Denbighshire Free Press

(Copyright.) THE POISONED CUP. — BY WINIFRED GRAHAM, Author of "The Beautiful Mrs. Leach," "When the Birds Begin to Sing," "A Strange Solution," "On the Down Grade." &c. SYNOrsiS OF PRECEDING CHAPTERS: Through the gross carelessness of a drunken nurse. Dudley loses his wife. a typhoid patient. A second tragedy follows, Dudley Vale flinging the woman, still in a maudlin IItatM, down the steps of his mansion in Portland-place. She is picked up dead, and for this crime Dudley Vale, a rich man moving in the best society, is sen- tenced to twenty years' penal servitude. His little daughter Olive is adopted by his brother- in-law, Edward Desmond. At six years old she dies BUùd(-v when Mr. and Mrs. Desmond are abroad. 7 he same day Desmond, a busy City man, lear is that he has lost all his money by the breaking of a bank. He therefore suggests to his wife that they should suppress the news of Olive's (eath, and so cont inue to receive the. handson e allowance arranged for by the girl's father. Mrs. Desmond consents, and on the return of the pair to London it is given out that they hfve left the child on the Continent to be educated. Some years pass, and Mrs. Desmond meets, on the Underground Railway, and takes & great fancy to, a fair girl named Florence Osborne, tfho seems to her strangely like what Olive wiuld be at that time had she lived., Desmond now hears that it is probable Dudley Vale will soon be released from prison on aocount of his he .1th. With a desperate scheme in his mind, he herefore arranges for Florence Osborne, who is pi or and has no relations or friends, bo come. inti the house as Olive Vale, returned from abro .d. Florence Osborne falls innocently into the scheme, not knowing that her own death, on the day Dudley is freed, is part of Desmond'^ plan. CHAPTER XI. "fDB DAWIi OF TUB rN-E-XPNCTIM. Olive made no reply to Mrs. Heming's request. She saw it was impossible to escape, for Mrs. Perkins, had already perceived her, And waved a friendly hand. "Dear me, who would have expected to see you here ? cried that worthy person, looking with wondering admiration at Olive's stylish garnients aiid handsome furs. Her eyes travelled from the girl to the man, her.thoughts express- ing themselves openly upon her homely coun- tenance. Evidently she scented a love affair, little dreaming that the two striking figures, on the dirty doorstep had only just met. "Well, I am glad to find you lookin* so well, miss. I knew you were living close by, and half meant to call in this morning just to ask how you was getting' on, but I lelt afraid Afr. Pesmoud might object." Fancy you knowing Miss Vale!" gasped lire. He-ning. 1i.< what ? "Mire Vale." "Go on. Charlotte, this is Miss Osborne." 01 we ljk«» rati in-.ivljrjtp she did not knor- how to explain, Her ill-concealed dis- ooicitUTe became evident V iSye^yi* Bfottaffton. "It's all right pow,be; »aid. "T think,we ca^ jjetr^way without your runniagopinat that drwrv«f»n £ -Hay* ".N.r very Ifkely I don't, know.,Aer,,xwe I" Mi^ Perk, v ww exclaiming loudjy, in answer to a sharp contradiction from Mrs. Hawing. "Oh. pHs,e. it down,t, rawqLr!,Vrhat r call Bay^lf," put in Oliye, cmickly. Youase both lIgt. My,, name is Miss Vale,nawv Good- by.e, Perkins, gpqd-bye Atli. Hewiag. I can't 3he hurried awjfy, with the puzzled young doctor at her side. He looked at t)ie airl's trOld,l.d profile as he shadowed her, twaving awaiy the groups of noisy children crowding round to stojre at Olive. "I don't know why you are so kind," she murmured, It It really doe6 not matter. I was, jus) a lit'le afraid of that dreadful man, but now I shall, be all right, alone." Let rue drive you back," he said, as they came <Mt into the broad thoroughfare,whew a phaeton awaited Jiiru,. drawn by a splendid pair of greys. "No, thank you, it would not be worthwhile 8,8, step," she replied, with a grateful smile. "Ts there nothing I can do for you he sqked, disappointedly. It One thing," she said, avoiding his eyes. ttlf yf u- sbould -see my uncle or aunt don't mention th little discussion about my memo, it might annoy them. It in all so stupid, but I lUll!! not, explain. I felt very oncomfostable. You can trust me," he answerod,, &4. she onered him her hand in fareweU., He spr«cg.jnto his carriage and gatherediup 7 hit reins. )le bad,loattizue, Wt didnotgrodge a wpment of it. Strange that in a sordid alley b should found a .face, to fill his mental ▼i«nyi, a. being ,in whoqj, for him, all the element íJ of omance suddenly combined. I/a could think of nothing. but Olive—(Hire about whose personality a shroud of niysrrvy gathered. What did it mean, this tender font-Laent which thrilled every,, fibre, of his being ? Surely these were the first-possion- waves of iOTe setting his heart bounding, pa;t,io^ fO!. ikinka hrightrhwed future glowing lyitfa pes-sifc conquest, jjove At "ftt sight Hc»w JBreJyn Brotbejrton would hhvo oorned the idea but a. few houirs ago. Now thi' f >: mpest wae su deeply i^poo. ibun, the iaevitaWe, b <xugh^ ;by a turn of (Fate's. wheel directly in h » path. He had no desire* to turn w»i<|e, t,h put the fair vision, away^ father he wrtlhu»j4 :J> ve'a, sweet- tyr^nijiv. halffa^Qiyied. -== hall-Bewildered, wholly delighted to find himself enmeshed in the toils. Yet the incident of the name recurred more than once to trouble his reflections. The words came back to him bringing a sensation of un- easiness. "You are both right, my name is Miss Vale now." She had not denied the name of Osborne, by which Mrs. Perkins knew her, yet how could he nurture the vaguest suspicion after her innocent assurance "It is all so stupid. Olive's thoughts were, in a way, a reflection of his as she walked back slowly. How good he must be, a rich man, and successful too, yet he remembered the wants of a little child, the weariness of a wretched woman. She pictured his face with pleasurable excitement. What a fund of intelligence beamed from the clear eyes I She liked to remember his attitude of protection towards her which had warmed her heart and quickened her pulses. Everything seemed going happily for her. The world smiled, and she forgofc its previous attitude, putting aside all memory of past frowns. Even so simple an errand as this visit to Mrs. Heniing made for her a new, strange joy, the awakening of a fresh interest, love's gentle whisper, Cupid's subtle dart. Olive was less honest with herself than Evelyn Brotherton. She would not have confessed in- wardly that her heart beat faster under a novel and atnaxvng emotion. She put her enthusiasm down to intense admiration for his goodness towards the. ;H-emings, and under the cloak of a feneral sentiment .loudly sang his praises to Irs. Deumond. "I Jtne.w he.was a splendid fellow," sa>'? Arabella, as,ehe listened to Olive's account l) the morning' adventure. I noticed him in'a crowd, singled him out, my dear. I am such a wonderful judge of character. It was at the Tempter*' party he and Hetty Heathcote were talking. She's a dreadful little flirt. I am sure Mrs. Heathcote would be delighted if she could marry Hetty to Dr. Brotherton. You see, he inherited a, large fortune from his father, besides which he is working and making money. He loves his profession. I must ask him to dinner oos ;%ig!ht. Does he like Miss Heathcote ? asked Olive. "I don't know. Her mother declared he was more, like a, brother to Hetty. But people often say that before the actual proposal. The Heath- cotes have promised to come this afternoon. I asked Dr. Brotherton to remember my 'At Home day and look in if he could. Doubtless Hetty will have reminded him. We shall see. If he comes I think it will be a sign he is running after Hetty, don't you? Perhaps," in a hesitating tone from Qlive. She dared not add: "He might come possibly to see me." Her quiet, sweet nature rose suddenly in rebellion at the thought of Dr. Brotherton* s name being connected with that of the "little flirt;" She- tried to subdue her angry feelings she told herself it was ridiculous to care. "You must put on your prettiest frock," con- tinued Arabella. "The Heathcotes think so much of dress, and are always most elaborately turned out. Not one of them could hold a candle to you in looks. Mind, I want you to do me oredit. You must wear something very airopta, c&ic, and young looking. Iltey over- dress" Arabella announced the fact gleefully. It seemed to Olive as if the brightness faded out of the room, frightened away by a blast of Ugly jealousy. Then and there she made a resolution. The little petty spites, all the small things which blight-women who live for pleasure and conqaest aloop, should be trampled out, put aside, away frotn her life which had been guided so mys- teriously into new channels. The tragedy of tiie past, the dead faces of her father, sister, these should stand out as altars tipok, which to slay all meanness of soul. "I believe," continued Arabella, "you could cut Hetty out any day." CHAPTER XII. OH, WHAT A PLAGUE IS LOVE The Hetthcotes arrived while Mrs. Desmond's "At Home "was in full swing. Hetty, wrenthad in smiles, oame swishing into the room with the longest skirt Olive had ever seen. Ther rustle of the silk sounded almost obtru- sive, but Miss Heathcote had the happy knack of appearing unconscious of her clothes. She sank gracefully upon a divan, and received hot cakes gratefully from Olive's ministering hands. "I'm so hungry," she said, "I had an early lunch at Mary's club. Mary is my eldest sister. She likes to get away from the rest of ,as as much as possible, so she belongs to several clubs in town. If we are good children, she aeka us out to tea or lunch. Awfully sweet of her,fien't it ? She gave me a horrid little cat's 8leal, some toasted cheese and an oyster patty, not enough for a growing girl. Yes, indeed, I am still growing rapidly, that is why I wear such -long &kirtit. All economy. Mother brought as up to be economical, it's one of her fads." Hetty had tossed a marvellous French iiiiiff, chiefly composed of laco and flowers, upon the floor, while she drew off her spotless white gloves. Arp. Heathcote, overhearing her daughter's remarks, whispered to Arabella with a proud smife. "Just listen to her. She never speaks' seriously; such a playful, effervescing nature. I envy Hetty her spirits." ApabeUarhad no time to listen, for a fresh set of visitors were just arriving, while otlieps rose simuHaneously to saygood-bye. Olive, remembor- ing Hetty's hunger, returned again and again with tempting dishes. "Be-all-Y. Miss Vale, you will kill me with all these. good- things! I feel like a greedy I sparrow let loose In a barn. L've ImlU sucii a lot of visits this afternoon—everyone was out —wild extravagance in pasteboard! It was such joy to feel we were certain of tea. at Mrs. Desmond's. Do you know, I heard you had come back from abroad, and I was simply longing to know what you would be like I've always wanted to meet you. Of course. I had heard I' you were awfully pretty. Lpdy Dyke remembers you as quite a tiny child she said then you made a perfect little picture playing with Jessie. I expect you will like to meet .Tessle again, though I dnresay you hardly recollect her she isn't at all bad—(rather gawky, perhaps but her figure will improv- As Hetty rattled on, speaking at an extraordinary pace. Olive felt bewildered. What would the real niece say could she hear this conversation, and see a stranger calmly appro- 1 priating her personitil',y ? Perhaps Olive, who was kept, away "for family had taken -a, after her eccentric aunt. and was detained in an asylum. This seemed the only reasonable conjecture, for it would hardly be fair otherwise to represent her. Yet Mr. Desmond called it to represent her. Yet Mr. Desmond called it all "so very innocent and how proudly happy Mrs. Desmond looked as she presented the new- Olive to her friends "Come back and talk to me again; I've something to tell you," whispered Hetty, as fresh cups demanded tilling. What a capital I hostess you make! I wish I could move about like you I always knock everything over with my skirt, and spill the tea." 0 She watched Olive with admiring eyes, wish- ¡ ing she had her delicate colouring, for Hetty's cheeks were sallow under a thickly spotted veil. The elegant yet simple grace of carriage, which alone would have singled Olive out in a crowd, was enhanced tenfold by her striking features, and the halo of gold hair framing her pathetically beautiful face. It hardly seems fair," thought Hetty; "she doesn't appear to have a blemish—not even ugly ears. I should be frightened to be so pretty for fear an enemy might vitriol me." When at last Olive could escape, she drifted back to 1.1i Heathcote. "'She is a friend of Dr. Brotherton," Olive told herself, with something of a pang. "Perhaps they are in love Olive had meant to be so strong, but a very human weakness took possession of her. If it were true she hoped she might not know—at least for a little while. Better first to get the memory of his voice out of her mind, to forget the thrill which his eager care of her had involuntarily produced. With such a man to watch by her side, no dangers, no alarms, no terrors from without would have mattered. And some women were blessed thus—women who, loving, were loved again! So ran Olive's thoughts, in tho same sweet channel. What a dreamer she had become since the morning, a wanderer in the clouds You had something to tell me," said Olive, seating herself beside Hetty, who toyed with a jewelled chain, from which dangled a medley of ridiculous little charms, fashionable playthings. "Well, yes, but I hardly dare breathe it, for fear of being overheard. I Jong to tell you, because I know you will be sympathetic! I expect everyone confides in you, don't they ? Olive turned strangely cold. From H tty's tone, it was :easy to guess the nature of the confidence. "You are1 ing love," said Olive, slowly, speaking like an oracle, her face immovable, her yes -fixed. "How clever you are!' cried Hetty. "1 believe you, re a thought-reader—and you looked quite hypnotic and strange as you spoke. Yes, I am, realiy, truly in love this time. You see, I've had lots of little affairs since I was sixteen, and it's always a family joke about my being so changeable. That is why I have decided to keep it dark for a week at least. You have no idea what fun it is to be secretly engaged. I aak everyone, just in an off-hand way, what they think of him, and I hear all sorts of opinions which would never have come to my ears if I had announced my engagement. He is extremely well-off, so we shall be married qu it.e soon. Is he-is he—clever ? asked Olive, a hot burning sensation in her throat making her voice sound hard and dry. Very I And Mary always said she was sure I should marry a fool. The joke is, I told him I was coming here this afternoon—he knows Mrs. Desmond-so he promised to call, just about tea-time. Mother will imagine it happened by chance. She wants him to propose to me, and I like to keep up the excitement. There are sure to be some theatre parties especially got up this week-if mother thinks the fatal words are still trembling in the balance. The chances are she would not bother, if she knew we had fixed it all right." "I see," said Olive. A thick mist gathered, and the room looked dark to. Olive. She was wondering whether she would have treated her mother in the same callous manner, had death. spared her.. A mother, in the eyes of the motherless girl, was a sacred possession, one which filled her empty heart with envy. Hetty had both lover and mother; Hetty seemed rich in the gifts of a lavish.world Olive was quite sure now that Hetty must be engaged to Dr. Brotherton. Aunt Bella had hinted Ueathcote wished to bring off this marrisge. How cruel, tlllit only to-day, when it was too late, this id¡:} man should have crossed poor Olive's path ThuS she con- doled with herself, feeling sick and sore, jmly conscious Hetty was not worthy. As if in answer to her painful thoughts, the door opened, and Dr. Brotherton's name fell upon Olive'e ears. Hetty gave a pleasurable little start. Hulloa, Evelyn!" she said, beaming upon him, after he had shaken hands with Mrs. Desmond. He greeted her warmly, and Olive s heart sank. She stood back in the shadow of the inner drawing-room, afraid lest her agitation might be visible. "Oh, I ani foolish — fooliehl she told Isla,* Miss Vale here P" he asked, looking round. "Yes indeed. Olive I She came forward a trifle shyly. He noticed she was not entirely at tar ease, »nd again the haunting recollection of those two ■ names—• Osborne and Vale-bothered him. She is afraid I shall allude to it," he thought. What a tactless idiot she must., think me: t_ • Eager to remove any such impression he plunged into conversation, working his way to the furthest corner by the tea-table apart from the others. The fascination of his. presence dispelled the heavy dread which overshadowed Olive. He had eyes for her alone. After the first familiar greeting, he did not appear to remember Hetty's existence. In fact, Olive also forgot till Hetty rustled between them fastening her furs, and not a little ruffied. "Mother is going to carry me away," she declared. "Too bad I I wanted to stay longer." I have a message for you," said Evelyn, in an undertone. "On my way here I met Captain Merritt. He was prevented from coming, and has written to explain. He asked me to mention it if I saw you." Hetty blushed suspiciously. "Just like a man she pouted. "They are all unreliable. You might have told me that sooner, for I've detained mother ages and defied hor hints. I shan't marry him now, he has done for him- self. "Another victim," laughed Evelyn. "Well, I should wait and hear the explanation first before quite condeuninzpoor Merritt. There cannot be much harm in a person with that name." "Den't be stupid, Evelyn," she said, and flounced away. Olive smiled. Her blue eyes were twinkling like summer seas in sunlight, her cheeks Wore a delioious bloom. "How funny," she said. "That girl told m. she was in love, and I believed her. "Oli, she has not fathomed the meaning of the word yet. Perhaps she never will. Those sort of people genially marry young; I think we ihall hear she is engaged shortly. Merritt is inst the man for her; rot[iiiig-bdthoWhiin." (Olive's heart sang within her awild-Cfcrol oi joy. At least. thifj one great IL fear had passed, 8rf she might think of Evelyn Brotherton ) wituout shame. lie was a Iree m&n, ana sue a free woman! Unknown to him she might g'Yè her love, give it with glad ecstasy in the paradise of her dreams. Her brightness infected Evelyn. He was quick to observe the mnrked change. These moods attracted him he thought of hi fitfulness of sunbeams which come and go at <■ unchecked. You don't, know how much good you've dor., me," he said. "I was dreadfully fsgged, ar c as a rule I can't bear calling. I came to sea ¡:, you again." i: spoke quite low, his eyes looked longingly irtu. hers. He yearned to cay more, to tell her the truth now while his love was bnt, a day old, bp' '"becked the impulse with an effort. wonder yon feel tired. it must have h. weary work sitting up with Billy in that tn, ciied little room." J e coloured, as if annoyed that his good d, Lad come to ligbt. t- was nothing," he said "at least, nothing for doctor." j'he would have liked to tell him how earnestly Mrs. Ileming praised his kindness, but seeing the subject was distasteful judiciously refrained. Every moment Olive was called away to say good-bye, and receive pretty speeches from departing guests. "So glad you arc home again, Miss Vale. You must come with your aunt to our dance or "Your aunt has promised to bring you to tL,;s or that festivity." Everything pointed to a gay time in the fnrure. Arabella was delighted to see the ad;< iration which Olive's looks called forth. "My dear, she is a beauty. You will have all London running after her. What, a wonderful charm of manner I You be very proud of your niece." ldl such sentences lived and re-echoed in Mr?. Desmond's memory. She was tasting tho sweets of possession, for Olive seemed to belong to her now, to be verily and indeed the child entrusted to her care. i. want you to come and dine next week," saiu Arabella, when at. iast Evelyn Brotherton repvetftilly took his leave. j he invitation met with ready acceptance, and the night fixed, he departed with a light heart full of hope at the thought of meeting Olive so scon ugain. That, evening his mother noticed how distrait he seemed, but. being a peculiarly tactful woman refrained from comment. She succeeded, however, in drawing from him some of the details of the day. They had always been confidants, and after dinner she sat with him while ho smoked. A tail, refined woman, in an elegant lace tea-gown, with exquisite grey hair waving thickly off her forehead. Her large brown eyes had a wistful, somewhat care-worn expression in their depths. The mark of her widowhood stamped itself in lines of sorrow round those sweet, sad eyes. Yet with Evelyn, upon whom she doted, she was always bonne- camarade—played girl to his boy, or proved herself the counsellor of his gviver mo()ds. She never interfered in his friendships her É",)d sense told her when to efface herself. Thus she won so much reverent devotion from Evelyn that his love half-compensated for her greater loss. Involuntarily he drifted to the subject of Olive, sketching the scene in the sick child's room. A beautiful girl kneeling beside the dirty bad, her profile caught by a ray of ligbt, lqoking anxiously at the tiny creature grasping her furs, a girl whose every movement was a poem. Then their short conversation (omitting the mystery of the name), the walk down Fern-lane with its pestilential odours, its swarm of ragged children, and later on the pleasurable hour at tea-time. Mrs. Brotherton saw it all through her eon's eje*. No thought of jealousy ever disturbed her mind, when she pictured him married. Rather her heart, warmed at the thought of some day possessing a daughter-in-law with whom she cuuld share her admiration of Evelyn. "I wish you knew the Desmonds," he said. "I believe I have met them," she replied, "but am so bad at remembering people. I never forget names, but faces confuse me. Of course I knew all about them. I remember the sad case well. You were only a little boy at the time. Wast case ? he queried, curiously. "Mrs. Desmond's brother was imprisoned for manslaughter; a most sensational affair. It made a grsat stir. Intense sympathy was felt." Was her brother named Vale ?" asked Evelyn, quickly. "Yes. The whole story conies back to me clearly; your father took such a very great interest in it. For a while it quite worried and distressed him. He could not sleep for thinking of Dudley Vale." "Tell me all you know from beginning to end," urged Evelyn. Mrs. Brotherton had a wonderful memory for facts. As she recounted the old story with which the newspapers had teemed sixteen years ago, every detail rose freshly in her mind. She even recalled her husband's remarks on the subject, repeating his very words. She had an attentive audience in Evelyn "I suppose," he said, I must have heard it talked about in my childhood, for the name Vale seemed to bring back sons vision of earlier years—something I could not trace or define, yet it was, I knew, connected with mdlievs. But, oddly enough, I had from the first a vague feeling of having seen Mrs. Desmond in another life, and when I met Olive Vale, the name con- nected itself with this same idea strongly." "Doubtless you did hear the case discussed," rcpii-ed Mrs. Brotherton, "and have inherited from me a memory for names." "Then would Olive Vale be the daughter of this man Dudley ? Can it be possible ? She looks so happy, not the least as if under a olond or haunted by the thought of her father's wretched existence." "Undoubtedly Olive Vale must be the' little girl so frequent!J mentioned at the time of the trial. Mr. and JJf9- Desmond were left her guardians. The pOt'r child loet both father and mother through the awful callousness of that vicious hospital nurse. Yt is quite probable her father's fate has been kept a secret fom her." Evelyn seemed lost in thought. All these sad revelations only heightened the atmosphere of romance with which he had surrounded Olive. He saw her standing out, u pathetic little figure, on the record sheet of a gr "at tragedy. For this reason, it might seem, the Deemonds had elected in earlier years for lie," to pas* under another name. They feared she would be pained by ill-timed remarks and ign,,)rai* curiosity. It was natural and considerate Evelyn breathed more freely. Long into the night he stayed talking with his mother. Every time she suggested leaving him, he pressed her to remain a little longer, continuing to sift her memory by innumerable eager inquiries. Usually considerate for Mrs. BrothertonV siigniest comtori,, lie even ignored her palpable fatigue, as lik, lost himself .in the absorbing interest surrounding Olive's childhood. At last she rose, unable any longer to stifle, her yawns. "I have been out all day," she told him, laughingly, "and the air must have made me sleepy. Good-night, my dear," kissing him fondly. "I do not doubt you will dream of your new-found ideal." "It would be a very pleasant dream," he declared, quite frankly. "Don't sit up too late. I am sure you must need rest." He stirred the fire into a blaze, sinking back in the long low chair, with his feet upon the fender. "All right," he answered. "Oh, I forgot," returning from the open door, I met your Uncle Stephen th"\s afternoon. He wae coming to see you, but I told him you were out. He wants to know if you will take a since holiday and go abroad. It is years since you have been for a trip with him, and I really think he feels it rather, after all his kindness to you in your boyhood." Where does he propose going ? "The old haunts, answered Mrs. Brotherton, "Bavaria, of course. He said he thought you might like to revisit the mountain passes you climbed as a child. "Of course I should like it. Some of my happiest days were spent with linelb Stephen, but I don't feel inclined to take a lomr Uolidav jnsr yec. Bavaria flow it all comes back. 1 was so proud of niy climbing." "You had better write to him to-morrow. Good-night again." "(lood-night, mother dear." The flames rose higher and licked the chimney. In the mass of red firelight he saw only Olive's face. Olive Yale! The singing CC«L1 repeated the name, which quivered on Evelyn's lips. Uncle Stephen and Bavaria—what links in the chain of past events made their memory harmonise with thoughts of Olive ? Evelyn's 9 eyes closed, he relaxed his muscles, and basked in the delicious warmth from the full grate. The quiet room, even the big soft chair, seemed slipping away, and instead of a firelight glow the full bright Jrays of a foreign sun streamed down upon him. And, odcily enough, Evelyn was a little boy again, tramping gaily up the mountain-side. He saw a iuiill familiar house, quaintly built, commanding a glorious view, and seated on the balcony the figure of a n. "Ah he said. "It's nice to be back here wiMi Uncle Stephen." The woman on the balcony rosa, and, leaning over, Maved him away, Her face reminded Evelyn of MrJ. Dcaniond, only this woman looked younger. Yon must not come here, she cried. There is death in the hOUH." "Who is dead ? he asked. "Olive Vale." The words fille-d him with agony. He struggled in his sleep. He fancied Uncle Stephen dragged him forcibly away down the step incline. "You must not go bask," said his uncle's voice. "It was diphtheria. They should have told us before. Evelyn struggled to free himself. "Let me see her just once, for the love of Heaven He had sprung to his feet, crying out aloud as he stood open-eyed upon the hearthrug, the familiar objects of the room falling on his staled gaze. "I've got it I he said. "Olive Vale-Bavaria —the links in the chain (To he continued.)

POISONS THE BLOOD HH as surely as a serpent's bite. It fMl lessens brain power, lowers vita- fjjjfr nra lity, produces languor, sleep- Mai jig lessness, nervous depression, j Mf and is the source of aching IJfj. m heads and weary limbs. [Mi jSl THE KEY TO HEALTH IS IM jwj good digestion, and Mother BraS ID Seigel's Curative Syrup gives lMV |H that assuredly. After suffer- M IsB ing from acute indigestion and Jjajf |M constipation for over two fwjsM IH years," says Mr. BARBER,Wood- |U| ijH row Dairy, Stourton Caundle, MM Dorset, Mother Seigel's Cur- BHfl 1H| ative Syrup, completely cured |0f5j| i&Uf me, and this when everything JjR .SVfcPTtMEfi li b:b IN CURATIVE JSBB m%wYRUP

LOVED AT LAST. A COMPLETE STORY. In the teeth, of the wild autumn stovin Diana Trescott mounted her hoi,se ami rode off ovei the nigged, hilly roods leading from her house, homuV for the most distant flud desolate spot which, at the tuoment, presented itself to het mind. The fierce, gusty wind at times drove a chill, sleety vain against her fnce, and almost blew her from the saddle, while tlarlc, threatening clouds scurrying across the aky gave a dismal loneliness to the entire scene; bn t DjIlJlfl. tore along at the some break-neck pace with which she had set out, never heelling wind or weather, for her own wood juat then was quite as tempestuous ns her surroundings. She had come straight from all interview with Mr. Ernest Woodson, her affianced Ims- butul, ill which fdiohnd verged so iietti- to nn open quarrel with him that she felt compelled to quit his presence abruptly, and take flight from the house in this wild fashion, iu order to ke«p h«r eoniewhftt iiery temper under proper control. "T hate him! I detest him she exclaimed aloud, as she Hew along over hill and dale, scarcely noticing the obstacles in her path, so absorbed was she iii lief own bitter meditations, "Ohj why did level permit myself to be draw it into that wretched engagement ? If I were > ouly free ngaUfc. But "with a diurnal migli that was almost a groan of despair—" that's impossible*, uf conrse, If I were».'Uioogh, I'd stay free until the end of time. Nooodycollhl cither coax vr drive me into another odivus engagement, no, not if Len fortunes, were at stake instead of one. Foi-Ltiiie I lio-iitioli- bah lliii sick of the words, nnd tie for love— well, I don't know anything about it thus jai., tltiti I believe I ever sii-til. The idea of anybody loving hit)t"-llli(i she recalled the iiiinge of liel, itilist.iieeti ii-ii it it sliti(t(lei- iiiitl a Rrinmcewhieh almost spoiled tho beauty of her spirited, fascinated brune fnce-" but I slutll have to marry him, all the same, for my promise is-given, mid——" II Hello, there! stop—stop, for Heaven's sake 1 there's danger ahead shouted a ring- ing, stentorian voice near hy, interrupting the du U current of her thoughts. A "d Jooldugup with a start, Diana saw near the roadside just itit0ii(i of herastrikingly hamkonie young man with fair curly hair and golileii blonde moustache, staring ut her with bliie cyi.es full of anxiety and hon or. In the same breath she saw, almost directly before a yawning chasm, both wide and deep-i- i" other words, a creek which, to most riders, would have looked too dangerous to attempt to cross. ♦«Sthp—sti>p! I say! You'll break yonr neck again sliolitail her unknown monitor in a voice faiii-ir frantic with alarm, and lie took a step forward as thongh to try to check her flying steed hht. self. But with a flo urish of her dainty wlup Diaua waved him back, and spending a few low words of command to htj' horse, braced herseU firmly in the saddle for the perilous Jellp. One fleeting, bit ckward glance she cast over her shoulder to th^ handsome stranger, a clear, light laugh fIonted buck to him like some reck- less strain of music, iiiitt then he stoo(I-literilliy holding his breath i I" terror—and watched the noble horse and h.is dauntless Iltler as they went flying across tl brawling ing it by scarcely nio re UnuI ft bail's breadth as they touched the opp osite shore. But she was safe. Hehreathet1 tlgtii 1, and when sheLltrllec1 and faced him, across t-I is chasm which separated them, witil nitolliei- at ttiey, tiiuniphiwt laugh on her lovely lips, anti half shy, coquettish kiss to him from Inn- daintily-gloved finger- tips, and an answerii »g smile lit up his hand- some face as he retu nied her rouniuh salute. with a sort, of graceful boldness which JDiunu thought delightful. But she blushed furiously at her own thought less act, and touching her horse with her whip, dashed swiftly away again, enger to get out. of siglit aud sound of the man who had ■witnessed it.. I shouldn't have done that, I know," she reflected, her cheeks still burning gniltily, "but lie looked so horri/ied, poor fellow, I couldn't really help it. Anyway, I shall never see him again, so, after all, it doesn't matter very much, How handsome he is I" she went on, thoughtfully. "And there is something very attractive in his bearing. lie would he a pleasant acquaintance, I should think. I Wonder who he can be ? I can't imagine. Nonsense!"—shaking off the dreamy mood that was stealing over her with an impatient movement. Wli,,tt is it to iiie? My destiny is fixed "-glooiiiiiy again—"and I'm sure, if I I could only get rid of him, I should be too happy ever to bother my head about any other mini to the end of my life." So she honestly believed. But as she rode along, nfhv fust, now slow, through the lonely, but picturesque country roads, Diana found the handsome stranger again uwlllglliu absorbing all Iter thollghts, try us she would to forget that little episode. "This is the road to Mary Arlington's," she said, presently, her face brightening as she turned into a pretty avenue of stately elms, ) whose boughs were swaying in the wind. "I'll i go up and spend an hour or so with her. She always puts me in a belter humour." And a few minutes later she was receiving a cheery welcome from Miss Arlington, a charm- ) ing, blue-eyed girl, not so lalllls Diana, with II. face as fair and sweet as a new blown rose. "Di Ti-cf,,cott how glad I am to see you she exclaimed, with a friendly kiss. "But I never dreamed of having that good luck to-day. Stich a day—ugh and she glanced with a shudder, at the tireai-y saeue beyond the richly curtained window. "Oh, I like to go out in rough weather, yon know," Di answered, carelessly. "And besides "-Iowerill" her voice and trying vainly to repress the scorn and anger in it-" he has come down for a week's visit, nDd-and-well, yon know, we never do get ou amicably together." "Charming prospect foi-iiiatriiiioiiy," latiglie(I Mary, pleasantly, thongh the roses in her cheeks grew deeper. 1, litit, sci-ioiisly, Di, if you are not more careful, all this constaub sparring between you and your lover will end in a broken engagement. SOllte day in one of your iiiiiietuotif3 outbursts of temper, yon will hurl his ring bnck in his face, and order him out of your presence for evermore." "No, I shu'n't do that, J) DimJll answered, slowly, her great, dark eyes gazing straight before her with an expression bitterly pathetic in their liquid depths, "I have given my promise to him and to my father and mother, and I shall not break it. That is just why I came out to-day—to prevent the occurrence 01 that very thing. But, oh if he would renounce the marriage "Di!Di! how can yon tallc mn ? Mttry- broke in, almost litissioraltely. "Yon ought to be a happy girl, as yon are a most fortunate one." W fly ?-I)ec(tllpe I am going to marry u great foi*ttiiie ? cried Diaua, contemptuously. I was not thinking of that," said Mary, softly, and her aweet, low tones thrilled with an aocent that set her listener wondering. But he is true, honorable, handsome, a man of whom any woman might be justly proud. And he-Juves you," she added, dreamily, her voice trembling a little over the last two words. Diana gave her a keen, swift glauce from beneath her dusky lashes. I don't love Aim, however, and never shall, declared Diiuru, with more emphatic frankness than she had ever used before in ever speakiny of the matter. "Iwish with all my heart that liewotil-tifitiliti love with some one else and jilt mo outright. It would be the Impotent day of my life, Mary. IiMlead,T believe ne it growing tired of me already "—with a cruelese litugli-11 Lit-e(i of my indifference and my horrid temper. And who canblame him if fit is ?—poor fellow Tiieii, witli a brighter face than she had that day, Diana changed the subject, and gave Miss Arlington ttii amusing account of her wild ride in the face of Lba el,oriu-till-ittve,her adventure with the handsome utrauger. Some vague instinct prompted her to keep that little secret to herself. H I wonder yon didn't meet Floydeomewliere in your graiul outing," laughed Miti-y. na she listened. He is quite an athlete, you know, and would go tramping over the hills to-day, in spite of the weathet. Oh!"—seeing Di's look of woiiiiei--l' I meant to teU you that my cotisiu arrived yesterday to make ns a short visit. You have heard me Oh, there he is now she broke off, delightedly, as she glanced out of the window. And, before Diana recovered from her sur- prise, he was at the door, which Mary had flown to opell for him, and in the room; and as Di lifted her eyes, with a burning blush on her fair face, she-saw him standing before her—the handsome, blue-eyed stranger to whom she hud thrown that defiant, reckless kitis. "My coiisijii, Floyd Silvnyue, of whom, yon have heard me spemk, Di," Mary was saying; but Diana scarcely heard her. For the first time in her life she felt her senses slipping fLAwrfkuitt her, and her heart in a wilder tumult than the storm outside, beneath the gluhce of a thrilling pair of mascu- line eyes. Like her, he seemed to wish their former meeting to remain a mutual secret, for in,-tita look that Hashed from his eyes as they met her own, Di i-dtld 1111 too surely that he huduot forgotten it, nor ever Would. Almost inini«dttiUs!y she took her departure, declining with a lditglt all(I a blnsli Mr.-Silo vayne's proffered' escort. We shall drive over this evening, Di, if the storm abates suiffciently," said Mary* as her fair visitor, smiled adieu, taicl. rode at: her nsulll111pill pace,down the long avenue of away- ing elms. It was already nenving dnsk as Di readied her home; but the t-pot no longer looked dreary and liiiiisful, iLs it did when she rode forth in the wind and storm a, few liotit's earlier —dreary and hateful, simply because of the prGftCiiCti of her betrothed ImsbAiid betioutli. its r "Somehow my heart seems full of suneuine now; this morning it was dark and bitter as despair itself. What can have wrought the change?" she asked herself, smiling with dreamy tenderness as she recalled a half regretted moment—only half regretted now. I' CHit this be love? TheM: "For shame, Di Trescott I yon know it irsult," she answered, scornfully. But the dreamy smile still lingered in her eyes, and Uie burning crimson ou her cheek, ax ■he dismounted and ran swiftly wp to her ewn room and locked the door. When she went down again, just before dinner, she found Ernest Woodson in the draw- ing-room alone. Something iH her changed expression attracted him at once. Yon look smiling and happy, Diana," he said, smiling pleasantly himself. Haveiyou concluded to let our foolish quarrels ccase ? 11 "Oh, Ernest, don't really believe they ever would cease—do yim ? h6 etied, impulsively* Honestly now, d«^yon ■believe we f along together pBHcefWJy ha^iily,^ n|l tire years of our lives, married peonle ihontlJ t" I—I have-sometimes feared tlmt it\illicit be a rattier difficult tusk," lie «nsWe«il,' hesitatingly, still smiling dmvn upotklrtreajjec,. upturned face, but with a certain wetniKOsarUt look ami voice which told eloquently of lnafiy trials-past, and many umre to be dreaded in the future. Then, why undeitakeandi a hopel^ts'fcfts.k, <vt all, Ernest?" she-went on, impetti(M\4ly.,< I don't believe your heart would—I luimv mind wouldn't—4f >ve gave it up hereandjrtcwv, for ever-i. It 6hq.ll be as you soy, rem^nvbefr that; mu on, you can TO someone wria will make you really lj,,kl)lly-soineons wlis hives you—who is sweeter, worthier tbNA. 1- She checked herself in confusion, realizing Ibat she was telling too much. Bitt he callgltli both her hands in his and held her firmly^ i while he studied Ule enger, exquisitely fair facS with searching grize. "What is it, Di ?" he nsked, determinedly^1 "You havesomeone in your thonghts. Tellitiet After all, your hopes IIWY prove but tUl echo (If iiiy W iiom shall J ii-e d instead of yotV my fiery-tenipercd, tantalizing sprite ? Ask nie no questions," she retorted, whirl- ing suddenly out of his clasp, with dancing eyes and a joyous, rippling laugh. "Bnt you will see her -ooIl-tt fairy princess, perhaps, who, nllllllknowlI to herself, has shown both you Rati ine the road to happiness." T And more than that she would not tellj Bnt when, all hour later, Mary Arlington entered the drawing-room on the arm of hac handsome cousin, Diana saw-her face snddenly light up in a -way that proved how shrewdly she had guessed the secrets of more hearts (has one. "It will he ono of those matches f maie ill heaven, she thought, with a happy smile, M she watched the first act of the little dirtliiia, which she herself had arranged, play itself out half unconsciously during that eventful even- ing. A lid as for Di's own romance? It is very simple. She had learned on that stormy outuuiu day,when she had set out to exercisfl the deoton of unrest, what it menut to low. And on the very day that Ernest WeedsoU .stood at the altar with fair Mary Arlington. Di Trescott, looking lovely as a poet's dream iu her shimmering white silks and laces, bet dark, star-bright eyes and perfect lips aglow with smiles, took the vows which made hec Mary's cousin—the happy bride of the first and only master of her heart — luuulsouiS Floyd Silvayne. THE END-

CRICKET FIXTURES. LLANYCHAN AND DISTRICT C. (J. May 31st, Ruthin Grammar School, Ruthin. June 7th, Mostyn Park, Mostyn Park. June 14th, Penbedw, Penbedw. June 21st, Open. June 28th, Open. July 5tli, Dolgelley, Dolgelley. July 12th, Ruthin Grammar Schoolz.Llanychan. July 19th, Peabedw, Llanychan., July 26th, Mold, Mold. July 30th, Chester Banks Team, Hough tog Hall. August 2nd, Corwen. August 4th (Bank Holiday), Dolelly Llanychan. August 9th, Mostyn Park, Llanychan. August 16th, Open. August 23rd, Corwen, Llanychan. August 30th, Open. September 6th, Mold, Llanychan. September 13th, Corwen, Corwen. Home and away matches will be arranged with Denbigh during the season.

LLANYCHAN V CORWEN. This match was played at Llanychan on Saturday, and resulted in a drawn game, play being stopped on account of rain. Score LLANYCHAN. C C Alott b Jones 3 W H V Pakenham b Edwards 2 J T L Jenkins b O'Kiefe 32 A R Wood c Swainson b O'Kiefe 49 W G Rigby Ibw b Jones 2 F F Blatherwick c and b O'Kiefe. 6 W T A Jones b Jones 0 W F Lund b O'Kiefe 8 B: D Jones b O'Kiefe 0 L W Cole not out 7 R H Bleackley b Jones 6 Extras 6 Total. wo. 121 CORWEN. A Swainson b Rigby 16 T LI Jones not out 13 J W Andersen not out I Extras 5 Total for 1 wicket 35

LLANYCHAN V CHESTER BANKS. The match between Llanychan and Chester Banks-at Llanychan on Whit-Monday resulted as fellows: LLANTCHAN. H D Jones b Hallmark 0 J T L Jenkins b Owen 17 C C Mott b Rigg 11 W G Rigby lbw b Boys 33 R E Birch ct Whitfield b Owen 25 F F Blatherwick c and b Hallmark 16 W F Lund run out I Dr Anderson b Boys 0 W McDavies b Hallmark 4 W Pakenham not out 0 D Jones b Hallmark 0 Extras 11 Totat .116 CHESTER BANKS. W Hall-a k c Rigby b Blatherwick 4 W P Gamon b Blatherwick 1 E J Boys b Blatherwick 10 C W Conolly lbw b, Blatherwick 0 W H Owen b Blatherwick 0 G W Whitfield b Blatherwick 0 J Â. Vincent b Jeakins 0 Wltig c, Anderson b Jenkins 11 W Ellie b Blatherwick 6 L Marshall run out 0 II Partington not But I Extras 11 Tetal 36

LLANBWST V GARSWOOD HALL, WIGAif Played at Llanrwst on Whit-Monday. Score; GABSWOOD HALL. Stewart c and b Blackwall 5 Si mm b Jenkins 7 R Davies c W Blackwall b Jenkins 11 Mayall b Blackwall 0 G Davies b Jenkins 1 Connell b Blaccwall 2 Fidgar. b Tenk ins 0 Johnson Ibw b Blackwall 2 Hill b Jenkins 0 Srnetburst b Jenkins 1 Roberts not out w 0 Extras 3 Total 32 LLANRWST. Darbyshire b Stewart 3 Lleyd Roberts b G Davies 6 Elias b Stewart 8 Jenkius b Davies 22 R P Whittaker b Davies U H E Blackwall run out 14 Scott b Stewart 0 (I F Wbittaker b Davies 6 T W Blackwall c Edgar b Hill 22 T Thomas c Mayall b Hill Ij J R Jones not out 2 Extras ■ m 3 Total

IllUftCYCLES ARE THE VERY DEST. FOR iSjff .Hrr FKKE LADIES aGENTLEMm vS 'jPgi* XT' Carriage Paid to all vartt CASHOK-12 MONTHL* :B HI li-ia -xw..ai.s J to-a* for New LIST, Meases, ««• iHutftf-ni;;}! of .TT'NO Cyc]. and lntWt Cvcling »•' !03W»* Mikcrtodm. > Mil »*>s< frtt. MHr^OPULlTAIV MACHINISTS' Co., Ltd, a-i-pt fi.) 75, Otei»6f>srfftc Street Without, London, E.C., UÐ PICCADILLY Csunra, LONDON, W. RflRlfTfllT'S RAIfTlifl" pnWTIIi!"R BORWIOK'S VV lv/IV O JJIIXKLLI JTU¥V JJJit JAI EGG POWDEE, This Celebrated Mamufoeture has been well knewn for nearly 60 years. "When ordering Baking Powder insist on having Borwick's j^or (Jakes, Yorkshire Puddings, Gingerbread, &c. 1357]30