Blake's Burden

nd above the city of Quebec. Behind her rose the Heights of Abraham where the dying Wolfe wrested Canada from France; in front, churches, banks,

its situation among Canadian towns, and still retaining something of the exotic sta

houses shone on the Levis ridge, and beyond this a vast sweep of country, steeped in gradations of colour that ended in ethereal blue, rolled away towards the hills of Maine. Quebec was then filled with distinguished guests. British royalty had visited it, with many who b

r, and now they were content with the position of lookers on. So far, however, nothing had occurred since brea

the town's full, and you keep meeting people whom you know or have heard about. I came here

t Keith by chance in Quebec, but their ac

ely a new sensation for you. I'

nt nose and piercing eyes, she was marked by a certain stateliness and a decided manner. She was blunt without rudeness, and though oft

el I'm old. But will you come

train and I hear that the Place Viger is full. I don't know a

r pamper myself," Mrs. Keith replied. "In fact, it's now and then a r

at Mrs. Keith called swagger somewhat spoiled his bearing. She thought he allowed his self-confidence to be seen too plainly. The girl formed a marked contrast to him; she was short and slender, her hair and eyes were brown, while her prettiness, for one could not have called her beautiful, was

search for our mail," she said. "It came some time ago, but the

newspaper, but the girl went on: "The bobcat has torn a hole

take it out at once and see that

hborne looked up. "Did I hear

glish ferret. It has high hindquarters and walks with a curious jump, which I suppose is why it got its name

companion laughed. "I should imagine you found it

lge in my caprices, and you can consider this my latest fad if you like. I am subject to no claims

. Ashborne inquired. "I have wondered where you got her. Y

ith suggested. "However, I don't mind telling you that she

?-only tolerated on the fringe of society? I s

st towards the end. A plucker of plump pigeons, an expensive friend to smart young subalterns and boys about town.

consider her a suitable person to take about with you? What d

r mother early, lived with her aunts until a few months before her father's death. I expect Eustace felt more embarrassed than grateful when she came to take care of him, bu

ly swinging across the stream as she resumed: "I must send Millicent to buy our tickets f

ain Sedgwick, who brought you yo

y. Came home on furlough, and seems to have had some part in the state functions here. I'm inc

Chudleigh he's

et Keith's eyes were better, and she notice

uspect it from her clothes. She seems to know some of my fri

he was a merchant in Calcutta. She's too smart and advanced for my taste, but her people have s

ity he won't miss. The

ight, and Mrs. Ashborne opened the Morning

ptain Challoner-at Thornton Holme, in Shrops

went on: "His mother was an old friend of mine; a woman of imagination, with strong artistic tastes, and Bertram resemble

nderstand. But wasn't there

an old story, and I always found it puzzling. So far as one could judge, Dick Blake should have made an excellent

he story? I hav

nd there was a night attack. It was important that an advanced post should be defended, and Dick had laid out the trenches. In the middle of the fight an officer lost his nerve, the position was stormed, and the expedition terribly cut up. Owing to the darkness and confusion there was a doubt about who h

ough he only spoke a word or two to me, he did a very chivalrous thing; one tha

"Still I must say that I haven

man in the hotel yesterday who strongly reminded me

t give me some news of the wedding," Mrs. Keith remarked, and while she opened th

abby furniture; there were stains of wine on the fine Eastern rug, an inlaid table was scraped and damaged, and one chair had a broken leg. All she saw spoke of neglect and vanished prosperity. Hoarse voices and loud laughter came from an adjoining room and a smell of cigar smoke accompanied t

reaking off from rude horse-play, came towards her with a drunken leer. She shrank from his hot face and wine-laden breath as she drew back, wondering how she could reach her father, who stood in the doorway trying to res

darkness, the door banged, and when the light flashed up again only Blake and her father were in the room. Afterwards her father told her with a look of shame in his handsome, dissipated face, that he had been afraid of somet

the Canadian Pacific route and spend some time in Japan before proceeding to his Indian station." Referring to the date of her letter she resumed, "They may have caught the boat

walked slowly back