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

By CHARLES T. MANNERS, AUTHOK OF The Lord of Lyle," " Octavia's Pride." " Tho Wcnkarno Emeralds." "The Flaw in tho Diamond," " IJruKging Him Down," "A Silver Brand," &c. &c.

CHAPTKR 111. .lila AstiNwall,the head of the legal firm of -which Conway Searlo had recently been admitted a member, lost no time in redeem ing his promise to Helena that every effort should be mado to unravel the mystery that surrounded the young man's extraordinary disappearance. Finding no trace of him -at his rooms, the lawyer betook himself to the otiice of Christopher Stone, an old lawyer, and chief of tho detective depart ment, and inquiries weroquickly in progress to trace every stage of Conroy Seurle's movements on the eventful day. The zeal of the searchers was stimulated by the oiler of a reward of §10,000 for the discovery of the missing man. The tempting prize drew many recruits in the service, but old Christopher Stone placed hi- greatest faith in Chester Harris, a young and enthusiastic oflicer whose zeal he knew to be whetted l>y the hope of winning not only the money prize, but with it the hand of Mary Con verse, whoso winsome face and cheerful smile had gained from old Christopher Stone :\ fatherly interest in the hopes of the 3'oung lovers. -Meanwhile still another aspirant for tho large reward ollered put in his claims at Christopher Stone's office. A bitr, burly fellow, witli .1 rough shock of unkempt sandy hair, and a florid fan:, and uncouth, clownish manners, came in unceremoniously placard in hand, and' advanced upon the startled old lawyer. " Look-a-here, now: is this 'ere honour brightand up to its word ? If.-, feller brings yer jestthe truth about tho chap, living or dead, is lie to have this money ':" "Certainly," responded' Christopher, briskly. " Have you brought news of him ?" "Not as I knows of. But 1 am going to do it, you sec I was a thinking it over, and I'm powerfully inclined to try it. Could you show .1 feller the man's pietur' to help him along '.•'' Christopher Stone eyed him with a grand smile.

" Oh. you arc setting out to earn the re ward offered. I take it you are not exactly a professional detective. An amateur, tempted by the generous sum of money to bo gained. Humph ! Well, Jiothing venture, nothing have. I don't know that your efforts would hurt anything. Only you understand, you receive nothing what ever in case of failure, which is' rather a poor inducement."

His sarcastic tones in nowise affected the visitor. The latter lifted one red freckled hand, and drew it slowly to and fro across his chin, while lie returned :

" I calkerlated on that. 1 reckon I'm gnod for earning my keep, tumble inodown where you've a mind to. I've a knack at "turning my hand at most anything that conies, and I'll pay my way as 1 go, some how."

There was n frank honesty about the man that pleased Christopher Stone. Besides he was a curious observer of character always, anil here was evidently an original specimen.

"Sit down, my friend," enid he, with a sudden cordiality of manner that would have ustonwheel those only acquainted with his ordinary brusque ways. "Sit down and tell me how you came to think of under taking this thing, for it is rather a bold thing to plan, it seems to me, and hardly in your line. You haven't told me your name yet."

".Josiah Green, at your service. Si Green mostly at hum. But that's neither here nor there," returned his visitor, scraping off his coarse straw hat, and thereby tumbling a yellow silk handkerchief upon the lloor, which lie picked up promptly, however, and mopped across his steamy forehead before lie took the oiVered chair. " 1 saw the thing in the paper, and what struck me powerfully was that there 'ere reward was jest the pile o' money I've been hunkering after for six months back."

"It would buy, 1 suppose, what some folks would consider quite a little farm," -said Christopher, meditatively.

" I reckon it might, but that's nothing to me, sir. It ain't a farm I want—there's time enough for me to earn that in the plain way. It's just that sum in yellow gold that looks to powerful tempting, and it ain't on my own account nuther."

" Oh, certainly, 1 understand ; there's a buxom lass in the question. Of course there is—there always i->. Men will always Ije fools, the most of them," quoth Christo pher, angrily.

" I don't know nothing about that. But you ain't so sharp an I kinder expected on ye. It's no farm nor no woman that tempts Si (ireen about these times. But I'll tell ye plain. I hain't no hand to hide things as has a right to see daylight. I've got a little brother—such a purty gentleman-like little chap ye never see. And lie nor I hain't father nor mother, nor sister, only our two selves, and he's only fourteen now, and feeble like and puny ; but he's got a great hankering after a painter's trade— that "ere painting, you know, as gives the rich folks portraits and picture., lv hang in their grand rooms. And a feller as come round our way. to paint the woods and fields there, says the lnd lias a right to his hanker ing, and' li.-is got the genius for it,. And thin painter's made a lot of my little Frank, and took to him wonderfully. And he's going oil' next fall to where they make the bif ones of that 'ere trade, over the ocean, you know. And he's offered for jest that ;ere sum to take the boy with him, and keep him, find mako of him what ho longs to be. And my little lad is wild for it. And I'm ■wild to give him his way." The man paused, and drew the great red hand across his light blue eyes. But there ■was a genuine goodness, a tender emotion, ■upon the homely face that lent it a beauty of its- own.

" And that is why you start on this wild goose chase, eh?" said Christopher, growing gruff, as was his wont when in any way .softened at heart. "You're the biggest fool of all. Say, you make tho lad into a great painter, and a rich man oven, you'll bo putting him further oil' from yourself, don't you see that? You're fond of him now, and lie's fond of you. "

"The mother that bore him couldn't ha' loved him truer, sir, I don't believe. "Why, an' hain't I been mother and lather both for the poor sickly chap? And he's pot n loving heart for me. I ain't .ashamed to say I've set and blubbered many a time when he was sick and wouldn't f»o to sleep no other way than in my lap, with his two arms tight round my neck. Yen, sir, I love I'rank botter'n all the rest of the world, nnd he set* a heap by me, too. 1 know he docs."

"Do you mean to go with him over tho sea ?"

Tl'- broad, clownish face was turned awtjTJuickly, that the stranger might not see tho quiver that ran across it at tho question. It was a moment or two ere the answer came, low and husky.

" There haint no kind o chance o'that. I couldn't earn much over there, for I ain't like Frank—hie mother was a real lady in eddication, and mine was of my sort, such aa you can see, and I'm too thickheaded to ever learn foreign lingo. No, I've gcii to wait, tho best I can, till ho comes home again. But I reckon I can bear it when I know it to be the making of him. You don't think I hain't man enough for that, I hope." "And supposing he comos back ashamed to own you, man! You see that ho will grow into a very different life. There's been baser ingratitude than that—plenty of it in tho world."

One long, deep quiver shook the brawny breast, but the rough head went up proudly.

" I ain't a-going to think any such thing of the boy. But if I did, if I knowod it would be so, I should send him just the same, if I could get the money. I told you I loved him as his mother would, and it ain't a mother's way to be looking after what cjmes back in pay, is it 1!"

"I'll give you all the minutes of the case that the others have," said Christopher Stone, abruptly. " But I want to know what makes you think you can do such work ?"

" Waul," answered Si Green, giving his burly frame such a shako as a Newfound land uog does when coming from the water, as though in that way relieving himself of the unwonted emotion. "The store was broken into in our village, and Squire Bemis had out some of your fellows here, but, la sake? ! what they did didn't amount to a row o' pins, and it was made a great mystery. But I knowcd a little, by acci dent like, and I took a notion to follow it up. I've got one good quality for this busi ness, you'll allow, sir, I reckon, an' that is I stick. I hain't Hopped first this way and then that, but I allors did hold on to" any thing- I took up. But I'll toll you the whole story about my folleriiig 'em up one dark night, arter I got a pretty big bruise, too, and tracking the band to the cave, and bringing every mother"? son of 'cm to justice. The squire s;ivo me what 1 thought was a mighty big sum of money, but it haint' a circumstance here, I'll allow. Well, it is that 'ere as set me to thinking what 1 might do for Frank the minute I clapped my eyes on this 'ere paper.' same

Ho told the rest of the story in the simple rough way, but Christopher heard it patiently and with deepened respect.

When lie saw Chester Harris, the next day, lie slapped him on tho shoulder, saying, warmly :

'■ Look out for your laurels, Harris. You have a rival in the Hold. There's another detective working up the case."

"Ah, but 1 don't believe ho has quite so powerful an interest in his success. I don't think lio will work quite so zealously," re plied the young man, smiling. Old Christopher shook his queer old head and the sharp, ferret eyes twinkled.

"I don t know about that, sirrah, 1 don't know about that. I said rival, and that moans a foeman worthy of your steel."

CHAPTER IV. Till: LOCKET. " A wkek to-day, Charles,"said MrsMnrch mont, in the most dreamy and lachrymose tone. "I think it seems a month, and all I wonder is if Helena—" She was stopped abruptly by her brother's warning gesture and ready " hush !"

Helena Yerrington was just closing the door of the cosy breakfast-parlour. Had she heard the words 2 If so, only that soft, low sigh gave intimation of it. She came forward with a calm "Good morning,I'and slipped quietly into her seat at the table.

From over the silver col Foe service the hostess gave a, sharp, scrutinising glance. She was pale, and very quiet and still, but with every added day of suspense a new strength and courage sccmod to grow within her.

On this very morning, when, according to Mrs Marchmont's romantic ideas, she should have been utterly prostrated, de spairing, and wretched, or forgetful, re conciled, and gay again, she looked over to her guardian, an soon as she had pushed away her plate, with wide, earnest eyes, which shone with a new brightness of hope and determination, and said, soberly :

"Mr Stone promised to give us the re sult of his investigations poait'vely in a week's time. Pd you think we may expect him or be summoned to his oltice to-day, guardy ? I hope that he will not fail to ful fil his promise."

"I have received a brief message from him. He thinks it better for them to come hero than for you to be away there in his public office, and I cjuito agree with him," answered the colonel, balancing his egg spoon on the delicate crystal cup. "He wonders what expectations you luivo con cerning the matter ; and so do I, my child. Ido not quite understand you. I think, almost, that you are more hopeful than you were."

" So I am, sir," was her prompt response, and her clear, truthful eyes goughthis, fear lessly. "And indeed ought I not to be? At first I was all the time trembling, expect ing, fearing that every moment his mangled body would be brought before us. Every day thatfailedtobringthat, strength ened my hope and trust that he is still alive."

"And the certainty of that—will it cive you unalloyed pleasure';" asked Colonel Rivers, hastily. "I belicvu, with you, that there has been no murder : and if wo establish that fact, do you fail to sou what: it proves? 1 wish to prepare you a little, dear Helena, to save you a shock."

"It proves somo base plot against his liberty—that lie has been kidnapped into ;i den of thieves, or been mistaken foranothor person, or . There arc a dozen things it might mean, guardian," responded she, quickly.

And she rose from her chair and followed him, when lie sprang up and walked to the window hastily.

" Colonel Rivers—-guardy !"' she Paid, touching his sleeve lightly. tie turned, took her hand, and led her into the next apartment, where there was security from the interruption of curious and gossiping ?ervant«. Still holding her hand in his, he looked down into her face with wistful eyes that, veiled their fiery passion beneath the guar dian's affectionate smile.

"Helena, my dear child, since your father, my dear old friend, left his lovely daughter to my protecting care, do you think I havo ever refused to act in what I dcemod the most truly wise way to ensure her happiness':" "No, guardian, no," answosed the girl tremulously. " Do you believe mo when I say I would rather cut ofTthi.s right hand of mine than allow it to make any movement to tend to your injury or discredit!" " Yes, guardy," in etill lower tones. " Then trußt me now, Helena 1" ho cried out, sharply. " Lcaro this matter to dio as it will. Send off these men to-day, when you have heard their story, and leave to Aspinwall all further orders for investiga

tion. For you—do you drop this man's name from your lips, drive his imago from your heart, scourgo his memory from your thoughts, even, if it bo possible."

She grew very pale, almost liko marblo, under this passionate appeal; tho pupils of tho.se largo, solemn-looking oyos widened and deepened as under some black cloud which swept between them and tho warm sunlight. Slowly sho drew her cold hands away from his fierce grasp, and s.poke hoarsoly :

" I will say nothing until I have heard their story. Don't ask mo to commit myself until I have heard their story."

She turned swiftly and ran away_ to hor own chamber, and, after fastening tho door behind her, flung herself upon her knees by tho bodsido and buried her face in the pillow.

A groat fear and trembling had fallen upon her—the wild terror of a namoless foreboding, and for a little time its storm of tears and sighs shook hor piti lessly.

It was the servant's call outside tho door which roused and calmed her.

"If you please, Miss Y'errington, tho colonel asked me to tell you that tho gontle men are waiting in the library."

Helena sprang up, dashed cold water across her tear-swollen oyes and aching forehead, smoothed out her tumbled waves of silky hair, and obeyed tho summons promptly.

It was more of an ordeal than she had anticipated to enter the library, from which came the low murmur of eagor voices, and ns she pushed open the door desperately and perceived that tho expected group was augmented by Aspinwull's presence and another stranger's, she caught a uorvous fluttering breath and wavored slightly in her walk.

Colonel Rivers hurried forward to set her a chair, and to look anxiously in her face, and whisper:

" You may spare yourself if you choose, Helena. .1 will hear the whole, and report it accurately."

"No, no. equal to it.

answered she, firmly. "lam I am already better."

And sho bowed gravely to the salutation so respectfully ollered by all. Respectful and full of compassion—she read that on every face.

"Mydear young lady," said MrAspinwall, in a low voice, while" he took the seat bo side her, "are you really determined to pursue thin case further ? lam afraid you will bo deeply wounded. Could not your guardian—■'"

"I wish to hear all. I could not bear to have any truth withheld, sir. Is there any thing so dreadful to tell ? Colonel Pavers assured me that you all believed him alive," was answered with tolerable steadiness.

" 1 don't know what to believe," answered he: "all my previous convictions seem to bo so shaken up and disturbed."

Christopher Stone coughed dryly before he asked :—

" Do 1 understand, Miss Yorrington, thnt you wish a full statement of our discoveries and theory to-day?''

'• Yes, sir, that I insist upon it."

And as .she said it. Helena's eyes turned wistfully toward Chester Harris. Ho who had shared her faith and hope before, surely lie would still sustain her. But his eyes fell before her mute inquiry, and a deep (lush mounted to his forehead. Still more heavily sank that sorely-tried young heart, but she only locked "her hands together fiercely, and steeled herself to command her Christopher Stone took out his memoran dum-bonk, and, opening it ut tho letters, read aloud : "Farts in favour of the absence of Con urag Slavic through some agency beyond his oicn control. " let. His natural wish to return with tho flowers to the lady, since, had he any sud den objection to the engagement, lie would not have gone to the gardens at all.

"2nd. The leaving of ,-i valuable animal, his own, in the hands of a street boy. }le might havo gone on foot or by other con veyance quite ad well. The natural thing would have been disposing of tho animal or leaving him undisturbed at his quarters. " 3rd.'lnvestigation at his rooms shows no sign of premeditated exit, unless the miniature might bo constructed so. On the contrary, he ran back to charge his landlady to see that certain evening-dress garments were in readiness, looking as if he expected to attend the party where Miss Y. was to meet him. Valuable trinkets were also left behind.

"•4th. His arrangements with Mr Aspin wall. A man meditating such an escapade would hardly set his hours so closely, but would seek to^gain more time to cover his movements.

"sth. The purchase of the pansios. If he did not intend to bring them to the lady, why delay to purchaso ?

" Generally. The fine character of tho gentleman, as all who know him cheerfully testify. ■ Most of all, the absence of any de cided motive."

As ho finished this column he lifted his eyes, and met those of Helena Yerrington fixed upon him with a rapt, intense gazo. He ligeted a moment in his chair, and cleared his throat twice before he turned to the other column. But once commenced, he read on in his usual dry, matter of-fact, tone : " Facts which suggest a voluntary dis appearance. "Ist. Tho withdrawal on tho day pro - viousofall funds in the city banks. A fact beyond contesting. "2nd. Closo inquiries which ho made a fow days before concerning the changed in tention of that relative of Miss Yorrington's who was supposed lo bo sure of making the lady her heiress. His evident emotion when infoimed thai tho relative had an nounced v difl'dront way of disposing of her properly. ":i<l. Tho testimony of the company's clerk, that n young gentleman answering perfectly to Scnrl»S< description, and sworn to Iju thu same as flic miniature exhibited to him, bought, a ticket two weeks ago for tho ncNt English steamer's passage nndcr the name of Konr.ido Earle ; that lie probably sailed in her that very morning, having just time, by cur best calculations, to leave the garden and rush thither/ The last words fell slowly and solemnly from his lips-. Every eye there was turned upon Helena Ycrrington's face. Marble could scarcely look colder or whiter ; but those sternly, beautiful eyes lit up with a grand indignation. She rose slowly to her foot, forgetting everything else—all maidenly reserve, and timidity, and humiliation—only conscious that a dastardly charge had been brought against her lover, and that theso men wero willing to accept it. "I see now what you all believe," spoke she, in a clear, high voice. "You believe 1 hat Conway Searlc wan a designing, mer cenary villain, who has ignominiously lied to escape fulfilling his engagement with me." No one answered. Aspinwall groaned aloud. Colonel Rivers flushed scarlet, and the others tried to hide the thrill that proud, clear voice brought to them. " Well," she went on, stoadily, " now it becomes mo to tell you my opinion ; and it can be given in a few words. I care not how black your circumstantial evidence

may become, I havo a more powerful, rebut ting testimony with mo always—my |know ledgo of Conway Searle's character, my unswerving faith in his honour and truth, and in his love for me. Ho never deserted mo voluntarily—never !" "My dear, doar young lady !" cried Aspinwall tremulously,

" I will never beliove it until his own lips toll mo so," she interposod (iercoly. " Where is lie? Find him. Prove him skulking away from his promised wife, by means of his discovered presences, before you daro assail his good name. And how weak and flimsy this testimony is ! I, a weak, ignorant girl, can sco it; and are you, shrewd, keen detectives, so ready to accept it ? I tell you Conway Soarle is kept away from me by othor agency than his own. He is truo and faithful to me. Nothing shall make mo untrue to him."

" Helena, my dear child !" exclaimed Colonel Kivers, coming swiftly to her side and taking her hand tendoroly in his. Sho snatched it away, with a shudder.

"You aro all against mo, overy one of yoji. I alono uphold Conway Searlc's honour able name I will go fortii alono to Boarch fo» him. Oh, Mr Harris, I belioved better things of you than that you would desert the causo so speedily." "I havo not deserted it," answorcd Harris, oarnostly. " Beliove rue, if it is still to bo prosecuted, I shall give my best efforts to this search."

"It is to be followed up, certainly," declared Aspinwall. " The reward still stands, und whoever brings us Conwny Searlo, alivo or dead, shall be its rightful owner. Ifj ho is the villain we fear, I think I would givo half my fortune to bring him hero this moment."

"7/," ropoated Helona, scornfully. "Have you known him true, and good, and honourable always.and yet doubt him at the first evil accusation where he cannot answer for himself? Does friendship mean so little in this treacherous world ?"

" All, Miss Yerrington, you are fresh and innocent, and wo have seen such sad falls of more shining lights even than ho. But I honour you for your faithfulness. Imn almost ashamed of ray own lack of it. But I have considered the circumstances—"

" They are delusive," returned she, hotly. " To show you how little weight they have with me, I tell you that there in tho garden I alluded playfully to my lost fortune, and that I saw an inoxplioable look cross his face, as if ho had some thought or know ledge about it which was hidden from me ; but I know, at tho proper time, he would have explained it. 1 know lie had no treacherous plan in his mind, for ho looked fearlessly into ray eyes, and told me that my love was the richest fortune he could desire."

A glance was exchanged between the others.

" Well," broke in Christopher Stono, " if the thing is to bo followed up, we may as well gather together all the particulars. The locket and picture belong to Miss Yerrington, but there have been copies taken of tho latter. We can each take one if wo please."

"The locket-picture ?" repeated Helena, questioniiigly.

" Ah, I forgot th.it you did not know it. In his chamber wo found a fine likenoss of himself put into a very quaint and evidently costly locket, but one hardly likely to have been purchased i" this country, or at a late date. I found whero and when the picture wan taken, and the artist's attention was drawn to the peculiarity of the rare work manship of the locket, and he spoke to Mr Searle about it when ho brought it for the picture, who paid that it had been left to him, and was almost the only object of value lie possessed that had belonged to his mother. AVo found the locket in his private drawer, with tlio slip of paper around it, just as you see it now."

And Christopher Stone handed her a dull red gold trinket, intricately filigreed and chased, around which was wrapped a slip of paper, on which w?s wr-'tten : "tor Helena—if she will accept it."

Her tremulous fingers could scarcely find the clasp, but at length tho lid Hew open, and Conway Searle's line, manly face smiled up at her from the tinted ivory.

For a single moment the beautiful head dropped low into her clasping hands, and the warm tears rained through them.

Tho gentlemen all turned away. Even unpolished Si Green, whose light, watchful eyes had followed every look and gesture, set his broad back toward her, and began twirling his bigred ringers by way of occupa tion.

Presently tho low, convulsive Fobbing ceased. Tho pale face was lifted proudly. Strangely enough those wonderful eyes shone resplendent with renewed hope—al most, they believed, with solemn joy—as she turned toward them.

" I am glad that you will all see, gentle men, how nroudly and gratefully I ilo accept the gift from that absent hand. You all must perceive, too, that it delegates to me, beyond any questioning, my right to uphold hi« honourable name—my duty to urge every means for his relief. And you would teach me to believe that he has fled away to escape mo." " The dork of tf>e line is willing to swear to tho likeneßS, Hclona," paid Col. Kivers. "We all believe ho has gone in that steamer." "It matters not how many, if all tho world believes it," returned thegirl, fiercely, 111 maintain that, if it is true, ho waa carried away by force, or—ho has left on ex planation which is somehow withheld from mo." Tho colonel turned ghostly pale; he thrust his hand hastily into his breast— whether to hold back somo shnrp pain there, or to touch somo hidden object, one could not nay. But Chester Karris noted it. " Perhaps I ought to tell yon all," spoke Harris, quietly—"that the other night a nigged urchin came to my ofl'ico—" Another quick start from Col. Rivers, which was not lost on him, though Harris wont on, composedly : " A littlo street gamin who haunts the wharves principally, and picks up Micro a precarious living of Romo sort, found upon fhe wtopi leading to the water, whero small boats usually take their passengers, that next day, a withered bunch of what had been once evidently a fine selection of pansios." " Give them to mo—let mo havo them also," cried Helena Yorrington. " Oh, my beloved, are your giftscoming to mo ono by one ? Surely—surely they shall bo crowned by the supreme joy at last, if I only keop my faith strong and pure." Col. Rivers strode to \ho window ngain, with ill-concealed irritation and impatience.

" I don't sco that wo need to detain you any longer, then," said Christopher Stone. "There are two detectives ready to follow up such a track as they can find, both of whom will report to mo promptly when any satisfactory eluo is gained. I shall keep Aspinwall and Miss Yerrington informed of any new development, and hold a general supervision of tho case on my own account. You announce your self ready to proceed to England in tho first steamer that sails. Harris, Mr Aspinwall will sec that you are in funds. You will roport as speodily as possible con cerning tho matter, and about this passen ger, Conrad Earle. Does it strike any of you that tho two names havo a sort of con nection ? Conway Soarle—Conrad Earlo— there is something significant to my mind.

I am very much afraid wo shall find the two names mean one person."

"By hokey, but /don't I" burst forth Si Green.. " 1 never knuwed a woman o'that kind " —nodding toward Miss Yorrington— "but when she got a right down settled conviction, turned out right and straight. Women are qucor croatures, silly and sense less as lions in snowi-timo about common, every-day matters ; that 'ore's tlio truth ; and they take wild notions ; but I'm duin founded allers to see the way the right kind of 'em have of diving right down straight at tho truth without any other soul's seeing a streak of sense to guido 'em. I'm going to do my hunting right here in Amoriky, and I'll let the lady show mo when 1 get oil' trail. I swow to nian that's what I'm going to do !"

Helena, for the first timo, gave him a scrutinising glance. She- camo in a moment and laid her small, soft hand on his broad, rough palm, and said, simply : "Thank you, friend. I shall pray for Heaven's blessing upon your ellorts." Chester Harris felt it when she passed, his chair without a glance, and was con scious of a strong impulse to ask her pardon, as if he had really been guilty of serious olFenco.

Howovor, in a very brief time all the gentlemen followed Christopher Stone's lead, and took their departure, leaving Col. Rivers nlono with his ward. For v little, timo she seemed unconscious of this fact, and he Hat silently watching her grave, ab sorbed face, not during to disturb her thoughts by an irreverent ■pcocll. At last she started up impulsively, and. looked around the room inquiringly. " Ah," said she, "you are here still."

"Yes, Helena. And this has been a try ing sceno for me. If you would only listen to reason, my child, instead of yielding to youthful scntimcntalism, you would tec how much more likely are wo who have seen so much more of this wicked world than you, to judge soberly and impartially in this c.ise. It ha* pained mo deeply, dear Helena—this now wilfulness of yours. Cftii you doubt my desire to do everything to secure your happine.--.-s your best welfare ? Oh, if you would follow my advice in this affair.1'

Ho wondered if she had comprehended the meaning of anything he had said tho next instant; for when he paused she asked, abruptly :

" How much money have I, guardian ? I never cared to know before. Hut in a few months now I shall be of asre, and it is time I took a woman's enro upon me. I havo had my gay, giddy girl's life—how far away it seems now ! But I shall nus-er go back to it. I know I am not to havo -Miss Sophia's money, as every ono thought I should, but what have I of my very own ''."

"Nothing very alarming truly," ho answered, trying to smile naturally. "It costs something to keep a butter fly nowadays. I was wondering when 1 paid up the last quarter if you over stopped to add up the bills Kent hi to mo for feathers and flounces and furbelows. I know you are a litUu economist bosido this extravagant sister of mine, but I suspect wo shall see astonished eyes when thu settle ment comes."

" I have so little thoii !" was .spoken, in a tone of keen disappointment.

" What matter, Helena? Have not I enough? Yon need not curtail your pretty accompaniments of dress and ornament bo causo your own income fails."

But his cart-less laugh jarred on her mood.

" I'lenso let me have an account to morrow. I havo boon such a thoughtless child : forgive me, guardy, and do not bo angry with me."

'"Angry with you! Helena, Helena, will you never kco how de;ir yon nro to mo? answered he, stretching out his amis to her, his whole fnce aflame.

She gave one swift, shrinking glance and flipped through before his arms touched her, vanishing through the door before ho could find a word to say.

He remained an hour walking to and fro, with bent head and knit brows.

Mrs Mareliraont put her head into the room presently. " \\ hat are you doing here alone, Charles? Helena has locked herself in her chamber, and you remain immured. I should like to know if I am of no consequence, and I am dying to know what has beensaid and dune? Well, well, ono can see by your looks that you have had no very enviable time here."

" I have had a taste of purgatory, Clara. Don't finish my torment, with your woman's way of tantalising needle pricks. They have proved clearly enough that the follow left her like a villain, but nothing will convince her. She. only reiterates her confidence in him—her de votion to him. That is all there is to tell. Xow leave me to light out ray angry passions alone." "To be sure. I'm going to the opera presently with Hal Oormont. Thank Heaven I'm not depending on eithur of you for my entertainment, and there are peoplo who value my Bocioty and sympathy. But let me me tell you that thin is not tho sort of lighting that wins." " I'm going to try another sort presently, I swear !" declared the colonel, between his teeth.

At which tho lady laughed, shrugged her shoulders, and closing the door, left him to his dark mood.

CHAPTER VI. TEKriJCXITY. "1 am tho most forlorn, unhappy follow in all (ircat Britain, my Lady Hortenso ; nnd that tlio ono woman for whoso sako I would die any moment lms not the slightest compassion upon mo—nay, that she laughs .•it my distress, makes wanton sport of my agony, that -" A peal of silvery laughter nearly drowned tho last words, and the spo;ikor, n fair-haired, aristocratic-looking youth, who was loaning against a richly sculptured marble mantel, nervously fingering tlio rosily bijouterie upon it, paused abruptly, colouring with angor, wliik^ ho looked over to tho fairy-like creaturo who was liken humming-bird, and had tho bright miry look of one indeed as she leaned over n mammoth stand of blossoming plants set in tho great crystal windows of a luxurious English parlour. "Oh, Freddy, 1 couldn't help it. I didn't moan to bo rudo. 1 beg your pardon, indeed I do. But it was so ridiculous, that lachrymose tone, and tlio forlorn look on your merry face, that—l—" And hero the speaker paused, ami smothered another outburst by putting ft cobweb morsel of a handkerchief against two cheery lips to hide their dimpling gleo. A very futile effort certainly, for the great blue eyes abovo were sparkling and twink ling with mirth. Tho young gentleman's white patrician hand brushed fiercely at tho soft silken mustache, whoso tawny gold arched abovo a pair of girlish lips that trembled a little now with an emotion'deeper than vexation. " Ah, yes, I see. You aro still laughing," cried he, fiercely. "Cruel girl, you will sometimo roceivo your recompense for this heartless conduct. Do not think you aro to escape yoursolf. Indoed if you would take the trouble to investigate, you would find cnuso enough for unoasinoss on your own account,"

"Oh, Freddy, Freddy, I believe you. I am half killed now with these tragedy airs. It is too absurd,."" laughed

STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT, JANUARY 19, 1884.