, and wiping the

perspiration, off her face ; " we done come from a long piece

away — from Cuba, if you ever he&ra lell of sich a place."

Kate having signified that she possessed that much geo-
graphical knowledge, Aunt Molly continued :

" We b'longed to an ole planter, me and Syra. You see,
misses, Syra's mother was my darter ,-an' she wer' <i mullat-
ter, powerful handsom', too, she war jes' like Syra. Well,
a few years, when Syra was 'bout fourteen, ole massa died,
and his misses, she wanted to sell off all de sarvints, an' de
old place. Well, dey put me an' Syra up at auction with the
rest, an' I hopin' dey'd sell us bof togecKier. But dey didn't.

■ss:««f=«*

1 i^ ^

164

THE SECRET SORROW.

One olo feller got her, an' a sugar planter bought me. Oh,
mi; SC8, I tought I'd die den ; I hadn't nobody in de worl' to
lovi: only Syra, an' when I seed them takin' her off, I jes'
caught hold of her, an' screeched good, I tell yer. Well,
ini"se8, a nice young gcntl'en came up an' axed what was de
mj-u •; an' when dcy tole him, he jes' said he'd pay what-
ever dey liked if dey'd sell us. So dcy did, and young Massa
Cappen, he brought us here, taught Syra how to read, and
we's been here ebber sence.

"And do you not find it very dull here?" said Kate, who
had listened with interest to the old woman's story.

"Lor yes, misses, 'tis rather lonesome," said Aunt Moll,
with her pleasant laugh, " but law sakes we's used to it now
— me and Syra is. I's a goin' now, but of you wants any-
thing, jes ring, and Syra'U come. Marse Cappen tole her to
'tend you."

So saying. Aunt Moll quitted the room, leaving Kate to
finish her breakfast.

Toward noon, as Kate sat on a lounge in the outer apart-
ment, reading a book of old German legends, Syra entered
to perform some domestic duty. Kate glanced at her with
admiration, thinking in her own mind what a pity one so peer-
lessly beautiful should be hidden away from sight in th^
vaulted chambers of the old Moor Manor.

" I wonder if she is really happy here?" thought Kate. "I
will ask her."

And, thereupon turning to Syra, she said :

" Are you in a great hurry, Syra?"

ainaai

ter bought me. Oh,
lobody in de worl' to
takin' her off, I jes'
d, I tell ycr. Well,
m' axed what was de
said he'd pay what-
:lid, and young Massa
rr& how to read, and

ere?" said Kate, who
nan's story,
ne," said Aunt Moll,
3 wc's used to it now
ut of you wants any-
se Cappen tole her to

)oni, leaving Kate to

e in the outer apart-

egends, Syra entered

( glanced at her with

lat a pity one so peer-

ly from sight in th^

jr.

?" thought Kate. "I

said:

THE rechet sorrow.

165

*'No, misses," answered the quadroon, pausing in her
work.

"Then come here — I want to talk to you," said Kate,
pointing to a seat. "Tell rac, Syra, do you like to stay
here?"

"Yes misses," answered the quadroon, quietly.

" And why? Do you not find it very dull?"

" Oh, yes, sometimes, when Captain Kaymond is tm\'.
But then I have all his books, and nothing to do but . ad,
and feed the birds, and think of the beautiful things ' wl''.
bring mo when he comes back ; and when he is here T aix j
happy ! I never feel lonesome then."

" Do you love him so much then?" said Kate, a l . ght
breaking in on her mind.

"Oh, yes!"

The quadroon's dark face flushed, and her large Syrian
eyes kindled with the enthusiasm with which she spoke.

" And why?" said Kate, gently ; " why do you love him so
much.

"I don't know," replied Syra, thoughtfully. "I have
never thought about it. Perhaps I love him because he is so
handsome, and so brave, and so kind.to me. Oh, I do love
him more than I can tell — don't you?"

Kate smiled, and then sighed.

"No, I don't love him, and I think you had better not
either, Syra. Poor child, he doesn't care for you."

" But he will by-and-by. Oh, I know he will — he must I"
exclaimed Syra, vehemently. "I would die for liiml If

tUh'-'t

ihi !

166

THE SECRET SORROW.

my life could save his, I would give it. And I know ho will
love mo yet!"

Before Kate could reply there came a knock at the door.
A sudden flush of joy liglited up Syra's beautiful f .ice as she
sprang forward and opened it, and the young captain entered.

Noticing Syrr< with that peculiar smile that gave such a
look of winning sweetness to his handsome face, he advanced
and saluted Kate with easy grace, and, after making a few
inquiries concerning her health, and how she had rested, ho
said with a smile :

" I am about to relieve you of my presence for a while,
Miss Sidney. Business calls me to Ireland, and during my
absence, my men, with the exception of two or three who
will remain here, will go on another expedition. "NVo will
probably return in a few weeks, but even this short absence
will doubtless afford you pleasure. I stnrt this evening, so I
will have no other opportunity of seeing you, and now must
t)id you farewell. Good-by, Syra. See that Miss Sidney
wants for nothing during my absence."

He was gone before cither could reply, and then Syra,
casting herself on a sofa, buried her face in her hands and
sobbed convulsively.

«' Syra, my dear, what is the matter? — what is it, child?"
said Kate, alarmed.

" Oh, he's gone, he's gone ! Captain Eaymond's gone,"
sobbed Syra.

" "Well, what of that? He will return in a few weeks, he
says," said Kate, sootliingly.

^SP^sSt'

THE SECTIET BORROW

167

And I know ho will

, knock at the door,
beautiful f .icc as she
ung captAiu entered.
Ic that gave such a
le face, he advanced
after making a few
' she had rested, he

resence for a while,
and, and during my
if two or three who
xpedition. "\Vo will
n this short absence
irt this evening, so I
you, and now must
D that Miss Sidney

ply, and then Syra,
:c in her hands and

—what is it, child?"

I Kaymond's gone,"

a in a few weeks, he

•' Oh, yes, I know !" wailed Syra ; " but ho la exposed to
8o many dangers when ho is away. Oii, Miss Sidney, onco
when tlioy brought him here severely wounded, I thought I
shoiild have dii'd, I i\ur8cd him until lie was well again ;
but every time he leaves here he is so thoughtless, hu rushes
into danger. Oh, Miss Sidney, if he dies, 1 shall die, too ;
and if ho is taken, he will be hung."

" And serve him right, too," thought Kate ; but not wish-
ing to add to poor Syra's grief, she endeavored to console
her as w ell as she was able. All her efforts were, however,
vain, and the pale face iind sad eyes of "..e (piadroon, for the
remainder of the day, betokened how deeply she mournea the
abseQce of the youug rover chief.

w,y

mam

168

THE SECRET SORROW.

r ,i'

! -1

l^''

ciiArxER xrv.

CIIAULEY IN DLELIN.

" 'Tli a look of hia cyo,

And a way lii> can hIkIi,
Makei PuiMy ii darlinK wlu'rcver he goes;

With II dupiry brogue,

Yi'M lienr the rogue
Cheat the girls before their nose." — Sonrf

Leavino the old Manor Moor and its prisoners, Dirritole,
and our Enj^lisli friends l)cliind us, witli one bound you and
I, dear reader, are iu Dublin — in the gay metropolis of
Ireland.

In an untidy-looking apartment, littered with newspapers,
books, cigar-stumps, empty bottles, and so on ad infinitum^
and stretched in his usual way — at full length — on a lounge,
lies our old friend Charley Sidney. A cigar is in his mouth,
and he seems deeply absorbed in watching the curling smoke
as it winds upward. lie seems rather paler than upual — a
circumstance which may be accounted for by stating that he
has passed the previous night at a military ball, and having
drank rather too much wine, is to-day troubled with a pretty
severe headache. Somehow of late Charley "s thoughts have
a way of wandering across the channel to a certain bright-
eyed little cousin of his ; and he is thinking now what Mag-

liU^

THE SECRET SORROW.

169

he goes ;

" — Song

i prisoners, Dirritole,
I one bound you and
I gny metropolis of

ed with newspapers,
I BO on ad infinitum,
lengtii — on a lounge,
;ignr is in his mouth,
ng the curling smoke

paler than upual — a
or by stating that he
ary ball, and having
roubled with a pretty
irleys thoughts have

to a certain bright-
king now what Mag-

gie would flay could hIio know how desperately h« bad flirted
all night with a roguish-oyed Irisli heiress.

So absorbed did lie Ijcconie in his reflections, tliathc heard
not the luud knocking that liad been kept up at his door for
some time ; and it was only when tiio applicant for admission,
evidently exasperated by '•" delay, gave a tliuiidering peal
that llucatencd to bring down tlie door, that it awuke him
from iiis reverie.

" C'ojne in !" shouted Charley.

The door opened, and Sir Harry r*'.. Hey, the aid-de-camp,
who had been ordered to Ireland some time previously,
entered.

" Confound you !" was his not over-polite salute on enter-
ing. *' I tliougiit yoii were aslccj), and liere you arc looking
as cool as an ice-cream, after having kept me hammering
away at the door these twenty minutes or so. Couldn't you
let a fellow in?"

I didn't hear you," muttered Charley, apologetically, " sit
down !'' and Mr. Sidney shoved a chair toward him with his
foot.

" How do you feel after last night'o spree?" inquired the
baronet, taking a seat.

" Miserably, thank you ; I've been sewed up here with a
confounded headache ever since !" answered Charley.

' Ah ! my dear fellow, you're new at this sort of business
yet. Wait till our luess have had you in hand for a while,
well aake a capital fellow of you. I say, Charley, it's a
shame to keep such a strapping fellow as you are iu that old

•iii i iMiii i «ii i iiiwiiiiii^iffi*iM^ ^

170

THE SECRET SORROW.

■ !i

bole, Trinity College. Why don't you cut the whole affair,
and become one of us?"

" Can't do it, my dear fellow — haven't the needful !" said
Charle}', with a sigh.

" What a thing it is to want money in this world !" said
Sir Harry, philosophically, " such a fellow as you are now,
would be a trump, if you only had the chink. I'm confound-
edly short myself, and never write to the governor for a sup-
ply without getting a lecture as long as my arm in return.
i wish some heiress would have me, I'd marry her if she were
as ugly as a Hottentot, if she only had the cash."

And the young officer threw himself back in his chair, un-
buttoned his coat, stuck hoVa long legs before the fire, and
sighed profoundly.

Charley felt himself called upon to offer consolation to his
afflicted friend ; but not knowing what to say, remarked, after
a pause :

"I expected Fitzgerald here this morning; it's a wonder
he's not here before now."

" Here he is !" exclaimed Su' Harry, as a loud rap came to
the door.

" That's Maurice's rap ; I'd know it among a thousand !" mut-
tered Charley ; t);en raising his voice, he called : " Come in ! "

"In answer to this summons, a tall, dashing, handsome
fellow, dressed in the uniform of a dragoon entered, and
thi'ew himself into a chair with very little ceremony.

"Well, Fitzgerald, what's the news this morning?" in-
quired Chai'ley.

ut the whole affair,

t the needful !" said

in this world!" said
)w as you are now,
link. I'm confound-
! governor for a sup-
is my arm in return,
uarry her if she were
he cash."

lack in his chair, un-
} before the fire, and

er consolation to his
< say, remarked, after

rning ; it's a wonder

,s a loud rap came to

•ng a thousand !" mut-
called: "Come in!"

, dashing, handsome

ragoon entered, and

e ceremony,
this morning?" in-

THE SECRET SORHOW. 171

" Faith, nothing, except that Mr. Magee's coming up here
after dinner to ask your intentions regarding his niece !" an-
swered the new comer.

" Nonscncc, Maurice."

" No nonsence about it, man. Didn't you dance a jig with
her last night, and ask her if sh<^ liked Englishmen?"

"Well, and what if I did?' said Charley.

"Upon my conscience, it's easy you tAe it," replied the
dragoon. " Maybe when old Magee comes up here, with r.
horsewhip in one hand and a parson in the other, you'll be
asking : ' What then ?' Faith, Id like to see you. "

" Confound your impertinence !" exclaimed Charley.
" What the duse do you mean?"

" Why, simply that you've talked the prettiest girl in Dub-
lin into a most deplorable attachment for you !" said Fitz-
gerald. " Hand me that cigar-case, Charley. Ah ! my boy,
good-looking fellows like you ought to be careful how th3y
flirt with pretty girls. Old Magee 11 raise the mischief if you
don't marry his niece !"

" Let him go to Jericho ! " muttered Charley, indignantly.

"A queer set you Irish are!' remarked Sir Harry
Dudley, " fighting, drinking, and love-raP,kmg, seems to be
your sole occupation. Knock a 'jan down one minate, and
make up friends with him the next in a shebeen, smashing
skulls with a cudgel in a fair lov , and when you see him
again, dancing a jig with some red-haired beauty. The
whole country and its inhabitants are to me a perfect
enigma." ■* ~

•': I

172

THE SECRET SORROW.

"And after all," said Fitzgerald, "there's no other place
in the world like it. I've been freezing in Canada and roast-
ing in India, and I've never met a land I liked so well as
the 'Gem of the Sea.'"

" There is some remarkably fine scenery in Galway !" said
Sir Harry. " I remember being particularly struck with the
romantic beauty of Glendelough."

"Yes," said Fitzsgerald,' " and oxic old ruins are particu-
larly striking — rising in their grim dc^ry, monuments of the
glory of past ages, when Ireland was the island of saints.
There is always a soothing air of repose about them, particu-
larly fascinating after the noise and turmoil of cities ; the
very sun himself seems to kiss them with--"

"What's that you're saying about kissing?" interrupted
Charley, who had paid no attention to the beginning of this
rhapsody.

"Confound you! you've pulled me up short, and I was
actually rising to the sublime!" said Fitzgerald. "Hand
me that bottle, Charley ; what's in it?"

"Capital sherry, my boy!" said Charley, pushing it to-
ward him.

"I'll be hanged if it's not prime!" said the dragoon,
smacking his lips. "Upon my honor, Charley, my boy, I
envy you. Notliing to do but to make love to all Marion
Square, if you like, and no chance of being ordered away on
foreign service when you least expect it."

" Still, a soldier's life is a glorious one!"said Dudley,
*' and the ladies, especially Irish ones — God bless 'em — know

iT"

ire's no other place
1 Canada and roast-
i I liked so well as

y in Galway !" said
arly struck with the

Id ruins are particu-

, monuments of the

e island of saints.

ibout them, particu-

"moil of cities ; the
>i

issing?" interrupted
le beginning of this

ip short, and I was
'itzgerald. " Hand

rley, pushing it to-
said the dragoon,
Charley, my boy, I
love to all Marion
ing ordered away on

one !"said Dudley,
od bless 'em — know

THE SECRET SORROW.

173

the full value of a redcoat. I used to hear our fellows say
Ireland was the soldier's paradise, and I am fully convinced

of it now."

" Faith, I believe you!" said Fitzgerald, with such empha-
sis, that a roar of laughter followed; " did I ever tell you
of a little adventure I had myself once down there in Galway ?"

" No, what was it?" said both. at once.

Fitzgerald drained a glass of wine, and began ;

" It's some three years ago that I belonged to the tenth in-
fantry, bad luck to them. Such a regiment as that I was
never in before— a set of logger-heads that never got further
than their fifth glass without being tipsy, and who'd no more
salute a pretty girl than they'd fight a duel. Heaven knows
what sin I'd committed tliat I was doomed to belong to such
a set ! but anyhow, it was so ordained ; and we were ordered
off to Galway— a perfect paradise of a place for a redcoat.
Every night invitations were given to the other chaps ; but
would y(ni believe it. they'd no more notice us than if we
were a lot of hearse-drivers — and small blame to them for it,
for I'll be hanged if ever I knew such a slow set of block-
heads as the tenth. Not one of the other corps would notice
us either, but would laugh at us whenever they'd meet us in
the street.

" So matters continued for a while, until I was ready to
shoot myself, to be rid of ennui. Nothing used to relieve
my mind but climbing every morning to the top of a neigh-
boring hill, and delivering myself of a wholesale blessing
upon the infernal tenth. I used to feel better after it;

15*

vl:

'i: i

"ii

■'Ii.'

174

THE SECRET SORROW.

but, like all the other consolations of life, it didn't last
long."

Here, overcome by melancholy recollections, Fitzgerald
sighed deeply, and drained another glass of wine. Then,
after a pause, he resumed :

" At last, we heard one day, that a ball was to be given at
the house of one Mr. Malone ; and, as usual, nr^ notice was
taken of us, though the other regiments were invited. Our
fellows heard it with their usual stupid indifference ; but my
patience being quite worn out, I determined to go by hook or
by crook. But how? — that was the question. 7f I went un-
invited and was discovered, I was pretty sure ( -oing kicked
out ; and how to obtain an invitation was a puzzle.

" In this dilemma I had recourse to my m:m, Tim Magrah,
a fellow as full of clever devices and ingetmvty as it's possi-
ble for an Irish valet to be — and that's h uying a good
deal. Tim promised to do his "/:•: t; uu:l ', with the ut-
most confidence in hid ability, wai.ed the .csidt with im-
patience,

" At last, "•: ovemng approached, and the hour for the ball
di<„w on, I bigfuj t! ;,,se patience ; and just as I was about
giving up the thing in despair, in came Tim with a bundle as
big as knapsack, slung over his shoulder.

" ' Hurroo ! Misther Maurice, we're in the hoith o' luck.
Sure I've hit on a beautiful plan ! ' says Tim, opening the
bundle, and holding the contents up to view.

" ' What's this? ' said I, holding up somethmg I took to
be a bag, gathered at the top.

»v|i,:

V.
life, it didn't last

lections, Fitzgerald
88 of wine. Then,

11 was to be given at
usual, JiC notice was
i were invited. Our
ndifference ; but my
led to go by hook or
tion. 7f I went un-
sure f; ^'k;ing kicked
a puzi'le.

! man, Tim Magrah,
eiiuity as it's possi-
aJ,'-s suying a good
lU'.l ', with the ut-
the icsult with im-

the hour for the ball
ust as I was about
im with a bundle as

1 the hoith o' luck.

3 Tim, opening the

ew.

omething I took to

THE SECRET SORROW.

175

" ' It's a petticoat, no less?' said Tim, ' and sure here's an-
other, for fear wan wouldn't do ye ! '

" ' What do you mean, you rascal?' said I, in rising anger ;
« is it in petticoats I am to go to the ball?'

" ' Troth thin, av ye don't yer likely to stay at home,' said
Tim ; ' sorry one o' me knows how yer to go av ye don't

wear them.'

'"But how?' said I completely at a loss ; ' explain your-
self, Tim."

" Faix that same's aisy done !' said Tim ; ' afther ye tould
me ye wanted to go, I set to work cudgeling my brain to find
out some way, but sorra taste I seemed to get nearer it. At
last, aslwasgoin' to give it up, who comes in but Paddy
Flinn, a second cousin av my own by the mother's side. So
we sits down to talk over ould times, and Paddy tells me he'd
only arrived that mornmg from Cork, an' that he was a coach-
man wid an ould maid, who had a niece— a nephew I mane—
in the army, a great fighter entirely, an' that this ould lady
was goin' to the ball to-night. So when I hears that, " Tim,"
says 1 to myself, " here's a chance for you now " and aff I
starts post-haste for the hotel where the ould maid was. She
axes my business, an' I up an' tells her her nephew had
fought a jewel, and wasn't expected -to live— God forgiv. e
for teUin' a lie ! Och ! murther, Misther Maurice' darli iv
ye'd hear the yeU the old crayther let out av her whiu ihe
heard that. 'Pon my sowl ye'd think she was shot. ^ ■ . she
gets, an' gives orders to pack up an' start immaydentl;;, and
shure I watched her h yself goin' afE. Arrah? m- I nivir
brathe av I'm not ajaynusl'

-!'i

[iiw

,.i'3

176

THE SECRET SORROW.

" "Well, but, Tim,' said I, ' what has all this to do with my
going to the ball!'

" ' Bad scran to ye !' says Tim, ' sure ycr uncommon stupid
the night. Arrah ! what's to hinder ye from drcssin' yersclf
up, and passin' yerself aff for JJiss Burke. Devil a wan in
Galway knows her, except, maybe, seein' her once or so, an'
as she's mighty tall, they'll niver know t) e differ. '

"At first I hesitated a little, but finally yielding to Tim's
logic, I allowed him to dress me in the garments he had bor-
rowed for the occasion. Heaven preserve me from ever
wearing petticoats again ! Every step I took I nearly tum-
bled over my own head. A neat wig and a little black and
red paint completely metamorphosed me, and I doubt if my
own mother would have known her dutiful eon in the tall,
dignified, rouged !udy I then was.

" ' Sthrike me lucky!' says Tim, surveying me with ad-
miration, av yer not a beauty, like Andy Shas foal. Av ye
war only a thrifle smaller nbout the waist, ye'd be the darlin'
all out. Don't be trampin' that way, as if wor on parade ;
an' dont spake too loud, nor make too bould, and ther's no
fear but ye 11 he the belle there to-night.'

"I reached the house, and was cordially received by the
host, who little dreamed that a dashing lieutenant stood in
the place of Miss Burke. Several gentlemen paid me partic-
ular attention during the evening, and one actually proposed.
I blushed behind my fan, and referred him to ' papa.' But I
see youre laughing at me, so 1 11 modestly pass over that
part of the evenmg's adventures.

^11

THE SECRET SORROW.

177

ill this to do with my

^er uncommon stupid
from drcssin' yersclf
ke. Devil a wan in
' her once or so, an'
I e differ.'

lly yielding to Tim's
irments he had bor-
irve me from ever

took I nearly tum-
d a little black and

and I doubt if my
iful son in the tall,

i^eying me with ad-
Sha'a foal. Av ye
, ye'd be the darlin'
1 if wor on parade ;
ould, and ther's no

lly received by the
lieutenant stood in
nen paid me partic-
3 actually proposed.
a to ' papa.' But I
stly pass over that

"When the dancing was at its height, I chanced to pass
the dining-room, and, seeing it deserted, I thought I might
as well go in and help myself to a glass of wine. I did so ; but
scarcely had I entered, when I heard a footstep behind mo.
I drew back into the shadow, and a moment after a tall, thin
young fellow, a lieutenant in the regiment, for whom I had
lorfg felt a particular spite, entered, followed by a servant.
. " ' Here,' said the officer, hastily, handing the man a note,
♦ do you know where to find a Miss Mary Ann O'Brien in the
dancing-room ?'

•''Yes,' said the servant; 'I saw her dancing there a
minute ago.'

" ' Give her this, then,' said the lieutenaut, ' and lose no
time.'

" Both went out, and I soon followed. As I entered tho
hall I noticed the note lying on the ground, where the fellow
had probably dropped it. I picked it up, and, without think-
ing how mean the act was, opened and read :

" Mt Darling Maht Ann : — Meet me in the garden immediately.
A carriage is in waiting, and tlic parson is ready to make you mine,

"' Your devoted

" ' George Browne.*

"In an instant every consideration* was lost in the one de-
sire of selling the lieutenant, who had often laughed at me.
Hastily stealing away to the dressing-room, I donned a bon-
net and cloak, putting the latter on wrong side out in my
haste, and, hiding my beautiful face behind a thick vail, I
dipped oaxi to the garden unnoticed. I looked around, but

mmK^f/M

y ./

/■
>

"Tliff~

'mmt

178

THE SECRET SORROW.

no one was to be seen. At length a head protruded from
behind some gooseberry bushes, and the voice of the lieuten-
ant whispered : '

'♦ ' My love, is that you?'

•' ' Fal'h, I've my doubts whether it is or not !' thought I.
Then, raising ray voice to a whisper, I answered :

"'Yes.' •

•' In a moment the ardent lover sprang forward, and,
catching me in his arras, pressed me to his heart with such
force that I was nearly strangled.

" ' Lord !' thought I, ' what ribs Mary Ann must have, if
ehe can stand that,'

"'I knew j'ou would come to your own George,' con-
tinued the lover, ' my soul's idol, my heart's treasure, my
darling, my beautiful Mary Ann. Oh ! my" love, how happy
we will be when the parson makes us one.'

" ' There's no doubt of that,' thinks I to myself, smother-
ing with laughter, and shaking so that I began to fear I'd
burst the hooks and eyes olf my dress. My inward con-
vulsions, however, were set down to quite another cause by
my ardent admirer, who, pressing me once more to his
bosom, for I was too weak with laughter to resist, exclaimed,
soothingly :

" ' Nay, my angel, my adored one, never tremble so ;
there is no danger now, the carriage is waiting, and we will
Boon be safe. Come, my beloved.'

"The lieutenant drew my arm within his and handed me
Into the coach ; and giving the word to the di'iver, off we

WSk

«•••

k*^-

head protruded from
1 voice of the lieuten-

I or not!' thought I.
nswered :

prang forward, and,

hia heart with such

Y Ann must have, if

r own George,' con-
heart's treasure, my
my love, how happy
e.'

1 to myself, smother-
; I began to fear I'd
)s. My inward con-
ite another cause by
3 once more to his
• to resist, exclaimed,

I never tremble so ;
waiting, and we will

ii his and handed me
to the diiver, off we

THE SECRET SORROW.

179

went at break-neck speed. All the absurdity of the whole
affair burst upon me, sundry liysteric grunts of suppressed
laughter burst from mc, while the scat shook with my inward
convulsions.

"'Oh! my love, weep not!' said the lieutenant, setting
down my agitation to maiden timidity. But all his efforts
were in vain. I only shook the more — I was in fact, incon-
solable.

" At length we reached the church, my lover led mo in to
where the parson stood ; and I would soon have been Mrs.
Browne, but at this interesting moment in rushed Tim,
breathless with haste.

«' ' Och, masther dear, for the love o' God, it's not goin' to
be married yc are ? Och ! whillalu miellien, murther, is it a
runaway match ye"s made of it. Bad scran to ye, ye thafe
of the world !' he added, fiercely, to the astounded lieutenant,
' is it 'lopin' wid the masther yc arc? Ai-rah ! Misther Mau-
rice, is it tryin' to desave ye they are ?'

" 'Faith! it's very like it!' said I, rasing my vail, and
turning to the lieutenant, who uttered a cry of surprise, ex-
claiming, as he staggered back :

" ' Good heaven ! Maurice Fitzgerald !'

" ' At your service, sir !' said I, bowing, ' I hope you'll be a
little more sure of your game the next time you try to run away
with a lady. On my conscience, I'm afraid I'll lose my rep-
utation if this is hoard of. Give my love to your adored
Mary Ann, and much good may you do her.'

" So saying, I turned away, followed by Tim, not, however,

180

THE 8KCRET 80R110W.

I!)

until he had shakcu his fist flcrccly iu the lieutenant's face,
oxcliuniiug :

" ' Av yc dare to Bay j)ays, 111 not lave a whole bono in your
dirty carcase !'

" The story soon got wind, and the luckless lieutenant was
received with such a sliower of ridicule wherever he went,
that ho exchanged into a regiment ordered for foreign ser-
vice ; and I have never heard of him since. As for me, I
became the lion of Galway after tliat, and soon after cut the
tenth, and joined the dragoons. So that was my elopement.
Faith, I never came so near being made a wife of since !"

A roar of laughter followed the conclusion of the dragoon's
story, in which he himself heartily joined.

" You had a narrow escape from matrimony that time,"
said Sir Harry. " I presume you were a great favorite with
the ladies after that?"

" Oh ! I always was that," said Fitzgerald coolly. *' The
dear little souls like impudence as well as the worst of us.
And speaking of impudence reminds me that old Magee
hasn't invited me to his dinner-party to-day. He's sent you
an invitation, of course, Charley?"

" Yes ; I believe so. Were you ever there, Dudley?"

A significant shrug and a contemptuous " no," was the
baronet s answer.

"Upon my honor, then, you might be in worse places!
Eh, Charley?' said P'itzgcrald.

" It's a perfect paradise of roast fowls and champagne I"
said Charley.

3W.

the lieutenant's face,

c a whole bono in your

ucklesa lieutenant wna
ulc wherever he went,
Icrccl for foreign ser-
since. As for me, I
and soon after cut the
lat was my elopement,
c a wife of since!"
usion of the dragoon's
cd.

iiatrimony that time,"
a great favorite with

gerald coolly. "The
11 as the worst of us.
1 me that old Magee
)-day. He's sent you

r there, Dudley?"
ptuous " no," was the

be in worse places!

n]m and champagne I"

THE SECRET SORROW.

181

•' And speaking of paradise reminds me that he's got a
very pretty little niece. All, Charley, my dear fellow, you're
in luck tlurc." observed the dragoon.

*'Ibeg to know why? I am not aware of standing in
such hieh f"'--^v in tlic young lady's estimation. I rather
thin^ . uiiiy imagine so."

" >io such tiling, my boy. The little girl's in love with
you ; and tliat same little girl's got the neatest little foot I
ever clapped my two eyes on. Really, Dudley, it would be
worth your while to get acquainted there for the sake of the
old fellow's niece."

"Even that consideration. Lieutenant Fitzgerald, cannot
induce me to visit Mr. IMngcc," said the oid-de-comj), with
the most ceremonious politeness.

"Oh! well, then. 111 not force you. You Englishmen
have some queer notions of your own. One would think
Charley here was a native— he takes to the Irish so naturally.
I think it's partly owing to my humble efforts, however. I've
acted the part of dry-nurse to him ever since he first crossed
the channel."

"You've been a mother to me." said Mr. Sidney, grate-
fully.

" Yea ; and, please Providence, I've not done with you yet.
If I don't send you back to England a genuine Paddy, then
you may say Maurice Fitzgerald can't keep his word. Come,
Dudley, it's time we were at the barracks. Good-day to you,
Charley ! " And passing bis arm through Sir Harry's the two
soldiers went off.

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Sdences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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CIHM/ICMH

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Series.

CIHM/ICiVIH
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microfiches.

Canadian Institute for Historical Microroproductions / institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques

■KM

t. ;

182

THE SECRET SORROW.

Such were Charley Sidney's associates, and such his col-
lege life in Dublin— a life just suited to him.

How little did his friends at Dirritolc, who often wondered
how " poor, dear Charley " could endure the tedium of a col-
lege, know how his time was spent. Almost every night out
till daylight, bent on mischief ; passing the day strolling
through the city, driving fast horses. Such was Charley's
life.

-^R-

M Tiimr^

•m

iffito:

ow.

ites, and such his col-
him.

e, who often wondered
re the tedium of a col-
Umost every night out
ing the day strolling
Such was Charley's

THE SECRET SORROW.

isa

CHAPTER XV.

THE PLOT THICKENS.

" On every lip a speechless horror dwelt,
On every brow the burden of affliction,

The old ancestral spirits knew and felt
The louse's malediction." — Thomas Hood.

And now we must cast a glance backward, and return to
the night on which Kate was captured in the old Moor
Manor.

As every other night will do, whether the hours flit by on
"rosy wings" or drag on like ages of agony, that night
passed. The terrible spectre of the doomed house came glid-
ing by like an evil shadow at the usual hour, and then all re-
mained profoundly quiet until morning.

Alice, worn out and exhausted by anxiety, lay sleeping a
deep, dreamless sleep. John was snoring away in the chim-
ney-corner, and even the earl nodded drowsily. Of the whole
party, Janie was the only one who slept not. In vain she
strove to court slumber — it came not ; a strange heaviness
lay on her heart — a presentiment of some impending evil,
greater than any she had yet experienced, hung over her. She
strove to stifle her presentiment by thinking that, now Miss
Sidney knew of then- fate, they were safe ; for Janie had un-
bounded confidence in Kate's ability to do as she prQixyisedi^

",:4 '' ^mmMi ' .»i-iimmmm^m^** ' ''

184

THE SECRET SORROW.

The carl, she reasoned, would leave, as usual, at daybreak,
then Kate would quit her hiding-place, and in a few hours
they would be free. But all was in vain ; the strange depres-
sion of Janlcs spirits continued — reason as she would, the
unaccountable fear of some impending calamity hung over
her.

The gray dawn of twilight came creeping at last over the
moor. The earl arose, and, shaking off by an effort his
drowsiness, paced up and down the floor several times, as if
fully to arouse himself.

" Pray Heaven he may go at once," thought Janie.

Her prayer seemed in a fair way of being answered, for
going over to John, the earl shook him roughly, saying :

" Come, wake up, sir — I must be going."

John rubbed his eyes and yawned fearfully ; then rising,
he walked away like one only half awake from the room, and
soon re-appeared, leading the earl's horse saddled and bridled,
and ready for tlic road.

" Thank Heaven ! " murmured Janie, as she saw hun mount.
" We will now soon quit this place."

But her thanksgiving came too soon ; for just at that mo-
ment, when she imagined all danger over, Kate's horse
neighed loudly, and Janie's heart sank like lead in her bosom.

"What's that?" demanded the earl, starting suddenly at
the sound.

Another loud neigh from the unlucky animal was his sole
answer.
. *'§o there did come some one here last night?" said the

'•-it--3(ife«!.'

^/'-iriiMtniiiM

jjiiiii

usual, at daybreak,

and in a few hours

the strange deprea-

a as she would, the

calamity hung over

ping at last over the

»ff by an effort his

several times, as if

lought Janie.
being answered, for
oughly, saying :

g-".

arfully ; then rising,
i from the room, and
saddled and bridled,

3 she saw him mount.

for just at that mo-
over, Kate's horse

e lead in her bosom.

starting suddenly at

animal was his sole
last night?" said the

THE SECRET SORROW.

186

earl, springing from the saddle and catching John by the
throat: "answer me villain, or by Heaven I'll blow your
brains out where you stand !"

He drew a pistol from his bosom as he spoke, and John
felt the cold muzzle pressed to his temple.

" Oh, my lord — my lord, spare my life ! For God's sake
don't nmrder me !" cried John, falling on his knees.

" Confess, scoundrel !" said the earl, fiercely, still holding
the pistol to his head. " Who came here lust night?"

" It was Miss Kate Sidney. Oh, my lord, don't murder
me, for Gods sake? ' shrieked John, in dismay.

" Treacherous villain !" thundered the earl, livid with pas-
sion ; "so you have dared to disobey my commands, and
trumpeted what I have done to the world? But, by the
heaven above me, you shall repent it ! "Where is Kate Sid-
ney now ?"

" He — he — here, my lord !" said John, his teeth chattaring
with terror.

" Lead me to her hiding-place, you low-born hound !" ex-
claimed his master hoarse with rage ; " she, as well as you,
shall rue meddling in my actions. Lead on, sirrah !"

Pale with fear, John arose, and i>receded the earl to the
room in which Kate had found refuge. In vain they searched
it ; the cage was empty — the bird had flown.

" Escaped !" exclaimed the earl, with an oath so fierce that
John quailed in horror. "On, scoundrel ! through every
room in this old, infernal place you must go till you have

found her ; and when you have •"

16* •

1
1)

'■:^ktiiimMimimsi^m

186

THE SECRET SORROW.

The last of the sentence was lost in a hissing whisper that
made John shudder with undellned terror.

Through every room they went, up rickety stair-cases, down
long, echoing corridors, through old rooms, damp and moldy
with age — even the hall containing the trap-door through
which Kate had been taken was explored ; but all in vain —
no trace of the lost one was to be found. Even John lost
his terror of the earl in the superstitious horror that crept
over him, as the thought tha., she had been carried off by
ghosts flashed across his mind.

" So she has escaped !" said the earl in a voice of concen-
trated passion, as after their fruitless search, they again re-
turned to the room in which the others were. " And all this
story about her being concealed here was only trumped up to
delay me longer, and give her a chance to reach Dirritole.
The scheme succeeded, but it shall be your last ; if I am to
be disgraced by you, you shall not survive it !"

He drew a pistol as he spoke, and took deliberate aim at
John, who, wild with fear, had fallen on his knees before
him.

"My lord, my lord! would you commit a murder?"
shrieked Alice, throwing herself before him. " He is inno-
cent — he has told you the truth. I swear to you, my lord,
Kate Sidney sought shelter in there last night, and we have
never seen her since."

The earl's hand dropped, and turning to Alice, he de-
manded, while bis piercing gaze seemed to read her very
soul:

iJiiiBf^(«s!»';«»*-'---^i^

THE SECRET SORROW.

187

I hissing whisper that
)r.

ccty stair-cases, down
•ms, damp and moldy
le trap-door through
id ; but all in vain —
ind. Even John lost
LIS horror that crept
I been carried off by

n a voice of concen-
earch, they again re-
vere. " And all this
3 only trumped up to
J to reach Dirritole.
3ur last; if I am to
veit!"

ok deliberate aim at
on his knees before

!ommit a murder?"
him. "He is inno-
rear to you, my lord,
i night, and we have

og to Alice, he de<
}d to read her very

"And this is the truth?"

" It i3, my lord. I would not lie to save my life."

' ' How came she here ?"

" It was I, my lord," interrupted Janie, boldly. " I brought
her here to save Miss Alice."

For a moment the earl glared upon her like a savage ; then
turning on his heel, he strode from the room.

" God have mercy !"' gasped the white lips of Alice, " will
he murder us all ?"

As she spoke the earl entered, carrying in his hand a
strong cord. Seizing John before he was aware of his in-
tention, he hurled him violently to the ground, and proceeded
to bind him hand and foot.

The terrified servant struggled violently to free liimself ;
but raising his pistol, the earl hissed in a voice choked with
suppressed passion :

" Cease your struggles, or, by Heaven, the contents of this
shall lodge in your thick skull."

This last argument was conclusive. John lay perfectly
still, while the earl coolly bound him hand and foot. Then
gagging him to prevent the possibility of his crying for help,
he turned to Janie, and, seizing her. wrists, said, sarcasti-
cally :

" We must prevent you using your tongue so much for the
future, my dear ; it may get you into trouble ; and lest it
should, I will take the precaution of binding this handker-
chief over your mouth ; and lest you should tire yourself
walking, I will take you with me."

•'^'fcv'i'V^''*;fc

"SP"^

188

THE SECRET BORROW.

Suiting tho action to the word, lie bound Janie hand and
foot, as he had done John. Then rising, he tiu-ned to Alice,
and said, sternly :

" As for you, madam, I shall be obliged to leave you for a
few hours. It is not probable, however, that if your friend
has escaped, she will be able to take you away before my re-
turn ; and to prevent the possibility of your escaping during
my absence, I shall fasten the door securely on the outside.
As soon as those two are disposed of I shall take you to au
asyliun where even Miss Kate Sidney will not find you."

The mocking sneer that accompanied his words gave his
face the look of a demon. Half fainting, Alice sank on the
floor, and covered her face with her hands, while the earl
strode from the room.

In a few momenta the sound of carriage wheels met their
ear. It was the earl, bringing out the one in which they had
arrived the night on which our story opens, and which had
since that time remained in the old manor. Then re-enter-
ing, he half dragged, half led the prostrate servants out.

Alice heard the door slam to, then the sound of heavy
bolts drawn across, then the carriage driving rapidly away,
and she alone in the old manor.

Muffled to the eyes in a great-coat, with his hat slouched
down over his face, the earl sat in the driver's seat, as they
flew rapidly along in the road opposite to that which led to
Dirritole. The moor once passed, he studiously avoided the
high-road ; and passing through narrow by-streets, with
which he seemed perfectly familiar, he stopped at length be-

'vSL,

::^

md Janie hand and
;, he turned to Alice,

ed to leave you for a
, that if your friend

I away before my re-
rour escaping during
urely on the outside,
hall take you to an

II not find you."

1 his words gave his
g, Alice sank on the
mds, while the earl

ige wheels met their
ao in which they had
}cns, and which had
lor. Then re-enter-
ite servants out.
the sound of heavy
Iving rapidly away,

rith his hat slouched
river's seat, as they
o that which led to
adiously avoided the
)w by-streets, with
topped at length be-

THE SECRET SORROW.

189

fore a low, filthy-looking tavern that stood by itself at some
distance from any other dwelling.

The sound of wheels brought the landlord, a short, thick*
set, villainous-looking man, to the door. Ilia eyes sparkled
as they fell on the carl, whom, in spite of his disguise, be
immediately recognized.

" Ah? my lord, how d'ye do?" he said, in a tone of easy
familiarity. " We'd begun to suspect you were going to
give us the slip, after all. The captain insisted you weren't
going to come at all, and was going to cut liis lucky to-mor-
row ; the beaks are after him, you know, my lord."

A look of disgust passed over the earl's face, at the cool
insolence of the fellow ; but without noticing his vulgarity,
he said, hastily :

" And when do you expect the captain here?"

" He's here now, my lord ; he always flies to the crib when
the beaks is after him," replied the man. " Will you walk
in?"

" There are two persons in the carriage. Miles," said 'the
earl, lowering his voice. "Take care of them for the 'pres-
ent, and take the carriage out of sight. I must leave it here
for the present. You understand." -

" Perfectly," said the fellow, with a knowing wink. "The
beaks know better than to come here to look for anything.
Walk in here ; I'll attend to the rest."

He pushed open a door that led from the shop into a little
dark den, half filled with smoke, and powerfully impregnated
with the mingled odor.3 of onions and tobacco.

THE SECRET SORROW.

Seated at a tabic in the middle of the floor smoking a short,
black, stumpy pipe, was a man of middle age, of sinister and
forbidding aspect.

" Well, my lord, you've arrived in port at last," said the
man, gruffly. "I'd a notion to hoist sail and leave you.
Where's the cargo?"

♦' Safe with Miles," answered the earl, paying no attention
to the effrontery of the fellow. " And now, caf^tain, you may
show the Bow street olllccrs your heels as soon as you like."

"Ay, ay, sir," answered the captain. "Once on blue
water, ?ind I can laugh at them all. I never feel safe on dry
laud. Ah, my lord, cheating the revenue isn't now what it
once was."

Here the captain sighed, overpowered by melancholy re-
flections.

" And what part of the globe is your destination now, cap-
tain !" inquired the eai'l.

" Cuba, if I can escape those pirates that are always cruis-
ing about there," answered the captain.

"Cuba!" said the earl, musingly. "Yes, that will do
very well. Once there, those two will not give me much
trouble, Well, captain," he added, raising his voice, " when
do you start?"

" To-day, now that I've got the cargo," said the captain.
" The wind's fair, and I won't breathe freely until I'm on the
deck of my cutter once more."

" Then our business is at an end for the present," said the
earl, throwing a well-fllled purse on the table. " At some fu-

TOE SECRET SORROW.

191

oor smoking a short,
; age, of sinister and

rt at last," said the
sail and leave you.

paying no attention
iw, caf^tain, you may
18 soon as you like."
n. " Once on blue!
[svor feel safe on dry
le isn't now what it

I by melancholy re«
ilcstination now, cap-
hat are always cruis-

"Yes, that will do
not give me much
ing his voice, " when

)," said the captain,
'eely until I'm on the

tie present," said the
able. *' At some fu-

ture day I may again require your services. In the meantime,
you will find tlierc tlie reward I promiHedyou. (iood-moruing."

Drawing liis hat over his brows once more, tlie earl left the
room, and springing on liis liorse, wiiicli stood at tlie door,
lie started once more for the Moor JManor.

" Those two, at least, are disposed of," he muttered, as he
rode along. " And now for Alice. I think I luvvc too much
influence over her to betray me ; and if I eim silence Kate
Sidney "s tongue, and all will yet be well. How artfully the
jade craved permission to vis t her friend I If I liad only re-
fused, she might have betrayed herself, and told mo all.
Alice once out of my way, I will find some means of keeping
Kate's tongue quiet, and I will hurry on this match between
Arndale and Lord Nettcrville's daugiiter. Her fortune is said
to be enormous, and the lady herself is as anxious for the
match as any of us. Yes, my plans must succeed."

So saying, he rode rapidly forward, and soon came in
sight of the dreary old manor. Alighting from his .horse,
he eagerly approached the door to discover if it had been
visited during his absence ; but no— everything was just as
he had left it.

Hastily withdrawing the bolts, he. pushed open the door
and entered. Everything, with one exception, was precisely
the same as when he went away ; the fire was still burning,
the carriage cushions still lay scattered ov«r the floor, but
Alice was gone.

Doubting the evidence of his senses, the earl sought every-
where, but all in vain . No trace of the lost one could be found.

193 THE SECRET SORROW.

••What can be the oauae of this?" thought the earl, be-
wildered. " l8 it possible this place can be enchanted I It
would have been iiiipossililo for her to escape herself, and if
Kate Sidney had returned to rescue her, they would not take
the trouble to fasten the door again so securely. On the
contrary, they would moat probably have lingered hero an-
ticipating my return. Then again it would bo impossible for
her to ride to Dirritole since, much less to walk there and re-
turn with a reinforcement to rescue Alice. Strange, strange !
What is to be done?"

Ho paced up and down the floor, lost in thought. At
length, starting from his reverie, ho exclaimed :

•' Yes, desperate as is the venture, I will risk it. I will
ride to Dirritole and see if they have arrived there. If they
have, and this story has become rumored abroad, I must fly,
at least for the present, until this affair has blown over.
Captain Hamilton sails to-morrow for Cuba. I can accom-
pany him, for, in any case, my business requires my presence
there soon ; and by going now I can e i detection, and
likewise arrange my affairs. Then, too, we will probably
arrive before the smuggler's cutter, and I can see that every
possibility of the return of those two under his charge be cut

off." •

As he spoke he rode forward in the direction of Dirritole,
cautiously keeping as much as possible from observation.
As ho oiitercd the forest path he encountered the young gen-
tlemen ia the ragged pantaloons who had brought Janie's
note to Kate the preceding day. The idea Instantly flashed

liiifiiiiiiimiiii

thought tho carl, be«
1 bo cnchantoU ! It
scnpo hcTHclf, and if
they would not take
30 Bccurely. On tho
vo lingered hero an-
uUl bo impossiblo for
to walk there and ro-
I. Strange, strange t

ost in thought. At
laimcd :

: will risk it. I will
rived there. If they
d abroad, I must fly,
fair has blown over,
!!uba. I can accom-
requires my prcsenco
) detection, and
•o, we will probably
I can see that every
ider his charge be cut

lircction of Dirritole,
lo from observation,
itered the young gen-
had brought Janie's
idea instantly flashed

TBE SECRET SORROW.

193

across his mind that perhaps he might give him some in-
formation.

" Hillo, boy !" he called. " Have you seen any one pass
this way lately?"

Tho boy stared at him for a moment, and as ho recognized
tho earl, ho gave his tattered head-picco a Jerk, and an-
swered :

•' I hain't seed nobody since I seed the young lady."

" What yonng lady?" said the earl, growing pn^c.

"Miss Kate Sidney, wot lives up there," pointing as he
spoke toward tho mansion, the peaked gables of wliicli could
bo distinguished above the tree-tops. " She guv mo throe
bobs — leastwise she didn't, but tothcr nice young woman
did."

" What !" exclaimed tho carl, in a tono that made the
young gentleman start back in alarm. " Do you mean to
tell mo they were both iiere? Speak, sirrah !"

"I'm blest if I know!" replied the owner of the ragged
garments. "Anyways, Miss Kate Sidney teas here. I seed
her with my own two blessed hcyes ; ond t'other one guv me
three bobs. As if you calls them both, they icaa here, and no
mistake."

In his consternation, the earl forgot to ask when ho had
seen them — for the idea that it could have been the day pre-
vious never entered his mL.d ; and tho young gentleman, un-
der the impression that tho earl knew tho tnae of their meet-
ing, never dreamed of telling him. Thus they labored under
a mutual misunderstanding.

17"

■! ;).i'li.'-'m !! F yTg^»''^" -W » w»ff. i j ; . i wi.. - l H^g | ||,*.^^^l| | .JiM l l^. l ■

w•.'^* •*»]

194

THE SECRET SORROW.

What was to be done ? The whole affair was probably by
this time known not only to the household at Dirritolc, but
also at the Pines ; and even now his name might bo loaded
with execration. He could not venture to return home just
at that time, when every voice would be raised against him.

What, then, was to be done? He might fly, but what a
triumph that would give bis enemies ! He gnashed his teeth
with rage at the thought. No, they should not think he had
fled through fear — some expedient must be adopted. If he
left England now, in a few months this affair would be nearly
forgotten, and he might return in peace once more.

True, his favorite scheme of uniting his son to Lord Net-
tei'villes daughter would have to be given up, and the infamy
of his base conduct must still cling to him ; but tJiat could
not now be avoided — his sin had found him out. Besides, he
was wealthy — and the world is ever partial in judging the
crimes of the rich. He would write to the countess under
the plea that business so urgent called him away as to render
it out of his power to visit her before his departure, and thus
the disgrace of his flight would be hidden. These thougbta
flashed rapidly across his mind ; and turning to the knight
of the ragged gannents, he said :

" Can I trust you to carry a note from me to Lady Dane-
more, boy?"

" If you'll tip the needful, I'm your man," said the young
gent, coolly determined to have his pay beforehand, lest the
countess should treat him as Kate had done.

'• You should teach your tongue a little more respect when

#fi;i|ii m,^iiiwwp. «.

fair was probably by
lolcl at Dirritolc, but
ame might bo loaded
I to return home just
t raised against him.
might fly, but what a
He gnashed his teeth
)uld not think he had
t be adopted. If he
affair would be nearly

once more,
his son to Lord Net-
!n up, and the infamy

him ; but that could
tiim out. Besides, he
artial in judging the
) the countess under
lim away as to render
s departure, and thus
len. These thougbta
urning to the knight

>m me to Lady Dane-
nan," said the young
beforehand, lest the
lone,
le more respect when

THE SECRET SORROW.

195

addressing me, sirrah!" said the earl, harshly, as he tore a
leaf from his tablets, and began to write.

"Nobody never teached me no perlitencss," replied the
young gentleman in the torn unmentionables. " I's willin'
for to larn, 'cause as how I hain't got nothin' else to do. If
nobody won't larn me, 'tain't to be expected Id be particu-
larhj pcrlite."

The earl took no notice of this reasonable objection to hia
want of perliteness, but wrote rapidly :

" Mr Dear Madeline :— Business of the utmost importance calls
me from homo ; so urgent is it that it is impossible for mo to have the
plc£;suro of seeing you before my departure. I hope to return in a
few weeks. Meantime, I remain

*' Your affectionate husbiind,

"Reginald Alva,

" Earl of Danemore."

Carefully folding this, he threw the lad a sovereign, and
as he took the note, the earl said :

" Mind, fellow, and deliver this faithfully, or you shall re-
pent it. And — hark ye ! — s.iy nothing of having seen me
here. If they ask you where we met, say at Stanton, at
Chesbro' — anywhere ten miles distant. Remember!'"' he
said, warningly, as the boy turned away.

"All right as a trivet!' was the answer, as the tattered
pantaloons were put in locomotion, and the young gentleman
inside them drew himself up in the conscious dignity of being
solo owner and proprietor of a sovereign ; and cocking his
nose in the air, 1 g turned out ten toes, that peeped from his

^|»«MM«pi« iJiWf M

196

THE SECRET SORROW.

worn-out shoes like so many muddy small potatoes, and
marched toward Dirritole.

The earl watched him until he disappeared; then, turning
his horse in the opposite direction, rode rapidly away.

And when the sun arose next moming, the Earl of Dane-
more stood on the deck of the merchantman, in full sail for
Cuba.

small potatoes, and

sared ; then, turning
rapidly away.
, the Earl of Dane-
man, in full sail for

L. IHI IH ^ ^L W1 1" ' S"l. ; ^

THE SECRET SORROW.

197

CHAPTER XVI

KATE ON THE SEA.

•' Oh ! gloriously upon the deep
The gallant vessel rides ;
And she is mistress of the winds.
And mistress of the tides.

•« But alas ! for the widows' and orphans' teart,
When the death-flag sweeps the wave !
Alas ! that the laurel of victory
Must grow but upon the grave." — Miss Landon.

Slowlt and wearily the days glided by to Kato in her sub- .
teranean prison — seeing no one but the old negrcss and the
young quadroon, Syra. Her eyes yearned to look once more
upon the blue sky, to breathe the fresh air, and catch a
glimpse of the world once more. Her days were spent almost
continually in thinking of Alice, whom she still imagined a
prisoier in the manor ; and then her thoughts would revert
to her uncle, and her cheeks would flush with the honest glow
of indignation, and her eyes would flash as she thought of
his baseness. Then at times her thoughts would revert to
the young rover chief and the quadroon girl, Syra. How
came he, so young, so refined, so handsome, so noble looking,
to be the leader of a gang of outlaws — a crew of blood-thirsty
pirates ? She had often heard of Captain Raymond — heard

17* .

-,**.- J!

■V

I0S

THE SECRET SORROW.

him spoken of as a demon in man's form — one whose deeds
of blood might make the firmest heart quail, and the strong-
est check blahch ; and now she had seen him — could it be ?
Could those blue eyes, so beautiful and sad, ever flash with
the light of murder? Could those hands, small and delicately
bhaped as a girl's, ever shed a fellow-creature's blood?
Could that voice, so gentle and musical, ever shout the death-
cry of the pirates ! Oh ! no, no, no ! Kate's heart recoiled
from the thought. Whatever fate had driven him liere from
the society of the high-born and refined to which he felt he
ought to belong, he could never become a deliberate murderer.
And Syra, this dark browed, wild hearted, passionate
child of tiie South, dying with love for bim — would he ever
care for her? Kate sighed as she thought of that impulsive
.young heai't pouring out its treasures of love at the feet of
one, who, she felt sure, would never regard her as other than
a servant. Poor Syra ! the great, mournful black eyes would
light and sparkle with joy at the mention of that loved name,
and her dark face would flush with deepest joy at the thought
of his return home. Everything his hand had touched
was sacred in hci eyes ; everything was arranged for the sole
purpose of affording him pleasure. The wild, untaught child
of nature worshiped him as an Eastern devotee does his
idol ; she knew no other god but him ; willingly, joyfully,
she would ha^ e lain down and died r,t his feet, had he com-
manded it. And all this time she cluns, as a drowning man
will to a straw, to the hope that he would love her yet. He
wa9 not made of marble ; he could not always withstand this

rm — one whose deeds
quail, and the strong-
iccu him — could it be ?
cl sad, ever flash with
Is, small and delicately
llow'-creatiirc's blood ?
, ever shout the death-
Kate's heart recoiled
driven him liere from
id to which he felt he
a deliberate murderer.
1 hearted, passionate
ir lum — would he ever
jght of that impulsive
of love at the feet of
gard her as other than
rnful black eyes would
yn of that loved name,
pest joy at the thought
is hand had touched
} arranged for the sole
le wild, untaught child
;ern devotee does his
n ; willingly, joyfully,
his feet, had he corn-
s', as a drowning man
uld love her yet. He
always witbstaad tliU

THE SECRET SOllROW.

199

wild love given him so freely : she was young and fair, and
worshiped him. Oh ! surely, surely , that heart she would
have died to save would love her yet.

Of late, Kate had avoided mentioning his name to her.

For some time after his departure, Syra would sit by her
side talking of him alone for hours ; but once, when Kate ac-
cidentally remarked that one so young and handsome might
win the heart of the fairest lady in the land, the quadroon's
fierce black eyes emitted a sharp flash of jealousy ; and from
that day forward her manner toward Kate changed.

She grew cold and reserved, never speaking, unless to an-
swer a question ; and then if it related, even in the most dis-
tant way, to the young chief, the same suspicious light kin-
dled her eye.

Kate well knew the reason of this change, and might have
smiled perhaps at the idea of being in love with Captain Ray-
mond, had she not felt her lonely situation too keenly. Sy-
ra's readiness to converse had at first made the hours pass un-
perceived ; but now, with no companion, save her own sad
thoughts, they dragged on like ages. The effect of confine-
ment, and brooding in silence over the restraint of which she
was too proud to complain, soon betrayed itself in her palo
cheek, listless eye, and languid step.

A week or two had thus passed, when one morning Kate
was aroused by the sound of many feet in the adjoining cham-
ber, and numerous rough voices speaking loudly.

Rising hastily, she dressed and rang the bell, and in a few
moments Aunt Moll made her appearance.

-,«i|pr

;[■

200 THE SECRET SORROW.

"What is the cause of this unusual noise?" demanded
Kate, as the old woman entered.

" Laws, chtlc, marsc cappcns back ; 'deed he is, chile ; he's
arriv' Dcy all rived las' night, an' dey been commin' eber
since. One o' dem trowed his fcrnal old punch-bowl at my
head. I dodged him, an' it hit Black Simon right in dc eye.
He, he, he ! Sarve him right, too. De Lor', knows what do
forsooken olo heathen would a done nex' if marse cappen
hadn't drapt in an' gin him a kick which like ter knock his
brains out. 'Deed he did, honey. Sarve him right, too."

Kate felt a sensation of pleasure at hearing the young
chieftain had returned. But she carefully concealed every
outward sign of satisfaction, and inquired for Syra.

" Lor' chile !" replied the old woman — it is thus she inva-
riably addressed every one — " she's wid young marse. Neb-
ber seed anybody crazy 'bout any one like she is bout
him. Dar, now, 1 11 fetch you in breakfas", honey. I specs
you's hungry by dis time, and you an' marse cappen 11 raise
Sam if I doesn ttend to you. He, he, he !"

And with her usual chuckle, Aunt Moll departed.

Kate's slender meal was soon over, and she was again left
to her own thoughts. At length she was aroused by a light
footstep ; and looking up, she saw the quadroon standing be-
fore her. Her cheeks were flushed to a burning red, and her
great black eyes had a streaming, unnatural light. Poor Syra !
it was the baleful light of jealousy.

" Captain Raymond bade mc ask if you would grant Iilm
the favor ot an interview," she gaid.

'.r-

low.

ual noise?" demanded

; 'deed he is, chile ; he's
ley been commin' cber
old punch-bowl at my
Simon right in do eye.
De Lor', knows what do
nex' if marse capjjen
hich like tcr knock his
arve him right, too."
at hearing the young
efuUy concealed every
ired for Syra.
n — it is thus she inva-
id young marse. Neb-
one like she is bout
ikfas', honey. I specs
i' marse cappen'll raise
, he!"

toll departed,
and she was again left
ras aroused by a light
quadroon standing be-
a burning red, and her
tural light. Poor Syra !

you would grant Iilm

THE SECRET SORROW.

201

Kate lifted her eyes to the face of the quadroon in surprise.
There w is something in her tore which startled her ; the words
were spoken with such concentrated fierceness. Kate felt
amazed that she should be the subject of a slave girl's jeal-
ousy ; her aristocratic pride shrank from such a thought, and
holding her head erect, she said coldly :

"You may tell Captain Kaymond I shall be very happy to
see liim at any time. His presence will at least make my pris-
on a little more cndm-able."

A fierce flash shot from Syra's black eyes, as, compressing
her lips, she turned away to deliver her message.

"That I should bo despised for her" she said, fiercely.
" I, who am a thousand times more beautiful than she. Why
did she come here ? He miglit iiave loved me but for her. I
hate her!" she hissed in a to;ifc of deep passion; ^'' and I
wish she were dead /"

Her face actually grew livid with passion ; her beautiful
featm-es worked convulsively, and her small hands clenched
together until they grew bloodless.

Meanwhile Kate's tlioughtsran on in a very different strain,
but they were of the same person.

'"' What delicacy," she murmured, " not to intrude ! Can
one so perfectly gentleman-like, so refined, be really a pirate
captain ? Strange, strange ! What can ever have brought
him to this?"

Her meditations were brought to an end by the entrance of
the young captain himself. With an easy smile he advanced
to Kate and held out his band, . -

tos

THE 8ECRET SORRO'Wr.

'^How handsome! What beautiful eyes ho haa!" wu
woman-like Kate's first thought as she arose to welcome him.

"And how has the time passed since my departure ?" he
asked, seating himself. " I trust my servants have attended
to your comfort."

" I thank you, yes. As a captive, I hove been far better
provided for than I could expect."

"You cannot regret your captivity more than I do," he
said, quickly. " What strange frealc of fortune led you here
I cannot account for. But while you stay I trust at least to
provide for your bodily comfort."

Kate sighed.

" You are looking very pale. Miss Sidney," said Captain
Raymond, a slight shade passing over his handsome face. « ' I
wish to Heaven I dared restore you to your friends."

He rose from his scat and began to pace the floor rapidly,
while Kate regarded him, scarcely knowing what to say. At
length he stopped abruptly, and said :

" Would you venture on the sea/ My men are rough and
savoge : but they are perfectly under my control, and you
would be safe. Syra can accompany you, and you need fear
nothing ; though only a pirate chief, I have not forgotten i
was ojice a gentleman."

A look inexpressibly sad shone in his deep, dark eyes ; but
Kato did not notice it. Her heart bounded at his words ; she
might yet escape ; or if not, she would at least breathe the
blessed air of heaven once more. Without a moment s hesi-
tation she looked up and said, quietly :

eyes ho haa!" was
rose to welcome liim.
30 my dcpartiire ?" ho
Tvants have attended

have been far better

more than I do," he
' fortune led you here
ay I trust at least to

idney," said Captain
I handsome face. «'I
our friends."
ace the floor rapidly,
ing what to say. At

jr men are rough and
ny control, and you
lu, and you need fcer
lave not forgotten i

deep, dark eyes ; but
led at his words ; she
at least breathe the
out a moment's hesi-

THE SECRET SORROW.

f08

♦'I will go with you."

An expression of pleasure flitted across his face ; but as if
fearing she had decided hastily, ho said :

«' But consider first . .0 danger. Wo are always exposed
to storms, shipwreck, and disasters on sea, from which wc
aro safe on land. Besides, wo are pirates; wo must follow
our calling, and scenes of bloodshed and death are hardly
fitted for a lady's eyes.''

Kate shuddered. Her new-born hope seemed about to be
crushed in its birth; and she saw bcforo her long, dreary
days of solitude and gloom in the old Moor Manor. The
young chief saw the sudden look of disappointment, and re-
sumed :

" I do not say positively these will occur ; I only speak of
probabilities. I do not wish to draw you blindly with me.
Consider— I have named the dangers, but then its advantages
will be far above this lonely subterranean residence. As you
decide, so shall it be."

Kate paused for a moment ; but even the dangers would be
far preferable to the dismal solitude here, and she said, firm-
ly :

" I will brave all dangers and go jvith you. This dismal

place would soon drive me insane."

. " Be it so," said Captain Raymond, gpvly. "Itwillaot
be the first time the Water Witch has been graced by the
presence of a lady. I trust you will find your residence there
pleasanter than it has been here. The sea breezes will soon
bring back your lost roses."

201

THE SECRET SORROW.

The young lady courtcsicd.

""When do yon start?" elio said, smiling.

" Oh, immediately, if poasiblc, or at least aa soon ascvcry-
• thing can bo got ready. I soon tire of the land, and cannot
(bcoff too soon for blue water. My men, too, like true sail.
ors, arc growing weary of delay, and must be off."

There was a pause. Kate scarcely heard his words ; sho
was thinking of something else.

" I wish you would tell mo of those with whom I was in
the manor," she said, at length, looking up anxiously in his
face. I am sure you know. Do tell me."

" They are gone."

«« Gone I" repeated Kate, starting to her feet, " "Where 1"
How ! When did they go?"

"Eeally, Miss Sidney, that is more than I can tell you.
They were here when I left, and were gone the nest day.
They liavc not returned since. Perhaps," he said, with a
Blight smile, " the ghost frightened them away."

" The ghost," repeated Kate, vacantly.

" Yes, the ghost of the old Moor Manor. You have heard
it is haunted, I presume ?" he 8aid,with a wicked twinkle of his
blue eye.

" Yes," said Kate, looking up in his face with a half smile.
" I certainly have heard of it, but I begin to think it is a
flesh-and-blood ghost."

" Upon my honor, Mi&s Sidney, I give you credit for great
penetration. Pray, who told you it wag a flesh-and-blood
ghost?"

K •

IS soon fts cvcry-
and, and cannot
>, liko true sail.
! off."
his words ; sbo

1 wliom I was in
anxiously in bis

!et, " "Where 1"

I can tell you.
I the next day.
be said, with a

y."

I'ou have heard
:dtwinkleof his

itha half smile,
o think it is a

credit for great
Qesh-and-blood

K *

THE SECRET SORROW.

205

.iNot you, crtaiuly," said Kate. " But confess, sir, it U
not so? Is this fehost not an ingenious device for frighten-
ing i)coplo away from the old Moor Manor !"

-Ko, Miss Sidney, I cannot claim tlio honor of devising
that project. It was one of my men,' ho replied, la«r'ung
- When nrst-long before I joined them-thcy used this old
n^ansion for a rendezvous, they found these subterranean
vaults so useful that thoy determined not to be troubled with
visitors. For this purpose they undertook to play the ghost.
A mask, resembling a skeleton, a little red ochre to represent
blood, some phosphorus to give them the appearance of be-
ing enveloped in flames, and the disguise was perfect. The
place soon got the reputation of being haunted, and people
would sooner go ten miles round than pass here. Some fool-
hardy braggarts, having more brandy than wisdom in their
heads, undertook to spend a night here, but one sight of the
ghost and its awful groans sent them flying with shrieks of

terror." ,-

-Still," said Kate, "it puzzles me how they could pass
through the room and disappear, as ghosts ought to do, with-
out exciting suspicion. Spirits, you know, don't generally

open doors to go out."

-Very true," said the captain, i' and neither does the
Khost of the old Moor Manor. There is a passage which
connects these under-ground chambers with the rooms above.
Through this passage they go into a suite of rooms directiy
overhead of the one in which you were. This old manor «
full of secret doois, constructed for Heaven knows what evil

■^

206

THE SECRET SORROTT.

purpose. Thc«o my men, by dint of long search, have dU-
covered ; an.l by ti.eir aid thoy nro enabled to play the ghost
to perfection. The ghost enters through a secret door,
which opens noiselessly by a spring; an.l keeping <lown in
the «hndow, where its llery garments will stand boldly out
passes across the room, and vanishes through another secroJ

" Well. I must say it is a very Ingenious plan," said Kate ;
and one I sui^pose which has succeeded in securing your
clomam from intruders."

*' It certainly has," answered Captain Raj-mond," until of
late. I„ vain iho gl.ost has tried to drive the party you
came with away. Nothing could succeed .u.til of late , it ap-
pcared regularly every night, but all in vain ; it tramped
overhead, but still thoy staid. It frightened them terribly-
there can be no doubt of ikat-hut not enough to make them
leave. It must have been, indeed, a strong inducement that
made them remain here."

This was said inquiringly, as if to draw from Kate an ex-
planation. If such was his purpose, it most signally failed
however. Miss Sidney hud no intention of betraying family
secrets to the rover chief. ,

A few moments after he took his leave. As he rose to go,
Kntcsaid: ^

" I must thank you again for the kindness with which you
have placed both these rooms at my disposal. But as I am
aware there is no other room you can use here but this, I
must beg of you to occupy it. I seldom or never leave my

^Wa

.F'

■ I ■

THE SEPBET SORROW.

fOt

ftrch, hare dis<
play the ghost
» secret door,
pping down in
nd boldly out,
another secrot

i/'saidKttto;
securing your

ond," until of
■lie party you
of late J it np.
; it tramped
cm -terribly—.
to make liiem
liicement that

Kate an ex-
jnally failed,
aying family

e rose to go,

h which you
iut as I am
I but this, I
er leave my

Bleeping apartment even in day-time, so I beg you will have
no deliciify in ftr(>i'i)tin',' it."

.' I thank you, Miss Sidney," nni'l tlu- young captain, with
a nmilo. - I wiUin^'lv ucocpt your offer in the same Bpirit in
>vhich it is made. 1 nu.st own I am ofte., reduced to a strait
when T wish to read, or write, or remain by myself. The
outer apartments are .Uvays nile.l with my noisy crew, so that
It is Impossible to remain o.ie moment .piiet. Therefore I
shall make use of this room for a few hours each day, but
you must still continue to consider it your own. I shall now
direct Syra to prepare for departure with you, so I shaU bid
you adieu for the present."

During the few days that remained before their departure,
Kate and the pirate captain had frequent interviews. And
after each Kate noticed that the fierce look of jealousy m-
creased in the quadroon's face. A fiery look of intense hate
flashed from her black eyes whenever she encountered Kate.
Tortured by the pangs of jealousy, poor Syra was miserable

Indeed. ,, ,^, , ,

Kate noticed her growing hatred toward herself with afeel-

tag of sincere regret. She could sympathize with the poor

drl whose passionate heart gave, unasked, aU her hope

of happiness in this life into anothcrs keeping. And he-

how little he cared for her ! It was doubtful whetherhe even

dreamed that this handsome slave girl could possibly love

him The light smile with which he met her, the careless

dance of his blue eye, the tone of easy superiority in which

he addressed her, left Uttle room to doubt that he merely con-

:ip»-

*^r % 'T' -' j' ^t )

TITST-

208

THE SECBET SOBBOW.

sidered her a very hainlaome servant — but still a servant.
And had Syra not been blinded by her mad passion, she
would have seen, likewise, that in Miss Sidney he only saw a
lady — one whom, as belonging to a superior rank, he was
obliged to treat as became a lady — one whom, as his captive,
he was forced to care for. But Syra saw not this in his fre-
quent visits to her — she saw only the lover visiting his lady-
love ; and, as she saw him enter Kate's room, a new degree
of hate filled her heart toward her rival.

When he informed her of his design of bringing Kate with
him, her jealous fears were confirmed.

" He cannot endure to be parted from the woman he loves 1"
she exclaimed, bitterly. " Many and many a time he went
before, leaving me here to wait for his return, unthought of
and uncared for. And she — she does not, she cannot love
him as I do, I who would die for him joyfully. But she will
never be his bride — no, never, if I have to slay her in his
arms!"

Little dreaming of the resolution of the quadroon, Kate sat
one evening alone in her little sleeping-chamber, her chin rest-
ing upon her hand, her eyes fixed vacantly upon the wall, her
thoughts of Syra and the young pirate chief she so passion-
ately loved. Her own feelings toward him it would be hard
to analyze. She despised and loathed the profession, but in
spite of herself she admired the man ; she shuddered as she
thought of his crime, bat some irresistible sympathy drew
her towai-d him. There was little danger of her falling in lovo
with him ; she would as soon have dreamed of becoming a

-.-If^WHPWWS^'***''-"'

itill a servant,
d passion, she

ho only saw a
r rank, ho was

as h\B captive,
this in his fro-
liting his lady*
, a new degree

ging Kate with

man he loves t"
I time he went
unthought of
le cannot love
But she will
[ay her in his

Iroon, Kate sat
', her chin rest-
in the wall, her
tie so passion-
would be hard
fession, but in
ddcred as she
rmpathy drew
falling in lovo
»f begoming a

■«

THE SECRET SORROW.

269-

pirate herself ; but still somethiug shs could not account fo;
made her like him. Sometimes, if by chance he ever alluded
to the past, his voice would become bo inexpressibly sac' that
it went to her heart ; and looking into his mournful blue eyes,
she would heave a sigh, and wonder what great sorrow he, so
young, could have met with.

" Perhaps like others, he has loved and lost," thought Kate,
as she mused. " I wish I knew. And Syra, poor, half-crazed
child, with her flery, southern blood, and passionate nature,
what will become of her ? I wonder if he knows she loves
him. I willspoak of her to hira theverynexttimelmeethim."

She rose as she spoke, and pushing aside the heavy velvet
curtain, stepped to the outer room. As she did so, she per-
ceived to her surprise it was tenanted. Sitting at the table,
his head leaning on his hand, his fair, clustering locks pushed
impatiently off his white forehead, his large blue eyes flxed
on vacancy, sat the object of her thoughts.

In the full glare of the lamp she could see distinctly the
noble contour of the head, shaped like that of a prince — the
fine features, classic as those of a Grecian statue, now wore
a look of such deep, settled, immovable sovow as Kutc had
never witnessed before. He could not see her ''•'■.ere ho sat,
and she had a full opportunity of watcliing him unnoticed.
The look of profound sorrow went to her heart, it was so
seldom he looked thus — always gay, always animated, only
sometimes the dreary expression would come, aa though* the
world were, after all, a blank to him.

K»te shrank from intruding then, when his thoughts were

18« '

Ou^SSSS^^f^^S

P3?gCTO8£ — — ■

210

THE SECRET SORROW.

evidently far away. Accordingly oho retreated behind tba
curtains, when the door opened, and Syra entered.

The yovmg chief started, passed his hand across hia brow,
drew a long breath, then the sad, dreamy look waa gone, and
his usual one of careless good humor returned.
I "Well, Syra, what is ic?" he said.
i Her message was a trifling one ; evidently she had entered
more to see if Kate were with him than for any other pur-
pose. As soon as she was gone, Kate stepped cut and stood
before hun.

" Ah, Miss Sidney !" ho said, rising, " Syra has just been
here to know if you will have your books packed to go on
board ? I answered yes, in your name, not wishing to disturb

you."

•'ThanJc you," said Kate; " I am glad you did so. By
the way, captain, is Syra willing to go to sea? '

"Syra!" he repeated, in surprise. "I never asked her.
Of course she must accompany you."

" She has grown very pale and thin of late," remarked
Kate, seating herself. "I fear she has the disease of the

heart. "

" What ! I do not understand," said the j^oung chief, in a
tone that convinced Kate his thoughts were very little of

Syra.

»' I mean that I think she is in love," said Kate, making a

desperate resolve to say the worst at once.
Captain Raymond uttered a prolonged " Oh !'*
"I never was iu love myself," said Kate, laughing ; " but

-^sr^

SJPBf ff . Tii I . - .

ited behind tba

tered.

icross Ilia brow,

k was gone, and

she had entered
r any other pur-
»d out and stood

ra has just been
wckccl to go on
?ishing to disturb

you did so. By

a?"

never asked her.

' late," remarked
he disease of the

j^oung chief, m a
'cre very little of

I Kate, making a

Oh!"

I, laughing ; "but

THT SECRET SORROW.

211

I believe Syra baa fallen into that unhappy state. I wondei
who is the happy man ?" and she glanced at liim from under
her long eyelashes.

"Really! I am sorry I cannot tell you,'" said Captain
Raymond, smiling. " 1 11 make inquiry, if you like !"

"Oh, no! by no means! — pray don't trouble yourself!"
said Kate, hurriedly, now thoroughly convinced how little he
cared for poor Syra; "perhaps I am mistaken. We start
to-morrow, do we not?" she asked, anxious to change tho
subject.

" To-morrow night, Heaven be praised !" replied Captain
RajTnond. " I shall not feel like myself until I am once
more on the deck o:' my good vessel !"

Thus ended Kate's conversation concerning Syra. In the
bustle and hurry of departure, she saw little more of liim for
some time after.

Two days later Kate sat in the cabin of the pirate ship.
It had been fitted up in the most elegant style for the recep-
tion of Miss Sidney ; and, as far as outward comfort went,
her uncle's stately mansion of Dirritole did not siu'pass it.
Old M'^11 had been left behind, by her own desire, declaring
she couldn't stand " dem ar rampagm', ^arrifying, rip-stavin'
sailors !" — but Syra accompanied Kate. Whither they were
bound she had not asked ; and, after being on board awhile,
she felt little inclination to ask — being prostrated 'n body and
mind by sea-sickness. And so Kate Sidney was on the blu't
sea, in a pirate vessel, outward bound. <

IMHf

.J^

81t

THE SECRET SOREOW.-

•. >.

Ik ' /

CHAPTER XVn.

THE DOOMED SHIP.

" The captain lie is young and fair-
How can he look so young?

Hi* locks of youtli — his golden hair,
Are o'er his shoulders flung.

" The fiercest of our pirate band

Holds at his name the breath ;
For there is blood on his right hand,

And in his heart is death I"

It was a glorious summer sunset — sunset on the seat
Not n. breath of air was stirring; the sails flapped lazily

, against Uic mast, while the pirate vessel lay still and motion-
less on the glassy sea. The day had been, and still was, in-

. tensely wai-m ; the hot rays of a tropical sun, streaming on
the declc, had rendered it almost insupportable. An awning
had been constructed which had rendered the burning heat
somewhat more endurable ; and sitting beneath it, gazing on
the gorgeous scene around her, was Kate Sidney.

Not a cloud moved over the deep azure Unnament, save a
few white, fleecy specks, looking, to Kate's eyes, like stray
glimpses of angels' wings. Far down in tho horizon the red
sun was slowly sinking, tinti"g the sky with brilliant purple,
cimson and gold. The AVaveless ocean reflected the gor-

THE SECRET SORROW.

213

* K

air—
lair,

1
find,

luset on the seat
ails flapped lazily
\.y still and motion-
1, and still was, in-
sun, streaming on
:able. An awning
d the burning heat
aeath it, gazing on
Sidney.

Himament, save a
e'a eyes, like stray
bo horizon the red
Lh brilliant purple,
I reflected the gor-

geous dyes of the flrmanr.2nt in its polished surface, making
the still scene beautiful beyond description. The deep si-
lencc that reigned rendered it still more impressive ; for the
sailors, overcome by the heat, lay indolently lounging about
the deck, or leaning over the side of the vessel, to catch, if
possible, a breath of air.

Everything on board the Water Witch was in the most per-
fect order, the deck scoured to a most shining whiteness,
every rope hauled taut, everything in its place— for Captain
Raymond maintained perfect order and discipline among his
pirate crew.

Kate sat taking in the scene with the eye of an artist.
Now her gaze would wander over the gorgeous but desolate
scene around her, on which no living thing was to be seen
save themselves ; then it would wander over the trim deck,
resting for a moment on the swarthy, s.ivagc-looking pa-ate
crew— each one with a long, glittering knife stuck in his belt
—their fierce faces and evil eyes making her involuntarily
shudder, as she thought of the many deeds of blood com-
mitted by them ; again it would wander to the opposite end
of the vessel, where, leaning against the bulwarks, stood Syra.
She formed a beautiful picture in the rich scene around ; her
white dress falling from her taper waist in graceful folds to
her feet, her long, glossy, ebon ringlets streaming over her
shoulders, while a turban of crimson satin was wound around
her head. Her groat black eyes were fixed earnestly yet
dreamily on the face of the young captain, who Lay leaning
over the side of the ship, his eyes fixed on the bright waters

W <*

THE SECRET SORROW.

beneath. Now and then, at some passing thojpht, th*. ni^ 1
red on her oval chqcks would fade, the subdr.ed light wDiJd
die out in her magnificent eyes, and be supplied by >* Serco
flash, as they would rest for a moment on Kate.

And seated by herself, under the awning, watching the sun
go down, Kate Sidney looked stiangely out of place among
the pirate crew. Plainly as she was dressed, in a simple
robe of gray muslin, with a broad-leafed straw hat, there was
about her the unmistakable stamp of a lady.

Poor Kate ! she was sad and lonely enough. Her waking
thoughts, and dreams by night, were of the friends behind,
ln"merrie Eugland. * Of her sad-browed aunt— of Lord
Amdale, still ignorant of tlic fate of lier he loved— of her
brother Charley — of her basc-hcarted uncle— but most of all
of poor Alice Desmond ; a presentiment that the earl would
disco' er her visit to the manor, and render the fate of Alice
Btill more bitter, lay on her mind.

For herself, she did not so much care, though her fate was
no enviable one. Although every respect was shown her,
she still felt she was among lawless pirates ; though every
comfort she had been accustomed to fr^m childhood was hers
here, stiU she could not forget how it had possibly been

obtained.

Then, too, the daily increasing jealousy of Syra rendered
her miserable ; she feared it might be discovered by the young
chief himself— and then, what would follow. The pirate
captain had often occupied her thoughts, too ; but still the
mystery regarding him remained unsolved. Sometimes, in

^A*^-"- S; 4jN;

THE SECRET SORROW.

915

ir.ed light would
pplied by »* fierce
late.

watching the sun

of place among

33C(1, in a simple

raw hat, there was

igh. Her waking
le friends behind,
d aunt— of Lord
p he loved — of her
• — but most of all
at the earl would
• the fate of Alice

lOUgh her fate was
t was shown her,
tos; though every
childhood was hers
had possibly been

■ of Syra rendered
vored by the young
How. The pirate
, too ; but still the
id. Sometimes, in

the midst of her conversation, he would appear on the point
of revealing to her something of the past ; but again he
would check himself, and resuming his accustomed tone of
careless drollery, seem to forget the impulse.

The sun at length sank beneath the horizon, the brilliant
hues of the sky began to fade and flee from the gray shadows
of evening ; a slight breeze, too, arose, delighJifully refresh-
ing after the intense heat of the day. Under its reviving in-
fluences, the idle sails began to fill— the gallant bark sped
merrily onward, as though rejoicing in its delightful coolness
—the sailors arose from their lazy positions, and new life
seemed to animate the drooping crew. Kate, too, felt its in-
fluence, and rising, she walked slowly over to where the
captain still reclined. As Syra caught sight of her coming,
she hastily retreated to a spot where she could watch them,
and remain herself unseen ; and she stood like a tigress pre-
paring to spring on her prey.

" A glorious evening, captain," said Kate, as she stood by
his side ; " one does not see many such sunsets in a life-tune."
He looked up with a start, for she had approached unheard ;
and Kate saw that his face stiU wore the same look she had
seen on it once before.

He laughed— a sort of subdued laugh— and ran his fingera
through his luxuriant, clustering hair, as he answered :

" Yes, a glorious sunset, indeed. Ah, Miss Sidney, there
is no place like the wide ocean after all. • Free and un-
fettered, it spurns control'— something Uke myself , or as I
would be. StiU it is not in times like this, when everytibpj(

^^m-^'-i^ii'-

I-

21«

THE SECRET SORROW.

is aa still anrl beautiful as a fairy tale of our cbildbood, that
I love it best. No, give mc the roaring blast that sends the
good ship scudding," lilvc a frightened courser, through the
foam-crcstcd waves, rising through the gloom of the storm
like Alpine avalanches ; when the lurid lightuing shows us
oHr course, then comes that wild enthusiasm, that fierce feel-
ing of freedom, that none but a sailor can know. Then it ia
I love the boundless sea."

His eyes kindled, and his nostrils dilated with the sudden
enthusiasm with which lie had spoken. Kate listened quietly,
and after a moment, replied :

" Yes, that is all very fine to you, I have no doubt ; but if,
like me, you were, at such times, at the last gasp with sea-
sickness, you wouldn't wish so ardently for a storm. I re-
member, during the last storm we had, or gale, as you called
it, how utterly miserable and wretched I felt ; every time the
vessel pitched headlong into the waves I prayed most de-
voutly she might go to the bottom at once, that I might be
rid of the pangs I endured !"

Captain Raymond laughed ; then, leaning over the side, he
continued to watch the vessel as she danced through the now
sparkling waves for some time in silence. Then, looking up,
he said :

" How gallantly she cuts her way through the sea-foam —
flying onward as if she, too, knew and rejoiced in her free-
d<Mn. What a perfect little beauty she is, with her elegantly-
modeled hull, and graceful, tapering spars !" and he ran his
eyes aloft with a sailor 8 pride. ;

«. miiu-mwuniuniL-

THE SECRliT SORROW.

217

cbildbood, that
; that sends the
3r, through the
tin of the storm
tuing shows us
that flcrco fcel-
ow. Then it ia

rith the sudden
listened quietly,

• doubt ; but if,
gasp with sca-
X storm. I re-
8, as you called
every time the
ayed most de-
liat I might be

vcr the side, he
irough the DOW
en, looking up,

he sea-foam —
id in her frec-
i her elegantly-
uid he ran his

"I certainly have seen worse-looking vessels than the
Water Witch," said Kate, composedly, follo^i"g the direc-
tion of his eye; "what a savage-looking set your men

arc

"Upon my honor, Miss Sidney, you throw a terrible damp
on my enthusiasm !" said Captain Raymond, with a good-
natured laugh. " You are a terribly matter-of-fact person, I
begin to think !"

•• I fancy I will hardly ever make much of a sailor," re-
plied Kate, smiling ; " while the weather continues thus I do
very well ; but the very thought of a otorm h fearful, not so
much for the storm itself, but the demon that accompanies
it — I mean sea-sickness — the very idea of it gives me a

qualm !" '

"I always fall into my old habits of day-dreaming on
evenings like this," he said, after a pause, speaking evident-
ly as much to himself as to Kate ; " and yet how little there
is left for mc to dream about ! The past seems like a dark
dream to me now ; and in the future there is nothing to look
forward to but a grave. And yet sometimes I forget the
present, and fancy myself once more rich and honored, and
loved, as I was once ; and I awake .with a start, to remember
I am only Captain Raymond, the rover chief, with a price on
my head!" ,,,.....»

He paused, and fixed his eyes steadily on the bright waves,
while a shadow passed over Lis fine face. Kate stood, listen-
ing intently, with a look of deep sympathy in her dark

eyes.

1«

if fl((fr-vas''ji

H I

In f ill »Aww

-nwv*

nil

THE SECRET BORROW.

"Yes," he went on, slowly, "strange as it may seem to
you — strange as it seems now to myself — I was once wealthy
and honored, with a no'^o. Miss Sidney, as prond as your
own, and of a family as old and aristocratic. Once I was
heir to broad lands and stately mansions, with menials to
bow at my word, and with friends who were proud to call me
fc descendant of their ancient house !"

*' And yet you are here," said Kate, sadly.

•• And yet I am here — and here I will die ! All has gone
— aU has faded like a dream, leaving nothing to wish, noth-
ing to hope for in the future, either here or hereafter. I am
unloved, an imloving man, one shunned by his fcllow-mcuas
accursed, with the brand of Cain on my brow— one who, like
Ishmael of old, has his hand against every man's, and every
man's hand against him ! Well, be it so I I have a long score
of revenge to wipe out against my race ; and yet I never will-
ingly shed blood. I am a free rover— I take without remorse
what I can win on the wide ocean ; yet, if I could avoid it, I
would never slay a fellow-being. And still I have done it,
■till I do it, and still I will dr it. Some dark fate, over
which I have no control, seems hurrying me on to my des-
tiny. Often and often, during the still hours of the night,
the ghastly faces of those who have fallen by my hand rise
before me. I can see them, as they fall backward, into
thoBea, their wild, agonized faces, their distorted eyes strain-
ing from their sockets— their hands stretched forth vainly
striving to sue for mercy, or to ward off their death-blow,
And then they go down, down, down ! into the waves, reU

t may seem to
13 once wealthy
proncl as your
c. Once I was
vith menials to
)roucl to call me

! All has gone
I to wish, noth-
ereafter. I am
is fellow-men as
V — one who, like
lan's, and every
lave a long score
yet I never will-
without remorse
lould avoid it, I
I have done it,
dark fate, over
I on to my des-
irs of the night,
by my hand rise
backward, into
jrtcd eyes strain-
hcd forth vainly
Iheir death-blow,
) the waves, re4

THE SECRET SORROW.

tl>

with human blood, their dying cry of agony drowned under
the bubbling waves ! And I start up, to hear their white lip«
hiss ' murderer !' into ray ear !"

lie started to his feet, as he spoke, his face livid, and great
drops of piuspirntlon starting on his brow. Kate stood, listen-
ing, white with horror.

«' I know not why I have told all this to you," he said,
hurriedly, after a pause, during which he paced rapidly up
and down — " except that you remind me of one I loved once

—one who haa forgotten me ! Once, I "

*^ Sail, ho!" cried the lookout, at this moment.
•'■\Vhereaway?" demanded Captain Raymond, his whole
countenance changing, as if by magic, as he tuwd toward
the mast head. ^^

" On the lee bow, sir."
♦' Can you make her out?'*

«' Ay, ay, sir ! A merchantman, heavily loaded !"
A cheer arose from the pirates at the words. They had not
come across a prize since they started ; and frequent were
their oaths and murmurs at this want of luck, all of which
they attributed to their having women on board. Now, the
prospect of taking a prize elated them beyond measure, and
their shouts for a moment were quite irrepressible.

Captain Eaymond seized a glass and sprang into the rig-
ging. There was a moment's breathless pause — all stood
eagerly awaiting the result of the scrutiny.

"It's a merchantman!" ho exclaimed, leaping once more
to the deck, '• bound, I take it, with a valuable cargo, from

•?

S2Q

THE SECRET SORnOW.

Jamaica. All hau<lB ahoy ! Crowd on all Hail after her—
■ho will bo a plorioim prize ! Merrily llicrc, my men ! work
with a will ! Our gallant little brig will soon overtake yon-
der overgrown ship,"

The men sprang willingly to their i)oat ; and a few mo-
ments after, the piratca were rapidly giving chasoto the hcav-
Uy-laden ship. 1'aptain Raymond paced the qimrtcr-deck
rapidly, now nnd then raising his glass to examine the mer-
chantman.
ii; "Mast-head, ahoy!" ho shouted, after a pause, during

which the men stood eagerly regarding their prize.

"Ay, ay, sir!" came from the cross-trees.

" Can YOU make her out any plainer !"

" Yc8,1^. She's nn Knglish merchantman."

"Ilowfarisshe off?"

"Nearly two miles, sir."

Again the pirate cr.ptain regarded the stranger through his
glass'. Then, lowering it, he muttered :

" About that, I fan> V ; and the moon is rising now. By
the time we overhaul li^., it will bo clear as day. So much
the better for us, ami so much tho worse for her !"

As ho spoke, ho approached Kate, who stood watching
with breathless interest, the chase. Touching her on tho
shoulder, he said, hurriedly, as he passed :

" There may be danger at hand — you had better go below !"

In a moment he was gone, and giving his directions rapidly
at tlie other end of the brig to nis men. Kate looked after
him a moment, and then turned again to watcli the result of

■'^^

TtST"

Bail after her—
my men ! work
i overtake yon-

ftiul a few mo-
aso to the heav-
»c quartcr-cleck
Lamino tlio mcr-

pause, during
)rizo.

ger througli his

ising now. By

day. So much

ler!"

stood watching

ng her on the

iter go below!"
rections rapidly
;e looked after
lb the result of

TTTB SECnET SORROW.

291

the chase, wUh an intercut scarcely Inferior to that of the pi-
rates tbemscives.

" Heaven grant they may escape !" was her fervent ejacu-
lation, as slic glanced at the kindling eyes and fierce faces of
the pirate crew.

The moon had now risen in its radiant splendor, flootling
the sea with silvery light. It was a lovely night ; every ob-
ject could bo seen as plainly as by day, as the pirate brig
rapidly approached the merchantman.

As the men passed to and fro on their various errands
across the deck, Kate caught the sullen looks of discontent
and fierce glances bestowed upon her, now and then accom-
panied by a low growl or a smotb^rcd curse. Still she re-
mained too deeply excited by the chase and the thought of
the approaching contest to quit the deck.

«' This is no place for you — there is danger at hand! Go
Delow!"

Kate looked up ; it was Captain Raymond who had rapidly
spoken the words as he passed. There was a kindling light
in his eyes, and an impetuous tone in his voice that she had '
never lieard there before. And still eho lingered, unhaeding
the fierce growls and oaths from the pirates, which were
every moment growing louder. The intense anxiety for the
fate of the Englishman overcame every other feeling, and
she remained.

The two vessels were now within a short distance of each
other, and Kate could almost distinguish the throng of fonsB
leaning over the bulwarks of the merchantman.

19* .

i'U L

I ;
■ti i

22d

THE SECRET SORROW.

" By my soul, this will be a glorious night's work I" cried
the voice of the pirate chief, at a little distance fmm where

she stood. "She will be a splendid prize! Ha! there goes
her flag!" ^

As he spoke it fluttered for a moment on its way, and the
next, the red cross of St. George floated proudly from the
ship s peak. The next instant she fired a gun.

" That's a polite hint for us to show our bunting "' cried
the pirate chief. '« Hallo, Simon! up with the black
flag!"

A shout arose from the pirate crew, and the next moment
the ominous black flag with its skuU and cross-bones, flut-
tered in the night breeze.

There was a moment's death-like silence; then Kate fan-
cied something like a groan of despair came "from the mer-
chantman. It might be fancy, however, for the next moment
a fierce shout of defiance arose from the brave English
crew. °

"By aU the fiends, they shall repent this boldness"'
shouted the pirate captain, maddened by the taunt. " Ahoy
my men ! take your stations for working ship. We'll rake
her fore and aft."

The men flew to obey the order, and Captain Raymond ap-
proached the spot where Kat*e still stood. As he cau«.ht
sight of her he advanced, and said sternly :

"Why will you be so obstinate? Don t yon see you are
creating disorder among my men ? Go below ? '

Kate dared disobey no longer. Casting one look after the

ijittl^

PT.

THE SECRET SORROW.

S28

night's work !" cried
distance from where
!e ! Ha ! there goes

on its way, and the
[i proudly from the
1 gun.

our bunting I" cried
p with the blaclc

d the next moment
d cross-bones, flut-

36 ; then Kate fan-
ime "from the mer-
3r the next moment
the brave English

it this boldness!"
lie taunt. "Ahoy,
ship. We'll rake

•tain Raymond ap-
:!■ As he caught

you see yon are
ow?'

one look after the

brave merchantman, she turned and descended to the cabin.
Syra stood in the middle of the floor, her hands clasped, her
eyes almost straining from their very sockets, and listening
intently to every sound ; Kate knelt down and covered her
face with her hands, as, with a sickening feeling of horror,
she waited for the conflict to commence.

The few moments that followed seemed to her like ages.
She could hear the hurrying to and fro, the tramp of many
feet, the confused mingling of voices, and, clear and distinct
as the tones of a trumpet, the clear, commanding voice of the
pirate captain, high over all.

The restraint grew intolerable. Kate's high spirit chafed
liked a caged lion at the restraint. Springing to her feet, at
length, she exclaimed :

" I mil see ! ' and she cautiously ascended the cabin stairs.
Here, crouching in the shadow, she was about to remain,
when a deafening uproar, as though heaven itself was anni-
hilated, crashed upon her ear, as the merchantman, suddenly
turning discharged her whole broadside on the pirate brig.

For an instant, the air was filled with the shrieks of t!ae
dying and the groans of the wounded, mingled with the cries
of rage and fierce oaths of the survivors.

" Death to the murdering dogs ! Onward ! my men — fol-
low me!" shouted the pirate chief, hoarse with rage, as he
sprang from the rigging uf his own ship, sword in hand, into
that of the merchantman, followed by his blood-thiraty
crew.

For a few moments the carnage was awful. Shouts, oaths,

221

TSE 6£CBi;T dbftBOW.

■f!

r I

shrieks, and groans, mingled in horrible discord with the
clash of steel and the report of fire-arms. The deck of the
doomed ship was littcrally slippery with blood, and the waves
around were purple with the same bloody hue.

"Onwaid! my men; slay, and spare not!" called the
fierce tones of the pirate chief, as the crew of the merchant-
man fled, like grass before the mower, beneath the rapid
blows of his sword.

" For God and St. George ! death to the pirates '" shouted
the brave Knglishmcn, as they met, hand to hand, with the
pirates in the conflict.

Bravely the gallant crew of the merchantman fought, fall-
ing but fighting to the last. Slowly, but surely, overpowered
by superior numbers, they retreated toward the round-house —
the deck growing crimson with blood as they went, and the
gallant band slowly, but surely, decreasing.

Suddenly they fled, and the pirates closely wedged to-
gether, and, unable to retreat, saw themselves standing by
the yawning muzzle of a brass eightcen-pounder, loaded ta
the throat with grape. There was a seconds death-like
pause ; then the clear, calm voice of Captain Raymond
shouted, as he sprang forward, pistol in hand :

" Down wiih the gunner !"

But he was too late. Even as he spoke, with a deafening
roar it was discharged, dealing death through the densely-
crowded pirates, cutting a lane right through their center.
At the same moment a ball went crashing through th« ikuU
of tbo 2<''<}^<^i'i fi'om the pistol of the pirate chief.

II I

«' .£ i* >&?"^»-jS'*fl«!'- -

discord with the
The deck of the
od, and the waves
tic.

not!" called the

of the merchant-

beneath the rapid

pirates'" shouted
to hand, with the

ntman fought, fall-

urely, overpowered

the round-house —

they went, and the

closely wedged to-

selves standing by

-pounder, loaded to

second's death-like

Captain Raymond

hand:

:e, with a deafening
hrough the densely-
hrough their center,
ig through th« tkuU
ate chief.

THE SECRET SORROW.

226

♦' For God and our country ! Death to the pirates !" cried
the crew of the merchantman, exultingly, as they sprang
from their retreat, dealing death among the still astonished
rovers.

" Slain the best man in my crew !" shouted the pirate chief,
frenzied with rage, as the man Simon fell dead at his feet,
warding off a blow aimed at the young captain's life. " Fol-
low me, men! No quarter to the murderers! Slay, and
spare not !"

" Death to the pirates T came defiantly back from the brave
handful, who alone remained of the numerous crew of the
Englishman.

With one concentrated yell of rage, the maddened pirates
sprang upon them- The carnage — for such it now was — grew
terrific ; one ■ by one, the crew of the English ship were
butchered and cast overboard — a few crimson bubbles mark-
ing for a moment the spot where they had sunk, as they, one
by one, disappeared forever. And, high over all, still arose
the voice of Captain Raymond, with the death-cry of the
Englishmen ;

" JDeaih to the murderers P'

Like one in some horrible trance, Kate.stood with straining
eye-balls, and face blanched to the hue of death, immovable
as a statue, watching the fearful carnage. For the first time
she realized they were really pirates, and he — whom, in spite
of all, she had esteemed — he, the worst of all ! Oh ! tlie
dreadful feeling of horror tliat filled her heart, and rooted
her to the spot, as she watched him dealing death around.

:. ...-..«((*'■'•<.-

i!'

:^saiBBaitiaK«

£26

THE SECRET SORROW.

i; :^

♦• Hurra! hurra! hurra!" came cxultingly from the pirate
crew, as the last of the merchantmen were cast overboard.

Yes, they had conquered ; but the victory was dearly
bought. More than half theh' own crew lay dead and dying
on the deck of the ship.

The p' rates now began busily carrying their wounded com-
panions to their own vessel, while the remainder employed
themselves in transporting everything valuable from their
prize. She proved to be the Lady Mary, of Liverpool,
bound from Jamaica home, with a cargo of sugar, rum, and
coffee, and a large amount of other valuables. These were
quickly conveyed on board the Water Witch ; and then, set-
ting Are to the doomed ship, the pirates held on their course.

It seemed to Kate as though the whole affair was the work
of a moment. The moonlight still fell as calmly over the
waves as before; but the burning merchantman before her
showed it to be but too dreadful a reality. Rapidly the fire
spread on its devouring course, now licking its forked tongue
ai'ound the tapering masts — now bursting foi-th here and there
in different parts of the vessel — now shooting straight up-
ward in a red, lurid column, and, anon, winding its deadly
coils, like the folds of a serpent, around the ship. Suddenly,
li bright, lurid column of fire shot upward, tinging the sky
crimson ; then followed an appalling crash, that seemed to
rend the very heavens, as the magazine exploded. The
pirate brig herself, though already hull down in the horizon,
quivered and trembled in every joint, at the terrific explosion.
The next moment the waves were flowing peacefully ovei uie

i ■

ngly from the pirate
3rc cast overboard.

victoi7 was clearly
V lay dead and dying

g their wounded corn-
remainder employed
valuable from their
Mary, of Liverpool,
p of sugar, rum, and
luables. These were
/Fitch ; and then, set-
} held on their course,
lie affair was the work
ell as calmly over the
jrchantmaa before her
ility. Rapidly the fire
3king its forked tongu*
ng forth here and there
r shooting straight up-
on, winding its deadly
d the ship. Suddenly,
)ward, tinging the sky
crash, that seemed to
izine exploded. The
11 down in the horizon,
it the terrific explosion,
ing peacefully ov«i tiia

THE SECRET SORROW.

Is?

spot where the doomed ship went down, as though death and
destruction had never been there. The moonlight shone as
calmly and peacefully over the bright waters as though they
bad never been dyed with human blood.

THE SECRET SOBROW.

CHAPTER XVm.

AN UNEXPECTED MEETIKO.

" His voice is low — his smile is sweet-
He had a girl's blue eyes :

And yet, I would far rather meet
The storm in yonder ckies.

Great God ! the sights that I have seen

When far upon the main I
I'd rather that my death had beer.

Than sec those sights again."

It was a pleasant afternoon, about a week after the event
recorded in the last chapter. Since that fatal night Kate had
carefully shunned the pirate captain, with a feeling almost of
loathing. She knew now that those mournful blue eyes that
had so interested her could light up with the fire of death—
that low, musical voice could shout the death-cry of his vic-
tims. There was blood on his hand and death in his heart,
and Kate could never feel toward him again as she had once

It was evident that he noticed it, but it was equally evident
that it troubled him little. There was an easy indifference-
proud, yet careless in his manner toward her, that seemed to
imply that though he felt bound to treat her as a lady, ye- he
was perfectly unconcerned as to what she might think of him

3^*

[KG.
» sweet—

eet

are seen

eer,
»

week after the event
It fatal night Kate had
ith a feeling almost of
ournful blue eyes that
ith the fire of death —

death-cry of his vic-
id aeath in his heart,
again as she had once

t it was equally evident
an easy indifference —
trd her, that seemed to
ither asalady, ye-he
she might think of him

THE SECRET SORROW.

229

or hia actions. His days were mostly spent in gazing idly
over the side of the vessel, or chatting with his second in
command — a young Spaniard, whose sinister look had from
the first made Kate dislike him. As for her, she usually
spent her days in the cabin, sometimes reading, and some-
times thinking of the dear ones at home. Here she had no
one to disturb her reflections, for the quadroon generally
passed the day upon deck, happy to be near the young captain,
when her rival, as she considered Kate, was out of sight.

But at night, lying awake on her restless couch, she would
hear a light, firm footstep, pacing up and down the opposite
state-room, occupied by Captain Raymond. Sometimes, too,
m the clear, moonlight nights, when unable to sleep, she
would steal on deck, and seating herself under the shadow of
Bome projection, watch the tall, slight figure of the young
chieftain, as he paced restlessly up and down the quarter-
deck, unconscious of the eyes regarding him. Often, at such
times, she would catch a glimpse of the shadowy form and
wild, black eyes of the quadroon, as she crouched in some
corner, watching and waiting with him she loved so, "vainly
and so well." Both were waiting and watching for what
never came — waiting for the sun to rise on the dark night of
their inner lives. For, spite of herself at such times, her
heart would go out to those two — one wrapped in his hidden
grief and remorse as in a mantle ; the other waiting, so sadly
and so patien.^y, in her deep, earnest love ; but both waiting
in vain. Tlie bright hue of health was gradually fading from
Syra's dark cheek ; the splendid Syrian eyes were fast losing

£<)

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" ■ ! *' "*" ■»■ "

turn ttii$ I mwmtmtim»

280

THE SECRET SORROW.

it^

fj jj-

I ■ 1 '

their luster ; a shaclow lay on her darkly beautiful face ; there
was a languor in her manner that showed bow her strength
was wasting, with the llcrce fire within her passionate heart,.
Watching her, Kate would think of the words of the poet:

<• Love's light has fled from her eye and cheek,
To burn and die in the heart they seek.
Alat ! that bo often the grave «hould bo
The seal of woman's fidelity !"

And the grave was destined to be the seal of Syra's, too.

But this pleasant afternoon, Kate had deserted the cabin
for the deck ; and, leaning back in her scat, she watched,
dreamily, the foam dancing in the sunlight, as the brig cut
her way rapidly through the bright waves.

" SaU, ho !" called the man at the cross-tirees, in startling

tones.

Captain Raymond, who was leaning idly over the side of
the brig, smoking a cigar, now sprang into the rigging, and
scanned the horizon in every direction.

•' I cannot make it out," he said, hastily. " In what di-

rection is it!"
" Standing to the eastward, sir ; another merchantman, I

think."

A feeling of sickness came over Kate, as she thotight that
the tenible scene before witnessed was about to be repeated.

" Yes, yes ; I can see her plainly now," said Captain Eay-
mond, sweeping the horizon with his glass. " Yes, she ia a
merchantman, most decidedly. We seem destined to me£*

•autiful face ; there
bow her strength
:r passionate heart,,
jrds of the poet :

! and check,

cek.

dbe

of Syra's, too.
deserted the eabin
scat, she watched,
;ht, as the brig cut

ss-treea, in startling

ily over the side of
ato the rigging, and

stily. "In what di-

;her xnerchantmaQi I

, as she thought that
ibout to be repeated.
■," said Captain Ray-
iss. " Yes, she t"« a
;em destined to meet

IHE SECRET SORROW.

uo other kind of vessels this cruise, Mr. Mondalvi," he ad-
dud, turning with a laugh to his second in command.

" All the more the merrier, Senor Captain, ' said Mondal-
vi, in his pcculiar,sneering voice, and strong foreign accent;
" our swords are growing rusty in tlu • scabbards for want

of work."

" Call all hands on deck," said Captain Raymond.

Then turning, he walked over to Kate ; he lifted his hat,
and said, courteously, but with brief sternness.

" As I had some difflculty in making you go below during
the last engagement, I must i)revent your presence on deck
this time ; for, as you see, we arc about to give chase to
yonder ship, and an engagement will probably lake place.
Therefore, Miss Sidney, you will excuse me if I insist on
seeing you to your cabin and locking you in. Sailors are
proverbially superstitious, and my men consider your presence
on deck during battle as an omen of ill-luck. Besides,
scenes of bloodshed and death arc hardly fitted for a la-Jy'a

gentle eyes."

" Nor for the eyes of any civilized being are such scenes
of murder fit— for it does not deserve the name of battle,"
said Kate, with spirit—" a gang of outlawed pirates to plun-
der the vessels of then- own country, and murder the brave
crews for defending them. M t such scenes arc hardly Qtted
for civilized eyes!"

His eyes flashed and his face flushed hotly, as he bit his
lip to keep down hia rising passion.

*' You ftr« my guest, Miss Sidney,? he said, after a pause,

■ ifc" iiTV'

983

THE SECKET SORROW.

.:?, I

1 «■■ ,

It i .

1 11

•'and as such are privileged to say what yon pleaso. But
were it a man who. had spoken thus, rest assured he should
never speak again."

Kate saw the struggle ho made to suppress his anger and
speak calmly ; and, somewhat alarmed at her imprudence,
she said, more calmly :

" I will go to the cabin myself ; your escort thither is quite
unnecessary. You may lock the door, if you please ; but as
I have no intention of leaving it, the trouble will be use-
less."

«'I shall not lock it; Miss Sidney's word is sacred," he
said, lifting his hat politely, and stepping aside to aUow her

to pass.

Kate bowed coldly and haughtily, and descended to the
cabin. Syra lay on the sofa in a deep sleep— that sleep re-
sembling death in its profoundness, for which all of her race
are so remarkable. Kate sighed as she noticed the smooth
brow contracted, as though in pain, and the care-worn look
on her beautiful features. Poor Syia 1 She loved, indeed,
" not wisely, but too well."

Sinking on her knees, Xate buried her face in her bands,
to shut out, as it were, even from herself, the terrible vision
of the approaching conflict. She knew by the orders given,
and the sounds on deck, that they were rapidly approaching
the ship ; and, in trembling expectation, she awaited the
opening of the conflict.

Thus an hour passed away, every moment dragging on like
an age ; and then the uproar of the battle commenced. Kate

"SSS^

THE SECRET SORROW.

188

t you pleaso. But
assured he should

ess his anger and
t her imprudence,

jort thither is quite
you please ; but as
rouble will be use-

rord is sacred," he
aside to allow her

descended to the
icp — that sleep re-
hich all of her race
loticed the smooth
the care-worn look
She loved, indeed,

face in her bands,
, the terrible vision
ly the orders given,
rapidly approaching
a, she awaited the

snt dragging on like
I commenced. Kate

sprang to her feet, with the strong, almost uncontrollable im-
pulse to fly on deck ; but the remembrance of her promise
given to the young captain restrained her. Naturally fear-
less, and come of a bravo, liigh-blooded race, it was with
wild excitement that she paced to and fro the narrow limits.
Tlio noise awoke Syra, who sprang to her feet, with a wild
shriek ; but Kate, in her excitement, scarcely licard her.

Gradually there came a lull, and the thought, "They are
boarding her !" flaslied across Kate's mind. She was right.
The pirates, like a swnrm oJ bcca, crowded on the deck of
the merchantman, headed by their flcry young commander.
Suddenly his eye fell upon the form of an elderly gentleman,
who stood fighting bravely with a burly pirate. It was the
Earl of Daneraorc — who, as the reader well knows, was
bouud for Cuba. The eagle eye of tlie young captain saw that
he was fast sinking, though still fighting bravely, before the
fast-falling blows of his younger and stronger opponent.
Already the sword of the pirate was raised to deal the earl's
death-blow, when, with a sudden spring, the young captain
darted forward and struck up the weapon of the pirate. Then,
springing on a gun-carriage, he raised a small bugle, which
always himg at his belt, and blew a cl«ar, loud blast. Tliere
was a momentary pause in the conflict at the sound, and then
the voice of the pirate chief shouted:

" Back, my men ! Let the conflict cease I"
Surprised at an order which tl\?y had never received before,
but accustomed to implicit obedience, the savage pirates, in
the very act .of victory, di-ew back, and sullenly lowered their

20» •

3— •>

'l.i

^i:i

1(4 THE SiECRKT SORROW.

reeking swords. Still more amazed, the crew of the mer-
cbantman awaited tlie result of this unexpected dclivcrence
from dcatli.

Approaching the carl, Captain Raymond touched him on
the shoulder and said, sternly :

♦'A word with you, if you pleosc, my lord!"

Thunder-struck that he should be known to the leader of a
gang of pirates, the carl followed him to a retired part of the
ressel, where they were screened from the view of the others.
For a moment the two stood gazing io each other's faoes ;
then the earl said :

"Well, Sir Pirate, what have you to say to me, or how
come you to know mo ?"

For reply, the young captain took ofF his hat, and shook
back the bright locks from his white forehead. Then, look-
ing the earl full in the face, he said, quietly :

" Do you not know mef

For a moment the earl gazed into the proud, handsome
face of the young rover-chief like one in a dream ; then,
slowly, an expression of horror unspeakable camo over his
face ; his eyes seemed starting from their sockets ; his face
grew ghastly, his lips bloodless, and with the piercing cry,
"Oh, Heaven! oh, heaven!" ho reeled, and would have
fallen had not the young captain caught hun in his arms.
Laying him gently on the deck, ho turned to his men, and,
waving his sword in the air, he cried: "Come,on!' and in
another moment ho was on the declc of his own vessel.

There was an expression on his face that made their heart*

crew of the mer-
:poctC(l dclivcrenca

kd touched him on

Td !"

1 to the leader of »

retired part of the

view of the others.

Itch other's faces;

say to me, or how

liis hat, and shook
lead. Then, look<

proud, handsome
in a dream ; then,
,ble camo over his

sockets ; his face
I the piercing cry,
, and would have
b him in his arms,
d to his men, and,
Come, on ! ' and in
} own vessel.
,t made their bearta

THE SECRET SORROW.

186

stand still. They dared not disobey ; one by one they fol-
lowed their leader, and half an hour later tlicy had loft the
merchantman far behind. Hewildering as it all was, they
dared not ask the reason, for there was a look in the young
captain's face that they had never seen there before. With
a strange, frigid calmness, he gave a few directions to his
second in command, and then, descending to his private room,
he locked the door.

And all through that long night Kate heard that quick,
restless tread she knew "o well— up and down, up and down,
without csaslng, tlio live-long night.

,^i>V #rt»-*-

TTl i^ l 1

THE SECRET SOBROW.

CHAPTER XrX.

JEALOUST.

" Aht poor, unconscious rival maid.
How dreadfully must thou sicken and fade,
'Neath Jealousy's dark upas shade !" — Tupper.

The good brig "Water Witch was homeward bound. Day
after day passed on, each bringing th' n nearer Old England,
and with every day Kate's heart rose higher. She was
heartily tired of the sea, and longed once more to stand in
her native land, even though it should only.be within the
walls of the old Moor Manor.

To the pirate crew it evidently gave little satisfaction, as
Kate judged by the low murmurs and angry oaths they in-
dulged in when their leader was away, for they dared not
murmur before him.

And he — a ptrange change had passed over him since the
day he had encountered the Earl of Danemore on board the
merchantman. A deep, settled depression, from which noth-
ing could arov,se him, had taken the place of the easy good
humor which seemed natural to him — strange as it seemed in
a pirate chief. Some hidden grief — or, it might be remorse —
weighed on his spirit, coming not in fits and starts, as it had
formerly done, but clinging to him like a garment. He no
longer mingled with the crew — seldom speaking to them, save

THE SECRET SORROW.

287

and fade,
B !" — Tupper.

ward bound. Day
earer Old England,
higher. She was
! more to stand in
)nly.be within the

ttle satisfaction, as
ngry oaths they in-
'or they dared not

over him since the
more on board the
a, from which noth-
se of the easy good
nge as it seemed in
might be remorse —
nd starts, as it had
a garment. He no
aking to them, save

to give some necessary order, and then again relapsing into

gloomy silence.

The long, weary vigils and night-watches grew more and
more frequent; and, night after night, that rapid, nervous
tread continued, until Kate began, at last, to wonder if he

ever slept?

" Remorse !" thought Kate—" the worm that never dies,
yet God's best gift to man, preys on his heart ;" and, woman-
like, with this conviction on her mind, she forgot, in her
deep sympathy, his dark crimes. Let his guilt be what it
might, he had, evidently, suffered for it, long and deeply;
and sorrow goes far to atone for guilt. Then, too, the words
of a certain good old book recurred to her mind : "Let him
who is without sin cast the first stone ;" and Kate, forgetting
all, would have given worlds to remove the deep-settled sor-
row from those dark, mournful, blue eyes.

So Kate no longer shunned his society, but sought it on
every occasion— from no other impulse save the kind of di-
verting his mind from its settled gloom. But there was one
on board who looked upon her changed manner in a far dif-
ferent light. Syra, blinded with jealousy, set it all down to
love. Every word— every action of liate or of Captain Ray-
mond, was distorted by her half-crazed imagination, with still
another indication of mutual love. Jealousy is Argus-eyed ;
not a word, not a look of either escaped her-all were
cherished in her burning memory, adding fuel to the fire of
hef sleepless iealousy. Often sitting talking to Captain
Raymond, Kate, on looking up suddenly, would see the dusky

n H I I I ii f ' P mitrntUm-^imimm

«V >"! • !• •

JSSSS

iril

238 THE SECRET SORBOW.

form of the quadroon crouching in a comer, watching them
with eyes of fire. There was something so fiendish in her
beautiful countenance at such times, that a sensation ap-
proaching fear would cross Kate's fearless heart ; but only to
be shaken off, as a childish fancy. Sometimes she would b*
on the point of striving to reason away those jealous fears,
and show her how absurd they were ; but Kate Sidney, after
all, had her faulta, and predominant among them was an
overweening pride. This pride it was which made her shrink
from it ; she could not endure to place herself on an equality
with one, who, notwithstanding her peerless beauty, was still
a servant. She felt it would thus become a humiliation, and
one which she had no idea of enduring. Besides, she shrank
from speaking on this sacred subject to the passionate quad-
roon — dreading some fiery outburst of passion, all the fiercer
from being so long restrained ; and, being no way romantic,
she had a nervous horror of a scene. Thus the days passed
on, dreary enough to all parties.

One night, feeling restless, Kate arose, and, throwing on
a dressing-gown of white c&shmcrc, went on deck. It was a
delightful moonlight night, and, advancing toward her favor-
ite seat, she seated herself and prepared to enjoy the de-
licious scene. The young captain was below, in his own state- .
room, and the night-watch alone kept the deck. Suddenly
she started, to sec lying prone on her face on the deck, her
thin garments fluttering in the night-br«eze, the slender form
of Syra. Her attitude was one of such utter, abject woe,
that, forgetting everytliing, save that she saw before her a

aer, watching them
so fiendish in her
at a sensation ap-
i heart ; but only to
times she would b«
lose jealous fears,
Kate Sidney, after
ong them was an
ch made her shrink
•self on an equality
88 beauty, was still
a humiliation, and
besides, she shrank
e passionate quad-
sion, all the fiercer
; no way romantic,
s the days passed

and, throwing on
an dock. It was a

toward her favor-
l to enjoy the de-
V, in his own statc-
! deck. Suddenly
c on the deck, her
, the slender form
utter, abject woe,

saw before her a

THE SECRET SORROW.

289

suffering fellow-creature, Kate laid her band on her shoulder
and said, softly :

"Syral"

Shrinking from her touch as though she bad been stung by
a viper, Syra sprang to her feet, almost shrieking :

" Don't touch me ! I hate you ! — I hate you !"

Kate forgot her fierce words, in the look of unutterable
misery od her face, and answered, with grave kindness :

" Poor girl ! why will you thus render yourself miserable?
What have I done that you should hate me?'

"Done!' screamed the quadroon, her eyes blazing with
rage ; " viper ! serpent ! to ask what you have done. Have
you not won his love, for which I would give my life and
soul ? have you not come between me and the only being on
earth I ever can or will love? Answer me, vile-tongued
traitor, have you not done this?"

Kate's whole frame quivered with suppressed passion at
the insolent words of the quadroon, who stood drawn up to
her full height, her small hands clenched, her features con-
vulsed, her great, black eyes blazing with rage and scorn.
The sight calmed Kate, and she answered, after a pausei
with calm dignity :

**NoI most decidedly and emphatically not I have dont
none of these things. Neither would I answer the charge to
any one but you ; it is absurd ; but you cannot see these
things as they are — ^you ore blinded and crazed by jealousy !
Therefore, I once again answer ko ! I have done none of
these things with which you charge me. I could not stoop so

fr*'

■I > mi l U i t rgi i ^ li M l

I K J M i a I I I III I II m il

240

THE SECRET SORROW.

.1 'f*li^

low !" And Kate's lip curled as she drew herself haughtily up
to her full height.

" 'Tis false !" screamed the quadroon, purple with passion^
and raising her clenched hand, uj though to strike her ; " you
know you speali false, you white-faced daughter of a cold-
blooded race ! Bat I swear by the God you worship that you
wiU never be his bride — never!"

She hissed the last words through her clenched te.^th with
such concentrated rage that Kate was absolutely appalled.
Recovering herself by an effort, she answered in the
same calm, dignified tone in which she had spoken through-
out:

"I have no wish to be, neither has he to make me his wife.
I think that you, Syra, are much better fitted to be a pirate's
wife than I am."

There was a slightly sarcastic tone in Kate's voice, which
she could not control, that absolutely maddened the fiery
quadroon. Glaring upon her like a tigress, quivering with
rage, Syra was absolutely unable to speak with passion.

Kate noticed her convulsed face, and, unwilling to remain
longer in so humiliating a position, she arose and moved
with quiet dignity toward the cabin, saying :

" Good-night, Syra ; I trust you will think over my words,
and by quiet reflection come to a more reasonable frame of
mind. Ucil you do, I will dispense with your services."

Before Syra could overcome her passion, Kate had entered
the cabin, locking the door after her ; for she felt that, in
her present excited state, the quadroon might seek immedi-

-^$Si-

w.
herself haughtily up

, purple with passion^

I to strike her ; " you

daughter of a cold-

you worship that you

clenched te.^th with

absolutely appalled.

e answered in the

had spoken through-

to make me his wife,
itted to be a pirate's

Kate's voice, which
maddened the fiery
gress, quivering with
ik with passion,
unwilling to remain
e arose and moved
ng:

hink over my words,
reasonable frame of
th your services."
}n, Kate had entered
for she felt that, in
might seek immedi-

THE SECRET SORROW.

241

ate revenge. And she was not mistaken. Had she not taken
the precaution to secure her door, Kate Sidney would never
have lived to see the sun rise again.

*' Foiled?" muttered the quadroon, as she turned away
from Kate's door, and hid within her bosom a long, glittering
knife. "Yes, foiled now, but not forever. The world is
not wide enough to hold her and me ; one or the other of us
will never live to see the land. He is lost to me forever ; I
can no longer doubt it ; but the one he loves shall feel the
weight of my vengeance."

And gliding away, she resumed her lonely watch on deck ;
but there was a wild, lurid light, like that of a serpent, in her
black eyes, that betokened the smoldering fire-passion had at
last burst into a fierce flame.

"W^

-t

» M III _f i iir^n ^ m ii

t4S

THB SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER XX.

IEjE QCADRbON'S REVENGE.

" One more unfortunate,

Rashly importunate,

Gone to her death." •

It was a glorious moonlight uight. One by one the stars
camr out, studding lilcc diamonds the deep blue sky. Serene*
ly calm, the lady moon sailed on her way, smiling as brightly
on the deck of the pirate brig as on the most aristocratic
mansion in Old Engla.nd.

Kate Sidney sat in her favorite seat on deck, gazing thought*
fully over the brig's side, and watching the waves flashing
like silver sheen in the moonlight. Standing beside her, si*
lent and thoughtful, was Captain Kaymofid, seldom speaking
aavo when addressed by Kate, i^:ld amid the shadows
crouched the quadioon, watching them both with her burning, ^
jlery eyes. (

Since the night on which the interview on deck occurred,
Kate and Syra had seldom met. Feeling that Miss Sidney
knew her determination to have revenge, Syra had shunned
her as much as possible. And Kate shrank from her, not
with fear, but with a sort of involuntary dislike ; so whole
days often passed without their meetiug.

But no word, no look or action of Kate escaped the jeal-

IS.

e by one the stam
1 blue sky. Serene-
smiling as brightly
s most aristocratic

!ck, gazing thought-
the waves flashing
ling beside her, si-
d, seldom speaking
amid the shadows
h with her burning,

' on deck occurred,
; that Miss Sidney
, Syra had shunned
rank from her, not
f dislike; so whole

e escaped tbejeal*

(

THE SECRET SORROW.

0U8 eyes of the quadroon. Argus himself seemed not to hare
more eyes ; every action was misconstrued, and however in-
nocent, served to add fresh fuel to the already burning flames
of her jealousy. There was a look a demon might have
envied on her beautiful face, as she sat watching them now.

"When will we arrive in England, captain?" said Kate,
looking up, after a long pause.

" To-morrow night if the wind holds as it is now," he re-
plied, quietly.

Kate sighed.

" And then I must pass long, dreary months iu that des0>
late old Moor Manor," she said, with a sigh.

There was a moment's silence, during which Captain Ray-
mond seemed to bo attentively watching the foam dancing m
the wake of the brig, as she cut her way onward. Then, look
ing up, he said, suddenly :

" Miss Sidney, during the last few days, I have come
to the resolution of changing my mode of life. You look
surprised ; well you may be, but it is even so. I am sick of
scenes of blood and carnage. I have too long been a scourge
to my fellow-men, and my career of crime has ended; my
last cruise is over. You shall be restored to your friends as
soon as we arrive in England ; or, at least, as soon as my men
can be out of the reach of the law, for wild and reckless as
they are, they are attached to me, and have served me faith-
fully. There is not one of them, savage as they look, bat
would lay down his life for me. Therefore I must not con-
sign them to the tender care of the, hangman.

!l '

IJZ,

ir*"

244

THE SECRET SORROW.

The amazement with which Kate listened to this speech
may bo imagined. She could scarcely believe her senses !
In a few days she would again be free — would tread her na-
tive land a captive no longer. What a strange being tbia
pirate chieftain was ! She looked up to t'lauk him ; he stood
gazing steadily with a look of fixed, settled sorrow and re-
morse that went to Kate's heart. Involuntarily, she laid her
hand on his, and looking up in his face, said, earnestly :
" And you — what will become of you?"
He smiled slightly at her earnestness, and answered :
*' OL, it matters little. The sooner the world is rid of such
a blood-thirsty monster as I am the better. But should I es-
cape the gallows, I will seek America. In the New AVorld,
amid its boundless prairies and toweriug forests, I will try
and forget the uast. In that refugium pecccuorum I may yet
become a harmless member of society. There the crimes of
the pirate chief may be unknown. There, under an assumed
name, I will spend the remainder of my days. You sec I do
not fear to confide in you ; you are the only one left in the
world to whom I can speak freely. All has gone — friends,
and home, and honor, and love ! — all gone, all gone, and
what remains?"

There was a bitterness and sorrow unspeakable in his tone.
Kate's eyes grew dim with tears, as she turned away her head
in silence. Yes, guilty as he was, her heart yearned toward
him, and she longed to be able to remove that settled look of
dc'^air from those deep, mournful blue eyes.

" I don't know why my thoughts go back to the past so

led to this speech
clicve her senses !
uld tread her na-
jtrango being this
ink him ; he stood
ed sorrow and re-
tar ily, she laid her
id, earnestly :

d answered :
nrorld is rid of such
But should I es-

the New World,
; forests, I will try
caiorum I may yet
.'here the crimes of

under an assumed
lys. You sec I do
)nly one left in the
las gone — friends,
>ne, all gone, and

eakable in his tone,
rned away her head
irt yearned toward
that settled look of

back to the past so

THE SECRET SORROW. 246

strangely to-night," he said, dreamily, after a pause. " The
present fades from view like a dream, and my boyaood rises
before me — a vivid reality. Strange, strange! Things I
have forgotten for years come back to me now with such
singular force ; faces and forms I will never sec again stand
beside nfe as in the days of long ago ; voices tiiat the grave
stilled many a year ago are singing again the dear old songs
I loved in my boyhood ; words that I thought I had forgotten
I hear again, and the toucliing promise. ' Though your sins
should be red as scarlet, they shall become white as suow,'
keep constantly sounding in my ears. My mother often used
to read to me out of the book from whence it is taken. Ah,
if she had lived, I might have been a far different man from
what I am. The sun of my life, which I thought had sunk
forever, seems to have risen to-night again. Strange that
it should be so 1 Perhaps it is only to set in a darker night."

He leaned his head on his hand, while a sad, dreamy ex-
pression overclouded his handsome face. Kate was still
silent ; she knew not what to say. And after a few moments
Captain Raymond turned away to give some orders to the men.

For nearly an hour longer Kate sat silent and thoughtful,
gazing into the bright waters. She would soon be free — re-
stored to her home once more, but, in spite of all, a deep
depression had settled on her heart. A presentiment of some
impending calamity weighed down her spirit — a feeling of
dread hung over her. She strove to shake it off with the
conviction that the desponding words of the young captain.
wu the cause, but the effort was vain. And be, what an in-

21*

246

THE SECRET SORllOW.

comprehensible mystery lie was !— ncble and high-bom, what
cor.ld have changed liln into whvt he ;iow was? Kate sighed
at her inability to hoIvc the problem, and, rising, she pre-
pared to go below. As she did so, Syra stepped from her
conceolmcnt and stood before her. Kate almost shrieked as
»hc saw her, Often ))eforc had she seen her almost frantic
with passion, but note — oh, now ! a galvanized corpse might
have looked as she did, with just such livid fcatuics, blood-
less lips, and glassy, glaring cyps. Shuddering with horror,
Kate covered her face with her bands and retreated to the
cabin, with the firm conviction that she was insane.

The quadroon stood gazing after her until she disappeared.
Then turning away, she muttered :

" He will fly to Amcricti, and she will accompany him. No,
never! To-night seals their destiny and mine. I shall make
one last effort, and if I fail — then his sun shall indeed set, if
I cannot bo his here ; I shall at least go witli him to the world
of shadows. Those eyes I love f j well shall never look love
on her again ; those lips shall never breathe wordb of affec-
tion in hrr ear. Once I would have slain her, but now I am
glad T failed. No, let her live ; my revenge will b*- ^Teater,
whether I succeed or fail."

She turned away as she spoke, and approached the spot
where Captain Raymond sat. lie looked up with a start at
seeing the qu.idroon before him, with her deep, burning eyes,
and her face looking ghastly pale in the moonlight. For the
first time he noticed the change that had come over her of
late. The rosy h..:o hud faded from her cheek, the brown

Ikii'

II IJ 'II J.

THE SECKET SORROW.

and high-born, what
y was ? Kate sighed
and, rising, she prc-
a stepped from her

almost shrieked &s

1 her almost frantio
anizcd corpse might
ivid fcatukcs, blood-
ddoring with horror,

and retreated to the
was insane,
mtil she disappeared.

iccctmpany him. No,
1 mine. I shall make
m shnll indeed set, if
with him to the world
shall never look love
eathe w^ordb of affcc-
in her, but now I am
'cngc will be j,Teater,

approached the spot
3d up with a start at
ir deep, burning eyes,
! moonlight. For the
had come over her of
her cheek, the brown

hue of her skin had given place to a sickly pallor, the vivid
light had died out of her eyes, and in its stead there waa a
fierce, lurid, liglit— the baleful brightness of jealousy ; her
step had lost its buoyant lightness, and she moved before
him the shadow of her former self.

" Well, Syra ! you here?" he said, looking up in surprise.
•' Is there anything the matter? Is your mistress ill?"

"No, my mistress is well," said Syra, with a she t, bitter
lauph " You need feel no anxiety about he •"

Captain Kaymond looked at fiyra, completely astonished
at the tone in which she spoke. Absorbed in his own
thoughts, ho had not noticed her growing dislike of Kate, and
was, thercfoic, quite at a loss to account for it.

"Perhaps you arc ill yourself," he said, kindly. "You
look very pale. What is the matter? AVhat can 1 do for

you?"

The tone in which he spoke thrilled to her heart. He bad
never spoken so gently to her before in his life, and her heart
throbbed high with hope.

" Y'ou can save mc from death. Y'ou can render me happy
forever. On you alone it depends whether I shall live or

die."

" Wltatl" said Captain Raymond, looking thoroughly be-
wildered. " I do not understand you. I save you from
death ! Y'ou arc crazed, poor girl !"

"I am not crazed. I speak truth. One word from yoa
must decide whether I shall live or die."

" Well, I confess this passes my comprebeusion," atdd^lj^

248

THE SKCHET SORROW.

young captftin, prowing still more mystiflcd. " Prny explain,
Syra ; I certainly have no intention of condemning you to
death."

" You nro going away ; I Hhall die if you Icavo me !" sho
cxc'lainicd, passionately. " I cannot llvo separated from
you."

'MVhat!" exclaimed iier companion, thunderstruck with
mnazeinent. " Is it possible, Syra, that you "

"That I love you? Oh, yes, yes, yes!" she interrupted,
vehemently. " Oh, take me with you ! I cannot live if you
leave me !"

For a moment the young chief remained speechless with
amazement at her words. Then a whole flood of circum-
stances rushed on his mind of which he had never tiiought be-
fore, but which tended now to confirm this startling truth.
And startling it was to him ; for ho know the firey nature of
the quadroon, and felt convinced her words were true. The
change that had come over her of late was now accounted
for. Very gently and sadly he looked on her as he replied :

" Impossible, Syra ! You know I can never love any one.
Scenes of bloodshed and death turned my heart to marble
long ago. I can never love any one again."

"Ob, say not so !" she cried, throwing herself at his feet.
*' 1 cannot live separated from you. I will be your slave ; I
will obey youi every command, only let me bo near you. I
will be no burden -to you ; I can bear suffering and hardship,
and hunger, and fadgue, and danger joyfully, if only with
you,"

\ny explain,
laing you to

vo mc!" sho
)arntcd from

jrstruck with

> interrupted,
t>t live if you

cccblcss with
il of circum-
r llioiigbt be-
artling truth,
rcy nature of
re true. The
)w accounted
18 he replied :
love any one.
art to marble

If at his feet,
your slave ; I

near you. I
and hardship,

if only with

THE SECRET SORKOW.

249

•' I cannot, Syra,"' lie said, sadly, moved by her wild en-
treaties. " You urge in vain. When I am far away you will
soon forgi't this unhappy altachniont. As for mc, I can nevar
love any one ; you might as well set your heart on yonder
moon, with the hope of winning it to return your passion, as
mo. Rise, Syra ; leave me, and strive to forget what has
passed to-night."

Ho extended his hand as ho spoke to assist her to rise.
She shook it off ; and springing to her feet, exclaimed, pas-
sionately :

" I cannot, I cannot, I cannot. I will not leave you ! I
shall die hero at your feet sooner than leave you ! You must
— you shall love me ! Am I not fairer than her ? Do I not
love you a thousand times more 1 What is she, that I should
be despised for her?"

"Of whom are you speaking, unhappy girl?" said the
young captain. " I love no one now. Once I did ; long, long
ago, but she is lost to me forever. I can never love again.
Go, you urge me in vain."

" I will not go," she cried, passionately. " I know it is
for no one dead ; but for the living you despise me ! But she
shall feel the weight of my vengeance — she jshall never live
to look on you again."

She turned away as she spoke, and darted toward tbe cab-
in. The whole truth flashed across his mind, as he sprang
forward, and seized her by the wrist.

' ' Wretched girl, what would you do ! " he exclaimed.
Would you mui'der an innocent girl who never iujui'cdyou?"

250 THE 8EI.-RET SORROW.

" You love herT' she said, hoarsely.

•' You are mad, girl I— mad with jealousy ! Neither Miss
Sidney nor I ever dreamed of such a thing. I must confine
you m a prisoner until we land, should you continue to act in
this manner."

" And you do not love her? ' exclauned Syra, with a Bud-
den flush of joy.

" Most certainly I do not."

" And she does not love you?'

''No."

•' Swear it," cried the quadroon, wildly.

" By nil the saints in the calendar, if you like!" replied
Captain Raymond, quietly.

"Then why can you not? Oh ! why can you not love me,
since you do not lov3 her?" she said, clasping her hands
earnestly.

" Because, as I told you, I am a man of marble. I pity
you most sincerely, my poor Syra, and I shall always think
of you with affection ; but more than that I cannot give. I
have no heart to offer you. Can you not take the affection
of a friend in its place !"

"It will not do. Friend, forsooth?' and she laughed,
mockingly. See, I am kneeling to you — I, who never knelt
to mortal before. Oh ! shall I, must I plead iu vain !"

"Rise, girl!" said Captain Raymond almost sternly.
" Why will you persist in this madness? Is not once suffi-
cient to tell you ? You ask an impossibility. Besides," he
added, in a softer tone, " you only give youi-self and me

Neither Miss
'. must confine
;inue to act in

I, with a 8ud-

ikel" replied

1 not love me,
Qg her hands

arble. I pity
always think
nnot give. I
the affection

she laughed,
o never knelt

vain !"

nost sternly,
lot once suffi-

Besidcs," he
[I'Sttlf and me

THE SECRBT SORRO'W.

251

pain. If I ever gave yon any encouragement in this mad
passion, believe mc it was unintentional. I never dreamed
of such a thing as your loving me. And now this interview
must decidedly cud ; I cannot listen to another word.
Neither prayers nor entreaties can move mc. In a few days
we part forever ; and you, I feel assured, will soon forget me."

She rose to her feet, folded her arms across lier bosom,
and stood calmly before him. Every trace of passion had
faded from her face, leaving her cold and pale as marble.
All the fire and passion of her wild heart seemed to concen-
trate in her eyes, that glittered with a strange lurid light.

" And this is your final determination?" she said, calmly.

" It is," he answered, looking up in amazement at the 8ud<
den change.

'■ And can nothing change it ? I ask yoa for the last time,"
she continued, in the same steady voice, and in a manner
terribly calm.

" Nothing can change it. Why will you persist thus?" ho
answered, impatiently.

" Die then!' she shrieked, her whole manner changing, as
if by magic, as she sprang forward ; and, drawing a long,
glittering knife from her bosom, she plunged4t up to the hilt
in his side.

The hot blood spurted up in her face ; he reeled, swayed to
and fro for a moment, and then fell without a cry, at her feet.

She bent over him, and pushed back the fair, clustering
locks off his white brow. All was still. She laid her hand
on his heart ; no pulso beat there. She knelt down, wd

262

THE SECRET SORROW.

pressed one long kiss on the cold lips ; the next moment she
arose to her feet, and almost immediately a sudden splash
was heard, as the waves closed over her.

The noise smote like a knell of death on the ear of Kate,
as she sat in the cabin. She sprang to her feet, and ran on
deck ; and here at her feet, bathed in blood, lay the apparently
lifeless form of the young pirate chief ; while down, down
under the bright waves the wild heart of the quadroon had
found rest at last.

THE SECRET SORROW

258

t moment she
udden splash

ear of Kate,
t, and ran on
he apparently
down, down
uadroon had

CHAPTER XXI.

THE ROVER CHIEF'S STOET.

" Weep for the love that cannot change,

Like some unholy spell ;
It hangs upon the life that loved

So vainly and so well.

" Weep for the weary heart condemned

To one long, lonely sigh,
Whose lot has been in this cold world

To dream, despair, and die."— Miss Landon.

There was hurrying to and fro on tho deck of the good
brig Water Witch. As if by magic, the news that their be-
loved commander was slain, spread from lip to lip. All was
confusion and disorder— discipline for the time was forgotten,
and deep and loud were their curses on the head of the quad-
roon.

Like one suddenly turned to marble, Kate stood by the
apparently lifeless body. Calm and unmoved she looked,
but oh ! so pale and sorrowful ! She alone, of all present,
knew the tragical cause of his death.

" Can he not be removed below?" she said, at length,
turning to the second in command, the Spaniard, Mondalvi.

*' Call Danvers," said the mate, without noticing the ques-
tion. Then, turning to Kate, he said, by way of explana-

iiiiiaii i iii^^

2fi4

THE SECRET SORROW.

tion : " Danvers was a doctor before he joined us, and I
Bhould like him to see the captain before ho is removed, if
you have no objeciion."

Kate bowed slightly, and a moment after Danvers ap-
proached, and bent over the still form of the young cap-

tain.

•' He has only fainted from loss of blood," he said, after a

moment. ' ' He is not dead.

" Can he live?" inquired Kate, eagerly.
Danvers examined the wound attentively for a moment,
then, rising, he turned away in silence. It waa evident from
the expression of his face there was no hope.

" Nothing can save bun," he said, in answer to the im
quiring faces around him . "His voyage through life is over.
He has anived in port at last. Take him below."

The words fell like lead on the hearts of his hearers.
Guilty and blood-stained as they were, they had learned to
look with almost idolatry on their young, high-bom, often
careless, yet ever kind captain, and now he was gone. Had
be fallen in battle, they would scarcely have grieved ; but to
die thus, by the hand of a woman— one, too, whom he had
done so much for, exasperated them almost to madness.

Very gently Mondalvi and Danvers raised the bleeding
form, and laid it upon one of the cabin lounges. Restora-
Uves were appUed, and at length he slowly opened his eyes
and looked fixedly on them ; then, as memory slowly re-
turned, ho passed his hands across his forehead, and groaned
■loud.

'ki\

ed us, and I
removed, if

Danvera ap-
! young cap-

e said, after a

or a moment,
I evident from

ver to the in»
gh life is over.
w.""

if Ilia hearers,
lad learned to
gh-bom, often
la gone. Had
rieved; but to
, whom he bad
) madness,
d the bleeding
iges. Restora-
pened his eyes
lory slowly re-
id, and groaned

THE SECRET SORROW.

255

♦• Where is aliel" he asked, turning to Kate, who knelt by
his side.

" Before her Maker !" said Kate, solemnly.

•'Poor Syra! poor child!" he said, in a tone of bitter
■orrow.

"Captain Raymond," said Kate, earnestly, "you hav«
but a few hours to live — think no long:.- of her, but strive to
make your peace with Heaven."

"Too late! too late!" he said, bitterly. "Can a few
hours' repentance atone for long, long years of crime and
bloodshed? No. Speak not of repentance to me. My
time for repentance came and went long ago. It is too late
now. Heaven cannot forgive me ; my crimes are past mercy."

"What is man, that he should presume to question the
boundless mercy of Heaven?" said Kate, almost sternly.
" Has He who once forgave the dying thief on the cross for-
got mercy ? Kemember the words you yourself -•'^peated a
few hours ago : ' Though thy sins should be rec i. scarlet,
they shall become white.' The arm of the Lor", has not
been shortened since that promise was given to fallen man,
and His mercy cndureth forever."

The young chieftian made no reply ; he lay with his eyes
shut, evidently struggling with bitter thoughts. Looking up
at last, he said :

"My presentiment was true. Something seemed to
tell ine to-night my end was near. Listen now, and I will
tell you my story. I once intended to die with it untold, but
your words have changed my resolution. Send them away.'^

.'J

256

THE SECRET SOItROW.

Kate motioned Mondalvi and Danvers from the cabin, and,
after closing tlie door carefully, she seated herself beside
him, to Usten, with feelings strangely divided with curiosity

and pity.

' For a few moments he lay with his eyes shut, as if lost in
thought ; then, fixing them on Kate, he began :

" I have told you before that I was not always what I am
now. No ; once I was the heir of broad lands and noble
mansions in Old England, bearing a name as old as the con-

quest.

"My father was an earl— a domineering, passionate man.
I had one brother some years younger than I, and dififering
from me in every respect. While we were stUl very young
my mother died. Had she lived, what a different fate might
have been mine ! But everything, from boyhood upward,
seemed to conspire to make me what I am. Well, fate has
done her worst, and my career of crime has ended.

"From childhood I was passionately fond of hunting.
While my brother was poring over his books I was away
with my dog and gun through the woods. The consequence
was what might have been expected. He grew up quiet, and
steady, and learned. I, on the contrary, as I advanced in
years, grew wMer, and ruder, and more reckless, caring
more for one shot at a hare than for all the books that were
ever printed. Still, dissimilar as we were in tastes and habits,
I doubt if ever there were two brothers in the world more at-
tached to each other. If I ever got into disgrace with my
father (as often happened) by some mad freak, Harry in-

i cabin, and,
irself beside
Ith curiosity

as if lost in

i what I am
is and noble
I as the cou-

jionate man.
and differing
[1 very young
at fate miglit
lood upward,
iTell, fate has
led.
, of hunting.

I was away
I consequence
up quiet, and

advanced in
ckless, caring
oks that were
;es and habits,
rorld more at-
7race with my
eak, Harry in-

■m

THE SECRET SORROW.

257

variably made peace for me. I often, by my carelessness,
did much unintentional mischief, but on every occasion Harry
found some means of getting me off with a very slight re-
proof.

" My father had at this time a hound of which he was ex-
ceedingly fond, his life having been saved by it on more
than one occasion. One day, as I was out as usual with my
gun, I espied something vanishing among the trees, which I
hastily judged to be a deer. Without a moment's hesitation
I fired, and the animal fell dead, for I was an unerring marks-
man.

" I ran hastily up to secure my prize, when, to my sur-
prise and terror, I discovered I had shot my father's favorite
dog. I stood for a moment rooted, as it were, to the ground —
for I knew his anger would be frightful on learning his loss.
Still there was nothing for it but to tell him the tmth, and,
resolving to brave the worst, I deliberately entered the
house.

" On the way I met my father, and in a few brief words I
narrated my unfortunate mistake. Never shall I forget the
fierce torrent of abuse he poiu-ed on my head. He absolute-
ly foamed with rage, and, though my blood boiled at his
words, I listened in silence. At last, blinded by rage, he
struck me. Stung to madness, I rushed from the house,
which I was never destined to enter more.

" I had been struck. It was an indignity I could not en-
dure, even from my father ; and I resolved to fly where no
ona would ever bear of me more. As I fled I met a peasant

22*

258

THE SECRET SORROW.

boy about my own ago and size. Anxious to disgulBe my-
Svif, "ind BO avoid recognition, I urged liiin to exchange
. u thes with me. He \<rillingly consented to give his coarse
.■•ments for mine, and the exchange was soon effected. I
;j I,- him half of my money at the same time, forgetting that
ffioncj. s not likely to be had for the asking in future. As
I learned afterward, elated at being master of so much
money, he got drunk, and was accidently drowned the same
night. My father, it appears, repenting of his violence, came
in search of me, and, recognizing the clothes of the drowned
boy, came to the conclusion that I was dead."

" Merciful heaven ! gasped Kate, white with horror. "And
you are "

" Your cousin, Walter Alva, Lord of Arndale," was the
reply.

" Oh, Father of Mercy !" exclaimed Kate, " and is it thus
I find my long-lost cousin ? Oh, Walter, Walter I Oh, my
dear cousin ! ' ' and her tears fell fast on the face of the dy-
ing man.

He closed his eyes, while the convulsive twitching of his
face betokened that he was wrestling with bitter thoughts.

"And you knew me all this time?" she said, lifting her
pale face at last.

"Yes, I knew you," he replied, slowly, "from the night
we met in the old Moor Manor ; but I did not wish to shock
you by letting you know your cousin was the leader of a band
of lawless pirates."

" My poor Walter," said Kate, pressing his cold band be-

clisguiBe my-
to exchange
vo his coarse

effected. I
>rgetting that
1 future. As

of so much
aed the same
olcDce, came
the drowned

orror. "And

,le," was the

and is it thus
er 1 Oh, my
ice of the dy-

tching of bis
' thoughts,
id, lifting her

om the night
ivish to shock
der of a band

!old hand ho-

THE SECRET SORROTV.

259

tween hers. " How you must have suffered ere you came to
this."

"Suffered!" he exclaimed, bitterly. "Yes, more than
words can ever tell. There have been times when I have sat
for hours gazing on the dark, troubled waves, and longing
to take the fatal leap that would end all my earthly troubles
at once, but the thought of the terrible hereafter held me
back. Through all my long career of crime I could never
shake off the memory of my mother's teachings, and * .
doom pronounced against the self-murderer alone restra i
me. Thank Heaven, it was so ordained 1 It is a consolntlcit
I never expected — to have one who once loved me at rr dy-
ing bedside.

" While my money lasted I passed my time pleasantly
enough, roving from place to place. But money cannot last
forever ; and one night I found myself wandering through
the streets without a farthing in my purse, or a place to lay
my head.

" It was a terrible night — one that can never be effaced
from my memory. The rain fell in torrents, and drenched
me to the skin, while the raw, piercing north wind made my
teeth chatter with cold. I had not tasted foo^ since the even-
ing before, and was too proud to beg. Worn out at last by
nunger, fatigue, and cold; I felt inclined to lie down and die
at once, when I saw a well-dressed gentleman approachiug
me. I was starving with hunger, and hunger got the better
of pride ; so I approached him, and, crimson with shame, I
begged a trifle to buy bread.

seo

THE SECRET SORROW.

" He eyed mc from head to foot, as though I were a thief,
and with a gniff ' No, I have nothing for beggars,' passed on.
I stood ns if rooted to the ground, overcome with mingled
inger, liunger, and despair, when my eye fell on something
bright lying at my feet. I stooped to pick it up, and, to my
surprise and delight, found it was a guinea, which he had
evidently dropped as he passed. Rejoicing over the treasure
I had found, I hastened to the nearest public house, and
called for supper. While I sat eating it, the gentleman en-
tered, and inquired if a boy answering a description which he
gave of mo had passed, saying, he had stolen a guinea from
him. The host pointed to me, displaying the guinea I had
given him to pay the reckoning. The gentleman recognized
it. I was accused as a pickpocket; tried, and coudcmiked to
twelve months' imprisonment at hard labor."

He paused, while the veins on bis white forehead grew dark
and swollen with his efforts to be calm. After a pause, dur-
ing which Kate pressed her lips soothingly to hia brow, he
resumed :

" That was the first thing that drove me to desperation. I
was maddened — I was like one crazed for awhile, during
which I was chained hand and foot like a wild beast. That
I, the son of an English peer, a lord iu my own right, should
be thus condemned to mingle at hard labor with the vilest of
the vile, nearly drove me mad. At times, I would fiercely
straggle to free myself from my degrading chains, until, with
my limbs wounded and bleeding, I would fall back iu my
hard bed. I wonder, now, I did not die or go mad then.

TBTI'tiiTi

THE SECRET SORROW.

S«l

I were a thief,
rs,,' passed on.
i with mingled
on somctliing
ip, and, to my
wliicli lie bad
er the treasure
lie house, and
gentleman en-
ption which he
a guinea from
e guinea I had
lau recognized
coudcmued to

lead grew dark
: a pause, dur-
o his brow, he

lesperation. I
awhile, during
. beast. That
n right, should
th the vilest of
would fiercely
ins, until, with
Eill back in my
go mad then.

They fed me on bread and water, I who had all my life been
pampered with dainties ; a handful of dirty straw I now lay
on, instead of the beds of down to which I was accustomed.
The gentle faces of friends were exchanged for the savage
scowls of my jailer ; fierce oaths and horrible blasphemies
took the place of pleasant words and Joyous laughter. I
longed and prayed wildly for death ; but it came not at my
call. I was reserved for still greater trials.

" At last I grew calm, and they set me to work with the
rest. Oh 1 tlio bitter, bitter days of unceasing toil which I
then endured. My hands, delicate, aru unused to labor,
grew blistered and sore. The skin came off, but still I was
forced to labor on. Often have I worked and worked, until
everything I handled would grow red with blood, and still I
dared not stop a single moment, even to rest.

" Six months passed thus away, and I thought of nothing
but escape. Night after night I employed myself in filing
the iron grating of my window. At last, after weeks of un-
ceasing toil and almost superhuman effort, I freed the window,
and one dark night I made a rope of the coarse quilt of my
bed, and ventured to fly. The rope was not long enough to
reach to the ground; as I allowed myselfto drop, I fell
heavily to the ground and broke my arm. Still I was not
daunted, and, though suffering xmspeakable agony from my
broken arm, I ventured to mount the wall. I had nearly
reached the top, when I was suddenly seized by the sentinel
who had espied me, and captured once more. I struggled
madly to free myself from his grasp, but in vain. He held

* (

tji

862

THE SECRET SORROW.

me M Ihough in a vise ; and at length, exhausted by pain
and losfl of blood, I fell fainting to the ground.

" When I recovered I found myself in the Jailer's room,
and a surgeon bending over mc, binding my arm. The next
day I was ta; on before a magidtratc, and accused of attempt-
ing to cscupc, wheroujwn his worship sentenced mo to two
years' more imprisonment. I submitted to my fate with
dogged indifference. Despair had succeeded my former m^A'
ness, and I moved among my fellow crimnols sullen and si-
lent. I no longer thought of escape, and, even if I had, it
was no longer in my power, for I was now carefully chained
every niglit.

" Well, the two years passed away, and I was free again.
There was but one desire left mc now, and that was revenge.
I determined ou vengeance on those wlio had thus "degraded
me, and never did Corsican keep the vendetta with more
fierceness than I. Had I wished to return home, degraded as
I was, it was no longer in my power, for I was without
money. As I wandered moodily along through the streets,
hailed by the very children as I passed as a ^jail-bird,' I en-
countered a lot of half tipsy sailors advancing toward a pub-
lic-house.

'"I say, messmate,' called one of them, ' heaye to tiiere,
and show your colors. Whose flag do you belong to?'

*' I stared at him in silence, not comprehending his mean-
ing.

' " Ahoy, you lubber !' shouted another. ' Can't you tell us
whose colors you sail under? What port do you hail from?'

' -

ited by pala

iiiler's room,
(1. The next
cl of attempt*
l1 mo to two
ny fate with
former mt»r>.-
luUcn and si-
n if I had, it
fully chained

,8 free again,
was revenge.
1)118 'degraded
:a witli more
, degraded as
was without
1 the streets,
til-bird,' I en-
x>ward a pub-

ave to tiiere,

ngto?'

ing bis mean-

n't you tell us
}u hail from?'

THE SECRET SORROW.

268

•' ♦ Newgate, I think,' said an insolent fellow, who, passing
at the moment Imti overheard tlie qiicHtion.

•' My first impulfjc was to knock him down ; and the next
moment ho measured his length in the mud. A whout of ap-
plause from the sailors followed this, while the fallen hero
bellowed loudly for the police. Half a dozen policemen
came rushing up and fell upon me, whereupon the sailors fell
upon them, and a general melee followed. "With tlio deter-
mination of dying sooner than be imp:i8(ined again, I fought
desperately ; and soon, accompanied by my faithful cluvmpi-
ons, the sailors, I was ou the deck of the good privateer
l*rinco Edward.

" The captain of the privateer urged me to sign indentures,
which I complied with— thereby placing myself in the jjower
of one of the greatest tyrants that ever trod a quarter-deck.
I soon discovered that I had exchanged one kind of captivity
for a worse. Still, knowing I was in his power, I strove to
bear with what patience 1 could his ill-usage, and I had learned
patience, I can assure you, in prison.

' At last his tyranny grew absolutely unendurable. I was
half-starved, and obliged to do the most degrading work.
One day, having forgotten to do something— a mere trifle
which he told mo to do — he absolutely excee<led himself. I
was ordered aloft, and one of the men was told to administer
the ' cat ' to my naked back. The man refused — for the men,
with few xceptious, were warmly attached to me — whereupon
the brute ; frenzied with passion, ordered the kind-hearted
fellow to be tied up along with me, and another man was or-

Mmmiim^mi6imMmm

264 THE SECRET SORROW.

dered to apply the cat-o'-niue-taUs to hia back as weU m mine.

And they did it.

"I saw him tied ap before my eyes, whUe they held me
fast, and whipped until his back was one hideous mass of raw
flesh. Then they took him down more dead than alive, and
X was ordered up in his place. Ten thousand furies seemed
in that moment to possess me. With the strength of a giant
I burst from those who held me. A heavy marline-spike lay
btside me. I seized it ; and the next moment it went crash-
ing through the skull of the monster. He never stirred

again.

" The men, appaUed by the awful deed and its consequen-
ces, seized me, and I was put in irons. I made no effort to
resist. The fearful deed I had committed rendered me calm.
I did not regret it ; but the feeling that I was a murderer lay
ou my heart like lead.

"When the ship arrived in Liverpool, I was immediately
given rp to the authorities. I remember that trial for mur-
der as tbough it had happened yesterday. The crowd of hu-
man faces, staring at me as tbough I was some strange, sav-
age animal, i« stiU vividly l)ef ore me. And among the crowd
I recognized my father. He did not know me ; the sailor's
dress, my bronzed features and fierce looks were very differ-
ent from anything he ever knew of his eldest son; besides,
he labored under the firm conviction that I waa dead. He
was speaking to one of the jurors, who seemed to have some
doubtaof my guilt; and I heard him say: 'He is a mur-
derer he dwerves death-7mny Wm /' The words turned my.

well M mine.

they held me
9 mass of raw
an alive, and
furies seemed
gth of a giant
rline-spike lay
it went crash-
never stirred

its consequen-
de no effort to
dered me calm,
a murderer lay

as immediately
t trial for mur-
le crowd of hu-
le strange, sav-
mong the crowd
me ; the sailor's
rere very differ-
3t son ; besides,

waa dead. He
id to have some

'He is a mur-
(yords turned my.

' I

THE SECRET SORROW.

26ft

blood to gall. At that moment I vowed, if I ever escaped,
to spare neither friend nor foe — all should feel the weight of
my vengeance. And I have kept my ivord.

'* The trial was over, and 1 was condenined to death. I
heard my sentence with careless scorn, and listened with a
levity far from edifying to th- judge's solemn address. I had
paid no attention to the trial ; strange as it may seem, I felt
convinced I was in the hand of fate, and that my hour was
not yet come. It was only when commanded to rise and re-
ceive the sentence of the court, that I awoke from a sort of
reverie into which I had fallen, and heard the venerable
judge, as he donned his black cap, and ordered me to be
taken to the place from whence 1 had been brought, and from
thence to the place of execution, there to be hung by the neck
until dead, winding up with the usual formula ; ' And may
God have mercy on your soul.'

" ' Thank you, my lord ; much obliged for your kind wishes,'
said I, with a bow.

" A look of indignant horror from the judge, and a half-
repressed smile from the crowd, followed this. I was re-
moved to p: ison, there to await the sentence of the law.

"The day on which I was to be executed, arrived, and
hope began to desert me. Every af tempt to escape had been
prevented by my being closely irone \ ; and I began to think
that, after all, I was born to be han^jed.

" The fatal hour arrived at last. The sheriff and his com-
panions entered my cell ; my irons were knocked off, and I
was marched to the scaffold. An immense crowd had aa-

266

THE SECRET SORROW.

Bembled to see me make my exit, and I saw at once by their
faces that public opinion waa in my favor. A groan of dis-
approbation arose as I appeared. I heard it, and at the pame
moment, my eye fell on the sheriff's horse, standing right
below the scaffold.

" In a moment my resolution was taken. Turning to that
functionary, I told hun I desired to speak a few words to the

crowd.

" The request was granted. I leaned forwar'1 as if to ad-
dress them, when suddenly I leaped from the scaffold right
on the horsfi's back, darted through the crowd, that involun-
tarily opened right and left ; and before they had recovered
from their Lurprise at this audacious act, I was on the king's
highway. Turning in the saddle, I gave a cheer of defiance ;
and then urging my horse onward, I dashed away ait a break-
neck speed.

" The insulted dignitaries of the law did not long remain in-
active. I was hotly pursued, but I was a desperate man, and
I distanced them all. My horse, luckily, proved to be a
splendid animal ; and after passing through countless adven-
tures and hair-breadth 'scapes, I found myself wandering, a
hunted fugitive, in the old manor, near the home of my chUd-
hood. It was a stormy night. I had no home, and I re-
solved to spend the night in the old manor, and brave the
ghosts which I had heard from my infancy, were its sole oc-
cupants.

" I threw myself on the floor and fell fast asleep. Here
I wa« found by some of the pirates, who even then held it as

THE SECRET SORROW.

267

lice by their
roan of dis-
at the pame
anding right

ning to that
words to the

as if to ad-
cafiEold right
;hat involun-
id recovered
)n the king's
of defiance ;
,y at a break-

ag remain in-
ate man, and
ved to be a
ntless adven-
wandering, a
5 of my child-
ae, and I re-
nd brave the
re its sole oc-

isieep. Here
hen held it as

a place of rendezvous. It required little argument to make
a desperate man join them. I soon grew attached to their
wild, free, roving life ; and at the death of their leader, J
was unanimously elected to his place. The Water Witcli and
her pirate crew soon became the terror of the high seas. Re-
wards were offered for our capture, but we only laughed at
them. With our fast-sailing brig, and picked crew of despe-
radoes from all quarters of the world, we feared them not.

" Sometimes, by way of change, I left the brig in charge
of Mondalvi, and in various disguises sought adventures on
land. It was on one of these occasions I encountered Syra
and her grandmother. I bought them both ; and they ever
afterward, until this last fatal cruise, remained in the old
Moor Manor."

He paused for a moment, as though nerving himself for
what was yet to come. Kate held a glass of water to his
lips. He drank it off eagerly, and then resumed :

' ' And now I come to the most eventful — to the saddest part
of my dark history. That part which I would to Heaven I
could forget !

" During one of these intervals, while seeking adventures
on land, I stopped at a little village in the sduth of France.
My assumed name of Captain Raymond was too well known ;
and as I had plenty of money to support the character, I re-
solved to adopt that of an English baronet. Accordingly, as
Sir Walter Percy, I became the one great man of the village.

"One day, the second after my arrival, was a holiday
among the good people of the village. It was the feast ot

WWs&^^mr

^mysm^mx^mm»Hmm^mmig^»>

268

THE SECRET SORROW.

some saint, and a public procession was to take place. I
have never seen a prettier sight. All the young girls in the
village dressed in white, and, crowned with flowers, went
first, holding in their hands lighted tapers, and chanting the
litany of the Blessed Virgin. I only gave them a passing
glance, when my eye fell on a face the most beautiful I have
ever beheld. I have traveled since through many a land ; I
have seen the languishing beauties of Italy, the dark-eyed
donnas of Spain, the fairy-like beauties of America ; but
never one so lovely as she. I will not attempt to describe
her to you. I am inadequate to the task ; suffice it .0 say, tliat
one glance imprinted her image forever in my heuri . During
the service that followed the procession I never removed my
eyes from her face as she stood before the alVf.r, her hands
crossed meekly over her pure bosom ; her eyej fixed on tbe
floor, with the long, dark lashes resting l..v;.!=gly on her
oval cheeks. Once, in the pause i che hynui she was
chanting, she raised her dark eyes, and meetihg mine fixed
so ardently upo:. L .. they fell again, while the hot blood
marked cheek ;.*/d !;?> .

" I was not loag in discovering who the fair girl was. Her
name was Madeline Desbreaux, an orphan, residing with her
grandmother, an old woman named Sorreaux. Madeline's
parents, it seems, had at one time been wealthy, and had
given their daughter an education far above that of her com-
panions. At their death, her grandmother took her to reside
in her cottage, and here, at the age of sixteen, I first saw
Madeline.

mi^f^fmmmeir^msmifmmlmm

THE SECRET SORBOW.

269

ke place. I

: girls in the
lowers, went
chanting the
m a passing
utiful I have
ly a land ; I
le dark-eyed
merica ; but

to describe
it losay, tliat
un. During

rumoved my
.r, her hands
fixed on tbe
ij^Iy on her
BUI she was
g mine fixed
le hot blood

;irl was. Her
ding with her
Madeline's
thy, and had
t of her com-
: her to reside
n, I first saw

*' I need not pause to tell you how our acquaintance pro-
gressed. Sufllce it to say, we both learned to love each other.
I with all the intensity of an impulsive nature, and she with
all the passionate abandon of a hot-blooded child of the
sunny South. The old woman. Wail, however, from the
first, looked on our increasing intimacy with an unfavorable
eye. She evidently concluded, that if I was what I professed
to be, my intentions respecting her grandchild conld not be
very honorable ; and if I was not what I professed to be,
why then her child must look to be the wife of an houester
man.

" But little either Madeline or I cared for her objections.
With the trusting, confiding nature of her sex, she gave her
heart into my keeping only to be wrung and broken. Little
did either of us think, when arm in arm we strolled through the
moonlight, I pouring my tale of passion into her too willing
ear, how fatally it was destined to end for us both !"

He paused again, while a half shudder ran through hia
frame.

Kate wiped the death-damp off his brow in silent sympathy.
When he again resumed, his voice was low and tremulous.

" Why need I linger over this, why need I repeat the old
story of vows never fulfilled — of a f;iir brow stamped wit'
the brand of a Magdalen — of a broken heart, and shame hid
den, perhaps, in the grave. Oh, wretch that I was ! Oh,
Madeline ! Madeline ! lost to me forever !"

He groand aloud, and the tears of bis companion fell fast
on his pale face.

23*

270

THE SECRET SORROW.

" I dare not linger over this ; it maddens me even now, to
think of it," he went on, rapidly, after a short pause, " suf-
fice it, that I was awakened from my brief dream of happi-
ness by a visit from Mondalvi to tell me the men refused to
obey him longer, and urging me to depart immediately. I
dared not refuse, yet how could I leave Madeline? I knew
she would fly with me willingly, but I could not tell her she
had been wooed by an outlawed pirate instead of a noble
peer. Neither dai? I trust myself to bid her farewell — ter
tears and entreaties might prove stronger than any resolution
— and I was forced to depart without bidding her adieu. We
have never met since."

"Did she die?" asked Kate, for the first time breaking
silence.

" I know not. A few months after, I returned to the vil-
lage, but she and her grandmother were both goUe. I felt
I could not live without her, and I returned to tell her all, and
then, if she could forgive me, to make her my wife and go
with her somewhere, and, unknown, under an assumed name,
to give up my reckless life. But I came too late ; both was
gone. I was almost wild at the news. Everywhere I made
inquiry, but in vain. All I could learn was that she had se-
cretly fled from the village first, and that old Wail had sold
her cottage soon after, and followed her. Since then I have
never been able to discover the least trace of either of them."

The name struck Kate as familiar, and the recollection of
old Mother Wail, the Witch of the Moor, flashed across her
mind. Could they be one and the same person ? With it

THE SECRET SORROW.

271

ven now, to
ause, " suf-
m of happi*
i refused to
ediately. I
16 ? I knew
tell her she
I of a noble
ireweli — lier
ly resolution
adieu. We

ae breaking

id to the vil-
jofie. I felt
1 her all, and
wife and go
lumed name,
! ; both was
here I made
i she had se-
^ail had sold
then I have
er of them."
lollection of
[ across her
1? With it

came the recollection of her wild prophecy on the night of
the ball: "/ see here danger, and sorrow, and shame, and
disgrace, and, it may be, death. There is danger to yourself
near at hand; sorrow for some one near you at present; shame
for one, the proudest here to-night; disgrace to the house of
Danemore, and death either for you or for some near relaiion."

It had come true, that strange, wild prophecy. And then
came the remembrance of the strange agitation of Lady
Danemore at seeing her. Could she be his Madeline 1 It
was her name ; she was French by birth, though adopted by
an English lady, and she was certainly lovely enough to jus-
tify his praises. Had the father wedded one who should have
been the bride of the son ? How else could she account for
her mysterious sorrow? Kate's brain grew giddy with the
multitude of thoughts that flashed across it, and she pressed
her hand on her heart to still its tumultous beatings.

Suddenly he reached out his hand and took hers. She
looked up ; the grayness of coming death had fallen on bis
face.

♦' I am going," he said, faintly ; " jjray."

And Kiite did pray, though in a voice choked by tears.
He hold her hand in his, and gazed steadily in her face.
She could see nothing save the earnest gaze of those great,
mournful blue eyes.

*' It is growing so dark," he said, absently, his mind be-
ginning to wander, " and so cold ! Madeline !"

Kate's voice faltered, then totally gave way, as her tears
fell fast on the pale face.

Wtt^lMmmi^s<'■'fm^^1i^sm^m0.•' y

f72

THE SECRET SORROW.

He lay with his eyea closed for a few moments, then fixing
them earnestly on her face, ho said :

" Pray."

Choking back her tears, she complied. Gradually, as she
proccedofl, L°r voice grew stronger, as she sent up an earnest
petition for mercy.

The restless look faded from his face as he listened.
Slowly his hand relaxed its grasp of hers, the deep, melan-
choly blue eyes wandered eagerly for a moment around, as
though in search of some one, then a slight convulsive shud-
der passed through his frame, Ins lips parted, but no sound

came forth ; his eyelids swayed heavily, and then closed

and he was gone.

MM*

tSt then fixing

lually, as she
up an earnest

he listened.

deep, melan-
nt around, as
ivulsivc shud-
>ut no sound
hen closed—

THE SECRET SORROW.

278

CHAPTER XXn.

THE father's remorse.

•' I would not rudoly lift the vail

Of thy unhappy lot —
How can I see thy cheek grow pale,

Tliy brow with anguish fraught —
When told that all thou held'st most dear

Dcatli'a grasp hatli rudely riren.
Oh, may it to thy view bring near

The lasting joys of heaven."

Morning dawned gray and gloomy over the old Moor
Manor. In the subterranean chamber formerly occupied by
Kate, lay all that was mortal of the young pirate chief. The
restless look that his face had ever worn in life was gone,
and he lay like one in a deep sleep. The fair luxuriant locks
were brushed off the high, white brow, and a half smile still
lingered around the faultless mouth.

Kate, pale and worn, with eyes dim with weeping, moved
gently through the apartment. Crouched in a corner,sway-
ing her body too and fro, and liumming a dreary kind
of chant to herself, was poor old Aunt Moll. In a few brief
words Kate had told her ail, expecting an outburst of grief
for the loss of her granddaughter, but she was mistaken — her
sorrow was all for her young master ; for Syra she seemed
not to have a thought.

iliim !

274

THE SECRET SORROW.

During the night previous the brig hnd come to anchor,
bearing the body of their young chief, together with Kate and
Mondalvi, who had now succeeded to the command. Kate
gave them to understand iu a few words that she know his
history, and they were at last willing to consign his remains
to her care. After conveying him to the old manor they took
their last look at the death-cold form of him who had once
been their chief. Before daybreak the brig was once more
far upon the sea.

And now, what was she to do next? Kate paced up and
down the room, and tried to think.

" Go to Dirritole," seemed ever ringing in her ear. But,
oh, how could she go? — how could she tell the earl the
terrible tale ? — how tell him that his eldest son was the
dreaded rover chief I — how tell him that he had driven him
to this terrible end? And the countess, if she were the
Madeline of her cousin's story, how would she hear of his
tragical end ? Kate wrung her hands in hopeless trouble —
turn which way she would, everything seemed dark and
gloomy around her.

And so the day wore on, and noon approached. Something
must be done. Go she must — there was no alternative ; and
Kate Sidney was not one to shrink from any duty, however
painful it might be.

Turning to the old negress, who still sat rocking her body
backward and forward, and humming to herself, Kate said :

" Aunt Moll, I must leave you for a while. You will not
be afraid to remain here a few hours by yourself, will you? '

me to anchor,
r with Kate and
mmand. Kate
t she know hia
ign his remains
lanor they took
who had once
was once more

e paced up and

her ear. But,
ill the carl the
it sou was the
had driven him
' she were the
jho hear of bis
ieless trouble —
med dark and

led. Something

Iternative ; and

duty, however

)cking her body
self, Kate said :
1. You will not
self, will you? '

THE SECRET SORROW.

975

•« Laws ! no, honey, I ^kecrod !" said the old woman, with-
out looking up.

•» Youll be sure to stay here until I return, will yon not?"
said Kate, somewhat anxiously.

*' Sartir' '^ »"'■ jney. Laws! wlio's 'fraid? I ain't skeered
o' ghosts, .ober was, uudder. Jes' you go 'long, I'll tend
ter things till yer gets back."

Reassured by the old woman's tone, Kate quitted the man-
or ; not, however, without first entering the great dreary
chamber, where Alice liad been detained a prisoner. It was
empty. A handful of ashes and a half-burnt log yet lay in
the huge flre-place. On the floor were scattered the various
articles left by the earl in liis liaste— but wJiere was Alice?

With a sigh, Kate turned away— everything seemed to grow
darker and more drear the longer she thouglit of it.

It was growing dark when she came within sight of the tall
trees and peaked gables of Dirritole. What strange events
iiad taken place since she had left it last!— what wonderful
discoveries had come to light ! It all seemed like a troubled
dream to her now ; but, alas ! she could not long think it a
dream — it was too stern a reality.

Quiet and dark Dirritole ever looked ; but it seemed stiller,
and quieter, and sadder now than ever. There was some-
thing almost mournful in the low whine of recognition with
which the shaggy house-dog welcomed her.

With a sinking heart, Kate entered the hall. She dreaded
to meet unannounced any of the family, fearing the effects
of a sudden surprise. As she stood hesitatingly, thinking

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276

THE SECRET SORROW,

over what plan she had best pursue, the dining-room door
suddenly opened, and the prim housekeeper, Miss Dickett,
made her appearance, brush in hand.

As her eyes fell on Kate, she dropped her brush, and,
throwing up both arms, uttered a stifled scream. Well
might she exclaim at seeing Kate before her— so pale, so
thin, so sorrowful-looking— the mere shadow of her former
self.

"Hush!" said Kte, in a hurried whisper, " make no
noise. Come with me, I wish to speak to you."

Mechanically, Miss Dickett fcilowed her. She had always
been accustomed to obey Miss Sidney ; and even now, though
she believed it was Kate's ghost she was following, she did
not resist, Kate closed the door, and, turning to the house-
keeper, demanded, in an agitated whisper:

" How is— how are the family? Are they all here now?"

" Oh, lawk ! Miss Kate, his it you, or his it your ghost?"

" Ghost ! no — what nonsence !"

" Then hit his you !" exclaimed Miss Dickett ; " well, I ia
glad and no mistake. Oh, law ! I thought I'd never clap my
two heyes on you again — so I did.

" Well, never mind that at present!" said Kate, impa-
tiently. " Can you not answer my question ?"

"Well, hit's all very fine— so it is!" said Miss Dickett,
placing her hands on her sides and drawing a deep breath,
" but sich a place as Dirritole's turned out to be of late /never
seed. Fust, Miss Halice she goes lioff with 'erself some-
where, where nobody can't find 'er hout. Then you goes

<■•

rs^

THE SECRET SORROW.

277

jaing-rcom door
, Miss Dickett,

her brush, and,
scream. Well

ler — so pale, so
of her former

}er, "make no
I."

She had always
en now, though
owing, she did
g to the house-
all here now?"
your ghost?"

tt; "well, It«
. never clap my

id Kate, impa-

Miss Dickett,
a deep breath,
of late /never
L 'erself some-
hen you goes

hoff without hever telliu' nobody ; and then the hearl he takes
hisself hoff 'long with the rest. Mr. Chawles he goes back to
that nasty Dublin, which I can't abide no ways, 'cause it's
so wulger— though I ain't a saying nothink agin his goin',
'cause he was allers a makin' 'sturbance while he was *ere.
Then Miss Maggie, the imperant little thing, she foUers him ;
an' I'm blessed if I wasn't glad to be rid of her, allers a
takin' me off. Madame Maria, she's allers sick hup stairs,
and won't 'low nobody to 'tend to her 'cept 'tis that nasty
old nigger, which I can't abide no ways— so I can't. My
lady won't speak a word to nobody 'cept that conceited little
furriner, Bess L'Olise, while she was 'ere ; but she's gone,
too, 'long with Miss Maggie, hoff to Hirdand. Lord Harn-
dale comes streakin' down here, and then tears hoff agin like
a comet, lookin' everywhere 'cept, I s'pose, in the right place,
for Miss Halice. And 'ere I's left like a poor, hold, singed
cat, with nobody to look arter me if I went to hold Scratch-
so there!"
Kate listened impatiently to this tirade, and now she broke

in with :

"You do not mean to say that my uncle and all are away,

do you?"

"Well, he ain't away now, 'cause he's 'ome!" said Miss
Dickett, "he 'rived last night, and now you f oilers him.
. Mebbe the resfll come bime-by, and things'll begin to look
as they used to."

Kate paced rapidly up and down the room for several min-
utes, then turning to Miss Dickett, she said, inquiringly :

! »■

■?ar

278

THE SECRET SOHROW.

4
1

"And has no news been received from Miss Alice

yet?"

"Law! me, not f^o much as a single scrape o' a pen.
Hit's wery curis, so hit his— but deary me ! there hisn't no
'countin' for ladies' notions nowadays."

This was followed by a significant look, as though she in-
tended Kate to understand, she considered her "curis" as
well as Miss Desmond. But Kate was paying very little at-
tention to her, being absorbed in her own painful reflections.
Could it be that the earl had carried Alice off with him some-
where else? It must be so ; else how Cuuld she account for
her sudden departure with the two servants from the old
Moor Manor. Passing her hand over her brow, as if to dis-
pel her sad thoughts, she turned to the old housekeeper, who
stood watching her, with mouth agape, and said, briefly :

" Go, and inform the earl that I have arrived, and wish to
see him immediately. Break the news as carefully as possi-
ble, so that it may not take them by surprise, and make
haste."

Miss Dickett quitted the apartment, and again Kate re-
sumed her nervous, hurried pace up and down. How, oh !
Jiow should she break the fatal news to him— how tell him of
the disgrace that had fallen on his honored name? And she,
her aunt, how would she hoar it, if the Madeline of her
cousin's sad story?— this must be the key to her secret sor-
row—and how would she learn that he whom she had loved
" so vainly and so well," lay now cold and dead in the old
Moor Manor?

m IVIlss Alice

rape o' a pen.
there hisn't no

though she in-
her " curis" as
f very little at-
iful reflections,
with him some-
Sie account for
from the old
w, as if to dis-
jsekeeper, who
id, briefly :
d, and wish to
jfuUy as possi-
ise, and make

igain Kate re-
n. How, oh !
3w tell him of
ne? And she,
deline of her
ler secret sor-
she had loved
id in the old

THE SECRET SORROW. 279

" The hearl says for you to walk right up," said Miss
Dickett, putting her head in at the door.

Kate's heai-t throbbed so loudly, that she grew faint. Re-
covering herself by an effort, she ran up stairs, and entered
the room where the earl and the countess sat.

The meeting was a cold one on all sides. The earl, con-
vinced that she knew of his villainy, felt particularly uncom-
fortable, but still not as he once thought he should at such a
meeting. Since the day when he recognized his long-lost
son in the person of the pirate chief, a marked and visible
change had passed over him. His hair had grown snowy
white, deep furrows were marked on his forehead, he walked
stooped and feeble, as though a sudden load of grief had
been laid on bis shoulders— an old man before his time.

Convinced that the hand of Heaven was on him in punish-
ment for his misdeeds, he had resolved to seek Alice on his
return, seek her forgiveness, and brave the scorn of the
world. To his surprise and horror he learned, on his arrival,
that nothing had been heard of either her or Kate.

Accompanied by Lord Arndale, to whom he disclosed all,
they searched, as they imagined, thoroughly the cid Moor
Manor, but all in vain. No trace of either could be found.
And now the earl, though surprised and rejoiced at the re-
turn of Kate, felt secretly uneasy at the power she possessed

over him.

As for Kate herself, all her feelings of just indignation
gave way, as she saw the change the suffering and sorrow
had made in him. She could only remember that sb^ was

280

THE SECRET SORROW.

about CO add a still greater load to what he already evidently
Buffered.

My lady lay back among the cushions, in the weary, list-
less manner of other days. No change has passed over her,
as coldly, serenely beautiful as ever, with the long, black
lashes sweeping her pearly cheeks, and vailing the large,
mournful, dark eyes.

She looked up, and with a faint smile of welcome, extended
her hand. Kate raised it to her lips, respectfully ; she might
have greatly erred— but hau she not likewise greatly suffered
—and sorrow goes far to atone for sin.

There was a moment's silent constraint on all sides. Then,
determining to learn the fate of Alice, first of all, Kate looked
fixedly up in her uncle's face, and said, with brief sternness :
"My lord, before I tell you the business which brought
me here at this late hour of the night, I would first learn
what has become of Alice Desmond."
He groaned aloud, and turned away his head.
" Good Heaven !" exclaimed Kate, horror-struck at the
thought which flashed across her mind, " is she dead?"

"I know not," answered the earl, vehemently, " as God
liveth, I know not. Whether she is living or dead I cannot
tell."

White with fear, Kate stood listening with clasped hands.
She could not doubt his words— she felt convinced he was
speaking the truth.

"But, why— how— did you not find her that night in the
old manor?" she asked, in a bewildered tone.

Iready evidently

the weary, list-
)assed over her,
the long, black
iling the large,

Icome, extended
'ully ; she might
greatly suffered

11 sides. Then,
all, Kate looked
)rief sternness :
which brought
3uld" first learn

-struck at the
e dead?"
ntly, " as God
dead I cannot

clasped hands,
vinced he was

U night in the

THE SECRET SORROW.

281

"I did. I found out likewise you had been there; and
maddened at the discovery which I saw must take place, I
determined to prevent it. I had fouud another hiding-place
for Alice, but wishing to be rid of the servants first, I took
them to a place of safety. "When I returned, the old manor
was empty. Alice was gone. I know nothing of her. I
cannot discover her. Wliether she is among the living or
dead, I cannot tell. Arudale is now in search of her. Heaven
grant he may be more fortunate than i !"

Kate sank on a seat, and covered her face with her hands.
All was for the moment forgotten, save poor Alice. The
earl had risen to his feet, and began pacing the floor rapidly
up and down.

Suddenly remembering what was yet to come, Kate took
her hands from before her face, and said, in a voice that
trembled in spite of all her efforts to render it firm :

" My lord, you remember, you cannot have forgotten poor
Walter !"

There was a passionate exclamation from the earl. My
lady gave a slight start, her hand was involuntarily half
raised, and then dropped heavily in her lap.

" Forget him ! Oh, Walter ! Walter !" he exclaimed bitterly.
" Speak, girl ! what of him?"

" You thought him dead— we all did," said Kate, speaking
very rapidly, " but we were mistaken — he was not drowned."

He did not exclaim or seem amazed, as she thought he
would. He only groaned, and wrung his hands in bitter

sorrow*

24*

m^ssism

282

THE SECRET SORROW.

" Ho lived, my lord," went on KatP, huskily, «« but driven
to despair, he— he— " lier voice faltered.

"Became a pirate I I know it I I kuowit! I know it!"
he broke in, passionately. " He disgraced his name, he has
brought shame on his family, he has whitened my hairs, and
brought me with sorrow almost to the grave."

" My lord ! my lord I" said Kate, rising, " speak not thut
Whatever his crimes may have been, he has atoned for them
by death. Your son has gone before a higher tribunal than
any of earth to be judged."

•'Dead/ Walter dead !"

He seemed stunned, bewildered, dizzy, like one struck by
some suddeu blow. He reeled into a seat, and sat gazing
vacantly into her face.

And my lady— a shadow, like the shadow of death, had
fallen on her white face ; her arms lay heavily by her side,
as though the power of life had been suddenly stricken from
her heart.

" How? when? where did he die?" asked the earl, broken-
ly, looking in Kate's face, with a look of hopeless bewilder-
ment.

Briefly, in a voice choked by tears, Kate related all. The
story of her capture— of Syra— of her jealousy— of his trag-
ical death— and his dying story. Only one part was kept se-
cret—that relating to Madeline. The dark eyes of the countess
met hers toward the close with a look of gratitude, as if si-
lently thanking her for her delicacy.

He listened like one in a dream to the close. Still he sat

dly, •« but driven

it! I know it I"
bis name, he has
cil my hairs, and

' speak not tbua
atoned for them
tier tribunal than

ce one struck by
and sat gazing

>w of death, had
ivily by her side,
ily stricken from

the earl, broken-
jpeless bewilder-

•elated all. The
usy — of his trag-
part was kept se-
!3 of the countess
atitude, as if si-

ie. Still he gat

THE SECRET SORHOW.

288

gazing in her face with oh ! ouch a look of utter» utter, hop»
less trouble.

" My lord — my dear uncle," said Kate touched in spite of
herself by his silent anguish, " grieve not ! It is better so —
he could never be happy here. Let us hope he is at rest !"'

"Dead — dead! "he said, slowly. "Walter dead. So
young, so fair, so noble-hearted ! dead, and by the hand of
an assassin ! — dead ! and it is I who have driven him to this
— I drove him from home — I struck him — I forced him to bo-
come an outcast on the face of the earth, without where to lay
his head — friendless and homeless, he grew desperate. And
now he is dead ! Oh, Walter ! Walter ! Oh ! would to Heav-
en I had died for thee — my son — my son I"

— -"'IWteiSKK*

■>Sf>?K;

.is-vi'ivriwSi^^saas!

284

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE WITCH OF THE 5I00B.

*' Lady dear ! this history

Is thy fated lot,
Ever such thy watching,

For what cometh not,
Still thou Bcckcst on, though weary.

Seeking still in vain ;
Daylight deepens into twilight,

What has been thy gain?
Death and night are closing round

All that thou hast sought unfound.'

-Landon,

There was silence for a few moments, deep and profound.
Kate was weeping silently, the earl wrung his hands in hope-
less anguish ; my lady still sat immovable, gazing steadily on
the floor— a gray shadow, a sort of dead white, lying on her
pale face.

Starting suddenly to his feet, the earl exclaimed, vehe-
mently :

" Why do I sit here? Where is he, lead me to him. Oh,
Walter, friendless and alone, you have lived, and shall not
kindred hands lay you at least, in the grave?"

"He is in the old Moor Manor," said Kate, rising and
ringing the bell, " we can reach it in o few hours."
. The old Moor Manor ! the very name fell like a curse on
the stricken ears of the earl.

•wr

-«*!

ary,

)un(J." — Landon.

ip and profound.
s hands in bupe-
azing steadily on
lite, lying on her

szclaimed, vehe-

me to him. Oh,
cd, and shall not

[^ate, rising and

ours."

1 like a curse on

THE SECnET SORROW.

S85

" Bring around the carriage, iinniodiatcly," said Kate, to the
servant, who entered.

The man hastened to obey. Lifting her eyes from the floor,
the countess fixed them on Kate's face, and said, quietly :

" Ring.

A spruce waiting-maid

Wondering a little, Kate obeyed
answered the summons.

" Bring me my bonnet and shawl," said the countess.

" My dear aunt," exclaimed Kate, in surprise and distress,
" you surely do not intend to accompany us. Do not, I beg
of you."

Without answering her, the countess turned to the girl,
and said, steadily :

" Bring me my bonnet and shawl !"

The girl left the room to obey. Kate knelt beside her,
took her hand, and said, imploringly :

" Dear Aunt Madeline, I beseech you not to go. Think of
the long, uncomfortable ride to the Moor, the fatigue you
must necessarily undergo, and after all, of what use will it
be? Pray, |)ray do not go?"

She did not reply ; but fixing her eyes again on the floor,
seemed lost in thought.

At this moment the girl entered with the things, followed
by Miss Dickett, to announce the carriage was in wait-
ing.

The countess arose, and motioned the girl to approach.
Seeing she was still determined, Kate wrung her hands in
hopeless trouble and exclaimed, vehemently :

•wr

fi;®!

286

THE 8ECUET SORROW.

, K

" Oh, Aunt Madeline I why will yoit persist in this? My
lord, can you not persuade her (o slay?"

"It is useless," said tlie countess, firmly, " I muxt go.
Come."

She held out her hand. Kato, with a sigh, drew it through
her arm, and, followed by the carl, entered tho carriage.
The next moment they were wliirling rapidly away.

Of what were those three thinking as they sat side by
side, silent and sad? The earl's thoughts wandered back to
that wild, tempestuous nigiit, a few short months before,
when, amid all tlio storm and glocni, they had approached
the fatal old Manor.

How many and how strange were the events that had
taken place since then. The scene was almost tho same.
Outside all was dark and dreary ; inside two women were his
companions, just as they were that night. He almost fancied
that night had returned. The countess lay back in the cor-
ner, just as Alice had done ; and ho almost fancied he saw
poor, poor, injured Janio in the erect figure and stern, sad
face of Kate. But, oh ! how diff( ' -how very, very dif-
ferent was his errand to-night! His eldest son, his first
born, lay cold and dead in the old Moor JIanor.

And Kate — her thoughts were divided between her cousin
and Alice — wandering sometimes to the wild, passionate
quadroon. Poor lost Syra ! What a sad fate had been hers.
And then Walter and Madeline, what a meeting for these
two, so long and sadly separated ! She glanced toward her,
but she could read no trace of thought or passion in that

THE SECKET SOTinOW.

287

slst in thin? My

inly, " I muxt go.

Ii, drew it througli
red the carriage,
y away.

they Hat side by
vaiidorcd back to
t nioutliB before,
," liad approached

events that had
ilmost the same.
women were hia
le almost fancied
y back in the cor-
t fancied he saw
ire and stern, sad
)w very, very dif-
est son, his first
mor.
tween her cousin

wild, passionate
ite had been hers,
meeting for these
luced toward her,
>r passion in that

white, calm, marble-like face, and vailed eyes. Of what was
Hho thinking? roroiiance of one wlioso blue eyes had once
been dearer to her tluui all the world besides, of that strong,
fearless heart, whoHo every throb had been for her, until
death had stilled its pulse.

Tliey drew up at last before the old Manor. They alight-
ed, and, preceded by Kate, entered the secret passage that
led to the subterranean chambers.

Here they found everything just as she had left it. In a
shadowy corner lay the lifeless body of the earl'^ son. Old
Moll sat over the fire, still humming to herself her dreary
chant, and rocking to and fro in her trouble.

The countess, who had boruo up during the journey, near-
ly sank as she entered the gloomy room. She tottered,
and would have fallen, had not Kate supported her; and
leading her gently toward the inner apartment, she removed
her bonnet and laid her on a couch. The long, black ring-
lets fell in heavy masses over her shoulders, making her
colorless face seem still whiter and wanner by the contrast,
as she lay as still and motionless as one dead.

Leaving her, Kate passed to the outer room. The earl
stood bending over the lifeless form, with a countenance of
utter, utter despair. Kate came and stood, beside him and
gazed down.

How calm and quiet he looked, resting there 1 Death had
left no ghastly imprint on nis countenance, the quiet look of
repose betokened that he had passed away almost without
bodily pain. Who could dream that the caliQ, white brow

S88

THE SECRET SORROW.

?. I,

had often frowned death to others — and those lips, wreathed
with a half smilp, Kate could hardly realize that she had heard
them shout the death-cry of his countrymen.

The carl pushed back the fair, bright locks, almost fancy-
ing he slept. The eyelids were closed so naturally over the
blue eyes that it was hard to realize he was indeed dead.
But the heart would never throb more — the deep, dark eyes
would never open again.

"He cannot be dead!" exclaimed the earl, wildly.
" Walter ! Walter ! Wake ! it is your old father who calls !
Oh, Kate ! will he not speak again?"

" Oh, my poor, poor uncle !" said Kate, compassionately,
" you cannot deceive yourself. It is better as it is. Better
he should die thus, than live to suffer by the hand of the
law."

The earl groaned in his anguish, and wrung his handa.
Then sinking into a seat by the bedside, he took one of the
cold hands in both his, and continued gazing steadily and
mournfully into the face of the dead.

Kate moved noiselessly thorough the apartment, now whis-
pering a few words of consolation to poor old Moll, who still
sat on the floor clasping her knees with her hands, and dron-
ing drearily to herself — now gazing pityingly on the earl, and
again flitting softly into the inner room, where the
countess lay. She seemed not to have moved from the posi-
tion in which Kate had laid her. An involuntary feeling of
awe stole over her as she gazed into that death-like face.
She looked like a shadow herself, too, fleeting silently

►

THE SECRET SORROW.

289

e lips, wreathed
tat she had heard

3, almost fancy-
aturally over the
vas indeed dead,
deep, dark eyes

le earl, wildly,
'ather who calls !

compassionately,
as it is. Better
the hand of the

rung his hands,
took one of the
ling steadily and

tment, now whis-
Id Moll, who stUl
hands, and dron-
y on the earl, and
)om, where the
ed from the posi-
Lintary feeling of
ath-like face,
fleeting silently

among shadows. So sad, so pale, so care-worn, she looked
very diffcre- 1 from the h^ppy, careless Kate Sidney of a few
months before.

So the hours passed on, and midnight approached. Mid-
night ! strange, solemn hour, when the great world seems for
a moment to pause to take breath — when the vail that separ-
ates the living and dead grows thin. Strange, mystic hour,
when all is hushed and still — when the dark past rises before
our eyes with fearful power.

There was a sudden noise, as of footsteps without. Kate's
heart stood still with fear ; then the door was thrown open,
aLd Mother "Wail, the Witch of the Moor, stood before them.
By the hand she held the child Magdalen, who stood gazing
around with great, wondering dark eyes.

All sprang to their feet in dismay. For a moment the old
woman's eyes wandered around the apartment, then rested on
the lifeless form extended in the farthesfrcorufir. Going over,
she folded her arms across her breast, and stood gazing down
into the calm face of the dead, with a mocking smile of
triumph on her lip.

" So," she hissed, at last, between her clenched teeth," the
farce is over — and he who left here full of youth and health,
has returned a corpse. It is well ! Said I not, lady," slie
added, turning to Kate with a jeering smile, " that disgrace
hung over the house of Dancmore, and that the viper its
master had warmed into life, should be the first to sting him.
Yet, methinks, there is one wanting to complete this assembly.
Where is she? where is the Countess of Daueraore?"

ill it

290

THE SECRET SORROW.

Kate's eyes involuntarily turned toward th« inner room.
The old woman noticed it, and dropping the liandof Slagdalcn,
she said, iniperiouslj', " stay here." The next moment, she
had raised the curtain, and was standing in the presence of
tlic countess.

All had passed so quickly that Kate was bewildered. Now,
however, she strove to prevent her entering ; but she was too
late, the old woman was already face to face with Lad^
Danemore. Trembling for the consequences, Kate darted in
after her. Mother Wail stood gazing on the countess with
the same bitter, jeering smile on her face. And the countess,
she had half raised herself on her elbow, her large, black
eyes glaring wildly into the hideous face above her, her lips
a livid blue ; she strove to speak, but a choking gasp was the
only audible sound, to which she could give utterance.

" How dai-e you emn" here, wretched old hag?" exclaimed
Kate, passionately; " icave the house instantly! By what
right dare you presume to enter here?"

^^ Might is right," said the old woman, with a mocking
laugh ; ' ' did I not dare you one in your proud halls to force
me out. I repeat it now, forot; rue out if you dare !"

A gleam of lurid fire shot from her sharp black eyes as
she stood gazing defiantly in Kate's face.

The indignant blood throl'ed and beat in Kate's heart and
temples. At any other time fhe might have forgiven her this
intrusion, but now, forcing hciself into the sacred chamber
of death, with such defiant insolence, roused her indignation
almost beyond endurance. A passionate torrent of anger

THE SECRET SORROW.

291

I th« inner room,
land of ^lagdalen,
lext moment, she
u the presence of

cwildered. Now,
; ; but she was too

face with Lad^
?s, Kate darted in
the countess with
And the countess,
, her large, black
bove her, her lips
king gasp was the
! utterance.

hag?" exclaimed
:antly ! By what

, with a mocking
•oud halls to force
on dare !"
irp black eyes as

Kate's heart and
! forgiven her this
B sacred chamber
d her indignation

torrent of anger

arose to her lips, and it was only the recollection that she
was speaking to uu old woman that restrained her.

" Well, why do you not force me out, most angelic young
,ady," said the hag with a mocking sneer.

" Woman— leare the room," said Kate, sternly, speaking
calmly, by an effort.

" Shall I, Madeline?" said Mother Wail, in the same sneer-
jag tone, turning to tiie countess.

Her only answer was an imperious gesture for Kate to leave
the room. Surprised and anxious, she obeyed, and Lady
Danemorc and the Witch of the Moor were together.

" Your hiisbancVs friends don't seem to welcome your rela-
tions Yi.ry warmly, Madeline," said Mother Wail, with a sar-
donic sneer— wonder if Sir Walter Percy's would not have
treated your grandani more kindly."

" What has brought you here?" said the countess hoarsely,
keeping her glittering eyes fixed, as if fascinated, on the re-
pulsive face of the old crone.

"•A singular question," was the sarcastic answer. "Why
should I not come to comfort my granddaughter, on the
death of her lover. The face and form are as faultless still,
Madeline, as when he made a fool of you."

Still the fixed, steady gaze of those gleaming black eyes.
Even the callous old witch grew uneasy under their fixed, un-
altering stare.

" Wliy have you come here?' she repeated in the same low,
hoarse tone, that gave little indication of the fierce passions
rending her heart within.

•'You shall hear," exclaimed the old woman, her whole

292

THE SECRET SORROW.

manner changing to pnc of exultant, passionate flercencsB.
" I have come to fulfil my vow. Como to disclose your his-
tory to those you have so long deceived, como to let him see
in l)cr true colors the viper he lias cherished so long. Your
child and his tcho now lies dead is without, KndaU shall be re-
vealed this night. AVhat more fitting time than when all are
assembled beneath the same roof? How little did you think,
Madeline, when you laughed at my warning, and called me a
' doting old simpleton.' that it would come to this ! How lit-
tle did you dream when you parted from him who deceived
you that this would bo your next meeting! Did I not
tell you you would live to rue the day you disobej'ed me ?
Did I not tell you I would follow you to the uttermost
bounds of the earth to avenge the disgrace you brought on
a before imstained name? Have I not kept my .vow? Have
I not pursued you ? Have I not followed you like your shad-
ow over the world ? Have I not wrung your heart ? Have I
not held your child for years, and refused all your prayers to
let you sec her? Have I not been avenged? Look up and
teU me, Madeline?"

She laughc 1 a harsh, discordant laugh, as she ceased speak-
ing, but in spite of herself, her eye quailed before the steady
gaze of those magnetic black eyes. Not once did they falter
in their calm, fixed look while she spoke. As Mother Wail
ceased, she rose to her feet, slowly, and with calm dignity.

" And this is your errand?" she said, slowly. " I thank
Heaven that the time has como at last. Go, tell them all ;
once I feared it, but the time has passed. I fear you no long-
er. Come, I shall assist you."

II iV

■■

THE SECRET SORROW.

293

onate flercencsa.
lisclose yourhis-
no to let liira see

I so long. Your
nd all shall be re-
han when all are
tic did you think,
, and called me a
o this ! How lit-
lim who deceived
ig! Did I not
.1 disobej'ed me?
to the uttermost
! you brought on
; my .vow? Have
)u like your shad-
ir heart ? Have I

II your prayers to
I? Look up and

she ceased speak-
before the steady
ce did they falter
As Mother Wail
■h calm dignity,
lowly. " I thank
Go, tell them all ;
fear you no long-

She pushed aside the curtain as she spoke, and passed out.
Little Magdalen stood still where the old woman had left
her, in the middle of the floor. The countess approached,
parted the raven curls from her broad, white brow, and gaz-
ing steadily into the deep, dark eyes, fixed wonderingly on
her face, she murmured to herself:

"How like! how like?"

Then, pressing a kiss on the fair brow, she raised her eyes
and calmly encountered the gaze of those around her.

" My lord," she said, turning to the astonished earl, " this
woman has a communication to make in private to you and
your niece. Believe all she tells you, it is all true. I will
watch by the dead until your return. Go in there."

She pointed toward tiie inner room. Mother Wail was
about to object, but there was a sudden flash in the eye of
countess that warned her she would not be refused.

The earl was on the point of asking an explanation,
when Kate, who guessed what was coming, laid her band on
his arm and drew him with her.

Mother Wail turned to follow, first taking Magdalen by the
band to bring her with her ; but the countess interposed, lay-
ing her hand on the child's head.

"She will stay with me," she said.

Mother Wail did not object. There was something in the
face of the countess she had never seen there before. Mut-
tering to herself, she followed the earl and his niece. Kate
drew the curtains, and in silence seated herself to listen.

25*

smmssmsammt

maM

294

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER XXIV.

UNITED AT LAST.

" She loved, but her bosom had buried the dart,
And there, while she strove to conceal it,
Its point had engraven his name on her heart,

Too deep for her lips to reveal it ;
But now not a trace of the name can be found;

Witli darkness and silence hung o'er it,"
The sacred engraving is hid in the ground.
Laid up in the bosom that bore it." — Miis Oould.

Thebe was silence for a few moments within the room.
The earl sat gazing in silence, first at the old woman and
then at Kate, awaiting impatiently the solving of this mys-
tery.

"What does all this mean ?" demanded the earl at last,
turning to Kate. "What has this old woman to tell us?
What could my lady mean ?"

"Old woman!" repeated Mother Wail, bitterly. "You
had better speak more respectfully, my lord, of the grandam
of the Countess of Dauemore. '

" WJiatI" exclaimed the earl, indignantly; "what means
this insolence, audacious old hag? You, her grandam, for-
sooth ! You had ' better be more chary of your words, or
you will presently find yourself talking to the outer walls of
the Moor Manor."

) dart,

it.

hoart,

found i

t,"

ml,

Viss Oould.

r'ithin the room.
i old woman and
ing of this mys-

the earl at last,
>maD to tell us?

bitterly. "You
, of the grandam

er grandam, for-
f your words, or
tie outer walls of

THE SECUET SOBROW.

29.5

"My lord, calm yourself," said Kate, hurriedly, seeing
t!ic angry flash of the old woman's eye. " I have reasons
for knowing what she says is true."

" Impossible !" exclaimed her uncle in amazement. " Lady
Danomoro the grandchild of the old Witch of the Moor ! It
cannot be !"

" It is even so, dear uncle," said Kate, soothingly ; " re-
member my lady told you to believe all this old woman said.
I assure yon it is true."

" Go on — go on !" said the earl, shading his eyes with his
hand. "What strange events are taking place to-night?"
he muttered to himself.

" If I cannot convince you now, I am her grandmother,"
said the old woman, "perhaps you will believe me before I
have done."

" My name is Wail Lorreaux ; I am French by birth — hav-
ing been born, brought up, and married in a little, sunny vil-
lage in the south of France. That part of my liistory, how-
ever, does not concern you, so I will briefly pass over it.

" I had one child, a daughter ; asfairi maiden as ever tripped
the music of the castanet. At eighteen she was wedded to
one above her in rank and station, who had been brought to
her feet by her exceeding beauty. They had but one child,
a daughter, called Mandeline, now Countess of Dancmere."

She paused, ai.>d cast a triumphant glance toward the earl,
who still sat with his face shaded by his hand. He made an
impatient motion with his hand for her to proceed, and, after
a pause, she went on :

296

THE SECRET SORROW.

I' '•

"As I said, her father was rich, anil Madeline it as bronght
up and educated like a lady. But before she reached the ago
of fourteen her father was suddenly killed, and her mother
did not long survive him. Madeline was thus left an orphan,
with no one to take chai-ge of her but me. True, there were
her father's relations, but they would not notice her, as her
father had grievously offended them by marrying one so far
In rank below them. So I took Madeline to my own cottage,
and in time learned to love her, almost passionately. But
there is only a step between love and hatred, as I soon found

out.

"When Madeline was about sixteen, there came a gay
young English nobleman to our village. He called himself
Sir Walter Percy ; but, though his words and bearing were
those of a prince, still, from the first, various little things-
trifles in themselves— made mo suspect he was not what he

pretended.

" From the first, Madeline and he grew attached to each
other. Every day saw him at our cottage, reading to her,
,and telling her tales of far off lands ; while she would sit, and
listen and listen, as though there was no one else in the world
save himself. Oh, Heaven ! how the girl loved hin. ! She
worshiped him ; while he, the son of a cold-blooded race,
sought her society because she pleased him— because, like
a spoiled child, he wanted a new toy !

" Some secret feeling told me, from the first, how it would
end. I scolded, I threatened, I pleaded, I coaxed ; but all
in vain— she was infatuated. She only laughed at me, and

THE SECRET SOUROyr,

297

dine « as bronght
le reached tlic ago
, and her mother
us left an orphan,
True, there were
lotice her, as her
Trying one so far
) my own cottage,
lassionately. But
lI, as I soon founil

here camo a gay
He called himself
and bearing were
JUS little things—
le was not what he

w attached to each
ge, reading to her,
she would sit, and
nc else in the world
1 loved him! She
cold-blooded race,
him — because, like

I first, how it would
, I coaxed ; but all
augbed at me, and

called mc an old simpleton for my pains ; yet I boro it all
patiently, for I loved lier.

" Day after day passed on, and she grew still more infatu-
ated. IIow often, '1 the long pleasant evenings, have I
watched those two — he lying at her feet, playing the guitar,
and singing love ditties, and she playing idly with his long,
fair locks Mafoi! the girl was love-crazed. I think she
would have died for him, had he wished it.

" Well, it all ended as I foresaw it would. Poor, simple
fool ! slic really dreamed he loved her ; while he, without
even bidding his victim good-by, left the village as secretly
as he had entered it.

"After that, I forgot she was my grandchild ; I could only
remember that she had brought disgrace upon my gray hairs.
A child was born — "

" It is false — false as foul !" shouted the carl, springing
madly to his feet. " Hag — fiend in woman's form — I will
tear the lie from j'our perjured heart !"

She looked up in his face, with a calm, mocking smile.

^' Did she not tell you to believe me !" she said, quietly.

" She did ; but I will never believe such a terrible lie. My
lady never was the degraded thing you would have me be-
lieve!"

" My dear lord," interposed Kate, " it is hard to believe,
but nevertheless it is so. Do not, I b eech you, give way
to violence thus."

"You, too, against me," said the earl, hoarsely; "yon,
too, trying to m.olie me b<;lieve this accursed story ? Woman,

nmm

mmm

298

THE SECUET SORROW.

woman ! where is tliis Sir "Wftltcr Percy — who is he, that I
may Hcnd his craven soul groveling to perdition ? '

" Behold liim in the dead body of your son!" said Mother
Wail — her withered oounlcnancc growing almost demoniacal,
with its expression of fiendish triumph.

" Oh, Heaven !'" groaned the earl, sinking back, and bury-
ing his face in his hands, in utter despair.

"Shall I go on?" said Mother Wail, her callous heart
touched, in spite of herself.

" YcB," said Kate, with brief sternness.

" A few weeks after the birth of the child," went on the
old woman. "Madeline, taking it with her, fled one night
from the village. I had driven her to it by my unceasing
(„ taunts and reproaches, and it was but natural, for many

reasons, she should wish to leave the village, where she was
a mark for the finger of scorn to point at. But I did not, I
would not, think of pity; neither would the villagers. It
was in vain that our good old cure, who iitid loved Madeline
from a child, repeated the words of the Saviour, ' Neither do
I condemn thee — go, sin no more.' I only thought of having
my revenge for the disgrace she had brought upon me. I
sold my cottage and furniture, and set out, determined to find
her, though I should be obliged to wander the world over. I
was confident of success ; but in spite of all my endeavors,
three months passed away, and I had obtained no clew to
/ her whereabouts.

" At last I determined to go to Paris. It seemed hardly
probable that Madeline would go to that great city, unknown,

-who in he, that I
tiou ? '

on!" said Mother
most demoniacal,

J back, and bury-

ler callous heart

ild," went on the
icr, fled one night
by my unceasing
latiiral, for many
2, where she was
But I did not, I
the villagers. It

I loved Madeliuo
iour, ' Neither do
thought of having
light upon me. I
leterniined to find
:he world over. I

II my endeavora,
taiued no clew to

It seemed hardly
iat city, unknown,

THE SECRET SOIIROW.

290

poor, ani' friendless, but I knew not where else to go. I ob«
taincd lo'ltjings. and set myself diligently to work to find her.

"One day, as I was passing tiiu store of a fashionable miU
liner, a piece of exquisite embroidery caught my eye. Made-
line had been educated in a convent, and tlio nuns '"d taught
her to work beautifully. It was tlic only kind of work sha
had over been good for, and I immediately recognized it as
a piece of work she had finished l)efore she fled from the vil-
lage, and which I knew she had taken with her.
' •* I stepped into the store and asked the milliner of whom
she had bought it, saying I had a particular and most urgent
reason for wishing to know.

" The woman, however, could give mo but little informa-
tion ; a young, and as she imagined, pretty woman had
brought it, with several other pieces, thero to bo sold ; and,
as she worked beautifully, she had engaged her by the week
to work for her.

"Of her personal appearance, she could only say she was
very pale, and quiet, and lady-like, with splendid eyes, and
always dressed in deepest mourning — a young widow, mad-
ame imagined, as she often brought a baby with her.

" I had learned enough to satisfy me that it was Madeline ;
and, having learned the day she was expected, I determined
to watch. Accordingly, I stationed myself where I could see
all who entered madame's, without being noticed myself ; and
very soon had the satisfaction of beholding the milliner's
pretty ' young widow' in black enter.

*'I knew her immediately, although she was closely vailed.

'i.
I

Wi mc Wil li J tmms mmmmmm mm^imsmsim

800

THE SECRET EOHROTT.

"When slic quitted the shop, I followed her, ami having dis-
covered the house wlicrc she lodged, I returned in triumph to
my owu npnrtnu'iits.

" The next day, disguised ns a beggar, I visited the house,
nnd l»ya few artful inquiries learned that the piotty lady in
black, as she was called — for no one know her name — always
left her baby in charge of a little girl, a daughter of the land-
lady, when she went out. Satislled that my object, which
was to steal the child, could be easily accomplished, I waited
with impatience for the arrival of the day ou which she was
to visit the milliner with her work.

" It came at last, and, when she was out of sight, I went
boldly up to her apartments, and told the girl that the ' pret-
. ty lady,' who had gone to the ujillinor's, had sent mo for her
baby. The girl gave up the diild witliout hesitation. As I
wrapped little JIagdalen— for so Madeline had named the
child— in my cloak, I turned to the little girl :

" ' Tell the pretty lady,' said I, ' when she comes, that
Mother Wail came for the baby. Slio may like to know.'

"The girl promised, and I quitted the house. AH the
money I possessed in the world was in my pocket. I went
down to one of the piers. A ship was there just ready to
start for Kugland. I took passage on board, and in a short
time the shore of Franco was lost to view.

"I could speak a little English; for Sir Walter had, by
Madeline's desire, taught her; and, listening to them, I had
learned, too. I determined to support myself as a fortune-
teller. I knew there were always plenty of fools in all large

-1^

THE SECRET SOUUOW.

801

r, and having clis-
rued in Iriuiuph to

[ visited the house,
tlic piPtty Indy in
her name — always
iglitcT of tlic laud-
iny object, wliich
npli.sliod, I waited
oil which she was

It of sight, I went
;irl that tlic ' prct-
id sent mo for her
hesitation. As I
c had uamcd the
il:

II she comes, that
like to know.'

house. All the
y pocket. I went
ore just ready to
-d, and in a shoit

ir Walter had, by
ig to them, I had
elf as a fortune-
fools in all large

cities who will eagerly pay any one to tell their fortunes-
more particularly ii foreigner. I possessed a pretty tlioruugh
knowledge of liumnii nature ; and, as I eouM eaniiy read Iho
simpletons who resorted to me in crowds, I was aMe in many
eases to come pretty near the truth, ond soon acquired iu
London :\ wide-spread popularity and fame as a fortuno
teller. Serpents, snakes, magic mirrors, lanterns, skulls and
cross-bones, and all sorts of strange and mystic things likely
to impress superstitious minds filled my rooms. I soon grew
rich ; for the noblest and wealthiest in the land showed tlicin-
selvcs to be as great fools as their inferiors, and came in
crowds to consult Mother Wail, the witch, as I was called.

" So seven years passed on. During that time I had nc ;cr
heard of I^Iadeline or Sir Walter, and I knew not whether
they were living or dead, when one day, passing down a fash-
ionable thoroughfare, I saw a splendid equipage, which I in-
stantly guessed to belong to some noble, come dashing
down the street. Turning to a passer-by, I inquired whoso

it was.

" My eyes !' said the man, looking at mc in surprise.
' You Must be green not to know whose that is. It's the
Earl of Danemore ; and there's my lady sitting in it, the
handsomest woman iu England.'

" I cargerly pressed forward, anxious to' sec one who could
justify this eulogium, when the carriage suddenly stopped. I
looked up, and judge of my surpise to see in it, dressed mag-
nificently, and looking more beautiful than ever, my grand-
daughter, Madeline Desbreaux. . .

"I.

m'xamiiiii!mim*i<''i^mnaaamii!>^veiiismfSM

302

THE SECRET SORROW.

"I staggered back, thunder-struck at the sight. Recover-
ing myself, I turned to the man, who, with a crowd of others,
had stopped to gaze upon the splendid turn-out, and in-
quired : •

'"Who is that lady?'

" ' Why, granny ! it's the Countess ofDancmcre!'
"As he spoke the carriage started, and in a moment was
out of sight. I turned and walked home with mingled emo-
tions, which I cannot attempt to describe. When last I had
seen Madeline she was a poor sewing-girl, and now a
coiintess! What a change! How had it occnrred? I
thought, and thought, till my head grew giddy ; but aU was
in vain.

" I soon discovered that Dirritolc was the family mansion
of the lords of Dauemore, and thither I determined to go.
I was tired of life in the city. I had money enough to last
me for the remainder of my life, and I determined to quit it
forever. The moor was lonely and unfrequented, and it was
near enougli to Dlrritole for my purpose. Here I had a cot
built, and here, with Magualeu, my brave dog. Death, and
my fierce cat. Imp, I removed.

" I was ever on the alert ; night and day found me watch-
ing, and I soon discovered that the old Moor Manor had in-
mates. I could follow a trail as surely and as stealthily as a
North American Indian ; and with the cunning and secrecy
of a serpent, in spite of all their precautious, I found out
the secret entrance and the character of its inmates ; but
judge of my surprise to discover in Captain Eaymond, the

sight Recover-
i crowd of others,
turn-out, and in-

7icmcre I'

11 fi rnoraent was
ith mingled emo-
Whcu last I had
jirl, and now a
it occnrred? I
Idy ; but all was

! family mansion
etermined to go.
y enough to last
I'mined to quit it
Mited, and it was
lerc I had a cot
dog, Death, and

'ound me watch-
i" Manor had in-
is stealthily as a
ing and secrecy
>us, I found out
ts inmates ; but
Eaymond, the

THE SECRET SORROW. 303

rover chief, the betrayer of my grandchild. Sir Walter

Percy.

"What new discoveries was I to make? I fe.t sure there
were more to come yet ; and I was not disappointed.

" One night, I learned there was to be n. great ball given
at Dirritolc by its master, to honor the arrival of his niece.
I had not yet seen Madeline ; but I determined to go that
night, and'thc more to overwhelm her with shame and sur-.
pi^se, to confront her in the presence of her new and aristo-
cratic relatives.

"Taking Magdalen with me, as soon as it grew dark, I
started. The servants were all busily running to and fro,
and I entered the house unnoticed.

" Stealing up stairs unnoticed, I determined to reconnoiter.
I passed through various rooms, all brilliantly lighted, but
in an opposite end of the mansion from that in which I knew
the guests were assembled. Suddenly I found myself in the
picture gallery. Yes ; there hung ^ladeline's portrait, paler
and sadder looking than of old, but even more beautiful ; and
beside it hung another that made my heart stand stUl. It
was that of a bright, handsome, uvHg looking boy, every
line of whose handsome face was perftc^j familiar to me.
Underneath wa^ the name : • TfaZ^er, dde.c sm of Lord Dane-
more: I recognized it instantly. In him I beheld Sir Wal-
ter Percy alias Captain Raymond, the pirate chief."

A stifled groan came from the white lips of the earl ; but
without appearing to notice it. Mother Wail ^^v;at on :

"I was stunned, bcwUdered by this new discovery.

*04 THE SECRET SOUROW.

Taking Magdalen with me, I determii^ccl to learn vhat I could
of this new mystery ; and concluding that the servants were
the best to apply to, I met a pert looking chamber-maid, and
having told her fortune, and promised her a rich husband, by
a few artfully put inquiries, I leanied the history of the fate
of the earls eldest son.

" I was nou perfectly convinced that he and Captain Ray-
mond were one and the same person. Full of the important
secret I had so unexpectedly learned, I catered the drawing-
room, and appeared among the guestfi. What followed you
know. I stood before Lady Dunemore ; she recognized me ;
shrieked, and fell senseless to the ground. The earl at-
tempted to force mc out ; but I had a claim on him, too. I
knew the secret of his prisoners in the old Moor Manor, and
he dared not put his threat in execution.

"^I felt perfectly sure that Madeline would immediately
visit me. I was not mistaken ; the nest night, accompanied
by a little Freuch girl, she came to me in my hut on the moor.
There I learned from her her history. After the loss of her
child, she was for awhile quite delerious— 'or she thought I
would kill it; but fiend that I was, I could not do that.
When she recovered, she came to England. Why she had
done so, she could not tell. She had no idea T was here.
Some secret feeling she could not resist forced her to come-
perhaps the hope of meeting her lover, whom she still loved
as passionately as ever. But she never saw him more.
Shortly after her arrival, a rich, childish, old lady, a Mrs.
Ro:Mort, met her— was strack by her youth and aiugular

THE SECRET SORROW.

d05

learn t "hat I could
the sen'ants were
ihamber-maid, and
» rich liusbaud, by
listory of the fate

and Captain Ray-
of the important
2rcd the drawing-
hat followed you
le recognized me ;
d. The earl at-
I on Jiim, too. I
VIoor Manor, and

)uld immediately
?ht, accompanied
hut on the moor.
!r the loss of her
or she thought I
lid not do that.
. Why she had
idea T was here,
ed her to come —
n she still loved
saw him more.
Id lady, a Mrs.
itb and singular

beauty ; and learning she was an orphan, poor and friendless,
adopted her, with a sudden impulse of generosity, as her own
child.

»' Here she lived for some years ; and here the Earl of
Danemore met her, and fell deeply in love with her at first
sight. He urged her to marry him ; so did Mrs. Rochfort,
and Madeline consented. She told me that, at the death of
Mrs. Rochfort, she knew she would be left utterly destitute
and friendless ; she wanted a home — a place of rest for the
remainder of her days. She did not dream then that he was
the father of him whose wondrous beauty had first ensnared
her girlish heart, and whom she still idolized ; for Madeline
is not one who can love twice. Well, she was married ; a
strange bridal it must have been, wedding the father, when
she should have been the bride of the son."

Oh, Heaven have mercy !" came from the ghastly lips of
the carl.

" Her husband brought her home to Dirritole. And there
she beheld that picture. Like me she knew it instantly ; and
then who can know how she felt when she knew she was the
wife of the father of him she so well and vainly loved? She
heard his atory, too — heard he had been drowned, and knew
in her heait that ho still lived.

" That night Madeline — always so cold, so proud, so
haughty — humbled herself on her knees before me — ^me, whom
she had once despised in her heart. Her husband hud been
the kindest of husbands to her ; she did not, could not, love
him ; but she felt grateful to him, and would not for worlds

26*

806

THE SECRET SORROW.

link his name with hers in disgrace. She implored ,ne on her
knees not to let the world know her history — not for her own
sake, but for his. She begged, and wept, and prayed, as
only a mother can, to see her child once move— only once—
but she pleaded in vaiu. My heart was like steel, and Ire-
fused I thought she would have died that night. The agony
she suffered almost touched vvj heart — even mine, harder than
iron."

She paused for a moment, and wiped the great drops of
perspiration off her furrowed brow. All the events of that
fatal night flashed like lightning through Kate's mind, as she
flat white and speechless with pity and horror. The carl still
lay motionless, his head bowed on his hands, like one sud-
denly striken with death.

"I have but little more to tell," went on Mother Wail,
rapidly. " You know now, my lord, the history of your
wife. Her child and that of your son is with her in the outer
room. I shall resign her to you, as I am about to quit
England forever. I made a vow to be revenged ; I have
kept it, and my task is cided. I know I have done wrong.
I am almost sorry for it now ; but it is too late for useless re-
grets. Forgive you" wife, my lord. The world knows not
of her history ; and if suffering and sorrow can atone for her
ain, hers has been forgircn long ago. The dead and the liv-
ing alike have been to blame : but oh ! my lord, a life of sad-
ness and suffering has been the lot of each, and now, at last,
shall they not be forgiven ?"
"You — you to speak of forgiveness, you monster in woman's •

■i»» ^[^

plored ,ne5 on her
-not for her own
and pruj'cd, as
tre — only once —
e steel, and Ire-
ght. The agony
ttine, harder than

le great drops of
e events of that
te's mind, as she
ir. The earl still
ids, like one sud-

on Mother Wail,
! history of your
:h her in the outer
im about to quit
revenged ; I have
lave done wrong,
ate for useless re-
world knows not
can atone for her
dead and the liv-
lord, a life of sad-
and now, at last,

lonster in woman's •

THE SECRET SORKOW.

807

form !" said the carl, hoarsely, rising and confronting the
old woman, with glaring eyes and ghastly face. " You, who
showed mercy neither to helpless infancy nor suffering
womanhood ; you, wiio exulted in the agony of your victims,
you, v.ho pursued them even to the threshold of death with
unrelenting vengence ; you to talk of mercy and forgiveness !
Oh, my son, my son ! Oh, my wife ! my long-suffering,
heart-broken Madeline ! Oh, wretch ! monster ! tigress !
leave my sight before my tongue is tempted to curse yonr
gray hairs !"

" Uncle ! uncle ! for Heaven's sake, calm yourself ; remem-
ber we arc in the presence of the dead !" said Kate, throwing
her arms around his neck, and making an imperious sign for
the woman to go.

" 1 obey you, my lord. I deserve all you have said. In
a few days I shall be once more in my native laud. I shall
see you again before then."

And wrapping herself in her cloak, with a softer light in
her eyes tiian had shone there for many a day, she silently
quitted the old Moor Manor forever.

"My wife, my wife!' exclaimed the earl, wringing his
hands, unconscious of what he was doing. "Oh, Kate, how
that brave, strong heart has suffered, watching and waiting
all those long years for one who came not ! To be parted
from each other in life, and only to meet thus at last ! Oh,
Madeline! Madeline!"

He paced the floor wildly in his bitter sorrow.

"Shall we not go to her?' said Kate, as her tears fell

SOS

THE SECRET SORROW.

fast. "Will you not tell her vith your c n ll;8 she is
forgiven?"

" Yes, yes ! I have nothing to forgive ; but let us go, my
poor, poor wife !' •

He leaned on Kate's arm, for excessive emotion had made
him weak as an infant. They reached the outer room and
approached the bed of death. The cliild Magdalen stood at
the foot, gazing with her great mournful black eyes on the
face of her dead father.

And kneeling by the bedside, her head resting on the cold
bosom of the dead, her long black hair streaming wildly over
the pillow and over his bosom, lay my lady. She did not
look up as they approached. As immovable as a marble
statue she knelt.

"Dear Aunt Madeline !" said Kate, taking her cold hand.

She moved not — spoke not. Kate raised her head ; all was
cold and still. She looked down in the white face — the beauti-
ful features were fixed and rigid ; the mournful dark eyes were
closed forever. My lady was dead I

And there, on the bosom of him she loved, her spirit had
departed. They had gone together — ^those two so sti'au^cly
separated in life, so strangely united in death I

c n 11. s she is

but let us go, my

jmotioD had made
J outer room and
lagdalen stood at
black eyes on the

esting on the cold
amiug wildly over
dy. She did not
able as a marble

ing her cold hand.
. her head ; all was
J face — the beauti-
ful dark eyes were

ed, her spirit had
i two so sti'au2;cly
ith!

THE SECRET SORROW.

S09

CHAPTER XXV.

RECXION.

" Sprinkle swoot blossoms o'er her
Low and quiet grave ;
She was aye a gentle flower ;
Do not let a willow bower
O'er her ashes wave." — J. W, H,

«' My lord," said Kate, gently and sadly, "she is dead."

He stared like one bewildered, luit spoke not.

"She needs not your forgiveness now; all her earthly
troubles are over. She is at rest," said Kate, earnestly
taking his hand.

" Dead ! Madeline, Walter—all dead I"
. Ho looked bewildered.

"Not all, dear uncle; there are many still alive to love
you. And this child, theirs, will you not lova her for the
sake of the dead? Corac here, Magdalen," said Kate, turn-
ing toward her.

She came quietly forward and stood beside them.

Kate brushed back the long, black ringlets, and her eyes
filled as she met the large, sad, beseeching, dark eyes— so
like, so like those whose light was quenched forever in the
darkness of death.

" Poor child, poor little one !" she said, kissing fondly the

rtHtVti

810

THE SECRET SORROW.

fair brow. " Oh, uncle, see how much she Is likf those who
have gone!"

He looked down in the sweet, childish face, and, strong
man as he was, his head fell on her shoulder, and be wept.

•' Don't cry. I love you," said Magdalen, suddenly throw-
ing her arms around bis necii, with the usual impulse of
childhood to comfort all who weep.

The outburst of grief relieved his surcharged heart. He
was able to look np an*! listen to Kate, as she proposed that
the lifeless forms should be conveyed to Dirritole and pri-
vately interred in the family \av\t there.

He silently assented. The carriage which had brought
them was still in waiting, and before noon the lifeless forms
lay side by side in a darkened, white-draped room at Dirritole.
Old Moll and little Magdalen were there, too. The faithful
negress refused to leave the chamber where lay all that was
mortal of her once kind master. She crouched in a shadowy
corner, her arms clasping her knees as she rocked too and
fro, still chanting to herself her dreary dirge. Shy and si-
lent Magdalen sat by herself, watching wistfully the many
figures that glided past her, silent and noiselsss, like
ghosts.

We pass over the astonishment and grief of the household
at hearing of the death of their fair young lady. Ms'ie Nel-
son fell into hysterics at the news, and kept every one in the
house generally in a state of confusion.

Pale, and still at the head of the bed of death sat the earl,
gazing steadily and mournfully into the faces of the dead.

is likr those who

face, and, strong
;r, and be wept.
3, suddenly throw-
usual impulse of

larged heart. He

she proposed that

Dirritole and pri-

rhichhad brought
I the lifeless forms
I room at Dirritole.
too. The faithful
ire lay all that was
iched in a shadowy
he rocked too and
irge. Shy and si-
ivistfully the many
nd noiselsss, like

!f of the household
lady. Ms'ie Nel-
pt every one in the

death sat the carl,
faces of the dead.

THE SECRET SORROW.

8tl

They were such a contrast, those two lifeless forms before
him, bound togctlicr in life and death so strangely. He, so
fair, so calm-looking — she, so dark, yet beautiful, with the
look of fixed sorrow she had ever worn in life yet resting on
her face. He sat and gazed, and gazed — as though there
were nothing in the whole world besides. And to him, what
was left ?

Kate had written to Lord Arndale immediately upon their
arrival, detailing with brief yet simple pathos the whole sad
story from beginning to end.

Before night he arrived, and the two brothers who had once
loved each other so well were beneath the same roof once
more. How different — how widely different had been their
paths through life ! Tears which did honor to his manly heart,
fell from the man's eyes as he gazed.

Night again had settled down another time. In the cham-
ber of death were assembled the earl. Lord Arndale, Kate,
Magdalen, and Old Moll, when suddenly the door was thrown
open, and Mother Wail, the Witch of the Moor, stood again
before them. A slight, girlish figure stood behind her. She
advanced ; all sprang to their feet, their hearts beating wild-
ly ; her cloak fell off, and springing forward, panting and
almost senseless, Alice Desmond lay on the bosom of Lord
Arndale.

" Said I not I would come again !" said the old woman,
quietly.

•'Alice! Alice! can this bo real?" exclaimed Kate, like
one bewildered, while Lord Arndale could only fold iL^r BtilL

$i§

THE SECRET SOUHOW.

ilii'

closer in bia arras, as though doubting the evidence of his
senses.

"Dear Harry!" said Alice, raising her soft eyes to his
face. " You- ."athcr — I must speak to him."

He opened his arms silently. She glided forward, and
stood beside the carl, who sat white and motionless beside
the dead form of his wife.

»' My lord, said Alice, gently, " I forgive yon for the past.
Shall we not bo friends in future ? In the presence of the
dead all should be forgotten and forgiven.*

" Forgive me," he groaned, " and after all I made you suf-
fer? Ah, Alice, you are indeed avenged !"

"But how — what does all this mean?" demanded Lord
Amdale, impetuously. " How came you with this woman,
Alice? How came you to leave the old Moor Slanor?'

" She did not leave it," broke in Mothci Wr.il, calmly. I
took her away. You see, my lord," she added, turning to
the carl, " I watched you that morning, and saw you taking
off those two servants bound and gagged in the carriage. I
suspected something wrong, and detcimined to roniovc Miss
Desmond. Accordini,<y, after you had left, I entered and
found her lying senseless on the floor. I raised her in my
arms, for she is light as an infant, and I am still strong, and
carrictl her to my hut. I judged when you missed her search
would be made, and I accordingly took measures to prevent
you from finding her. Taking a hint from the old Moor
Manor, I had when my cottage was constructed an under-
ground cbaml>er coDstracted, and when you visited my hut I

iii> <Mimtw»njM. ' i.4m!iia« i >» ' .^'M--ti-i".»J--

5 evidence of liin

soft cyca to hia

clod forward, find
motionless beside

! you for the past.
! presence of the

ill I made you suf-

' demanded Lord
with this woman,
lor ISIanor?"'
■\Vr.il, calmly. I
idded, turning to
d saw you taking
I the carriage. I
1 to romovo Miss
ft, I entered and
raised her in my
1 still strong, and
missed her search
asures to prevent
>m the old Moor
ructed an under-
» visited my hut I

THE SECHET SORROW.

til

bid Miss Desmond there. That is all. I have brought her
back to you ; I have told her all that has transpired, and you
sec she i^J still willing to forgive you. And now farewell.
Before d.iybrcak I shall bo far on my way toward la bell*
France."

She turned and quitted the apartment. There was a mo-
ment's profound silence, and then Kate said :

" But all this time I have not learned why you carried Alice
off, uncle. She went with you voluntarily, yet against her
will. It seems strange."

" It is easily explained," said the earl, "and with the rest
of my evil deeds, shall be explained. In the flrst place I
owed her father a grudge this many a year, and being evil
by nature, I resolved to pay it off. Secondly, Alice was
poor, and I wished Arndalo to marry Lord Ncttervillc'a
daughter, whoso fortune was immense, and whose broad
lands would then be joined to those of Dancn- .re. These,
and other considerations, made me wish to get her out of the
way, for I imagined if Arndalc thought Alice lost to him, ho
would the more readily enter into my plans. But how to do
this was a puzzler, for I wished Alice to go voluntarily, and.
thus prevent suspicion from falling on me. In order to bring
about this end, I forged a story to frighten her— told her her
father was deeply in debt— that I held a mortgage on all he
possessed, and had it in my power to ruin him at any mo-
ment. I also told her of a crime Sir Hugh had been accused
of in early life, but of which he had been proven innocent.
I told her I had obtained proof since, which must condemn

814

THE SECRET SORROW.

I'm

Ill

him, and that I BhotiUl certainly proclaim it, unless she con-
sented to come with me. She did not doubt nic for a mo-
ment — she believed all I said ; and not l^noTving the object I
had in view, siio consented to accompany me. I had hesi-
tated Bomewiiat about telling the lie ; otlier crimes arc com-
mon, but a lie is — is — is something a gentleman should not
stain his lips with. You all know how she accompanied
me. X intended to l)ring her to Stanton, and secrete her
there until Arndale should be married, and tlion making her
promise secrecy as to what had passed, under pain of having
her father branded before the world, biing her home. The
storm overtook us on the moor ; we were obliged to seek
shelter in the old Manor. Various circumstances, in which I
can now plainly perceive the hand of Providence, obliged
mc to leave her there. The rest you know."

•' Heaven be praised, dearest Alice, that you arc restored 1"
said Kate, as she gently kissed Alice, who was weeping
quietly on her shoulder.

" Let mc go home. My poor father, how he must have
suffered !" aid Alice, rising.

•' Ah ! that I dared ask him to forgive me !" said the earl,
in a tone of remorseful sorrow.

" He will, my lord," said Alice, gently ; •' you do not know
how kind, how generous, his heart is ! He will forgive you
with joy."

" Wretch that I am !" groaned the carl. •' Every one, no
matter how deeply I have injured them, seems willing to for-
give me. Ob ! that I were woi-tby of it 1°'

^■^■MWMflU

t, unless she con-

ibt uic for a mo-

iwing tlio object I

mc. I had hcsi-

ci'imcs (irc cora-

loman should uot

she accompanied

, and secrete her

i then making her

Icr pain of having

: her home. Tho

c obliged to seek

tanccs, in which I

ovideuce, obliged
ft

fou are restored 1"
ivho was weeping

how he must have

3 !" said the earl,

' you do not know
will forgive you

•' Every one, no
m» willing to for-

THK SEcr.ET fionnow.

815

•• Toil are, dear nncle," said Kafe. " You repent for what
has pnsnod, and slmll wo not follow the example of the Sa-
viour of mankind, who has said : ' I forgive you— sin no more.*
Think not so meanly of yourself. Believe me, my dear
lord, there are many long days of happiness in store for you

yet."

He shook his head sadly, but said nothing. Alice now
bade them adieu for a short period ; and, accompanied by
Lord Arndale, set out for the Tines. The joy of Sir Hugh
at meeting his daughter was only equaled by his surprise, at
learning all the strange events that had transpired, and tho
sorrow and remorse of Iuh former enemy.

•' I forgive him — I forgive him with all my heart," ho ex-
claimed, wamly. "The joy I feel at again beholding
Alice amply consoles me for all I have suffered, and his
great griefs have effaced the remembrance of the past. Let
me go to him ; 'tis long since 1 stood in the old family hall
of Dirritole, and in the presence of the dead all shall be for-
gotten and forgiven."

It was a sad meeting of those two old men, but joy mingled
with their sadness. The ready forgiveness of all around led
the earl's thoughts to hope for pardon from a higher source,
and Sir Hugh was happy in the presence of bis daugh-
ter.

And side by side, in the family vault, those two were laid
to sleep the sleep which knows no waking. A plain, black,
marble slab, bearing only the simple names, " Walter-
Madeline," marked thcu- last resting-place. And u,>demeath

816

THE SECRET SORROW.

was the promise of great joy spoken long, long jears ag> by
divine lips :

" Come untc me all yo who labor and are heavy laden, and
I will give you rest."

!■■■■: f. .■

■■ ;nik4

ong 3 ears ag j by
heavy laden, and

:!". ."::

auor

THE SECBET SOBBOW.

817

CHAPTER XXVI.

AN IRISH UALL.

" This youth is in love, I dccl.Te— •

How the insect keeps fluttering hjl
I think he so loves a young fair,

If she were to frown, he would die!
Do not the poor youtli any ill.

If he woos to obtain him a wife ;
As the Bible says, ' Tho-.i shall not kill,'

Say ' yes,' and transpoH him for life." — Anon,

Reader, are you willing to leave Dirritolc and its inmates
behind, and come with mc to Dublin to hunt up a certain
j'cung gentleman whom we have too long left to his own
devices?

Master Charley Sidney stood before a mirror in his own
apartment, putting the fluishing touches to a most elaborate
toilet, in which he looked most killiugly handsome. Stretched
on a sofa, smoking a cigar, and leisurely watching the blue
smoke as it curled gracefully above his head, was our some-
time friend. Sir Henry Dudley. The aid-cUj-camp was in full
evening costume likewise, for, not to keep you any longer in
suspense, dear reader, both were going to a ball.

" I say, Charley," said Dudley, continuing a conversation
which our abrupt entrance has interrupted, " she is, of all di-
vine, adorable, fascinating, charming girls, the most be-

27»

gjg THE SECRET SOKROW.

witching. Such eyes, such lips, such ringlets, a?jd such a
foot and ankle ; ye gods ! I tell you, Sidney, I can't do her

justice!"

" Oh, don't trouble yourself," said Charley, " I've heard it
all so often, I know it by heart. I wish to heaven you'd tell
me her name— dusc take this cravat ! I can't tie it !— whafs
her name, Dudley?"

" Shan't tell you," said the aid-de-camp, blowing a whiff of
smoke in the face of a marble Venus that Charley had lately
purchased.

"Why?"

" Because, firstly— as Dr. Longtongue says— I have prom-
ised not to ; secondly, you would make fierce love to her and

cut me out."

"Honor bright!" said Charley. "Come, Dudley, I am

dying to hear it !"

" Couldn't," said Harry, nonchalantly.

"Well, keep it, then," said Charley. "I'll see her to-
night and get introduced to her in spite of your teeth. She's
from England, you say? Who did she come with?"

" Lady Mary— somebody ; I forgot who. If I remember
right, I saw her ut Dirritolc, the night of the ball, long ago—
the night I fust met your little Yankee cousin."

"Ah, yes, Lady Mary Stafford. By the way, Harry, I
would give a trifle to sec little Maggie uow."

" So would I, said Harry, with a wicked twinkle of his dark
eye. " Come, dont be all night fixing tliat bow. Have pity
on the girls. No female heart could withstand your exquisite

THE SECRET SORROW.

Sl9

lets, and such a
jy, I can't do her

;j', " I've heard it
hcaveu you'd tell
n't tie it ! — what's

blowing a whiff of
Charley had lately

lys — I have proin-
cc love to her and

mc, Dudley, I am

"I'll see her to-
your teeth. She's
mc with?"
0. If I remember
he ball, long ago —
Lisin."

the way, Harry, I
v."

twinkle of his dark
at bow. Have pity
stand your exquisite

ties. Come, Charley, don't make yourself too fascinating."

" I'm at your service," said Charley, drawing on his gloves
and taking his hat; "and now tor your unknown lady-
love."

" A. - and I'll bet you a dozen of champagne that when
you SCO her you'll be in love with her yourself," said Dudley,
as the two young men walked, arm-in-arm, down the street.

" Hardly, I think,' said Cliarlcy, os his thoughts reverted
to Dirritole and Cousin Maggie. " I'm love-proof. By the
way, how I wish Fitzgerald was here to-night. He is a
splendid fellow, and no mistake. He must find it con-
foundedly dull in England after the pleasures of our gay
capital. That's the cliief thing that prevents me from being
a soldier. I couldn't stand being ordered here and there in
auch an infccling manner ; to be toasting your shins in India
one day and the next ordered off to the North Pole or
Canada— which, I take it, means about the same thing."

♦ ' Not exactly , ' ' said Sir Harry. ' ' Canada isn't such a bad
place after all. I've seen prettier girls there than I ever saw
anywhere else in my life. Not the free and easy, dashing
sort of girls we have here in Dublin, nor yet the strong-
built, healthy-looking women of England, but the little,
slender, blun-cycd, pale-faced fairies that steal into a fpUow's
heart before he knows where he is."

" Something like your mysterious beauty across the chan-
nel," said Charley, puffing vigorously at his cigar.

u Yes — no — not exactly, You sec she's not so very slen-
der, just sufflcieut emftonpoin* to be charming. I hate your

i 'h;v

• I

320

THE SECRET SOItROW.

shingle women — all skin and bones. No ; give mc something
substantial.

" Something dutch, I suppose?" suggested Charley.

"Yes, but here we arc. Now for beauty and bright
eyes!"

Both gentlemen dropped their cigars, and entered a rather
aristocratic-looking iiuiiision, brilliantly lighted, and sound-
mg with music and laughu .

Being ushered into the drawing-room, Sir Harry separated
himself from his friend, and wen*: in scarcli of his lady-love.
Charley cast his eyes around ; but nowhere could he see one
answering the description given by Sir Harry. Plenty of
pretty girls there were ; but none of them strangers to him.

The dancing was already at its height, and Charley soon
engaged a pretty girl for a quadrille that was forming ; and,
in the excitement of the dance, forgot all about iiir Harry
and his unknown lady-love. The rooms were filled with offi-
cers — some in splendid uniforms — and among them Charley
soon failed to recognize his friend.

He had just led his third partner to a seat, and was in the
midst of an animated flirtation, when Sir Harry passed him,
whispering :

" Theyve come, Charley. Look sharp now !"
Charley gave him a savage scowl at this interruption, and
resumed his animated flirtation with the ladv. Miss McMa-
han was the heiress of a country squire — just emancipated
from boarding-school — fond of novels and moonlight, and
terribly r-^mantic. Captivated by the constant attentions of

mfa sg »mm& i' f^' - -

wsmMim

give mc somethiag

itcd Charley,
jcauty and bright

nd entered a rather
lighted, and sound-
sir Harry separated
cli of his lady-love,
re could he see one

Harry. Plenty of
1 strangers to him.
t, and Charley soon

vras forming ; and,
ill about 5iir Harry
were filled with offi-
noug them Charley

seat, and was in the
r Harry passed him,

p now!"

his interruption, and
ladv. Miss MoMa-
c — just emancipated
and moonlight, and
onstant attentions of

THE SECRET SORROW.

321

the wild but handsome young student, she had surrendered
her virgin heart into his keeping at first sight.

" Upou my soul youre an angel ! a seraph ! I never saw
6uch a pair of bewitching eyes before in my life !"

" Ah ! now behave yourself, Mr. Sidney.

«« It's trutL ^'m telling you ! I adore you, Mary Anne "

" My name is Susan, if you please, sir !"

" So be it. On my honor, Susan, I never saw any one who
suited my fancy before in my life !"

"Ah! now you're only making fun of mc, Mr. Sidney!
There, don't be squeezing my hand that way ! There's Sir
Harry Dudley looking I"

"Oh, confound him I I say, Susan, mayn't I have the
pleasure of calling to see you?"

" To be sure ; 1 11 be so glad to sec you ! Ah ! Mr. Sidney,
the pleasure I experience in the society of such a refined
young man as you cant be described?"

Hero the fair Susan sighed, and looked tenderly at Char-
ley.

"And I," exclaimed Charley, in atragic tone, " Idebarred
from the charms of female society in the walls of old Trinity,
how much more delight will J find ia the interview. It will
be so delightful a relaxation, after the profound study in
which I pass my days. That's a whopper, anyhow " he mut-
tered to himself.

"Well, then, come to-morrow evening," said the fair Sa-
san, with "another tender glance.

" "WiUi all my heart. Ah, Susan — how slowly the hours

tui^m

■Si

«28

THE SEcnET soiinow.

Ptr

will <li .g on till then ; until my cyea shall agun be bleat by
the sight of your lovely face !"

■ There, now, Mr. Sidney— oh, don't ; what will people say?
There's somebody coming now ; don'c bo putting your arm
around my waist."

Before Charley could gain a more becoming attitude, a
lady passed, loaning on the arm of Sir Harry Dudley. Ho
looked up, and sprang to his feet in amazement, as he recog-
nized his Cousin Maggie.

That young lady had, however, seen all ; and, evidently
miwilling to disturb so tender a scene, with a slight nod of
hor bright head, and ft careless "How dyo do Charley?"
-sho passed on. There was a wielccd twinkle in her eye and
a peculiar smile on her lips, that showed how much she en-
joyed Charley's amazement and confusion.
. Leaving the fair Susan to console herself as best sho might
for his dcpr-rturc, he hastened after her ; but she had akeady
disappeared in the crowd, and he was about to return disap-
pointed, when some one tapped him on the shoulder with a
fan, and a familiar voice exclaimed :
"Monsieur Charles, mon clier ami!"
Ec glanced around, and his surprise increased at seeing
standing before him Bess LOlise, looking prettier and more
coquettish thai, ever.

" Why, Bess, can I believe my eyes?— 2/ow here?" exclaimed

•Charley, thunder-struck.

♦ ' To be sure. What is there so very wonderful in that?"
said Bess, with a rougish smile.

lall ag an be bleat by

what will people say?
bo putting your arm

becoming attitude, a
ir Hfirry Dudley. Ho
mzemcnt, a8 he recog-

in all; and, evidently
with a slight nod of
)W dye do Charley?"
ivinkle in her eye and
Fcd how much she en-
iion.

srsclf as best she might
r ; but she had already
about to return disap-
ou the shoulder with a

isc increased at seeing
king prettier and more

— you here?"' exclaimed

iry wonderful in that?"

THE SECBET SORROW.

323

" But — why, you and Maggie arc the last persons I ever
expected to see here," said Mr. Sidney, stili completely at a

loss.

" Ah, then, you've seen Miss Nelson? Wlio was with her?

'« Sir Hairy Dudley,' said Charley.

•' Ah, iudced !" said Bess, with a meaning smile.

"When did you arrive? What brouglit you here ? How
came he to be so intimate with my cousin !" said Charley,
beginning to feel very uncomfortable.

"Didn't he tell you?"

♦' Tell mc? No. He knew then?"

" To be sure he did. I thought he told you. Maggie told
him all the particulars."

" She did?" said Charley, bitterly ; "she seems to be very
good friends with him of late !"

" So ehe is — very good friends,' and Bess's wicked eyes
actually flashed with suppressed mirth.

" How long have you been Dublin?'

«' About a fortnight. "We came with Lady Mary Stafford."

" And Sir Harry Dudley has been a constant visitor since,
I presume ?"

" Ma foil yes, he is never away. He is a terrible bore, /
think ; but Miss Maggie seems to think that there is no one
like him in the world."

A sudden pang shot through Charley's heart at the words.

"Dear me! Mr. Cliarles, how pale you look!" said the
wicked Bc& . " had you not better step out and tako the air ? '

" ^nd why did you not le,t me know you were here ? Why

■Qi

. .

J24 THE SECRET SOTIROW.

did ahc tell it to a stranger instead of her cousin ? Why did

ehcinakc him promise not to tell me?' demanded Chailey,

impetuously.

"Ah! Mr. Oidncy, how can you ask so many questions at
oucc?' said the unconcerned little Parisian. "Lets sec:
' Why did I not let you know we were here?' ^ ,il, because
Miss Maggie said slie couldnt have you taggiui; round after
ber • that you were a horrid bore ; and that Sir Ilcnry Dud-
ley was twice as nice. So, of course, / couldn't gainsay her,
whatever I might think. Next : ' Why did she toll it to a
stranger instead of her cousin?' I really cannot say posi-
tively but I think she doesn't consider him ^ujYe a strangcr-
at least, I fancy he wont be long so ! Last, ' Why did she
wake him promise not to tell you?' Why, she said you
would be sure to tease her life out ; and tliat she was heartily
tired of you while in England. So, there ! '

Charleys lips were so bitterly compressed, and he looked
60 pale, that even the mischievous Bess felt a little sorry.
She passed her arm through his, and drew him mechanically
•with her to the conservatory.

.'You sec, Mr. Charles.' she said, in a more serious tone,
" after you left, and Miss Kate, and the carl, it was horrid
lonesome at Dirritole. Poor Miss Maggie used to go moping
over the house, as she said herself, ' like a poor old tabby-
cat with the bronchitis;' and as I was terribly lonely, too,
after Miss Alice and Janic, we became friends in affliction,
and poured our mv.tual troubles into each other's cars. W«. ',
at laat, Lady Mary Stafford took pity on us ; an^l, as she was

THE SECRET SOnROW.

325

cousin ? Why cli(|
demancled Cbailey,

) many questions at
isian. "Lets sec:
!ic?' V oil, because
tagging rooud after
that Sir Ilcnry Dud-
iouldn't gainsay her,
did she tell it to a
[illy cannot say posi-
im qidte a stranger —
Last, ' Why did sho
Why, she said you
that she was heartily
:e ! ' "

(jsscd, and he looked
IS felt a little sorry.
ew him mechanically

I a more serious tone,
he carl, it was horrid
rie used to go moping
ike a poor old tabby-
s terribly lonely, too,
friends in afflictio*^.,
ch other's cars. W.. '.,
>n us ; and, as sho was

coming to visit a friend in Dublin, she urged Maggie to como
with her. Miss Nelson was delighted .at the prospect ; but as
wc had become very much attached to each otlicr, she would
not go without me. You sec, Mr. Cliarlcs, there ia nothing
like aftliction to make people bosonj friends. So Lady Mary
kindly coaxed me to come, too ; and so wc arrived here ; and
Sir Harry made himself our knig' id — that'a all."

" And enough, too, to blight an iht liopos of my life-time,"
said Charley, bitterly. "Heartless coquette! she knew I
loved her ; and yet she could laugh at me with her new lover.
And he— I would have staked my life on his honor and fricud-
Bliii^— friendship ! oh, yes! he ia a most honorable friend;"
and he laughed bitterly.

" Poor, dear, drooping Susan ! have you left her to wear
the willow?" said the voice of Maggie, in a tone of mock
sympathy, as she flitted past them, and left the conservatory
by an opposite door.

He made a step after her as though he would fellow ml
plead his cause, but pride restrained him.

" No ; let her go— she would not believe me, he multcred ;
" let her go, and laugh with her lover over the tauut. I am
no whining sycophant to fawn for her favor 1"
He leaned his head on his hand, and gazed steadily out.
•' After all, ' said Bess, who really felt sorry for the wound
she saw had been inflicted, " things mtiy not be as bad as
they look. Before morning dawns, you know night is ever
darkest. Who knows, even though all looks dark now, but
morning may dawn yet?"

3sa!n»**<p*«|||P

820

THE SECUET sonnow.

•' Not for mc," said Charley, coldly. " I sbal' never plead
for her favor ; 1 leave that foi Sir Harry Dudley— my very
dear fricud," aud he amiled BCornfuUy. " I tliauk you, Beaa,
for yo\ir candor, rnst assured, and Bhall never give Misa Nel-
son leason to toniplain of being Lored by mo again. Good-
night," be bowed, and was pono before lies.i could recover
from her ourijriac, oumeienlly to detain him.

"llcighol" o.aid IJess, looking after huu, with Gomcthiug
between a smile and a sigh ; " poor fellow ! it a a pity, too.
"What will jM.iggie say when I tell her? Ilea a handsome fel-
low, too ; what splendid eyes he has? I wonder if he will ace
her before she goes ! Heaven ! he's deeper in love than I
thought. "What fools it makes of the best of us ! " And with
this wise conclusion, to which graver heads than hers had
often come before, and will come to again to the end of the
chapter, Bess quitted the conservatory.

"When Charley left her, he strolled rapidly through the
rooms for a few moments, in the hope of meeting the
hostess, to pay his respects before leaving. As he was pass-
ing through the drawing-room, his eye fell on a couple, sit-
ting witlun the shadow of a deep bay-window. lie needed no
Dccond glance to tell him who they were. Sir Henry was in
the act of raising her hand to his lips. The sight seemed to
send a sudden pang to his heart, yet he was too proud to
let it bo seen. AVith a scornful smile ou his lip, he passed

on.

Maggie suddenly looked np, aud meeting his eyes, colored
to the'templca. He bowed coldly, and, with Uie same con-

I sbal' never plead
r DiuUcy— my very
I lliauk you, Bess,
ever give Misa Ncl-
' 1110 aguiu. Good-
Bcs.i could recover
im.

Lm, with ootnctluug
ow ! it s a pity, too.
lea a haudsoinc f el-
loudcr if he will sec
jpcr in love thau I
it of U3!" And with
iiad3 than hers had
in to the cad of the

rapidly through the
ope of meeting the
.g. As he waa pass-
fell on a couple, sit-
adow. lie needed no
!. Sir Henry was in
The sight seemed to
ho was too proud to
)u his lip, he passed

ting his eyes, colored
, M'ith the some con*

TTTE SECnFT RonnOTv.

8S7

tcirptuoufl smile, passed t'.icm, and went out. Half an hour
after, he sat in his own apartmcntn, while his nervant waa
busily cnrraged in packing his luggage for immediate depart-

ure for England.

' .^mainvm^ tt

828

THE SECRET SORROW.

it '"i

h I "

i I

;:!■

CHiVITEU XXVII.

HOME AGAIN.

" Clouds tnrn wiili every wind nbont|
They keep us in suspense and doubt J
Yet oft perverse, like womnnkind,
Arc seen to scud iigainst tlic wind,
Ii not this ludy just the same?
For who cnn tell what it her aim."— 5iW/».

" LEirnEns for you, Misthor Clmrlcy," said the valet-dt-
chamhrc of Mr. Sidney, entering his room, a few mlnutci
after his return, with a package in liis hand.

Charley took them. There were only two, one from Kato
and the other from Fitzgerald, who, a short time before, had
been ordered to England. Leaving, in true brotherly fash-
ion, Kate's for the last, he opened the dragoon's, and read:

" Dkau CnAn. r.T :-If you look nt the date of this letter (which I
iuppose you won t, unless you are told beforehand,) you wdl sec I am
at present, domesticated .".t Dirritole. Faith, Charley ! it .s a perfect
paradise of a place. How you ever came to leave it is I mus con ess
Lcyond me entirely. To be sure, there is not much fun but thcro 1.
capital <=l.ootins. and I keep the table pretty well supplied Thcro is a
game of another kind, too-a most charming maiden lady; somewhat
Liquated, I must confess, but all the wiser for that. Ilor name is
Miss Dickett. I suppose you know her. She knows you, however;
and Heaven help you if all the stories she tells about you be true !
You must have an uneasy conscience of your own. I '"^'J/ J5<=«°
lorg to hor from tho first moment of my arrival; and •!«. foldshor

i!' .

>w.

THE SECnrT soTinow.

829

about I
id doubt (
nkind,
wind,
c?
aim." — Swift.

>y," BaUl the va?rt-d»
room, a few minute*
liaml.

y two, one from Kato
short time before, had
n true brotherly fash-
dragoon's, and read :

to of this letter (which I
ohftiul,) you will SCO I am
, Charley ! it is a perfect
leave it is, I must confess,
)t much fun, but there is
rt-ell supplied. There is a
g maiden lady ; somewhat
;r for that. Ilcr name is
She knows 2/OH, however;
e tells about you be truo !
rom own. I made ficrco
arrival ; and iho folds hor

arms and solrmnly assures me that ' Hit's all very Ane— so hit is ;' but,
confitunil it, I don't Kcrm to make the le.i«t iitipreonion on her heart.
She is not half so easily courted as Miss IV^tty O'Flaiicrty— a lady I
knew once. Eh!C!miley?

" I suppose, now, you are puzzling your brains to And outwhat drove
nic to Dirritolc. Well, you see. I met Lonl Arudale (capital fellow he
is, too) shortly after my arrival; and, as he and I were fast friends
' once upon a time,' at Kton, lie told me a mehinelioly story al)ont
his lady-love belnp; earrieil off to some unknown rcRion by a ' person
or persons unknown,' as the coroner says, when he brinKs in a verdict
of murder. Shortly after that I lost »'\yt.\\l of him for a while ; but the
other day lie wrote me a letter, saying' all was as rijilit as a trivit aj^ain—
that Miss Desmond (w)io, by the way, is dused pretty,) had turned up
•gain, and beggins mc to come imnjediately to Dirritolc. Of course I
complied; and here I am, ' I came, I saw, I eomiuered." No, I didn't
conquer, either — Miss Di.kett holds out still,

"I think, Chnrlr , , Arndale has some notion of pfctting married soon,
and wants mo to k. p him in countenance, It is an awful thing to do,
Charley— to be lauiRJied into matrimony without even a friend to drop
a tear of pity ! But, alas ! my feelings will not allow me to dwell on
this melancholy theme, or I might make many touching rcllcctions upon
it, which might be of service to you in the future.

"The earl is rather a serious old gentleman; but that is occasioned
by the recent loss of his wife. What a lovely creature she must have
been ! I have seen her portrait.

" I cannot think of anything else just now to say, except that Miss
Dickett has begged me, witli tears in her eyes (caused by recently peel-
ing onions), to warn you against associating with thcr.i ' Iliris'.., which
is too wulgar to be looked at.' I use iicr own touching words ; let them
make a due impression upon you.

" Give my love to Peggy O'Flaherty and her brother Mickey, and
write soon to Yours, etc.,

"MaUBIc'e FlTZGEUALD."

"By the way, Charley, what a spicy little piece of womanhood that
sister of yours is. Slie cross-questioned me as closely as a Sessions
Heaven forgive mc for all the lies I had to tell !;cr.

M. F."

lawyer about yon.
Well, nabockliah.

28»

830

THE SECRET SOUKOTT.

" Talk of the pith of a woman's letter being in the post-
script," muttered Charley, " tho first sentence in his explains
the stcret attraction of Dinitolc. Now then for Kate's,"

He tore it open, and read :

" My Dear Bkotiieu :— I have been so busy, and passed through so
many troubles of hite, that I could not find time to write lo you. I sup-
pose you have heard the countess is dead, poor Aunt Madeline ! h^r
■tory was a sad one ; but she has found rest at last.

" ' After a storm thcie cometh a calm,' as they say, and so it is with
us. After all our troubles, we have settled down at Dirritole, in peace,
once more. The earl bears the loss of his wife better than I thought
he would ; he is growing quite resigned, and has changed so, you would
hardly know him.

' I suppose yr;i have seen Maggie kelson in Dublin, Poor wild
Maggie! Dirritole was a lonoly place for her. She's a dear, good-
liearted little creature, after all. I hope some day to bear a nearer re-
lationship to her than that of cousin, Shall I not, dear Charley?"

Charley's face ilushed hotly, and then grew pale, as he
again resumed the letter.

" There is a light dragoon, a dashing, handsome young man, staying
here now. I must confess Tirritole would be intolerably dull, were it
not for him ; he is a most amusing person. He seems to know you
very well, and speaks highly of the diligence with which you pursue
youi studies. I am delighted io hear it, for I confess I had my
doubts.'

' • Can you not obtain leave and come home for a few weeks, at least,
ui til after Harry is m.irricd. Do try, Charley, and believe me, none
wi.l be happier to see you again than your affectionate sister,

"Kate."

Charley threw down the letter, and began pacing the floor
rapidly, up and down. Kate's request would furnish him
with an excuse for returning to Dirritole, and the real cause
would never be suspected. Sitting down, he hastily mdited

'T a w f«"-y w ww w'T - ^

• being in the post-
tence in bis explains
then for Kate's,"

■, and passed through so
to write to you. I 8up-
oor Aunt Madeline ! her
last.

ey say, and so it is with
in at Dirritole, in poaec,
fo better than I thought
IS changed so, you would

. in Dublin, Poor wild
jr. She's a dear, good-
day to bear a nearer rc-
not, doar Charley?"

leu grew pale, as he

ome young man, staying
• intolerably dull, were it
He seems to know you
; with which you pursue
"or I confess I had my

for a few weeks, at least,
'y, and believe me, none
'ctionate sister,

"Kate."

jcgan pacing the floor
3t would furnish him
le, and the real cause
iwn, he hastily indited

THE SECRET S0RR6W.

831

a note to the heads of the college, say'ug, he was obliged to
return immediately to England-
Morning found him on the deck of a steamer, leaving
the grccu shores of Erin far behind. His face was pale, and
the dark circles under his eyes betokened a sleepless night.

Kates words were gall and wormwood to his wounded
heart. Once he, too, had hoped to call Maggie by a dearer
name than that of cousin, but that hope was gone now. How
should he ivicet the many questions oo?acerning her, which
Kate would be sure to ask him, when the very mention of
her name nearly drove him wild ? He paced up and down
the deck, with rapid, nervous strides, while the other passen-
gers gazed on him, wondering to one another, if that pale,
wild-looking young man, hadn t broken loose from some jail
or lunatic asylum. And, indeed, his excited manner gave
BufBcient grounds for such a conclusion.

■ n m« l ! JB jW» ^1 ' W »*»"'

889

THE SECRET SORROW.

CHAPTER XXVm.
"last scene of all."

" Come, let u« now resolve at lut,

To live and love in quiet;
We'll tie the knot so very fast,

That time shall ne'er untie it.

When least I seemed concerned, I took

N;) pleasure, nor no rest;
And when I f .igncd un angry look,

Alas ! I loved you best." — BuckingTiamthire,

Charley's welcome to Dirritolc was a warm oue, but all
saw that something lay heavily on his spirits. The happy,
joyous look that had once been his, was gone, and in its
place a deep-settled melancholy took, possession of his mind.
He would sit for hours gazing idly on vacancy ; then, as if
something within made him resolve to shake off the lethargy
that lay on him, he would become suddenly gay, and go off
with Fitzgerald and Lord Arndalc,the happiest of the happy,
apparently. But it was easily seen his mirtli was forced,
there was a hollow echo in his gayest laugh, a care-worn look
on his once gay, careless young face, that betrayed the can-
ker-worm at the core of all. Poor Charley ! do what ho
would, Maggie still held undisputed sway in his heart.

To most of the Tamily he became a puzzle. Fitzgerald
and Ai-ndolo recommended a change of diet, saying tb«y

low.

ALL."

tlMt,

it.

icd, I took

look,
Buckinghamthire,

s 0. warm ouc, but all
! spirits. TIic happy,
, was gone, and in ?t8
)osscssiou of his mind.
3 vacancy ; then, as if
shako off the lethargy
Idenly gay, and go off
happiest of the happy,
his mii'tli was forced,
angli, a care-worn look
that betrayed the can-
Charley ! do what bo
ray in his heart,
a puzzle. Fitzgerald
: of diet, saying tbsy

THE SECKET SORROW.

833

thought be showed symptoms of apoplexy ; sometimes, when
h3 became unusually moody, going so far as to advise a strait-
ja-ket. Miss Dickett asserted that she " allers knowcd it
would happen, living among tbemwulger Hirish, and the carl
looking pityingly upon him, saying :

" Poor fellow ! be has studied so bard of late, bo is losing

health !• •

Kate, with the true instinct of womanhood, guessed the
tnUh. Several times she ventured to approach the subject,
but on these occasions Charley invariably answered with im-
patient petulance, very unlike his former easy good-nature.
And if she persisted in probing the wound, be invariably got
up and walked out of the room.

At last Kate resolved to write to Maggie for an explanation.
An answer soon came-a very long epistle it was too. What
it contained nobody could tell, but it must have been satis-
factory, for a smile broke over Kates face as she uttered a
.. very prolonged " oh !" and exclaimed when she fmisbed it:
"This explains all. What a little torment Maggie is!

Poor Charley !"

Her tone was sympathetic, but the laugh which accompa-
nied it did not seem to say he was much to be pitied. Had
Charley known she was laughing at him be would undoubtedly
have been veiy indignant.

It was a balmy, pleasant afternoon. The windows of the
old Mansion at Dirritolc were wide open to allow ingress to
Ibc light breeze. Lord Arndalc and Fitzgerald were off ia
Ujq TToods with their dogs and guns. Tbc carl sat dozing iu

jL.

Ti";,

S84

■ THE SECRET SOEROW.

his arm-chair, for the trials of the past month'* had rendered
him a feeble old man. Little Magdalen lay under the shade
of an old oak in the park, with her arras around the neck of
Prince, her favorite water-spaniel, giizing dreamily np at the
patches of blue sky w^Mch she could sec tlirough the leaves.
Miss Dickett was marching in stately dignity through the
house, brush in hand, pursuing with unrelenting vengeance
every cobweb and speck of dust, and dusting and brushing with
the grim determination of learning all spiders and other
*' noxshis inscx" that she was not to be trifled with.

Suddenly a carriage drove up the long avenue in front, and
ft young lady closely vailed entered. She ran lightly up the
steps, entered the parlor, and was clasped in the arms of
Kate. Throwing back her vail, the new-comer disclosed tho
pretty features of Maggie Nelson.

•'Have you told him, Kate?" said Maggie, as she threw
off her bonnet and shawl.

" Not a word," said Kate, smiling. "I left that for you."

" Where is he now?" inquired Maggie.

" Up-stairs in the library."

"Without waiting to hear more, Maggie darted off and ran
upstairs. She softly opened the library door, and then
stood, hesitatingly, whether to advance or retreat.

Charley lay on liis.face on a lounge at the farther end of
the room. For a mcmont she stood still, then went coftly
over on tiptoe and stood beside him. A little hand was laid
lightly on his shoulder, and a half sob fell on his car.

He looked up. -

month'* had rendered

I lay under the shade
IS around the neck of
ng dreamily np at the
c through the leaves.

dignity through the
inrclenting vengeance
;ing and brushing irith

II Rpiders and other
trifled with.

; avenue in front, and
he ran lightly up the
ped in the arms of
r-comer disclosed tho

laggie, as she threw

"I left that for you."
e.

ic darted off and ran
rary door, and then
or retreat.

:it the farther end of
itill, then went coftly
L little hand was laid
ell on his car.

THE SECRET SORROW.

88Q

" Maggie !" he exclaimed.

i'Yes. Oh! dear Charley, do forgive me," sobbed poor
Maggie, clasping her arm around his neck.

He grew very pale ; and Maggie could feci his heart beat-
ing wildly against her side; but ho resolutely put up his
bands, aud strove to unclasp her encircling arms.

" Oh, Charley, don't, dont send roe away ; I'll never do it
again, "pon my word I wont !" sobbed Maggie, still clinging

to him.

"I cannot, Maggie, I cannot r he exclaimed, bitterly;
"why have you come again to drive me wild? Go, leave mo
—what would Sir Harry Dudley say? '

♦' I dont care one pin for him, indeed I don't, he's only a
hateful, empty-headed, brainless dandy, and I hate him !" said

Maggie, still sobbing. .

•'And 7 suppose you have often spoken of me like this,
when clinging to his neck !" exclaimed Charley scornfully.

.'No, never; and I dont cling to his neck cither! 'said
Maggie, a little indignantly. "I aint in the habit of cm-
bracing other peoples husbands T

u Husbands?' repeated Charley; "who said anything

about husbands?"

•« You did !" said Maggie, " you said I clung to their necks,
and I dont thank you for it, cither. The next time I cling
to yours, you will tell me of it, I guess-so there !' and Mag.
gie folded her arms properly, and drew herself up with dig-

nity. .,

"But, Maggie, I dont understand; how caa you caU

836

THE SECTIET SORROW.

Dudley a husband?" said Charley, lookiug completely mys-

" Because he's married, and men are generally called hua-
bands when they're married, ' said Maggie.

'. Why-how-what-Sir Harry Dudley married?" ex-
claimed Charley ; «' for Ilcavcna sake to whom ?"

" To Bess L'Olise !" said Maggie.

- TF7io-a.-a-a-«/" exclaimed Charley, prolonging the word
iDfinitelyin his amazement; "you arc surely joking, Mag.
gie?" *

•* Ira not. Read that if you wont believe me," and Mag.
gie drew a newspaper from her pocket, and handed it to him.
Charley took the paper, and read :

'• MAitnixcB IX H.cii LiKE.-By the Rev. Dr. Moon.y. Sir Henry
Dudley, lato ,f Hi, M.gc.ty. Dragoon,, to Mi„ Bc« L'Jlist » ^

" Then you will not marry him. Hurrah ! Im the happiest
fellow in England."

And in the excitement of hisuew-found joy, Charley caught
Maggie m his arms, and went whirling her round the room in
a sort of hysterical waltz.

"Good gracious!" ejaculated Maggie, completely out of
breath, for not expecting this sudden assault, she was taken
altogether by surprise. "Good gracious, Charley Sidney,
arc you crazy? Oh, sir, do stop, you're mussing my coUar
drcadfuUy. Oh-oh-oh-oh!" and panting and brcatlUess.
Charley whuled her to the sofa, and took a scat beside her.
"■Well» now, if thati not jwtty conduct! Ain't yoa

Qg completely mys-

jcncrally called liua-

llcy married?" ex-

whom?"

rolonging the word
mrely joking, Mag.

:vo»ne," and Mag-
d handed it to him.

• Mooncj, Sir Henry
Bess L'Olise."

! I'm the happiest

>y, Charley caught
round the room in

completely out of
lit, she was taken

Charley Sidney,
usslng my collar

and brcatlilcss,
scat beside her.
luct! Ain't you

TBU SECRET SORnOW.

837

ashamed of yourself , Charley Sidney?" exclaimed Maggie,
indignantly, as soon as she recovered breath to speak. I de-
clare III never speak to you again, for your impertinence !"

•' Oh, now, Maggie," said Charley, in a pei.itcnt tone, put-
ting his arm around her waist, "you wouldn't be so cruel I
What did Bess L'Olise, or Lady Dudley, I suppose I should
Bay, mean by all that story about you and Sir Harry? And
ho, 1 saw him kiss your hand that night of the ball. Come,
explain, Maggie, Ira awfully in the dark."

" And awfully jealous, eh, Charley !" said Maggie, laugh-
ing.

" Oh, no, not now, but Im dying to hear. Go en, Mag-
gie.

Well, you know," said Maggie, " first ' only wanted to
tease you a little, so I told Dudley not to tell you wo were in
Dublin. It wasn't because I cared a straw for him — no, in-
deed, I didn't like him a bit better than the night I met him
here first."

" But he went to see you every day," interposed Charley.

" La, no, he didn't come to sec me !" said Maggie ; " it
was to see Bess ; he fell in love with her and she with him at
first sight. It was awful sudden — just like the small-pox."

Charley laughed at the odd comparison and Maggie went

on:

"The night of the ball I intended being quite sociable
with you, but when I saw how you devoted yourself to that
girl I just got mad, and I told Bess and Sir Harry I'd pay you
off for it. So I got Bess to tell you all that story, and sec how

858

TiTE SKCRET SOUnOTT.

you would take it. You sec I thought you didn't, care any-
thing for mc, or you would not have paid so much attention
to that other, but I wanted to be sure. Well, she told you,
and when you left her in the conservatory she came and told
us ; and when I heard how much you were grieved, I felt
half sorry. Just then Sir Ilarr^- saw you coming, and, wish-
ing to carry on the deception Bess had begun, he lifted my
hand to his lips. I couldn't help blushing when you saw mc,
you looked so scorn ful-Ymore like an insulted prince than an
cTery-day Christian. Then the next day I sent a note with
Sir Harry to your rooms, explaining all and begging your
forgiveness, but he camo back with it and told me you were
gone. I am not going to tell yon how I felt then, because it
would make you too vain— anyway, I didn't feel a bit com-
fortable, and I felt mad at you, too, for going off in such a
hw-ry without giving a body time to explain. ' I didn't vei7
well know what to do for a while, until Kate wrote to me,
saying you were moping around Dirritolc like an old hen
that had lost her last chicken, and begging me to come right
heme. So I only v.aitcd long enough to be brides-maid for
Boss, and then I came straight back. And now I hope
you're satisfied, and I must request of you to go right down
on your knees and beg my pardon for that impudent cpcech
about my clinging to Sir Harry Dudley's neck. It was real
mean of you — so there !"

Hon Charley made up friends with her wo arc not prepared
to say. All we know is, that he did make up friends with
her i and soon after, much to the surprise of ..everybody os-

THE SECRET SORROW.

839

I didn't, cure any-
80 much attention
/"ell, she told you,
slic came and told
lie grieved, I felt
■oniing, and, wisli-
L'gun, lie lifted my
when you saw me,
ted prince than an

I sent a note with
and begging your

told me you wcro
;lt then, because it
n't feel a bit com-
;oing off in such a
lin. ■ I didn't very
ivatc wrote to me,
[c like an old hen
; me to come right
be bridc9-maid for

And now I hope

II to go right down
,t impudent cpecch

neck. It was real

vo arc not prepared
ke up friendawith
ic of ..everybody ex-

cept Kate, concluded he wouldn't go back to Dublin any
more, but would follow the Scriptural injunction, and ta!ro
unto himself a wife, on the same day which made Lord Am-
dalc the husband of Alice Desmond.

There was still another surprise awaiting the happy house-
hold, when Fitzgerald one morning stood before the earl,
and, in a frank, manly speech, requested the hand of Kate.
The earl was astonished, but said he had no objection, pro-
vided that young lady herself was satisfied.

Kate's answer must have been satisfantory, though she
on?y blushed, and said something in a very low tone of voice ;
whereupon Fitzgerald and Kate very dutifully knelt at his
feet, and the earl blessed them in quite a fatherly manner.

There were three weddings in one day at Dirritole shortly
after that ; and never before, nor since, were such doings
heard of as at the old mansion. Nothing was talked of, for
miles aorund, but the groat goings on at Dirritole. All the
county were assembled on the lawn in front of the mansion,
, where they feasted and danced until tlic day grew red in the east.
Sir Harry and Lady Dudley came to Dirritole to honor tho
nuptials with their presence. And a very pretty sight it was
to see those four brides— all looking so pretty, so happy, and
so interesting.

Immediately after the wedding, all started for a tour on
the Continent; and when they returned, they brought with
them John and his faithful Janie — now man and wife — for
whom Lord Arndale never ceased making inquiry, until they
were found out. The joy of the good Janie at seeing her bo-

840

Tm: SECRET SORROW.

■I'

loved young lady wdlaud buppy, nnd tho wife of Lord Arn-
dalc, knew no bounds ; and lilio nearly went wild with delight
ftt learning of llic good fortino of her atep-sister.

Shortly after their return, the carl passed peacefully away ;
and Lord Arndalc— now Earl of Dancmore— togctlicr with
his countess, took up their residence in tlio dear old family
mansion of Dirrilolc. Sir Hugh, wlio came to reside with his
daughter, gave up the Tinea to ISU: and Mrs. Fitzgerald ; and
both Jvatc and Alice were delighted at being settled so near
to one another.

Sir Harry and La('y Dudley went to reside in his family
mansion, taking witli him Boss's mother— the old steward
having gone tlic way of all llcsh some months before.

John and Janic were comfortably provided for by their nu-
merous wealthy relations and friends, and passed the remain-
der of their lives as happily as the former part had been
tioubled and stormy.

And Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sidney— how shall wo take leave
of them f Charley and Maggie settled down astonishingly
ailcr marriage, andspc.it most of their time in Dublin, to
^hicl city Charley was very much attached.

IMarie Nelson passed the remainder of her days at Dirritole,
or Dirt7j Hole, as her sable attendant uc; -isted in calling it,
in spite of all corrections. Here, studying out several now
forms of disease to which she believed herself a martyr, th»
worthy lady passed her time very pleasantly.

Miss Dickctt still remained presiding goddess of tho mys-
teries of housekeeping, under the new carl and countess.

wife of Lord Am-
cnt wild with delight
cp-sialci".

3cd peacefully away ;
more— togcthci' with
tlic dear old family
imc to reside with his
Mrs. Fitzgerald ; and
bciug settled so uoar

> reside iu his family
icr — the old steward
onths before,
vided for by their nu-
id passed the rcmain-
jrinci' part had been

ow shall wo take leave

1 down astonishingly
ir time in Dublin, to
hcci.

' her days at Dirritole,
uc.'Msted in calling it,
lying out ticrcral now
herself a martyr, th»
antly.

J goddess of the inyt«
sari and couatess.

IHE SECRET SORROW.

«41

When quizzed by Fitzgerald— who solemnly asserted he had
no peace with Kate, she was no jealous of the days ho had
formerly spent trying to win Miss Diekctt's heart— the of-
fended housekeeper would fold her arms with dignity, and
repeat :

«' Hit is all wery fine— so it is."

Old Moll resided with Kate, to whom sho wa« extremely
attached ; and every few months, while sho lived, aho otill
paid a vialt to the old Moor Manor, as a sort of homage to
the memory of her beloved master.

And when the merry Christmas times came, Ibo great
parlors of Dirritole were filled with such a crowd— Uttle
Dudleys, Bessys, and Harrys; little Sidneys, Charleys, and
Moggies; little Fitzgeralds, Maurices, and Kates; and the
little Harrys and Alices, of the carl and countess. A happy
household they formed, m they assembled every year ; and
none among them ever grew up more beautiful or more beloved
than the little dark-eyed, gentle orphan, Magdalon.

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East l.ynnc, A Life'.-i Secret, The I ale of Sin, Was He Scvife t The Lott
Bsuk Note, TUu Doctor's Dsughlcr, The Uauuted Tower.

THE PEOPLE'S L.IBBAEY.

No
I.

2.
3.

>3-
«7-

Prick

THE GAMBLER'S WIFE. By Mrs. Grey 2oe

PUT YOURSELl-' IN Hit; PLACE. A Siory of the Great

Strike, liy Cliarles Readc 20c

AURORA FLOYD. By Miss M. E. Braildon 20c

HANDY ANDY. By Samuel Lover 20C

5. JACOB FAITHFUL. By Captain M-iryalt 15c

6. IVANHOE. By Sir Walter Scott 20c

7. NIGHT AND MORNING. By Sir E. Bul-^cr Lytton 20c

8. GWENDOLINE'S HARVEST. By James I'ay nc loc

o. WRESTLING JOE. By Nod Buntline 20c

10. THE TROUBLESOME TWINS. By Edward Ilarcourt 20c

11. A QUEEN AMONG WO.MEN loc

12. FRITZ, THE GERMAN DETKCTIVE. By Topv I'.astor lOO

MONTE MADRONA. A Story of the Mines.

By Will B. Schwartz IOC

THE HAUNTED TOWER. By Mrs. Henry \. r^od loc

THE WAGES OF SIN. By Miss M. E. Braddr..; loc

VICTOR AND VANQUISH KD. By Mary Ceoil Hay 200

OTHER FOOLS AND THEIR DOINGS; or, Lhe Amo>;o

THE Freedmen I5<s

18. CHRISTIE'S OLD ORGAN. By Mrs. O. F. Walton loc

19. NELLIE, THE CLOCKMAKER'S DAUGHTER loc

20. NOT FORSAKEN. By A5nes Giljerne loc

21. BEDE'S CHARITY. By Ilesba Siretton iSc

22. LIFE OF REV. T. DE WITT TALMAGE, D. IX iSt

23. THE YOUNG APPRENTICE. By Ilesba Stretion loc

24. SHEER OFF. By A, L. O. E 150

2<. IN PRISON AND OUT. By Ilesba Stretton loc

26. HISTORY OF A THREEPENNY BIT. By J. W. Kirton loc

27. FROGGY'S LITTLE BROTHER. By Brcnda 150

28. WINDOW CURTAINS. By T. S. Arthur 20c

20. A THORNY PATH. By Hesba Stretton 100

THE POOR CLERK AND HIS CROOKED SIXPENCE.

By Georee E. Sarceiit lOc

NINETY-NINE CHOICE READINGS AND RECITATIONS.

No. 1. Compiled by J. S. ORilvie IOC

THE LITTLE CAPTAIN. By Lynde Palmer loc

The above list of utorles liv iiopular nnri well known nntl-ors are offerert to tlie
unblio with V\» aantinmco tliat tliey will irlve entire satlafacUnn. Thoy »ro print.
ed from larKO, uew type, on » gooil qunllty ot heavy iHipe.-. No effort or expense
wJUbe spared to make tliialn reiility "The Pcoplo'sXltraiy." ,^ „k

Bach number contains a complete llist-class story, from American nnrt En>fll«Ii
antliora. The People's Mbrai-y Is for sale by all newBdcalers ami VonUsfUerB In th»
Vulted States. Ask \our newsdealer for a copy, nnil tiv one of the stories. If you
cniiiiot get them from your booksellur, any nunilicr will be sent by lir-.lj on yocclpt
•t 12coiit»fotnlO-oentnnnib(!r, 18 cents fm 11 in cent nninlier, and -Jj ceutslor a
80-csDt number. One-cent stamps takuu. Adiliessnll nideis to

«r. 8. OGI^XXj'XT'XZI <ftJ C3Cy.f PubllMir-
p. O. Box 9V97. itH Koiie alrect. New . ork.

30.
3»-
3«.

BBAKT.

PRica

20C

jRY OK THE Great

20C

n 20C

20C

15c

200

cr Lytton 20c

I'ayue loc

20c

ard Ilarcourt 20C

IOC

y Topv Pastor IOC

IXES.

IOC

ry\.nocl loc

iklr./, IOC

Ceoilllay 200

5; OR, Lii'E Amoxo

15c

F. WaUon 100

IHTER IOC

IOC

ISC

, D.IX 150

L Stietion IOC

15c

m IOC

8y J. W. Kirton loc

rcnda ISc

20c

IOC

ED SIXPENCE.

IOC

ID RECITATIONS.

IOC

Tier IOC

II nnfl'nrs are offerert to tlie
iitlafucUnii. Thoy uro print,
impc.'. No effort or oxpens*
Ibriiiy."

from Amorlcnn niirt EnKliHh
Cillers anrt VodkacUerH In tli»
vv one of tliii stmios. 11 you
ifl lie sunt liv ni"ll on vocelitt
t nninlicr, liml -3 ci-uU tor •

I III'lltM 8 to

30., Publi-hr-^
Koiie atrcct. New . ork.

THE PEOPLE'S LIBBABY.

. Price.

•ji.*TIIF. OCTAGON; or, The Oi.o Ferry. By Mis. M. E. Berry. loc

■il IHE YOUNG WliALKR. By W. H. G. Kmssion 100

Is. ClIATAUQUA LliCTURES >oc

\6. THE KING'S SERVAN IS. By Hcsba SireU.on 10c

V. THE SECRK T SORROW. By May Agues i lemiug. ••■•••••• 20c

is. A SHADOW ON THE IHRESHOLD. liy Mary Cecil Hay. loc

M, A I.IEE'S SECRET. By Mrs. Henry Wcoil 20c|

46. BUFFALO mix. By Ned Buntline • 20«

il. THE BLUNDERS OF A BASHFUL MAN. By the author of

"A B.-id Boy's Diary" .-•• ^°^

At PERCY AND THE PROPHET. Bv Wilkie Collins loc

i\' HISTORY OF A [TEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF PRESI-

D':NT GARFIELD ^oc

44. THAT BEAU ITFUL WRETCH 1°=

45. MRS. GEOFFREY. By The Duchess 2°^

46. DORA THORNE ..■.■• • • • *"f

47. TOSH BILLINGS' SPICE-BOX. By Josh Billings loc

48. BEAUTIFUL, BUT POOR. By Julia Edwards. . loc

40. LIKE NO OTHER LOVE. By the .luihor of "Da-a 1 home. loc
50. THE RUGG DOCUMENTS (First ^eries). By Claia Au|:us^^^^^ loc
Ki NINETY-NINE CHOICE READINGS AND RLCIlAnONS,

' No. 2. Compiled l.y T- S. Ogilvie '"f

1:2 THE OCTOROON. I5y Miss M. E. Brad.lon '«-

r-i THE GRASS WIDOW. By Lieut. -Col. F. E. West loc

54 THE RUGG DOCUMENTS (Second Series). By Clara Augusta. loc

\T FATED TO MARRY. By MiS. May Aijnes Flemmsj loc

c6 CAST UPON THE \VORLD. By Chas. E. Peine loc

57. A DARK INHERITANCE. By Mary Cecil Hay . . . . Joc

c8 HILARY'S FOLLY. By the author of "Dora Thorne loc

\g'. COBWEBS AND CABLES. By Hesba Stretton. ■••;•••••• |°*

60 THE RUGG DOCUMENTS (Third Series). By Clara Augusta loc

61' CHARLOTTE TEMPLE. By Mi-s. Rowson lOc

e' A ROGUE'S LlFl-:. Bv ^VilUie Collins loc

63' THE BLACK SPECK. ' By F. W. Robinson loc

64. MISSING. By Mxry Cecil Hay.. .... ................. Joc

6^ TI-IF RUGG DOCUMENTS (Fourth Series). By Clara Augusta. loc
66! A GILDED SIN. By the author of "Dora Thorne." loc

ao-ceui numbor. Ono-cnnt KWnipsI
p. O. Box 376r.

db 0^.f PubM!»h'»i'S,
its KoM •tK«t, New Yotlb

ill

i- :■

TT^U PEOPLE'S lilBBABT*

Nu Prick.

67. BORROWED PLUMES, By Miss Jennie S. Alcolt 100

68. THE SORROW OF A SECRET. By Mary Cecil Hay lor

69. EAST LYNNE. By Mn. Henry Wood 20c

70. THE RUOG DOCUMENTS (Fifth Series). By Clara Augusta. . 10c

71. THE FATAL LILIES. By tlie author of " Dora Tlmriip." . . . . loc

72. THE TALK OF" SIN. By Mrs. Henry Wood los

73. OUR Gi:iiALDlNE. By the author of "A Family History." loc

74. SISTER DUUA. By Marparet Lonsdale loc

75. A STRANGE DREAM. By Rhoda Broughton loc

76. HIS HEART OF OAK. By the author of "Dora Thome". . loc

77. ROUND THE MOON. By Jules Verne loc

78. THE SHADOW IN THE HOUSE. By Eliza A. Dupuy loc

79. A GREAT ATONEMliNT. By author of " An Error of Love" icc
«o. TWORNS OR GRAPLS? By author of "His Victoria Cross." loc
Xi. SHE WOULD Bli A LADY. By author of " Love's Devotion" loc
«2. THE PRIVATE SECRETARY. By the author of " The Bat-

tie of Dorking." lec

83. THE DOCTOR'S DAUGHTER. B/ Mrs. Henry Wood loc

84. LOVE IN IDLENESS. By the author of " Loveday." loc

85. THE LH'TLE EAPL. By Ouida loc

86. WON FOR A WAGER. By Mary N. Holmes icc

87. LIL: "Fair, Fair, With Golden Hair." By the Hon. Mr.^.

Fetherstonhaugh loc

88. IN THli HOLIDAYS. By Mary Cecil Hay loc

89. PROPOSING TO HER. By Emma S Southworth loc

90. BACK TO THE OLD HOME. By Mary Cecil Hay los

91. THE LITTLE WIDOW. By the author of " Bertie." loc

92.^ UNDER LIFE'S KEY, and other stories. By Mary Cecil Hay. . loc

93. JANE EYRE. By Charlotte Bronte 20c

94. FIGHTING HER WAY. By Rose Ashleigh 20c

95. A CUNNING WOMAN. By author of "Ladybird's Penitence" loc

96. INTO THE SHADE, and other stories. By Mary Cecil H.iy loc

97. TWICE STOLEN. By the author of " Tempted by Gold." . . . . loc

98. THE FUGITIVES. By Mrs. Oliphant loc

99. HER FACE TO THE FOE. By Mary N. Holmes loc

I03. FOR LOVE OR GOLD ? By Miss Jennie S. Alcott 20c

101. THAT AMAZING PROFESSOR loc'

102. A HAPPY RELEASE. By the author of "Constance Dare." 10c

103. HER DARING VENTURE. By the author of " Mildred's

Mistake." loc

104. THE FIGURE IN THE CORNER. By Miss M. E. Br :ddon. 10c

105. DARKEST BEFORE DAWN loc

106. LADY AUDLEY'S SECRET. By Miss M. E. Braddon 2cx

107. "CASH SEVENTEEN." By Sophy S. Burr loe

T. 0. OGt-XXi'^rZXI db CJt^., Publisbera.

f. O. Bex 3767. 85 Roao street. New Yerib

Pkicb.

Alcolt IOC

Cecil Hay lor

zoc

ly Clara Augusta. . loo
>ora Thnriir.". ... loc
1 103

Family liislory." loc

IOC

m IOC

" Dora Thome." . . loc

IOC

za A. Dupuy loc

An Error of Love" icc

s Victoria Cross." loc

' Love's Devotion" loc
hor of " The Bat-

ISC

lenry Wood loc

^oveday." loc

IOC

lies IOC

iy the Hon. Mr.^.

IOC

iworth IOC

ecil Hay loc

"Bertie." loc

Mary Cecil Hay. . loc

20C

ybird's Penitence" loc
[ary Cecil ILiy. . . . loc
ted by Gold.".... loc

IOC

[olmes IOC

S. Alcott 20C

lOC'

'Constance Dare." loc
lor of " Mildred's
IOC

iss M. E. Br\ddon. loo

IOC

£. Draddon 20c

T IOC

>.,, Publisbera,
N Street, New Yerib

■ r- ,'i'

II ■ iw' ^^ m'^

THE PEOPL ES LIBRARY.

. - " ^ ~~~ Frici.

?«>?"5b love or GOLm ^ny MU. Jouule 8. Alcott ••.•••;;;;;;'f»2

.100
.100
lOO
lOo
L'Oo
100
lOO
lOO

lOo
;>oo

1i2-tTiFm WSINU uiAMONDS. IJy tho U..1 !,.,.• of • Wife or Wi.l-.w T'lOo

113-UY I'AITH ALO.iE. «yNclllo l'- U»J "<•••> }""

lU-TUK MYSTKUY OF CEDAR COUKl }««

iit?{£{l i^ffi'i^vK'^B^M uiii:"v;,v :: jii;Ai;uu;.;^.i.i;vi.ivv:ioo

lio-LIONEL EKANKLIN-8 VFCTOKY. B.v E V an H.ni.nui -Oo

lai-WAS HE SEVERE! Uy Mrs. II< m-.v ^Vo(.U {"«

•ii).»_nuTi'Mr)A YORKE. Bv Mary Cecil liny a""

laa^iuE SAD FO^UNES o/tHE KEV. AM08 liAlVlON. ^^^

Uy GeorKO EHot. .... . ._. . . .,.,.. .,•,;•:•;••. • i;;;.;.-.;,-.: lOo

.200
.lOe
.100
.100

lori_riiufsTO\VELL. I5v R. D nillC'llliKH'c •J^S

iiio-Tl 1 TUREI^ busiNri. B.v Mrj. M..y A^-nrH Fl, ,nln« Oo

131-TIlE EOST BANK-NOTE. By Mi_h. lUiny W ..od Jgo

iil?'SoiS''DA|lf .1^^^^^^^^ ^S

IstwEDDFll AND PARTED. By tlu; nntf.oi of -Doia TUon.o" lOo

138-H18 SECRET. By Mi«K M. E. Brn.Wou l"*

^i^^^i^S^i^^T'^^P^ . vcunnn^woiuaw- ::: So

i^n vniTR MONEY OB YOUR UFR. Bv Wilkin Colliim JOo

lltlTHE c"ffiNS" BOOM By W.,U.-r Br.:n.t nn.lJnuKS Rkc....lOo

U7-TOM YORKE-B EEGACY By Edward Ganvtt lOo

148-A DOUBLE BOND. By Lin.lii Vllliili {"J

149-1118 GREAT KEVENOE.... |0«

ISO^DiED VOTING. B.r i"i mrr E. Russell 1"°

1V2— TWO KISSES. Bv tlin nutlior Mf •• Doni 'I lici im \Y°

1^t"A BAND OF THREE.-' By L. T. M-ndc .•••.•,• InS

154-THE W'HITR NUN. By nntlior of "Tl.n B ndaiifo of Bianilun "..lOo
IM-LOVE'S SACRIFICE. iJy W. G. Walcnn lOo

Full seta of The People's Library always on hand, and toe
ealeby

ar. ISt. OO-XXi'^Crxai tta Go.t Faonshers.
F. 0. Bex a»6r. «* J*"" •»««' New Tor««.

w^OHM

m .

■9^

YWE PEOILE'S LIBRARY.

KcMnKK

100— THE rOI.LEfJK

170-C

171 -I

172-

173-

174- .v^M.o^ ---

175 -i'lip PHANTOM Vu'FE?^iivMVJh^f\rfl« '*'°

170 --HIS BONNIE mUDK" iv E linm .m "'<»

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180 -A BIO Fl^d}/ '' "^ ^ONJ^AGE. By lU ....ta..rcrV.l)u-ri TU-.i-u«"loS

187 -WAS 1 1' A CRfMist • JOo

188 MAD JO GET MAKKriii; ^•'«»

18» A DOUBLE SUIU'RISE lOo

'■* ~ — ■ .lOo

!ioo

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..lOo

?.10o

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llr^'cir^''«f!.ri^i^i!^'^ " ^^' "\°'* l"!'"^"' "'^f' contains nothing hut
nrst. cla^ stones by popular Amen can and Euclish authoM U il

?„7^iri',°^,P"°*' f I"*"^ '^"^''^'^ •^^'^g const^mt y on band " s
for sale b> all news-dealers at advertised price, or any number will hf

Trel^n^t './l-P^^r/' ^V '^' ^'^^'^^^^^^ 25 Kosolrect? Now ^"rl
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t >** For sale by the Dealer from whom you received

this circular.

mmmUmmiilm

:-«^.»-

'JAitr.

iyMan '*ioS!

SiinniiiK Woiuau"*.:;;" lou

tile I'cnn lOo

KECITATIONa, 'ti'o.'s.

•■•: 108

,""<l 200

lOo

r of ;•■ bora irtibVne"'. ] ' i Oo

!^o"l8 100

lOo

••A Cii'iiiilng WomaVi."''J Oo

,• 100

•nj; 100

irwi.igui.::;:;;;;;;;ooo

iiiiiii 100

^iirot "Dora TU )rini''iOo

lOo

EiUTEl By Mildn-a

f, 200

'' 100

XQ^

tliiir of "A CuniiiiVjf

■> f ■:''\Vifo or widow i " I Oo

I'lfruy.. lOo

Uoriniiorne" lOo

Wimlilngtou Irvlug.lOo

200

' lOo

lOo

fl contains nothing hut
3uglish authors. It is
stantly on hnnd. It is
or any number will b«
Roso Street, Now York,
cents for a fifteen-cent

om you received

ANOTHER BOOK

BT THE POPHLAE ASD TALEIIIED AUIHOB OP

"A BAD BOY'S DIARY."

'miss SLIMMENS' WINDOW."

Itwm be Issued in PaHs. each part co«^^^^^
mustraiion... c-nSiavcU c.pcc a y for t'»^^«°' Vi'^'fiu^d wliU fun and bu.nor,
papor covn». Vnco of ^ "cli p. 1 1, lU ""=• 'i' ,,j.eg ;„ i,cr iHoits to become
Rlvlnir Miss SlimmciiR' i-eculiar l''^'» .'i'J^^,':''P:r'V" , as to what other icople

^^X^!;^\:i^^^^^^!^^y^^^^ -cipt of price. Addreu

J. 8. OCILVIE & CO., Publishers,

35 Rose Sircit, Kcw York.

J w

11^

Two Grand Detectiyc Stories

33 "sr

JIJDSON B. TAYIiOB,

Onw of tlx« moat popular writer* in tli» jvmrld-

GIPSY BLAIR,

THE WESTERN DETECTIVE.

12mo, 150 pages, paper i^over, 25 cents; handsumel^r bonnd
in cloth, GO cents.

This is one of the most thrillinp: detective Rtorics cvoi* written
\jy this well-known luid popular writer, ami relfttes deeds of dar-
ing ndventnre, und eonsnmiuati.) detective skill in tracing tlia
violators of la;v. Every one should read it, because it is a story
of iotausa iatorast and dramatic power.

MACON MOORE,

THE SOUTHERN DETECTIVE.

, 12mo, 150 pages, paper cover, 25 cents; handsomely bound
in cloth, GO cents.

This is truly a most wonderful story, with the above title, and
is probably the most extraordinary detective story ever written.
The author lias used his abundance of material very skillfully,
and althoa'^li tlie incidents are mainly founded on fact, they aro
so deftly linked together as to form a romance at once grand,
terrible, and startling: As a thrilling detective story, it would
be impossible to surpass it. In fact, tliere is nothing in the
English language like it. In fact, taken altogether, the story is
the most extraorflinnri/ dctectire rommice ever given to tlie world,
and all who fail to read it will miss a ricli treat. Both of the
above books are sold by all booksellers, or they will b» mailed
to any address on receipt of prica.

Address all orders to

VG Stories

*• in til* Tr«rld*
I

:r,

; handsomely bon&d

Rtorloa ever written
il relfttes (leeds of »1ar-
> skill in tracing tlia
;, because it is a storj

rECTIVE.

3; bandsomely bound

th the above title, and
ve story ever written,
iterial very skillfully,
adod on fact, they are
manco at once grand,
(ctivo fitory. it would
M-e is nothing in tho

1 together, the story is
■ given to the world,
1 treat. Both of the
r they will b» mailed

bounUJn cloth '••• ^,__,„ hr Mary CecW Hsy. *

8T0,Mpi«M

n^T « Arthur. lamo, aSB pages-"' »•'"
Window CM»t»ln». By T. s. Annur.

^r*.-. *»-—•- "'"-^.'rr.-.J'r.*- .»

OBcket * - 1- i«#«n«AinK «dTertl«ln|

HocoilwMontacoiBpiewwi-™. ^ „^^

j...OOII-ir ^ ^^,^ ,^^jjT. MEW Y0«IU

HUMOROUS BOOKS

t I

"A little noHHeiiHe now and then
Ih rBlibhed by the wiHeHt niun."

The following list of books have been written and publiHhed with a

view to give the mind the .S. — tion which every person nocdH and

Hhould have. Read those books and you will find that th«y will lighten

the load on your mind, and "drive duU care away." They are all

written by well known and popular auth jrs.

-A. -Bnd Oov'w pinr.v . This is one of the most successful
humorous books of the present day, lilled with fun and uood
humor, and " will drive the bluus out of a bag of indigo." l5nio
280 pages. Handsomely lithographed paper cover, printed in four
colors, 00 cents; cloth, with humlsome gold side-stamp, $1.00.

'^^^V **i""*/?r*„",* «" llfiMlilul Mail. By the pop.
ular author of "A Bad Boy's Diary." This is one of the most
bumorous books ever issued. 12mo. IfiO pagos. Handsomely
Illustrated from original designs, including also the portrait and
autograph of "The Bashful Man." Price, paper cover, 25 cents;
handsomely bound in cloth, flO centa.

A. OitMhol of Fun. Gathered from the writings of the
leading and most suocessful humorists of the day. Price, 10 els.

Ohalnofl ILrlfirhtninfr. By "Ike Philkins," one of the
most noted funny men of the age. A whole volume of Jolly
Jokes, Quaint Anecdotes, Funny Stories, and Brilliant Witticisms,
l^mo, 104 pages. Price, 25 centa.

'^*f^"*^R?,* " M<iil«ter'H Wllo. By Almedia M. Brown.
•,. ?' ^ P'**'!?; . Handsomely bound in cloth, with tine, fuU-pa«e
illustrations. Price, $1.50. "

^M*o''^<S,' ** Vlllnflro OoHMtp. ByAlmedioM. Brown.
i?K'rfn/>P**'**' ^*P®' cover, 50 cents; handsomely bound in

Hnl Ha! Hal or, Morsels of Mirth for Funny Fellows. Wo
warrant this book to be a sure cure for every ailment under and
above the moon, sun, stars, and comets. 64 pages. Price. 10 cts.

•^**?*' ^"V"?*?.*' »**P>«® Box. Edited by Josh Billings
nimself, and dedicated to all who love fun. It contains t>4 large
quarto pages and neariy 2f)0 illustrations, any one of which will
cause a broad grin on anyone's face. Price, 25 cents.

The above books are for sale by all newsdealers and booksellers, or
will be mailed to any address, postpaid, on receipt of price. Addresg
all orders to

J. S. OGILVIE & CO., Publishers,

P.O. Bex 2707.

31 Bom Stnat N«w York.

300kS

then
un."

m und publiHhed with a

avery perscin needs and

nd that tht^ will lighten

re away." They are all

of the most HUitceHNful
ed with fun and ui.od
bag of indigo." lanio,
ur cover, printed in four
d side-stamp, $1.00.

Muii. By the pop-
his is one of the most
pagi's. Handsomely
; also the portrait and
I, paper oover, 25 cents;

» the writings of the
he day. Price, 10 cts.

Philkins," one of the
.vhole volume of Jolly
id Brilliant Witticisms.

By Almedia M. Brown,
oth, with line, full-page

By Almedia M. Brown,
handsomely bound in

>r Funny Fellows. We
'ery ailment under and
i pages. Price, 10 cts.

jited by Josh Billings
It contains (>4 large
any one of which will
, 25 cents.

irs and booksellers, or
lipt of price. Address

Publishers,

MStrMtNawTork.