you can tell him the rest of it if you to reassure her. "There are such a like," with a patronizing wave of the lot of us, don't you know. I'm only hand. 66 Hi, Cissy, there's the second one of thirteen. They have twelve gong going to be sounded;" and away left," and in spite of himself a faint the two dashed to a new excitement. bitterness was perceptible in the young Ah, well! it ill behoves a third per-man's tone. He was saying aloud what son to speak of the brief quarter of an he had often told himself. hour which followed. Lady Evelyn made no reply. "Is-what part of Ceylon is your brother in ?" inquired Barty, gazing at her with a new hope. What if he should meet the brother? Make friends with the brother? Do the brother a good turn? "He died there a few months after he went out." In the silence which followed, the quick, short breathing of each was distinctly audible. They might have known each other all their lives; such a strange, invisible bond had sprung up on the instant between them. Not a word did Barty say. Instead, he let his eyes rest with one long, devouring gaze upon the tenderly drooping face before him, and at length, lifting her eyes, she met his. For an instant she felt inclined to turn away; to move to another part of the room; have no more such confidences and such results; but somehow she did not. She just stood still, and Barty stood beside her. But, womanlike, Evelyn was the first "It was not kind A few explanations. Then, shyly, to recover herself. Lady Evelyn: "We heard of your of me to say that," she murmured great success. Sir Barton and Lady gently. "It was very thoughtless, just Allerton were so pleased. We drank when you are going out, and have come your health at dinner. I was here the to say good-bye and all. I don't know day the news came. How pleased you how I could. But it all came back to must have been; and your parents, me. He was so delighted about going, and all. But I suppose they are - are too," in broken sentences rather unhappy about — about your going?" Barty smiled. "I had once a brother who went to Ceylon," Lady Evelyn's tone lowered; he looked at her and saw her eyes were glistening. "He was glad to go, but for us it was dreadful." Barty smiled no more. "I am so sorry for your father and mother," murmured she softly. "Thank you. Oh, I-I don't think they mind, you know," Barty hastened "and he was - was so very like you. I thought of him the moment I saw you. Do you mind my saying that? He was my favorite brother; we were just everything to each other. Of course I forget him sometimes, but when I think of him -" and the lovely lips trembled and the voice sank away. She held out her hand; neither he nor she quite knew why, but Barty took it, and held it fast. "Forgive me," she whispered; and the next moment hurriedly burst from him, her eyes full of tears, her veins In the end he had a trifling reward. tingling. This was the story of the mauvais quart d'heure Barty Allerton once passed through, and which left its deeply engraven traces on all his after life. When the other people came in, he did not feel fit to talk to them, or to any one. He wanted to be let alone · to think. Mechanically he took up a book, and feigned absorption in it; and luckily the guests who now came trooping in had a great deal to say to each other, and were full of some scheme which had just been started, and about which he as yet knew nothing; so that he was permitted to bury himself ostensibly in his reading, in reality in a delicious dream. The hand which had been so honored slightly trembled. Lady Evelyn did not reappear till after dinner was announced. By that time Barty had begun to watch for her, and listen for her. His heart gave a great throb as she came in, half hiding behind an ample dowager, whose skirts stretched far and wide; and he fancied she kept away from him, and manœuvred to be out of his sight during the long, stately meal. But what did that signify? Had she not said he was like her brother-her favorite brother-the brother who was "just everything" to her? Lady Evelyn Sauterne, passing by Barty Allerton's chair, dropped her fan, and received it again from his hands, and her low-toned "Thank you" lingered with him and supported him until release came, and he had once more the burning hope of getting near her, looking, listening, gathering up the humblest crumbs of notice that fell his way. He sprang up as though a chain had suapped when the gentlemen rose to rejoin the ladies after dinner. But, oh, cruel disappointment! Lady Evelyn was nowhere visible when he entered the drawing-room. Had she vanished already? Was he to see her no more that night? Perhaps she was not strong? She had had to rest after her drive in the afternoon, he remembered. "Mr. Allerton, will you let me show you these photographs? They may interest you as you are going to the East." A few minutes before Evelyn had excused herself from joining in the round game which was being set on foot, on the plea that she wished to show her collection of Eastern photographs to Mr. Allerton, who was likely to be interested in them. This had been assented to immediately. "She is always mad about the East, you know," the girls whispered to each other. "Ever since her brother died there." All through the meal he heard the tender thrill with which the acknowledgment was made; as he gazed blindly in front of him, he saw the "Hum, ah!" said Sir Barton, when drooping eyelids, the flushed cheek, he came in, "showing poor Ralph's the tremulous lip; and when others photographs, is she? Poor girl! laughed and bantered gaily, he never Barty knows to be careful, does he? once heard the sound of her laugh; He'll not say anything to hurt her feeland when he now and again could steal ings?" eying the pair from a distance. a glimpse down the board, he never saw her brows lit up with merriment. Indeed, she was once reproached openly for her pensive mood, and Barty, hearing the charge, caught his breath, but was too far off to note the effect it produced; indeed the glittering repast to which he had looked forward, and which was to others a gay, mirthful feast, was to him a period of feverish suspense, almost maddening in its lengthy duration. Oh, I should let them alone," in answer to a suggestion from his wife. "They seem getting on all right, and if it's any pleasure to her I thought she seemed mopish at dinner-it was that she was thinking of, no doubt; she has never got over poor Ralph's death. It will do her good to be left to Barty for a bit, as she seems to have taken a fancy to him." It never occurred to Sir Barton to reflect that there was one to whom such intercourse might not "do good." | ent he was as well aware as his father He and his were rather in awe of Lady could be that he must bend to the Evelyn, a maiden of high degree, with humor of his fair one, not expect her to whom a family alliance was desirable, bend to his. This, we say, was a bore. but who was somewhat difficult of Now it would be. just the thing if management. "A mettlesome filly, a this young cadet, who had obviously thoroughbred in every fibre!" the old been struck all of a heap at first sight, man termed her; and he was wont to would take Lady Evelyn off his hands caution young and old who had any- every now and then, and leave him thing to do with Lady Evelyn to be- free to have his jokes with gayer folks. ware of "rubbing her up the wrong He wanted to laugh and chaff, and way." keep everybody in a roar. That was Eighteen months previously the his role. It irked him to be forced to young girl had endured her first great moon in a corner, paying his homage sorrow, and this was the first occasion to a chit of a girl who, he half suson which she had visited North Aller-pected, would as soon have been alone; ton Manor since; wherefore every- especially when in the distance he could thing was to be done to soothe and cheer her spirits, and woe betide any unfortunate speaker who in the opinion of host or hostess made an ill-timed allusion or flippant jest. hear echoes of fun into which he could readily have entered. Several of the girls were much better sport than Evelyn Sauterne; much more amusing companions, easier to get on with; and if he might only relax with them at intervals, he would be ready to pursue his Captain Allerton said the governor was absurd upon the point. Really they could not all be expected to re- courtship in the main. member that every word beginning Accordingly, Captain Allerton warmly with a C might have reference to Cey-seconded his father's notions on the lou. And as for Evelyn Sauterne, she was a nice enough girl, and pretty, and all that, but he did wish the governor would not make such a confounded fuss about her. subject. "As you say, sir, Barty is the very man for her. Poor girl! She can't help it, and it's awfully creditable to her and all that, to be so tenderhearted; but I'm not particularly good at the serious dodge myself. Now, if she gets it all out with Barty, and talks away to him about Ralph's dying, and exhibits his tomb (uice, cheerful subject for Barty, ain't it? especially at the present moment), she'll be ready for me when she's in what the poets call the 'lighter vein.'" Even when out of Sir Barton's sight, the young man avowed that he felt hot and cold when conversation would turn upon "spicy breezes," and that sort of thing. It had not been his doing that he had driven Lady Evelyn in the phaeton, though he had acquiesced in the arrangement. He admired the young lady; her appearance, her rank, "Eh? Oh, yes, of course,' "assented. her fortune, were all that he could de- Sir Barton. "Let her talk to Barty sire, ergo, he meant to " go in" for by all means. It won't matter on her, in his own phrase; but he dis- his account, I suppose," doubtfully. cerned in the sudden and complete "There's no time for anything to happrostration of Barty Allerton an excel-pen; he sails on Friday week. lent means of escape from a certain amount of thraldom. Evelyn was so young, so serious, so terribly in earnest about everything. It was a bore to have to take life, even for the time being, as she took it. She would improve; as his wife she would learn that she must do as others did, and feel as they felt; but at pres And, besides, he's too full of himself; oh, let her talk to Barty by all means." We have no space to dwell on the brief Elysium which ensued. To our poor boy it was divided into two periods, those in which he was in the presence of Lady Evelyn, and those in which he was not. Apart from her he was feverish, restless, filled with a wild tumult of hopes and fears, conscious | middle of the ball. Quite romantic, by only of one passionate longing to be Jove! Just when the dancing is at its again by her side; when there he was height, dresses flying, music clashing, held fast as though by a spell, soothed, hey! presto! begone! and you are charmed, and pacified, past and future seen no more! Away you sail for the forgotten, living only in the present. East, leaving all of us humdrum folks Other people looked placidly on. in statu quo ! That's what you young "Don't you think it is rather a shame ?" fellows like. Going off with a dash one would say occasionally. But the and a splash. Puts some spirit into answer was nearly sure to be after this the thing, hey?' fashion, "Pooh! he's but a boy. It's all in the day's work with him. He may as well have his little flirtation, poor fellow, if he enjoys it, considering how soon it will be over. It is only making the days pass." Making the days pass! Oh, the irony of the phrase if they had but known! The days that were flying, melting, vanishing, as it was! The days that were to be forever beheld in the retrospect as beneath a burning magnifying glass! The days that found this poor, infatuated fool madly pursuing one end and aim, deaf and blind to all besides, —and that left him as mad, as deaf, as blind as before. By day he moved and walked, rode and drove by Evelyn's side. At night "I hope you will have everything packed before the ball begins, Barty," said Lady Allerton. "You won't mind my saying so, but the truth is, your room will have another occupant after the ball. Major Mansbridge is to sleep here - he is to dress in Reggie's room and his things will be taken along to yours after you are gone." "I think if you don't mind - it would simplify matters for the housemaids if he hung on her skirts, gazed upon her you would see to your things being when she sang, claimed her as his part-packed now," hinted the hostess. ner in the dance. The same reflection quieted his father and contented his mother. They all wished Barty well. It would be something for him to know that the future bride of his cousin was his very good friend, when by and by Reggie's marriage should be announced. As for Evelyn? Of course it was only because of the real or fancied resemblance to her lost brother that she permitted the open and obvious worship, the adoration which made every one smile; for although to her no one smiled, or hinted, she could hardly help knowing what they all thought. The days waned. “I say, old fellow, you'll go off in a halo of glory," exclaimed Sir Barton's jolly voice. "It's a glorious idea that of yours, taking yourself off in the "Thomas or William will do the actual work, but young men are particular; you would like to know where each thing is, particularly with a long voyage before you and only one night at home." His face was turned from her, his eyes were fastened on the door. 66 Ah, here you come," exclaimed the speaker gaily, as it opened. "Evelyn, my dear, I want you for a moment. Come with me 66 66 No," " said a deep, hoarse voice beside her, come with me. Lady Evelyn, please, Lady Evelyn-for the last time -come-with me." There was no mistaking the impassioned bitterness of the prayer, the significance of "for the last time." "If I can be of any use," but as she spoke a gay party burst in, and even Barty saw that the moment was inauspicious. "Never mind, never mind," he whispered hurriedly. "It was nothing - particular. It will do any time." Then in her ear, "Only let me have some time to-night between the dances before I go. You will, won't you? Just a moment, because it is my last day "she broke from him and rushed out of the room. Happily the room was nearly dark; no one saw. Yet, afterwards, some alleged that they had felt a curious sensation. He danced, knowing not with whom, unless one and one alone were his partner. When compelled to yield her up, he followed her with his eyes, neglecting all besides, till recalled by others to his duty—and even these by and by let him alone. "Don't bully him, poor devil!" Reggie Allerton was heard to mutter. "Let him go hang in peace! I am afraid we have carried this too far as it is ; " for he had caught a vision of a haggard face and white lips, and it had made him momentarily uncomfortable. When Barty came up to claim Lady Evelyn from Captain Allerton's arm, Lady Allerton's ball was the best he assented hastily, and glanced with that had taken place in the neighbor- something of apprehension into the hood for years. Not only was it at- other's face. As the pair withdrew, tended by all whom she most desired to he muttered again to himself, "Poor welcome, but specially large parties devil!" had been assembled for it in the different country seats, and somehow everybody wished to go, and there were no backsliders. "I ought not to have said all this, but I could not help it." Far away behind piles of green in the dim conservatory a boy and a girl - they were little more were sitting. He was holding her hand; she was weeping. By eleven o'clock dancing was in full swing. The great saloons, the corridors, the galleries and landings were all alive with gaily dressed revellers, and light tread and lighter jest and laughter resounded through the perfumed air. In the eyes of Barty Allerton it I might just let you know- nothing was a scene of strange, weird beauty. He was a good dancer, and had looked eagerly forward to the ball. As Sir Barton said, he had rather pleased himself with the idea of vanishing from the midst of it, when it turned out that he would have to leave by the night train a few hours sooner than was at first supposed, but now an unutterable heaviness of spirit changed all. Instead of its being merely a joyous frolic to which something of zest was added by his own inner excitement and agitation, it was in his eyes a species of Paradise from which he was about to be ejected. Many and many a time might those around him thus meet in mirth and jollity; but he ?-ah, never again would his feet tread a measure in those gay halls, never more would his ears listen to the clash of sweet music from that gallery, never more would his arms encircle that sparkling form! "I am going so soon, and perhaps we shall never meet again; I thought more. I don't want anything from you. You have been- so kind to me as it is. Now, good-bye." He bent over her for a moment. Whether she raised her face to his or not he never knew, but it was not turned aside. He had one kiss. All his life long he vowed he would remind himself he had had that one kiss. It satisfied him. The next day but one an Eastern cadet sailed for Ceylon. Whether the life which had seemed all rose color to Barty Allerton in the first moment of success and anticipation, would have realized his dreams had nothing intervened, it is not for any one to say. He could not with any precision have ascertained even for himself. He might, he probably would, have enjoyed the voyage out; he might and probably would have taken kindly |