LI1S LITTLLE GIR/. OR, II'ORKNLED OUT

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“COTHE HOST HAD FALLLN FORWARD IN HIs ClALL,

“What is the matter? Why was T not told? 1 must go to him.”

“It 15 not serious, My father iswith him, Don't go, Ellinor. Tt was a sheht faintness, that 1s all. Don't et people mmagine any- thing has gone wrong. 1 asked Mo, Mon- tresor to go down.”

“Are vou sure ? stayed here?”

“I am quite sure he would stayed here, and 1 also, Ellinor.”

She obeyed him, but she was uncasy with foreboding, cspecially when Sir Arthur i not return, and longed to sce the last of her guests, that she might he frec.

In the library lay the master of Firholt, He had shrunk in ‘this last hour. . WS more wizened ; his hands and (oot scenyed drawing themselves up mto clothes that had suddenly grown loose and baggv o his faco was hivid, even to the lips. e lav with his eyes closed.

Sir- Arthur Pevton was walking up and down the room, lmping stll from the cout, his face working : he was in terrihle passion,

“You own to it that this man's story s truc 5 that you have plotted to bring disurace upon an honourable house ;: added crime (o crime, the tint of it to fall upon the chil- dren of my son?

The shrivelled trembled.

“ I believed that it would never hecome known. 1 did it for her”

" Known or not known, the disgrace was there —the d- - - disgrace ! Good God ! how can T tll what Guy will do! "T'he cxposure alone — "

rather

Would he

rather vou

igure on - the couch

“Must that come?” said Mr. Rawdon, faintly.

CCome? who is to prevent it27 said the man ol title. “The scandal will half kil] Lady Pevton. To he sure 1 have stopped that - American's mouth for the present. No one but he and mysell know for cortain.”

ALt tinge of colour was commyg back to Mr. Rawdon’s face. He reached g cordial that was upon a table near, and drank it Then he stood upright. There was o touch of dignity in his bent figure, his thin handg were folded quictly, his feet shufiled no more.,

S Arthur, when 1 forged that cheque, my wife was dving, and 1 had no moncey — none. Ihad hegged five pounds from the lather of the man who dined at my table to- cdave and he refused it then T used his name. Now T am going 1o beg once more - for my daughter for Ellinor, Stop this thing from hecoming public: save hor from knowing. Lt will be better for you, too: and I -1 will o tomightt T cannot stay heree T will write to- her telling her that the love of the old roviag Tife iy upon me what you will, [ cannot Tive long: T know it. e attack [ had to-night was from the heart,”

" And my son??

“Pell hime i vou think it rght + do as you hlce. Send hing abroad, 1 will tell lhmor she must wait for my return, but et it fall upon her gradually - gently o do not break her heart.”

There was somethmg m the absolute sim- Pheity of the man’s pleading that touched Sir Arthur’s heart ot an unkindly one ; also the plan proposed scemed the Desg forthem all.

He did not know that Matthew Rawdon looked to the possibility that, with his self-

exposure