The Mysterious Key And What It Opened

o her mother's ill health, she was allowed more freedom than is usually permitted to an English girl of her age; and, during the season, often went into company with a friend of Lady Trevlyn's who was

ecipher "Italy." My lady made many inquiries and often spoke of him; but when month after month passed and no news came, she gave him up, and on Lillian's account feigned to forget him. Contrary to Hester's fear, she did not seem the worse for the nocturnal fright, but evidently connected t

e romance, and prepare to see the hero of it!" cried Maud Churchill, rush

r a ball, and listlessly begged Maud to tel

l on another, and her gloves anywhere, she settled herself on the couch and began: "You remember reading in the papers, some tim

im?" asked Lill

and we are to

all, and tell it q

as being bombarded, and how a shell came into the midst of them, how they sat paralyzed, expecting it

d Lillian's listless face

ng man was poor and an orphan, he adopted him. Mr. Talbot was old, and lonely, and

clapping her hands with a joyful fa

about him from Mrs. Langdon, who knew old Talbot and has seen the young man. Of course all the girls are wild to behold him, for he is very handsome and accomplished, and a gentleman by birth. But the dreadful part is that he is already betrothed to a lovely Greek girl

p for breath, and Lillian h

old i

en or ninetee

y pr

ly Greek and divine

she to be

n Talbot gets se

he as char

e, and is, in appearance as in ev

other to secure

grave and old for his years, and doesn't seem to care much for pleasure and admiration, as most men would after a youth like his, for he has had a

; but she won't object to a quiet evening with you. What shall we wear?" A

im. Maud was called away, and she was alone when the crowd about the inner room thinned and permitted young Talbot to be seen. Well for Li

"her Paul," as she called him, with a flush of pride and delight as she watched him, and felt that of all there she knew him best and loved him mo

ht hair, white arms, and brilliant eyes; a graceful little head, proudly carried, and a sweet

of her airy dress in a flutter of girlish excitement. "I'll pretend not to know him, when we meet, and see what he will do," she said, with a wicked sense

lf prepared for the meeting. Presently she saw Maud and Mrs. Langdon

with a well-assumed air of indifference, Lillian returned

e her, and if her telltale eyes had not been averted they would have betrayed her. A sudden flush of maidenly shame dyed her cheek as she remembered that last ride, and the childish confidences then interchanged. This Helen was the little sweetheart whose picture he wore, and now, in spite of all obstacles, he had won both fortune and ladylove. The sound of his voice recalled her thoughts, and glancing up she met the deep eyes fi

ng us, though this is perhaps his first visit to England?" she said, flatteri

that puzzled all but Lillian, he answered very simply, "It is not my first visit to thi

nds here?" And Lillian

me now," he said, with a sudden shado

ey were true friends,

, but Talbot made no response, except a polite in

e proved. Do you s

llian's tone was b

iend's gifts both of voice and beauty. "Come, dear, there are so few of u

m, the girl chose an air he taught her and sang it with a spirit and skill that surprised the listeners who possessed no key to her mood

id in a low tone, as a hum of c

yourself," he answered quietly, restoring t

hought Lillian. And her tone was almos

at, behind which stood a little statuette

fore her. "I used to enjoy modeling tiny deer and hinds in wax, as well as making daisy

es to mold find time for little else," he answ

ayed her knowledge of his past, she would be forced to tell where and how that knowledge was gained. No, better wait till they met alone, she thought; he would thank her for her delicacy, and she could easily explain her motive. He evidently wished to seem a stranger, for once she caught a gleam of the old, mirthful mischief in his eye, as she glanced up unexpectedly. He did remember her, she was sure, yet was trying her, perhaps, as she tried him. Well, she would stand the test and enjoy the joke by

h praise?" she asked, vainly trying to conceal the significant

rom the picture to the arch questioner, and answered in a tone that made her he

I heartily agree to. La belle Helene is my favorite he

like to

e was too much confused to turn it off by any gen

o relieve her, "I have a poetical belief that all the lovely women of history

l never enter your poetical paradise," said

he heroines of romances never given to the world.

ng over his last words, and conscious of a secret satisfact

whispered Maud, slippin

ly; for Lillian enjoyed her littl

r, for you seemed to enjoy yourselves ver

d Maud professed to be consumed with jealousy a

you know," answered Lillian, shutting the cover on the pictu

as mistaken about their being engaged; for she asked

y himself. It's very odd, isn't it? Nev

amazed at Lillian

turn for yours. Your mother beckons to me, so I know

ting in the carriage, but as Lillian appeared, Talbot put aside the f

, my little