A WOMAN'S FAITH : OR, THE Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies.

By CI/AULES T. MANNERS,

AUTHOR OF

" The Lord of Lvlc," " Octavia'a Pri«!e." " The - Blenkamo Emeralds." "The Flaw in tho Diamond," "Dragging Him Down," " A Silver Brand." &c, &c.

CHAPTER Xll.

A FIKRY TRIAL.

Unluckily for Helena Yerrington, Mrs Inchbald left a valuable trinket upon her berth shelf, and the search for it took Hartman, the courier, back to the steamer ; and there he learned from the purser tho story of the singular adventure which befell their titled visitors on the day Mrs Inch bald and her companion left tho boat.

He had not needed this story to rouse his interest in the fair companion who was to share Mrs Inchbald's travels. But the knowledge piqued his curiosity and im pelled him to watch her movements fai more closely than he might otherwise have done.

That there was a secret reason for the beautiful girl's apathy and coldness, he ha< not doubted at the outset; but now he re solved that he would know the secret ant wrest away its spell.

At first the wearied girl found his care ful guardianship grateful and welcome in it» studied, shielding away of annoyance and trial. She told him so artlessly, and gave him a cool, moonlight smile which inspire-..! the ardent foreigner with hopes which would have astonished and shocked her. But when she perceived that lie brought the fairest flowers, tho coolest drinks, the easiest seat for her rather than for their mutual patroness —when she became at last aware how his face lighted up at her co:niii_- and saddened at her departure— that it was her carelessly expressed pre feren-'e that decided routes and secured happiest results, she turned a startled ■ frightened scrutiny upon Franz Hartmann and was aghast before a new trouble, from which it would not be easy to fly. From that moment a fresh distress and annoyance poisoned what little content she had fie.i.d. She did her best to avoid the man, hut how fruitless were her efforts, when he was the deputised companion, and guide of r-ll their movements, and when Sirs Inehhaid herself encouraged his at tentions. In -::•■■ ■;' despair, she filially permitted him to speak, tremblingly trusting that there would be h mour enough in the man to spare her any further annoyance after a decided refusal even from tho humble companion he supposed her to be. They had been visiting a ruined castle, an i Mrs Inchbald, wearied out by the long carriage ride, bad retired to rest, when the courier sentasprayof flowersanda pencilled line by the maid to Helena's door. '•Will mademoiselle come out upon the balcony The. grand fireworks in honour of the royai babe will be worth seeing, and the. music is line. I pray Ma'm'sclle Ilpkiry. to deny m-: the. i^"—"->vasTchocked !" cried iic-ic-na fiercely. "What new mortification lie* before me V Oh, Conwav, Conway ! if you could save and shield She threw on her shawl, and wrapped al.-o an icy mantle of haughtiness about her, an 1 went down to the balcony. Franz Hurtniann, hi- dark face glowing brightly, hurried to meet her, and offered her his arm. Helen:- made a gesture haughty enough for a prin. -..—, and waved him bark. " You may bring me a seat, Hartmann," she said ; "that is all I require of you." He started is if she had struck him ; a sullen red swept into his cheek, and his eyes But the next instant he wa« bowing low, with his hand on his heart. " Ah, Mademoiselle Hclone, how unfor tunate I am ! I have offended you in some way. i'ardon—pardon, I beg ! You have but to show me how, and tho lamentable error is repaired." " Spare yourself these theatrical speeches, Hartmann. You are not now romancing to please Mrs Inchbald's fancy." "Ma'in'scllc llclenc," he groaned, "toll me whit I have done. Oh, how have I lost your favour?" " Can one lose what he lias never pos sessed?" she returned, freezingly. "Hart mann, don't forget yourself." " Forgot myself? How ?'• "If you forget yourself, at least remem ber me," she stammered. "Ma'm'sello Helene, I do remember you, everywhere—always. In this short time you have taught mc to remember only Helrnein the wide world. Ma'm'selle, I love you. I adore you—l " "Hush!" cried out Helena, with some thing of the old haughty fire llashinrr from her eyes. " Forbear ! 1 tell you fnch 'alk is an insult to me."

"An insult—when I offer you my love, my hand, an honest name?" ho hissed, rather than spoke.

"Yes," answered she, steadily, though she turned cold and white, "still it is an insult, for I have given you no encourage ment to presume so far, and besides—our stations in life are -widely different." "But I overlook that," he returned, eagerly. "Beautiful Helene, any one can .see that you are above thia position you have assumed. You are a true lady." " And therefore above—you !" said Helena, sharply. " Let us hear no more of this folly. If I soem arrogant and cruel, it U because you force me to it. Enough, Monsieur Hartmann, do not forgot in future that you are simply Mrs Inchbald's courier, and that I am, for the present act ing as her companion, but as far from your reach as—as the daughter of the sovereign lady of thia fair land."

" Truly, no, I will not forgot," vocifer ated Hartmann, shrilly, as soon as tho paroxysm of rago allowed him speech. "Ma'm'selle Helene, I will keep a good memory for all these agreeable speeches I have received. I think you also will re member—Mrs Inchbald's courier."

He bowed low, his dark face livid with the angry blood that had rushed into it, and ■whirling around, fairly ran away from the balcony.

And Helena, with a patient sigh, re mained looking forth upon the splendid show with eyes that saw nothing beyond a blinding glare and a dizzying crowd. But she was made awaro that Hartmann was no longer her shield and defence before anothorevoning came, and in a numb fashion she was astonished to lind that from so ignoble a source sho could receive slights and thrusts that made themselves "felt keenly.

Tho man was" talented in his way, and his strategy told. Mrs Lnchbald's caprice was no longer warded aside from the companion, but by a dozen dexterous little manwuvrcs wi- now directed full upon her devoted

lead. But she bore it bravely, and met lis malicious smile with a cold glanco of contempt.

Her thoughts were, moreover, turning everishly now toward the longed-for and •et dreaded goal of hor hopes and fears, "hoy were to prococd to London for a pro onged risit. How many fiorco and then >osooching glances Helena's eyes gavo to 10 dainty bit of pasteboard left so abruptly 1 her hand.

What would Lady Hortenso Mlldmay lave to tell her ? Should she moot Chester Harris ! And above all, whom should she nd in this Konrado Earle ?

Weighty questions these. And day and light they sang themselves in her ears to roary, discordant notes.

No wonder she had a dazed, bewildered ook on hor pale face, so that Mrs Inchbald >ettishly complained that her spirit seemed x> have left itself behind.

No wonder that Franz Hartman's petty pite vas aa powerless to move her as hi* jroforred lore had boon. The interview with Lady Hortense Mild may absorbed all thought, all feeling.

And but one day in London passed ore she took prompt measures to accomplish it. Fran/. Hartmnnn heard her making ar rangoments for the next afternoon exempt Tom duty that she might mako a call in answer to an appointment, and took good care to secure the same time to himself.

Ho heard her inquiries o{ the waiter con cerning; a certain locality, and the besl method of reaching it, and made anothei note.

" Is tho girl plucky enough to run about London alone T' he asked in amazement "then, perhaps, she may meet withunpleas ant enough experience to be glad to cal for the courier's assistance. 1 will take care to follow her, and let whatever dilem ma coino that may, she shall sue for mj help before she obtains it."

It was not until she was in the street looking for the public carriage-stand of which tho waiter had spoken that Helena Yorrington remembered that she had neglected to provide herself with English money for her modest expenses. The American bank-notes in her pocket-book wero entirely useless, and the few in significant coins with the eagle stamp were scarcely available. She stood an instant in perplexed delibera tion, and then remembering that she bad been assured that the address given was in their own quarter of the city, she resolved to impure her way and walk thither rather than return for Mrs Inchbuld's help or risk the curiosity and rudeness which might result from an attempt to induce a London cabman to accept the American notes. Drawing her vail more closely over her face, and grasping with nervous lingers the bit of pasteboard which was to be her guide, the girl set forth, walking as swiftly as the crowded pavement allowed. She did not notice the figure on the other side wrapped close in an oh! array cloak, with cap pulled low over the face, and it she had done so would never have dreamed of its identity with the trim, daintily dressed courier. It was thus, however, that Franz H art mann accompanied her. and never once lost sight of the slender, hurrying form which threaded its way fearlessly' through the motley throng, though once he was stopped by two flashly-dressed young men, who stared a moment at him, and then with loud laught'.T laid detaining hands upon his shoulder. ... tl , e powers >" "Franz Ujw'rriow whistle. "What a , .say! -

" Keep oil"!" returned I l.iitnvinn. Hereelv. though lie a\«> laughed. '• I'm a hound on v track, ami you mustn't throw me oil' the scout.''

"What's the game*:" questioned tie other.

" Do you hoc the woman on the other >ic< ■ in the brown suit, \rith the veil over her face': Get ;i look underthat veil, and you'!! see the handsomest girl in Ngndon— a pretty American girl, and spirited." "Sly dog! I say, Jim, it's worth our while to get the look I" laughed onu, coarsely, as Hartmann shook himself frej and hurried on. The latter i-ast a glance behind, ami smiled .sardonically to see the two cross the street, and go hurrying after the uncon scious girl. " A pair of audacious scoundrels !" lie muttered, " but if they help to humble Queen Helenathoy'U serve my turn.'' Helena was presently compelled to make inquiries. She stopped n respectable-look ing woman, and made known her want.- ; but tlio latter.w.-ls one of those well-mean ing but vexatious guides who bewilder and perplex far more than they enlighten. She poured forth a voluminous description of the building, and that, and such a turn that musn't be made, and another that should, anil then hurried away, leaving the inquirer standing in bewilderment, un certain if she should turn about or go on to the next square. While she was looking anxiously around, hoping to see a policeman, or some trust looking old man to whom she might address her second inquiry, the two young men came up, and, bowing with mock gallantry, each offered an arm. Hartmann saw her start of alarm, the terrified turn of her head, and the flying steps with which she sped en before them, but he made no movement toward her re lief, and was not sorry that they persisted in following her, though her nervous move ments betrayed the annoyance it caused her.

Helena indeed was in groat alarm, keenly regretting the rash decision she had made. The "frightened glance she cast over her shoulder showed her the same men still close beside her, with evil, odious smiles upon their lips. There was then a set pur pose in following her. She felt her heart throb tumultuously, and a sick, icy chill crept over her limbs, but still who kept her presence of mind. Surely she must find a policeman presently, or she should meot

some trusty gentloman who would set her right. Believing that she saw one of the former in a retired side street, she turned abruptly into it, and, scarcely trusting her self to breathe, hurried down the sidewalk. Before she reached ft, however, tho man ran up the flight of massive steps, and dis appeared in the arched door-way, and as she paused in sudden consternation, the echoing steps behind her showed tho odious pursuers at her very side. They advanced with hateful smiles of triumph, and would have again addressed her, but that, in sudden desperation, sho rushed up the steps, and laid her hand npon tho door-bell of tho nearest house. Before sho could ring, however, tho door was flung open, and a gentleman appeared on tho threshold. His head was bent downward while ho drew on his glove, and he was therefore for a moment unaware of the waiting figure on tho step below him.

Hut she had time for taking in tho new comer's full appearance, tho slender, grace. ful, gentlemanly figure, tho handsome, pensive, slightly pallid face. Helena Yerrington remembered no more the great fright, the strange, unknown city, the insolent followers, her own helplessness. With both hands she flung aside her shroud ing veil, and springing forward cried out in a voice strangely thrilled by joy and grief, by hope and fear : "Conway ! oh, Conway Searlo, speak to ; mo.

At this sudden address,, these words rticulated with such unconscious passion, le gentleman started, and, turning deadly >alo, stared into her face like one oon rontedby a ghost "Conway !" implored she, but this timo n a feeble, uncertain voice. .: ■*

A sullen rush of angry rod swept off tho >allor of his face. "I bog your pardon, madam. No such xirnon lives hero. My name is Curie; allow 10 to pass, please," he said, haughtily.

Ho was descending the steps, while 6ho, aint, sick, and giddy, feeling aa if blio wore tossing in some swirl of angry water, oaned against the doorway, mute and lolnless. Was it a twinge of remorse, or involuntary compassion, that made him pause and turn o say in a gentler tone : "Is there anything I can do for you? Aro you in distress or need !"

Her grave, deep eyes woro on his faoe. She half stretched out her hand whoso ingers still clenched their hold of Lady lortouso Mildmay's card. " I am a stranger in London, and I have jeon looking for tho square of this ad iroßS."

He Mushed again as ho road tho card, and stood a moment, gnawing his lip« fiercely. Then ho came back, and called at the still opened doorway :

" Pierre,"adding the moment a. respectful voice responded from within, "ring tho roar bell for Jim to come around to tho front door with the carriage. Wait a moment, Miss Yerrington, and my carriage shall take you to your destination." " You know my name," she said wonder inply, "and vet " " And yet I am not Conway Searlo,"' lie answered gravely. She drew one long, quivering sigh. " No," she said, slowly, wearily, and yet solemnly, "you are not Conway Searlo, 1 know it now." A flash of relief brightened his face.

"Thank yon. it is something to have one person admit that. Shall you tell—tho lady you will visit there as much V Did she send for you." " She asked me to come." " Tell her that I helped you obey her summons. And here is tho carriage. Jim, drive carefully, and take this lady to Mild may House, ami wait her movements and orders afterward. I shall not need you to day myself." lie put her info the carriage with tender arid respectf::l attention. She watched liim with eye* misting over, her lips all a " So like, so very like." she murmured. " P.nt not Conway Searle—you are sure of that V" i:e asked again, leaning forward into the carriage, a irnrve smile lighting up his handsome iV.ee. Helena Yerrington p.i'sed her hand across her forehead with r. slow, bewildered lnove " Can Ibe sure ? Yes, oh, yes, my heart is a truer guide than these dazzled eyes. You are iwl my Conway !" His smile was triumphant and fairly ilazr.ling now, and he watched the carriage move away until it turned the corner. The two young loiterer- on tho other side of the way and the cloaked soldier figure behind them turned away after the carriage, with faee= heiraving their chagrin and humiliation. Konrade Karlo gave them a careless ■J.'iTio'.-, i;n''on>cious that they had any ■*»*?"' "To-hhV; ~.'!'-..'-J'SSfn eagerly": "This Helena Yerrihirton will do more for my eau*e than a hundred lawyers. Hortenso is no true woman if she does not abide her judgment in the face of all their Taffy insif.iatif.-w. 1 would never havo believed tha. her coming would give me r-.m.-e for thunS;-giving, but 1 do rejoice tli.it she is her.. An.l vet, true, faithful noble heart, h'^erue] is all this for her! I'oor Helenn. l\r"l Helena: ir is a f-erv trial indeed." <j .

CHAI., fell .Mil. .-l^rni c.vsiiaki.n. Lahy HiVr.TF.vsE. leaning wearily atrainst the great arched window of ttie upper hall at Mild may House. saw the well-known carriage turning into the street, and sprang tohor feet, tlu-'hing roseate to the very tips of her delicate ears. • ' ,

" Konrade is coming again !" she cried, far more in joy than nhjrer, though she hnd proudly commanded him to wait her Rinfimon.s beforo appearing there again. This seat, amid the shrouding drapery of the upper window, had been her favourite resort of late. All her listless wimderinjrs over the house ended there, and there fhe would sit, day after dfiy. watching wearily the shifting panora ma of the struct views. Xot looking for Konrade Earle's coming? Oh, no! she would never acknowledge that toher will ful, haughty heart, but the sudden rush of throbbing joy that came over her at sight of the fumiliitr carriage revealed the secret.

Holding fast to the silken drapery that (lowed about the window and concealed her own tiny figure, Lady Hortense bent down ami Matched the carriage door open, and sank back with a sharp .cry of pain and astonishment when she saw the solitary female figure alight.

The name that was presently brought to her gave her first intimation of the identity of lier visitor.

"Helena Yerrington—in Konrado's carnage !" she raurmered then, in bewild ered tones.

The two ideas, taken in conjunction, seemed to drive away nil others. She had just sense enough to order tho visitor shown toher private parlour, and then fell again into a maze of bewildered conjecture, which was hardly broken when Helena's pale, grave face presented itself before her.

The latter was so touching in its yearn ing sadness that for an instant the warm hearted Hortense forgot her own trouble in sisterly compassion. She drew forward an easy-chair hastily. "Sit down, Miss Yorrington. You look tired and ill; lam very glad to sce^you at last. I have watched impatiently for your coming." '' I nave only been in London two days. I came as soon as possible," returned Helena.

And thon there fell upon them an odd con straint, and the two sat looking at each othor's fair and agitated face in vaguo dis trust.

It was Hortcnso who found voioe first.

" Well, Miss Yorrington, havo you brought me any solution of our romantic little mystery? she asked, tho shaking voice belaying the coldness of the words chosen.

"Of mine—none at all," answered Helena, clawing her hands together with a passion that hinted of tho repressed anguish. "Of yours, I trust thero needs no explanation. I have seen your Konrade Earlo. Strangely enough, lie came to' my assistance today. It was his carriage which brought mo here." "Tell me about it,"said Hortense, in her pretty imperious way, sinking down on tho velvet cushion at the foot of tho easy-chair, and resting one hand on Helena's lap. And Helena, in clear, conciso language, related what had taken place. Lady Hortensc caught one sharp-drawn breath before she said :

"You called upon him thon, you op poalcd to him as Ccnway Scarlo, you bo

lieved him tdilje youplover, ijiss Yerjjjjg ton." ', '-">, :li. s.-i \ J|P I " Ah, yos ; Upr thrjj moment It was so • terrified, and hebipame U|Km uieYßo sttdd&nly. "k Andjfcfcey oro ao likei-bo very- like. -But t wdion "fib did not answer "as Conway would haye^OTwered, I- knew the difference."- - The crimson lip curled as' Hortehso" re turned*'fiercely : " But if he wore tho villain they declare him, to*be, he would not answer thus. Your argument is very weak. And you admit that he knew you, that he called your name before you gave him any hint. Oh ! Helena Yerrington, all your evidence is against him I" " No," answored Heleua gontly but firmly, " it is not against him, for he is not Conway." " Sir Frederic will say it is, and so will Mr Harris, and the lost, at least, is a cool, unprejudiced judge," reiterated Hortonso. "But you and I may know better," said Helena, with a wan smile. " True love is not to be doooived. You surely aro sure of , your Konrado. I shall not be doceived in my Conway. Conway Searlo loved mo truly. Do you think I will allow any ovi- i deuce to prove him false when my heart as sures me of his truth!" _ , , , ; "I makono pretence tosueh heroic trust," declared Hortense, shaking hor head drearily. "I begin to bhiuk lamof a jealous nature, for every added evidence sinks moro deeply my conviction of his treachery. Besides, look and see how often tho truest love is basely deceived. You cannot trust any man in your blind fashion, j Helena Yorrington. Every sensible person will assure you of that." "But I could trust Conway Searle," ro- ! peatocl Helena, proudly. "If his had been j so base and treacherous a nature, do you think I should have loved him so? No, no ; j lovely, and highborn, and wealthy though I you are, Lady llortens.o, you could not have [ won Conway Searle away from me. And this lover of yours, though I own that he is his living, breathing image, is nut Conway Searle. She spoko slowly, firmly, the clear tones I deepening into solemn coviption as. shocou- ' eluded. My lady looked at her wouderingly, wist fully, admiringly, and then hurst into a passion of tears, and sinking down ag.ain upon the cushions, buried her lovely face in her hands. "If I might believe you. Oh, if 1 might believe you !" she moaned. And then starting up, site paced to am! fro, her hot tear.- drying on the scarlet cheeks as she cried : " Hut I should be an idiot to believe it in the face of all this black evidence —of his own silence —the dreadful proofs of his soerot journeys to America.. You do not know all. You must see this Harris and hear the whole. How comes Ivonrade Earlo

with your picture, Miss Yerrington j And 1 myself can take oatli that he, carries your

picture. Ob, I will not allow myself to bo his silly dupe ! I'crhap.s even your coming is a part of liir artitice. 110 ha.s won you to

his sido, and think.- ] fliuU accept your verdict blindly. Konrade Eaile and Oonwuy Senrlo are one and the same. I cannot deny that I believu it."

" Hush I" interposed Helena, with a diguilied authority her ludythip could not ignore. " Konrado Eiule, Uie highborn

Englishman, U naught to w.>, but Con way

■Suurle, v noble gentleman who pledged his Liuiih to mo, must not be- blundered in my

iiortease laughed bitterly

'•Yet ho hits breathod a.« passionate iovu vows to me—to me ' lio has daretl ducoivo Lady Hortense ilildiuay. Ou you think a woman's outraged juide forgiven thut ? Thick of it—wo havo Ik.Ui believed in him, trusted him, idolised him ! Oh, it i* in tolerable:"

And tho ."light, fairy figure Hew backward and forward hofore the silent visitor, more than ever like ,-. bird in it* -v.-ift, impetuous mevoments, darting here and there in a feverish unre-t that dazed and distressed the wide, grave eve- watching her. Suddenly it paused befuru her.

" How still am! *olemn you are, Helena Yerrington. I.- there no resentment in your nature?"

"Not for Cor.wny Soarlo," answered Helena. "But, oh,":!!:! I never to find him ?''

" What blind, Wind faith ! And yet—l envy you," said her ladyship. " But what shall we doV Shall I send for Mr Harris?"

"If you give me his address, I can geo him for myself.'"

" No ; I would rather you met him in my presence. It is time for me to put away all scruple-. I -will .-end for him nt once. And, if you can, will you tell us your story, while we are waiting ? My grandmother must hear of all this, and that will be tho wiser way. She shall judge him, and Kon rade will never dare deny tho righteous ness of her verdict."

She rang the bell while she was speaking, and gave her orders, and presently brought in upon her arm the gracious, stately lady whose presence was such a soothing benedic tion, even upon the stormiest scene. "This 'v Helena Yerrington, grand mamma, and she will tell her story to us now," was all the introduction given. " And tell it truthfully, I know," said (he dowager. "Itis a good face, nnd true." She laid that white, patrician hand tenderly upon Helena Yerrington's droop ing head ere she seated herself on tho chair beside her. Hortense sank down upon the pile of cushions at their feet, and holding fast tho other hand, with her eyes fixed on Helena's face, listened.

The story was told simply, and yot with an unconscious pathos beyond any studied eloquence.

"My poor child !" said tho dowager, when it was done, and loaning forward, kissed her.

At which Helena's tears fell softly. But tho eyes of Hortense were dry and fevor ish.

" Now you mu3t hear about my hasty run to Liverpool, and tho visit to tho steamer. 1 had an object in my visit to tho Ashcourta, grandma, dear," »ho said. And almost as soon as sho finished camo tho servant's knock outside.

" Show tho gentleman in abonce, Fanny." Chester Harris stared In amazement when his eyes fell upon the third lady. " Miss Yorrington ! Is it possible?—and hero ?" he stammered.

"Andarrayed on Konrado Barle's side. But all that will ho explained by-and-by," said Hortense, curtly. "What my grand mother wants is for you to go ovor your set of arguments briefly and truthfully. Let Miss Yerrington hear also why you believe Konrado Earle and Conway Searle to be one and the samo man."

And again the throe women listened to another version of tho samo sad story. Lady Hortenee kept her eyes on Helena's face.

(To be continued.)

NECK OR NOTHING.

[By HEDJN W. PIEKSON.]

The night was a.silent, ,t>aliny one in, early autumn—not too warm"?of lights, and emi nently adapted for literary work. Mr Hugh Sothern, a gentleman who was rich enough to indulge in any whim—a sort of dilettante in literature—was engaged in ndding a page or two to his great work on ".Rational Progress." Being so happily endowed by fortune, he was haunted by no fiend demanding copy. Ho could wait for fleeting moods and the glow of inspiration ; so that ho thoroughly onjoyed his work. By tho light of tho Argand burner, ho was soon to be a well-preserved man of fifty, with a bald hoad, kindly eyes, and a bono volent expression. There was hardly a sound to be heard, savo now and then when an over-ripe apple plumped upon tho grass, or a light step moved overhead. " 1 wonder if .lean feels bored in this vory quiet, placo ?" Mr Sothern thought, us ho hoard a stop in ono of his pauses. " She is thinking of that adventuror, I'll be bound. No, no, my girl; I can't give you and your hundred thousand to a fortuno hunter. Your poor father thought of this when he put you in my charge, and made it one of the conditions of tho will that you could not many without my consent till you were twenty-five. Only eighteen yet, my dear, and too full of romance to make a wise choice. I won't listen to it—l won't havo him coining here. I've never seen him, but I know what ho is. If he'll servo seven years for her she can do as she likes, but till then " The gentleman became absorbed in his writing again for a while. "Thore! I'vo demonstrated that!" he said, with satisfaction. "No ono can ask, 'Am Imy brother's keeper ?' AYe are .all brothers :we all hold in charge. Hello ' what's that!" A decided crash in one. of the. trees near the window had arrested Mr Sothern's attention. "Ha! thi't's my Newton pippin. Now, why in the deuco couldn't the thief have contented himself with Baldwins? There are plenty of them, and why does he break my trees ?" Another splintering of a bough is heard. "Jerusalem! I can't stand this!" cried the gentleman, throwing down his pen ; " 1 don't begrudge an apple to any one, but such wilful destruction of property -" Mr Sothern opened his door and looked

out. The moonlight foil full upon tho aeenc, md he started forward with ;i cry. There

wa.-< a rope fastened to tho branch of a tn* find suspended to i!ie roj>o—;.'ood heavens Our phil.'uithropi.'t did not lie^itale a

moment. In a flash be hlid f:ut down a strange sort of fruit from this- tree 6f Nuw ton pippins—a young man who had appar ently gone very much to seed.

" Hello !" he cried, as the young man tumbled against him, "what do you moan by hanpaj voiirsclf right at my very door-

step? It's a liberty, sir—l won't have it

it injures tho fives!" Tho young raun marie no answer.

" Well, tl.i- is n pretty predicament •" fumed Mr bothorn. " I hope uiy wife or •10.-in may not hear Rnythinf—perhaps he's dcaci. How horrible for the public to be coming here to die at my door ! I'm a philanthropist, hut T don't want to havo funemU for cvoryiiody. Young man, see here, speak; my something. While sayin" thi.«, the embnrnmscd philanthropic dragirail tho .'wTiiindy innnimiita form of tho young man into his lighted room, and dropped him into tlie nearest armchair. "He don't move ! Good hcavons ' Here s a go. It.'s -iio light matter to have n murdered man in one's house: I'll take the rop..i oil his neck, at any rate." lMr Sothern aceordinglydid *o with hands that shook ana a heart that beat vorv ropidly. " Why hore.'s :, queer thing ! Tho rope hasn t left even a mark on his ner:k ! Well I suppose the poor wretch uovorhußg him solf before and so marie a bungle of it. I dare say even in hanging practice makes perfect. So he isn't dead, at any rate ; I'll throw Rome water in hi.n facu." Looking about him Mr Sothern could nee nothing but a bouquet which - stood in a glass of water on the toblo. Ho dashed that at once in the face of the still inotion le6H figure k> the chair. Tho remedy proved effectual. Tho young man starts, dashes some long wet locks from his forehead, and moans : " Where am I?" "Where you have no right to be," said Mr Sothern sternly. " What do you mean BJr, by trespassing ?" "Oh !" oxclaimed tho young man, angrily ; " I sec, you cut mo down." " 1 did, sir." " And what right had you to interfere?" Mr Sothern was transfixed by this view of the caso. " ltight, sir '.'" he faltered. "I had good reasons for dying, sir I" ex claimed tho young man, rising and looking luncmly at his preserver. " 1 had finished with life, lovo, hope, fortuno—all gone— and you daro to interfere ! You bring mo back to a world to which I havo said good bye. What do you intond to do now, sir?" "Nothing I" exclaimed Mr Sothern. _ "What! you give mo back my life and intend to do nothing for mo ! Why, I am yours—my Hfo is yours—it is your gift. You are bound to givo mo happiness— everything I" " Oh, that's too largo a contract!" cx claimod MrSothorn, shrinking away with tho sensation that ho had to deal with a vory peculiar person. 1 Oh no ! You havo heard of Franken stein—beware ! You have created me ! But I know you will not shirk tho conse quences of your action. You will make me happy. You havo recalled me to this world that I may taste that olUir called happiness for which I hare thirsted all my life. Oh ! my preserver 1" He rushes at Sothern, and nearly strangles him in an embrace. He is extremely needy and unkempt. There ia an amount of garden mould on his clothing, as woll as various other blotches that suggest beer. He had evidently not been shaved for several years. '• Keep off, sir," cries Mr Sothern, repul sing him. "I must. How can I help it when I think of what you have dono and what you are going to do—" " What I am going to do—" " Of course ; to rehabilitate me, to mako me a new man. lam a new man from this hour—now fortune, now love* Have you a daughter, sir?" " No, I havo not t" (rery decidedly and thankfully). "If you had—oh, if you had I" cried the young man with kindling eyes, "I would say, ' Oh, child of my deliverer, take me ! mylifebolongs to him, consequently to you. Oh, let mo immolate myHolf for you.' " "Tho man is clean daft," thought Mr Sothorn, looking uneasily at the boll rope. "I must deal gently -with him. I made a groat mistake in cutting him down. If I ■woro not a philnnthropiHt I phould say lot him hang, and be hanged to him."

TSTAR SATtttfß^l''^ClVlffl;Mß|rr,,fs|EßEtr^ipY'|^|f^Bßj| y~\

rr



JIATIITUAI. CON3TII-ATION-, thO CftUSO Of BO mucli discomfort and bo many troublesome ail monls, can lie relieved by nolliiiiK safer, nml uioro ellcctual than Caalor Oil in repeated small doses, its nauseous flavourboinpthii only draw back. Allen and Hanhuiit'h now procesaof. m^nufacturecomplotcly obviates this, and thoro is now no more palalablo aperient than the A. and H. "Tttatploas" Castor Oil abaknn up In warm milk. At Is 3d and 23. Sola by Gkavks AICKIK, The Pharmacy; and J. A. 1-o.nd, Homuo. Chemist, Quecn-strcot. Ask for tho "A, and H." brand.-f Advt.l